This article discusses how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will impact the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollments. It also gives helpful insights on how agents can profitably grow their ACA business in this environment.  

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, has created both excitement and uncertainty. Business leaders across a wide array of industries are delving into how the final bill might impact their companies. For agents who sell ACA insurance policies, the impact to their enrollment processes, revenues, and profitability could be substantial. So what are the changes that ACA agents need to be aware of? 

ACA changes driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill

The OBBBA will make it more difficult to enroll individuals through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It will also make it more challenging for individuals to retain their coverage. Some of the changes include: 

• Shortened Open Enrollment Period (OEP) – Consistent with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal, the OBBBA reduced the annual open enrollment period by one month. It will now conclude on December 15th instead of January 15th. This adjustment aims to mitigate improper enrollments and reduce taxpayer costs. With roughly 40% of enrollees signing up after December 15th this year, agents will need to adapt to a heightened surge in activity over a shorter period.
• Elimination of automatic renewals – ACA plans will no longer be automatically renewed. Therefore, beneficiaries will be responsible for manually reenrolling every year during OEP. Approximately 10 million people had automatically-renewed policies last year, so this change will impact several Americans.
• Required updates to enrollment information – Individuals must make sure information on their income level, immigration status, and other aspects is updated every year. Failing to do so could place them at risk of losing their coverage.
• Enhanced eligibility verification – New enrollees, even those enrolling outside of  OEP due to some significant event, will need to prove eligibility before they can receive subsidies to help them offset their monthly premium cost. The previous policy allowed individuals to receive premium assistance for up to 90 days while their application was in process.
• Discontinuation of ACA premium tax credits – At the end of the current year, the current ACA premium tax credits will expire. While not specifically mentioned in the law itself, congress chose not to extend these tax credits. Premiums may increase by an average of 75% for the 2026 plan year without these tax credits.

Impact on ACA enrollment 

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that ACA-related changes will reduce the number of individuals covered by approximately 8 million people (33%):

• 3.1 million more uninsured based on OBBBA ACA changes
• 0.9 million more uninsured based on Trump Administration ACA Proposed Rule
• 4.2 million more uninsured based on the expiration of ACA tax credits

(Note: OBBBA Medicaid changes are estimated to result in an additional 8 million uninsured.)

Enrollment levels in the ACA Marketplace stayed relatively consistent from 2015 through 2021 at an annual average of 11.9 million. With ACA tax credits, the number of enrollments rose dramatically in the last four years. Enrollments in the ACA Marketplace reached 24.3 million in 2025. While the CBO’s numbers will shift, ACA enrollments will likely decrease significantly from 2024-2025 highs, coming closer to figures from a decade ago.

What ACA agents can do to grow sales amidst OBBBA driven ACA changes

ACA changes will inevitably put pressure on ACA agents. Enrollments will require more time and resources. Agents will need to work harder for renewals that were once automatic. Some of the ways ACA agents can ensure their success in 2026 include:

• Ensure your operations are compliant and as streamlined as possible – The administrative demands will increase under OBBBA. More time will be required to ensure enrollees are eligible. ACA agents should take a fresh look at their processes and systems. Do they need to be modified to be compliant for 2026? Can new technologies better support the process? Can you cut out any redundant or unnecessary steps? Do you need to modify sales scripting, making it more effective and efficient? 
• Appropriately staff your sales and support teams – After you have finetuned your processes and systems, you’ll need to make sure you adequately staff your team. A short-staffed team often results in costly inefficiencies. Salespeople may resort to performing tasks that would be better performed by a support role. This takes away from their valuable sales time and could ultimately hurt revenues and profitability. 
• Enhance your client retention strategies – With renewals no longer being automatic, ACA agents will need to have more sophisticated strategies for retaining clients. You will need to find more ways to stay connected with your clients throughout the year. And the earlier, the better. Contacting renewal clients a few weeks before a reenrollment may be too late and give competitors an opening. Focus on additional value you can bring to clients. For example, send helpful reminders for them to update their information for future eligibility. Form strong relationships with clients, eliminating confusion about who their agent is.
• Use targeting approaches and prequalified sales leads – With fewer potential enrollees, it will be essential to quickly connect with those who qualify for ACA in 2026. A partner like Reliance Leads can help you quickly identify and pre-qualify the best candidates for your services. Then you can spend more time selling to the highest potential prospects and less time trying to find them.

If you would like more information on opt-in ACA sales leads, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post How The One Big Beautiful Bill Will Impact ACA appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses recent findings about consumer debt delinquencies, particularly with top earning Americans. It also shares insights on the best performing sales leads that consumer debt elimination companies can use to grow their debt settlement and debt validation businesses.  

