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Did You Know?

That in 2008, the total average expense difference between variable annuities and mutual funds was 1.18%
That, as of the fourth quarter 2008, the combined net assets of U.S. variable annuities were valued at $1.2 trillion?
In 2008 fixed annuity assets valued at 556 billion a 9% increase from 2007?
In 2009, the contribution limits range from $5,000-$6,000 for an IRA, $16,500-$22,000 for a 401k and $200,000 plus for a non-qualified annuity?
That the average number of funds per variable annuity contract was 51, in 2008 with an average contract value of $49,200?

Advisors

High-Level Professional Resources

Education

Courses, Credits and Training That Strengthen Our Industry

The success of the annuity industry is now—and will be in the future—determined by how we help solve society's critical retirement issues. As a significant segment of the American population approaches retirement, we are feeling the effects of a global economic crisis, experiencing the lowest saving rate in our history, transitioning from employer-sponsored pensions to employee-funded retirement, and wondering about the future of Social Security.

These are the challenges the financial professional faces every day. How can we meet these challenges—and excel?

The Insured Retirement Institute's answer: with instructional materials of substance, and by maintaining academically rigorous certifications, requiring meaningful continuing education, adhering to industry best practices, and committing to a personal and professional code of ethics. This includes continuing education (CE) credits, educational courses, and training.

CE Credits

Registered Principal Course (to launch in February 2009): This Internet-based course helps registered principals satisfy their obligations under FINRA Rule 2821.
CE Credits at selected IRI conferences: Currently IRI offers CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits at its Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Conferences.

Educational Courses

IRI's PowerPoint presentations describe the different types of annuities that are sold and the tax treatment of annuities. These can be used for presentation or for self-education.

Training on Managing Retirement Income

The Managing Retirement Income training course, developed by IRI and InFRE (International Foundation for Retirement Education), familiarizes financial planners and other investment professionals with the mechanics for creating a lifetime income stream, the risks people face in retirement, and the management tools that can be utilized to mitigate those risks. Attendees receive a workbook and exercises, a comprehensive planning worksheet, and tools for gathering data and assessing client lifestyle preferences. The course also provides continuing education credits for insurance licensees, CFPs, CRCs, CRAs, and CPAs.

This training can be provided in several ways—on site, through site licenses, at published locations, and through individual self-study. For additional information, please contact IRI.

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February 2010 IRI Insight Now Available

02.08.2010

The IRI Insight is the Insured Retirement Institute's educational news service that will help financial advisors better convey the benefits of insured retirement strategies to their clients as they look for more guarantees and less stress in this post-crisis world.

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November 2009 IRI Insight Now Available

11.04.2009