Life Happens has created and coordinated the Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM) campaign, as disability insurance is arguably the most misunderstood of all major insurances. However, it doesn't have to be. Now is the time to come together to do something about the enormous gap that exists between Americans' need for disability insurance and the actual coverage they have.
We live during interesting times and whereas there are extremely intelligent people in this country, there are few things that anyone knows for certain. As you speak with clients, I hope you share that as one of your reasons for being a NAIFA-Texas member.
The Social Security Administration announced that it is reinstating National Social Security Month, a campaign to raise public awareness about accessing and optimizing benefits. Last observed in 2019, the campaign was paused during the pandemic and has been revived to help Americans make informed decisions about their retirement income.
Every day, 10,000 Baby Boomers become eligible to claim Social Security, creating an opportunity for financial professionals to guide clients through one of the most important steps in their retirement journey. NAIFA is committed to helping financial professionals turn this critical moment into opportunity through powerful tools and training, including the Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) program and educational resources like the on-demand webinar, "Social Security Financial Wellness: Help Your Clients Maximize Their Benefits." (NAIFA Members may access the webinar here.)
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement and are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
Loan split dollar remains one of those advanced market strategies that engenders two distinct reactions among financial professionals. One reaction sees nearly unlimited opportunity in the executive business market, while another relegates this concept to the esoteric and inapplicable. Though the latter reaction may be natural for those still stuck in an early 2000s mindset, today’s financial professionals would be remiss if they didn’t seize this impactful strategy and place it in their executive benefit toolkit.
The particulars of this technique (sometimes called collateral assignment split dollar) are beyond the constraints of this piece, but a synopsis of the “Why” behind loan split dollar will help to explain the rationale and provide a brief review of this executive benefit strategy.
NAIFA Houston hosted their 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament in April 2025! Member, guest, and sponsor contributions made this event a success and contributed to the growth of NAIFA Houston!
Family caregivers provide $600 billion in unpaid care each year, often impacting their own career opportunities or their families’ financial security. To help them cope with this burden, NAIFA strongly supports the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a $5,000 tax credit to offset out-of-pocket costs associated with home caregiving. These may include the cost of home modifications, health aides, adult daycare, medicines, transportation, and other support services.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement and are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
Charitable giving plays a vital role in many clients’ financial plans, yet discussions often focus heavily on tax mitigation rather than the true philanthropic intent behind the gift. Selecting the right charitable planning tools ensures that clients maximize both their financial benefits and the lasting impact of their contributions.
NAIFA-Dallas held their 2025 Annual Awards & Celebration of Achievement Dinner this month to honor the Mel Meyers Member of the Year Award and the OC Jackson Hall of Fame Award recipients.
The first 20 NAIFA-Texas members who submit their Congressional Conference registration receipt to NAIFA-Texas AND meet the eligibility requirements will receive a $500 travel stipend following the event.
Much like the NCAA March Madness Brackets, IFAPAC has made its own brackets, dividing NAIFA Nation into four divisions: Generals, Defenders, Advocates, and Ambassadors. Chapters will advance through the brackets based on the total amount raised during each round. Unlike NCAA March Madness, however, the 2025 IFAPAC Madness tournament has been reorganized into a Double-Elimination Tournament to ensure that all Chapters have more opportunities to participate in the campaign. When Chapters face off, winners will move into the next round. Chapters that lose will drop into the Redemption Bracket and face off for the opportunity to move back into the higher bracket in the Championship Round.
IFAPAC Madness began on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and ends Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Championship Rounds will take place April 12, 2025 – April 18, 2025.
NAIFA’s LUTCF® is the training program that has prepared more than 70,000 insurance and financial advisors to survive and thrive in the industry.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement and are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
On the evening of Tuesday, February 11, 2025, NAIFA-Texas held it's Centennial Celebration and Awards Gala at the Austin Club. The NAIFA-Texas Awards program recognizes highly qualified members that have been identified and recommended by their peers for exhibiting leadership qualities, character, significant contributions to the insurance and financial industries, and meet or exceed the required qualifications for the award in which they are being recommended. During the program, we honored the following recipients:
The NAIFA-Texas Centennial State Conference was held February 10-12, 2025, at the Omni Austin Downtown hotel in Austin, Texas. With more than 160 guests in attendance, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Texas Chapter celebrated its founding and 100 year anniversary.
To view the digital program, please click here.
Hendersonville, TN – February 10, 2025 – SAMUSA, Inc., the pioneer of the Sales Activity Management (SAM) best practice methodology for sales professionals, proudly announces its 30th year in business. The milestone will be celebrated at the NAIFA-Texas Centennial State Conference, where SAMUSA, Inc. is a proud sponsor.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Senate of Texas adopted Senate Resolution #76 by Senator Bryan Hughes honoring 100 years of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Texas Chapter (NAIFA-Texas).
Click here to view the NAIFA-Texas Resolution in the Senate
SR #76 Reading: 0:38:40 (30 minutes, 40 seconds) to 0:42:45 (42 minutes, 45 seconds).
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Texas House of Representatives adopted House Resolution #215 honoring 100 years of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Texas Chapter (NAIFA-Texas).
Click here to view the NAIFA-Texas Resolution in the House
HR #215 Reading: 1:10:00 (1 hour, 10 minutes, 0 seconds) to 1:12:30 (1 hour, 12 minutes, 30 seconds).
NAIFA 2025 President Doug Massey, LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, has come a long way since he joined NAIFA, then known as NALU, in 1987. He first attended a local luncheon in San Angelo, Texas, as a guest. It was a nice steakhouse, Massey admits, but he was reluctant and didn’t really see the association’s appeal.
February is Insure Your Love Month, an annual campaign created and coordinated by NAIFA’s Life Happens community. The theme for this year’s commemoration is a simple yet impactful message: Life insurance is love insurance.
