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We joined WFG in late 2014 and participated actively for about 6 months until we gradually just "died out." Initially, we were invited to a "company orientation" (1), which we later found out is actually what is called a BPM. Honestly, I don't remember much of the presentation, other than it didn't really give any specifics about the company nor what we'd be doing once we entered the "company." But it sure sounded *** good, because it is modeled to direct all the problems of the lower middle class, such as debt, low paying jobs and being unhappy at where you are at in life.

We scheduled an interview with our eventual upline's "boss" (2) and it wasn't a real interview, just more talk, talk, talk but it sure was convincing. And so we signed up, though the unexpected $100 fee made us want to reconsider. The additional $30 for a "fast start kit" made us want to reconsider even more. What I didn't like was that they weren't upfront and just sprung on us. But we had already decided to give it a try, so give it a try we did.

I ended up using my CC to pay for the fees and materials. At that point, we were nearly done paying off all our debt (just a few hundred dollars left) and wanted to make some extra money to stop living paycheck to paycheck. It was our first step into even more debt.

We were told to attend the "meetings/trainings" which they claimed would be essential to building the business (3). It was more like "selling the dream" over and over, and we felt like we didn't really learn or understand anything, neither the company nor what the heck we would be selling.

We were often told we didn't have to do the 3-3-30 if we didn't want to and take the "long way" (4), but we would just as often be asked by several people in the office: Have you done your 3-3-30?

They are very good at pressuring people into doing things they don't really want to. Add in all the ridiculous recognitions each "meeting/training" (like we're children or something all aiming for #1 in stickers earned) and you create an environment for lies.

5) People will write themselves a policy and say they "sold one policy" for recognition.

6) As part of doing your 3-3-30, you're supposed to learn how to market to people and do the "business." I honestly didn't learn jack. Because my *** was training my upline to be a "trainer" by being there with him and me for my 3-3-30. Not only that but I had to - not really lie but not really tell the truth either - to my family and friends.

7) "You just have to be 'coachable' and follow the system and it'll run your business for you." We were extremely coachable and even our *** said so. We did everything they wanted us to do, and you know what? It did not work. IT DID NOT WORK. Surprise, surprise.

And after spending money we didn't have to get licensed (8), which they also weren't upfront about (omitting information is lying), to attend *** conventions or local weekend events (basically just days long meetings/trainings of losing sleep and starving yourself) and to pay for pricey hotels, etc (oh because they wanted to let you experience a fancy hotel, which many people don't get to during their lifetime - like we even got to enjoy it when the trainings/meetings took up a vast majority of the time and we had to be stay late and be up super early for them), we became a few thousand dollars more in debt instead of just being a few hundred dollars away from being debt free. Which, ironically, is something they preach about and say is important to become financially better. Yeah, like we didn't know that?

9) "Sell the dream." From the start I had issues with this phrase for two reasons: a) The "dream" is supposed to be different per individual, but not WFG. It certainly felt like the dream was WFG and making lots of money and buying things you don't need, which ironically is another thing they preach about. b) The fact that they are selling DREAMS, not something tangible. This unfortunately is something people will buy into, just as we did. They will get lost in it, just like we did, and forget what their original reason for joining WFG, like we temporarily did, in the midst of trying to reach the goals that WFG essentially sets out for everyone who joins (even though everyone is supposed to have their own INDIVIDUAL goals - yeah right).

10) And finally, the one that kept bugging me the whole time and probably saved me from being even more swept up in the lies: "Fake it till you make it." Essentially, telling you to just lie, lie, lie.

In the end, this is not entirely WFG's fault. It was also our fault and our mistake for taking a chance with this "company" and not really thinking things through. We have learned our lesson and I hope this helps all current WFG people who are debating about WFG and those considering entering WFG. Do your research! BE VERY SKEPTICAL!

Lastly, and sadly, there are people who genuinely BELIEVE they are doing "good work" for their clients, recruits, whatever, but the way they talk about and treat these people (which I was exposed to very personally) says otherwise, but they don't seem to see it. The original appeal of WFG for us was to be able to help people financially and make money doing it.

