When traveling with kids, a little planning can go a long way

Summer is here and families across the country are preparing for family vacations. My family is no exception as we are  quickly approaching our second road trip ever with my 7-month old son. And if there’s anything we learned from Road Trip #1, it’s that just a little planning can go quite a long way. I’ve scoured the Internet and questioned my friends for tips on the most important planning tips for traveling with kids. If you’re a well seasoned parent, this may just be a refresher course. For new moms and dads, this is probably new material. So before you turn your car on to the interstate or head off to the airport, consider the following…

1. Don’t skimp on toys a.k.a “distractions”: In  an effort to pack light, you may be inclined to forego your child’s favorite stuffed animal, coloring book or video game. Think again on this one as that additional baggage may just provide that additional amount of “quiet time” that you need on the plane or in the car.

2. Have a back-up plan: Flight delays and flat tires are aggravating enough as is but add a few kids into the mix and your trip just went from tolerable to torture. Plan ahead for these types of hang ups by simply having a few “car games” in the back of your mind to help keep everyone entertained.

3. Leave yourself additional time: A road trip that may normally take 3 hours could very well take you 4 or 5 hours after (multiple) bathroom and food stops. Don’t try to beat any records when it comes to timing or you may just be setting yourself up for disappointment and added stress.  Take your time, try to stay relaxed and start your trip off right!

4. Don’t overstay, know your limits: While a two week trip to Bali may sound like the vacation of a lifetime, keep in mind that kids often get antsy and unsettled when out of their normal routine for too long. Likewise, make sure you work enough “kid focused” activities into your itinerary so they don’t get completely bored.

Now have fun and make some memories!

Road Trip Side Note: Don’t forget to double check your car’s fluids and that all of your documentation (drivers licenses, car insurance policy info, etc.) are in the glove box.

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Phoenix Launches Single Premium Immediate Annuity Designed to Assist with Medicaid Planning

{"s" : "pnx","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: The Phoenix Companies, Inc. On Monday December 13, 2010, 10:08 am EST

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX - News) is introducing Phoenix FamilyShield AnnuitySM, a single premium immediate annuity designed to meet regulatory provisions that allow individuals to provide an income stream for their spouses in the event that they are in need of Medicaid or other government assistance programs.

“At some point in their lives, many people face the challenge of how to pay for nursing home care. For those who do not have long-term care insurance, Medicaid or other government programs may cover some of the cost of this care. As part of the specific asset and income guidelines, these programs permit an individual to use marital funds to purchase a certain type of annuity so as to provide an income stream for a loved one,” said Philip K. Polkinghorn, senior executive vice president, business development. “In short, this product may help protect and maintain a dignified standard of living for the healthy spouse.”

Phoenix FamilyShield Annuity contract features are designed to make the product satisfy specified Medicaid regulations.

The product can be customized with a choice of premium amounts and payment periods:

It must be funded with a minimum single premium payment of $10,000. Acceptable sources include non-qualified and qualified/IRA funds. It will immediately begin a monthly stream of income payments for a specified period of time, between two and 30 years. If the owner/annuitant dies before the payment duration is complete, the remaining monthly payments will continue to be paid to a designated beneficiary. As required by Medicaid regulations, there is no cash value that can be withdrawn from this annuity. Once issued, the annuity is irrevocable, non-transferable and non-assignable. Due to these restrictions, the Phoenix FamilyShield Annuity is generally only appropriate for individuals and spouses who are applying for Medicaid or other government benefits.

Phoenix FamilyShield Annuity was developed in conjunction with The Ohlson Group, Inc., which will be one of the select distributors for the product working with Saybrus Partners, Phoenix’s distribution company.

Since Medicaid regulations vary by state and are subject to change, Phoenix makes no guarantees that purchase of the Phoenix FamilyShield Annuity will result in eligibility for assistance. Consumers are required to work with knowledgeable professionals, including attorneys and financial advisors to determine whether the product is right for them.

Annuity payments are fixed and guaranteed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company, Phoenix Life Insurance Company or PHL Variable Insurance Company, depending on the state of issue.

To learn more about Phoenix FamilyShield Annuity and other annuity products available from Phoenix, agents and financial advisors can contact their Phoenix wholesaler or the Life and Annuity Sales Desk at Saybrus Partners at 888-794-4447, or visit www.phoenixwm.com.

ABOUT PHOENIX

Dating to 1851, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX - News) provides financial solutions using life insurance and annuities. Phoenix offers a complete suite of annuity products with a full spectrum of optional guarantees. Phoenix annuity products are designed with maximum flexibility to help customers meet a range of retirement income needs. The Phoenix Companies is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. Phoenix Life Insurance Company and PHL Variable Life Insurance Company (PHLVIC) are wholly owned subsidiaries. PHLVIC is not authorized to conduct business in New York or Maine. . The Phoenix Companies, Inc. is not affiliated with The Ohlson Group, Inc. For more information, visit www.phoenixwm.com

ABOUT SAYBRUS PARTNERS

Saybrus Partners, Inc. is an organization of experienced insurance professionals that provides distribution consultation services to partner companies as well as support Phoenix’s product line. It is a subsidiary of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., with corporate headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut and consulting representatives located across the United States. For more information, visit www.saybruspartners.com.

