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Growth Without Guesswork: Why Advisors Are Turning to the American Legend 7 FIA

In an environment defined by market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing concerns about long-term equity returns, financial advisors are leaning into strategies that offer growth potential without exposing clients to downside risk.

One product leading that conversation is the MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7, a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) that combines flexibility, security, and performance in a single retirement planning tool.

Backed by MassMutual Ascend, an A++ rated insurer under the MassMutual umbrella, this annuity stands on exceptional financial footing.

MassMutual itself, founded in 1851, holds over $1 trillion of life insurance in force, ranks #102 on the Fortune 500, and has a long history of delivering on its promises. MassMutual Ascend has issued over $58 billion in annuity premium over the last decade and has been upgraded during crises—including both the 2008 financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The standout feature of the American Legend 7 is its 7-year S&P 500 point-to-point strategy with annual cap lock. In a recent 7-year back-test at an 8.5% cap, a $1 million premium grew to over $1.5 million, with no losses in negative years and all prior gains locked in. That means your clients never lose ground—even in a downturn.

The product also includes a 4.7% first-year fixed rate, plus diversified index options including real estate (iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF), gold (GLD), and a balanced income/equity index (First Trust Barclays Edge). Advisors can tailor allocations to match their client’s risk tolerance and goals.

With 10% annual penalty-free withdrawals, terminal illness access, RMD support, and an up-front 5% commission for clients under 76, the American Legend 7 is a smart addition to any advisor’s toolkit.

Reach out to explore where the American Legend 7 fits in your clients’ retirement strategies.

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Turn Life Insurance Into Cash For Seniors

Many seniors are unaware that their life insurance policy may hold significant financial value beyond its original purpose.

A life settlement gives policy holders the ability to sell an unwanted or unneeded life insurance policy to a third party for a cash payment.

Life settlements can provide critical financial flexibility.

Whether covering rising healthcare costs, supplementing retirement income, funding long-term care, or simply improving quality of life, the proceeds from a life settlement can be used however the policyholder chooses. This option can be particularly attractive if premiums have become unaffordable or the initial need for coverage no longer exists.

The ideal candidates for life settlements are typically seniors age 70 and older who own convertible term life or universal life policies that are no longer needed or have become too costly to maintain. These individuals can often realize substantial value from policies that might otherwise be lapsed or surrendered.

For many, a life settlement can provide cash at a time when it is needed most.  Call now if you have seniors with life insurance that need access to additional cash during retirement.   

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Vaping – Underwriting Non-Combustible Tobacco Use

Non-combustible tobacco products are those that do not require burning the tobacco for consumption. Vaping, or electronic cigarettes, is a type of non-combustible tobacco that is heated at a lower temperature to create an aerosol for inhaling.

Generally, vaping is rated the same as combustible tobacco; at smoker rates.

There is a special program offered by one of our carriers that can allow non-tobacco rates for vaping if an additional biomarker lab test checked by the carrier is negative.
 
If eligible, the rate class can be improved from tobacco rates to non-tobacco rates with a one-class downgrade. For example, a Preferred Tobacco rating to Standard Non-Tobacco.
 
To qualify:
  • Tobacco use must be non-combustible only; nicotine delivery devices (vaping), chewing tobacco and snuff
  • No use of cigarettes or cigars in the past 10 years
  • A tobacco combustion biomarker ordered by the carrier is negative
Contact our expert Underwriting Team to find out more about this special program.
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How To Turn Idle Assets into LTC Protection

Do your clients have “idle money” you don’t know about? Perhaps they have some emergency funds sitting in savings, money market or a CD, and it’s just not working as hard for your clients as it could.

Do your clients have money that could be better used to help them plan ahead for the risk of a future extended health care need?

Consider reallocating a portion of these assets into a linked benefit solution.
 
Here are some potential benefits. If your clients:
 
  • Change their mind. With the Return of Premium Provision, clients can get at least their initial premium back.
  • Do not use the LTCi benefits. Beneficiaries get a tax free death benefit.
  • Like the idea of instant leverage. Instantly provide your clients approximately 2x their initial premium for a death benefit, and depending on the product, nearly 2x to 6x their initial premium in covered long-term care benefits (amounts will vary due to age and gender).
  • Need LTCi. The benefits are tax free.
  • Want a tax break. Covered LTCi benefits and life insurance death benefits are income tax free.
A linked benefit solution is a win-win proposition. Let’s get your clients’ money working harder. Contact your LTCi Specialists for more information.
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4 Misconceptions Your Clients Have About Disability Insurance

Most consumers believe that accidents are the primary cause of disabilities, but research shows that over 95% of disabilities are not work related; therefore workers’ compensation cannot be used.
 
