Bentzen Funding Solutions

Working for free

Once again, John Darer has taken a statement of mine completely out of context, twisted it, and in doing so, made me out to be some slimy “vig” lobbyist – something that is completely untrue.   I didn’t start the practice nor do I push it on anyone.  I let brokers make up their own minds.  My platform is very simple; if a broker doesn’t get involved with annuitants who call them seeking liquidity, then eventually they are going to end up in the hands of the REAL “cash now” companies that advertise on TV.  As a matter of fact, the majority of annuitants referred to me already have quotes from the “cash now” guys! As John well knows, I consistently beat these quotes by significant margins; sometimes as much as 100%.  That was the point I was trying to make in the first place.  For me, the referral fees that John is crusading against are trivial compared with the marketing costs and overhead the “cash now” companies have to recover when quoting a deal.  What do you think a room-full of telemarketers, glossy brochures, law society endorsements and all those commercial spots on cable TV cost?   Every one of those costs comes directly out of the annuitant’s pocket and they’re considerably higher than any referral fee!  Furthermore, when I made that statement, I was referring to myself and not the factoring industry as a whole.  My statement about compensation applies solely to the fundamentals of my referral-based business, not to those other factoring companies John is quoting; the ones who likely have other significant marketing and overhead costs to recover, not to mention other hidden agendas.

I will, however, give John credit where it is due.  He actually does get involved with annuitants, gives them good advice and refers them when needed.  He has actually taken my sermon to heart, with or without fees.  However, do other brokers have to be equally involved as he is in order to gain passage on his ark of salvation?  After all, it’s easy for brokers to say that they won’t accept referral fees when they don’t get involved in the first place. The reality is that John is selling his clean vendor list to a group that isn’t exactly known for giving their time for free.  Rightly so!  An attorney’s time is valuable and most that I speak with are upfront about charging their past claimants for their involvement in securing liquidation, just as most brokers disclose the fact that they receive a referral fee for the same involvement.  After seeing what I am prepared to offer in comparison to their “cash now” quotes, I don’t believe that too many annuitants are concerned about the referral fees. 

"Dear John"

I would like my readers to understand why I am forced to write this "Dear John" letter.  You see John  has claimed to be my friend for years now, substantiating this claim by feeling the need to call me to "shoot the breeze" 7 days/week at all hours of the day......because we're "friends" don't you know and that's what "friends" do.  We have had hundreds of conversations about factoring and the vultures that dominate the business.  John knows, probably better than anyone, how completely opposite I am from the true "cash now" people out there.  So, as much as I am trying to not react to his daily pounding, today's jab couldn't go without comment from me.

You see, every since I dared to disagree (publicly) with John about the factoring "vig", as he refers to it, he has gone out of his way to find ways to belittle me now too.  I guess I'm his target de jour.  That's fine, I'm a big girl, sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me (sorry, no catchy tune here ala John, I have too much to do).  John has done some unspeakable acts (that you are all unaware of) to try and hurt me and my business and yes, don't worry, I am speaking to my attorney, to find a way to put an end to his vindictiveness.  Bottom line, if you don't want to be blogged to death by little man John, do not, under any circumstances, disagree with him.  I would say this in a phone call to John, but alas, ironically, he now doesn't want to speak to me.

Dear John:

I am sad that your life is so completely without meaning that you find the need to always belittle others in a sad attempt to make yourself appear bigger and better.  I suppose I should have attempted to find you some help while we were still "friends".  I'm sorry I didn't recognize the symptoms sooner. 

John, you need to get your facts straight.  I was NOT at the AAJ meeting in San Juan.  I was planning on it, but my life (something you need to get) got in the way of attending this one.  Isn't it funny how we have discussed business for years, and my attendance at all AAJ meetings, yet (while we were friends) you did not find the need to make an "issue" out of it or even voice your disapproval.  But now, since I dared to disagree with you, you find it necessary to make it into a big deal.   

John, you know how very different I am from the real "cash now" guys out there.  In fact, you have been one of my biggest supporters for years, with or without taking a referral fee.  Stop now, this childish attempt to discredit me.  You know how passionately I believe in what I do and how I am conducting myself in this business.  You know what a great job I do and how this business needs me.  Yes John, you know it all after thousands of hours on the phone.  Don't lie, it's not becoming.

       

Symetra solicitation

I have been telling brokers for a while now that annuitants receive solicitation letters from Symetra as well as from Allstate.  For those of you who didn't believe it, here is one from Symetra (Download symetra_letter.pdf ).

An annuitant called me just the other day claiming that he didn't even know that he could get funds out of his structure until Allstate starting sending him solicitation letters.  I requested a copy of that letter as well and will share it with you when I receive it.