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JULY-AUG 2026

BI-MONTHLY NEWS / GEMS / SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS

INSIDE

ANNUITY SOLUTIONS

The Birthday Review Opportunity: Turning Age Milestones Into Meaningful Annuity Conversations Pg18 CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

IFG Monthly Rep Rankings Leaderboard Pg26

IN THIS ISSUE SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS

THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES OF PARTIAL ROTH CONVERSIONS

22 THE RETIREMENT CONFIDENCE GAP: 4 WAYS FPS CAN HELP CLIENTS AT EVERY AGE

The Roth Conversion Window: A Timely Reason to Call Your Clients

The Hidden Asset in Your Clients’ Portfolio Files: The Six-Figure Conversation Many Advisors Aren’t Having

From Landlord to Passive Investor: Using DSTs in Retirement Planning Conversations

The Birthday Review Opportunity: Turning Age Milestones Into Meaningful Annuity Conversations

Monthly Rep Rankings 26 IFG Leaderboard

Nat ional 2026 San Diego

Thank You To Our Partners Elite

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Silver

Contributors

ADVISORY SOLUTIONS

The Roth Conversion Window: A Timely Reason to Call Your Clients

By Miles Weatherup Director, Advisory Product Management

the discussion. Positioning the conversion as part of a broader retirement review gives you a natural opening to ask:

Why now?

“While we’re looking at this, do you have any other retirement accounts we should be factoring in?”

etirement planning season is here, and Roth conversions are one of the best conversation starters you have this year, especially for your advisory clients.

A down market isn’t a prerequisite for a compelling Roth conversion opportunity. What matters most is the client’s current tax situation. A year with unusually low income (early retirement, a sabbatical, a business loss) or the years between retirement and the start of Social Security or Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are often the lowest-bracket window a client will ever see. Converting during one of these windows may allow clients to pay tax at a lower rate today in exchange for the potential for taxfree qualified withdrawals in retirement, a story that holds up in any market environment. Why Roth Conversions Pair Well with Ongoing Portfolio Management Roth conversions aren’t just a tax planning strategy; they’re also a portfolio management opportunity. •

•

A reason to revisit the model: Converting often prompts a broader conversation about asset location: which holdings make sense in a Roth vs. a traditional IRA vs. a taxable account. That’s a chance to walk through the client’s full model allocation and reinforce the value of ongoing management. Partial conversions fit systematic strategies: Rather than converting an entire IRA at once, many clients may be better served by multiyear partial conversions, timed to stay within a target tax bracket. This is easy to build into an ongoing annual review cadence, giving you a built-in reason to touch base with these clients every year.

The AUM Growth Angle Roth conversion reviews often uncover held-away retirement assets. Clients considering a Roth conversion often have old 401(k)s, held-away IRAs, or accounts at other firms that haven’t been part of

Those conversations often uncover retirement assets that haven’t been incorporated into the client’s overall financial plan, creating an opportunity to deliver more comprehensive advice and, where appropriate, consolidate assets under a unified strategy. Talking Points You Can Use With Clients •

“Have you thought about converting some of your traditional IRA to a Roth this year? If your income is lower than usual, this could be a good window.”

•

“A Roth conversion doesn’t have to happen all at once. We can spread it over several years to manage your tax bracket.”

•

“This is a good moment to look at your full retirement picture, including any accounts we’re not currently managing.”

Practice Management Reminder Roth conversions must be completed by December 31 of the tax year. Build client outreach into your Q3/ Q4 calendar now rather than waiting for the year-end rush. A simple email or call campaign to clients with traditional IRAs in managed accounts can generate meaningful engagement and new assets before the deadline. Consider generating a list of clients with traditional IRAs, recently retired clients, or clients whose taxable income may fluctuate from year to year. These households may benefit from a proactive Roth conversion review before year-end. And remember, because Roth conversions can have significant tax implications, clients should consult with their tax advisor before implementing a conversion strategy.

MANAGE THE ASSETS YOU ALREADY ADVISE...WITHOUT A ROLLOVER. The Problem

How PathFinder Helps

For many clients, their 401(k) is their largest investment, but it’s often unmanaged, overlooked, or outside the advisor relationship.

ACM PathFinder enables advisors to manage 401(k), 403(b), and 457 assets directly within the plan, without a rollover.