The purpose of Insure Your Love Month is to remind Americans that the basic motivation behind the purchase of life insurance is that you love someone and want to protect them financially. Insure Your Love Month is the perfect opportunity for financial professionals to encourage consumers to put their love into action by ensuring their family’s financial future with life insurance.
We have made it especially easy for NAIFA members to share this message with clients and potential clients by offering an extensive library of resources. These are available as part of your NAIFA membership and include:
NAIFA has long supported Insure Your Love Month and other Life Happens campaigns, including Disability Insurance Awareness Month and Life Insurance Awareness Month. Now that Life Happens is part of NAIFA, a new world of benefits has opened to NAIFA members.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement and are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
Jim Thompson, a financial advisor, praised the benefits of a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which he decided to use after recognizing it as a tool to maintain home ownership and financial liquidity, contrary to common fears of losing one’s home.
He appreciates how the reverse mortgage frees up monthly funds and provides a line of credit for personal use. Thompson also commends Michael Inkman from Fairway Mortgage for his friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive approach to clients, highlighting that responsible financial planning is essential for maximizing benefits from such financial products.
As it relates to leveraging home equity, Jim says, “I use the example when you go down to the grocery store, bring your mortgage statements, and say, ‘Look, I have a paid off house.’
And they say, ‘Well, that’s very nice. Good for you. But we use cash here, so that doesn’t really help.’”
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
In creating the list, CNBC considered dozens of lenders’ customer service, ease of applications, perks, affordability, and details about their reverse mortgage options. After CNBC tallied its findings, Fairway Mortgage was chosen as the Best Reverse Mortgage Lender for Speedy Closings. Money.com evaluated product offerings, customer reviews, regulatory records, and online presence, and named Fairway the Best Reverse Mortgage Lender for Homebuyers.
This combination of speedy closings and top of market service to homebuyers makes Fairway an excellent choice for a HECM for Purchase loan, allowing those over 62 to increase their purchasing power or retain more cash from the sale of their homes.
Dan Ventura, President of Fairway’s Reverse group, acknowledged the efficiency of the HECM originations at Fairway: “One of Fairway’s Core Values is Speed To Respond, and our Operations teams take pride in their ability to close loans quicker and smoother than anyone else in the industry. In a purchase scenario, timing is of the essence, and we strive to guarantee a fast, and customer-focused experience.”
With that sentiment in mind, and building on its award-winning speed and efficiency in the mortgage industry, Fairway is announcing the launch of its “15-Day Close” initiative for HECM loans. Having already fostered a reputation for closing loans faster than the competition, this new program aims to set even higher standards for customer satisfaction.
Laya Tate, SVP Reverse Underwriting at Fairway, celebrated the launch of the new initiative: “Historically we have closed loans in 17 days or less – now we are gearing up to close loans even faster through being ‘effectively efficient’ throughout the process from origination through closing. By further streamlining processes and maintaining clear communication with clients, Fairway is committed to delivering an unparalleled reverse mortgage experience – in less time.”
If you want to work with an award-winning mortgage team, reach out to Michael Inkman today.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA Houston held their Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Briar Club to recognize members who have went above and beyond, both professionally and personally.
The evening began with NAIFA Houston President, Lena Allouche offering a warm welcome to guests in attendance and highlighting the Houston Awards Committee, the Houston President's Cabinet members, as well as the Houston Past Presidents in attendance at the dinner. Lena then moved on to thank the Awards Dinner event sponsors that included National Life Group, 1847 Financial, Strategic Financial Group, and Exam One Houston.
NAIFA Houston Past President and NAIFA-Texas Past President, Joey Ussery graciously accepted the role of emcee for the evening and presented the awards. Awards presented throughout the evening included the NAIFA National Quality Award, the NAIFA Houston Rising Star Award, the NAIFA Houston Financial Planner of the Year Award, and the NAIFA Houston Hall of Fame Award.
Following the awards presentations, the 2025 NAIFA Houston Board of Directors were sworn into office.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA-Texas teamed up with industry all-stars to bring long-term care experts together for a focused webinar session. Guest speakers included, Karry Ballinger of Ballinger Insurance, Wendy Boglioli who is an Olympic gold medalist and healthy aging advocate, and Jeremy Veryser of OneAmerica. The session was moderated by Derek True, NAIFA-Dallas Secretary.
NAIFA-Texas and TALHI (Texas Association of Life & Health Insurers) hosted a Financial 101 panel discussion in Austin, Texas on October 16, 2024 with staff from the Senate Business & Commerce Committee and the House Insurance Committee.
Panelists for the event included Jason Talley, NAIFA-Texas Government Relations Chair, Rick Demko, NAIFA-Texas President Elect, and Jennifer Cawley, CEO of TALHI. Also in attendance was NAIFA-Texas Lobbyist, Caitlin Flanders. The event was well attended and topics included discussions on budgeting, protection products and investing for the future. Another great example of industry collaboration leading up to the start of the 89th Legislature.
Please enjoy a few photos captured from the session.
NAIFA Houston held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 featuring NAIFA National's Diane R. Boyle focused on the topic of taxes, "Taxing Exercises Beyond Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies".
2025 will be a year of enormous risk in the tax policy debate needed to address expiring tax provisions, government spending and the federal debt. The scope of potential adverse changes will certainly include tax rules governing life and health insurance, annuities, retirement savings, and employer-provided benefits. Explore how to shape the legislative outcomes to benefit your business and clients regardless of the election results.
Learn how to prepare for this tax showdown with:
NAIFA Pineywoods of East Texas was honored to have U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran speak during their October 2024 membership luncheon meeting this past week. Congressman Moran discussed a 'Summary of Financial Services Legislation on Capital Hill".
