Two Roads Diverged, and Then Came Back Together:

In 1985, ten years after entering the field of financial services, Allen Knox left the security of a captive life insurance agency to promote his own independent business, specializing in 403(b) TSA's for employees of schools and nonprofit organizations. Although finding the challenge of owning his own business to be exciting and rewarding, it became clear that Allen missed the sharing of ideas that had been a part of the agency relationship. His mentor, Don Ropp, who had left the same life insurance agency just a few months before Allen, was in Des Moines working as a manager with another large life insurance company. Don and Allen began to meet every few weeks to share ideas, case profiles, marketing concepts and technical information. Allen began to collect these articles and ideas, putting them together and sending them to acquaintances of Don and himself. For humor, Allen had a teacher-client who ran a print shop in his basement develop a logo with a drawing of a pile of money and the "firm" name, "allen knox associates." This was placed on the envelopes containing the free mailing being sent to the "associates" of Don and Allen. These "associates" began to place their clients' business through Allen's office and the "non-agency" became one of the largest producers for several large insurance and investment companies.

FROM YOUR SIDE OF THE TABLE
Allen had a deep aversion to being seen as a "salesman." In fact, he likes to mention that he has failed every sales success test he has ever taken. His relationship with his clients has been one of looking at the concerns they have and then finding the most cost-effective and efficient financial product to solve that concern. As "Allen Knox Associates" developed, Don and Allen led classes throughout the State of Iowa on various insurance and investment topics. These classes were approved by the Insurance Division for continuing education credit for insurance agents and provided Don and Allen an opportunity to meet many financial services professionals throughout the state. The classes emphasized the concept of working from the clients' side of the kitchen table - that is, looking at the concerns of the client as if you are that client and addressing their needs in the same exact manner you would address them if they were your own. This unique approach led Allen Knox Associates to become one of the foremost resources for reliable technical information and support in the 403(b) marketplace in Iowa and surrounding states. With associates throughout Iowa and surrounding states, Allen Knox Associates still prides itself on working "from your side of the table" to develop asset-management and risk-management strategies to meet the concerns of clients - individuals as well as organizations.

FRANKLY, THE TABLE HAS GOTTEN LARGER
Today, Allen Knox Associates is comprised of two main units - the personal clients of Allen and Jason, including individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Iowa - and, the many associates who operate independently to provide financial services solutions to their clients, also including individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Iowa and the surrounding states. As one measure of the scope of the business, Allen Knox Associates has payroll deduction plans with employees in over 600 organizations. These organizations include hospitals, schools, nursing care facilities, home health providers, healthcare temp providers, and privately owned businesses. The plans include 403(b) TSA's, 401(k)'s, SIMPLE's, SEP's, 457 Deferred Compensation and Administrator Bonus plans. Managed money accounts, variable annuities, mutual funds and fixed annuities are the products of choice for the employees of these organizations. Individual clients choose from managed money accounts, variable annuities, mutual funds, fixed annuities, term and permanent life insurance products as well as other financial services products that may fit their needs. Allen Knox Associates is committed to an educational and service approach with our clients and prefers to work from the clients' side of the table. With an emphasis on tax-advantaged and tax-sheltered concepts, clients of Allen Knox Associates receive the very best of risk-management and asset-management information based on 27 years' of experience.

Variable annuities are long term investment vehicles designed for retirement. Their value will fluctuate so that upon redemption may be worth more or less than the original cost. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a fund or a variable sub account before investing. This and other information is contained in a fund, contract, or sub account prospectus available from your registered representative. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Allen Knox Associates is licensed to offer fixed annuities and life insurance products in 9 states: Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota (license#: IN-20057362), South Dakota, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, and Wyoming.