<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" 
    xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
    xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
    xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/"
    xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd">
	<channel>
<title>Tony Steuer&#x2c; CLU&#x2c; LA</title><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/index.html</link><description>news from www.tonysteuer.com</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2010 Anthony Steuer</dc:rights><dc:date>2010-08-26T09:55:32-07:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
<admin:errorReportsTo rdf:resource="mailto:tony@tonysteuer.com" /><sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
<sy:updateBase>2000-01-01T12:00+00:00</sy:updateBase>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:59:34 -0700</lastBuildDate><item><title>NAIC Posts Guide on Retained Asset Accounts</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-08-26T09:55:32-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a5cda8a7886cddde73bca306c45696d7-69.html#unique-entry-id-69</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a5cda8a7886cddde73bca306c45696d7-69.html#unique-entry-id-69</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As retained asset accounts (RAA&rsquo;s) come under scrutiny from regulators & legislators, changes will be made.     In the meantime, the National Association of Insurance Commissioner&rsquo;s (NAIC) has posted a guide to Retained Asset Accounts & Life Insurance - What Consumers Need to Know About Life Insurance Benefit Payment Options.    This guide includes a description of Retained Asset Accounts, Key Questions and other information.    The link is:


http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_alert_raa.htm


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>More on Life Insurance Company Retained Asset Accounts</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-08-09T14:13:44-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3d587411c23104c18dc556dc0041553c-68.html#unique-entry-id-68</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3d587411c23104c18dc556dc0041553c-68.html#unique-entry-id-68</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The National Underwriter has a good follow-up article discussing what steps the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is taking on the issue of the life insurance companies and notifications & policies regarding the payment of death benefits.    Visit: 


http://www.lifeandhealthinsurancenews.com/News/2010/8/Pages/NAIC-Chimes-in-on-Retained-Assets.aspx


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Insurance Company&#x27;s and Beneficiary Payouts</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-08-03T13:32:33-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/d4a640f2ae23214ade29b68403df4fa5-67.html#unique-entry-id-67</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/d4a640f2ae23214ade29b68403df4fa5-67.html#unique-entry-id-67</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the hottest topics in the life insurance area right now is that of the issue of Life Insurance Companies putting death benefits payable to beneficiaries into interest bearing checking accounts rather than paying out the proceeds.     There have been a number of articles this week on this issue along with investigations, etc.   ...  Please note that there are always at least two sides to an issue and not always a clear cut &ldquo;right answer&rdquo;.   


Some of the articles play off the fact that life insurance companies are making money off of soldier&rsquo;s deaths.    Which is a partial truth in that there are other issues of concern and that these policies are not specifically aimed at soldiers, they apply to all insured&rsquo;s and beneficiaries.    The matter to pay attention to you is your particular situation with your company and your policy.  

...The basic issue is that some life insurance companies are informing families of military personnel in particular and other beneficiaries in general that policy payouts &ldquo;death benefits&rdquo; are placed in an interest-bearing account.     The companies retain the funds in corporate accounts and do not place the cash in banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).    The companies issue a checkbook to the family and pay interest on the funds.     The issues are that the companies are allegedly earning a higher rate of interest than they are paying out, that the balance is not covered by the FDIC and that these are not real checks.    Some companies have also been accused of misleading beneficiaries by having the checks issued with a bank&rsquo;s name on the check while still retaining the funds.    A key to consider and that is mentioned at the bottom of this long posting is that insurance company assets are covered by State Guaranty Associations -  visit The National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (NOLHGA)- www.nolhga.com for more information.


...The benefit of having this checkbook approach is that it gives a beneficiary time to think about what to with the money rather receiving a check and then having to do something with it.    Individuals in times of emotional stress are open to being taken advantage of and not just by insurance companies.  


This is from the blog at http://www.lifehappens.org/blog/p,268/: For many companies the automatic settlement is to put the money in an interest-bearing checking account, but if the beneficiaries select a check for the proceeds, it is paid out as soon as the paperwork is processed and approved, sometimes in a matter of days. 

...Bloomberg has also chimed in with a couple of articles on this - the first is titled: Beneficiaries Can Bank Proceeds, Bypass Life Insurer Accounts (7/29/2010)- which is similar to most of the other articles -   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2010-07-29/beneficiaries-can-cash-proceeds-bypass-life-insurer-checking-accounts.html


A question that has popped up is while insurance companies are under fire - why isn&rsquo;t the advisory council who oversees life insurance for military service members under scrutiny - shouldn&rsquo;t they have caught this.    Apparently, they don&rsquo;t attend the meetings - oops.   - Bloomberg posted an article on 8/6/2010 that addresses this and is of a stronger opinion titled &ldquo;Making a Profit on Soldier&rsquo;s Death Benefits&rdquo; -  Why are large life insurance companies profiting from billions of dollars they hold on behalf of the families of fallen military service members?   ...  Veterans Affairs Dept. and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners say they are reviewing military life insurance arrangements.   A half-dozen members of President Barack Obama's Cabinet sit on an advisory council overseeing life insurance for military service-members. ...  The bottom line: Congress and the Administration are calling for an overhaul of life insurers' military death benefit practices.   http://www.businessweek.com/print/magazine/content/10_33/b4191031729834.htm


AM Best has added an article on this titled: US House Bill Would Increase Life Insurers' Retained-Asset Disclosures (8/2/2010) - Investigations by the New York attorney general and the U.S.   Department of Veterans Affairs into life insurers' retained-asset accounts has drawn some action from congressional lawmakers.   Just before members of the House of Representatives left for the summer recess, a bill was introduced that would require further financial counseling and disclosure information for policy recipients, in addition to calling for the VA to issue regular reports to Congress.  


...started with Prudential and MetLife, then expanding it to several other companies, including New York Life Group, Genworth

..."We did get the subpoena," said Michael Arcaro, spokesman of Axa Equitable, parent company for the concerned affiliate,

..."We will cooperate to the fullest extent with this request, but we strongly disagree with the characterization of these accounts by the N.Y. [attorney general] and other media coverage," said Unum Insurance Group spokeswoman M.C. ...  In a rebuttal of accusations released by Unum (NYSE: UNM), the company says: "No beneficiary who has received payment by a retained asset account has ever been denied their full benefits due.   In fact, with the interest earned on these accounts, most beneficiaries earn more than the full benefit amount. ...   We guarantee a set interest rate (currently 1%) regardless of the performance of our investments, meaning the beneficiary has no investment risk."   The company further points out, in response to criticism that the accounts are not FDIC-insured, that these funds are backed by state guaranty associations."  We received the subpoena on Friday, and we're reviewing it now," said Tom Topinka, a spokesman for Genworth Financial He said Genworth beneficiaries are given dispersal options. ...  About 1%, he said, don't send the paperwork back to choose a dispersal method, so their funds are held in an account. ...  New York Life gives five options, the most popular of which is the lump sum chosen by more than 70%, according to a company spokesman. 

...AM Best has also posted another article (8/5/2010) with a response from the ACLI (American Council of Life Insurer&rsquo;s) titled: ACLI: Life Insurer Profit on Death Benefit Accounts Is Good for All Insurance Customers.    U.S. life insurers' profit on retained asset accounts but that benefits all insurance consumers, say representatives from the industry's main trade group.   A state insurance commissioner, meanwhile, says his department hasn't received any complaints about these now-controversial death benefit accounts.


Jack Dolan, the ACLI's vice president of media relations, said his group, as a matter of policy, doesn't talk about lawsuits

...However, it believes these accounts "greatly benefit beneficiaries, and that is our clear understanding from those who have used" them, he said.   Once they're reviewed "by all parties that have expressed interest" in them, they will come up with the same conclusion.   "We are not shying away from the fact that life insurers are also benefiting in some way," he said.


New Jersey Insurance Commissioner Tom Considine said a review within his department has failed to turn up a single

...Considine described them as a tried-and-true settlement option that has been around for 30 years.   He said there have been department discussions around better disclosure requirements regarding the FDIC.    "Maybe something that says bear in mind there is no FDIC coverage for checks included in this checkbook, however there is state guaranty insurance coverage," Considine said.

RAAs in New Jersey would have $500,000 of coverage through the state guaranty fund, Considine said. 

...I've learned a lot more about it in the past week since Prudential is the largest domestic company regulated by this department," he said.   "I wanted to make sure that this department has handled retained asset accounts in a consistent way since their inception 30 years ago."

...t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


...<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Settlement Reports Released by GAO &#x26; SEC</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-08-03T09:01:48-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e5ba456682ebafe479c9a94b8447f7ac-66.html#unique-entry-id-66</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e5ba456682ebafe479c9a94b8447f7ac-66.html#unique-entry-id-66</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The life settlement marketplace as previously discussed in this blog continues to be an industry with question marks and intrigue.     Federal and State Regulators along lawmakers are continuing to monitor, track and gain oversight over these transactions.    The regulation has started and most State Insurance Departments have adopted a version of the National Association of Insurance Commissioner&rsquo;s (NAIC) Model Act on Life Settlements.    Which is a good start - however there is a long way to go.