Other notable guests in attendance included Congressman Moran's Senior Advisor, Jalam Lewis, the East Texas District Director for Senator John Cornyn, Sara Butler, the District Representative for Congressman Pete Sessions, Melinda Kartye, a Senior Staffer for State Senator Bryan Hughes, Reece DeWoody, State Representative Cody Harris, State Representative-Elect Daniel Alders, as well as Representatives for State Senator Robert Nichols' office.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA-Texas was joined by former NBA player, Walter Bond for a Performance Workshop, Shark Mindset. Watch the recording and discover how to elevate your sales game and dominate the competition!
The staff and board at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Texas Chapter (NAIFA-Texas) is pleased to announce the hiring of the highly reputable lobbying firm Wittenburg & Associates LLC with lead lobbyist Michelle Wittenburg. Michelle and her team have a long history of success at the Capitol and are looking forward to supporting and representing NAIFA. NAIFA-Texas will also be working with Public Affairs Specialist Caitlin Flanders, who has a keen understanding of the legislative process and has extensive experience working with key stakeholders at the Texas Capitol.
The role of lobbyists at NAIFA-Texas is to represent NAIFA’s legislative priorities at the Texas Legislature and to advocate for the insurance and financial industries. The lobbyists will work with our staff, board and members on strategy, talking points and will develop key relationships throughout the state. They will also help to lay the groundwork for a successful NAIFA Centennial State Conference and Day at the Capitol event as the date approaches.
Michelle Wittenburg shared "we are thrilled to be your advocates before the Texas Legislature in the upcoming session and look forward to elevating the NAIFA-Texas profile with legislators, key leaders and stakeholders so that their perception of NAIFA-Texas is parallel to the reality of your position in your communities and around the state".
This year the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors combined two signature events, Apex and the National Leadership Conference (NLC). Apex focuses on growing your business, encouraging leadership skills, and developing your personal brand. It appeals to a wide range of professionals and helps you reach your highest level of success. The National Leadership Conference (NLC) optimizes how we work together as NAIFA leaders to bring us continued success as the number one association for financial services professionals in the United States. NLC and the associated Belong Awards Gala inspire and recognize servant leaders who are called to serve a greater purpose and understand that they are working for the success of something bigger than themselves.
NAIFA-Dallas held their 2nd Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at Oak Highlands Brewery on Thursday, September 12th, 2024.
NAIFA-Dallas Immediate Past President, Staley Shiller, kicked off the event by welcoming the attendees an starting the 'introductory round' for the group novices and then the tournament was off!
The accomplishment recognizes the Chapter’s commitment to delivering a quality member experience.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that NAIFA’s Dallas Chapter has achieved the association’s Bronze Chapter Excellence Award. NAIFA Dallas is one of 9 Local Chapters to achieve a 2024 Chapter Excellence Award.
NAIFA established the Chapter Excellence Award in 2023 to recognize the success of those Chapters that have excelled in providing a quality member experience to their members and achieved organizational excellence.
The Gold Award indicates that NAIFA Dallas is in full compliance with its Chapter Agreement and has met Chapter Health Rating and membership benchmarks through August 31.
"Congratulations on qualifying for the NAIFA Chapter Excellence Award," said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. "The experiences our members gain at the Chapter level play a crucial role in shaping their perception of our association. It is a great pleasure to recognize your leaders, members, and executive team for their contributions in making the Chapter experience a success. Your efforts are vital to our continued success."
NAIFA Dallas will be recognized for its achievement at the Apex/National Leadership Conference and Belong Awards Celebration, September 19-21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.
ABOUT NAIFA: Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States of America. NAIFA members, in every Congressional district and every state house, subscribe to a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans. Complimented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Life Happens, the association delivers value through advocacy, service, and education.
NAIFA-Texas Government Relations Committee Chair, Jason Talley and his team at Talley Benefits Insurance Group, LLC, have been busy meeting with legislators this month including District 31 Representative Ryan Guillen at their office and U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, from the 15th Congressional District of Texas during her 2nd Annual Dove Hunt.
The accomplishment recognizes the Chapter’s commitment to delivering a quality member experience.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that NAIFA’s Houston Chapter has achieved the association’s Gold Chapter Excellence Award. NAIFA Houston is one of 9 Local Chapters to achieve a 2024 Chapter Excellence Award.
NAIFA established the Chapter Excellence Award in 2023 to recognize the success of those Chapters that have excelled in providing a quality member experience to their members and achieved organizational excellence.
The Gold Award indicates that NAIFA Houston is in full compliance with its Chapter Agreement and has met Chapter Health Rating and membership benchmarks through August 31.
"Congratulations on qualifying for the NAIFA Chapter Excellence Award," said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. "The experiences our members gain at the Chapter level play a crucial role in shaping their perception of our association. It is a great pleasure to recognize your leaders, members, and executive team for their contributions in making the Chapter experience a success. Your efforts are vital to our continued success."
NAIFA Houston will be recognized for its achievement at the Apex/National Leadership Conference and Belong Awards Celebration, September 19-21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.
ABOUT NAIFA: Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States of America. NAIFA members, in every Congressional district and every state house, subscribe to a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans. Complimented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Life Happens, the association delivers value through advocacy, service, and education.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA is pleased to announce the inaugural class of the NAIFA Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate members whose extraordinary service and contributions represent the legacy of the most accomplished, impactful, and inspirational members of the NAIFA family. The NAIFA Board of Trustees authorized the creation of the Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“The inaugural members of NAIFA's Hall of Fame not only exemplified leadership within the financial services industry but also steadfast support for NAIFA's mission,” said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. “Their unwavering dedication and commitment to NAIFA and the industry were instrumental in advancing policies and shaping the landscape of financial security in America. Their contributions have played significant roles ensuring that families across the nation can achieve their financial goals with confidence.”