But I can say for sure when I was working on getting my 3-3-30 done, it was not because I wanted to help people, but because I had to (hello pressure) get my 3-3-30 done.

Reason of review: Not as described/ advertised.

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Guest

Thank you very much. This is very helpful to me.

Guest

Don't blame Wfg how you spend your money.you don't have the money to go don't go. All Wfg ask for 300 which admin fee and licensed.

Administer fee is common thing You fail because you were lazy person and selffish. I see my upline work hard just to have a office there. Making appointment and going to meeting. Demonstrate leadership.

Have you done anything like that. If for god sake if you ever care about other people than yourself gain, than probably could see how the company help people.

I wish Wfg reach out to my family when I was younger. It could make a huge differences for me

Prudencio Zlt
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1206964

Anon from Anon. I agree with you: $300 is a small price to pay to get in with a good company.

Too bad WFG is a horrible company. One built on fraud and deceit. WFG spawns lying little rep-licants that, like mindless pathogenic viruses, namelessly spread their bogus playbook spiel. They infect vulnerable people with their false patter of โ€œmaking moneyโ€ and โ€œhelping families.โ€ Meanwhile they do just the opposite.

The WFG system sucks away your funds and harming you and those people near and dear to you.

Gentlefolk, if you want to save your a lot of money, time, friendships and family relations, please *avoid WFG like the plague.* Itโ€™s only a matter of time till the courts and the regulators catch up with this gang of know-nothings and swindlers.

If you decide to visit this den of smiling fraudsters, you can't say we didn't warn you. Keep your wallet in your pocket.

And please DON'T give them the names and contact info of your friends and family. Good luck.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Prudencio Zlt

Yes, from my expereince, I agree!!!

Pryce Urx
reply icon Replying to comment of Prudencio Zlt

totally right 100 % agree

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1206964

lie, lie, total lie

Guest

Thanks for taking your time to post your experience with WFG. Am doing good my research on the company and your article is a real help.

Guest

For those of you calling WFG/ Transamerica being a "pyramid scheme". Or a scam?

Actually pyramid schemes are illegal in the United States. If there is a reference like this on the Internet, the state can press charges as it is a felony offense to make that claim. Please make sure you are referencing legitimate financial or government websites when doing research regarding WFG (World Financial Group), Transamerica, or Aegon as these will provide an accurate picture of the companies, their reputations, and their financials.

Please note that I am not a WFG agent!!!

I am a happy client however. And unlike most idiots online is actually did my proper research.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1195416

It is a pyramid scheme. There I said it. So sue me!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1195416

I too am a happy client - after 5 years of being a client I have cash assets HIGHER - actually much higher than what the policy book pages they gave me said I would have (VOYA global choice). The reason I am reading this page is that I contacted the guy I purchased the original policy and asked him if I could add buy another policy with voya...

he said yes and told me to stop by his office... ok. when I worked with him the first time he was just starting out and I was referred to him by a person I knew. He now has a nice office (Chicago).

Plaques, awards, and trophies are throughout the 5000 sq ft office. he asked me at the END of doing a second IUL with voya again if I would be interested in learning what he does and starting out in the office part-time. this is what I am told. I need to take a FACE to FACE state required course to get my license and I need to pay for a state-required test and I have to pay for fingerprinting and I need to pay for the actual license from the state of Illinois and I need to pay for annual continuing education which is also state mandated and I will have to take an anti-money laundering class and I have to pay a one-time administrative account set up fee of $100....

I have to find my own clients.... I have to help the client know the choices and how each choice has pros and cons. I have to teach debt restructuring to clients so that they can invest in their future. I can choose to have an office or work from home - office space is available with him for $100 a month if I choose to do that.

I will start within the WFG with a 25% contract and there are a number of ways (many of which I have read about on this website) that I can earn a better paying contract. It was explained to me that I will develop a full plan of financial steps and tools for clients and design insurances plans with one of many partner investment companies. When I bring that client to these companies, that company will then pay WFG a fee for the new client acquisition of which I get 25%....ok... If I do a certain amount in 90 days then I get a production contract raise to 35%...

that is really huge compared to other jobs I have had. But that also seems like it must be hard to do if they are going to jump your pay that much in just 90 days?? So, my total investment is less than $500 and I end up with a STATE of ILLINOIS license that makes me employable at any Illinois insurance agency and I have the right to leave WFG if I want to go because it is MY license. Plus it only takes a single sale to get paid back my whole investment.

