Agent Survival Guide | Empowering Insurance Agents to Survive Today and Thrive Tomorrow

Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing | Insurance Agent Tips, Tools & Training

Bringing insurance agents tips and strategies for making sales, staying compliant, marketing yourself, getting leads, and more! Think of the Agent Survival Guide as your go-to resource for insight, information, and the inspiration needed to take the next step on your journey. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, the ASG Podcast has got you covered. Empowering insurance agents selling Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, ACA, Long and Short-Term Care, Life, Annuities, and Final Expense.

  1. 6d ago

    5 Ways Insurance Agents Should Be Using Ask Integrity

    Ready to streamline everyday tasks with Ask Integrity AI? This powerful digital agent was built just for insurance agents. In this episode of the ASG Podcast, we’re digging into the features, where they fit into your business processes, and the prompts to use for best results.   Read the text version   Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges Get Access to IntegrityConnect Introducing the Integrity Health Plan Learn More About AskIntegrity Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  2. Sep 9

    Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource

    Building a relationship with a client is just like any other relationship—it needs to start with a strong foundation. In this episode of the ASG Podcast, we’re going to be showing you what behaviors a client will appreciate in an agent   Read the text version   Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode   🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast   💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Are You Offering Multiple LTC Insurance Options? Boost Business Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance Handling Difficult Clients: Tips for Agents How Field Agents Can Differentiate from Call Centers How to Prevent Insurance Agent Negligence How to Retain Insurance Customers Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do's and Don'ts Ritter AEP Reflection Sheet Ritter Follow-Up One Sheet Ritter Follow-Up Guide The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention   Follow Us on Social!   Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  3. Sep 8

    ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow

    Arthur Barlow, CEO and President of Compass Insurance Advisors and Founder of the ACA Health Summit joins Sarah to talk about ACA open enrollment changes for 2027. From CMS efforts to fight fraud in the ACA market to the new identity proofing requirements and high-risk applications, this interview is a must-listen for agents preparing for the ACA Open Enrollment Period.   Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections 5 Myths About Selling ACA Health Insurance Plans Compass Insurance Advisors MyChart Medicare Kit Scam New CMS Identity Proofing & Agent Authorization Rules Register for the ACA Health Summit – Use Code ASG40 to get 40% off your ticket price! Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  4. Sep 2

    The Ideal Client for Medicare Advantage Plans

    So you want to start selling Medicare Advantage plans, but you aren’t sure what kind of clients to look for? No problem. In our newest episode, we break down some of the characteristics of what one of your ideal clients may look like.     Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: How to Help Medicare Clients in Poor Health Choose the Right Coverage Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents Organization Tips and Tricks for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Stay Busy Outside of AEP With Special Enrollment Periods The Beginner's Guide to C-SNPs The Benefits of Selling Medicare Special Needs Plans Why People Are Choosing Part C Over Original Medicare   References: Backman, M. (2025, December 1). This is the average social security benefit for 2026. is it enough?. 24/7 Wall St. https://247wallst.com/investing/2025/12/01/this-is-the-average-social-security-benefit-for-2026-is-it-enough/   Fuglesten Biniek, J., Freed, M., Ochieng, N., & Neuman, T. (2026, February 23). Medicare advantage enrollment grew by about 1 million people, mainly due to special needs plans. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollment-grew-by-about-1-million-people-mainly-due-to-special-needs-plans/   Munnell, A. H., & Margolis, H. S. (2026, February 23). The government is trying to rein in Medicare advantage costs. will it work?. Center for Retirement Research. https://crr.bc.edu/the-government-is-trying-to-rein-in-medicare-advantage-costs-will-it-work/   National Council on Aging. (2025, December 1). Top 10 chronic conditions affecting older adults. The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases for Older Adults. https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-top-10-most-common-chronic-conditions-in-older-adults/   National Council on Aging. (2025, September 9). New poverty numbers show more older adults face economic struggle. How Rising Poverty Rates Will Affect Older Adults. https://www.ncoa.org/article/poverty-among-older-adults-keeps-growing/   Social Security Administration. (2025, October 24). 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (cola) fact sheet. Social Security. https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2026.html     Follow Us on Social!   Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  5. Aug 31

