Jerry L. Ripperger

About the Author

Jerry L. Ripperger

Jerry L. Ripperger, QPFC, is director of consulting for retirement and investor services at the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa. For more than 24 years he has been involved in developing and implementing employee benefit programs for owners and employees of growing businesses. Ripperger specializes in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and tours the country educating financial professionals about the benefits of introducing ESOPs to their business owner clients. Ripperger earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in business administration from Drake University. Ripperger can be reached at the Principal Financial Group, 711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392. Telephone: 515-248-2240. Email: ripperger.jerry@principal.com.

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  ESOPs: a plan to help business owners avoid "taxmageddon"

  By Jerry L. Ripperger, Brian D. Hector  |  December 10, 2012

  Because of their special tax features, ESOPs allow owners to sell their stock and diversify their wealth on a tax-favorable basis, while effectively retaining control of their business.

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  Exploring the ABCs of an ESOP Transaction

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  August 20, 2012

  An ESOP often creates numerous opportunities for financial professionals as well, including helping clients with planning, investing and protecting assets. Unfortunately, many business owners have a limited understanding of these plans and their benefits. Gaining a basic understanding of the plans may help guide an initial client conversation.

• When Your Health Care Client Is Also a Provider

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  June 21, 2010

  Being a health care provider does not necessarily make someone a health care benefits expert.

• Wellness Benefits Are Expanding Into The Small Business Market

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  October 19, 2008

  Wellness programs hold great promise for employers. Employers are seeing significant financial returns and improved employee health. As a result, wellness programs are evolving and ...

• Health Savings Accounts For The Unhealthy? Absolutely

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  September 23, 2007

  Although it seems counterintuitive, unhealthy individuals are not disadvantaged by the combination of a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account. In fact, they ...

• Follow The Leaders: Promote Wellness Programs

  By Jerry L. Ripperger, Stephen Gray  |  March 10, 2005

  Follow The Leaders: Promote Wellness ProgramsEducating employees about wellness benefits is important, but we think the best role benefits advisors can play is to get ...

• Now for the Hard Part: Knowledge, Tools, and Support for CDHC

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  February 1, 2005

  The producer has educated himself or herself about consumer-driven health care (CDHC). He has sold his clients on the benefits of CDHC. He has held enrollment meetings and processed all the paperwork. He is done until renewal -- but not so

• Use High-Deductible Health Plans To Win More Worksite Sales

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  November 24, 2004

  Use High-Deductible Health Plans To Win More Worksite SalesIt was easy in the past to tell the difference between traditional employer-sponsored health benefits and voluntary ...

• From Health Care User to Health Care Consumer: Consumer Driven Health Care Plans

  By Jerry L. Ripperger  |  February 1, 2004

  Consumer driven health plans (CDHPs) differ from traditional plans because the insured is expected to be an active, engaged health care services consumer instead of a passive user. The insured is expected to know more than if his or her physician is