โ€ฆ so even if I hate it and I make one sale โ€“ I have recouped my investment and I walked away with a state license in my handโ€ฆ So how is this a pyramid? I used to work in furniture sales and I made FAR FAR LESS of a commission for the sale. Never got raises for my effortsโ€ฆ I guess I am not seeing this as a bad thing. I am thinking I will I AM A HAPPY CLIENT HOWEVER!!

I just took a loan out from my VOYA IUL which was set up by WFG agent- it paid for my new car - last January Voya had a dividend in my account of over 40%...

I have never had it go down in value. I LOVE MY IULโ€ฆ so may you guys with the FFtrans-thing had a BAD untrained person or somethingโ€ฆ I can not say the same is happening with mineโ€ฆ

Guest

Thanks

Guest

Hi. This is Carol. I had a number of people ask me about how the commission is distributed among the upline over the last few weeks. I read the compensation and promotion guidelines and I have to sayโ€ฆIโ€™m still a little stumped. I hope someone could simplify it for me. Hereโ€™s a scenario #1:

โ€œAโ€ (MD) brought in โ€œBโ€. โ€œBโ€ did the 3-3-30 and made it to SA. โ€œAโ€ eventually got promoted to *** As a requirement for becoming an SMDโ€ฆโ€Aโ€ had to give up either an MD or 2 SAs to โ€œCโ€โ€ฆI think itโ€™s a EMD. โ€œBโ€ is now โ€œmappedโ€ (whatever that means) under to EMD. So if โ€œBโ€ (SA) makes a saleโ€ฆdoes โ€œCโ€ get 65% or is it split between โ€œAโ€ and โ€œCโ€โ€ฆsince โ€œAโ€ brought โ€œBโ€ in?

Here is scenario #2:

If โ€œBโ€ brought someone in and asks โ€œAโ€ to help finish selling the new recruit a policyโ€ฆdoes โ€œAโ€ get 65% or does โ€œAโ€ get half of โ€œBโ€โ€™s commission? What does โ€œCโ€ get out of this scenario?

Any and all help would be so greatly appreciated.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1193336

Oh My gosh that is like reading an SAT math problem. Dear lord say that in english please???

Coen Zap

You did a good job highlighting the deception, pressure and lengths agents will go to seem like they're well off to their peers. #8 & 9 on your list are very interesting points that aren't as highlighted as they should.

I can definitely second your account on the unexpected fees I had to pay for licensing and conventions, and the pointlessness of said meetings/conventions. WFG highlights conventions like it is a godsend, but essentially it's just a giant motivation seminar like one's you'd get at a WFG office with a bit of more entertainment that you pay money for to get there.

#9 especially touches me personally and painfully. When my friends and I joined WFG, my dream was getting my degrees and becoming accomplished in my desired career, with WFG only planned as just some side income while I pursue my education.

After all, I was told WFG was a viable side "job" to do. But then my friends fell deeper down the rabbit hole. Like you said, WFG preaches and sets a particular "dream", that of making money and recruiting, for EVERYONE. My friends starting pressuring me to be "more coachable" and to focus on WFG even when they know my #1 priority is my education and career.

Even when I was a full-time student (in which I was taking 5 classes and weekdays are often spent at my university from 7am-5pm), I would be incredibly pressured to achieve this "dream" that I could honestly care less about because it's not MY dream and I'm not going to make time for WFG when I'm much more concerned about my college work. It's clearly not a job that I must arrive at and clock in either (I was ok not putting in time if it conflicts with college). But I would also like to include that WFG often puts down people's dreams of pursuing education and careers. While I cannot state for all of WFG, I know that for my particular branch it wasn't too well looked upon.

They often state college and the degrees are similar to scams and that with a career you'd simply be working a '9 to 5' job under a boss and making the same salary each year. One of the main reasons I decided to fall out of this ludicrous company.

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