Business as Unusual

By on October 11, 2011

Someone once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Every industry is facing challenges in the economic crisis, and like every other industry, the insurance marketplace looks quite different. Financial market turmoil has given insurers, producers and regulators numerous problems to solve. And it’s the producer on the front lines who must combat broken consumer trust. It is the producer who must answer the question, “How can I trust that the company you represent will honor its promise?” Or, “How can I be certain that the money will be there when I need it?”

Prudential In-Service Withdrawals

By on October 10, 2011

We’re all acutely aware of the recent market declines. 401(k) plans have been hit hard. Clients are wondering how they will ever be able to recover their “losses”, accumulate enough money for retirement, and not outlive their retirement savings. The investment options in most 401(k) plans are designed for accumulation and do not generally offer guarantees. If the plan offers in-service withdrawals, you can help clients rebuild their retirement income plan. In-service withdrawals are generally permitted once a plan participant reaches age 59½. Individuals under age 59½ may be able to access some funds, such as rollovers from prior plans, after-tax contributions and earnings on those amounts.

The Summary Plan Description will document what a plan allows.

By on October 6, 2011

An in-service withdrawal can be rolled to a traditional IRA. The rebuilding comes from funding the IRA with a variable annuity. Many offer optional living benefits which, at an additional cost, provide retirement income that cannot be outlived, with the potential for income increases (but not decreases) based on market performance. Employer plan funds can also be converted to a Roth IRA. Thanks to the Pension Protection Act, it is no longer necessary to roll employer plan funds to a traditional IRA first. Currently, Roth conversions are available only for individuals with Adjusted Gross Income less than $100,000. This limit will be eliminated beginning in 2010. The Roth IRA provides several advantages:
• Tax-free income in retirement
• No Required Minimum Distributions while the owner is alive
• The ability to pass the asset to a beneficiary income tax-free
In-service withdrawals may not be appropriate for everyone. Some things to consider are:
• The exceptions to the 10% federal income tax penalty for distributions from employer plans and IRAs are not identical
• The capital gains treatment of Net Unrealized Appreciation On employer stock is not available to IRAs
• IRAs and employer plans do not have the same creditor protection
• A client’s ability to make future contributions to the plan may be restricted

Today’s Income Tax Planning Opportunities

By on October 5, 2011

It’s that time of year – a time when clients may ask for our thoughts on what options they have, with respect to a previously purchased annuity contract that has not performed well for them. It is also a good time to remind clients why they purchased a variable annuity. Depending on the product, it could have been a specific death benefit guarantee or income distribution option. Either way, now is a great time to reinforce their purchase.

NetExchange Pro Items for Attention

By on October 4, 2011

The first location that you should look each day to check the status of your brokerage accounts is the Items for Attention section within NetExchange Pro. You can access Items for Attention at initial log-in to NetExchange Pro or under the Account tab. Many of the activities are updated throughout the day, so we recommend that you check them a few times daily, especially margin details. When you select Items for Attention, you will see a list of each of your brokerage accounts that have an item that requires your review, such as a margin call or periodic distribution for an account where there are insufficient funds. Many of these items can be addressed directly through NetExchange Pro or through the NEXT Customer Service Department at (877) 876-6398, option 4.

NEXT Financial Group Empowers Clients to Define Service Excellence

By on October 3, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, a 7-time Broker/Dealer of the Year* winner, seeks to provide outstanding service based on client’s feedback. Advisor-provided comments will be used for employee recognition, disciplinary action and staff training.

NEXT has created company-wide training modules to address a variety of “what if” situations. “Good service is always user-perceived. Everyone has a slightly different definition of good service however; the underlying foundation is always client satisfaction. We have established a Service Credo, Motto, and a 5 Point Service Standard in order to anticipate the unexpressed wishes of our clients,” said Brad George, Corporate Trainer at NEXT Financial Group.

To facilitate prompt courteous service, NEXT encourages advisors to submit feedback when they receive stellar service or anything less than. “We want our advisors to enjoy a professional and interactive experience. We respect their time and are committed to answering their questions or locating the correct person to do so in an appropriate yet accelerated manner within 24 hours,” added Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group.

NEXT advocates a family-like atmosphere and culture by sponsoring social events such as dinner parties, ball games and bowling, among other recreational events. They also recognize employees who consistently provide exceptional service through advisor submitted feedback and peer nominations. Their names are announced and published at company meetings and monthly e-newsletters.

NEXT is a truly independent broker/dealer. They are a unique firm founded, owned, and managed by their representatives. It is designed to serve the best interests of their representatives; people who share a passion for investing and the desire to be an owner of a company they believe in. NEXT Financial does not offer any proprietary products nor are representatives required to sell any particular products enabling representatives to provide truly unbiased financial advice in the best interest of their clients.

