The October 2026 edition of The TWH Update from TWH Financial and Insurance Solutions, Inc. highlights favorable market conditions for fixed index annuities (FIAs) alongside product data, tools, and marketing bonuses for independent producers. Here are the major takeaways from this month’s issue:
1. Why 2027 Will Be Great for Index Annuities
President & Owner Greg Skogsberg notes that the next 15 months present a uniquely positive sales environment for FIAs driven by several converging economic and political factors:
- Interest Rates: Following a 0.25% increase by the Federal Open Market Committee in September 2026, the federal funds rate target range rose to 3.75%–4.00%, bolstering insurer yields and supporting stronger caps, participation rates, and fixed-account crediting.
- Market Volatility & AI Disruption: Ongoing inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the economic transitions driven by artificial intelligence are heightening investor demand for principal protection combined with growth potential.
- Political & Demographic Trends: 2026 midterm election debates and an aging demographic shift are increasing pre-retiree focus on asset safety, risk reduction, and reliable lifetime income.
2. Perfectly Balanced Retirement (PBR) Tool
TWH spotlights the PBR Tool, demonstrating how to balance asset ratios (such as 60% in Safety Growth index annuities and 40% in Risky Growth index ETFs) using actual historical economic performance:
- Smart Withdrawal Strategy: Strategic annual income withdrawals (adjusted for a 3% annual inflation rate) are pulled from either side depending on how the market performs each year.
- The Result: This method avoids large market drops, prevents depleting risky assets during downturns, and can generate roughly $300,000 more in remaining assets compared to a non-balanced plan relying only on a risky account.
3. The TWH 2026 Elite Producers Club (Marketing Allowance Plan)
Independent producers can earn up to $6,250 in extra cash bonuses paid monthly through the 2026 Marketing Allowance Plan to help fund lead programs or upgrade technology:
- Level I ($250,000 premium): $250 bonus ($250 cumulative)
- Level II ($500,000 premium): $500 bonus ($750 cumulative)
- Level III ($1,000,000 premium): $1,000 bonus ($1,750 cumulative)
- Level IV ($2,000,000 premium): $1,500 bonus ($3,250 cumulative)
- Level V ($3,000,000 premium): $3,000 bonus ($6,250 cumulative) (Applies to paid business from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.)
4. Top Crediting Methods & Product Spotlight
The October issue lists top-performing crediting strategies, featuring options like American Equity’s AssetShield Bonus 5 (Option 1) reaching up to a 19.88% return based on historical performance metrics. Additionally, TWH’s analysis indicates that 99% of contract renewals in the Power Series of Index Annuities have remained equal to, better than, or no more than 0.50% worse than their initial rates.
5. Application Processing & Contracting Reminders
Ami Skogsberg, VP of Agency Services, emphasizes that pre-reviewing application forms helps catch potential improvements on 85% of submissions, accelerating policy issuance and commission payouts.
Key Pre-Solicitation Checklists:
- Submit contracting before taking client applications.
- Complete carrier-specific product/suitability training and annual Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training beforehand.
- Keep Errors & Omissions (E&O) certificates up to date.
Need Assistance?
For custom reports, illustrations, or contracting questions, contact the TWH team at 1-800-200-9194 or via email at info@twhagency.com.