To refresh: a life settlement is a transaction in which a life insurance policy is sold to a third party - a very basic definition.    This third party then takes over payment of the premiums.    Typically, this will involve a policy that has been in-force for a time and then is sold to either another individual or entity that has no insurable interest for the insured.     There are also Stranger Initiated Life Insurance policies (also known as STOLI) which are obtained solely for the purpose of being sold to a third party with no insurable interest.


On July 22, 2010 &mdash; the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC.) released a staff report recommending that life settlements be clearly defined as securities so that the investors in these transactions are protected under the federal securities laws.   The SEC, states that investors in individual life settlements, would benefit from the application of baseline standards of conduct to market participants.   The report is on the SEC Website at: http://www.sec.gov/news/studies/2010/lifesettlements-report.pdf


In July, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) also issued a report that expressed regulatory concerns.     They also reviewed the fact that despite their potential benefits, life settlements can have unintended consequences for policy owners, such as unexpected tax liabilities.   Also, policy owners commonly rely on intermediaries to help them, and some intermediaries may engage in abusive practices.   The GAO report addresses how the life settlement market is organized and regulated, and what challenges policy owners, investors, and others face in connection with life settlements.   GAO reviewed and analyzed studies on life settlements and applicable state and federal laws; surveyed insurance regulators and life settlement providers; and interviewed relevant market participants, state and federal regulators, trade associations, and market observers.


What GAO Found: The life settlement market is organized largely as an informal network of intermediaries facilitating the sale of life insurance policies by owners to third-party investors.   Policy owners may sell policies directly to investors in some cases, but owners and investors commonly use intermediaries.   Life settlement brokers represent policy owners for a fee or commission and may solicit bids for policies from multiple life settlement providers with the goal of obtaining the best price.   Life settlement providers buy life insurance policies for investors or for their own accounts.   No comprehensive data exist on market size, but estimates indicate it grew rapidly from its inception around 1998 until the recent financial crisis.   Estimates of the total face value of policies settled in 2008 ranged from around $9 billion to $12 billion.


State and federal regulators oversee various aspects of the life settlement market.   Life settlements typically comprise two transactions: the sale of a policy by its owner to a provider, and the sale of a policy by the provider to an investor.   As of February 2010, 38 states had insurance laws specifically to regulate life settlements.   State insurance regulators focus on regulating life settlements to protect policy owners by imposing licensing, disclosure, and other requirements on brokers and providers.   The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where its jurisdiction permits, and state securities regulators regulate investments in life settlements to protect investors.   One type of policy (variable life) is considered a security; thus, settlements involving these policies are under SEC jurisdiction.   SEC also asserted jurisdiction over certain investments in life settlements involving nonvariable, or traditional, life insurance policies, but their status as securities is unclear because of conflicting circuit court decisions.   All but two states regulate investments in life settlements as securities under their securities laws.


Inconsistencies in the regulation of life settlements may pose challenges.   Policy owners in some states may be afforded less protection than owners in other states and face greater challenges obtaining information to protect their interests.   Twelve states and the District of Columbia do not have laws specifically governing life settlements, and disclosure requirements can differ among the other states.   Policy owners also could complete a life settlement without knowing how much they paid brokers or whether they received a fair price, unless such information was provided voluntarily.   Some investors may face challenges obtaining adequate information about life settlement investments.   Because of conflicting court decisions and differences in state laws, individuals in different states with the same investments may be afforded different regulatory protections.   Some life settlement brokers and providers may face challenges because of inconsistencies in laws across states.   GAO developed a framework for assessing proposals for modernizing the financial regulatory system, two elements of which are consistent consumer and investor protection and consistent financial oversight for similar institutions and products.   These two elements have not been fully achieved under the current regulatory structure of the life settlement market.


The GAO recommended that Congress may wish to consider taking steps to help ensure that policy owners involved in life settlements are provided a consistent and minimum level of protection.   SEC agreed with our matter for congressional consideration, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners did not agree or disagree with it but raised related concerns.


The GAO report can be found at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10775.pdf


Given all of these issues and concerns, it seems wise to be very careful with life settlements and if you are considering being involved with a life settlement, make sure that you fully understand all of the issues and work with a qualified advisor with experience in this are and who does have any bias (skin in the game).   


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Moody&#x27;s and AM Best Both Revise Life Insurance Industry Outlook</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-07-21T10:13:37-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/45231f54b608b049867addb6df52c01d-65.html#unique-entry-id-65</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/45231f54b608b049867addb6df52c01d-65.html#unique-entry-id-65</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In another good sign for the life insurance, two of the four major rating services - Moody&rsquo;s and A.M.   Best have both revised their outlook on the life insurance to stable from negative.


The Moody&rsquo;s report titled:  "Financial Flexibility of U.S.   Life Insurers Improves as Debt and Equity Markets Recover: 1Q10 versus 1Q09." details U.S.   Life Insurer's Improved Financial Flexibility.    Numerous year-over-year comparisons underscore the dramatic improvement in the financial condition of the U.S. life insurance industry, says Moody's Investors Service in a new report.    These favorable indicators are in line with the decision Moody's made last month to change its outlook on the industry to stable from negative.  Moody's says almost all of the 19 U.S. life companies tracked in this report posted positive operating earnings and net income during the first quarter of 2010.   In all, the group's operating income increased $9 billion over first quarter 2009; its net income increased $11 billion.    The report can found on their web site at www.moodys.com


The AM Best press release titled &ldquo;A.M.   Best Revises Rating Outlook to Stable for U.S.   Life Insurance Companies is dated July 15, 2010.    The first paragraph follows: Since the fourth quarter of 2008, A.M.   Best Co. has taken a preponderance of negative rating actions on U.S. life and annuity companies as the industry&rsquo;s operating performance deteriorated and company balance sheets weathered the effects of the global financial crisis.   Through these actions, A.M.   Best has largely factored in the potential impact of macroeconomic issues such as the troubled real estate sector, high unemployment, low interest rates, muted consumer spending, European sovereign debt crisis and rising credit defaults.   Although 2009 saw life/health

companies experience their highest level of financial impairments since 1999, A.M.   Best believes the industry&rsquo;s current capitalization is adequate and can withstand the impact of additional stress scenarios that incorporate ongoing elevated impairments and modest overall economic growth at current rating levels.   As such, A.M.   Best has revised its rating outlook for the U.S.life/annuity sector to stable from negative.    Visit www.ambest.com for more details.


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AM Best: 11 Life Insurance Companies Maintain &#x27;A&#x27; Rating for 75 years</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-07-07T10:31:58-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/f49421269341c6df12951232a49818de-64.html#unique-entry-id-64</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/f49421269341c6df12951232a49818de-64.html#unique-entry-id-64</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Life Insurance is a long term proposition - even with a term policy, you are usually engaging in a contract that will last for ten or more years.    With a permanent/cash value life insurance policy, you are looking at decades, so reviewing and understanding the Financial Strength Ratings of a life insurance company is critical (click here to go a page with links to all rating services)


A.M.   Best, which has been in the business of rating life insurance companies for over 100 years (a long time themselves), released a list recently of 11 Life Insurance Companies that have received an A.M.   Best Credit rating of &lsquo;A&rsquo; or better for 75 years or more.    The companies listed are: Aviva Life and Annuity Company, Country Life Insurance Company, Genworth Life & Annuity Insurance Company, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance Company, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Principal Life Insurance Company, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Standard Insurance Company and Western & Southern Life Insurance Company (visit www.ambest.com for more information).


Please note that this is not a recommendation for these companies or against any other company - just simply a list of companies that reached an achievement worth noting.    It&rsquo;s important to review other rating services and current financials before purchasing a life insurance policy.  


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Strange Life Insurance Stories Continue</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-06-16T10:04:38-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/42a839c58a069cb6be978f2cf568b9a9-63.html#unique-entry-id-63</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/42a839c58a069cb6be978f2cf568b9a9-63.html#unique-entry-id-63</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Over the last few years, a new type of life insurance marketplace has emerged known mostly as the &ldquo;secondary marketplace&rdquo;.     The transactions can have many names, though for the most part fall under the term &ldquo;life settlement&rdquo;.    The premise is deceptively simple whereby a policy owner sells their policy to another party.    As with any type of financial arrangement, this concept has been pushed to many different extremes - some of which have now been banned.    This is a very tricky transaction for which there are lots of factors to consider which I&rsquo;ll try to cover in this blog in the future.    The main thing to be aware of is that if you don&rsquo;t understand this type of transaction, you should stay away from it.    If you do decide to pursue it, you should read up on it and learn what it&rsquo;s about - a good place to start is with your State Insurance Department - links to the various State Web Sites are on this page (click here)


An example of what can happen is illustrated in this story from the Wall Street Journal: Lawyer's Heirs Fight Insurers in $56 Million Policy Intrigue


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704247904575240201550608376.html?  mod=WSJ_latestheadlines


Life is truly stranger than fiction....