A recent report from Bloomberg suggests that even the highest earning Americans are falling behind on credit card and auto payments. They cited two studies in particular:

• VantageScore, a credit-score modeling company created by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, conducted a study from June 2023 to June 2025. Their data showed that delinquencies on consumer debts by individuals having annual incomes of at least $150,000 rose nearly 20% over the two years, a faster rate than for those with lesser incomes.
• The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis conducted a study of delinquency data from the first quarter of 1999 through the first quarter of 2025 for individuals aged 20 to 64. They found that the percentage of individuals making late credit card payments (i.e., at least 30 days delinquent) within the highest-income zip codes has risen twice as much over the last year compared to rates in the lowest-income zip codes. Credit card delinquency is widespread and continuing. The current percentage of credit card debt that is in delinquency is approaching a level we haven’t seen since the global financial crisis in 2008. Even more concerning, the current percentage of people in delinquency has already surpassed the 2008 level, surprisingly given the relatively stronger labor market today versus 2008. 

Clearly, many Americans are under significant financial stress, regardless of their income levels. The Federal Reserve refusing to lower interest rates and the end of COVID-era student loan forbearance programs have heightened the stress. For debt elimination companies, this environment presents a significant opportunity.

How debt elimination companies can capitalize on this opportunity

The best way for debt settlement and debt validation companies to capture new business in this environment is to obtain the “right” leads. The right leads will connect you with individuals who best fit your target profile in terms of their debt load size, expressed interest to resolve their debt, and other characteristics. 

What leads work best in this environment

Aged leads have worked well in the past, but they may not have the same level of efficacy in this new environment. Aged leads may not include the plethora of individuals, particularly high income earners, who have most recently started to miss their consumer debt payments. Debt elimination companies should consider two other types of leads to tap into this new opportunity:

• Real-time leads – Real-time leads are consumers who respond to an online creative that asks specifically if they would like assistance in getting out of debt. While many debt elimination companies target consumers with $10,000 or more in unsecured consumer debt, the debt threshold can be raised to specifically capture higher income earners. We can also run “hardship” loans. These are consumers who are looking for access to quick credit or responding to being behind on auto loans.

• Direct mail leads – Direct mail leads are the highest performing leads for consumer debt elimination companies. Using our proprietary targeting algorithm, we identify the specific consumers who can best benefit from your assistance and are likely to be open to receiving help. These consumers are sent a high-quality, debt elimination-specific direct mail creative. They respond to this creative, placing an inbound call to your team. As this is a consumer-initiated call, it offers the highest level of TCPA compliance.

Getting the right leads and support to grow your business

At Reliance Leads, we offer more than just the “right” leads. We support your team by providing campaign tactics, tech tips, recommended scripts, and guidance on how to stay compliant in your marketing efforts. We can work with and train your team on how to best take advantage of this unique opportunity in the changing consumer debt marketplace. The smart companies stay ahead of the curve instead of reacting to the market. In the words of “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky:

“I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

The puck is moving in the consumer debt marketplace. Let us help you skate to where it is moving to.

If you would like more information on how you can grow your consumer debt sales, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post Consumer Debt Elimination Opportunities Are Increasing Even With Top Earners appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses policies, economic factors, and market dynamics that will affect the trajectory of the solar market in the short and long term. It also touches on ways solar installers can sustain and grow their businesses, even in a short-term contraction.  

The U.S. residential solar industry has experienced several ups and downs in recent years. Solar installers have found themselves navigating a complex landscape that twists and turns with changes in policy, economic factors and market dynamics. Understanding each of these elements is critical to assessing the industry’s trajectory over the next year.

Policy decisions that affect the solar industry

The new administration’s environmental priorities stand in stark contrast to the environmental policies of the previous administration. The Trump administration has already implemented policies that favor fossil fuels over renewable sources: 

• Tariffs on imported solar equipment – The talk of tariffs has dominated recent news streams and continues to evolve. As many solar panels and components are made in Asia and other parts of the world, the tariffs will inevitably raise the costs for solar installations as well as intensify existing supply chain issues. Perhaps one positive note is that consumers who have been debating whether or not to install solar panels may just move ahead quickly to avoid increased costs, especially if tariffs are delayed.
• Reduction in clean energy support – Federal support for renewable energy projects has been scaled back. Earlier this year, the new administration imposed a moratorium on offshore wind energy leasing. They have also cut funding for green energy projects and have reversed some regulations that favored renewables. Rumor has it that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” may also repeal or restrict clean energy tax credits and incentives. All of these actions would likely hamper the growth of solar installations. 

