privacy policy

This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which insurance collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the insuranceforthepeople.blogspot.nl website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by insurance.

Personal identification information

We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways in connection with activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site.. Users may visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.

Non-personal identification information

We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.

Web browser cookies

Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.

How we use collected information

insurance may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:
  • - To process payments
    We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.
  • - To send periodic emails
    We may use the email address to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests.
How we protect your information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures. Our Site is also in compliance with PCI vulnerability standards in order to create as secure of an environment as possible for Users.

Sharing your personal information

We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.

Google Adsense

Some of the ads may be served by Google. Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to Users based on their visit to our Site and other sites on the Internet. DART uses "non personally identifiable information" and does NOT track personal information about you, such as your name, email address, physical address, etc. You may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Changes to this privacy policy

insurance has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will post a notification on the main page of our Site. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

Contacting us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:
insurance
insuranceforthepeople.blogspot.nl
brooklyn street
3154555512321
nvidiatyz2@gmail.com

This document was last updated on February 28, 2013

tips for insurance agents


If you have ever contemplated becoming an insurance agent or wondered whether this career path could be right for you, then there are several qualities that you will need to possess, at least to some degree. All good insurance agents share some of the following core qualities in one way or another.

People Skills
1. Puts the needs of the client first - An agent who is only out to earn a commission, regardless of the needs of the client, is not likely to last long in the business. Agents and brokers who listen carefully to what their clients and prospects say will be able to earn their trust, which is the hardest part of their job. Those who are willing to put their clients into a product that pays a lower commission because it better fits their needs are much more likely to be successful.

2. Good customer service - Customers who are able to get a hold of their agents when they need them are much more likely to stay happy and reassured. A timely response to inquiries and phone calls is a must, and you must be able to do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it - or at least have a good reason as to why you can't. One of the major complaints of those who buy life insurance policies is that there is no one around to answer their questions after they have purchased the policy.

3. Emotional intelligence - This includes the ability to listen and empathize with clients on a deeper level in order to discern what they really want and need. A good agent is tactful and knows how to help a client see financial reality clearly, even when the client is dead set against it.

Strong Personality
1. High energy level - One of the most important traits of a good insurance agent is that they appear to be excited and eager at all times. A worn-down or dreary disposition will immediately rub off on clients and discourage them from buying anything.

2. Persistence - This is perhaps the most vital quality of any good insurance agent. Those who work in this field absolutely must be able to handle rejection on a daily basis over the course of their careers, and do it with a smile. Good insurance agents understand that each "no" only brings them closer to someone who will say "yes. "

3. Honesty - Insurance agents who use deception to close business seldom stay with the same company for very long - and can end up behind bars in some cases. A good agent knows that telling the truth up front will win them clients' respect and trust and is likely to lead to repeat business over time.

General Knowledge
1. Wide array of products - As the old saying goes, if all you have to work with is a hammer, then everything in the world looks like a nail. A good insurance agent will be able to offer a comprehensive selection of products and services that can meet any reasonable need a client might have.

2. Technical knowledge - A good insurance agent knows much more than how to sell a policy. The agent must understand the tax and legal aspects of the products he or she sells and how they are designed to fit into a client's overall financial situation. Many agents earn financial planning designations such as the Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Financial Counselor or other credential. Some agents practice financial planning, income tax preparation or some other avenue of financial service as their primary profession and then write insurance business when it becomes necessary.

The bottom Line
These are just some of the qualities that life insurance agents must possess in order to be successful. The life insurance business can be very challenging and immensely rewarding for those who are willing to learn the necessary skills to build their business. For more information on how to become a successful insurance agent, contact the recruiting offices of a few different agencies or a headhunter who works with insurance agents.

