Weekly Reporter – April 28th, 2015

A new way to look at estate planning, planning in a low interest rate environment, a key employee case study and more in this week’s newsletter!

Marketing Concepts

Is Income Tax Planning the New Estate Planning Tool? The transfer tax provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 effectively relieved 99.9% of estates from paying federal estate tax. Does this mean that the majority of clients no longer need estate planning? The answer is a resounding no. Instead of focusing on a singular goal – the minimization of federal estate tax – now advisors and clients need to engage in deeper discussions, with part of the new estate planning focus on the impact of income taxes.  Engage in Deeper Discussions Low Interest Rate Planning Today’s low interest rate environment continues to present efficient wealth transfer opportunities, but they require careful planning. Leverage Prudential’s new eKit with your clients for education around these techniques and how to partner with their Advanced Markets team to put strategies into action. Remember: No one knows when rates will rise. Until then, your clients have a window of opportunity.  Use this window of opportunity Case Study: Departure of a Key Employee Term coverage can be instrumental in helping protect against the premature death of a key employee. But permanent insurance on a key person can provide flexibility to the business owner, even if the key employee’s loss isn’t due to death.  Provide Flexibility to the Business Owner The Triple Income Plan One of the more valuable executive benefit programs that employers can establish in order to retain “top hat” executives is a Triple Income Plan (TIP). Under TIP, employers can provide their executives with three types of income benefits: additional retirement income, pre-retirement death benefits and disability salary continuation benefits.  Help Provide 3 Types of Income Benefits

Product Updates

70% Will Need It Over 70 percent of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term-care. Clients concerned about long-term care costs will appreciate the Long-Term Care Agreement (LTCA) from Minnesota Life as a fresh alternative for covering long-term care. With the LTCA, clients can receive long-term care benefits, a death benefit or both.  Fresh Alternative to LTC Market IUL to Foreign Nationals An Index Universal Life policy can be financially beneficial for a Foreign National. Read Transamerica’s latest Worth article and share it with potential clients.  Share with Potential Clients