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0984508104&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Senate Finance Bill Creates Office of National Insurance</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-05-21T09:06:25-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/d2c3dc8cc701a51350a20271ada52f4d-61.html#unique-entry-id-61</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/d2c3dc8cc701a51350a20271ada52f4d-61.html#unique-entry-id-61</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yesterday, the U.S.   Senate passed their version of the Financial Overhaul bill that will now be reconciled with the U.S.   House of Representatives version.    The bills covers a number of issues including the creation of an Office of National Insurance within the U.S.   Treasury Department.    The Senate version would have this office monitor the industry (specially in terms of insurers that would pose a systemic risk to the U.S. economy.    This Office would not be a new regulator, however the Office would recommend ways to modernize insurance regulation.     The House version is similar. 


The fact that a new regulator is not being created is important as it recognizes the fact that the current regulatory system for insurance companies is effective - click here for information on my website and links to various State Insurance Department and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners  - http://www.tonysteuer.com/Resources/Resources/Regulatory.htm).  


If you have a concern about the stability of your Life Insurance Company, there are links to the various ratings agencies on this page - http://www.tonysteuer.com/Resources/Resources/Rating_Services.htm


There is also The National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (NOLHGA)- www.nolhga.com - which is a voluntary association composed of the life and health insurance guaranty associations of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.   NOLHGA was founded in 1983 when the life and health insurance industry decided there was a need for a more efficient mechanism for coordinating and resolving the often complex issues resulting from the insolvency of an insurer licensed to do business in multiple states.


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Insurance Outlook Returns to Stable - Report from Moody&#x27;s</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-05-19T09:22:00-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7ca8b784276b89e5a164dcb345fc784e-60.html#unique-entry-id-60</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7ca8b784276b89e5a164dcb345fc784e-60.html#unique-entry-id-60</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In another encouraging report released this week by Moody&rsquo;s Investor&rsquo;s Service, the life insurance industry outlook has been returned to stable from negative.    There are particular companies that continue to face issues, however, for the majority of companies, the outlook is favorable.    Further information can be found on my site at http://www.tonysteuer.com/Resources/Resources/Rating_Services.htm


Moody's Industry Report, "U.S.   Life Insurance: Outlook Returns to Stable," is available on www.moodys.com.    Their opinion reflects that more favorable economic and capital market trends signal the stabilization of life insurers' business and financial prospects, said Moody's Investors Service.    Elevated stock prices have buoyed life insurers' variable annuity and asset-based businesses, moderating corporate defaults and bond rating transitions will continue to assist profits and regulatory capital levels, while the gradual improvement in U.S. employment and consumer spending is expected to create more demand for life insurance products.


Life insurers will be showing improved investment income, operating income, and net profits, leading to stronger internal capital generation, said the rating agency.    Moody's said that the likelihood of a downside stress scenario occurring and its adverse impact on the life industry - which had underpinned the negative outlook since October 2008 - are diminished now, given the improving environment and the significant additional capital and liquidity buffers raised by the industry in recent quarters.  


"Although we expect the economic recovery to remain sluggish and vulnerable to global market disturbances, we believe that the underlying trends indicate stability for the financial prospects and credit profile of the U.S. life insurers over the medium-term," said Laura Bazer, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, who wrote the new Moody's report that discusses the revised outlook.   "U.S. life insurers are simply in a much better position now than they were a year ago to weather a second downturn, should one occur," said Moody's Bazer. 


Areas of weakness and concern for the industry remain, however.   In particular, Moody's expects life insurers to face higher-than-average asset losses in 2010-11, particularly from real estate -related assets (i.e., commercial mortgage loans, commercial mortgage-backed and residential mortgage-backed securities).   "Moody's has increased its expected loss projections for the hard-hit real estate sector due to continuing asset performance deterioration," Moody's Bazer commented, "however, these losses will remain manageable for insurers as their operating earnings and capital generation continue to improve." 


At present, about one-third of Moody's rated life insurance issuers have negative outlooks, following a significant number of downgrades in 2008-09.   Many company outlooks should return to stable over the coming months, at a pace determined by each company's credit profile and the expected impact of the on-going trends and risks on the companies. 


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Releases Report: U.S. Insurance Industry Raises &#x24;38.6 Billion in Capital</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-05-10T10:32:32-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e39901f2152fc32957879fb7854291bb-59.html#unique-entry-id-59</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e39901f2152fc32957879fb7854291bb-59.html#unique-entry-id-59</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In a report released last week, Fitch Rating services noted that the U.S. insurance industry raised $38.6 billion in capital in 2009 through the first quarter of 2010.   Generally, Fitch views the industry's capital raises as a positive factor in the rating process, because it addressed concerns regarding companies' capitalization, liquidity position, and overall financial flexibility.    The industry raised the majority of this capital in the second quarter of 2009 as the capital markets showed the first signs of opening after being essentially closed for the latter part of 2008 into the first quarter of 2009.   Of this capital, approximately 78% was in the form of fixed income securities, the majority of which were senior notes and 22% was common equity.


Life insurers led the capital raising efforts for the industry with $26 billion, or 68% of the total amount, raised by all insurers.   When Fitch includes multi-line insurers with large life operations, this total climbs to $32.7 billion, or 85% of the total.   The capital position of the U.S. life insurers was more adversely impacted during the financial crisis over the past two years compared to non-life insurers primarily due to greater investment risk and higher asset leverage, which drove greater investment losses, and secondarily from higher reserves requirements from variable annuity guarantees.


Fitch expects the life insurance industry's average 2010 financial leverage (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income [AOCI]) to increase modestly given new issuances in 2010 is partially offset by equity growth from improved net income a primary result of easing realized investment losses.   The life insurance industry's financial leverage was relatively unchanged in 2009 at 23.3% compared with 2008 at 23%, although up from 2007 levels at 20.9%.   Fitch also expects the average interest coverage ratio (as measured by operating EBIT / interest expense, where EBIT is earnings excluding realized gains and losses and before interest and taxes) for life insurers may improve in 2010 relative to 2009 but remain below historical levels.   The combination of lower operating earnings and higher interest expense put pressure on the life industry's average 2009 coverage, which was 11 times (x)to 12x, similarly to 2008, but much lower than 2007 at 14x to 15x.


Fitch's special report 'Capital Raised in U.S.   Insurance Sector: Dominated by Life Insurers' is available by clicking on the link or at 'www.fitchratings.com' under the following headers:


Sectors >> Insurance >> Research


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Moody&#x27;s Report Confirm&#x27;s Life Insurer&#x27;s Capital Strength Improving</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-04-26T09:36:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/fed9e2e1a668ce1a179b975a25cfb884-58.html#unique-entry-id-58</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/fed9e2e1a668ce1a179b975a25cfb884-58.html#unique-entry-id-58</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The life insurance industry outlook continues to improve.     During the financial &ldquo;downturn&rdquo; - well, that&rsquo;s a mild term - there was concern and deservedly so, about the financial strength of some life insurance companies.    As the economy continues to improve, so does the financial strength of life insurance companies as previously mentioned in this blog.    Information on the various rating companies can be found on this site at http://www.tonysteuer.com/Resources/Resources/Rating_Services.htm


A new report from Moody&rsquo;s Investor Services further confirms this.    This report titled &ldquo;Moody's: U.S.   Life Insurers' Capital Rebound Bolsters Credit Profile&rdquo; can be found at Moody&rsquo;s web site www.moodys.com .    A review of the YE 2009 statutory statements of rated U.S. life insurers confirms a distinct capital rebound from the prior year, Moody's Investors Service says in a new report.   The improvement was driven by capital contributions, industry-friendly regulatory and accounting changes, and stronger earnings, uplifted by a resurgent equities market.   "Looking at 2010," says the report's author, Senior Vice President Scott Robinson, "we expect the industry to benefit from a better credit environment, although there may be some pressures on capital from commercial real estate and non-agency RMBS investments, especially in a downside stress scenario."    "Nevertheless," the analyst states, "continued capital generation through organic earnings, on top of the currently robust capitalization, makes it more likely that a number of companies could see their ratings outlooks move back to stable from negative."


The life industry's increase in capital and surplus during 2009 was driven primarily by operating income surging up to $41 billion from 2008's $9 billion loss, largely because of the recovering stock market, which bolstered earnings in both group and individual annuity operations.    Most companies reported materially better regulatory capitalization, both in terms of the absolute amount of regulatory capital and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners&rsquo; Risk Based Capital (or NAIC RBC) ratio.   Overall, the median NAIC RBC ratio went up 35 points to 429%.   Downplaying the significance of the improvement in the NAIC RBC ratio, the analyst points out that much of the increase is due to a weakening of regulatory capital standards.    "Although the industry's reinforced capital position is significant," Mr.   Robinson  says, "certain life companies will be more vulnerable to downside events and thus will have a greater need to maintain their capital cushion rather than returning any "excess" to shareholders later in 2010."