Reserve Currencies


For nearly a century, the United States dollar has served as the world's premier reserve currency, taking the crown once worn by the pound sterling. The future of the dollar as the most popular reserve currency is less certain. Reserve currencies are foreign currencies held by central banks. When a country acquires reserves, it doesn't place the currency in general circulation. Instead, it parks the reserves in the central bank. The reserves are acquired through trade, with the acquiring country selling goods in exchange for currency. Reserve currencies thus grease the wheels of international commerce by helping countries and businesses conduct transactions using the same currency, a much simpler task than settling transactions involving different currencies. Their popularity is easy to see: between 1995 and 2011, the amount of currency held in reserve increased by over 730%, from around $1. 4 trillion to $10. 2 trillion.

Issuers of Reserve Currencies
Reserve currencies are typically issued by developed, stable countries. The currency most commonly held as a foreign exchange reserve is the U. S. dollar, which, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), comprised nearly 62% of allocated reserves as of late 2012. Other currencies held in reserve include the euro, Japanese yen, Swiss franc and pound sterling. The dollar, while still the most widely held reserve currency, has seen increased competition from the euro. The euro has grown from slightly less than an 18% share of allocated reserves, when it was introduced into the financial markets in 1999, to 24% at the end of 2011.

The IMF reports both allocated reserves, meaning that a country has identified the currencies held in reserve, and total foreign exchange holdings. The overall percentage of total holdings that are allocated reserves has fallen steadily over the years, from 74% in 1995 to 55% in 2011. Much of this shift can be explained by changing foreign exchange holdings in emerging and developing countries. In 1995, advanced economies held around 67% of total foreign exchange reserves, with 82% of these being allocated reserves. By 2011, the picture had been flipped on its head: emerging and developing countries held 67% of total reserves, with less than 39% allocated. Emerging countries now hold roughly $6. 8 trillion in reserve currency.

Benefits of Reserve Currency Status
Why all the hubbub surrounding reserve currency status? Being the country issuing a reserve currency reduces transaction costs, since both sides of the transaction involve the same currency and one is yours. Reserve currency issuing countries are not exposed to the same level of exchange rate risk, especially when it comes to commodities, which are often quoted and settled in dollars. Because other countries want to hold a currency in reserve and use it for transactions, the higher demand means lower borrowing costs through depressed bond yields (most reserves are of government bonds). Issuing countries are also able to borrow in their home currencies and are less worried about propping up their currencies to avoid default.

Drawbacks of Reserve Currency Status
Reserve currency status isn't without its drawbacks, and the problems issuing countries face underscore why mature economies tend to be the ones issuing widely held currencies. Low borrowing costs stemming from issuing a reserve currency may prompt loose spending by both the public and private sectors, which may result in asset bubbles and ballooning government debt. Stimulus spending in the U. S., for example, led Chinese leaders to fear a weak dollar since that would erode the country's value of dollar-denominated debt. One could also argue that part of the reason the U. S. was able to spend so freely is that excess Chinese savings had to be parked somewhere, and that somewhere was in the dollar. This occurrence is nothing new; Robert Triffin (of Triffin Dilemma fame) identified this shortcoming while the gold standard was still alive and kicking. Not controlling the outflow of currency also puts weak financial institutions at risk, and Hollywood (and real life) shows just how much criminals love dollars.

How do Currencies Gain Reserve Status?
Countries don't fill out an application to have their currencies become reserve currencies, and there is no international organization that confers this status. To get a seat at the grownups' table, it helps to be a developed country with a big economy with relatively free capital flows, to have a banking system able to handle being a creditor, and to have export clout. These requirements make reserve currency status a rich world club, much to the chagrin of many developing countries. The currencies of China (the world's second largest economy), Brazil (sixth), Russia (ninth) and India (10th) - the BRIC countries - are not considered reserve, which is why these countries have been more vocal proponents of the creation of a reserve country unattached to any one country.

Cries for a global currency grow louder when the dollar is comparatively weak, since a weak dollar makes U. S. exports cheaper and can erode trade surpluses in other export-dominated economies. Critics of a dollar-dominated currency market have pointed out that it may be increasingly difficult for the U. S. to keep up with world dollar demand as its weight in the global economy shrinks. Rather than use the dollar, central banks have looked towards using a basket of currencies, called special drawing rights. This protocol would effectively reduce the influence of any one country and ostensibly would force more prudent economic policies.

