Viking Magazine - February 2014 - 29

says Heiberg. " They share
the same beliefs about
Sons of Norway, as an
organization, in what we
do and what we stand for. "
FBCs Across the Country
Sons of Norway currently
has 80 FBCs working in 38
states and is continuing to
expand. Each year, Sons of
Norway recruits new FBCs,
adding 10 to 15 individuals
to the roster, says Len
Carlson, Sons of Norway's
director of agencies.
Carlson contracts with
experienced independent
insurance agents. While
some agents have been in
the field for a few years, and
others have spent decades in
the business, they all have
have a high level of expertise
in personal finance and
insurance.
Once they are offered a
position, every FBC goes
through training specific
to Sons of Norway. In
addition, FBCs must be
licensed and adhere to
their state's professional
standards as well, which
typically include many
hours of continuing
education every year.
Finally, before becoming
a Sons of Norway FBC,
a prospective agent must
agree to a code of ethics
that provides, among
other things, " suitability
requirements " that ensure
they are offering members
products that are right for
them, adds Carlson.
Helping With
Family Finances
Because FBCs are part of the
fraternal organization and
have a good understanding
of Sons of Norway's culture,
they establish a natural
rapport with the families they
work with. " There is a trust
factor there when they work
alongside each other, " says
Heiberg. It can make a world
of difference to the success of
a lodge and its families when
lodges embrace FBCs, he
adds. Not only do FBCs help
ensure a successful future for
members, they also ensure
the future of their lodge by
being strong recruiters.
At an initial meeting
with a member or their
family, a counselor can
provide a complimentary
financial review. During the
review the FBC will have a
confidential conversation
about the member's financial
goals, family, investments
and current insurance
coverage. " It's a chance to sit
down and review the entire
financial situation, at no
cost, " says Carlson.
Ideally, once clients begin
working with an FBC, they
should meet annually, just
as they would with a health
care provider. " Things
change in your financial
world, just as in your health
world, " says Carlson.
An annual review can
address changes in your
insurance profile. A new
baby, an inheritance or a
recent retirement-to name
a few-are all events that
may trigger the need for
additional coverage,
a change in beneficiaries
or other policy advice
or revisions.
These can be important
and complex topics to think
about. Sometimes a change
is necessary and sometimes
not, but either way a Sons of
Norway FBC can help you
make the right decisions.
DON'T HAVE AN FBC?
Sons of Norway has a map and interactive feature on its website. If you're interested in finding an
FBC in your state, check out sonsofnorway.com/financialapps/.
For a list of life insurance products and a glossary of terms, check out Sons of Norway's Learning
Center at sonsofnorway.com/learningcenter.
sonsofnorway.com VIKING FEBRUARY 2014 29

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Viking Magazine - February 2014

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