The Second Annual Hug Your Insurance Agent Day: Why Smart Retirement Planning Matters More Than Ever

A year ago, CL Life introduced a new June tradition: Hug Your Insurance Agent Day. On June 25, we asked our community to pause and thank the professionals who help families plan for a more confident retirement. The response was warmer than we ever imagined—and we're back for year two.

But before we get to the hugs, a few words about why this year's edition matters even more than last.\

A Retirement Landscape That Has Changed Faster Than Most Plans

The below data highlights a growing challenge. The United States is in the middle of the largest wave of retirements in its history. Demographers call it “Peak 65” and the numbers tell a sobering story:

• 53% of “peak boomers” (those turning 65 between 2024 and 2030) have less than $250,000 in retirement assets.
• Two-thirds of those reaching retirement age in this cohort are projected to struggle to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement.
• The average Social Security benefit is roughly $1,800 per month, while the average household over 65 spends more than $4,000 per month — a gap of more than $2,200 every month.
• The Social Security trust fund is projected to be insolvent by 2032, only six years from now. Without legislative action, benefits would automatically drop to 72% of current levels, a hit of $11,200 to $18,400 per year for the typical retired couple.
• Roughly 80% of households with adults age 60 and older lack the resources to cover long-term care.

On top of all that, people are living longer. A 65-year-old today has roughly a 1-in-3 chance of living past 90. That's more retirement to fund, more years of inflation to absorb, and more time during which a single market downturn at the wrong moment can derail a lifetime of saving.

A well-designed retirement plan provides the confidence and stability needed for long-term financial well-being — and in today's landscape, smart planning makes all the difference.

Why Annuities Matter More Than Ever

The market sees what's happening. U.S. annuity sales hit a record $464 billion in 2025— the fourth consecutive year of all-time highs—because Americans are recognizing what guaranteed income can do in an uncertain environment.

Annuities help address three problems at once that few other financial products solve quite the same way:

• Longevity risk. A lifetime income annuity can provide guaranteed income, which may reduce the risk of outliving your retirement savings.
• Sequence-of-returns risk. When the market drops early in retirement and you're withdrawing income, the damage compounds. Annuity income reduces the pressure to sell investments during downturns, protecting your portfolio's long-term purchasing power.
• Income certainty. A baseline of guaranteed income covers housing, utilities, healthcare, food, and means the rest of your portfolio can pursue growth without the white-knuckle anxiety.

At CL Life, we specialize in fixed annuities, products designed to grow steadily and protect your hard-earned assets from market losses. At CL Life, our promise to you is built on three commitments:

• Conservative. Steady, predictable growth with downside protection.
• Creative. A reliable complement to market-based investments.
• Delivering on promises. Income streams that help retirees sleep better at night.

From the CL Tarrant Trail Annuity to the CL Sundance Annuity to the CL SPIA Annuity, every product we build is engineered around one principle: stability is not a luxury. It's a plan.

If you're curious about how an annuity might fit your financial goals, today is the perfect day to ask your agent. After all—it's Hug Your Insurance Agent Day!

Why Your Insurance Agent Matters More Than Ever, Too

In a world full of self-service apps, robo-advisors, and 30-second TikTok financial advice, the role of a qualified insurance agent has never been more important. Your agent is the professional who:

• Translates complex products into a strategy that fits your actual life, not the average American's
• Steadies your hand when markets fluctuate and scary headlines emerge
• Builds a plan around your goals, your timeline, and your family
• Checks in over decades, not just at the sale
• Knows when an annuity is the right tool and when it isn't

Behind every confident retirement is usually an insurance professional who quietly made it possible. That's worth more than a thank-you. That's worth a hug.

How to Celebrate on June 25

• Share Your Thanks. Post a shout-out on social media using #HugYourAgentDay and #AnnuityAwarenessMonth.
• Schedule a Check-In. A mid-year review ensures your retirement plan still aligns with today's reality — and with where the world is heading.
• Spread the Word. Encourage friends and family to meet with their own agents and ask about the role annuities can play in a diversified strategy.
• Give a (Virtual) Hug. If you can't meet in person, a warm email or video message can go a long way.

For Agents: Our Commitment to You

We know you invest time, expertise, and heart into every client conversation. CL Life is here to back you up with:

• Competitive fixed-annuity products — CL Tarrant Trail, CL Sundance, and CL SPIA
• Marketing resources you can share with prospects
• Responsive service teams who value your time

Together, let's help even more families navigate this defining moment in American retirement with confidence.

Keep the Momentum Going

Whether you're an advisor guiding clients or an individual planning for retirement, take advantage of Annuity Awareness Month to deepen your understanding of what's possible. And on June 25, take a moment to recognize the professional who is helping you navigate the most consequential financial decade of your life.

Ready to explore your annuity options? Contact your insurance agent, or reach out to CL Life. We're always here to help you turn today's goals into tomorrow's security.

Happy Second Annual Hug Your Insurance Agent Day—and thank you for being part of the CL Life family.

DATA SOURCES

• Annuity sales statistics: LIMRA, U.S. Retail Annuity Sales reports (2025 final figures, $464.1 billion total — fourth consecutive year of record sales).
• Peak 65 / boomer retirement readiness data: Alliance for Lifetime Income, AARP, and CBS News reporting on the "Peak 65" demographic (2024–2030).
• Social Security trust fund insolvency timeline: Congressional Budget Office and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget — OASI Trust Fund projected insolvency by 2032 with automatic benefit reduction to 72%.
• Long-term care affordability: Alliance for Lifetime Income / National Retirement Income Adequacy research.
• Longevity statistics: Society of Actuaries mortality tables; 1-in-3 probability of a 65-year-old living past 90.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Fixed annuities are insurance products, not bank or credit union deposits, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency. Product features, limitations, charges, and availability may vary by contract and state. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. An annuity may not be suitable for every consumer. Consumers should carefully review the contract and consult with a qualified professional before purchasing. Surrender charges and other limitations may apply.

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