Brokers and agents should be prepared to use just about every kind of electronic communications tools they have, including social media, texting, instant messaging and email.

They are sometimes difficult to separate from Generation Y, or millennials, but they arent exactly alike.

Brokers and agents can mix communications with boomers a bit.

Industry sources say matures prefer a more personal approach to communication with their benefits providers and in plan communications.

Employers face the task of figuring out how to offer benefits without exposing themselves to claims that could destroy their bottom lines or even their companies.

It would seem counterintuitive for employersespecially small to mid-size organizationsto assume more risk in todays marketplace. But thats exactly whats happening thanks to self-funding, or self-insurance.

When Ronald Ballerini was offered access to a group legal benefit through his employer, he was convinced of its value just after reading the brochure.

The economic downturn has caused people to ask questions about their jobs and their security. It's also thrown a spotlight onto just who is responsible for retirement planning.