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Tony Ondrusek is founder and publisher of Insurance & Financial Advisor and IFAwebnews.com.

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All forms of investment took a beating in 2009, but news that Goldman Sachs is discontinuing its life settlement index does not bode well for that sector.

Some say that Goldman Sachs is throwing in the towel much too early, and is simply leery of news headlines that could harm the industry, which has had its share of bad press, such as this article on a scam in Texas.

When used properly, life settlements are a sound tool. But poor practices in the past — and obviously, the present — by some players make it difficult for those firms that are reputable.