Inductees to the Hall of Fame must be members of NAIFA at the time of nomination and induction except in the case of former members who have reached the age of 65 and are retired. Posthumous nominations and inductions are considered.
Members of the inaugural class are:
*posthumous inductee
The inaugural Hall of Fame class will be recognized at NAIFA’s Apex 2024 and Belong Awards Gala Sept. 21 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
“The creation of the NAIFA Hall of Fame underscores NAIFA’s dedication to acknowledging the accomplishments of extraordinary leaders in our industry,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “The Hall of Fame provides a permanent platform to recognize those who have played pivotal roles in promoting financial security and advancing the mission of NAIFA. By celebrating their legacy, we aim to inspire future generations of NAIFA members to follow in their footsteps.”
To ensure that the most deserving candidates are recognized, a Hall of Fame Selection Committee has been established. This committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting up to five members each year. The criteria for selection are:
Members of the 2024 inaugural Hall of Fame Formation Committee are:
Learn more at belong.naifa.org/hall-of-fame-winners
NAIFA-Dallas held their Annual Legislative Reception on the evening of Thursday, August 22, 2024 at The Madison in Addison. Honored guest included several Texas legislators, staff, and candidates running for office. Dallas is proud to share that both Democratic and Republican members in various contested races were in attendance during the event. Sponsors for the reception included The DI Center, Christi Greene Homes, Plus Group Texas, and 1847 Financial. 1847 Financial was the event location host for the evening.
Doug Massey has 40 years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in retirement planning and life insurance. A dedicated NAIFA member since 1987, he has served as president of his local association and NAIFA Texas. Doug actively participated in the IFAPAC committee and recently played a crucial role in NAIFA's stand against the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule proposal. As NAIFA's President-Elect for 2025, he is committed to advancing the organization's influence and protecting advisors' interests.
Regulations aim to protect, but there comes a point when they may encroach on professional autonomy and service delivery. When proposed changes to the fiduciary rule jeopardize an entire industry, what are the next steps? How can associations make a difference and safeguard their members’ interests against regulatory overreach?
Seasoned financial advisor Doug Massey delves into NAIFA's proactive measures to confront the Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule — a move that could transform the landscape of financial advising. The rule can significantly impact advisors' practices, particularly within retirement planning and life insurance. With a steadfast commitment to the industry and a strong belief in NAIFA's advocacy, Doug recounts the internal workings of the legal challenge, highlighting the need for advisors to advocate and contribute to the industry's defense against restrictive regulations.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Doug Massey, a financial services expert and NAIFA's President-Elect, to talk about protecting financial advisors from overreaching regulations. Doug discusses how the DOL fiduciary rule may reshape the financial service landscape, NAIFA's opposition to the DOL's proposal, and why NAIFA members need to share their voices and engage politically.
Quotable Moments:
Action Steps:
This episode is brought to you by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors' Advocacy program. NAIFA provides a newsletter open to the industry that reports on government activities at the state and federal levels. Sign up now
At NAIFA, we enhance professional skills, promote ethical conduct, and advocate for legislative and regulatory environments.
By joining NAIFA, you gain access to a partnership that elevates your performance while providing greater purpose to your professional work. NAIFA members are happier, make more money, and stay in the business longer.
Get in touch with NAIFA and learn more about how to join NAIFA by visiting NAIFA.org.
The NAIFA Governance Committee consists of 12 NAIFA members and is chaired by NAIFA Past President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Brokerage Director at Coastal Wealth in Boynton Beach, FL, a loyal member since 1990.
“The NAIFA Governance Committee has nominated a very strong group of candidates for NAIFA’s Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee positions,” Holzberg said. “The large number and extraordinary quality of the applicants this year made the nominating decisions particularly difficult. It is a testament to the strength of NAIFA that so many highly talented members want to volunteer their time and talents to ensure the continued success of our association. I sincerely hope they all continue their dedicated support of NAIFA and will continue to offer their leadership and services when occasions arise. On behalf of the Governance Committee, I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate Secretary candidate John Wheeler, Treasurer candidate Paul Dougherty, and Trustee candidates R. Jan Pinney and John D. Richardson. You have the complete confidence and full support of the committee, and we look forward to your strong leadership.”
Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, a loyal member since 1987, will serve as NAIFA’s 2025 President.
Douglas Massey is a registered representative with OFG Financial Services, Inc., where he has been since 1992. His practice specialties include retirement planning and life insurance. His company’s focus is on near-retirees and retirees. It also does a significant amount of business in the non-profit and 403(b) market.
A NAIFA member since 1987, Massey has served as Chair of the IFAPAC Committee, was on the NAIFA-TX board of directors from 2008-2014 and was President of NAIFA-TX from 2012-2013.
He has attended every NAIFA Congressional Conference since the meeting’s inception and has attended every NAIFA-TX Legislative Day since 1991. He is one of the key contacts for Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Rep. Michael Conaway.
Massey is an IFAPAC Defender (monthly contributor), as well as a contributor at several events each year. Over the years, he has recruited and sponsored many NAIFA members and has encouraged past members. He has moderated LUTCF and FSS classes and is a Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) graduate.
NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated John Wheeler, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, Executive Senior Partner at Totus Wealth Management LLC in Houston, Texas, to be the 2025 NAIFA Secretary. Wheeler, who currently serves on NAIFA’s National Government Relations and IFAPAC Committees, is a past NAIFA-National Trustee and Past President of NAIFA-Illinois. He has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1973. As incoming Secretary, Wheeler will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2026 and President in 2027.
