FROM ESTATE TAX TRAP TO TAX VICTORY by Irving Blackman You hear it all the time: 'Tax law is too complicated.' Well, it is. My job is usually to explain complex tax law in understandable langu...

Most people do not look forward to planning the distribution of assets upon their death. However, it is a task that all of us must face. And, that’s where trusts enter the estate-planning arena. A trust is simply an arrangement whereby one person holds legal title to an asset and manages it for the benefit of another. In one form or another, it may be used in personal financial planning.

LEGAL OUTLINE FOR CALIFORNIA INSURANCE AGENCIES CHAPTER SIX TRANSFERS TO THE NEXT GENERATION 6.1 Durable powers of attorney in case of disability. An agent is much more lik...

MORTGAGE REDEMPTION DISABILITY Dear (Customer Name): You have shown good judgment by purchasing a policy to ensure that your mortgage will be paid if you should happen to die prematurely. In reviewi...

Procrastination is the greatest labor-saving device ever invented. Agency owners look at various changes they can make in their agency and say, 'This is a great idea and I’ll implement it as soon as I can get around to it.' In this document, Jack Fries suggests that you eliminate the talk and resolve to take action in the New Year — and watch your profits grow.

PIRACY OF EXPIRATIONS by Roy Phillips and Thomas Braniff When the film Pirates was released, it broke all box office records for any pirate movie. There seems to be another record breakin...

PROTECTING YOUR AGENCY'S MOST VALUABLE ASSET by Diane Herbert and Pamela Millard As an insurance agency, your focus is on developing new business and retaining customers. You need to do bo...

RISK ABATEMENT IN A HARDENING MARKET: YOUR CLIENT AND YOUR FIRM CAN WIN WITHOUT LOSING by John Beringer No longer can you as the agent simply sit back and await the outcome of a client...

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR RETENTION OF BUSINESS RECORDS KEY: 'P' means that the records should be retained permanently. Figures represent the number of years for retaining records. 'AT' means ...

Whether you refer to them as trade secrets, books of business, or expirations, the major asset of an insurance age...