Opportunity by the Numbers

16%

75%

1.5 to 4%

Only 16% of DIY investors feel very confident in their retirement strategy. (Cerulli 2024)

Want help from financial professionals. (JP Morgan 2025)

1.5% to 4% average better returns over time with advice. (Vanguard, Envestnet, Russell)

Sources: Cerulli Associates 2024, JP Morgan: 2025 Defined Contribution Plan Participant Survey Findings, Vanguard 2022, Envestnet 2019, Russell Investments 2022

Scan or Click the QR Code to: Check employer eligibility Watch a demo Request the employer list

10 Wilsey Square, Suite 200 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 | 201.447.3400 | www.AdvisorsCapital.com An Investment Advisory Firm | ACM-W-0526-01-EXP-05/20/2027 Advisors Capital Management, LLC (ACM) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Our disclosure brochure (ADV Part 2A) and customer relationship summary (ADV Part 3) are available at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and upon request.

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INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

The Hidden Asset in Your Clients’ Portfolio Files: The Six-Figure Conversation Many Advisors Aren’t Having

By Erick Montiel VP Product Consulting

ore than half of Americans own life insurance, which means many of your clients already have policies in place, often with untapped value that has never been evaluated. What many advisors overlook is that life insurance can be a valuable financial asset. Through a life settlement, a policy owner can sell an existing policy for more than its cash surrender value and less than its death benefit. In 2025, policyholders received an average of 9 times their cash surrender value, creating meaningful liquidity that can be used to support retirement, healthcare, legacy planning, or other financial goals. A $250,000 Opportunity Consider John, age 74. After a decline in health, he retired and no longer needed the $5 million convertible term policy originally purchased for keyperson coverage. Instead of allowing the policy to lapse with no value, his advisor explored available options. The result: John received a $1 million life settlement offer with no medical exam required, providing additional retirement and care funding. The advisor generated revenue from both the term conversion and life settlement transaction while redirecting future premium dollars into managed assets. Why Advisors Partner with Ashar Group As IFG’s approved life settlement resource, Ashar Group serves as a fiduciary to the policy owner and is fully aligned with the interests of both advisors and clients. Ashar does not sell insurance, manage assets, or purchase policies. Instead, the firm manages the entire process, from policy evaluation through a competitive buyer auction, to help maximize fair market value while allowing advisors to remain at the center of the client relationship. When Should You Evaluate a Policy?

Life settlements are often worth exploring when a policy is: • • • •

No longer needed Becoming unaffordable Out of alignment with the client’s objectives Owned by an insured age 70+ with a change in health

Universal Life policies—including Indexed and Variable Universal Life—tend to be the strongest candidates, particularly when cash values are low relative to death benefits. A $200,000 Solution for Long-Term Care Costs Susan was helping fund care for her 88-yearold mother while managing her own retirement planning. Her mother’s $500,000 survivorship Universal Life policy no longer served the family’s needs, yet caregiving expenses exceeded $10,000 per month. Surrendering the policy would have produced less than $10,000. Instead, a life settlement generated $200,000 in proceeds and eliminated future premium obligations, providing immediate financial relief while preserving other assets. Don’t Let Hidden Value Go Uncovered When clients consider surrendering, lapsing, or abandoning a life insurance policy, there may be a significantly more valuable alternative available. A simple evaluation could uncover funds to support retirement income, long-term care needs, investment opportunities, or legacy planning. Before a policy is surrendered or allowed to lapse, make checking for life settlement value part of your review process. The conversation could create a meaningful outcome for your client, and uncover an opportunity that might otherwise be left on the table. To learn more about life settlement opportunities for your clients, contact Ashar Group, IFG’s approved life settlement partner.

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS

The Strategic Advantages of Partial Roth Conversions By Connor Coffey Advanced Planning Strategist Eagle Life Insurance Company

The Tax Deferral Trap Many approaching retirement face a simple but difficult question: Should I pay income taxes on my retirement accounts now, or later? For decades, many savers have made tax-deductible contributions to company-sponsored retirement plans or Traditional IRAs. When one adds employer matching and profit sharing on top of those contributions, balances can compound into something substantial over a long career. The problem? A deduction today comes at a cost. The tax doesn’t disappear; it’s simply deferred to later and often on a much larger balance. Large pre-tax accounts create sizable Required Minimum Distributions once an individual reaches age 73. Those mandatory withdrawals, in addition to generating tax, can push Medicare premiums into