Here are what consumers tend to believe versus the real facts:
  • 37% have never thought about how they would protect their income if they got sick or hurt.
  • Approximately 42% believe that they just need their sick leave and vacation days if disability were to strike.
  • Their own “personal odds” of becoming disabled are 1 in 100, when in fact 1 in every 4 Americans in the workforce will become disabled.
  • “Cancer is the leading cause of disability.” In reality, Musculoskeletal/Connective Tissue Disorders are the leading cause of disability at 28%, while cancer is the second leading cause at 15%.
As you can see from these statistics, it is crucial to educate consumers about the risk of income loss and how to better prepare for it.
 
Nearly 70% of consumers think that it’s important to start planning for a loss of income at any age – so there’s certainly an opportunity to connect with young consumers on how they intend to plan and maintain their financial independence if an illness or injury prevents them from earning an income.
 
Visit the CDA Website for more information about this specific survey, and contact your DI Sales Rep at to learn more about marketing and selling Disability Income Insurance.
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Out With The Old: Why It’s Never Been Easier To Upgrade Underperforming Annuities

Many annuities sold in 2020 and 2021 were written during one of the lowest interest rate environments in modern history. At the time, those products may have offered the best available guarantees — but a lot has changed since then.

Today, we’re in a drastically different rate environment, with interest rates near 18-year highs.

That shift has created a rare opportunity for advisors and their clients:

The ability to replace underperforming in-force annuities with newer contracts offering significantly better guarantees and growth potential.

Even more compelling is the current wave of aggressive cash value bonuses — many exceeding 20% — offered by top-tier carriers. These bonuses don’t just improve the value of the contract on day one—they also offer a powerful solution to one of the biggest barriers to replacement: surrender charges.

Here’s how it works:

If a client has a contract that’s still in its surrender period, a high-value bonus can offset those charges, and in some cases even immediately increase the overall account value. This gives both the client and advisor the flexibility to reposition assets without waiting out a full surrender schedule — and the opportunity to secure stronger long-term accumulation potential starting today.

For clients in older contracts with lower caps, weak fixed rates, or limited index options, this is a chance to upgrade their annuity without penalty — and position them for greater success in retirement.

Send our Annuity Team any current annuity statements for a no-obligation review, or give us a call to discuss how today’s top bonus products can help you unlock more value for your clients.

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Living Benefit Riders: Unlocking Financial Flexibility

Living benefit riders allow policyholders to access part of their death benefit while alive, offering financial assistance for health-related expenses, loss of independence, or other urgent needs. For the purposes of this article, we will focus specifically on riders that require additional premium to be added to the base life insurance policy.

How Living Benefit Riders Work

Living benefit riders, also known as accelerated benefit riders, enhance the functionality of life insurance policies by offering financial support for health-related emergencies or long-term care needs. Here’s how they operate:

  1. Financial Assistance: These riders allow policyholders to access their death benefit early, providing funds for medical bills, disability-related expenses, or essential services that would otherwise strain their finances.
  2. Flexibility to Navigate Life’s Uncertainties: Living benefit riders embed financial flexibility directly within a life insurance policy, helping to consolidate coverage into a single, more streamlined plan. While this integration can simplify financial planning and reduce the need for multiple policies, maintaining separate policies may still provide advantages — such as ensuring adequate coverage across different life stages or offering tailored benefits for specific needs.
  3. Preservation of Overall Coverage: Living benefits can be used to cover expenses related to chronic illness or long-term care, potentially exhausting the entire death benefit if needed. However, if any portion remains unused, it will be passed on to the policyholder’s beneficiaries.
Types of Living Benefit Riders
  • Long-Term Care (LTC) Rider: Offers access to funds when you’re unable to perform two or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or experience cognitive impairment, helping cover long-term care expenses such as nursing home costs, in-home support, or assisted living arrangements.
  • Chronic Illness Rider: Provides access to funds if you are diagnosed with a chronic illness that limits your ability to perform essential daily activities, such as bathing or dressing.
  • Critical Illness Rider: Offers financial support in the event of life-altering illnesses like cancer, stroke, or heart attack.
Considerations

Living benefit riders have a lot to offer, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Impact on Death Benefit: When living benefits are accessed, they are typically paid out as an advance against the policy’s death benefit. This means that the total amount available to beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death may be significantly reduced or entire depleted.
  • Eligibility Criteria: These riders require separate underwriting and aren’t automatically included, so clients must qualify to add them. Accessing benefits also depends on meeting specific conditions outlined in the policy.
Who Should Consider Living Benefit Riders?