Economic factors that affect the solar industry

While many economic factors could have an impact on the solar industry, two factors have a pronounced effect:

• Rising electricity costs – The price of residential electricity has steadily increased over the last seven years and is expected to continue. It trends above the overall Consumer Price Index, making it a pain point for most homeowners. Consumers may increasingly see solar energy as an attractive option for reducing their utility bills. This economic savings may sustain interest in residential solar installations.
• High interest rates –  Many solar installation projects are financed. High interest rates means increased financing costs and will likely deter some homeowners from making the investment in solar energy. While the Federal Reserve has made some downward adjustments to rates in the last year, they are facing substantial pressure to reduce the rates further. For now, the high interest rates have contributed to slowed adoption of residential solar systems.  

Market dynamics that affect the solar industry

Some market dynamics should have a positive impact on the industry in the long term:

• Domestic manufacturing initiatives – In response to tariffs, there has been a push to bolster domestic manufacturing of solar panels and components. This will likely lessen some supply chain issues in the future, but it will not be quick. Establishing infrastructure requires time and investment.
• Technology advances – Technology of solar panels and components is evolving and many exciting new technologies are on the horizon. These innovations will increase efficiency, lower costs, and expand the applications of solar energy, ultimately making solar installations more attractive.

Projected trajectory of the solar market

Most estimates predict that solar installations will decrease in the short term. Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that from 2025 to 2027 solar installations will decline at an average rate of 7%. However, nearly 43 GWdc on average will be added each year between 2025 and 2030. There will be several solar projects for installers to pursue. 

After this short-term contraction, analysts anticipate the effects of domestic manufacturing ramp ups and technological developments will take hold. Costs may decrease, revitalizing the solar market. The pain of high electricity prices will continue to grow, heightening consumers’ interest in solar solutions. 

How solar installers can grow their business in this environment

Despite the uncertainty and expected market contraction, solar installers can still sustain and even grow their businesses in this environment. Successful solar installers will focus their marketing efforts on identifying the homeowners who are ready to buy now. This means shifting your marketing dollars to:

• Real-time leads – These leads connect you with highly interested homeowners, immediately after they have provided some qualifying information online. Your sales team will contact these consumers within 24 hours of the opportunity being posted. These leads are exclusive to you, meaning they are not sold to any other solar installer.
• Appointments – These leads take it one step further and set up appointments between highly interested homeowners and your sales team. All homeowners are pre-qualified to make sure your team does not waste their time pursuing opportunities that don’t make sense.

If you would like more information on how you can grow your solar installation sales in this environment, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post Despite Short-Term Challenges, Underlying Factors Suggest Long-Term Growth In Solar appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the strong projections for the extended auto warranty and VSC markets and key factors driving this growth. It also highlights different types of sales leads that providers could use to capture this opportunity. 

Providers of auto warranties and vehicle service contracts (VSCs) are looking to the future with optimism. The global auto extended warranty market is anticipated to grow from $32.76 billion in 2024 to $34.95 billion in 2025, reflecting a 6.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Similarly, the VSC market is expected to expand from $32.29 billion in 2024 to $33.98 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 5.41%.

What will drive the growth in auto warranties and VSCs

These optimistic market projections are driven by some key factors:

• Aging vehicles – The average age of cars on U.S. roads today has reached an all-time high of 12.6 years. Why? Some speculate that cars are made better, so getting into 6-digit mileage with a car is not quite the feat that it used to be. Others believe the nearly 30% hike in new car prices over the last five years may be the culprit. Whatever the reason consumers have chosen to hold on to their vehicles longer, they will likely seek to manage the repair costs for these older vehicles through extended warranties and service contracts. 
• Rising repair costs – On May 3, 2025, a 25% tariff on imported auto parts went into effect. Given the heavy reliance on foreign-made parts, price increases will impact many consumers. To date, USMCA-compliant parts from Canada and Mexico have been excluded from this tariff, but only temporarily. Auto part prices will inevitably rise and lead to increased repair expenses. Vehicle owners may turn to warranties and service contracts to mitigate these increased costs.

How to capitalize on this growth in your auto warranty and VSC business

With opportunities abound, the pressing question for auto warranty or VSC providers is how do they identify and connect with consumers who are in the market for their products. The good news is there are plenty of options. Two types of sales leads that have been particularly effective in this industry are:

• Real-time leads – Real-time leads are delivered immediately after the opportunity is identified, often right after a consumer provides information via an online form.
• Aged leads – Aged leads are typically 7 or more days old.

The key differences between aged and real-time leads

While the age of the lead is the primary differentiator between these two types of leads, there are other notable differences:

• Consumer’s level of intent – Real-time leads reflect consumers who have expressed interest in an auto warranty or VSC right now. Their intent level is very high. Aged leads are consumers who have opted in for more information about an auto warranty or VSC at some time within the past year or so. Their current intent to purchase is not as clear. Both types of leads can result in conversions of high intent customers if the right sales cadence is followed. 
• Pricing – Aged leads are much lower priced than real-time leads, often by a factor of 3 or more. The higher price of real-time leads reflects their higher probability of being converted.
• Usage – Real-time leads need to be called immediately, making them ideal for sales teams with sufficient staffing and hours to quickly place calls. They also work well for providers offering time-sensitive services, such as when consumers purchase used cars and are looking for a warranty or VSC immediately. Aged leads work particularly well when providers want to economically remarket to potential customers via email or text, or run a reactivation campaign.

