Sapient
Financial
Group

Following record sales and recruitment in 2008, San Antonio-based financial services firm now looking to add 10 more financial professionals in 2009

San Antonio, TX. January 22, 2009 – Sapient Financial Group, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), announced today that it is looking to hire 10 more financial professionals within the next 12 months – a headcount growth of 20%. The positions will be based at the company’s San Antonio and Austin offices. The company is predicting strong sales performance in 2009 despite the grim economic outlook thanks to the surge in the number of baby boomers reaching retirement together with the increase in the number of self-directed retirement plans.

“The market may have changed, but people’s financial goals and needs have not,” said Frank Woodruff, CEO of Sapient Financial Group. “In these turbulent times, traditional low risk products such as fixed and variable annuities are more appealing. And informed clients understand how whole life insurance can play a significant role in a retirement plan. These products are better than ever, but they’re increasing in complexity, so we’re seeing an even greater number of people seeking the counsel of a competent, trustworthy advisor to help them make good decisions.”

“We are looking to recruit coachable people who have entrepreneurial goals and abilities, and a track record of success,” said Bill Weirich, Sapient Financial Group’s Chief Operating Officer. “The more insight they have in the financial sector, the more helpful that is, but a lack of experience in financial services is by no means a show stopper.”

The 2009 growth predictions follow record sales in 2008 for Sapient Financial Group. The company achieved a 13.8% growth in annual sales of its core products, selling $44.8 million in annuities, life, disability income and long term care insurance products, compared to $39.4 million in 2007. In the same period, the company grew their net professional staff by 16%, increasing the number of financial professionals to 51 from 44 in 2007.

Sapient Financial Group offers a full range of retirement, investment and insurance services to clients. The company won fourth place in the medium company category of the San Antonio Business Journal’s “2008 Best Places to Work” awards; the highest ranked financial services company of twelve finalists.

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Sapient Financial Group www.SapientFinancialGroup.com, is a Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) General Agency. The firm has developed industry leadership in areas of individual and small business risk management planning and offers a full range of employee benefits planning and investment products. The firm has assisted individuals, families and businesses get to where they want to be by helping to provide protection, financial security, and stability for fifty-six years. In November 2008, the company was ranked 6th in the San Antonio Business Journal’s list of Largest San Antonio Money Management Firms.

Frank Woodruff can be reached at fwoodruff@finsvcs.com or by calling 210.342.4141. Securities and investment advisory services offered through MML Investors Services, Inc., member SIPC (www.SIPC.org), One Union Square, Suite 300, 10101 Reunion Place, San Antonio, TX 78216. 210.342.4141. Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies. Investments and/or insurance products offered
· ARE NOT insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency
· ARE NOT bank deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed by the bank
· ARE subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. If you are considering an annuity to fund a qualified plan such as an IRA, the tax deferral feature of the annuity offers no additional value, since IRAs are already afforded tax-deferred status. Under these circumstances, you should only consider buying an annuity if it makes sense because of the annuity's features and other benefits, and are willing to incur any additional costs for these features and benefits. Evaluate the fees and expenses and consider whether the annuity's features and other benefits will be right for you.

CRN200912-115663