    Before You Recruit: Setting Up Your Agency for Success

    Whether you’re starting your own insurance agency or have been at it for awhile, it’s important to make sure you’re not getting in your own way. On this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we’ll share some key tips that can put you and your agency on the path to success.   Read the text version   Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!  💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Best Practices for Training Downline Agents Digital Marketing for Insurance Agents: Our Top Tips to Boost Business Everything You Get With Your Ritter Registration How to Recruit Insurance Agents to Your Downline IntegrityCONNECT What Insurance License Do You Need? A Guide for Agents PlanEnroll   References: “The 5 Best Trademark Services in the USA.” Emanus, 13 Sept. 2025, emanus.com/best-trademark-services-usa/. O’Reilly, Dennis. “10 Best Accounting Software – Forbes Advisor.” 10 Best Accounting Software, 19 May 2026, www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-accounting-software/. Ryan, Emma. “Best 5 Website Builders for 2026: My Tried & Tested Picks.” Website Builder Expert, 5 May 2026, www.websitebuilderexpert.com/website-builders/. Luthi, Ben. “Can You Use a Personal Credit Card to Start a Business? | Credit Cards | U.S. News.” Can You Use a Personal Credit Card to Start a Business?, 26 May 2022, money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/can-you-use-a-personal-credit-card-to-start-a-business. “Choose a Business Structure.” U.S. Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Employer Identification Number.” Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov/businesses/employer-identification-number. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Get an Employer Identification Number.” Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number. Accessed 15 June 2026. “How to Start an Insurance Agency: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Brightway, 23 June 2025, www.brightway.com/news/starting-an-insurance-agency-guide. “Insurance Licensing Directory.” AgencyEquity, www.agencyequity.com/listing-categories/insurance-licensing-directory. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Register Your Business.” U.S. Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Ritter Agents - Schedule a Demo.” AgentMethods, www.agentmethods.com/ritter-agents/. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Stanford Guidelines for Web Credibility.” The Web Credibility Project: Guidelines - Stanford University, credibility.stanford.edu/guidelines/index.html. Accessed 15 June 2026. “Streamlined Insurance Licensing & Compliance Monitoring.” NIPR, nipr.com/. Accessed 15 June 2026. Gupta, Mayank. “Top Startup Business Consultant Firms for 2026 Success.” CaseBasix, 19 Jan. 2026, www.casebasix.com/pages/top-startup-business-consultant-firms. Upwork | Hire Top Freelance Talent with Confidence, www.upwork.com/. Accessed 15 June 2026. USPTO Office of Public Affairs (OPA). United States Patent and Trademark Office, 12 May 2026, www.uspto.gov/. “What Is a Trademark?” United States Patent and Trademark Office, 30 Nov. 2023, www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/what-trademark. “Write Your Business Plan.” U.S. Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan. Accessed 15 June 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance       Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  6. Aug 28