What is the best type of lead for you?

The best type of leads for an auto warranty or VSC provider depends on many factors. The size of your marketing budget is inevitably a factor. Another important consideration is the structure, size, and skill set of your sales team. They must be equipped to follow the type of cadence needed to close each type of lead. For example, aged leads require a lengthy cadence. Providers expecting to only call a lead one or two times will not be successful in converting aged leads. Your general approach to sales as well as your sales objectives will also factor into making the best decision on marketing.

If you would like more information on how you can sell more auto warranties/vehicle service contracts and grow your business, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post Extended Warranty and Vehicle Services Contract Industries Poised For Growth appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the recent SBA rule that prohibits business leaders from using SBA loans to refinance their Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) debts. It considers the possible impact of the rule and how lenders can best market MCAs to business owners in this environment.

After recently suffering higher than normal SBA loan defaults, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that its 7(a) SBA loans can no longer be used to refinance Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) debt. The 7(a) loan is the primary loan approved by the SBA, giving qualified small businesses up to $5 million. Funds may be used for refinancing current business debt, as well as for working capital, real estate and equipment purchases or improvements, changes of ownership, and more. However, effective June 1, 2025, MCA debt will not be allowed to be refinanced by the SBA lender for 7(a) loans. Business owners will need to look to other funding sources for MCA debt resolution.

What this means for the MCA market and business lenders

How this new change will affect the market for MCAs is relatively unknown at this point. As business lenders hypothesize about what could occur, the general chatter includes a few possibilities:

1.  The number of MCAs written will likely decrease.

Business leaders select MCAs for many reasons. They may not have qualified for other loans, or perhaps they needed immediate funding that was best provided by an MCA. One could argue that business leaders who are looking for quick funding may not be deterred from applying for MCAs without the possibility of using SBA-approved loans to ultimately resolve this debt. However, you could also argue that almost all business owners are interested in refinancing MCA debt with less costly options like SBA loans. They will likely want to stick with the strategy of using SBA loans to resolve or refinance their debt, leading them to consider additional types of funding that can still be refinanced with SBA loans. This would lead to less MCAs.

2. Business lenders will be keen to offer alternative types of financing.

When one door closes, another door usually opens. It is likely that business lenders will develop new or alternative types of funding that could provide the benefits of an MCA but be packaged differently. This would allow them to convert traditional MCA purchasers out of their MCA, while still retaining them as clients.

3. MCA debt resolution could increase.

Losing the option to use SBA-approved lower interest rate loans for MCA debt resolution could heighten awareness and drive growth in the MCA debt resolution market, albeit through other funding sources.

4. Challenges to enforcing the rule could limit its impact.

Many people question just how enforceable the new SBA rule will be. As of early May 2025, the SBA has approved more than 50,800 loans in 2025, worth more than $22 billion. It could be a heavy task to track and police every loan. With potential loopholes (as there often are) and without a clear effort on enforceability, this rule could be widely overlooked.

What business lenders can do to market MCAs in this environment

Product development aside, business lenders can look to tried-and-true lead generation strategies and solutions to market MCAs in this uncertain environment.

• Target business leaders who have already applied for an MCA

Your best prospects are those business owners who have already applied for an MCA. They are high intent and are already interested in MCA as a funding source.

• Establish a message and cadence that makes sense in this environment

Make your messaging relevant to the current market conditions, convincing business owners that MCAs are a viable option. Set a cadence that will guarantee more connections and ensure that your team consistently follows the cadence. Call immediately when leads are delivered and up to three times daily for a couple weeks. Make sure you call at different times of the day for the greatest success. Consider telemarketing, texting, and emailing campaigns.

• Keep it simple with your lead choices

While there are many types of leads available in the MCA space, real-time and aged leads consistently perform well in all environments.

Our aged and real-time aged leads offer:

• Access to business leaders who have already completed an MCA application and are qualified as having at least $20,000 in revenue
• Two levels of outputs, including data fields from the applications as well as bank statements
• Verified cell phone numbers and emails, giving lenders the flexibility to run telemarketing, texting, and/or email campaigns effectively
• Availability of exclusive, unsold leads

If you would like more information on how you can grow your MCA business, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post New SBA Rule on Debt Refinancing Creates Uncertainty in the MCA Market appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the CMS’ rules that will continue to affect how insurance agents and brokers may legally market Medicare Advantage to eligible seniors. It also gives more information on inbound calls, and how they can drive compliance and efficiencies in acquiring new business.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) rules for how insurance agents may legally engage with seniors has pivoted yet again. CMS’ rule for disaster/emergency submissions during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which blocked agents from submitting these applications on behalf of clients, has been reversed. Beneficiaries in areas affected by a state of emergency will no longer be required to contact 1-800-MEDICARE directly to gain coverage for the first time, disenroll from their plan, or make changes. Good news for insurance agents and beneficiaries! But there are still other regulatory changes that will impact how agents can market Medicare Advantage.

