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.

The market for top talent remains tight, particularly for small business owners. With year-end planning and benefits season underway, now is an ideal time for business owners to consider or review executive compensation plans. In this timely episode, Tom McKay, Director, Crump Advanced Sales joins us to share how these conversations can lead to cost-effective and tax advantaged opportunities for business owners to enhance compensation for key employees.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will sunset at the end of 2025. According to the Tax Foundation, more than 60% of tax filers could face increased taxes—particularly high-net-worth clients. In the estate planning world, that means the current $13.61 million exclusion for individuals (or $27.22 million for couples) will expire and revert to almost half that amount. In this episode, our guests explore the implications and offer solutions and planning strategies.

Joining us:
Carma McCallie, J.D., Vice President, Advanced Sales, Crump
Clark Smith, Vice President of Sales, Truist Life Insurance Services

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Don't Let the Sun Set on Today's Planning Opportunities: Shifting Estate and Gift Tax Obligations

Implementation of the Department of Labor's Retirement Security Rule is on hold after a successful challenge by Finseca, the American Council of Life Insurers and several other insurance trade organizations. Texas Federal Court Judge Reed O'Connor said the industry is "virtually certain" to succeed in claims against the DOL.

So what does this mean for financial professionals, the insurance industry, and recommendations related to transfers from qualified plans? Download this episode to hear Joy Dawe, Crump's Senior Vice President of Market Conduct, and Armstrong Robinson, Finseca's Chief Advocacy Officer, discuss the latest news and share their insights on the rule and its impact on the industry.

Learn more:
https://www.finseca.org/dol-update/

According to US Census data, 14% of the US population, or 46 million, are foreign-born and/or non-citizens. This represents a significant life insurance sales opportunity, as foreign nationals seek safety and security from US life insurance carriers. In this episode, our Crump experienced professionals explore the opportunity.

Joining us:
Jess Metz, Regional Director, Crump
Karl Heideman, CLU, FLMI, AIRC, ARA, ACS, ALU, Director, Crump Advanced Sales
Carma McCallie, JD, Vice President, Crump Advanced Sales

With roughly 40 percent of Americans in the overweight or obese category and as little as 12 percent of U.S. adults considered metabolically healthy, obesity plays a major role in life insurance underwriting. In this episode, Emily Bancroft, MS, ALMI, AIRC, ACS, ALU Certified Underwriter and Senior Underwriter at Crump Life Insurance Services, joins us to share advances in obesity management which aid in underwriting.