The Committee has also nominated R. Jan Pinney, CLU, ChFC, CPCU, Chairman & CEO of the Pinney Insurance Center in Roseville, CA, and John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP, a Financial Planner with Capital Planning Group in Brentwood, TN, to each serve a two-year term on the NAIFA Board of Trustees. Pinney, a loyal NAIFA member since 1971, is a Past President of NAIFA-California and a Past Board Member of Life Happens. Richardson, a loyal member since 2003, was NAIFA’s Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year for 2018 and is Past President of NAIFA-Tennessee.
Paul Dougherty, LUTCF, FSS, LACP, HIA, an Agent with State Farm in Hyattsville, MD, is nominated to serve as NAIFA’s National Treasurer. He has been a loyal member since 1999 and is a NAIFA-National Past President and past member of Life Happens Board of Trustees.
Returning to serve the second year of their two-year terms as Trustee are Dennis Cuccinelli, LACP, a Financial Representative of Certified Financial Services in Edison, NJ, a loyal member since 1986, and Stephen Kagawa, FSS, LUTCF, Founder and CEO of the Pacific Bridge Companies in Monrovia, CA, a loyal member since 1986.
Also returning as Trustees in 2025 are Jesse Dogillo, CFP, CLU, ChFC, AEP, Founder of Bay Area Financial Advisers in Sunnyvale, CA, a loyal member since 2022; Ernest Guerriero, CLU, ChFC, CEBS, CPCU, CPC, CMS, AIF, RICP, CPFA, Head of Business Sponsored Retirement Plans at Guardian Life Insurance Company in New York, NY, a loyal member since 2022; Barb Pietrangelo, CFP, CLU, ChFC, a Financial Planner with Prudential Financial in Ada, MI, a loyal member since 1992; and Andrew Rinn, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, Assistant Vice President-Advanced Strategies with Sammons Financial in Lincoln. NE, a loyal member since 2018.
Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, a loyal member since 1987, will serve as NAIFA’s 2025 President. Christopher Gandy, LACP, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group in Lisle, IL, will be the 2025 President-Elect. Both Massey and Gandy have served the association in multiple roles including national Trustee, State President, and specialty committee roles throughout their leadership tenure.
Thomas M. Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, Agency Manager at Southern Farm Bureau Insurance in Ocala, FL, a loyal member since 1981, will serve as Immediate Past President beginning January 1, 2025.
The NAIFA Governance Committee consists of 12 NAIFA members and is chaired by NAIFA Past President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Brokerage Director at Coastal Wealth in Boynton Beach, FL, a loyal member since 1990.
“The NAIFA Governance Committee has nominated a very strong group of candidates for NAIFA’s Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee positions,” Holzberg said. “The large number and extraordinary quality of the applicants this year made the nominating decisions particularly difficult. It is a testament to the strength of NAIFA that so many highly talented members want to volunteer their time and talents to ensure the continued success of our association. I sincerely hope they all continue their dedicated support of NAIFA and will continue to offer their leadership and services when occasions arise. On behalf of the Governance Committee, I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate Secretary candidate John Wheeler, Treasurer candidate Paul Dougherty, and Trustee candidates R. Jan Pinney and John D. Richardson. You have the complete confidence and full support of the committee, and we look forward to your strong leadership.”
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
On July 25, 2024, a federal court in the Eastern District of Texas issued a stay barring the enforcement of the DOL fiduciary-only rule (and amendments to PTE 84-24) while the case in FACC v. DOL is pending. An appeal of the stay to the 5th Circuit is likely.
Meanwhile, NAIFA’s challenge to the fiduciary-only rule, brought with ACLI and other industry groups, is under review in the Northern District of Texas, where we seek a preliminary injunction and stay against enforcement of the fiduciary-only rule and amendments to PTE 84-24 and 2020-02.
Update: A Federal Court has granted a stay in the case brought by NAIFA, ACLI, and others.
The court in the FACC case ruled that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits because the fiduciary-only rule conflicts with ERISA, and with the 5th Circuit’s decision in Chamber, by impermissibly expanding the definition of fiduciary and exceeding the DOL’s authority.
The court in the FACC case found the following:
The court gave its stay nationwide effect, not limited to the parties in the FACC case, because the fiduciary-only rule affects all similarly situated financial professionals; because investment rules should be uniform; and because the rule impacts various parts of the financial services industry.
"NAIFA is very pleased that a federal court has halted enforcement of the Department of Labor's fiduciary-only rule," said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. "While we await a decision in the case NAIFA filed with NAIFA Chapters, ACLI, and other industry groups in opposition to the DOL rule, this is an important step forward towards protecting the businesses of NAIFA members and consumers who rely on them for financial products and services. The decision means that the DOL's rule will not go into effect September 24, and the courts will have time to fully consider the merits of our lawsuit. We are encouraged by this decision and are confident that we have put forward a strong argument to have the DOL's rule vacated in its entirety."
The NAIFA chapters that are parties to our lawsuit are NAIFA-Texas, NAIFA-Dallas, NAIFA-Fort Worth, and NAIFA-Pineywoods of East Texas. NAIFA will keep you posted on important developments in these cases.
Join us for a deep dive webinar on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Eastern. Two Humana experts, with nearly 45 years of combined experience, will delve into the benefits and opportunities of Medicare Supplement products.
Discover why now is the perfect time to include Medicare Supplement in your offerings. We’ll discuss the current market landscape and how Medicare Supplement plans can significantly benefit your clients.
Get a closer look at the underwriting process, including real-time underwriting techniques. Learn how these practices can help you provide swift and efficient solutions for your clients.
Understand what makes Humana a strong player in the Medicare Supplement market. We will explore their competitive positioning and the stability of their rates, ensuring you can confidently recommend their products.
Explore the potential earnings that come with Medicare Supplement products. We will outline the financial advantages of these products and how they can contribute to the growth of your business.