higher cost brackets. Under current SECURE 2.0 rules, beneficiaries generally must draw the account down within 10 years, with one caveat worth noting. Depending on the original account owner’s age at death, the beneficiary may be required to take annual distributions along the way, each taxed as ordinary income. Potential Pitfalls of Roth Conversions An effective way to hedge against tax risk is a Roth conversion, paying the tax on a Traditional IRA to move the funds into a Roth IRA. By paying the tax upfront, money grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement after age 59½. However, there are important trade-offs to consider. Since conversions count as taxable income, converting

too much in a single year could potentially elevate income into higher tax brackets, trigger investment income into net investment income tax, disqualify certain tax credits, or cause a phaseout of deductions. An oversized conversion can hurt twice, creating more tax from higher brackets and more tax from the deductions you lose along the way. Full vs. Partial Roth Conversions One potential solution is a partial Roth conversion, converting a portion each year rather than the entire account balance at once. The goal is to convert just enough to fill up your current year’s tax bracket without climbing into the next. Done deliberately, this keeps each year’s conversion taxed at the lowest possible rate, protects the credits and deductions that disappear at higher income, and gives room to adjust as situations change. Spread across enough years, the entire balance can move into the Roth while the total tax paid stays lower than a single large conversion would cost. Eagle Life Select® Income Focus One product designed to facilitate a staged Roth conversion strategy is Eagle Life Select® Income Focus. Most carriers are locked into converting the full account balance. The unique advantage of Eagle Life is the ability to convert partially, giving you control over when and how much tax you pay based on your plan. Eagle Life pairs flexibility with industryleading payouts, an income roll-up of 12% simple interest for up to 10 years, and because interest

is credited daily, you aren’t tethered to an annual crediting rate. Instead, you can execute a partial conversion when your tax plan calls for it, not when the contract’s calendar allows. The strategy harnesses tax-free withdrawals alongside a guaranteed lifetime income stream that you cannot outlive. Full vs. Partial Conversion Example Consider Sharon and her husband, both 55, earning a combined $100,000 this year with a $300,000 Traditional IRA annuity growing at 5%. They’re unsure whether to convert the full balance at once or spread it over 10 years. Converting the full $300,000 in a single year adds $65,828 in tax, stacks on top of their current income, and spikes them into the highest marginal brackets. Spread across 10 years, converting a slice each year until the entire contract is Roth, they pay just $45,280 in tax, because each year’s conversion stays in a lower bracket rather than triggering one large spike. Combined with the 12% simple-interest roll-up, their Income Account Value grows to $660,000 over the decade, producing a $44,022 tax-free annual income payment they cannot outlive. What makes it remarkable is that the first year’s income payment nearly reimburses every dollar of tax they paid the IRS in conversion tax across the full ten years. Tax-free income for life effectively costs them a single payment. Tax policy is difficult to forecast, and the uncertainty is the very reason to act deliberately rather than wait. Take time to sit down with your financial professional to see whether this strategy fits your plan.

Annuity contract and/or rider(s) issued under form series ICC23-E-BASE-IDX, ICC12 E-IDX-C-7, ICC23 E-E BPT, ICC20-E-R-EBR, ICC17 E-R-MVA, ICC21 E-E-PTP-C, 1CC21 E-E-PTP-PR, and state variations thereof. Availability may vary by state. For complete details please see product specific sales brochure(s) and disclosure(s). This material is for informational purposes only, and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or rollover any asset. It does not take into account the specific financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, or need of any specific person. In providing this information Eagle Life Insurance Company is not acting as your fiduciary as defined by the Department of Labor. Eagle Life does not offer legal, investment or tax advice, or make recommendations regarding insurance or investment products. Please consult a qualified professional. This material is not a full description of features and limitations of the product. Please see sales brochure and disclosure for additional details.

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS

From Landlord to Passive Investor: Using DSTs in Retirement Planning Conversations

By Nathan Moore, CFA Alternative Investment Analyst

any high-net-worth individuals have built significant wealth through real estate. For some, that wealth may be concentrated in rental homes, small apartment buildings, commercial properties, or inherited real estate. These assets may have appreciated meaningfully over time, but as clients approach retirement, the same properties that helped build wealth can also become a source of complexity. Property ownership often requires time-consuming active management. Tenants, repairs, insurance, financing, property taxes, local market conditions, and unexpected capital needs can become increasingly burdensome over time. For clients nearing retirement, recently retired, or simply looking to simplify their financial lives, the focus may shift from growing a real estate portfolio to reducing the day-to-day burden while preserving the benefits of real estate ownership. That is where Delaware Statutory Trusts, or DSTs, may create a valuable planning conversation. A DST can allow a real estate owner to exchange appreciated investment real estate into fractional ownership of professionally managed real estate. When structured properly, a DST may qualify as