Please contact my office if you wish to discuss the impact on you and your life insurance (or your client&rsquo;s life insurance).  


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Question and Answer on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Releases Report on Rating Methodology</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-04-22T10:09:07-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/6179c6ff821c12f372fc58997a4047d5-57.html#unique-entry-id-57</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/6179c6ff821c12f372fc58997a4047d5-57.html#unique-entry-id-57</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Life Insurance Company ratings are a critical component in monitoring a life insurance policy.    Life insurance policies are long term contracts so it&rsquo;s important to know the likelihood that a company will still be in existence when needed.    Fitch Ratings is one of the four major rating services (information and links for the rating services can be found on this site at http://www.tonysteuer.com/Resources/Resources/Rating_Services.htm


Fitch recently released a report that discusses the methodology used for their Insurer Financial Strength Ratings (IFS).    This report is useful in understanding what goes into a rating for a life insurance company from Fitch.    This report can be found on Fitch&rsquo;s web site at http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?  rpt_id=506285


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Question and Answer on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tonysteuer"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_bird-b.png" alt="Follow tonysteuer on Twitter"/></a>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Time to Monitor Your Life Policy - Conning Research Study - Profitability Squeezed</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-03-16T07:57:23-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/430cdf2ec0d901507e8c28c0db294913-56.html#unique-entry-id-56</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/430cdf2ec0d901507e8c28c0db294913-56.html#unique-entry-id-56</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s important to monitor any life insurance policy with full reviews at least every three years.    Conning Research has released a study showing that Life Insurer Profitability is down.    What this means is that if Life Insurance Companies are making less money, your policy performance may be less than projected.    Companies may need to increase their cost of insurance and expense charges.    The press release follows:


HARTFORD, Conn., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Life insurers' 2009 results underscore the need to better analyze and understand their expense base, and to take actions on a more consistent basis, according to a new study by Conning Research & Consulting.   "Life insurer profitability has been squeezed by declining premiums and low investment yields," said Terence Martin, analyst at Conning Research & Consulting.   "Of course, in this environment, expense analysis and control are of paramount importance to senior management.   Yet our analysis indicates that those insurers who focus on expense management consistently through up and down markets are the consistent high performers."


The Conning Research study, "Life Insurance Expenses: Breaking Through the Edge of Efficiency" explores individual life insurance expenses, analyzes how much economies of scale and product mix influence a company's efficiency, and how much is more directly under the influence of management.


"Life Insurance Expenses: Breaking Through the Edge of Efficiency" is available for purchase from Conning Research & Consulting by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com. 


Visit my website at www.tonysteuer.com to learn more about Life Insurance Policy Evaluations.


Tony Steuer


California Life and Disability Insurance Analyst


Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A.M. Best Releases Life Insurer Outlook</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-03-01T09:08:23-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/62ed8c6e64d71dd523fe2f6e106bd2f5-55.html#unique-entry-id-55</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/62ed8c6e64d71dd523fe2f6e106bd2f5-55.html#unique-entry-id-55</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A.M.   Best has released a new report:  "Life/Annuity Review & Preview 2010: Life Insurers Take Stock and Lay Groundwork for Recovery.


In the report, A.M.   Best indicates that they are continuing their negative outlook on the life/health industry.    The life insurance industry so far has survived the financial crisis-bruised certainly-but generally healthier than its financial services peers.   The industry's asset side and capital strength was most notably affected.   While capital measures have stabilized, A.M.   Best believes that challenges remain that are driven by macroeconomic issues.   Additionally, other less obvious trends may have greater, longer-term negative effects on insurers. 


Among the issues addressed: Investments-Insurers' investment portfolios have yet to generate the full measure of expected losses, based on GAAP financial data and results of A.M.   Best's industry survey.   This view reflects concerns regarding sustainability of any positive economic trends, as well as the potential for volatile equity markets and the investment risk within commercial real estate.   Life Reinsurance-A.M.   Best's outlook for this segment is stable as reinsurers generally have been less affected by the financial crisis and have not underwritten the same level of risk as the direct writers.   Individual Life-Precipitous sales declines have been exacerbated by some larger participants in this market having had to limit new business due to capital constraints and reserve funding issues.   Individual Annuities-A.M.   Best views the near-term prospects for overall individual annuity sales as limited given narrowing corporate bond spreads, generally "in-the-money" book of variable annuities industry-wide and less competitive choices for these products.   Accounting & Regulatory-A.M.   Best believes that many of the initiatives to provide near-term capital relief for the industry have removed some of the conservatism inherent in reserve and risk-based capital requirements.   A.M.   Best also is concerned with weak life insurance sales and in-force growth as well as the industry's overall shift to less creditworthy products.   Sustainability of operating performance, stabilization of investment portfolios and some growth in absolute statutory capital levels will be required as precursors to a rating outlook change to stable.   Access a copy of this special report.   BestWeek subscribers can download a PDF copy of all special reports as well as the associated spreadsheet data.   Non-subscribers can access an excerpt of each special report and purchase individual reports and spreadsheet data.   Founded in 1899, A.M.   Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers.   For more information, visit www.ambest.com. 


Source: 	Investment Weekly News


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>  


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Moody&#x27;s Comments on U.S. Life Insurers&#x27; Q4 2009 Earnings</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-02-26T07:37:26-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1dff4dd5e57601687a59417ab40668ab-54.html#unique-entry-id-54</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1dff4dd5e57601687a59417ab40668ab-54.html#unique-entry-id-54</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Moody's Rating Services has released a report on Life Insurers 2009 Fourth Quarter Results - which finds that that Life Insurance Companies are stronger than a year ago.


New York, February 24, 2010 -- In general, quarterly operating earnings of U.S. life insurers have been stabilizing or improving during 2009, and -- despite some variability -- the fourth quarter affirmed that trend, Moody's Investors Service says in a new report.


There are several reasons for the industry's healthier financial condition.   The rating agency cites a crucial external one -- the less volatile and higher levels of the equity markets, which have taken much of the pressure off GAAP and statutory earnings.   Also, companies have been actively adjusting the risk profiles of their variable annuity products, both through re-pricing and product design changes.


Life insurance sales, which declined by record levels in the early part of 2009, have stabilized and &mdash; in some cases &mdash; have begun to increase.   Annuity sales in the fourth quarter either held steady with the third quarter of 2009 or saw a small pick-up.


"In general, Q4 2009 results were in line with our expectations and the guidance provided by the insurers," states Vice President Ann Perry, the report's author.   She explains that several companies posted stronger Q4 versus Q3 2009 net income (Genworth, Hartford, MetLife, Protective, Prudential, Torchmark), driven by a combination of lower investment losses and stronger operating earnings.   Almost all companies posted stronger net income for Q4 2009 compared with Q4 2008.


"The industry's earnings improvement since early 2009 is an encouraging sign that the very worst in investment losses is likely over," Ms.   Perry says.   In addition, she thinks that it demonstrates business lines are stabilizing and that they are positioned for future growth.   "However," the analyst adds, "we believe that returns on equity will be less robust going forward and that the rate of future earnings growth will be less than the industry has experienced in the past."


Despite the improved performance in Q4 2009 results, Moody's continues to maintain its negative outlook for the sector; it expects a gradual and uneven recovery &mdash; one hobbled by the weak economy and by constrained internal capital generation at the life companies.


Although investment losses are showing signs of leveling off or declining in certain sectors, such as corporate bonds and alternative investments, the rating agency points out that losses in commercial real estate-related investments are now increasing.   "Although we expect investment losses to decline from the extremely high levels of 2008 and 2009," Ms.   Perry states, "they are likely to remain well above the historical average throughout 2010."


The report is titled "Moody's Comments on U.S.   Life Insurers' Q4 2009 Earnings."


Tony Steuer, CLU - Life Insurance Consultant


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>  
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Ratings Maintains Negative Outlook for U.S. Life Insurance Sector</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-01-25T11:19:35-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1c461e7a52966a6754b5b3fd60c89e1a-53.html#unique-entry-id-53</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1c461e7a52966a6754b5b3fd60c89e1a-53.html#unique-entry-id-53</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It appears that the Life Insurance sector will continue to have some issues to contend with in 2010.    Fitch Ratings has just released a report titled: 2010 Rating Outlook Negative for U.S.   Life Insurance Sector.   Fitch Ratings continued to have a negative rating outlook for the U.S.   Life insurance market.    Factors contributing to this outlook include: operating fundamentals that remain under pressure, the fragile nature of the economic recovery, further expected deterioration in the commercial real estate market, and lower coverage metrics.   Still, Fitch Ratings expects that the heightened level of rating downgrades experienced in 2009 will moderate materially in 2010.   Please click here to go the Fitch Website for the full report.


