Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get cases moving. Here’s what’s happening across the life insurance and annuity space this month. 

The annuity market continues to show strong momentum. 

U.S. annuity sales reached a record $123.9 billion in Q2 2026, up 4% from the same quarter last year. First-half sales reached $231.3 billion, also a new record. It marks the 11th consecutive quarter with more than $100 billion in annuity sales.  

RILAs were a standout, with Q2 sales reaching a record $23.3 billion, up 22% year over year. SPIA sales also reached a quarterly record of $4 billion.  

Advisor takeaway: 
The demand for protected growth and guaranteed income isn't slowing down. August is a good time to revisit clients approaching retirement or those looking for alternatives to taking on more market risk. 

Need a second opinion on a case? 
KAFL is here to help you work through product options, illustrations and carrier requirements. 

Life insurance sales also started 2026 on solid footing. 

First-quarter individual life insurance new annualized premium plus excess premium increased 7% year over year to $4.5 billion, while the number of policies sold increased 5%. IUL premium was up 9% year over year.  

Despite ongoing economic concerns, consumers continue to see the value of life insurance protection. 

August sales idea: 
Back-to-school season is a natural reminder to revisit income protection, family protection and long-term financial goals. 

Ask your clients: 

“If your income or financial situation changed tomorrow, would your current coverage still make sense?” 

A simple review can uncover an opportunity. 

As families prepare for a new school year, it's a natural time to discuss protecting the financial plans they've built for their children.

Conversation starter:

"If something unexpected happened, would your family's education goals stay on track?"

Life insurance can help protect college funding plans, while annuities may play a role in building guaranteed future income for retirement.

Your KAFL Team can help you evaluate solutions that align with your clients' education goals with confidence.

Nat'l Life's Tactical Tuesday | Estate Planning Basics 8/25 Register Here

OneAmerica - Caregiving Conversations Pick your brain: It's time to think about brain health: Replay Here

Prudential - Introducing Prudential Protection IUL 9/10 - Register Here

John Hancock - Strengthening planning
conversations: Using personalized Longevity Preparedness Scores: Click Here

Securian - Get ready for Life Insurance Awareness Month : Explore LIAM resources

Navigating Impairments with MMSD:

Underwriting Guide

Lupus Recap | GLP-1 Recap

Muscular Dystrophy and Muscular Sclerosis August 12

Devoted Health, a national Medicare carrier currently offering MA plans in 29 states, recently announced the addition of 5 states to its portfolio for 2027 – including New York! 

Plans will be available in Albany, Saratoga, eastern NY and downstate. Check out this spreadsheet for a full list of counties where Devoted will offer plans this AEP. 

Let us know right away if you’re interested in appointing or learning more! 

Alex Bauer 

Senior Markets Manager 

(585) 673-3829 

Alex@kafl.com

The IRS has announced the 2027 Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits, creating another opportunity to help clients maximize tax-advantaged savings.

2027 HSA Contribution Limits

A client age 55 or older with family coverage can contribute up to $10,000 in 2027.

Why It Matters

HSAs continue to be one of the most effective planning tools available, offering:

As healthcare costs continue to rise, these increased limits provide clients with additional opportunities to build dedicated funds for future medical expenses while enhancing their overall retirement strategy.

Planning Opportunity

Now is an excellent time to identify clients who:

Your KAFL Sales Team is here to help you identify opportunities and integrate HSA conversations into your client planning process.

Questions? Reach out to your KAFL Sales Team to discuss client opportunities.

As students head back to the classroom, August is the perfect time for insurance professionals to refresh their own habits. Just as teachers prepare lesson plans and students pack their backpacks, agents can set themselves up for success by building stronger applications from the very beginning.

One of the biggest contributors to underwriting delays is incomplete or inconsistent information. Taking a few extra minutes to ask thoughtful prescreening questions can make all the difference.

Before submitting your next application, remember to:

Starting each case with complete and accurate information helps reduce follow-up requirements, keeps underwriting moving efficiently, and creates a better experience for your clients.

This back-to-school season, think of every application as an opportunity to build good habits. A little preparation today can lead to faster decisions and smoother policy placement tomorrow. Please reach out to Your Team at KAFL to learn more!