MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Sept. 14, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- AnnuityScout.com (www.AnnuityScout.com), the leading independent marketplace for no-load variable and fixed annuities, announced today that it has reached an agreement to become the featured annuity provider for EquityAlert.com. EquityAlert.com, a wholly owned online asset of EquityAlert.com, Inc., was developed exclusively for sophisticated, pro-active online investors, offering real-time investment information as well as live chat sessions, e-mail mutual fund alerts and insurance information.
As the featured annuity provider, AnnuityScout.com will maintain a presence in the EquityAlert Personal Finance Section, including a description of the company services and a link to the AnnuityScout.com Web site.
"Both EquityAlert.com and AnnuityScout.com appeal to online investors who place a premium on timely information and are self-reliant when it comes to investing. It's a great fit," said AnnuityScout.com chairman and CEO Gregory G. Yost. "One of the great advantages of the Internet (and e-mail) is the ability to get important news out and in the hands of clients in a timely manner. At AnnuityScout.com we are dedicated to keeping our users informed and up-to-date on everything from a rate change in a fixed annuity to a new money manager in a no-load variable product." Yost also believes that the specific benefits of AnnuityScout.com's product offerings are right for many of EquityAlert.com's users. "EquityAlert's users are knowledgeable and looking for quality in the choices they make. Our products are a good compliment to their other investments. We believe that annuities are essential to a well-balanced portfolio."
"In addition," Yost added, "No-load variable annuities offer top asset managers, low fees, flexibility and choice - with the added benefit of compounded tax deferral. Our independent and objective marketplace offers the EquityAlert community everything they've come to expect, from both a product and a content standpoint."
"We're very excited to partner with AnnuityScout.com and offer outstanding annuity products and content," commented Mr. Bill Mann, president and CEO of EquityAlert.com. "Saving for retirement is of paramount importance for many of our members and tax-deferred annuities are of immense interest to them. Our members have come to expect quality information delivered in a timely manner and the AnnuityScout.com online marketplace fits that model quite well."
AnnuityScout.com Is An Annuity Marketplace Designed For All Levels of Users
AnnuityScout.com is the Web's leading annuity marketplace representing more than 50 highly rated insurance companies. Unlike single-carrier, single-product sites, AnnuityScout maintains its independence from any one company, placing its priorities on the needs of clients. Offline, the company has a state-of-the-art call center fully staffed with nationally licensed Annuity Specialists. AnnuityScout encourages customers who prefer to speak with a live representative to call in with any questions.
The AnnuityScout.com Web site is specifically designed to meet the needs of all levels of annuity shoppers. The home page offers visitors four distinct paths from which to choose. Those new to tax-deferred annuities are offered a series of easy-to-use tools to help them decide if an annuity is right for them. Those familiar with annuities may choose to view a side-by-side selection of current fixed and variable annuities, then begin the purchase process by filling out a custom "pre-application." Current annuity owners can compare their investments with current offerings to assess whether or not it is time for a Tax-Free Annuity Exchange. The final path detours "offline" as the "Call Me" button enables Web visitors to schedule their own phone appointment with an Annuity Specialist at the date and time requested by the customer.
About AnnuityScout.com: "Annuities Done Right"
AnnuityScout.com is an independent annuity service for both consumers and the company's business-to-business alliances. Located at www.AnnuityScout.com, AnnuityScout is the leading online marketplace for no-load annuities. Representing more than 50 insurance companies, the comprehensive AnnuityScout "supermarket" is designed to offer products direct to those consumers who want more value from their annuities. AnnuityScout's proprietary technological platform enables the company to efficiently service the needs of its business-to-consumer clients and its business-to business alliances both on and offline. The state-of-the-art AnnuityScout call center is staffed with nationally licensed Annuity Specialists. AnnuityScout.com is a free service of Independent Advantage Financial and Insurance Services, Inc. (IAF). Founded in 1987, IAF has facilitated the purchase of more than $1 billion in annuities and high-end life insurance direct to the consumer through marketing alliances and other endorsements. AnnuityScout.com is headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California and can be reached at 1 (800) TAX-CUTS (829-2887).
About the Annuities Industry
LIMRA International (an independent service that monitors the insurance industry) reports overall annuity sales (combined variable and fixed annuities) grew from $98.5 billion in 1995 to (an estimated) $155 billion in 1999. This represents an average annual growth rate of 12%. Variable annuity sales have shown even greater growth. According to The VARDS Report (an independent service that monitors the variable annuity sales), the variable annuity market has grown from $51 billion in 1995 to $121 billion in 1999, a compound annual growth rate of 19%. First quarter 2000 sales for variable annuities reached $35 billion (The VARDS Report), a trend that could make 2000 a record year for variable annuity sales and could push the overall market past $200 billion. The independent Gallup Report estimates there are 11.6 million current annuity owners "online" (defined as annuity owners who regularly use the Internet and e-mail).
About EquityAlert.com
EquityAlert.com, a wholly owned online asset of EquityAlert.com, Inc. (OTCBB:EINC), is a community of online investors who enjoy a broad suite of free financial news and information, including "live chat," message boards, insider trading, insurance, mortgage and loan information, online banking, consumer credit and charge card products, mutual fund news alerts via email, conference calls, and much more, including EquityAlert's most popular feature - free real time public company news alerts via email.
EquityAlert.com's real time public company news alerts are a free service that allows pro-active investors to receive email news alerts on the stocks they own or plan to own, thus allowing them to take advantage of potentially significant price moves that often follow time-sensitive news announcements.
Licensed employees of Independent Advantage Financial and Insurance Services, Inc. dba AnnuityScout.com, are registered representatives of, and securities are sold through, Sentra Securities Corporation, a registered broker-dealer, member NASD/SIPC.
Variable annuities are sold only by prospectus, which contains complete information on charges, expenses and risk factors. Prospective investors may obtain a free prospectus by contacting AnnuityScout.com at 1 (800) TAX CUTS (829-2887). The prospectus should be read carefully before investing or sending money.
Variable annuities involve investment risks including the possible loss of principal. An investor's contract, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original investment amount.
Annuities are designed as long-term retirement savings vehicles. Earnings withdrawn prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding their particular situation.