November 17, 2008
SEC Commissioners,
I am a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and I write to support the proposed rule which will provide SEC oversight over indexed annuity sales.
I have run into several situations wherein customers were sold on the concept of safety but the expenses, the "return clipping" features, the surrender charges, etc. were not explained. I understand that this is the "product de jour" in Florida where elderly citizens can't possibly comprehend the complexities of the product, and are often SOLD a product they should not purchase. I personally had to explain the product to a mid 60's teacher/basketball coach and make financial comparisons for him to make an intelligent decision.
Beyond that, retirement planning is a process, considering many alternative sources of income and asset yields, not a single one product fits all solution.
PLEASE CONTINUE IN YOUR EFFORTS TO OVERSEE THE SALES OF INDEXED ANNUITIES.
Thank you,
Arthur F. von der Linden, CFP, MBA, MST