What about the Yuan?
What of the Chinese yuan? China is the world's second largest economy and is rapidly developing, and the national prestige associated with having a reserve currency is likely something that China's leaders salivate over. Perhaps the greatest hurdle, other than China being an economic liberalization neophyte, is that the yuan is tightly controlled. "Currency manipulation" was a common phrase during the recent round of U. S. elections, as many businesses felt that the yuan was kept artificially low in order to protect Chinese exports. Additionally, China limits the amount of bonds that foreigners can hold, and reserve currencies tend to be held as government bonds rather than hard currency. Some experts believe that continued liberalization might lead the yuan to join the reserve currency club as soon as 2020.

The bottom Line
In such a global economy, where countries ship commodities and goods at such a frenetic pace, the fear of markets seizing up due to monetary constraints is not likely to diminish in the coming years. The recent financial crisis has increased the pressure on the dollar, especially in light of public debt prospects and political brinksmanship. Countries without reserve currency status fear that their fates are tied to macroeconomic and political decisions that are outside of their control. The push for a world market dominated less by the dollar is nothing new, but just as investors seek to hold a basket of investments rather than a solitary stock, so do central banks when it comes to managing their reserves.

Expensive car insurance


Maintaining a car can be a very expensive venture if you are not careful. From annual inspection and periodic upkeep to keeping the car fueled and insured, owning a car can easily deplete your bank account and leave you strapped for cash. One major cost associated with owning a car is paying for car insurance. Depending on where you live in the united states, car insurance could either be a small expense or take a dramatic toll on your budget. Here is a look at five of the most expensive cities in america for car insurance.

Detroit
According to an article released by Yahoo! in January 2012, Detroit, Mich. has the highest car insurance premiums on average in the U. S. The Motor City's insurance rates are most unfriendly to cash-strapped car owners. According to Runzheimer International, the average car insurance premium in Detroit was $5, 941 in 2011. That's nearly $2, 000 more than the runner-up. The Motor City is filled to the brim with automobiles, and as a result of the high population of citizens and cars, along with a no-fault insurance system, its insurance premiums have stayed among the highest in the country.

Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pa. is another city that is hit hard by high car insurance costs. Coming in just behind Detroit, the city of Brotherly Love is not feeling the love in regards to its high premium costs. In 2011, the average car insurance policy cost drivers $4, 076, according to Runzheimer International. The cost is not nearly as high as Detroit's astronomical average premium of $5, 941, but is considerably higher than the approximate $1, 199 national average that HomeInsurance.com reported for December 2011. Due to Philadelphia's overcrowded streets and high population of vehicles, insurance rates have continued to climb.

New Orleans
Another American city that definitely gets the short end of the stick when it comes to saving on auto insurance is New Orleans, La. The Big Easy has one of the most expensive car insurance premiums in the U. S. According to a Runzheimer International study performed in 2011, New Orleans had an average car insurance premium rate of $3, 599 in 2011. New Orleans' high premiums are not due to overcrowding but because of judicial ruling. In Louisiana, only claims totaling over $50, 000 actually make it to a jury case. Claims less than that benchmark are settled out of court. Miami
Miami, Fla. is another U. S. city that was unable to escape high auto insurance premium rates. The Runzheimer International study performed in 2011 marked the average car insurance premium in Miami at a hefty $3, 388. Due to the city's no-fault auto insurance rule and an influx of fraudulent claims, Miami has experienced a significant premium hike in recent years.

Newark, N. J.
Last but certainly not least, Newark, N. J. has one of the highest car insurance premium averages in the U. S. The city features an average auto insurance premium of $2, 867. Newark's residents certainly have quite a hefty expense in order to keep their vehicles insured. Similar to Miami and Detroit, New jersey has a no-fault insurance rule, and costs have risen as a result.