Sponsored by Humana, this webinar is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Medicare Supplement products and explore new ways to support your clients.
Join your friends and colleagues at the Arizona Biltmore, September 19-21, for NAIFA's combined signature events, Apex and the National Leadership Conference. You can see who will be there on our Apex Who's Coming? page. Add your name to the list by registering today!
Members from Texas registered to attend include:
Lena Allouche, NAIFA Houston President
Erni Davis, NAIFA Employee
Renae Davies, NAIFA-Texas Executive Director
Rick Demko, NAIFA-Texas President-Elect
Karen Easterling, NAIFA Austin Board Member
Susan Faykus, NAIFA Austin President
Keith Forster, San Antonio Member
Hollie Gandy Donohue, NAIFA Amarillo Area Leadership Team Member
Robin Johnston, Austin Member
Chuck Laubach, San Antonio Member
Douglas Massey, NAIFA National President-Elect
Shane Minks, NAIFA Houston Board Member
Michael Steadman, San Antonio Member
Jason Talley, NAIFA-Texas Industry Relations Task Force Chair & LILI Chair
James Thompson, NAIFA-Texas Board Member
Joey Ussery, Houston Member
John W Wheeler Jr., NAIFA-Texas Board Member
NAIFA's Apex and National Leadership Conference has what you need to take your business to the next level and boost your bottom line.
NAIFA-Texas is proud to announce that John M. Ruckel, LUTCF, a Financial Professional with MassMutual and owner of Ruckel Insurance and Financial Group in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the 2024 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award. John will receive the award at the celebration on September 21. Learn more about this prestigious honor here: NAIFA-Texas Member John Ruckel to Receive NAIFA Terry Headley Award.
NAIFA's room block and conference rate at the Arizona Biltmore is reserved through August 12, so act now to avoid missing out.
NAIFA and NAIFA-Texas are proud to announce that John M. Ruckel, LUTCF, a Financial Professional with MassMutual and owner of Ruckel Insurance and Financial Group in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the 2024 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.
Ruckel, a loyal member since 1969, was NAIFA’s National President in 1999-2000. He had previously served on NAIFA’s National Board of Trustees and as NAIFA-Texas’s President in 1987-1988. He was also President of NAIFA-Pineywoods of East Texas and a member of the LIFE Foundation (Life Happens) Board of Directors.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
One hundred and thirty-four years ago today, a group of life insurance agents from different parts of the United States gathered at the Parker House in Boston to create the National Association of Life Underwriters. This organization, which grew into the NAIFA we cherish and celebrate today, was formed to promote the success of the life insurance industry and encourage laws prohibiting life insurance agents from engaging in questionable or unethical practices.
NAIFA was born as an advocacy association and continues in that tradition today. NAIFA’s membership now consists of professionals from communities across the country, representing every congressional district, and engaging in various financial services practices. With firm roots in NAIFA’s life insurance origins, NAIFA members today offer the entire gamut of financial services products and services: from health, disability, and long-term care insurance to wealth management and estate planning; from college funding preparation to retirement planning; from employee benefits to buy-sell agreements; and much more.
NAIFA’s recent merger with the Society of Financial Service Professionals and joining with Life Happens has expanded the breadth of our membership and the reach of our influence. NAIFA’s volunteer leaders, executive team, and association management experts have embarked on an effort to build a new strategic plan to carry our success through the year 2030 and beyond. We look to our future with excitement as we reflect on our past with pride.
Congratulations on being a member of the largest and most esteemed association of financial professionals in the United States
Carson Porter is an experienced financial advisor providing specialized life insurance, annuities, and financial services across the United States. His journey from owning auto repair shops to excelling in the financial industry is marked by a passion for education, innovation, and business development. Carson founded a mastermind group dedicated to empowering insurance agents and advisors through unbiased education, collaboration, and accountability. With a decade of industry experience, he has built and sold multiple brokerage businesses and shares his insights at live events, including NAIFA's APEX conference.
As an advisor, do you feel like you're working tirelessly without seeing the growth you desire? While success is a continuous endeavor, you can elevate your business and personal satisfaction. How can embracing openness and learning from diverse thought leaders catalyze transformation?
Experienced financial services professional Carson Porter pivoted from the automotive industry to financial services, creating multiple income streams and a mastermind group to boost his and other agents’ success. He emphasizes the power of mastermind groups and other organizations to offer education and accountability. These valuable associations foster professional development and expand your network, allowing you to build trust with clients, cultivate industry relationships, and build a sustainable business and career path.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan chat with Carson Porter, an experienced financial advisor, about mastering the craft of financial advising. Carson dispels common industry myths, encourages joining supportive organizations like NAIFA, and proposes innovative perspectives on building sustainable business models in the financial services industry.
Quotable Moments:
Action Steps:
This episode is brought to you by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, or NAIFA, the #1 association for producers in financial services.
At NAIFA, we enhance professional skills, promote ethical conduct, and advocate for legislative and regulatory environments.
By joining NAIFA, you gain access to a partnership that elevates your performance while providing greater purpose to your professional work. NAIFA members are happier, make more money, and stay in the business longer.
Get in touch with NAIFA and learn more about how to join NAIFA by visiting NAIFA.org.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA and NAIFA-Texas are proud to announce the rechartering of the former FSP Austin Chapter and the NAIFA-Austin Area Affiliate group as the new NAIFA-Austin Chapter. This development marks another significant step in the ongoing integration between NAIFA and FSP, aimed at strengthening the support and services offered to members across the nation. The merger of NAIFA and FSP continues to open new doors for enhancing member experiences and operational efficiencies.
