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Twenty years ago I was consumed with developing marketing programs that had as their basis the generation of retirement income derived from universal life insurance. My interest in creating ‘private pensions” was ignited following the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a piece of legislation which, among other things, removed the tax-deductibility [...]

Northwestern Mutual’s Chuck Robinson responded with a lengthy comment to my essay on what it will take for a life insurer to become truly admired. Chuck’s response was typically thoughtful and insightful- and correct, in my judgment. I want to thank Chuck for his response as well as highlight it here. Chuck’s [...]

Now, just in time for your Holiday weekend reading pleasure…
During the first-half of May, Francois Gadenne assumed control of this blog and created a series of essays that constitute must reading for anyone interested in Baby Boomer retirement and all implications for financial services. The essays combine to create a potent examination of issues [...]

A recent conversation with a life insurance company executive led me to write this essay. During our discussion the executive mentioned that one of his CEO’s goals is to see that this particular insurance company become one that is widely “admired.” Thirty years ago upstart names like Fidelity and Vanguard thought about what it [...]

I’m a lucky man. I’ve just returned from a spectacular vacation in Greece made one day longer due to a strike by aircraft controllers in Athens. Danke to the unhappy Greek controller for allowing my family and me to enjoy an unexpected and delightful day of sightseeing in Frankfurt!
My hearty thanks [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
This will be the last entry in this series as David is returning to his daily posts.
It seems appropriate, and very much in the [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
Like a marble in a bowl, closed systems reach equilibrium when they find their lowest energy level at the bottom of the bowl. This [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
We all use familiar facts and ideas to filter our understanding of reality. RIIA creates value for its members by asking questions that are [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
Financial Advisors (FAs) need training but they also need reliable tools. During the February 2006 MRI Conference, a member suggested that RIIA set standards [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
RIIA’s Research Committee commissioned its first study on customer segmentation. This was not an accident. When your membership comes from all business silos in [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
Education is one of RIIA’s most important missions. The Education Committee, chaired by Ron DeCicco (RBC) and supported by John Carl (RLC) as a [...]

Francois Gadenne has graciously agreed to cover for me until my return on May 16. He will be contributing a variety of essays addressing contemporary and future retirement income opportunities and challenges.
Committees are at the heart of RIIA’s culture. RIIA is first and foremost a volunteer organization.
The Association started when a few clients and [...]