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Representative Reaches Out to Hispanic Communities

By on September 30, 2011

To address an article released by USA Today reporting harmful financial practices Hispanics are taking with their 401(k) plans, registered NEXT Financial Group, Inc. (NEXT) representative, Xiomara Vielman, was a financial correspondent on Noticiero Telemundo 48 to help educate viewers on this pressing topic.
As a result of the financial crisis impeding the American economy, Telemundo is incorporating more financial segments in their news programs to inform their viewers of financial practices they should take to secure their assets.
On Thursday, Sept. 8, Vielman spoke with reporters about the impact pulling allotments from 401(K) plans to provide for children’s college education is having on their financial futures.
“If you decide on cashing in on your retirement plans, all you are doing is stealing from yourself,” said Vielman. “If we know children usually go to college at the age of 18, then you have 18 years to plan specifically for that goal without harming yourself in the process.”

Marketing—it’s essential

By on September 29, 2011

Marketing is an essential part of your business. Realize it or not, you are marketing every day. The question is whether or not your marketing is effective. Are you getting all the referrals you want from your clients? Is your name and branding recognized in your community? Now is a great time for client acquisition! What are you doing to ensure you reach your goals? There is a lot to consider regarding your marketing, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 4WARD Financial Marketing wants to become aligned with your vision and help you to reach your goals. We can help you to analyze your current marketing and determine where improvements can be made to ensure more referrals, client retention and growth for increased production. We are confident that with the many valuable resources offered, all NEXT representatives can benefit from participating in our services.

Business as Unusual

By on September 28, 2011

Someone once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Every industry is facing challenges in the economic crisis, and like every other industry, the insurance marketplace looks quite different. Financial market turmoil has given insurers, producers and regulators numerous problems to solve. And it’s the producer on the front lines who must combat broken consumer trust. It is the producer who must answer the question, “How can I trust that the company you represent will honor its promise?” Or, “How can I be certain that the money will be there when I need it?”

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Presents Jack Dardis with Integrity Award

By on September 27, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., the seven-time Independent Broker/Dealer of the Year* award winner, recently hosted its annual National Educational Conference in Houston, Texas, where in addition to best practices and business-building sessions, the firm recognized outstanding representatives.

John “Jack” Dardis, a registered representative of NEXT and Chairman of Dardis Couvillon & Associates, was nominated by NEXT staff and fellow representatives, and selected by the President and Sr. Management of the firm, as the recipient of NEXT’s prestigious Integrity Award. This award is presented each year to one NEXT representative who embodies the spirit of dedication and service to his clients, peers, profession, and community.

“This accomplishment symbolizes Jack’s unsurpassed devotion to his clients and community. He exemplifies a heart of service and integrity that we should all strive for,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group.

Jack’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University of New Orleans in 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967 where he earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his services, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He earned an MBA at Harvard University in 1969.

Among his many achievements he has served the Archdiocese of New Orleans as President of the Catholic Foundation, as a member of the Investment Committee and the School Board, and as a Board member of Christopher Homes. He has served for many years on Boards of Jesuit High School, Dominican High School, and Manresa Retreat House. Jack is a member and past President of Legatus, a founding member of Big Brothers of Greater New Orleans, and Chairman of the Sugar Bowl Investment Committee. Jack has received numerous awards, including Alumnus of the Year of Jesuit High School and Loyola University College of Business, the Homines Pro Aliis Award, the Pro Ecclesiae et Pontificae Award, and the St. Louis Medallion.

Jack was selected as National Chairman of the NASD Advisory Council, and was voted one of America’s Top 100 Independent Advisors by Registered Rep Magazine in 2007 and 2009.

In receiving the award, Jack expressed, “Thanks to Almighty God for the gifts he has given me, allowing me to share with my fellow man. The greatest gift is my wife, Anne, who supported me all these years. I am also grateful to my children, who are a great example to me in what they do. Thanks to NEXT and those who had any part in my receiving this award. There are many NEXT reps that deserve this recognition and I appreciate that NEXT allows Dardis Couvillon to be an independent small business in this industry. I am extremely honored, and appreciate all who serve with integrity, their communities and clients.”

The National Educational Conference is just one of 28 events coordinated and produced by 4WARD Marketing, Inc. the financial services marketing affiliate of NEXT, with each of these events designed to assist representatives in growing their business.

To learn more about NEXT Financial Group, Inc., please visit www.nextfinancial.com or contact VP of Business Development, Brian Grise at 877.876.6398 ext. 4060. To learn more about Dardis Couvillon & Associates, please contact Mason Couvillon at (504) 828-3052 or mason@dcanola.com. Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Dardis Couvillon & Associates, 701 Metairie Road Suite 305, Metairie, LA 70005, is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc.

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/Dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”