replacement property in a 1031 exchange, allowing the investor to defer recognition of capital gains tax that may otherwise result from the sale of an appreciated investment property. DSTs are not appropriate for every investor, and they involve risks, fees, illiquidity, and tax complexity. However, for the right client, they may provide a way to transition from active property ownership to a more passive real estate investment structure, while deferring a taxable event. For advisors, DSTs can be an effective business development tool with both existing clients and prospects. Many successful real estate owners have accumulated significant wealth outside of a traditional managed portfolio and may not have a comprehensive advisory relationship. For existing clients, a DST conversation may uncover appreciated real estate assets that are not currently part of the advisor’s managed relationship, creating an opportunity to discuss 1031 planning, income needs, estate considerations, and portfolio diversification. For prospective clients, DSTs can provide a practical reason to start a conversation with real estate owners who are approaching retirement and looking for a more hands-off solution. In either case, the discussion can move beyond a single real estate

transaction and open the door to a broader wealth management relationship. The IFG platform can help set advisors apart in these conversations. Advisors have access to a broad range of DST opportunities across different sponsors, property sectors, geographic markets, and investment profiles from Tier 1 asset managers. While no review process can eliminate investment risk, each sponsor and DST offering is reviewed through a detailed due diligence process designed to help advisors and clients feel more comfortable making this important decision. DSTs are not a universal solution. They are specialized investments generally most appropriate for investors who own appreciated real estate, can tolerate illiquidity, and have a clear tax or financial planning objective. However, when used thoughtfully, DSTs can help advisors move beyond a narrow investment

discussion into a broader wealth planning conversation. For clients with appreciated real estate, retirement may be the moment when they are ready to simplify, delegate, and think more strategically about their full financial picture. For advisors attending the National Conference, this is a great opportunity to connect with the Alts team and our Sponsor partners to discuss how DSTs can support client conversations, business development, and relationship expansion. The right real estate planning discussion may both help solve a client’s immediate 1031 exchange need and open the door to a broader advisory relationship. Review the current DST inventory on the IFG platform or schedule time with Colby or a member of the Alts team to discuss current offerings, due diligence considerations, and how DSTs may fit into your client conversations.

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$37.7B

97.8M

102,800+

AUM

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RESIDENTIAL & MH UNITS 1

Targeted real estate strategies designed for accredited investors.

TO ACCESS MATERIALS

S TO C K B R I D G E .CO M Data as of March 31, 2026. 1

Residential and MH units represent 19,800+ residential units and 83,000+ manufactured homesites

This confidential material is being furnished to certain approved financial professionals for due dilligence purposes only on a confidential basis and may not be used for any other purpose. This material may not be reproduced or provided to others without the prior written permission of Stockbridge Capital Group. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. An offering is made only by a private placement memorandum. An investment in the Fund involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Foreside Fund Services, LLC provides marketing review services. Foreside Fund Services, LLC is not affiliated with Stockbridge Capital Group, LLC.

WAV EL A N D

RESOURC ES

LLC

WAVELAND RESOURCE PARTNERS VIII, LP Built for Income, Managed for Growth

INVESTING ALONGSIDE LEADING ENERGY COMPANIES IN A DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF MINORITY EQUITY INTERESTS IN OIL & GAS PROJECTS ACROSS THE BAKKEN SHALE IN NORTH DAKOTA AND THE PERMIAN BASIN IN WEST TEXAS AND SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO • INCOME: 10% Initial Return Accrued and Paid from NOI • GROWTH: Reinvest Excess NOI to Acquire Additional High-Quality Assets • TAX BENEFITS: Tax Sheltered Income • PROJECTED HOLDING PERIOD: Sale of Portfolio in 3 to 5 years • SUITABILITY: Accredited Investors Diversified across multiple operators, basins, and well vintages.

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THE STATED OBJECTIVES WILL BE REALIZED.

LEARN MORE

THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO BUY OR SELL SECURITIES, WHICH CAN ONLY BE MADE THROUGH A PRIVATE PLACEMENT MEMORANDUM. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SECURITIES. ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN ONLY BY PERSONS WHOSE FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THEM TO ASSUME SUCH RISK AND TO BEAR THE TOTAL LOSS OF THEIR INVESTMENT. PLEASE CONSULT THE PPM FOR A SUMMARY OF RISKS.

W W W . W A V E L A N D G R O U P . C O M

Gains don’t always hold through market ups and downs, shaping what your clients ultimately leave behind.