Living benefit riders are particularly beneficial for individuals looking to add flexibility to their life insurance policies, especially those concerned about future health challenges or care needs. They are well suited for:

  • People with a family history of cancer, heart attack, stroke, chronic illness, etc. – The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that roughly 1.9 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the US in 2021.
  • Those who need life insurance primarily but also want to plan for potential long-term care needs – Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services.
Final Thoughts

Living benefit riders empower policyholders by offering accessible financial resources to navigate life’s uncertainties. Whether addressing critical illnesses, chronic conditions, or long-term care needs, these riders ensure that policyholders can manage hardships without compromising financial stability.

To learn more about these riders or find out if your client qualifies, reach out to your Life Sales Representative.

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How To Multiply Your Sales Using Just The Basics

How much does an insurance company think that your client is worth? Many times, it is much more than how much your client actually does, and we have their underwriting guidelines to prove it! Let’s factor in the details that could multiply your sales.
 
The most common insurance need among clients is to replace the income survivors would have anticipated had premature death not occurred. The starting point for calculating the amount of coverage a carrier will issue for purposes of income replacement is determined by a multiple of current annual compensation based on the proposed insured’s age.

The multiple decreases with age, understandably, because death denies a person fewer potential income-producing years as they get older. Multiples vary from company to company.

Consider one of the more aggressive examples:
AGE / MULTIPLE

To Age 40 / Multiple 35
Ages 41 – 50 / Multiple 25
Ages 51 – 60 / Multiple 20
Ages 61 – 70 / Multiple 10
Ages 71 – 80 / Multiple 5

Carriers will usually only take earned income into consideration unless it can be shown that the insured’s death might have a direct effect on unearned income. Many of our carriers can insure non-working spouses, too, for an equal amount as the working spouse. This could yield two sales instead of one.
 
Please note that each carrier has their own specific guidelines, so contacting the Life Underwriting Team first to get those details will be key. We’ll do the math for you. Multiplying those sales never looked so good!

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LTC Benefits – Won’t Lose It If You Don’t Use It

One challenge with presenting the need for long-term care is that it is viewed as a risk, not a certainty.
 
It’s not that your clients don’t want the coverage, but convincing someone to allocate funds towards something they may never use can be a difficult objection to overcome.

Good news – Asset Based Long-Term Care (LTC) with Guaranteed Premiums paid for life is here.

It allows your clients to use the LTC benefit if needed – and if they don’t, they can leave the death benefit or accumulated value to their estate.
 
Clients receive a guaranteed amount of life insurance. All of which may be used for qualifying long-term care expenses – also, the premium is credited with a guaranteed interest rate, raising the cash value each month.
 
With the use of the OneAmerica Care Solutions® Rate Calculator, financial advisors can run a quote for key Asset-Care individuals anywhere, anytime. Plus, get an easy to understand take-home guide for your clients.
 
Access the OneAmerica® Care Solutions Calculator and run a quote today
 
Contact your LTC Sales & Marketing Team to learn more.
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Helping Clients Understand the Complexities of Income Protection

With the current economic and health challenges in America, many individuals are justifiably concerned about ensuring they protect themselves and their families against the unexpected. And individuals are more open than ever to exploring ways to protect their future.

Advisors are uniquely positioned to help clients through times of uncertainty by offering income protection solutions, such as Individual Disability Insurance (IDI), that guard against an unforeseeable event.

By sharing a few essential details about income protection, advisors can help clients understand the true value of IDI, how it works and who needs it.
 
Communicating IDI Benefits
 
One of the most important aspects to communicate is that Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) can be an effective, long-term income-replacement solution. Just as life insurance pays beneficiaries for a loss, IDI can pay a monthly benefit, tailored to a policyowner’s total income, in the event of a serious illness or injury.
 
People rely on their whole income to maintain their financial security, which includes their base pay, any incentive pay and bonuses. Although many companies offer group long-term disability (LTD) coverage, clients should be aware that it often doesn’t cover all sources of income, and it is often taxable and typically only provides 40-60% of income replacement. It also likely does not cover bonuses or incentive pay.
 
For higher-income earners, Group LTD can be capped at an amount that is much lower than what is needed to replace a client’s monthly income. Should these individuals experience a disabling event, they would still be expected to keep up with their higher recurring expenses. Also, most employer-based disability coverage is only maintained while the employees are working for that employer. IDI is portable income protection, which stays with the individual throughout their career no matter where they work.
 
Everyone has monthly expenses, which often include mortgages, car and loan payments, and other recurring costs. Highlighting that expenses are recurring even in the absence of income can help clients realize how valuable IDI can be for their financial stability. Advisors can help paint the picture for clients that if they are unable to work, these expenses would remain, with possible new expenses arising due to their illness or injury. IDI helps protect the income that clients are using to pay for these monthly expenses, maintain their lifestyles and support their families. This is even more essential during unpredictable events like we’re experiencing now.
 
By providing meaningful solutions that address clients’ individual needs, advisors demonstrate how individual disability insurance can provide valuable protection and increased financial stability for clients.

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