Regulatory changes that will continue to affect Medicare agents

These two rules will continue to be in effect:

• 48-Hour Scope of Appointment Rule

Under this rule, agents must obtain a signed Scope of Appointment (SOA) at least 48 hours before conducting an appointment with a beneficiary. This form identifies the specific product(s) the beneficiary has stated they would like to cover in the appointment. Agents are not allowed to discuss any products that are not listed in the SOA, unless the beneficiary asks. Proponents of the rule believe it provides beneficiaries with necessary,  ample time to consider all of their options and consult with others. Opponents suggest it makes it harder for seniors who would rather get signed up for a plan immediately or who may be confused as to why they are being held off for 48 hours.

• One-to-One Consent Rule

Effective October 1, 2024, this rule requires Third-Party Marketing Organizations (TPMOs) to obtain expressed written consent from a beneficiary to share their data with another TPMO. This consent must be secured through a transparent, prominently placed disclosure. A separate consent must be collected for each TPMO that receives the data, creating one-to-one consent between the beneficiary and the TPMO. While there have been legal challenges to this rule, the courts have ultimately sided with CMS and require one-to-one consent.

Using technology for compliance and operational efficiency

To effectively market Medicare Advantage in this regulatory environment, agents can utilize available technologies to guarantee compliance and improve operational efficiency. Some of these include:

• Consumer-initiated inbound call systems

Inbound calls from beneficiaries are the most compliant way to market Medicare Advantage. By placing an inbound call, consumers automatically establish one-to-one consent with an agent. Implementing platforms that facilitate direct, consumer-initiated inbound calls helps agents engage with eligible seniors without worry.  

• Agent-controlled call activation

Technologies that enable agents to toggle call availability in real time offer flexibility and operational efficiency. By sidestepping traditional platforms, agents can manage their schedules more effectively, ensuring readiness to handle inbound inquiries promptly. 

• Integration with compliance tools

Technologies with features like call recording, consent management, and appointment scheduling help agents remain compliant, especially to the 48-hour SOA and one-to-one consent rules. 

Rethinking your marketing efforts with inbound calls

Acquiring new Medicare clients is tricky with the ever-changing regulations. Compliance requires time and research, time that Medicare agents often do not have. Many agents have turned to outside resources for help identifying prospects, giving them more time to focus on growing their knowledge of Medicare products and providing clients with excellent customer service. 

Customer-initiated inbound calls have grown in popularity. They are effective because they give agents direct access to the highest intent beneficiaries who can be quickly qualified, all while alleviating the stress of trying to comply with CMS’ rules

How inbound calls work

1. The process typically begins when beneficiaries view a CMS-approved Medicare creative on the Internet or social media. 
2. Interested seniors navigate to a landing page where they answer a series of qualifying questions. 
3. Once pre-qualified, they are given a phone number to call to speak with a Medicare agent. 
4. Inbound inquiries may go through an additional level of screening using Interactive Voice Response (IVR), which seeks to confirm that they are looking for assistance with Medicare. 
5. They are then routed to a Medicare agent for further discussion.
   

What makes our inbound calls unique

While many inbound calls are routed to agents using Ringba or a similar tool, Reliance Leads uses a proprietary portal to connect agents with interested consumers. It gives agencies and agents the ultimate flexibility, so they can adapt instantly in their marketing efforts. Our easy-to-use tool:

• Allows agencies to quickly set and modify the amount of marketing dollars they would like to spend, no minimums 
• Gives agents the flexibility to choose when they will take calls and from which states, eliminating missed calls and operational mishaps
• Provides access to exclusive leads that are never resold
• Seamlessly connects agents to Medicare-eligible seniors who have passed three levels of verification 

If you would like more information on how you can use inbound calls and be compliant in 2025, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post Inbound Calls Drive Compliance and Efficiencies Amidst CMS Rules Changes appeared first on Reliance Leads.

In the competitive world of final expense insurance, finding high-quality leads is critical for agency growth. This article will help you understand the types of final expense leads, their costs, and how to find the best final expense leads to grow your business. 

The opportunity in the final expense market is significant and growing. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with cremation has increased 8.1% over the past two years. This rising cost, combined with double-digit inflation and an increase in consumer debt, has made it difficult for Americans to set aside money to cover their final expenses. Final expense insurance policies provide them with a more cost-effective, easier way to ensure that their loved ones do not have to take on the burden of covering their final expenses. To capture more of this growing market, many insurance agents and brokers are looking to buy final expense sales leads.