So how do you help more of that potential growth carry through to their legacy?

Principal® Strategic Outcomes registered index-linked annuity now offers two death benefit options—including a newly available approach designed to help address market timing risk.

See the two approaches and what they could mean for client outcomes. Review the client-friendly comparison. Scan the code or visit: principal.com/legacyoptions For financial professional/institutional use only. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Before investing in registered index-linked annuities, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the contract and underlying investment options. This and other information is contained in the free prospectus which can be obtained from your local representative or online at principal.com. Please read the prospectus and, if available, the summary prospectus carefully before investing. Principal® Strategic Outcomes is not available in NY or OR and may not be available with all broker-dealers. Principal® Strategic Outcomes does not directly participate in any stock, equity investments or index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Important Considerations Index-linked deferred annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles. This contract is a security and there is a risk of substantial loss of principal and earnings. The risk of loss may be greater when early withdrawals are taken due to any charges and adjustments applied to such withdrawals. These charges and adjustments may result in loss even when the value of a segment option has increased. Clients should consult with a financial professional about the appropriateness of this product based on their financial situation and objectives. There is risk that the segment interim value could be less than the original premium payment even if the applicable index has been performing positively. The buffer rate provides limited protection. There is a possibility of a significant amount of loss of the total premium payment, credited interest and prior earnings. In the index-linked segment options it is possible that the total loss could be 100%. If clients choose to allocate amounts to an index- linked segment option subject to a cap rate, that rate limits the positive

index change, if any, that may be credited to the annuity for a given segment term. The participation rate limits the positive index change, if any, that may be credited to the annuity for a given segment term. It is possible to receive less than the full protection of the buffer rate. Once a segment lock-in is executed, it is irrevocable for that segment term. A lock-in will not be applied retroactively and can only be exercised for the entire segment option. A segment lock-in may only be exercised once per segment term for each index-linked segment option. There is no guarantee that any particular segment option or Index will be available during the entire period. Contract rider descriptions are not intended to cover all restrictions, conditions or limitations. Refer to rider for full details. All guarantees and benefits of the insurance policy are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Policy guarantees and benefits are not obligations of, nor backed by, the broker/dealer and/or insurance agency selling the policy, nor by any of their affiliates, and none of them make any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuity products and services are offered through Principal Life Insurance Company®. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC, and/or independent broker/ dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392, principal.com. Principal®, Principal Financial Group®, Principal Asset ManagementSM, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in various countries around the world and may only be used with the permission of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Contract: SF 1027 | Riders/Endorsements: SF 1028, SF 1030, SF 1031, SF 1032, SF 1053, SF 1054, SF 1071, ICC16 SF 913/SF 913 RF2714 | © 2026 Principal Financial Services, Inc. | 5699433-072026

Not FDIC or NCUA insured • May lose value • Not a deposit • No bank or credit union guarantee • Not insured by any Federal government agency

ANNUITY SOLUTIONS

The Birthday Review Opportunity: Turning Age Milestones Into Meaningful Annuity Conversations

By Camryn Bolek Annuity Investment Consultant

n our business, some of the best client conversations aren’t driven by market volatility, elections, or interest rate changes. They’re driven by birthdays. Many annuity contracts contain valuable death benefit, income, or long-term care features that either stop growing, change significantly, or become unavailable at specific ages. Yet these milestones are often overlooked until after the opportunity has passed. For advisors, that creates a powerful opportunity. By proactively reviewing clients who are approaching key ages such as 69, 70, 75, 79, 80, and 85, you can demonstrate ongoing value, strengthen relationships, and uncover new planning opportunities before important rider benefits age out. Age 69: Time to Review Jackson 6% Enhanced Death Benefits Clients approaching age 69 may be nearing the final years to receive a 6% accumulation on several Jackson death benefit riders. These include: •

Jackson 6% Compounded Roll-Up Death Benefit

•

Jackson 6% Compounded Roll-Up + Highest Quarterly Anniversary Value (HQAV) Combination Rider

As clients move closer to their 70s, advisors should evaluate how much additional benefit growth remains and whether the rider is still aligned with the client’s estate-planning objectives. Age 70: Reassess Nationwide Combination Enhanced Death Benefit The Nationwide Combination Enhanced Death Benefit provides: •

3% compounded roll-up and Highest Anniversary Value (HAV) feature

Both enhancements continue until age 81. For clients nearing 70, this can be a good opportunity to evaluate whether the contract remains positioned for legacy planning or whether retirement income needs have become the higher priority. Age 75: A Major Legacy Planning Checkpoint Age 75 is one of the most significant rider review milestones because several death benefit riders either reduce their enhancement percentages or approach the end of their most valuable accumulation period. Products worth reviewing include: •

Jackson Flex Death Benefit (non-reducing death benefit)

•

Lincoln Estate Lock (non-reducing death benefit)

Age 80: Long-Term Care and Final Legacy Planning Opportunities

•

Nationwide One-Month Enhanced Death Benefit

Age 80 creates two important planning opportunities.