It&rsquo;s always important when obtaining a new policy or reviewing a current policy to check ratings with all rating services and review any other applicable financials for the life insurance company.    For more information to meet your situation, please visit my website at www.tonysteuer.com


Tony Steuer, CLU - Life Insurance Consultant


Author: Questions & Answers on Life Insurance


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A.M. Best Releases Report on Investment Environment for U.S. Life Health Insurers</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-01-12T09:55:49-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/297b9c3fcdff9e395b5a7dc0fa85957f-52.html#unique-entry-id-52</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/297b9c3fcdff9e395b5a7dc0fa85957f-52.html#unique-entry-id-52</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Last week, A.M.   Best Company  issued a special report outlining its views on the investment environment for U.S. life/health insurers titled, &ldquo;Mixed Signals: Has the Economy Begun Its Recovery?&rdquo;   A.M.   Best believes that, despite signs of economic recovery, financial institutions&rsquo; loan portfolios have yet to generate the full measure of expected losses, and that same potential holds true for U.S. life/health companies.


A.M.   Best states that as we enter 2010, it appears the deepest U.S. recession in decades is showing some signs of improvement.   A.M.   Best accepts the consensus view of respected economists surveyed in a report from the National Association for Business Economics, which states the U.S. economic recovery has begun.   Credit spreads have narrowed

considerably for most asset classes, especially corporate bonds, non-housing related asset-backed securities and

agency mortgage-backed securities. 


However, even though some pressure on life insurers&rsquo; invested assets has alleviated, A.M.   Best is maintaining its

negative rating outlook on the life/health industry, given its perspective on the credit cycle and the potential

negative impact on life insurance companies&rsquo; asset portfolios.   A.M.   Best&rsquo;s view reflects concern regarding the

sustainability of the positive trends (i.e., the shape of the economic recovery), as well as the potential for volatile

equity markets and headline investment risk within commercial real estate as the credit cycle unwinds. 


A.M.   Best believes economic growth is likely to be moderate and that it will be several years before the economy

returns to &ldquo;normal.&rdquo;   This belief is underpinned by the fact that unemployment is expected to remain at elevated

levels; there is continued potential for further deterioration in financial institutions&rsquo; loan portfolios; and there is

limited flexibility with respect to interest rates as they are at historical lows.


To order the report, please visit the A.M.   Best Web Site at www.ambest.com


Tony Steuer, CLU - Life Insurance Consultant


Author: Questions & Answers on Life Insurance


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Locating a Lost Life Insurance Policy</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2010-01-11T07:47:40-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7b4f32bde1c5e1d4f2bde8129511738c-51.html#unique-entry-id-51</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7b4f32bde1c5e1d4f2bde8129511738c-51.html#unique-entry-id-51</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With all the mergers and changes in the life insurance industry, it can be a challenge to locate a lost policy.    The following are a couple of ways to look for a policy:


1) The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free resource on their site (www.naic.org)


	which recommends the following steps:


	&bull;	If you have the life insurance policy, find the full legal name of the insurance company that issued the policy, along with the company's mailing address and phone number.   If the phone number is no longer active, you should contact the insurance department in the insurance company's home state.   That insurance department will have records of the company's current name, mergers, and other changes, so that you will know which company to contact.   NAIC provides a map with links to state insurance departments, at 	&bull;	http://www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm


	&bull;	If you do not have the insurance policy, perhaps you know the company's name, and the state where the policy was purchased.   If so, then use the same map linked above to locate that state's insurance department, which will have records of the company's current name, mergers, and other changes, so that you will know which company to contact.


	&bull;	NAIC also provides a short questionnaire (https://eapps.naic.org/orphanedpolicy/) that can help you determine which state insurance department to contact for assistance.


PLEASE NOTE THAT STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENTS DO NOT HAVE RECORDS OF SPECIFIC INSURANCE POLICIES.   HOWEVER, THEN CAN ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND/OR BY REFERRING YOU TO A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY LOCATOR.


2) The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) also has a policy locator service (which they charge a fee for) on their web site at http://www.mibsolutions.com/lost-life-insurance/ - their web site states that that this is effective about 30% of the time.


Of course, there&rsquo;s always Google.    Do your own research before you pay.   And good hunting.


Tony Steuer, CLU - Life Insurance Consultant


Author: Questions & Answers on Life Insurance


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?  t=tonysteuercom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1583484701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>  
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Appearance on the Prudent Money Show</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-12-03T10:28:35-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/14630ebf54caf3aa3b9b22978f50ab2e-49.html#unique-entry-id-49</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/14630ebf54caf3aa3b9b22978f50ab2e-49.html#unique-entry-id-49</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Last week, I was pleased to appear as a guest of Bob Brook&rsquo;s on &ldquo;The Prudent Money Show&rdquo;.    This show can be accessed through the Prudent Money web site - click here to go directly to the interview http://www.prudentmoney.com/podcast/112409-PrudentMoney.mp3


Let me know what you think.    If you are looking for a speaker or guest for your media show, please contact me through www.tonysteuer.com


Best,


Tony Steuer, Life Insurance Consultant, Author: Questions and Answers on Life Insurance


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Conning Research Releases Study on Impact of Capital Challenges</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-12-01T09:14:39-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/690bdc76862b7c768245abedeacd5cb0-48.html#unique-entry-id-48</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/690bdc76862b7c768245abedeacd5cb0-48.html#unique-entry-id-48</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The following is a news release from Conning Research that discusses the continuing impact of the economy on the Life Insurance Industry:


HARTFORD, Conn., Dec.   1 /PRNewswire/ -- The life insurance industry is still working through capital losses and capital constraints resulting from the 2008 financial crisis with some success, according to a new study by Conning Research and Consulting.


"We project net after-tax statutory income of $16 billion for 2009--less than half the pre-crisis figure of 2007--despite capital losses of $20 billion in the year," said Terence Martin, analyst at Conning Research & Consulting.   "Even with a $16 billion capital infusion in 2009, the industry is still well below pre-crisis 2007 levels, and capital leverage ratios have risen dramatically.   The industry will continue to face capital constraints in the short term, even as capital losses abate."


The Conning Research study, "Life-Annuity Forecast & Analysis 2009-2011," reviews and projects performance for the U.S. life-annuity industry and its key lines of business.


"Underpinning our 2009 forecast is a substantial partial release of the large reserves the industry set up in 2008 for individual annuity minimum guarantees," said Stephan Christiansen, director of research at Conning.   "Annuities have been the volatile segment for the industry, generating a $4 billion loss for the combined 2008-2009 period, compared to a $12 billion gain in 2007 alone.   Life insurance products, on the other hand, have been remarkably stable during the crisis, and this year will generate over $8 billion of net operating gain-in line with prior years."


"Life-Annuity Forecast & Analysis 2009-2011" is available for purchase from Conning Research & Consulting by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.


About Conning Research & Consulting


Conning Research & Consulting provides insurance industry analysis to insurers and industry stakeholders.   Its published research includes market coverage of 30 segments of the industry in addition to industry forecasting and identification and analysis of major strategic issues.   As a result of its wealth of experience and intimate knowledge of the insurance industry, Conning understands industry challenges and opportunities and provides in-depth analyses on a wide range of industry products and issues.   The Conning name has represented excellence in independent insurance industry research for 50 years.   Conning Research & Consulting is a division of Conning, a provider of asset management and insurance industry research and consulting services to insurers.   Conning is headquartered in Hartford, CT.


- Anthony Steuer, Life Insurance Consultant, Author: Questions & Answers on Life Insurance, www.tonysteuer.com


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>California Imposes Limitations on Stranger Owner Life Insurance</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-11-05T08:00:29-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/bfe8fc76ffe3239adfe93fa0c556f035-47.html#unique-entry-id-47</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/bfe8fc76ffe3239adfe93fa0c556f035-47.html#unique-entry-id-47</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In the ongoing Wild Wild West world of the Life Settlement Industry, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (California) recently signed Senate Bill 98, which imposes new limitations on stranger-originated life insurance (STOLI).   The following is a summary of provisions of the new law:


	&bull;	Policy owners cannot enter into a life settlement for two years after a policy is issued.


	&bull;	Trusts and special purpose entities (in which one or more beneficiaries of these trusts or special purpose entities do not have an insurable interest in the life of the insured) violate the insurable interest laws and the prohibition against wagering on life.


	&bull;	A person cannot broker or solicit life settlements without a license issued by the insurance commissioner.


	&bull;	The law contains provisions relating to the confidentiality of the insured&rsquo;s medical and financial information and the annual statements of life settlement licensees.


	&bull;	With certain exceptions, the law does not apply to any life settlement contract entered into on or before July 1, 2010.


	&bull;	An insurer cannot restrict the lawful transfer of ownership, change of beneficiary, or assignment of a policy.