    Ritter & Integrity Solutions for Industry Disruption in 2027

    The Friday Five for August 28, 2026: Still time to register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Medicare & ACA certification update for August 28, 2026 There’s more to gastrointestinal distress recovery than BRAT Ritter & Integrity Solutions for Industry Disruption in 2027 IntegrityCONNECT Now Quotes Medicare Supplement   Ways to Connect: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the show 📧 Connect with a member of the Ritter Team 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Questions? Feedback? Topic suggestions? Email us! ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com   Still time to register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits!   Medicare & ACA certification update for August 28, 2026: 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Certification Center on Ritter Docs   There’s more to gastrointestinal distress recovery than BRAT: Corliss, Julie. “Is the BRAT diet the best choice for an upset stomach?” health.harvard.edu, Harvard Health Publishing, 18 Nov. 2025, https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/is-the-brat-diet-the-best-choice-for-an-upset-stomach. Kubala, Jillian. “What Is the BRAT Diet for a Stomach Virus or Diarrhea.” Health.Com, Health, 5 June 2026, www.health.com/brat-diet-7253461. The BRAT diet is no longer recommended after a stomach bug. Ucihealth.org, UCI Health, 13 Aug. 2026, https://www.ucihealth.org/about-us/news/2026/08/brat-diet. “An Alarming New Study About Brain Injuries in Football, and How States are Paying Millions for Rain.” The Headlines, The New York Times, https://open.spotify.com/episode/10d178oQsbFVWGDAgHRRVc.   Ritter & Integrity Solutions for Industry Disruption in 2027: Culli, Lindsey. “1 in 10 Medicare Advantage Enrollees Face Forced Disenrollment in 2026.” publichealth.jhu.edu, Johns Hopkins University, 18 Feb. 2026, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/1-in-10-medicare-advantage-enrollees-face-forced-disenrollment-in-2026. 5 Tips to Make the Most of AEP Minemyer, Paige. “A look inside the expanded partnership between SCAN and Costco.” fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 21 Aug. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/look-inside-expanded-partnership-between-scan-and-costco. Get Access to IntegrityCONNECT Request a Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing Hall, Jessica. “Soon you can buy Medicare Advantage plans at Costco. What you need to know.” marketwatch.com, MarketWatch, 21 Aug. 2026, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/soon-you-can-buy-medicare-advantage-plans-at-costco-what-you-need-to-know-34e03242.     Resources: 2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections 5 More Ways to Generate Medicare Leads Escaping the Procrastination Station | Monday Motivation How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities ft. Bobby Nerem & Danica Stover   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  7. Aug 26

    More People Working Past Age 65: What It Means for Agents Selling Medicare Plans

    When you picture the typical Medicare client, you most likely picture someone who is enjoying the golden years of retirement. However, there are many people who have aged into Medicare that are still a part of the workforce. In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we help agents like you navigate how to sell plans to clients who are still employed.   Read the text version   Get Connected: 🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget Your Clients May Not Be Automatically Enrolled in Medicare https://ritterim.com/blog/2027-nabip-medicare-certification/?utm_source=agent_survival_guide_podcast_link&utm_medium=post_title   References: The Association for Cleaning & Facility Solutions. (2026, January 12). Seniors Plan to Rejoin the Workforce in 2026. Cleanfax. https://cleanfax.com/seniors-plan-to-rejoin-the-workforce-in-2026 Field Office Locator. Social Security Association. (n.d.). https://www.ssa.gov/locator Medicare Advocates. (n.d.). Is Employer Health Coverage Always My Best Option?. Health Plan Advocates. https://healthplanadvocates.com/is-employer-coverage-best/ Shuman, T. (2026, February 3). Cities With the Most Working Seniors in 2026. Senior Living. https://www.seniorliving.org/finance/senior-employment-annual-report/ Starting Your Retirement Benefits Early. Social Security Administration. (n.d.). https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.-a). Avoid late enrollment penalties. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.-b). When can I buy a Medigap policy?. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy/when What is the income-related monthly adjusted amount (IRMAA)?. Medicare Resources. (2025, December 2). https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment/what-is-the-income-related-monthly-adjusted-amount-irmaa/   Follow Us on Social!   Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  8. Aug 25

    How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa

    Keeping your clients coming back is crucial to the success of your insurance business. But how often should we reach out to clients? How do we reach out without being annoying? Where do we start? If you’ve ever asked these questions, don’t miss the ASG Podcast interview with Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa from Essential Engine!   Resources: Essential Engine Official Website Listen to Marketing MindFuel Reach out to Andrew Saksa at Essential Engine Schedule a Meeting with Mel Binford from Essential Engine   References: Lindenfors, Patrik, et al. “‘Dunbar’s Number’ Deconstructed.” Pmc.Ncbi.Nih.Gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2021, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8103230/. “Dunbar’s number: Why we can only maintain 150 relationships.” Bbc.com, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191001-dunbars-number-why-we-can-only-maintain-150-relationships, Accessed 2 June 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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Bringing insurance agents tips and strategies for making sales, staying compliant, marketing yourself, getting leads, and more! Think of the Agent Survival Guide as your go-to resource for insight, information, and the inspiration needed to take the next step on your journey. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, the ASG Podcast has got you covered. Empowering insurance agents selling Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, ACA, Long and Short-Term Care, Life, Annuities, and Final Expense.

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