In the complex world of financial planning, life insurance remains fundamental. However, the traditional view of life insurance as merely a safety net is evolving, especially when it comes to enhancing charitable giving strategies. We invite you to join our us on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Eastern (11:00 am - 12:00 pm Central). This webinar is made available at no cost to both NAIFA members and non-members, thanks to the generous sponsorship by the American Cancer Society.
The webinar features:
After this webinar, you will be able to:
This webinar is an exceptional opportunity for advisors to refine their expertise in leveraging life insurance for charitable giving and to ensure their clients can make informed decisions about their financial legacy.
Don't miss this chance to expand your professional knowledge and enhance your advisory capabilities in a meaningful way.
Iris Nance is an experienced insurance agent who helps people optimize their coverage to meet their needs. With a celebrated career of over 26 years in the insurance industry, she worked as a bank examiner for over 10 years. Iris is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and community service, actively participating in programs for students and young entrepreneurs. A proud member of NAIFA, she has served on the board and has taken on leadership roles within the association. Recognized for her perseverance, advocacy for continuous learning, and strategies for balancing work and family life, Iris inspires many as a role model in the financial services industry.
NAIFA-Dallas held their 21st annual Summit for Success event on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Madison in Addison. Guest speakers for the event included Russ Burch, featuring his presentation "Protecting your Business from Cyber Fraud", 1 hour CE session from The DI Center's Andra Grava, CLU, RHU, Jim Coyle, CLU, RHU, REBC, and Derek True, DIA, DHP with their presentation "The New Disability Insurance Market: Gen X, Y, & Z", and estate planning attorney Amy Bryant, JD, CLU shared her presentation "ILIT and the Middle Market". Amy also provided a discussion of tax law changes and the DOL Fiduciary Rule.
In addition, attendees heard a special advisory panel focused on "Finding your Niche" with Mary Lyons, John Norman, CLU, ChFC, (NAIFA-Dallas Chief Investment Officer) and Caleb Loud (NAIFA-Dallas Membership Director).
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA-Texas is excited to share a collaboration with 2024 NAIFA-Texas Conference speaker Steve Gilliland. NAIFA-Texas members are being offered the special opportunity to enjoy Steve Gilliland's Motivation Bites at a discounted price of $99.00! Members will receive 52 bite-sized performance enhancing videos of mental stimulation.
Motivation Bites are 4-5 minute videos filled with distinct principles guaranteed to encourage, motivate, and improve your outlook. Each of the videos delivers a consistent, deliberate, attention-grabbing message to create a positive mindset.
NAIFA Trustee Barbara A. Pietrangelo, an accomplished Financial Planner and a loyal member of NAIFA since 1992, stands out as a beacon of expertise and commitment. Her career began in 1991 at the Prudential Insurance Company of America, where she has since ascended to become the Wealth Solutions Report Financial Planner of the Year as One of the Top Women Industry Leaders for 2024.
We were honored to have Barbara speak at the 2024 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference that was held in February, at the Hilton NASA Clear Lake hotel in Houston, Texas.
Ensuring income protection is critical for your clients, particularly during their income-earning years. We invite you to join NAIFA's upcoming webinar on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 12:00 pm Eastern (11:00 am Central). Sponsored by Ash Brokerage, this webinar is designed to arm financial professionals with the tools and techniques needed to effectively manage discussions around disability income plans and life insurance.
On March 28, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services’ (HHS’) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Treasury released a final short-term limited-duration (STLD) health insurance rule. It retains the proposed rule’s new limits of three months duration, with a four-month renewal option for this kind of insurance.
The new final regulation also requires new disclosure rules—generally language making clear to prospective purchasers that STLD is not the full coverage that they would get from an ACA-compliant policy.
Most Americans have not paid too much attention to estate taxes, or “death taxes”, as the mass media likes to call it. But moderately or very wealthy people need to . . . now! Learn more here. https://smlny.com/are-you-ready-for-the-2026-estate-tax-sunset/
About Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York
Founded in 1886, Security Mutual Life –– The Company That Cares® –– is one of the leading mutual life insurance companies in the United States. Security Mutual Life has been helping protect families and businesses during periods of prosperity, as well as during wars and times of economic uncertainty.
Disability Insurance Awareness Month is coming up in May. Those that know me here at NAIFA Texas know I hate to start talking about Disability Insurance in may, I want to start educating and getting the conversation going in April, well all year round, but at least April so you have time to talk to your clients.
Why is Disability Insurance Important:
Across the Insurance industry, Disability Insurance is not highly implemented. There are many reasons for this, could be cost of the plan, the vagueness of the situation, the complexity of the policies.
Here at Mass Mutual brokerage, through Capital Strategies, we are committed to helping everyone in our industry implement the financial goals they are working on with their clients and protect the most important part of obtaining those goals, ability to pay for them. Disability Insurance is extremely important to talk about with your clients, but it does not have to be full protection. At Mass Mutual we are happy to help you design the right plan.
Check out what Mass Mutual Disability has to offer by clicking here.
If you want to learn more about how Disability Insurance can fit in with your practice, please contact Rodney Mogen at 512-680-6851 or rmogen@massmutualbrokerage.com.
April is National Financial Literacy Month, an annual observation NAIFA wholeheartedly agrees with. But why is financial literacy important and what are we doing about it?
FINRA surveys consistently show that around two-thirds of Americans lack basic financial understanding, and their lack of knowledge is significant. Those who score higher on FINRA’s financial literacy quiz show a greater tendency to earn more than they spend, have an emergency fund of three-months’ salary or more, contribute to retirement accounts, and accurately estimate their retirement savings needs.
In addition, consumers who are more financially literate are better equipped to manage their debt and avoid high-interest loans, more likely to save and invest effectively, and more likely to manage financial risks and cope well with unexpected financial challenges and emergencies.