For more information, visit www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_98_bill_20091011_chaptered.html


- Anthony Steuer, Life Insurance Consultant, Author: Questions & Answers on Life Insurance, www.tonysteuer.com


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Settlement Business Article</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-10-29T07:44:58-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/effbff0f0e3dbf990dcb1808cdaedb82-46.html#unique-entry-id-46</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/effbff0f0e3dbf990dcb1808cdaedb82-46.html#unique-entry-id-46</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Life Settlements are a controversial part of the life insurance industry.    While I have avoided discussing this issue, it is something that should be followed.    The link below is to  an article that discusses the potential demise of the life settlement business - which I doubt will happen, though this is still a very solid article.   As Mark Twain said "The rumors of my death are much exaggerated" or words to that effect. &nbsp;  Have a happy halloween.


Tony


http://www.fins.com/Finance/Articles/SB125673704245712827/Merchants-of-Death-The-Life-Settlement-Business-Struggles-to-Survive?  Type=0


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Consumers See Life Insurance as a Way to Help Offset the Value of Assets Lost Due to Financial Volatility</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-10-27T13:21:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/752dc46d16a0c71d32c6eec8a8168723-44.html#unique-entry-id-44</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/752dc46d16a0c71d32c6eec8a8168723-44.html#unique-entry-id-44</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Prudential Research Shows Consumers Less Confident With Other Financial Vehicles


NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Americans believe life insurance can help bridge the gaps for loved ones created by losses in their financial portfolio, according to a report, Renewed Relevancy of Life Insurance in Stormy Economic Times issued by Prudential Financial, Inc.(  Prudential), (NYSE: PRU)


The study found two-thirds of consumers believe market conditions reinforce the need to have adequate life insurance coverage.   In spite of this, just 24% have reviewed their coverage and even fewer have made changes, according to Prudential&rsquo;s research.


&ldquo;The market collapse last year led all of us to reassess our needs, and cut down on spending,&rdquo; said Mark Hug, chief marketing officer of Prudential&rsquo;s Individual Life Insurance business.   &ldquo;People know life insurance can fill needs broader than just providing a death benefit.&rdquo;


Additional findings show:


&bull;Americans consider traditional life insurance protection as an essential safety net, with two-thirds saying they view it as one of the safer financial products available today*;


&bull;Compared with 18 months ago, about half of those interviewed feel less confident financial vehicles such as stocks and bonds or the home equity they may have built up will meet retirement goals, outpace inflation or provide a comfortable nest egg; and


&bull;Confidence in life insurance has remained relatively unscathed, with 78% equally or more confident their life insurance death benefit will be there to protect their loved ones.


&ldquo;Unemployment concerns are also having an impact,&rdquo; Hug noted.   Two-thirds of those surveyed realized they need individual coverage in addition to that provided by an employer.   Yet 55% have twice their annual income or less aside from coverage they get at work, the survey showed.


Prudential&rsquo;s Renewed Relevancy of Life Insurance in Stormy Economic Times is part of the Taking a Pulse of American's Changing Life Insurance Needs that was fielded via the Internet between June 24 and July 1, 2009.   The survey was conducted for Prudential by MRops, a Pennsylvania based, independent, market research firm.   For more information, download a copy of Renewed Relevancy of Life Insurance in Stormy Economic Times. http://www.news.prudential.com


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Insurers Post Gains in 2nd Quarter</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-10-09T09:43:29-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/52f032bbdae747b98c86d34e389d257d-43.html#unique-entry-id-43</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/52f032bbdae747b98c86d34e389d257d-43.html#unique-entry-id-43</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It appears that some of the life insurance industry is starting to stabilize.    The following are some financial data from life insurance companies for the 2nd quarter:


	&bull;	The total net gain from operations at the biggest U.S. life insurers rose to $36 billion in second quarter 2009, up 31% from the total for second quarter 2008.


	&bull;	Net premiums dropped 6.5%, partly because of an 8.4% decrease in group insurance premiums.


Source:  Financial data from the top 100 life insurers compiled by Highline Data Performance Monitor, a unit of Summit Business Media L.L.C., Erlanger, Ky.,the company that owns National Underwriter Life & Health.


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Standard &#x26; Poor&#x27;s Outlook Remains Negative</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-09-15T09:18:49-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7e8b282d0745363e01fa19c65275f010-42.html#unique-entry-id-42</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7e8b282d0745363e01fa19c65275f010-42.html#unique-entry-id-42</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In a report released this month, Standard & Poor&rsquo;s  Ratings services has released a report &ldquo;Outlook Remains Negative for Most North American Insurance Sectors,&rdquo; was written by a team led by primary credit analysts Kevin Ahern and Neil Stein.    The report states that although the economy appears to be brightening, the insurance sector in North America will remain on a negative outlook, according to a report from Standard and Poor&rsquo;s Ratings Services.


Downgrades will continue to outnumber upgrades for the next six months to a year, the ratings agency said in a report today.    The life insurance industry in the United States will maintain its negative outlook.   The cost of capital has slowed growth at many life insurers, while downward markets have battered their investment portfolios and earnings.


Nevertheless, the sector has its strengths, according to the report.   Most insurers have the capital necessary to support their ratings levels and can meet obligations.


S&P expects that downgrades in the U.S. life insurance sector will be limited to one to two notches, but it noted that a slide in the economy that goes beyond the agency&rsquo;s assumptions could eat away at insurers&rsquo; credit quality and possibly reduce ratings even more.


Still the key threat for the sector is the doubt that it may have problems raising enough reasonably priced capital and maintaining ratings if a $30 billion insured loss came up next year, S&P noted.


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Steuer Radio Interview - 9/12/09</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-09-11T10:29:22-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3c0be606fdcc16d439dd3b22b3a717c6-41.html#unique-entry-id-41</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3c0be606fdcc16d439dd3b22b3a717c6-41.html#unique-entry-id-41</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Tomorrow morning, I will be appearing in a taped interview with Chris Murray for the  &ldquo;Your Financial Editor&rdquo; radio show.    The interview will air shortly after the 8:30 newsbreak - go to www.wfmd.com and click the listen live button.  


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch: Global Insurance Industry&#x27;s Negative Outlook Unlikely to Be Revised in Near-Term</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-09-03T09:07:01-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a881e57fa610877714d52609c84e336a-40.html#unique-entry-id-40</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a881e57fa610877714d52609c84e336a-40.html#unique-entry-id-40</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The factors contributing to Fitch Ratings' Negative Outlook for the global insurance industry are unlikely to improve enough in the near term to allow for a revision to a Stable Outlook.   In a report published today, Fitch describes the signs it will look for to signal an Outlook improvement including the strength of the economic recovery, improved capital access and financial flexibility and greater certainty regarding investment valuations.


Throughout 2008, Fitch moved its Rating Outlooks for all segments and regions of the global insurance industry to Negative.   Continued mounting instabilities in the economic and operating environments have led Fitch to downgrade over 40% of its rated insurance groups since fourth-quarter of last year.   Additionally, more than 60% of Fitch's rated insurance entities either have a Negative Outlook or on Rating Watch Negative.


Investors and other market participants have increasingly asked when Fitch may revise Outlooks on insurance company ratings to Stable.   In response, Fitch's report highlights the broad framework under which market conditions and other factors would be used to make a determination for any changes.


From a macroeconomic perspective, Fitch believes that the immediate economic crisis has passed with some signs of stabilization in the market.   However, Fitch also notes that continued uncertainties make it unlikely that Fitch's Negative Outlook on the sector would change before the end of 2009 or even into 2010.   Fitch notes also that some additional ratings on individual insurers would need to be downgraded before stabilization is appropriate.


Fitch envisions a stabilization of ratings after all or most of the following are present:


--The economy and capital markets recover to the point that future losses implied by Fitch's Severe Stress, or by current unrealized losses, can be materially reduced within our range of possible forecasted outcomes;


--Any lags in asset write downs (or liabilities recognition) have been made, or can be reasonably predicted to be at manageable levels;


--Insurance companies more broadly gain renewed access to sufficient new, affordable capital, and;


--Any insurance-specific concerns contributing to a Negative Outlook abate, or do not materialize.


Fitch notes the timing for the stabilization of ratings will likely differ by insurance segment and geographic region.


'Insurance Industry Rating Outlooks: Global Update' is available at 'www.fitchratings.com' under the following headers:


Sectors >> Insurance >> Research


The report also provides additional analysis on each element of the framework Fitch has outlined for potential outlook revisions. www.fitchratings.com


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Anthony Steuer Appointed to California Department of Insurance Curriculum Board</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-26T09:20:51-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e600247b9121785edb9d5d83fa0e9b53-39.html#unique-entry-id-39</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e600247b9121785edb9d5d83fa0e9b53-39.html#unique-entry-id-39</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 


On July 10, 2009, I was pleased to be appointed to the California Department of Insurance Curriculum Board by the California Insurance Commissioner - Steve Poizner.   


Curriculum Board (from the California Department of Insurance Website):


Pursuant to C.I.C &sect;1749.1, the board oversees the development of prelicensing and continuing education curriculum for agents and brokers, including a list of preapproved courses of study and courses of study for professional designations.   The board also develops standards for providers and instructors of prelicensing and continuing education courses, programs and seminars.   The Commissioner appoints board members which consist of representatives of insurance agents, brokers, and life agents trade associations and representatives of insurance companies and consumer groups.   Members serve three year terms and are reimbursed for expenses related to attendance at meetings.   The board meets quarterly.


