November 14, 2008

Subject: File No. S7-14-08

To Whom it May Concern:

As a practicing financial planner, member of the FPA (state of MD), and faculty member of a major secondary education institution, this is to weigh in with my support of the Equity-Indexed Annuity Rule.

I have personally witnessed significant abuses (i.e. misrepresentation, unsuitable sales) in the placement of equity indexed annuities, particularly among elderly widows. Most often, the agents who place these products have very limited understanding of investments and even more limited access to a broad range of financial instruments. Even fewer of these agents have advanced credentials from accredited institutions and misrepresent their qualifications.

The public deserves better.

Thank you,

Mary Quist-Newins, CFP, CLU, ChFC