•

Nationwide Beneficiary Protector (bonus to earnings in the contract added to DB to help beneficiary help “pay the tax bill”)

•

Pacific Life Earnings Enhancement Death Benefit (bonus to earnings in the contract added to DB to help beneficiary help “pay the tax bill”)

•

Pacific Life Stepped-Up Death Benefit

•

Equitable Greater of 5% Roll-Up or HAV Death Benefit (5% simple roll-up for 30 years or 85th birthday)

This age also provides a natural opportunity to revisit beneficiary designations, estate strategies, and overall legacy goals. Age 79: Final Review Before Age 81 Benefit Expiration For many Jackson contracts, age 79 represents the last meaningful opportunity to discuss riders that stop accumulating value at age 81. These include: •

Jackson 5% Compounded Roll-Up Death Benefit

•

Jackson Highest Quarterly Anniversary Value Death Benefit

•

Jackson Combination 5% Roll-Up and HQAV Rider

With only a few years remaining before growth ends, clients often appreciate seeing exactly how much protection and beneficiary value has been generated.

First, several legacy-focused riders are approaching their final enhancement periods, including: •

Nationwide One-Year Enhanced Death Benefit (step-ups on anniversary continue until age 85)

•

Global Atlantic Enhanced Death Benefit (7% simple roll-up for 15 years or age 90, depending on contract provisions)

Second, this may be one of the last practical opportunities to address long-term care planning. Review clients who may still be eligible for: •

Nationwide CareMatters Annuity

•

Global Atlantic ForeCare

•

Other available long-term care riders that double the income on an FIA, many of which have age limitations that vary by carrier

Age 85: The Income Rider Deadline For many carriers, age 85 represents the last opportunity to elect guaranteed lifetime income riders. While specific rules vary by company and product, waiting too long can permanently eliminate certain income-planning options. Creating proactive outreach campaigns around age milestones can help uncover planning opportunities that might otherwise be missed. More importantly, these conversations demonstrate ongoing value by helping clients understand not only what benefits they own today, but also what benefits may soon no longer be available due to age limitation. Please reach out to me, your Annuity Investment Consultant, Camryn Bolek, to schedule a meeting for additional annuity assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of every rider available; it is intended solely as an overview of products based on clients’ ages. We are in no way affiliated with or under common control with any third-party information provider. Although we believe the data gathered from these sources is reliable, we cannot warrant it to be accurate, complete or timely, nor can we warrant or ensure the accuracy of the guarantees presented. For any difference between the information presented herein versus the information provided by a specific insurance carrier, the insurance carrier’s information should be used. The information found within this report is not intended to replace carrier illustrations. As a best practice, please acquire an illustration for your specific scenarios from the carrier. This is not meant to be a recommendation list and is not for public use. This is only for initial research and educational purposes and not to be shared nor used for client use. Please consider other elements, credit quality, concentration, investment options and other qualitative measures. Please consult the specific insurance carrier to review for errors and omissions, actual contracts, prospectus and other approved carrier materials.

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NEW LiveWell Mutual Fund NQASM A simple solution for after-tax investing The new LiveWell Mutual Fund NQASM provides a streamlined, flexible approach to managing after-tax investment assets within a single account. Built on the success of the LiveWell® Mutual Fund IRA platform, the LiveWell Mutual Fund NQA is a nonqualified mutual fund account that provides access to a broad range of professionally managed investment options while simplifying portfolio management and ongoing administration.

Simple solution

Innovative flexibility

Straightforward fees

Access to 130+ mutual funds managed by 15+ respected fund families

Fully liquid with zero transaction fees and no withdrawal charges 1,2, giving your clients full control over their account

One recordkeeping fee based on total assets plus standard fund expenses3

Investing solutions for both qualified and nonqualified money with the LiveWell Mutual Fund IRA and LiveWell Mutual Fund NQA. For a more in-depth look, scan or click the QR code.

