Back in the day.Many people just into their twenties refer to their parents youthful years as "back in the day" - and little do they realize how much has changed - economically, socially, and politically.These changes impact every American, but especially those considering retirement right now."Back in the day", people worked enough at one job to save adequate money for their retirement.Unfortunately, these days the company pensions are disappearing.Only about 40% of the baby boom generation, just now starting to retire, will have any sort of pension.Life-long health insurance benefits that were once a part of every package offered are for the most part a thing of the past.When the government introduced IRA accounts in 1975, they seemed to be a good way for people to save money on taxes, but it was strictly the individual's responsibility.Six years later, 401K plans came along.This included contributing parts from the employee and the employer.Once again, it sounded like a great idea. So why are Americans facing a retirement crisis?For starters, only a little over a half of employees who were offered a 401K participated.Some of those cash out their plans when they leave, often needed the money for living expenses while they look for another job.While some of the non-participants have IRA accounts or other savings plans, The AARP Bulletin poll recently reported that a disturbing 31% of workers 40 or older admit they have not saved anything for retirement.In the same poll they found that 28% of those who have already retired have saved nothing!"But I still have my pension.Right?".Wrong.Many companies have converted pension funds into 401Ks, expecting employees to figure out on their own how to invest for their futures.Some companies simply fund 401Ks with 100% company stock.What is the company goes bankrupt?Where do you stand?If you are participating in an IRA or 401K, by all means keep saving.Social security will only replace about 40% of the income you will need during retirement.The average couple receives about only $20,000 annually from social security.Maybe this does work you.Perhaps you are on the right track.Congratulations, you are in the fortunate minority.How do people get into this fix? There are many reasons.First, real wages have remained stagnant since the mid-1970s.This means that despite very hard work, many have needed ever penny just to get by; and the desire to have it all, or have it now, has caused debt to rise dramatically.Is retirement security a luxury you can't afford?With the uncertain economy, skyrocketing healthcare and energy costs, and little help from employers, retirement may seem impossible to you.It doesn't have to be that way.We are living longer and longer.You don't have to spend your retirement years filled with anxiety and stress.Even if you are approaching retirement with little savings, there is still time to make up for the shortfall, relax, and enjoy the rest of your life.It is all in your hands.But you must be willing to take control of your finances and turn your life around.The government will help you out a little bit, but you will need to find a way to earn about 60% of what you will need.There is a way.Even if you need to stay home and take care of your ailing spouse or aged parent, there is a way.There is a business you can run from your home, your RV, your vacation cottage, even a chair on a sunny beach.All you need is a computer with Internet connection and a telephone.Skilled professionals who took back their lives will be happy to teach you their secrets to success.The sooner you begin to free yourself from anxiety, the sooner you can be happy and free.You can look forward to enjoying the rest of your life as you live out your best years.

MISCONCEPTION #1.This piece of advice wants you to believe you can learn valuable information by closing studying what your competition does.Career Agency "a" has an 18% agent retention rate after 18 months, Competitor career agency "b" has a 16% agent retention rate after the same 18 month time period.You are told that studying your competition will find ways your product is superior.THE TRUTH #1.To me it looks like a case of a blinded new agent searching for information and techniques from other untrained agents.I look at facts, not some fabricated unsubstantiated information.Your prospect does not care if you offer the product of agency "a".Agency 'b', or unknown agency "c'.When you are sitting at the prospects table, you are the ONLY COMPETITION.There you must focus completely on you presentation skills.If you presentation if given very well, your prospect will often buy, no matter what company you represent.If this were not true, there would not be 600 active life and health insurance companies in existence.MISCONCEPTION #2.You are told that the insurance market is saturated with people who have already bought a policy like you are offering.In addition you are told that people are also looking to buy the cheapest policy available.Add to the misleading that insurance is a "mature product".So to sell it, squeeze it in with benefits and price.THE TRUTH #2.Let's start by covering market saturation.If the market was truly saturated and mature there would be a shortage of insurance purchasers.Would the person who came up with this crazy misconception look at some facts? Millions of Americans each year buy all forms of insurance policies endorsed by AARP.They were not badgered by a local insurance agent, but did the transaction willingly by themselves. Most next year will purchase an additional AARP policy, without having anyone compare price, competition, or market over saturation to them.The misconception that price is so important to the buyer.Agents who feel that price sells policies may think they are an expert.I know that they are dead wrong.I would strongly suggest that you stay clear of any person wanting to buy because your policy costs the lowest.The next year they will no longer be your client.Instead they will have become the client of a different company insurance agent offering an even lower price.The price issue is standard mode of operation for what I consider a lowdown replacement "roller" agent.And there are thousands of them.Why? They get the client to buy their policy for slightly less, and the client losses initial benefits like the "suicide clause".The agent is the only winner.This agent gets credit for writing a brand new insurance policy and is subject to full first year commissions.Price is never the primary driver for making a sale or not.To sell insurance honestly, you must convince your prospect how each feature you mention will benefit him.Next, and almost as important, you must sell your client on you.Have you provided him for reasons to think you are trustworthy, like-able, and knowledgeable? Price comes in last place.If you have motivated your client in the first two phases often he will be eager to buy.He wants to start receiving the benefits of your insurance product right away.Here's a True Tip. If you are still in the butterfly stage, try this.Offer you prospect 2 versions of the product at 2 different prices.Then ask him which of the 2 suits him the best.He will usually take the higher priced option.