The bottom Line
Car insurance premiums vary substantially depending upon where you live. States with no-fault laws and higher populations are prone to have higher average auto insurance premiums due to the higher amount of accidents and collisions that occur. The numbers presented are based off studies, and it is possible to find less expensive auto insurance. Many factors apply when determining what your auto insurance rate is, including driver safety, your zip code and your age. Shop carefully when buying car insurance, and make sure you are getting the best rate possible.

This Is Your Brain On Stocks


In 2004, Brian Knutson, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Stanford University, discovered that trading stocks tweaked the same part of the human brain that was associated with sexual lust and drug abuse. This neural network, usually called the "pleasure center, " fires up in anticipation of rewards and can dull or even override the frontal lobe, the place where neuroscientists believe most of our reasoning is carried out. Does this mean stockbrokers will start appearing in "most wanted" posters and be reduced to pushing tech stocks in dark alleys? Not likely, but it does highlight some interesting psychological issues that investing brings out in otherwise sane people.

The Not-So-Rational Investor
In the 18th century, English philosopher Jeremy Bentham stated that man is ruled by two motivations: the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Knutson's tests have shown that investors are subject to similar motives.

According to Knutson's experiments, investors tend to act rationally until an event causes them pleasure (above-average gain) or pain (a loss). He asked participants in his study to choose from three investments - a low-risk bond and two stocks of variable risk and reward - to "invest" in a set market. The bond paid out a guaranteed $1; one of the stocks had a 50% chance of paying out $10 per trading round and a 25% chance of losing $10; the other stocks had a 50% chance of losing $10 and a 25% chance of gaining $10. The participants knew the stocks would have varying payouts, but they didn't know which stock was which. Basically, they had to judge the stocks by the results in each round of trading, and on the overall history as the experiment continued - much like trading in an emerging market for which little information is available.

Most participants started out making rational trades; the rational, pleasure and pain centers of the brain were most active, but the rational center was dominant. After an unexpected gain or loss, however, the pleasure and pain centers became more dominant and increased the probability of the subject making an irrational decision. A setback prompted risk-averse behavior and a gain prompted risk-seeking behavior, both of which increased the chances of losses - either through overly conservative decisions (bonds all the way), or overly reckless ones (continually betting on the high-risk stocks). These two different parts of the brain were essentially overpowering the seat of rationality, resulting in a tug-of-war between the two extremes (risk aversion and risk taking).

These findings help explain some of the behavioral investing problems that economists have recognized over the years. Brain chemistry is partly to blame when we chase last year's gains too long and miss selling at a profit, take losses to heart and over-liquidate a portfolio instead of value averaging, or make any of the other costly decisions that prove us to be not-so-rational investors. Rationality, it turns out, is the norm, but periods of irrationality can develop as suddenly as a tropical storm.

Trading for Trading's Sake
The main issue brought up by Knutson's findings is the addictive nature of trading as an activity, separate from the realization of losses or gains. It has long been thought that people seek money as a means to other things - faster cars, bigger houses, fuller closets - but the results of the study suggest that money itself, or rather, the act of accumulating money, may be the reward. Knutson found that rapid trading itself - the deluge of information requiring quick decisions - can actually force a person's mind into a state in which he or she will naturally make more mistakes. (In Knutson's study, the participants were not allowed to make only a single decision and sit out the rest of the study as a value investor would. )#)

This is bad news for investors, because there is a cost of trading, beyond losses and gains - that of commissions. If trading becomes a hobby that you're willing to do for the "high" or thrill of it, then you can expect to pay for it. If making money is your goal, then rapid trading holds the double pitfall of chemically priming your brain for failure and costing a bundle in commissions.