Contact the Sammons Retirement Solutions Sales Desk at 855-624-0201 or visit srslivewell.com (access code: livewell). All transactions in a nonqualified account are subject to applicable taxes. Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. and Sammons Financial Network®, LLC, member FINRA, do not give tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult with and rely upon your own tax, legal, or investment professional(s). 2 Upon account closure, a full account quarter’s recordkeeping fee is assessed based on the account value at the time of closure. 3 The annual recordkeeping fee covers both custodial and administrative fees. Fund options and associated standard mutual fund fees are as of 6/1/2026. Standard mutual fund fees, ranging from 0.52%–1.50% net, also apply. 1

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including potential loss of investment. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and/or summary prospectus contain this and other information. Obtain a current prospectus by visiting srslivewell.com/prospectus or calling 866-747-3421. Read it carefully before investing. Securities distributed by Sammons Financial Network®, LLC., member FINRA. Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. provides administrative services. Sammons Financial Network®, LLC., and Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. are affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. Sammons Retirement Solutions® is a division of Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. UMB Bank n.a. is the custodian for the LiveWell® Mutual Fund IRA and the LiveWell Mutual Fund NQASM. The mutual funds offered through these mutual fund accounts are made available through Sammons Financial Network®, LLC., member FINRA, 8300 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Information about the LiveWell Mutual Fund NQASM and its funds can be obtained by calling 866-747-3421. NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, NO BANK/CU GUARANTEE, NOT A DEPOSIT, NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. 5642415

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FOR INSTITUTIONAL USE ONLY. NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMER SOLICITATION PURPOSES.

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The Retirement Confidence Gap: 4 Ways FPs Can Help Clients at Every Age By Cathy Marasco Vice President, Protected Retirement Nationwide Financial

recent survey of workplace retirement plan participants from the Nationwide Retirement Institute® reveals a striking generational divide – and a clear opportunity for financial professionals (FPs). Younger savers are making smart moves early. Older savers are living with the consequences of waiting. Understanding where each group stands can sharpen your client conversations and strengthen the plans you help design. View the infographic. Younger savers are getting it right Gen Z and Millennial participants are outpacing older generations in one critical area: they’re starting sooner. According to the survey, Gen Z savers began contributing to their workplace retirement plans at an average age of 23, and Millennials at 28. Compare that to Gen X, who started at 34, and Boomers, who started at 40.

That head start matters. Earlier contributions mean more time for compounding to work – and the data shows it shapes mindset too. Analysis by The American College of Financial Services found that three-quarters of savers who began saving by age 25 feel confident or cautiously optimistic about retirement. Among those who started later, only 46% said the same – a 30-point gap. Younger savers are also more engaged. They check balances more often, increase contributions annually, and are more likely to have a savings protection strategy. Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) say they have a plan to safeguard their savings before retirement, compared to 55% of Gen X and 44% of Boomers. The key message for younger clients: starting early and starting small beats waiting for the “right” time. These conversations are also worth having with older clients who have Millennial or Gen Z children – good financial habits are worth passing on.

Older savers carry real regrets

How plan design can narrow the gap

For Gen X and Boomer clients, the picture is more complicated. More than 80% in both groups regret not starting to save or joining an employersponsored plan earlier. And 8 in 10 wish they had focused sooner on protecting savings from market volatility or converting assets into sustainable retirement income.

Today’s retirement plans offer certain structural features that can reduce the friction between good intentions and actual outcomes. You can help your clients narrow the gap.

Some of this reflects structural realities – definedbenefit pension plans were the norm when Boomers entered the workforce, and 401(k)s weren’t widely accessible. But the emotional weight of those regrets is real, and it creates both a challenge and an opening for advisors. A few misconceptions are worth addressing directly: •

More than half of older savers believe their 401(k) will provide predictable monthly income like a paycheck – which, for most, won’t.

•

Over 8 in 10 wish they had understood compound interest and the value of maximizing contributions earlier.

•

More than half of Gen X and nearly 40% of Boomers still misunderstand how compounding works.

Your role isn’t to relitigate the past. It’s to help clients focus on what they can control now. When older investors recognize that retirement is close, they’re often more motivated to act. Catch-up contributions are one immediate lever. Shifting toward investments that offer downside protection without sacrificing growth potential is another. In-plan lifetime income options, for example, can help savers meet income needs with lower account balances at age 65 by reducing exposure to market volatility on their future income stream.

Because many clients lack the time or confidence to make proactive investment decisions, automatic features tend to outperform education alone. Consider whether your clients’ plans include: •

Auto-enrollment and auto-escalation to get employees saving and incrementally increasing contributions without requiring manual action.

