Top 3 Insurance Products for Baby Boomers

As the “Baby Boomer” generation ages, the entire concept of retirement seems to be changing. No longer is retirement seen as a time to spend your days in idleness, but rather a time to take new adventures and explore new opportunities. Since this generation seems to be living longer, healthier lives than the retiring generations that came before them, they are looking for an exciting new phase in life, rather than prematurely giving their lives over to senility.

Of course, the “new beginnings” that baby boomers are looking for often require financial stability in order to be feasible, and the financial outlook for many members of this generation isn’t exactly promising. Many baby boomers have not focused enough on saving for retirement. Whether out of ignorance or fear, the aging population hasn’t planned well for their future, and many now stand in a place of uncertainty.

As retirement looms for baby boomers, they will start to pay more attention to their financial situation. As an insurance expert, that’s where you come in. You should be ready to offer them the products they’ll need in order to feel secure in their lifestyle. Below, we take a quick look at the top three insurance products baby boomers should be interested in.

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Annuities

Annuities can provide retired people with a source of income, which is a top concern among baby boomers. They come in various types, although they can basically be narrowed down into two categories: immediate (pays out immediately) and deferred (payments accumulate over time). There are also fixed annuities (payments of the same amount) and variable annuities (payments based on investment performance).

As you learn the pros and cons of all the options, you’ll be able to advise baby boomers on the best choices for their specific situations, bringing them confidence in their income security for the future.

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Investments

Investing directly in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is a good way for baby boomers to diversify their portfolios and add to their retirement income. Depending on the age and personal preference of the client, he/she will likely want a mixture of investment types, in order to offer both long-term growth (stocks) and lower risk growth (bonds, cash).

Conservative investments can be a great way for baby boomers to feel a little more secure about their financial situation. As they feel more financially independent, baby boomers will be able to look forward to retirement, rather than dread it.

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Long Term Care Insurance

As health becomes an important issue for aging baby boomers, they may want to consider long term care insurance, which would help cover the costs of an assisted living center or nursing home, should the need to move into one ever arise. While the cost of these plans is often high, it may be worth it for some baby boomers, especially if the likelihood of such care is likely in the future because of medical or family history.

The decision to purchase long term care insurance will depend heavily on these factors, as well as the client’s current financial situation; for some retirees, the high costs of these simply aren’t feasible.

Regardless, this is a product that should at least be introduced to all baby boomers. The cost of this type of care, without insurance, can be extremely high, so if it is even a possibility, it should be seriously considered.

Helping the baby boomer generation feel confident and secure about their impending retirement is very important, and very needed. As we help this generation become informed about their options, we can help make the transition from work life to retirement go a little more smoothly.

5 Reasons to Consider a Career in the Insurance Industry

What do you think of when you think of a career in insurance? A dull desk job? Constant sorting through filing cabinets full of paper? Dooming yourself to endless, boring days in a call center?

Sure, insurance may not be the most exciting industry out there, but there are plenty of reasons why a job in insurance won’t necessarily be the dreary existence we’ve outlined above. In fact, a career in insurance can be rewarding, fulfilling, and yes, even enjoyable.

We can’t promise you’ll avoid filing cabinets entirely, but we can tell you that there is plenty to look forward to when considering a career in insurance. Check out our top five reasons why you should consider a career in the insurance industry.

Flexibility.

Working in the insurance industry offers you many options, from working in a corporate office as part of an in-house team, to running your own agency as an independent business owner. Especially if you choose the second route, you’ll enjoy the ability to set your own schedule and work practices—something that is very rare in the professional world. Having this flexibility improves quality of life and job satisfaction (and who doesn’t want more of that?).

Specialization.

“Insurance” is a very broad term. It takes all types to make the insurance industry work. Writing, marketing, customer service, sales, finance—these are all topics that are tightly intertwined with insurance. Getting a job in insurance could ultimately lead you down any of these specialized paths, allowing you to tailor your career to your specific desires and talents.

There is also a need for specialization within the insurance industry, specifically to untapped markets. Certain demographics are not being targeted by insurance companies, meaning that there is high potential for reaching these markets effectively. This means that even as a newcomer to the insurance world, there is the potential to grow your business very quickly.

Demand.

People may complain about insurance, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it. Legal requirements—and humanity’s constant pursuit of security—ensure that there will always be a need for insurance. The industry is stable, and it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon.

Additionally, with a large amount of the industry workforce set to retire soon, there may in fact be a shortage of insurance workers with real experience and knowledge of the industry. The sooner you get in, the sooner you’ll become a trusted name in the industry.

Real-world experience.

The experience you gain in the insurance industry can benefit you in many ways. Not only can you benefit friends, neighbors, and businesses with the knowledge you gain, but you can also benefit yourself and your family. Experience in this industry could give you a leg up in the future, whether you’re trying to decide how to insure your home, shopping out your life insurance policy, or considering starting a business. Knowing the ins and outs of insurance will benefit you for years to come.
As mentioned before, a career in insurance can also give you a glimpse into other industries, which could help you immensely should you ever want to pursue a different path.

Rewarding work with a purpose.

The truth is, the insurance industry gives you an opportunity to truly help people. Many people know they need insurance, but are, quite frankly, confused by it. By providing them with the knowledge and expertise you gain in the industry, you’ll bring your customers peace of mind and a sense of security.

Moreover, working in insurance will allow you to work with people. You’ll see their problems, worries, triumphs, and opportunities. You’ll be the person they turn to when they have questions or concerns. You’ll have the chance to make their lives easier, better, and less complicated. It really is rewarding work, and it can allow you to make a difference in ways you’ve never thought of before.

Whether or not it has always been at the top of your “dream career” list, the fact is that the insurance industry offers its workers the incredible opportunity to work at a job that is secure, useful, fulfilling, and enjoyable. Take these benefits into account when making the choice about your career in insurance, and get ready to be surprised at where your career in insurance takes you.