I've worked alongside brokers selling telehealth, advocacy and other non-insurance benefits. Bundles of these services are an appealing strategy to prospective groups around the country. If you approach it correctly, they can open doors and set you apart from other brokers.

Here is a snapshot of the top motivations and challenges facing the growing independent workforce.

It's disturbing how many women will be vulnerable in retirement due to lack of money -- and for reasons often beyond their control. But for many, there's still time to take some hard actions to try to save as much money as possible.