IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CFG BELOW
Dear Valued Agent,
For the past 142 years, Columbian has proudly worked with its agent-partners to protect families throughout the country. Sadly, we have now discontinued new sales.
Three years ago, we entered into an agreement to be acquired by Constellation Insurance Holdings. This transaction would provide an infusion of capital to allow Columbian to enhance its technology and aggressively grow sales. This week it was determined the transaction would not be completed and Columbian’s current level of capital is not sufficient to support further sales.
Today is our last day to issue policies. Any applications that cannot be issued by the end of the day will be returned.
We will continue to service our existing policies. Your commissions will continue to be paid according to the schedule in your agent’s contract.
We thank you for your business and your support of Columbian, and we wish you much success in your future endeavors!
Columbian Financial Group | 4704 Vestal Parkway East | Vestal, NY 13850 US
Fixed Annuities are Hot Right Now!
In this climate of uncertainty, clients are looking for some stability while still getting a decent return. Fixed annuities are filling a need for your clients who want some stability as part of their portfolio. Here’s just one example of current rates being offered by our carriers: American National. (There are files for NY-only and non-NY.)
If you would like to see a full comparison of current rates, or have a case to discuss, please contact Liz Casper at lcasper@e-upstate.net or give her a call at 585-273-8530 x 3003.
Mutual Income Solutions: Now Available in New York!
Mutual of Omaha’s new disability income insurance product, Mutual Income Solutions, will make it easier to do business with them, while the competitive features and benefits will help your customers select the coverage that best fits their needs.
This disability income insurance product is well-positioned to help agents meet all their clients’ income protection needs, especially those in the affluent market.
Competitive Features and Benefits
Here are the highlights of this new product:
- Increased Benefit Amounts – Maximum monthly benefit of $20,000 per month.
- New Benefit Periods – Help clients who want to extend coverage to a target retirement age.
- Two Policy Types – Clients can select a non-cancelable or guaranteed renewable policy.
- Optional Benefits – Policies can be customized to enhance and expand coverage.
- Valuable Discounts – Help your clients save money with discounts.
What You Need to Know About Long Term Care
Stand alone and hybrid policies can provide solutions to the “what ifs” of aging.
Check out the “What you need to know…” brochure below for information on talking to your clients about retirement and aging and how you can mitigate those risks.
For more information contact Andrea Graham or give her a call at 585-273-8530 ext 3012.
Long Term Care Resources
November is Long Term Care Awareness Month
— AND — Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
One joyous occasion down, without too many smashed pumpkins and t-paper mayhem, now looking forward to “falling back” this weekend to usher in the gloom and doom of the next creepy show — the Election. The fourth Thursday in November will be truly a time for giving thanks, if only because the noise is gone. We still have those Medicare ads aplenty, thankfully no more Martha, however, bless her heart. For your Medicare eligible clients, need to pay extra attention this AEP, there are plan changes which resulted in some of the most popular policies being dropped.
–Andrea
A Helpful Short Video to Show to Your Clients
Here is a brochure linking 2 separate videos which can be used to discuss LTC with your clients. Please choose the one for your state.
What You Need to Know about LTC
Both Hybrid and Stand-Alone
Check out this brochure that details some of the differences between the types of LTC products.
Top 10 LTC Considerations
Understanding how medical issues affect long term care underwriting is a valuable tool in assessing your client’s ability to obtain coverage.
This piece offered by Mutual of Omaha will help guide you in assessing your client’s health issues. Have questions? Contact Andrea Graham at agraham@e-upstate.net or give her a call at 585-273-8530.
The Right Choice
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Our Satisfied Customers
“Upstate Special Risk has been a vital part of my marketing plan for almost a decade. With imagination, insight and an appreciation for the importance of detail, the risk management experts at Upstate have been instrumental in my firm’s growth. Embracing a model of holistic planning has greatly benefited my clients, and has led to my company’s growth through an increase in referrals and introductions. While I can’t be an expert in every aspect of wealth management and planning, my partnership with Upstate Special Risk can bridge that gap and move my clients forward in their pursuit of financial security!”
“Upstate Special Risk Services offers prompt, friendly, professional services for my life insurance clients. I especially appreciate the regular follow ups to let me know how the applications are progressing. I have done business with USRS for years and am very happy with the services they offer to my agency and my clients.”
“I have worked with Upstate Special Risk Services for almost 5 years. The support has been amazing since our first meeting. The help and guidance of the folks at home office is second to none! They continuously help me grow my business and my knowledge through phone conversations and email. Their approach as fiduciaries and trusted advisors is refreshing and nothing short of exemplary. I am looking forward to our growth together over the next several years.”
“Ever since I have made the move to Upstate our Life and Disability production has quadrupled. We aren’t doing anything different but they are. Instant on line term quotes. Rock solid advice and markets for the harder to place risk. Superior support and knowledge. All of this allows me and my staff to feel 100% confident asking our clients for the business knowing that we will get great rates, fast turn around and phenomenal support. Thank you to everyone at Upstate.”
Liz Casper recently helped me with a life case and her efforts were outstanding. I’d met with a new client and together we completed a review of his family’s investment and insurance accounts. Together we decided on doing a 1035 exchange on his life contract to more closely align with his short and long term needs. I won’t get into all the messy details, but suffice it to say we ended up in quite a pickle. After a drawn out application and issue period it appeared that the old policy was irrevocably canceled and the new policy was about to be issued without the design and features we had initially intended. NO ONE was happy! There was a lot of discussion and Liz ended up expertly pleading our case to the new company. The outcome ended up better than our original plan design as the client was able to omit his 1st year premium. This helped tackle a near term cash flow emergency which had cropped up during the underwriting process. A lot of FMO’s might very well have thrown in the towel, and I would have ended up with egg on my face, but Liz didn’t quit. Three cheers for Upstate Special Risk for both their knowledge and determination!”