Roger Crandall’s Post

From the moment MassMutual issued its first policy 173 years ago, we’ve firmly believed that life insurance is the foundation of a financial plan, providing security and peace of mind in ways that few solutions can. While September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, this message is conveyed each day through the important work to help families navigate the unthinkable and unexpected with strength, security and stability. No matter the circumstance, people trust us to be there when they need us most. And thanks to our passionate, dedicated team of financial professionals and employees, MassMutual delivers this promise every single day, ensuring generations of families can help secure their future and protect the ones they love. https://lnkd.in/e6P6JiZH #LifeInsuranceAwarenessMonth #LIAM24

Financial skills like learning how to set goals, build savings, and manage a budget are foundational to a secure future, especially when learned at an early age. Through MassMutual's FutureSmart program, we’ve been on a journey to provide more people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to achieve long-term financial well-being. We are incredibly proud to have reached more than 5 million students so far – and look forward to reaching many more in the years to come.

The future looks bright for our MassMutual interns. One of my favorite parts of the summer is getting the opportunity to meet with this intelligent, curious, and ambitious group and sharing career advice and insights – from how to confidently make decisions and take on leadership roles to my morning routine and daily to-do list as CEO. This #NationalInternDay, I want to thank them for their great questions, innovative thinking, and contributions to our company’s success.

During a visit to the Lone Star State last week, the Bluecrest Financial Alliances team welcomed me to their Dallas headquarters for a fireside chat. In my conversation with Shey Stegall, we discussed the crucial role our advisors play in driving MassMutual’s strategy forward and providing our customers with the holistic financial solutions and trusted advice they need. Thank you to Shey, Jason Bach, and the entire team for your continued hard work, focus, and dedication to serving our policyowners.

When MassMutual began helping families protect their fortunes 173 years ago this month, it was on the basis of neighbors helping neighbors. That same spirit was on display yesterday as we announced a donation of land to Baystate Health for the construction of a new community health center, as well as financing and a $5 million contribution from the MassMutual Foundation to fund the project. This is the power of good neighbors working together to make a community stronger, healthier, and more secure, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it. https://lnkd.in/eGekFfur

This #TeacherAppreciationDay, I want to extend my thanks to all the teachers who nurture curiosity, instill a love of learning, and equip children with the skills they need to thrive.   This is an enormously important role, especially for younger ages. As Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education, I firmly believe that investing in early childhood education is an investment in all of ours. Studies have shown that children who participate in high-quality programs in their earliest years are more likely to have better outcomes and succeed in any path they take in life. And that path starts with the teachers who work hard each day to guide the way as they grow and develop – from preschoolers to young adults – helping to lay the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.

I’m sure all of us have heard the phrase often cited by Benjamin Franklin, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can start today” – whether it relates to a new exercise routine, hobby, or even a home improvement project. This also applies to one of my favorite concepts: the power of compound interest. Even if you start by investing a small amount, the interest you earn will rapidly accelerate the growth of your savings over time. I learned this early on, and I believe it is still one of the most important things for people to understand as they look to build financial capability.   For students, these types of lessons are crucial to their financial well-being in the long-term. Through the MassMutual Foundation's #FutureSmart program, we are working with EVERFI from Blackbaud to provide financial education to millions of middle and high school students, helping them build a more secure future. https://lnkd.in/ewFT4Ej8 #FinancialCapabilityMonth

The start of baseball season is one of my favorite times of year, just as it’s been since I was a kid. From the players’ sheer talent to the fans’ enthusiasm, there is something truly special and nostalgic about America’s pastime regardless of who you root for. What makes it even more iconic is the history and legacy behind the sport – and the fact that today’s players are standing where many of the greats had memorable moments.   This is especially true at Fenway Park, one of the most storied places in baseball, where MassMutual is prominently displayed in centerfield. Through our partnership with the Boston Red Sox, we are proud to bring more people together, support our shared community, and be part of the ballpark’s history as it’s still being written. During #OpeningDay today in our great city of Boston, keep an eye out for MassMutual as you enjoy the spirit of the game that we all know and love.

It was a pleasure meeting with our general agents last week to discuss MassMutual’s strategy for navigating today’s challenges and opportunities in close partnership with their teams. As the bedrock of our business since our founding in 1851, our network of financial professionals forge lifelong connections with our customers rooted in trust, understanding, and a holistic approach to meeting their needs. As we navigate an ever-changing world and face an uncertain future, their work in helping people plan for it is especially important today – and we continue to support and invest in our field partners as we work together in pursuit of our shared purpose.

Just as we have for nearly 173 years, MassMutual navigated the uncertainty of 2023 with enduring strength and stability. Thanks to our passionate and dedicated employees and financial professionals, we proudly achieved new company milestones and delivered on our commitments to our customers and communities – all in the spirit of building a better future for all our stakeholders.