- 10,340
Guardian allows the sale of IUL through one of their subsidiaries. They have several index annuities that are "approved" but its not that great of a list.
Mass has some fantastic products and their "illusions" are putting guardian to shame right now. Its funny how they are changing their tune about index annuities now. They have the best long term care product on the market.
I think they are both the same as far as benefits go. Health, pension, 401k match etc are offered by both.
Underwriting is much more lenient on the life side at Guardian which depending on your target market can be huge.
All of that is spot on when it comes to the products. These days I use MM if I want to maximize CV. I use Guardian if I need to maximize the DB.
Guardian is definitely more lenient on the UW. They also are good for non-cigarette tobacco users.
The IMO that Guardian operates for their captive agents is fairly decent, they pay street comp. Your right that they are light on IAs, but they have multiple IULs that are good like NA and LFG.
You cant beat MM LTCI. They also have a very strong DI product, but not as strong as Guardian's DI. Both MM and Guardian work the 401k & employee benefits markets; Guardian is a bit more competitive on that side.
I dont think that any of the big mutuals offer a match on the 401k. I could be wrong. But if I remember correctly they dont match the 401k because they are paying for your Pension benefits.
Guardian and Mass also will have more flexibility when it comes to negotiating comp vs. NYL. (assuming an experienced agent who has strong production history to show)