Products August 11, 2009

McGraw-Hill Unveils Marketing Program for Advisers

McGraw-Hill's Financial Communications announced the release of Advisor Marketing Solutions, an online program designed to help financial advisers attract prospects and build client relationships.

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McGraw-Hill said the new tool offers a targeted approach so advisers can build a specific segment of their business. “This approach is especially important in today’s increasingly competitive environment where focused expertise and targeted communications are keys to success,” the company said.

Advisor Marketing Solutions starts with an interactive profiling tool, permitting users to target specific client needs and interests, such as retirement income planning or saving for college, McGraw-Hill explained. Advisers are then presented with two solutions that match their marketing needs.

Each solution features a seminar, a related worksheet, and an invitation template. Additional content includes charts, prospecting letters, monthly Market Alerts, and sales aids. Another feature is a marketing activity calendar to help coordinate marketing communications throughout the year.

The marketing solution also offers disclaimers and compliance requirements for all content, according to McGraw-Hill. Additionally, brokerage companies and adviser networks have the option to select purchase options for their advisers, such as a full credit card-processing option.

To learn more or request a product demonstration, visit http://fc.standardandpoors.com or call 800.326.7697.

The Markets August 11, 2009

Adviser Explains Reason for Rejecting 403(b)

An investment adviser for a public access television station in Enid, Oklahoma, explained that costs were behind the decision to ditch a 403(b) plan for employees in favor of a SIMPLE IRA.

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“Our local providers … were far too costly for PEGASYS’ retirement plan budget,” Robbie Bullis with Edward Jones told PLANSPONSOR. A local newspaper had reported that the change was recommended by an accountant, who told the station’s board that the 403(b) plan was no longer suitable for nonprofits (see “Public Access TV Station Rejects 403(b) in Favor of SIMPLE IRA”).

Bullis cleared up that the decision was not based on the suitability for all nonprofits, but only for this particular situation.

Bullis explained that PEGASYS felt it needed to turn to a third-party administrator to comply with new 403(b) regulations, such as the new plan document requirement and additional recordkeeping rules, and the services could be costly. In addition, the plan provider offered through Edward Jones, 403b ASP, also charges participants an annual fee of $40 plus 10 basis points to maintain the account, he said.

“This was the deciding factor when we turned to the SIMPLE plan through the same mutual fund provider that we had been using for years,” Bullis said, explaining that the recommendation was jointly made by himself and the accounting firm hired by PEGASYS. The provider of the SIMPLE IRA plan charges an annual fee of $10 per participant and no recordkeeping/TPA fees.

The station has five full-time and three part-time employees, according to the PEGASYS Web site.

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