WEST DES MOINES, IA – August 23, 2012 - Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.SM, which develops and distributes products focused on IRA rollovers and other retirement assets,today announced the launch of LiveWell ModelsSM, a series of risk-based asset class model portfolios created exclusively for the LiveWell Retirement Series. Developed by Morningstar Associates, LLC, a registered investment advisor and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc., LiveWell Models are designed to help financial professionals make informed asset allocation[1] recommendations to clients to help them meet their investment goals.
The models provide financial professionals with a quick and easy way to create portfolios for clients based on the client’s target asset allocations and according to their answers to an optional Morningstar Risk Tolerance Questionnaire. When creating a portfolio, an online Morningstar proposal-builder tool gives financial professionals the flexibility to use a LiveWell Model or to select a LiveWell Asset Class Model as a framework to choose the funds themselves. The tool allows financial professionals to add a hypothetical comparison portfolio to help evaluate the asset allocation, investment style, top holdings, and historical performance. The end result is a set of illustrations at the asset-class or investment option level that financial professionals can present to clients or prospects.
“It is becoming increasingly important for financial professionals to give their clients a range of options for investing rollover money from 401(k) and other investment vehicles. The challenge with too many options may be the difficulty in allocating the investment dollars.” said William Lowe, President of Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc. “To address the growing demand for allocation assistance, we have responded to financial professionals’ requests for something beyond traditional asset class allocation strategies. The LiveWell Mutual Fund IRA offers fund-specific models and the LiveWell Variable Annuity provides a similar model at the investment option level.”
The models are comprised of portfolios that provide exposure to a broad spectrum of asset classes. Each model suggests the mix of investment options based on a client’s time horizon, investment goals, and risk tolerance across different investment categories such as Conservative, Moderate, Moderate Growth, Growth, and Aggressive Growth. The models include investment options from brand name money managers as well as boutique managers.
About Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.SM (SRSISM)
A member of Sammons Financial Group, Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.SM specializes in designing straightforward retirement solutions that address the increasingly complex needs of today’s investors. The company complements Sammons Financial Group’s existing business by expanding the product line with a Mutual Fund IRA platform and a variable annuity available for sale through independent broker-dealers and financial professionals.
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Variable annuities are designed for long-term investing such as retirement investing and are subject to market risk including loss of principal.
Investing in mutual funds and variable annuities involves risk, including potential loss of investment. You and your client should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the mutual fund or variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The prospectus and/or summary prospectus contain this and other information. You or your client can call 866.747.3421 to obtain a current prospectus for the mutual fund or the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. Please read it carefully.
You and your client should consider the expenses of the IRA program before investing. You and your client must receive a fund prospectus and the LiveWell Mutual Fund IRA℠ disclosure form before investing.
UMB Bank n.a. is the custodian for the LiveWell Mutual Fund IRA℠. The LiveWell Mutual Fund IRASM is distributed by Sammons Financial Network, LLCSM, 4546 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Information about the LiveWell Mutual Fund IRASM and the funds can be obtained by calling 866.747.3421. UMB Bank n.a. is not an affiliate of Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.℠.
The distributor for Midland National’s LiveWell Variable Annuity℠ is Sammons Financial Network, LLC℠, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network, LLCSM is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sammons Financial Network, LLCSM is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, the ultimate parent company of Midland National and Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.℠.
LiveWell Variable Annuity℠ is issued on form AS135A and ICC11-AS135A or appropriate state variations by Midland National Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
Under current law, annuities grow tax-deferred. Annuities may be subject to taxation during the income or withdrawal phase. The tax-deferred feature is not necessary for a tax-qualified plan. Neither Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.SM, Midland National, nor any agents acting on its behalf, should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice.
Morningstar Associates, LLC. (“Morningstar”) is a registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar Associates provides nondiscretionary consulting services to Sammons Retirement Solutions, Inc.SM (SRSISM) but is not acting in the capacity of advisor to individual investors. Morningstar Associates provides recommendations to SRSISM regarding asset allocation targets for the LiveWell Asset Class Models and Investment Option Specific Models for the LiveWell Variable and LiveWell Fund-Specific Modelsfor the LiveWell Mutual Fund IRASM. Asset allocation targets and model portfolio allocations are subject to change without notice. Morningstar Associates establishes the allocations using its proprietary asset classifications. If alternative classification methods are used, the allocations may not meet the asset allocation targets. The Morningstar name and logo are registered marks of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar Associates is not affiliated with SRSISM.
NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, NO BANK GUARANTEE, NOT A DEPOSIT, NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
FOR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE USE ONLY. NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMER SOLICITATION PURPOSES.
[1] Asset allocation (and/or diversification) does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss; it is a method used to help manage risk.