March 2014

The ECG (ElectroCardioGram) is a recording of the electrical activity within the heart itself. This is a non-invasive test done routinely in a doctor's office and as a routine insurance exam requirement. A normal heart beat begins as an electrical signal in the sinus node located near the top of the heart in the right atrium. That is where the term "Normal Sinus Rhythm" or NSR comes from. This signal travels down the heart while causing the left and right atria (the 2 chambers at the top of the heart) to begin contracting and pushing blood into the ventricles. 

This electrical signal continues down the heart toward the left and right bundle branches that surround the left and right ventricles. After a brief pause, there is a spike in electrical activity causing the two ventricles to forcefully contract or squeeze pushing blood into the lungs (from the right ventricle) and to the rest of the body (from the left ventricle). As the ventricles relax, this activity is also recorded by the ECG.

The ECG tracing records these multiple stages of the heart beat cycle from different angles. This is done using 6 different electrical sensors on the chest (called "Chest Leads") as well as the sensors on both hands and both feel (called "Limb Leads"). By looking at this electrical activity from multiple angles doctors may be able to identify irregularities in the heart rate, rhythm and structure. 

Protective Life Products at a Glance

 Lincoln Special Exchange Program (Available February 3, 2014 for a limited time) 

External term to perm with Lincoln Treasury Indexed UL  - CLICK HERE

MONEYGUARD II - COMING SOON!

Lincoln is excited to announce the latest MoneyGuard enhancements with the launch of its new MoneyGuard II policy. Effective February 10^th the MG II policy will be available in over 40 states, with more to follow.

The new product offers many new features.

1040 Overlay Resources

* 1040 Guide Book for 2013 Returns

* Click Here to access the 1040 Guide Book and marketing support materials on other related products

* e-Pocket Tax Table

New Principal  IUL Flex Video Available:  Key Features

Beginning January 1, 2014, through March 31, 2014, you have the opportunity to receive up to $700 in Visa gift cards for the business you place with Minnesota Life.

Details:

• Brokers will receive gift cards for paid cases during the program, with a maximum of $700 in total winnings: 

$200 for 4 paid cases*

Additional $200 for 7 paid cases*

Additional $300 for 10 paid cases*

• Cases must be paid between January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2014.
• All current pending business will count if the case is paid during the program dates.
• Contest is open to all producers appointed with Minnesota Life through the Independent Distribution Group.**
• Multiple product sales per insured are allowed. However, an identical product sale on same insured will not be counted as an additional case for this program.
• Qualifying business must remain in full force throughout the qualification period. Policies that lapse during the contest period will not count.
• Minnesota Life will be the final judge on all issues pertaining to the incentive program.
• Credit for split sales will be awarded based on percentages listed on the application.

Life Media Kit - New Accelerated Death Benefit Riders

Life Product Changes Effective March 1st We're making some changes this March and it's going to be madness:

* We're enhancing our Accelerated Death Benefit Riders. These new riders allow higher benefit amounts than the previous version - up to $1 million

* On Term Life Answers (TLA), we're out to earn your business. Not only are we introducing an Accelerated Death Benefit Rider with one of the highest benefit amounts in the industry for terminal illness, we're also improving our monthly modal factor from .089 to .0875

* On Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL), in addition to the new Accelerated Death Benefit Riders, we are also introducing a new disability rider that offers a continuation of the planned premium

Improvements in Underwriting Make sure to take advantage of our recent underwriting changes designed to help you bring in more sales. Our jumbo limits have increased to $65,000,000 for ages 18-80; and we've also made a number of improvements to our underwriting criteria guidelines. Also, keep in mind; we are one of few companies that continue to offer the benefit of age last birthday underwriting. This unique feature makes your clients' premiums even more competitive for half of your life sales!

Week in Review

• The underlying fundamentals of the economy seem to be stronger than the stated headlines, as inclement weather continues to cloud the data.
• Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes show increased discussion around the guideposts that will be used to change benchmark interest rates.

Week Ahead

•  New home sales should fall for the third consecutive month in January - dropping to an annualized pace of 390,000 units.
•  Real GDP growth in 2013Q4 is expected to be revised down to 2.5 percent due to weaker readings for consumer spending and exports.  
CLICK HERE to read more.