This will allow me to serve the citizens of California in improving licensing and education protocols for insurance agents.  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>It&#x27;s a Woman&#x27;s World Reviews &#x22;Questions and Answers on Life Insurance&#x22;</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-26T09:14:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e7122afa9a54e02de207bac2d15a3b14-38.html#unique-entry-id-38</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e7122afa9a54e02de207bac2d15a3b14-38.html#unique-entry-id-38</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Questions and Answers on Life Insurance was recently featured and reviewed in the &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a Woman&rsquo;s World&rdquo; blog:


Questions and Answers on Life Insurance: The Life Insurance Toolbook


by Anthony Steuer, CLU


I chose to share this book with It's a woman's world readers because it covers a topic that many of us have questions about and something we need to know about.   Written by a life insurance guru, this 464-page comprehensive guide to life insurance answers every question you've ever wanted to know.


Since this book isn't one you may sit down and read from cover to cover, I took the liberty of getting some information directly from the author:


"Probably the biggest issue for consumers & advisers is choosing the right type of insurance," Steuer explained.   "A lot of people end up with insurance that's more than they need.   Example, a whole life policy with a premium that's five to 10 times what they could pay for a term insurance policy that would better fit their needs.   Another timely point is choosing a company - some of the companies have had a rough time through this economic downturn."


For individuals who are 40 years or older with children and no life insurance, Steuer offered this advice: "They still need it and shouldn't put if off.   If they do their homework and stick with term life, which is what most people need, it's not that expensive.   A good step would, of course, be to buy my book."   This statement, which was shared via email, was followed by LOL.   (See, even insurance gurus have a sense of humor.)


You can get all your other questions answered by picking up a copy of this user-friendly guide today.   In addition to Steuer's book, you can find additional on his site TonySteuer.com or check out Insurance Information Institute site at III.org.   Final advice?   Always do your homework


Visit the &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a Woman&rsquo;s World Blog&rdquo; by Petula at http://www.petulaw.com/


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Term Premiums Increasing - Longer Term Products Selection Reduced</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-24T10:08:36-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a566e971c1a824a5b76dd19869df18e0-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a566e971c1a824a5b76dd19869df18e0-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Life Insurance Companies are continuing to increase premiums on their term life insurance products as well as making changes to cash value/permanent life insurance products with long term guarantees (increasing premiums).    Also some companies are eliminating  20 and 30 year guaranteed level premium term life insurance products completely.   


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Economic Climate Adversely Affecting Life Insurers&#x27; Financial Performance&#x2c; According to Towers Perrin Study</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-20T08:15:13-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7b3dc389403af56c60a3168fec2a1865-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/7b3dc389403af56c60a3168fec2a1865-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In a press release dated August 17, 2009 - Towers Perrindetails a recent study regarding the effect&rsquo;s of the economy on insurer&rsquo;s financial performance.


STAMFORD, CT, August 17, 2009 &mdash; The sluggish economy is negatively impacting insurers' financial performance and altering their investment and product strategies &mdash; particularly around asset/liability management (ALM) and hedging for variable annuities (VA) &mdash; according to data from the latest Towers Perrin survey, ALM and Hedging in Light of the Economic Crisis.


A vast majority (70%) of North America life insurance company chief financial officers (CFOs) surveyed indicated that depressed market values on fixed-income securities will adversely impact their company&rsquo;s financial performance over the next 12 to 24 months, and more than 20% reported that the impact will be significant.   The two areas that CFOs see as most affected by the financial climate are capital and surplus (80%) and their company's balance sheet (76%)


CFOs further asserted that the economic crisis has significantly impacted their firms' investment and product strategies.   Nearly 60% of respondents have increased their analysis of risky asset classes while reducing their asset purchases to hold more cash.   Additionally, 41% of the firms have eliminated riskier asset classes from their portfolios.


Read the entire press release on the Towers Perrin Website - Click Here


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Expectancy Continues to Increase Per CDC</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-19T14:33:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/17bf9f69ec5012838393eda0133068fa-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/17bf9f69ec5012838393eda0133068fa-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[According to the latest Life Expectancy Figures as published by the Centers for Disease Control (CD) today-- Life expectancy continues its upward trend in the U.S., notching up by about two-and-a-half months in 2007 over 2006.


Over the last ten years, babies have a life expectancy that's 1.4 years greater than babies born in 1997.


Here are the latest life expectancy figures, as published by the CDC today, based on preliminary data from 2007:


*Overall life expectancy for babies born in 2007: 77.9 years (up from 77.7 years in 2006)


* Life expectancy for white females born in 2007: 80.7 years (up from 80.6 years in 2006)


* Life expectancy for white males born in 2007: 75.8 years (up from 75.7 years in 2006)


* Life expectancy for black females born in 2007: 77 years (up from 76.5 years in 2006)


* Life expectancy for black males born in 2007: 70.2 years (up from 69.7 years in 2006)


Visit the CDC Website by clicking here at www.cdc.gov


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Rating Services Releases Mid-Year Update on U.S. Life Insurance Sector</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-08-04T10:43:36-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1cae549ec05cc0053003ce7db078313e-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/1cae549ec05cc0053003ce7db078313e-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Fitch Rating Service has released their Mid-Year Update on the U.S.   Life Insurance Sector which can be found at: 


http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?  rpt_id=459906


According to Fitch&rsquo;s summary:


Fitch's rating outlook on the U.S. life insurance sector remains negative based on concerns over the impact on capital levels, earnings and liquidity from significant deterioration in the credit and equity markets in 2008, as well as concerns regarding equity market exposures from variable annuity business.&nbsp;   The report recaps recent largely negative rating actions, and factors that will impact rating decisions in the near term. 


It looks like things will remain rocky in the near term - though long term, it&rsquo;s my personal opinion that the industry will be fine and that the majority of life insurance companies remain solid.    More information on this can be found on my site on the life insurance rating services page.


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A.M. Best Releases List of Life Insurers Rated A or Higher for 75 Years or More</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-07-01T07:48:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/33394b9862394c2dc25e947497053e47-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/33394b9862394c2dc25e947497053e47-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A.M.   Best has released the following list of Life/Health Insurers Rated A or Higher for 75 Years:


Company Name, Year Initially Rated, Current Rating:


	&bull;	Aviva Life and Annuity Co.,  1929,  A


	&bull;	Beneficial Life Ins.   Co., 1929,  A


	&bull;	Country Life Ins.   Co., 1933, A+


	&bull;	Genworth Life and Annuity Ins., 1928, A


	&bull;	John Hancock Life Insurance, 1928, A++


	&bull;	Metropolitan Life Ins.   Co. , 1928, A+


	&bull;	Nationwide Life Ins Co. of Amer., 1928, A


	&bull;	New York Life Ins.   Co., 1928, A++


	&bull;	Northwestern Mutual Life Ins.,  1928,  A++


	&bull;	Penn Mutual Life Ins.   Co., 1928, A+


	&bull;	Principal Life Insurance Co.,  1928,  A+


	&bull;	Prudential Ins.   Co. of America,  1928,   A+


	&bull;	Standard Insurance Co.,  1928,   A


	&bull;	Western and Southern Life Ins., 1928,  A++


Source: A.M.   Best Data.   Ratings as of May 18, 2009 


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Report: Statutory Capital Declines for Most U.S. Life Insurers &#xa;</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-06-30T07:16:04-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/bc4229da881de7624abda6a27a9c5b1c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/bc4229da881de7624abda6a27a9c5b1c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The following is a special report from Fitch Rating Services


Copyright:


Business Wire


Source:


Business Wire


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- U.S. life insurers have experienced a significant deterioration in investment results in 2008, negatively affecting industry earnings and capital, as discussed in a Fitch Ratings report.


Statutory capital levels were volatile in 2008 for life insurers compared with expectations and prior years' experience.   For the 25 largest U.S. life insurance groups, the average decline in reported statutory capital was 13% in 2008.   However, changes ranged from an increase of 11% to a decline of 52% for individual groups.   This compares with an average annual increase of 6% over the previous five years and just a 1% decline during the last market and economic downturn of 2001 and 2002.


In the report, Fitch reviews statutory capital and risk-based capital ratio changes experienced in 2008 for the largest 25 U.S. life insurance groups, which represent over 80% of industry admitted assets.   Statistical tables detail the components of statutory capital changes.   Capital quality is also analyzed as the benefit of domicile state permitted/prescribed accounting practices are quantified.


In addition, capital contributions are assessed to understand the capital profile excluding recent management actions.


To access this Special Report, 'Analyzing Changes in Statutory Capital for U.S.   Life Insurers', please visit the Fitch Ratings web site at 'www.fitchratings.com' under Insurance > Special Reports.


Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, 'www.fitchratings.com'.   Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times.   Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.