Understanding final expense leads

Final expense leads are potential clients interested in purchasing insurance to cover funeral and burial expenses. These leads come in various forms, including aged leads, real-time leads, exclusive leads, and inbound calls.

• Aged leads are older but more affordable. They represent individuals who have reached the age of 65 or older and, at some point, have opted in to learn more about final expense policies. They are typically sourced from paid ads on the Internet and social media.
• Real-time leads are fresh and generated when a prospect expresses immediate interest in a final expense policy. They are sourced similarly to aged leads but are newer (i.e., less than one week old).
• Exclusive leads are sold only to one agent or broker, ensuring no competition. 
• Inbound calls are leads where potential clients contact you directly, usually showing high intent to purchase. These are typically generated from ads on the Internet and social media, SMS campaigns, and direct mail creatives. Interested individuals may call into a call center by dialing a 1-800 number or via a “click-to-call” link.

The right type of leads for your business will depend on many factors, including the cost of leads and how this fits within your marketing budget, your desired marketing approach, the number and type of sales/call center resources you have, and your technology. In many cases, agents and brokers select a mix of lead types to accomplish their objectives.

How much do final expense leads cost?

The cost of final expense leads varies based on the type and source. Here’s a breakdown:

• Aged leads typically cost less, ranging from $1 to $5 per lead. 
• Real-time leads are more expensive, often between $20 and $50 per lead due to their immediate relevance. 
• Exclusive leads can cost $30 to $70 per lead, reflecting their higher conversion potential.
• Inbound calls have prices that vary widely. Expect to pay $50 to $100 per lead for these high-intent prospects.

When considering lead costs, remember that higher-priced leads often yield better conversion rates, balancing initial investment with potential returns. In some cases, a higher-priced lead will result in a lower cost per acquisition (CPA) than a less expensive lead.

How to find final expense leads

Finding final expense leads involves partnering with lead generation providers like Reliance Leads. These providers offer a variety of lead types, including aged, real-time, and exclusive leads, as well as inbound calls. By utilizing these specialized services, you can access high-quality leads tailored to your specific needs, helping your agency grow and succeed.

The benefits of partnering with Reliance Leads

Reliance Leads offers comprehensive lead solutions for final expense insurance agencies. They offer:

• High-quality leads: Access to aged, real-time, exclusive leads, and inbound calls
• Compliance: Assurance that all leads meet industry standards
• Support: Campaign tactics, suggested scripting, tech tips, and resources to help you maximize conversions

Reliance Leads can help you streamline your lead generation process, providing you with high-intent prospects ready to buy.

Get help to grow your final expense sales

Generating and managing high-quality final expense leads is key to your agency’s growth. By understanding the different lead types and costs, utilizing services like Reliance Leads, you can increase your conversion rates and expand your client base. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll see a significant impact on your business success.

If you would like more information on how you can grow your final expense sales, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at Reliance Leads.

The post How to Obtain High-Quality Final Expense Leads appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate and the upcoming reductions we may see based on the FOMC’s recent projections. This is good news for the mortgage industry, as lower interest rates often drive more activity.  

By now, you have likely heard that the Federal Reserve recently reduced the federal funds rate by 50 basis points, bringing the target rate between 4.75% and 5.00%. When the federal funds rate falls, other interest rates tend to follow. Since the mid-September announcement, some mortgage interest rates have bounced slightly down and even up a bit. Financial experts claim more adjustments in the Fed’s rate may be needed to create a bullish environment in the mortgage industry over the next few years. But how big of an adjustment is likely? And when? 

When the Fed will next meet to discuss the federal funds rate

The federal funds rate is set in conjunction with the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The committee is scheduled to meet two more times before the end of 2024. The December 17-18 meeting is associated with a Summary of Economic Projections (more on this in a moment). In 2025, similar such meetings will be held on March 18-19, June 17-18, September 16-17, and December 9-10. 

What the FOMC’s Summary of Economic Projections tells us

The Summary of Economic Projections gives us a glance into the FOMC’s thinking on the economy and the path for the federal funds rate. Federal Reserve Board members and Federal Reserve Bank presidents submit their projected likely outcomes for key economic measures (i.e., GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation) as well as the trend for the federal funds rate. These projections cover the current year, each of the next three years, and a longer run estimate. Updated four times per year, they are based on information available at the time and members’ assessment of appropriate monetary policy. While unforeseen shocks to the economy could happen and change the outcomes of these measures, these figures give us insights on likely trends. 