•

Re-enrollment to confirm participants are opted into the plan’s current investment lineup.

•

Dynamic default features that place participants into age-appropriate vehicles – such as lifetime income funds for those nearing retirement – rather than options that no longer fit their stage of life.

These features address the exact gaps the survey identifies: low engagement, missed compounding, and inadequate income planning. They also give plan sponsors a tangible way to support employee financial well-being. The generational opportunity Every generation of saver faces distinct challenges – and that’s precisely where you can add value. Younger clients benefit from reinforcement of habits they’re already building. Older clients need a forward-looking reset, focused on what’s still within reach. And for all clients, thoughtful plan design can quietly do much of the heavy lifting. To stay current on retirement planning strategies and other insights that can help you better serve your clients, explore Nationwide’s Advisor Advocate® blog.

Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Provisions of these options may vary based on plan selection and/or by state regulation. These investment options may not be available in all states. NFM-25570AO

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26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

Josh Lee David Herman Charles Wareham Kelly Clyde Ari Crandall Jonathan Szostek Jay Wurtzler Michael Hyat Joel Hooper Kyle Addington Chad Schiel Joshua Goldsmith Marcus Henderson Celia Hui Zhang Peter Prescott Bryan Wertzer Jay Eng Steve Sutley Daniel Dougherty Dillon Dougherty Grant Prescott Deepen Modi Jim Fahy Diane Kimbro Jason Segawa

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Kevin Barrett Robert Turley Suzy Lawrence Steve Carlton Shawn Walker Gregory Meyer Ryan Ansted Marc Lord Frank Wong Sean Agahi Peter Blok Mark Ealy Timothy Hayes Nick Abbott James Flanagan Matt Lum Jay Sprinkel Jeb Bashaw Assen Kuklin Erich Imphong Ron Martin John Pearson Bryan Mazza Karalyn Carlton Beau O'Brien

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YTD Top Products Leaders (as of June 30, 2026) Advisory 1. Joyce Thomas 2. Greg O’Donnell 3. Dustin Blodgett 4. Amrish Patel 5. Kathy Keadle 6. Dillon Dougherty 7. Rich Krafcik 8. Larry Steckler 9. Josh Koehnen 10. Art Molloy

Annuities 1. Jammie Avila 2. Anthony Napolitano 3. Matthew Marcom 4. Kyle Kirwan 5. Larry Steckler 6. Rachel Hoang 7. James Chang 8. Joyce Thomas 9. Ron Martin 10. Brandi Blanchard

Alternative Investments 1. Cindy Couyoumjian 2. Amrish Patel 3. Chris Vizzi 4. Michelle Vizzi 5. Kevin Barrett 6. Kelly Clyde 7. Michael Hyat 8. Jesse Cox 9. David Koehler 10. Ron Martin

Insurance 1. Herb Shiraishi 2. Kelly Clyde 3. Blake Bonner 4. Cindy Bai 5. Amrish Patel 6. Charles Wareham 7. Larry Steckler 8. Steve Carlton 9. Ally Lavallee 10. Anthony Napolitano

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JTW Financial Services

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South Coast Investment

Lee Ng & Associates

Annapolis, MD Ryan Ansted, Ian Arrowsmith, Joshua Goldsmith, Samantha Harris, David Herman, Gregory Ostrowski, David Sizemore, Jay Sprinkel, Jonathan Szostek, Shawn Walker

Las Vegas, NV Jammie Avila, Kyle Kirwan, Anthony Napolitano, John Underwood San Diego, CA Art Molloy, Pat Brennan, Jay Wurtzler, Matthew Belardes, Scott Dickerson, Marcella Harkness, Erica Tanner

San Gabriel, CA Joyce Thomas, Hui Zhang, John Almaguer, Julie Shen

San Rafael, CA Greg O’Donnell, Michael Nakano

Sacramento, CA Bryan Wertzer, Steve Sutley, Scott Machen, Wade Gribaldo, James Dillon

Delafield, WI Jim Senglaub, Mike Senglaub

San Clemente, CA Chris Vizzi, Kelly Clyde, Michelle Vizzi, John Weiss

Pleasanton, CA John Lee, Zoe Ng

Financial Group Advisors 10 Shiraishi Honolulu, HI

Herb Shiraishi, Grant Arita, Graham Enomoto, Kendall Kakugawa, Jason Wong

YTD sales leaders are based on paid dates from January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

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