Fitch Ratings   Julie A.   Burke, CPA, CFA, +1-312-368-3158 (Chicago)   Douglas L.   Meyer, CFA, +1-312-368-2061 (Chicago)   Brian Bertsch, +1-212-908-0549 (Media Relations, New York)   brian.bertsch@fitchratings.com


Source: Fitch Ratings


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AM Best Releases Report on Life/Annuity Companies Outlook</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-06-29T14:52:06-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/000f561732172045c8c29ccb160d219e-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/000f561732172045c8c29ccb160d219e-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[OLDWICK, N.J.&nbsp;  June 26&nbsp;(BestWire)&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;Publicly traded life and annuity companies are feeling wide ranging impacts from volatile equity, fixed-income and housing markets, affecting not only financial statements but business strategies.   Executive teams are rethinking investment allocations and evaluating impairments while retooling their product portfolios and operating plans.   &mdash; Most publicly traded life and annuity companies recognized net realized and unrealized losses in 2008 and through first quarter 2009.   &mdash; Net investment income generally has declined, reflecting weakness in institutional spread based business and decreasing short-term interest rates.   &mdash; The slide in equity markets through first quarter 2009 has cut sales, fee-based revenues and assets under management.   &mdash; Credit spreads have narrowed and assets under management have inched upward as markets hint at the possibility of a recovery.   &mdash; Access to the capital markets has normalized, enabling life insurers to raise both equity and debt to shore up their balance sheets.   &mdash; Controlling expenses has become critical, and several companies have reduced staff to adjust to expected levels of future activity.   &mdash; Individual life sales are down more than 25% for the industry, as the severity of the current recession has had a dramatic and unusual impact on the top line for many of the major writers.   &mdash; Management is focusing on building capital, emphasizing core product lines and growing organically rather than by acquisition.   &mdash; Fundamentals remain solid across the industry&rsquo;s major lines of business, with the exception of variable annuities and asset management.   &mdash; Both persistency and mortality have held up fairly well, but A.M.   Best expects disability claims/loss ratios to increase materially.


Visit A.M.   Best&rsquo;s Web Site to purchase this report (click here)


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Term Rates Increasing</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-06-25T09:41:55-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/655aaeb8ae790bb0a3c6f62fed60b976-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/655aaeb8ae790bb0a3c6f62fed60b976-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For the first time in a long time, life insurance companies are increasing their term insurance premiums.    This includes the majority, if not all, of the major term companies.    Other changes include some companies no longer issuing 30 year+ level premium guaranteed term policies.  


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c29cfed3-ae36-44fe-9e5d-8e428e4942c3&amp;type=website"></script>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>California Insurance Commissioner Statement on AIG</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-09-18T08:31:52-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/cbebead053d615d362d74ea7fa0a5d97-29.html#unique-entry-id-29</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/cbebead053d615d362d74ea7fa0a5d97-29.html#unique-entry-id-29</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Washington State Insurance Agents Can Lose License if &#x22;untrustworthy&#x22;</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-09-03T13:03:51-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3e55c656cc7064462b5e055e22f0cbec-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/3e55c656cc7064462b5e055e22f0cbec-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>September is Life Insurance Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM)</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-09-02T13:44:17-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e3de5b9625fa10e649befb9fe1b218df-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e3de5b9625fa10e649befb9fe1b218df-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Accountant Wins Case Against IRS Involving Demutualized Life Insurance Companies</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-08-26T13:23:11-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/5d907e6ab8a0e57930236dc98e6a529c-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/5d907e6ab8a0e57930236dc98e6a529c-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Insurance Premiums Expected To Continue to Decrease</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-08-26T13:18:00-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/473d211708acc6433cd2ff40aebf15cf-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/473d211708acc6433cd2ff40aebf15cf-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NOLHGA: Safety Net For Life Insurance Policyholders</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-23T07:19:40-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/05c9cb7d20ea88942d6f3e6eb97995eb-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/05c9cb7d20ea88942d6f3e6eb97995eb-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Profits for Life &#x26; Health Insurance Companies Plummet in First Quarter 2008</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-17T14:03:38-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/20448236a774c50d33a91ee555bce17b-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/20448236a774c50d33a91ee555bce17b-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beware of Strangers Bearing Life Insurance</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-17T13:54:34-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/ba63d4355905069b94424c42f183e259-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/ba63d4355905069b94424c42f183e259-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>U.S. House of Reps Approvals Positives Changes for Insurance Information </title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-14T08:51:03-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9407723840309e5c6e48a86fedd1b848-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9407723840309e5c6e48a86fedd1b848-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A.M. Best Company Recognizes Insurers With Top Ratings for 75+ Years</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-09T09:04:15-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/b220ce12a454b535c9dad94f89cd4430-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/b220ce12a454b535c9dad94f89cd4430-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Lawsuit Library</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-03T10:21:50-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/f860fbc6a62d6743830d4c626005b108-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/f860fbc6a62d6743830d4c626005b108-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Ratings Updates Quantitative Ratings on U.S. Life Insurance Companies</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-07-02T14:33:12-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9c9f7f697e57e78217edc857668ee03a-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9c9f7f697e57e78217edc857668ee03a-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Deloitte Releases 2007 Life Insurance Operations Benchmarking Study (LIONS)</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-19T09:39:53-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/af05decb6c75cf57f4eb2f390372a3e1-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/af05decb6c75cf57f4eb2f390372a3e1-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Ohio Passes Stranger-Originated Bill Into Law</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-14T08:28:20-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e77cda1d82e6b0c0eb0dffb5d571f8b0-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/e77cda1d82e6b0c0eb0dffb5d571f8b0-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Final Data for 2005 Life Expectancy (from CDC)</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-10T11:20:20-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/c8dca47fb68ac7a8ebdc8fe1c1c292d3-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/c8dca47fb68ac7a8ebdc8fe1c1c292d3-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>40&#x25; of Whole Life &#x26; Universal Life Policies Lapse by 6th Year</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-10T11:14:38-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a562196276d983a0f9e7089e33ef82f4-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/a562196276d983a0f9e7089e33ef82f4-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NAIC Expands Consumer Education Program</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-06T08:45:06-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/94be6e48b14702254e0992d10c8ec7b7-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/94be6e48b14702254e0992d10c8ec7b7-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Guideline to Protect Travelers In Applying for Life Insurance</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-06T08:41:39-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/8f68f9e576bb3b683ffb41e344627718-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/8f68f9e576bb3b683ffb41e344627718-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Article on Life Insurance Planning Featured on Nolo.com</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-06-05T10:30:42-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/99db6acc63285eee6adba5ba3a2d6a34-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/99db6acc63285eee6adba5ba3a2d6a34-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New York Department of Insurance Warns Insurance Reps to Not Use Misleading Titles</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2008-05-30T10:25:04-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/752354548656bb5d0ec74766cfd902ec-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/752354548656bb5d0ec74766cfd902ec-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A.M. Best New Research Shows That Some Life Insurance Companies May Be More Subject To Impairment in 2008</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-28T08:53:28-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/4163879922cd14f5eb27adc45fc1bb12-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/4163879922cd14f5eb27adc45fc1bb12-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>U.S. Life Insurance Continues to Grow - Admitted Assets Pass &#x24;5 Trillion</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-19T10:19:20-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9ecd428d1650119a74cc9476a501492d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9ecd428d1650119a74cc9476a501492d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Latest Study Shows Americans Feel Their Death (or Death of A Spouse) A Greater Threat to Financial Security Than Recession</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-15T07:40:52-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/6714cb2c23a9a2d6cdc35ebd6f951e19-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/6714cb2c23a9a2d6cdc35ebd6f951e19-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Another Positive Review for Questions &#x26; Answers on Life Insurance</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-09T15:17:16-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/287de6c30472799fe2f58936bf3d1d43-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/287de6c30472799fe2f58936bf3d1d43-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Life Insurance Policy Lapses Decline</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-27T08:37:28-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9d5ce2221aa8032b5424776ccea88125-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/9d5ce2221aa8032b5424776ccea88125-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>S&#x26;P: Report Card Looks At Trends Affecting North American Insurance Holding Companies </title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-25T11:26:47-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/5e59f453ef7e31b1069e53ca42199509-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/5e59f453ef7e31b1069e53ca42199509-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>IRS Releases 2008 &#x22;Dirty Dozen&#x22; Tax Scams</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-23T13:57:21-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/fab8a910fdbb817dcdde615d2b484b13-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/fab8a910fdbb817dcdde615d2b484b13-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fitch Ratings: U.S. Life Insurers Face Weakness in Commercial Mortgage Market</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-21T14:21:31-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/978a562ec4a554f6db1a044371743c63-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/978a562ec4a554f6db1a044371743c63-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Education and Life Expectancy</title><dc:creator>tony@tonysteuer.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-07T13:56:21-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/b5fcc41e89afd01968f4ef4f9dcb0531-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tonysteuer.com/Blog/files/b5fcc41e89afd01968f4ef4f9dcb0531-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
</rss>