FOMC’s most recent projections for the federal funds rate

So, back to the good news at hand. The FOMC’s most recent projections suggest the federal funds rate will continue to be lowered over the next couple of years. FOMC members projected the federal funds rate will be:

• Reduced to a median of 4.4% by the end of 2024, well under the current target range of 4.75-5.00%. 
• Decreased one full percentage to a median of 3.4% by the end of 2025
• Further lowered 50 basis points to a median of 2.9% by 2026 year end.

What this means for the mortgage industry

While no estimates come with 100% certainty, it is clear that the FOMC is eyeing some significant downward shifts in the federal funds rate. Some mortgage interest rates will likely follow this trend, creating a strong demand for home purchases and refinancing.

As a general rule, homeowners often consider refinancing when they can reduce their interest rate by 2%. It may even make sense with a downward adjustment of 1%. The federal funds rate was just over 5.3% during the early months of 2024. The FOMC’s newest projections suggest that we may see an approximate 1% decrease in 2024 (4.4%) and a 2% reduction by the end of 2025 (3.4%). If mortgage rates lower, and it is likely they will, we should see an uptick in refinancing in 2025.

Individuals looking to purchase a home will also be encouraged by lowering interest rates, which have been running above 6%. More home sellers will likely enter the market too, creating more supply to meet the demand. More than 6 million homes were sold in the U.S. in 2016 and again in 2017 when average mortgage rates were below 4%. When the average mortgage rates climbed to more than 6% in 2023, the number of homes sold dipped to just over 4 million. A 2%-3% change in mortgage rates can clearly make a huge difference. Forecasts for 2025 suggest a recovery is in the making, with expectations of 5.3 million homes sold in the U.S. Good news for the mortgage industry.

Get ready for the recovery

To ensure mortgage companies gain traction in this recovery, they will need to identify current and potential homeowners who are interested in purchasing a home or refinancing. This can take significant time and effort. Mortgage companies who gain support in this area can fully focus their sales teams on closing deals. Aligning with a reputable leads provider such as Reliance Leads can help you effectively meet your sales expectations.

If you would like more information on how you can grow your mortgage sales during this recovery, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post Federal Funds Rate Projections Are Good News For The Mortgage Industry appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the expected growth in the MCA market and why MCAs will increasingly be an attractive funding option for business owners. It also shares insights on what MCA providers can do to reach business owners who are highly interested in an MCA.  

An increasing number of small businesses are looking to Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) to help cover cash flow shortfalls and short-term expenses. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global MCA market reached a value of $17.9 billion in 2023. Even more impressive, this market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2032, reaching $32.7 billion. North America will continue to account for more than one-third of the market, representing a massive opportunity for MCA providers in the U.S.

Why MCAs are attractive to business owners

An MCA gives a business owner an advance against the future sales generated by their business. The advance is based on past debit and credit card sales. The lender automatically takes a portion of the business’s daily credit card sales until the MCA has been repaid.

There are many reasons that business owners view an MCA as an attractive option. One significant reason is that MCAs are easier to obtain than other types of funding, such as lines of credit and traditional bank loans. In some cases, for business owners who might not qualify for traditional loans, MCAs might be the only viable option. There is less paperwork involved. Business owners can often get approved in one to two days, receiving much-needed funding in less time. They receive the funding in one lump sum payment but pay it back over time out of their future sales.

What is driving the growth in MCAs

Some key factors will continue to fuel the expected growth in the MCA market, including: 

• Growing demand for alternative, short-term funding

A growing number of business owners–particularly those who own retail, e-commerce, and seasonal businesses–have a strong need for short-term funding that cannot always be met by other funding sources. More traditional sources may have qualification requirements and interest rates that are too tough to manage, creating the need for alternatives like MCAs.

• Increased adoption of digital payments

Today, more businesses are encouraging digital payments. A greater percentage of consumers are paying with debit and credit cards than with cash. Some businesses no longer accept cash payments at all. The increase in credit card transactions makes MCAs a more attractive option for business owners.

• Increased use of AI and other technology in underwriting and risk assessment

As in most industries, AI and other technologies are streamlining processes and making it easier to analyze data. Given the less stringent, less time-consuming assessments required for MCAs, these technologies will play an important role in assessing and qualifying business owners for MCAs.

How you can capture a share of the growing MCA market

There are more than 33 million small businesses in the U.S., approximately 20% (6 million) of which employ individuals beyond the business owner. With such a large market to pursue, targeting the right prospective customers is critical to achieving sales effectiveness, sales efficiency, and cost per acquisition targets.

Opt-in leads can help MCA providers quickly understand which business owners have expressed interest in MCAs as a funding option. Instead of wasting time and resources looking for business owners who are “warm” to the idea of MCAs and pre-qualifying them, their sales teams can focus more on closing deals.

