Historically, wellness has been associated primarily with weight loss, and since many of us slip right into a food coma come Thanksgiving and don't emerge until multiple holiday parties have left us loosening a belt notch or two, it's no coincidence that EBA features our annual Wellness Challenge issue on the eve of resolution season

When Emily Wert decided to undertake EBA's 2011Wellness Challenge, a 12-week personal health coaching program, she didn't have the usual expectations about what she would learn or accomplish.

Following the Eastbridge Consulting Group report earlier this year that showed a decrease in voluntary benefits sales during 2010, it has been refreshing to see that, according to recent insurance carriers' annual surveys, employees' interest remains strong.

Nearly two-thirds, 63.8%, of plan sponsors have changed the investment lineup in their 401(k) plan in the past year, up markedly from a mere 20% in 2008, according to the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America.

Eighteen months after passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, group medical benefits costs are on the rise once again, according to The November Employee Benefits Market Survey conducted by The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers.

While 88% of small business owners do not think it is right for the government to force a state resident to buy health insurance, more than 90% of them do not intend on purchasing health coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

What if you could increase your relevancy and be one of the “top 5” advisers that clients call? Read in today’s BeAdvised how remaining relevant to your clients amidst an ever-changing benefits environment will help you get there.

With new cost-basis reporting requirements in effect for the 2011 tax year, Charles Schwab is warning investment advisers to brace for a hectic tax season and prepare for a flood of questions from clients who for the first time will receive a revised 1099-B form packed with new transaction information.

Consumers who receive a financial needs analysis are more likely to buy life insurance, and purchase larger face amounts, than those who don’t receive an analysis, according to LIMRA’s 2011 U.S. Buyer-Nonbuyer study.

I know of an employer — which shall remain nameless — that began communicating its benefits enrollment period the day enrollment began. No, I’m not kidding. Yes, it’s a real company.

The Department of Health and Human Services has rolled out an enhanced version of a public website, mandated under the Accountable Care Act, to aid small businesses and consumers in comparing and purchasing health care coverage.

I find Walmart to be a wholly disconcerting place. I just find it very strange that it sells tires, toothpaste, turkeys, tinsel and t-shirts all under the same gigantic roof — and markets this as a good thing. One-stop shopping is one thing, but sheesh. Anyway, Walmart has confused me once more, with two recent developments. Last month, the nation’s largest retailer and private employer announced it would stop providing health benefits to its part-time workforce.…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued its first rebuke to an insurer under the federal rate review provision of the Affordable Care Act.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Department of Health and Human Services to take action to preserve the role of professional health insurance agents and brokers as advisers and advocates. The National Association of Health Underwriters praises the NAIC for the move.

Consider the following statistics: Only 31% of financial advisers in the U.S. are women. Only 20% of women investors have a financial adviser, but 70% would like to work with a female planner. These numbers are even more impressive given that women possess at least half — if not more — of all private wealth in the country and control 80% of all household purchases.

In the current broker/client business model local relationships are clearly preferred. However, that does not take into account the new health care landscape. Consider the advent of insurance exchanges. If Massachusetts is an example, a state’s exchange could gain a 30% market share in 3-4 years. So the client may purchase a health plan online without a local broker; the broker won’t necessarily be the only access point for products. So the question becomes, what…

The report, “Prolonged Low Interest Rates Take Longer-Term Toll,” says depending on the amount of annuities and other interest-sensitive products in their product, U.S. life insurers may face a considerable amount of interest rate risk. “Despite a moderate uptick in rates through October 2011, the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented announcement of its intention to maintain record low rates through 2013 will further challenge insurers selling interest-sensitive life and annuity products,” the report states. “In addition, the latest Fed stimulus program (Operation Twist) has the potential to lower Treasury yields at the longer end of the yield curve.”

We are all in search of the next new client……that’s what hunters do! As we approach 2012, most of us are creating next year’s business plan. Typical items to be in included are: Gross Revenue Expenses Net Profit New Business Revenue And a host of other plans and objectives unique to your business. What is the one activity that will have the greatest impact on all of the above 4 items? …

Bereaved spouses who have a relationship with a financial adviser can find the support invaluable in recovering their family’s financial bearings, according to a new survey. The poll, conducted by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Grieving Children, surveyed 548 parents who lost a spouse or partner and who still had children under the age of 19 at home. …

As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to review President Obama's health care reform, more Americans want to it repealed than want to keep it, a poll released on Wednesday shows.