The advantage of Experience
In another study about investor behavior, it was found that mistakes do truly plague the young and inexperienced. In a 2004 MIT study of trader performance (Fear and Greed in Financial Markets: A Clinical Study of Day Traders), the researchers found that inexperienced traders were much more prone to emotional mistakes than experienced traders were. This suggests that traders have a good chance of making rational (and hopefully profitable) trades if they're willing to put in the time needed to dull the psychological highs and lows that come with trading. Just as doctors become desensitized to blood and racecar drivers become desensitized to speed, traders can overcome the emotional factors connected to making and losing money that would otherwise dull their edge.

For the Brave and Bold
Trading can be a sport for those who have the stomach for it, but casual investors shouldn't jump into day trading with their retirement savings. You wouldn't attempt heart surgery on a friend or drive 160 mph without training, and you should avoid day trading unless you're in it for the long haul and willing to sit through the learning curve.

The bottom Line
Even if you're not interested in day trading, Knutson's study holds importance. Any stock investing, even value investing, is trading - it's just spread over a longer period. By taking your time on financial decisions and giving your rational mind time to reassert itself, you stand a good chance of reducing the behavioral errors that will hurt your portfolio.



Home Loans For Disaster Recovery


When a natural disaster destroys or seriously damages your home and your insurance policy doesn't provide all the financial assistance you need, where can you turn for help? Four government programs offer rebuilding assistance: the 203(h) loan, 203(k) loan, SBA loans and the Individuals and Households program. This article will explore the types of repairs these loans can fund, their eligibility requirements and how to apply.

203(h) LoansIf you have lost your home and want to rebuild or purchase a different one, take a look at the 203h loan. This FHA-insured mortgage can be used to rebuild destroyed or severely damaged homes or to purchase a different home. To qualify, your home be damaged to the point of requiring reconstruction or replacement and be located in a presidentially designated disaster area. You must apply to an FHA-approved lender within a year of the president's disaster declaration.

203(h) loans can be used only for single-family primary residences, but they do allow for 100% financing. If you're using the loan to buy a different home and not to rebuild your damaged home, you're allowed to receive up to 6% of the purchase price from the seller to put toward your closing costs and prepaid expenses (homeowners insurance and property taxes).
A drawback is that you'll pay both an up-front mortgage insurance premium and monthly mortgage insurance premiums. Only the up-front premium can be financed and the loan amount cannot exceed the FHA's limits for your area.

203(k) LoansThe FHA 203k loan was designed for individuals looking to rehabilitate or repair a damaged home intended to be the person's primary residence. These loans are often used to fix up damaged foreclosures and other run-down homes. They can also be used to repair homes damaged by severe weather events and other natural disasters. If you don't have enough money to repair your disaster-damaged home, you can get the money by refinancing with a 203k loan.

The loan will include enough money to pay off your existing mortgage and to pay for the materials and labor required to make repairs. The maximum loan amount cannot be more than what the property is expected to be worth after repairs, as determined by a professional appraiser. If the home is so damaged that it's uninhabitable until at least some repairs are completed, you'll be glad to know the 203(k) loan allows you to borrow up to six months' worth of mortgage payments. This provision makes it possible for you to live somewhere else during construction.

Single-family to four-family dwellings and FHA-approved condos are eligible as long as they were built at least a year ago and the original foundation will be used. The repairs must meet HUD's Minimum Property Standards (which include energy efficiency and safety standards) as well as your city's codes and ordinances.

203(k) loan funds cannot be used for swimming pools, barbecue pits and certain other items that the FHA considers luxuries. The money will get you a home you can live in again, however, and you are allowed to build an upgraded version of your former home. The 203(k) loan also is less restrictive than some of your other options. For example, the home does not have to be located in a presidentially declared disaster area to qualify for financing.
You must apply to an FHA-approved lender. It also helps to find a 203(k) loan specialist since these loans can be complex. Like the 203(h) loan, the 203(k) loan requires borrowers to pay both an up-front mortgage insurance premium and monthly mortgage insurance premiums. Only the up-front premium can be financed.

SBA LoansThe Small Business Administration provides "low-interest, long-term loans for losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries." Despite the agency's name, these loans can indeed be used for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged homes.