BPD37621 12/10

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Sun Life Financial Introduces Two Innovative Living Benefits for Masters® Variable Annuities to Address Key Retirement Income Planning Needs

{"s" : "slf,slf.to","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: Sun Life Financial Inc. On Monday December 13, 2010, 11:07 am EST

WELLESLEY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX/NYSE:SLF) announced today two solutions designed to address key risks Americans face when planning for withdrawing income from their retirement savings. The new Sun Income MaximizerSM and Sun Income MaximizerSM Plus living benefits are designed to help investors protect and maximize their retirement income in any financial market environment. Sun Income Maximizer Plus offers many of the same features as Sun Income Maximizer, plus the benefit of protecting the purchasing power of retirement income from rising costs.1 Both living benefits are available with the Masters variable annuities for an additional cost.

“The phase-out of guaranteed pensions demands a new approach to retirement income planning,” said Steve Deschenes, Senior Vice President and General Manager for annuities at Sun Life Financial (U.S.). “Today’s retiring Baby Boomer generation have few options to guarantee they don’t outlive their money, to protect against adverse market events and to ensure their ‘retirement paycheck’ increases steadily to help meet rising costs over time. We believe these riders directly address those needs.”

Sun Income Maximizer protects retirement income in the event of down markets, and provides lifetime income growth through one of the following two guarantees:

an 8% simple interest bonus, available during the first 10 contract years for each year prior to taking withdrawals, is added to the benefit base (the amount used to calculate lifetime income); or an increase of the benefit base equal to at least 200% of the first year’s purchase payments if the client waits until age 70 (or 10 years from issue, if this date is later) to take lifetime income payments.

The guarantee that results in a higher benefit base is used to determine the yearly amount of lifetime income.

Using these guarantees allows investors to maximize the growth of their income later on when they reach their retirement date.

In addition to providing many of these same benefits, Sun Income Maximizer Plus helps investors to keep pace with rising costs. When the withdrawal of retirement income begins, both the investor’s benefit base and lifetime income automatically increase each year at a compounded rate of 2.50%. This provides the client with a dependable, increasing cash flow every year for life—even if markets decline.

Terry Mullen, President, Sun Life Financial Distributors, added: “These benefits will allow the financial advisors to provide powerful retirement income solutions to a wider group of clients—those that are more risk averse and are focused on preserving their wealth. We think this is a win-win for both advisors and their clients.”

Sun Life’s popular optional living benefit Sun Income Riser® has been renamed Sun Income Riser III and is still available for sale along with the two new living benefits. Clients now have three choices with the Masters variable annuities to personalize a retirement income plan that is guaranteed for life.

To learn more, go to https://www.sunlifedistributors.com/prodline/public/annuity/va/masters/living-benefits/en/living-benefits_home.cfm

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. In the United States and elsewhere, insurance products are offered by members of the Sun Life Financial group that are insurance companies. Sun Life Financial Inc., the holding company for the Sun Life Financial group of companies, is a public company. It is not an insurance company and does not offer insurance products for sale in the United States or elsewhere, and does not guarantee the obligations of its insurance company subsidiaries. Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. As of September 30, 2010, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of US$442 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com/us.

1. Both benefits are available with Masters variable annuities for an additional cost, and only one may be selected when the client purchases the variable annuity. Sun Income Maximizer costs 1.10% annually of the benefit base (1.30% for joint life coverage), and Sun Income Maximizer Plus costs 1.25% annually of the benefit base (1.45% for joint life coverage). The cost can decrease or increase at any time, but will never exceed 1.75% annually of the benefit base (1.95% for joint life coverage). Costs are assessed quarterly and deducted from the contract value of the annuity.

Please note that the benefit base used to calculate withdrawals under all of these living benefits is not a cash value, a surrender value, or a death benefit. It is not available for withdrawal, it is not a minimum return for any investment option, and it is not a guarantee of contract value.

Sun Income Maximizer, Sun Income Maximizer Plus, and Sun Income Riser III are not available in New York. These optional living benefits have conditions, limitations, and investment restrictions. Please note that the timing and amount of withdrawals from these living benefits may significantly affect rider guarantees, and in some instances could severely reduce benefits.

Annuities are long-term financial vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuities provide tax deferral, a lifetime income stream, and a death benefit. All withdrawals of taxable amounts, including earnings, are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals may also be subject to possible withdrawal charges.

All product guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. Products and features may not be available in all states.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses of an investment in a variable annuity. The prospectus contains this and other important information. Prospectuses for both the variable annuity product and the underlying investment options may be obtained from your financial professional or by visiting www.sunlife.com/us. Please read all prospectuses carefully before investing or sending money.

Sun Life Financial annuities are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) (Wellesley Hills, MA) in all states except New York. In New York, the annuities are issued by Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York (New York, NY). Variable annuities are distributed through Sun Life Financial Distributors, Inc. All three companies are members of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

SLPC 22693 (11/10)
(Exp. 11/15)

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Sun Life Financial's Stephen Deschenes Pens New Paper on Retirement Income Planning

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WELLESLEY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stephen L. Deschenes, Senior Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Annuities, Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX/NYSE:SLF), has written a new article in which he discusses the significant challenges that would-be retirees need to be aware of as they begin to plan for a financially secure retirement. In the paper, Deschenes demonstrates that in order to overcome the risks and obstacles to funding a successful retirement, it is crucial investors and their advisors must first understand what they face.

According to “What is Retirement Income Success,” a strong retirement income plan must adapt to changing lifestyle needs, withstand up and down markets and last for more than 30 years or more now that people are living longer lives. Deschenes spells out the risks as well as the components that investors should understand and the solutions advisors should be discussing with their clients.

For a copy of the article or to schedule an interview with Steve Deschenes, please contact Alexi Maravel at (781) 446-1624.

SLPC 22387 (12/10) (Exp. 12/15)

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