Crump Insights

In this episode, we break down why fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) are gaining renewed attention in today’s volatile market. Alissa Hufford, Sales Director at the Crump Annuity Solution Center, joins the podcast to cover key selling points like principal protection amid market volatility, tax-deferred growth, and competitive income options — including lifetime income riders. With interest rates at multi-year highs and clients sitting on record levels of cash, FIAs offer a timely solution for those seeking downside protection and guaranteed income. This conversation gives financial professionals clear language, positioning tips, and insight into why FIAs can be a strong addition to the planning conversation right now.

If your client’s next paycheck was their last for the next four years — what would they do? In this episode, we dig into why Disability Insurance (DI) is a critical (yet often overlooked) part of a sound financial plan. Kenny Russell and Michael Prothe discuss how to position DI as income protection, break down common client misconceptions, and offer practical tips for starting the conversation. With over 90% of DI claims tied to illness, not accidents, this is a must-listen for financial professionals looking to close a major gap in financial planning.

Guests: 

Kenny Russell, Director of Disability Sales, Crump

Michael Prothe, Regional Director, IDI Sales, The Standard

In this episode, we explore the Survivorship Standby Trust (SST), an innovative estate planning strategy that balances tax savings and control. Tom McKay, Director, Advanced Sales at Crump, who has personally implemented this strategy, walks us through how it works, who it benefits, and why it's an essential consideration for flexible estate planning. Gain key insights into optimizing wealth transfer with built-in flexibility. 

Business owners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to succession planning — especially in a rapidly changing legal and economic environment. In this episode, Carma McCallie returns to discuss how tax law changes, recent Supreme Court rulings, and evolving trust strategies impact business succession planning. Discover key insights on grantor trusts, business entity conversions, and life insurance strategies to help secure the future of your business.

With a new administration, shifting policy changes, expiring tax laws, and economic uncertainty — estate and business planning is more complex than ever. In this episode, Carma McCallie, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Crump, breaks down the importance of building flexibility into estate plans using trusts. Learn how to navigate potential tax changes, avoid "analysis paralysis," and ensure your plan can adapt to whatever the future holds.

We conclude our four-part series with Crump President & CEO Mike Martini and Senior Vice President and Head of Underwriting Chris Cook discussing the art of field underwriting. No one knows your client like you do, and with the data sources available today, field underwriting is more important than ever. Gathering information and preparing clients for the process upfront can turn what used to be a months-long approval into days—or even minutes.

In part three, Mike Martini, President & CEO of Crump, and Chris Cook, SVP of Underwriting at Crump, delve into the timely topic of genetic testing and its impact on life insurance underwriting. They discuss the regulatory landscape across states and for insurance carriers, sharing how Crump is a trusted resource for professionals handling client cases involving medical histories with genetic testing.

In part two of our special series, we learn why it's more than just life insurance—it's living insurance. Mike Martini, President & CEO of Crump, and Chris Cook, SVP of Underwriting at Crump, discuss how preventive health screenings are transforming the life insurance industry. Learn about cutting-edge tests like the Galleri® cancer test and Prenuvo's full-body MRI, which help policyholders monitor their health post-issue and catch issues early. Hear personal experiences and how these innovations are reshaping both life insurance and longevity. 

We open our four-part series with Crump President & CEO Mike Martini and Senior VP of Underwriting Chris Cook discussing the evolution of life insurance, featuring historically low pricing and innovative products like VUL and IUL. They explore the shift from traditional death benefits to products centered on wealth accumulation and healthy living. Plus, learn about the rise of "living insurance," where post-issue wellness monitoring helps policyholders maintain better health. With innovative product designs and accelerated underwriting, life insurance is now more accessible, flexible, and aligned with today's financial needs.