The SBA's disaster recovery loans are much more restrictive than 203(k) loans. Loans are limited to $200,000, and the damaged home must be located in a declared disaster county. Also, these loans cannot be used for upgrades, only repairs. The exception is upgrades to provide better protection against "possible future disasters of the same kind." The SBA also offers loans of up to $40,000 to replace destroyed personal propertysuch as furniture, clothing and cars. Apply online, or apply in person at an SBA office.

Individuals and Households ProgramIf insurance or other forms of disaster assistance aren't enough to help your situation, you can try the federal government's Individuals and Households Program. If the damaged home is your permanent residence and is located in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may receive funds. These can be used toward temporary housing, repair or replacement of damaged housing, replacement of personal property, moving expenses, medical expenses, and death expenses. This program, however, is not designed to provide 100% assistance with disaster-related expenses. Apply through FEMA online or by phone.

The Bottom LineIf your home was severely damaged by a natural disaster and you don't have the financial resources to repair it, a number of government assistance programs may provide you with the funds you need. You'll likely have to jump through numerous bureaucratic hoops to obtain these loans. You'll also pay interest on the money you borrow, but if your cash reserves or insurance settlement are insufficient to cover all the repairs, the trouble and expense may be worth it.


8 Qualities That Make A Good Insurance Agent


If you have ever contemplated becoming an insurance agent or wondered whether this career path could be right for you, then there are several qualities that you will need to possess, at least to some degree. All good insurance agents share some of the following core qualities in one way or another.

People Skills 1 . Puts the needs of the client first - An agent who is only out to earn a commission, regardless of the needs of the client, is not likely to last long in the business. Agents and brokers who listen carefully to what their clients and prospects say will be able to earn their trust, which is the hardest part of their job. Those who are willing to put their clients into a product that pays a lower commission because it better fits their needs are much more likely to be successful.

2 . Good customer service - Customers who are able to get a hold of their agents when they need them are much more likely to stay happy and reassured. A timely response to inquiries and phone calls is a must, and you must be able to do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it - or at least have a good reason as to why you can't. One of the major complaints of those who buy life insurance policies is that there is no one around to answer their questions after they have purchased the policy.

3. Emotional intelligence - This includes the ability to listen and empathize with clients on a deeper level in order to discern what they really want and need. A good agent is tactful and knows how to help a client see financial reality clearly, even when the client is dead set against it.

Strong Personality 1 . High energy level - One of the most important traits of a good insurance agent is that they appear to be excited and eager at all times. A worn-down or dreary disposition will immediately rub off on clients and discourage them from buying anything.

2 . Persistence - This is perhaps the most vital quality of any good insurance agent. Those who work in this field absolutely must be able to handle rejection on a daily basis over the course of their careers, and do it with a smile. Good insurance agents understand that each "no" only brings them closer to someone who will say "yes. "
3. Honesty - Insurance agents who use deception to close business seldom stay with the same company} for very long - and can end up behind bars in some cases. A good agent knows that telling the truth up front will win them clients' respect and trust and is likely to lead to repeat business over time.

General Knowledge 1 . Wide array of products - As the old saying goes, if all you have to work with is a hammer, then everything in the world looks like a nail. A good insurance agent will be able to offer a comprehensive selection of products and services that can meet any reasonable need a client might have.

2 . Technical knowledge - A good insurance agent knows much more than how to sell a policy. The agent must understand the tax and legal aspects of the products he or she sells and how they are designed to fit into a client's overall financial situation. Many agents earn financial planning designations such as the Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Financial Counselor or other credential. Some agents practice financial planning, income tax preparation or some other avenue of financial service as their primary profession and then write insurance business when it becomes necessary.

The Bottom Line These are just some of the qualities that life insurance agents must possess in order to be successful. The life insurance business can be very challenging and immensely rewarding for those who are willing to learn the necessary skills to build their business. For more information on how to become a successful insurance agent, contact the recruiting offices of a few different agencies or a headhunter who works with insurance agents.