MCA providers have multiple types of opt-in leads available to them:  

• Aged leads – These are business owners who at some point have viewed an MCA-related marketing creative on the Internet, social media, SMS message, or direct mail and have indicated their desire to learn more about MCAs. They have provided long-form information that preliminarily qualifies them as a viable MCA prospect. 
• Real-time leads – These leads are similar to aged leads in how they are developed. The key difference is that they represent business owners who would like to be called immediately (usually within a day) to talk about MCAs.
• Call transfers – Call transfers represent prospective MCA clients who after speaking to an outside call center, have been preliminarily screened and have agreed to speak further with an MCA representative. The call is then live transferred directly to your team for closing.

There are benefits to each type of lead. Selecting the right type(s) of leads will depend on your marketing and sales objectives, sales approach, number and type of sales resources, desired cost per acquisition, and other factors. 

If you would like more information on sales leads for MCA, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post How You Can Capture Share In The Growing MCA Market appeared first on Reliance Leads.

This article discusses the Federal Reserve’s recent cut in its rate and how this change may positively impact several industries. It also discusses how you can be ready to pursue the growing opportunity in your industry.  

It’s the news we have all been waiting for. The Federal Reserve finally lowered the federal funds rate by a half percentage point. The benchmark interest rate is now within the range of 4.75% to 5.00%. While many of us were hoping for a downward adjustment of the typical 25 basis points, the Fed exceeded expectations with a reduction of 50 basis points. This dramatic slash in the Fed rate could give some industries a sales boost. 

What industries will benefit from the Fed rate cut?

As the Fed rate decreases, other interest rates often follow suit. The obvious beneficiaries of an interest rate reduction are industries that rely heavily on consumers’ ability to borrow money. A lowered Fed rate often makes it easier and cheaper for consumers to borrow money, which benefits industries such as: 

• • Consumer Debt Consolidation – Consumers’ credit card balances and delinquency in making payments have been on the rise. An estimated 20% of Americans have maxed out their credit cards, struggling to make even the minimum payments calculated on high interest rates. Debt consolidation loans with overall lower interest rates will offer them an opportunity to more effectively deal with their debt.  
  • Solar – Despite the tremendous excitement about solar energy, consumers have pulled back on investing in solar installations in recent months. Many consumers fund solar installation projects with personal loans, which carry high interest rates. As rates are lowered, these personal loans and ultimately solar installations become more palatable.

• Mortgage – Lower interest rates often create a boon in refinancing activity. Consumers who are looking to purchase a home may be encouraged by lowering rates and seek to lock in at a lower rate. 
• Auto – More than 80% of all new cars are purchased with financing. Lower interest rates will likely stimulate new car sales, and ultimately higher sales in auto insurance and auto warranties.  

As consumers pay less in interest, some of their cash flow could be freed up to make other purchases that may have been back-burnered or not even a real possibility before. In that sense, an even broader array of businesses could benefit from the rate reduction. Some of these include:

• Home Services – While homeowners recognize the importance of maintaining their homes, they are likely to put off home improvements like roofing, windows, siding, gutters, and other projects in difficult economic times. With a bump in available cash flow, they may take a stronger look at obtaining a home services contract.
• Home Warranty – A home warranty is a service contract that covers wear and tear on your major appliances as well as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. For many homeowners, this may be viewed as a “nice to have” if the budget allows. With additional cash flow, more homeowners may be driven to invest in a home warranty. 
• Final Expense – Most Americans do not want to burden their loved ones with their final expenses; however, with high costs and debt obligations affecting many American families, not all people can afford to purchase a final expense plan. With even a small uptick in cash flow, final expense insurance could become a realistic possibility for many. 

Are you ready to take advantage of the growing sales opportunity?

Most experts agree that a Fed rate cut can stimulate business growth. Business owners can ensure they are poised to go after this new opportunity by reviewing and possibly modifying their current marketing efforts. A key element in most marketing plans is a strategy for identifying potential customers. Not just any potential customers, but those who are warm leads already having shown some level of interest in the businesses’ products and services. 

The best way to take advantage of a motivated customer base in any of these verticals is to contact them with aged leads. Aged leads generated during times with higher interest rates will likely include consumers who are ready to buy as rates lower. 

Opt-in aged leads offer many benefits. They are:

• Cost-effective – Most aged leads cost less than $0.50 per lead.
• Plentiful in supply – Hundreds of thousands of aged leads are available in most verticals.
• Interested consumers – All of our aged leads are opt-in, meaning that these consumers have expressed interest in the past and may now be ready to make a purchase. 

Reliance Leads has the largest assortment of quality aged leads, ready to deliver today.

If you would like more information on how you can grow your sales, give Reliance Leads a call at 1-516-727-2849 or visit our website at http://relianceleads.com.

The post How The Recent Fed Rate Cut Could Impact Sales Growth In Your Business appeared first on Reliance Leads.