Brenda Said:

Advice on Insurance and Financial Services Career(s)?

We Answered:

I am currently a financial advisor for a financial planning and mutual fund company so I hope I can help out some. Lets look at your questions.

1. Life and health are they as difficult?
When I took the health and life insurance test for KS it was fairly simple. I haven't taken P&C but everyone I knew that tooke Life & Health didn't have too much of a problem with it.

2. Work from library and internet?
Possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I would suggest to find a good study that is specific to your state. I used a company called AD Banker for my health and life. Went to a class for life and study their book for health. Fairly easy. They taught everything you need to know. Especially the state specific law questions.

3.Annuity what are they?
Easiest way to explain an annuity is...You know what a CD is at a bank. It's basically an account where you put a lump-sum amount of money in and let it earn interest and the interest compounds. Well and annuity is similar to that. There are some differences. First, it's only sold through Insurance companies. Which is why you are required to have a life insurance license. Second, when your interest compounds in an annuity you don't have to pay taxes on the earnings until the money is withdrawn. A cd you pay taxes on interest earned in the year it's earned. Third, annuities are the only investment vehicle that can guarantee a monthly payment for your whole life. What happens is you put money in it earns interest and then eventually you annuitize it. The insurance company then sends you a check each month until you die. Thats the basics of it. You'll learn more in depth about them when you study for your exam.
4.Advice...
It's not easy. Take into consideration that while working in an insurance/financial services job you usually are self-employed and you just represent a company. Therefore you are really responsible for making your own paycheck. Most places put you on strictly commission. So if you don't sell anything this month you could go hungry. Make sure that you talk to all of your friends and family members. They will be the starting point of your business. Always, Always, Always, I cannot stress this enough, ask for referrals from people. It will make your business along with your paycheck grow. Don't stress out if you want to go into mutual funds or financial planning or anything. Such as getting your NASD series 6,7,63,65. They are somewhat difficult, but if you study and prepare they are actually really easy. Now, when you take these tests remember they are designed to trick you. Most of the time they are testing you on whether or not you know how to take tests. Read each question over twice make sure you know what it's asking. Watch out for questions that contain double negatives in them. And usually go with your first instinct. It's generally correct. Don't worry about any of the tests or understanding stuff greatly. You'll learn a lot about stuff as you go along. Good luck

Richard Said:

College help? possible colleges?

We Answered:

First apply for early decision in Oct., that greatly increases your chavces. If you don't have a 2400 on your SAT don't even bother with Duke or Virginia Tech. All you need to do to is get some extra circulars under your belt, med schools and such love to see that you like other things like sports or foreign language. I'd say, if you got mabee a 1800 on you SAT you got a 65% chance at Boise, and a 25% chance at UF. Thats with one or two extra circulars.

Curtis Said:

Do you think Obama would get his socialized health care now, even with arbitration?

We Answered:

I think they can get the 51 if they go with reconciliation in the senate if they go with something similar to original senate bill

Probably 43 to 57

I think that they are working hard twisting arms and busting kneecaps chicago style to force the house to vote for the new bill even if its not what they want

The only way its not passed is if Stupak and abortion kills it

Anne Said:

Career and college choice help?

We Answered:

A vocational interest test should steer you to the right direction./

Kay Said:

Job outlook for Air Traffic Controllers?

We Answered:

The outlook is great. I think the Bureau of Labor Statistics has the FAA hiring roughly 15,000 controllers over the next 10 years since many are reaching retirement age. I am about to go back to school for my ATC certification. Just make sure you stay under 30, as the FAA will not hire you any later than that. No Exceptions.

Kristina Said:

Are members of congress casting potentially career-ending votes for health-care changes, Medicare cuts, taxes?

We Answered:

You really have to laugh at the spin Liberals and Dems have put on those losses.......
It "might" clear the Reps where concerns are less for some reason.
But when it hits the Senate that's when the intriguing "fight" starts.
I think those in Congress who believe if they can get it passed, they will become hero's...............if not, then their dead meat in the water. Hence, part of the great "jam it through now" attitude.