NAIFA Supports Financial Literacy
During April and throughout the year, NAIFA promotes financial literacy. Life Happens, NAIFA’s consumer outreach arm, created and coordinates important consumer outreach campaigns, like Insure Your Love Month, Disability Insurance Awareness Month, and Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life Happens provides financial professionals with tools and resources to educate consumers. During National Financial Awareness Month, Life Happens is creating a social media toolkit of posts and graphics that will soon be available to NAIFA members.
Financial professionals play an important role in improving financial literacy among their clients and in their communities. They often go well beyond providing products, services, and guidance, and empower those they work with to understand things like budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, debt management, retirement planning, and risk protection. Many NAIFA members volunteer in their broader communities, working with schools, churches, libraries, local governments, civic groups, or business organizations to provide financial literacy education. Understanding among consumers leads to better decision making and improved financial security. We highlight NAIFA members’ good work in the Advisor Today blog, on our social media accounts, and in the Advisor Today Podcast series.
Advocating for Financial Literacy
NAIFA chapters have leveraged their political grassroots influence to encourage state laws adding personal finance courses to high school graduation requirements. Students are required to have basic proficiencies in math, English, science, and other subjects. Doesn’t it make sense that they should graduate with some understanding of financial matters? Not only does this provide them a base of knowledge as they face the prospects of making their own personal finance decisions, but it also could build enthusiasm and encourage some to pursue insurance and financial services as a career.
In 2023, Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, West Virginia, and Wisconsin passed measures to require public high school students to take a one-credit course in financial literacy before graduating. To date, 25 states have passed similar measures.
At the federal level, NAIFA members continue urging lawmakers to join the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus co-chaired by Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH). The Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus aims to equip Americans with the skills and resources they need for economic stability, wealth-building, and prosperity.
Educated consumers are more financially secure, promote the robustness of the U.S. economy, and provide a market for important insurance and financial products and services. It’s hard to overstate the importance of financial literacy this month and every month.
NAIFA-Dallas held a Membership Luncheon on March 28, 2024 with guest speaker and NAIFA-Texas Government Relations Chair, Jason B. Talley, LUTCF featuring his presentation "The Over-Reaching DOL: Past, Present, Future".
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
With over three decades of expertise in the Life Insurance sector, I've come to realize there's nothing more vital for safeguarding your business than cybersecurity. Whether you're a financial advisor, an insurance agent, a broker-dealer, or a principal of a brokerage agency, a single cyberattack could devastate your business. Adopting a Zero Trust approach is essential. Moreover, cybersecurity is crucial for meeting regulatory and compliance obligations. I urge you to conduct audits on your network and website. I'm here to assist you in securing a complimentary audit. Now, let's delve into some key insights on cyber insurance, compliance, and security.
The global cyber insurance market tripled in volume in the last five years, expanding to gross direct premiums of around $13 billion in 2022, according to the Swiss Re Institute (SRI). In two years, the market has seen rate increases and re-underwriting to restore profitability. Swiss Re Institute expects premiums to grow to $23 billion by 2025.
There has been a surge in submissions. Over the last half-decade, there has been notable maturity in this sector. With access to comprehensive data and accumulated experience, insurers now have a more refined framework for assessing and pricing cyber risks.
However, recent industry reports highlight some concerning areas. Loss ratios are on the rise, cyber insurance limits are shrinking, and coverage terms are becoming more restrictive, all impacting insurers' efforts to manage their risk exposure effectively.
Given the evolving cyber landscape, insurers continuously recalibrate strategies. They maintain rigorous underwriting practices, emphasizing the importance of advanced cyber hygiene. Consequently, coverage terms are closely aligned with an organization's level of preparedness. Establishing a strong Cybersecurity Program is one of the first steps towards meeting insurance and regulatory demands. A Cyber Program Management System like Buckler can fast-track policy management and compliance. While there was a decline in claims and ransomware incidents in 2022, there was a resurgence in 2023. In the United States alone, ransomware events spiked by 75% within the first six months of the year, according to a report by Malwarebytes Inc. Even with this as a driver, enterprises and agencies often wait to see fines and enforcement from regulators before taking action themselves. Swift changes are happening with the SEC’s new cyber rules, coverage restrictions for systemic risk and privacy violations and increased expectations for cybersecurity.
Certain industries, such as financial services, professional services, technology, and healthcare are particularly susceptible to cyber threats with high volumes of private data. These sectors, along with their associated supply chains, face high, or extremely high, levels of risk. Consequently, many organizations in these sectors are turning to specialized solutions offered by insurance brokers, carriers, and solution providers to better manage and mitigate risks effectively.
Three Significant Trends Shaping the Cyber Insurance Industry
1. Increased Security Requirements
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, insurers take a more proactive approach to risk management by implementing stringent security standards for their clients. This trend is evident in the growing prevalence of detailed security questionnaires that insurers require businesses to complete as part of the insurance application process.
Businesses seeking cyber insurance must be prepared to provide comprehensive information about their cybersecurity posture and demonstrate adherence to industry best practices and cyber regulations.
HIGHLIGHT: In regions where rates rose, the trend was for a slower pace of increase. Insurers continued to focus on cybersecurity controls, typically looking for year-over-year improvements. (March 2024 Global Insurance Market Index)
2. Increased Scrutiny During the Claims Process
In the event of a cyber breach, insurers will often conduct thorough investigations to determine whether the insured party complied with the security requirements outlined in their insurance policy. Insurers may deploy teams of experts to assess the insured party's cybersecurity practices and verify their compliance with the terms of the policy.
If the insured party is found to be non-compliant with the security requirements, the insurer may deny the claim, leaving the business responsible for covering the costs of the cyber breach. This trend underscores the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and regularly reviewing and updating security protocols to ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
HIGHLIGHT: It’s also not unusual for cyber insurance claims to get rejected. This is usually either on account of exclusions or poor cybersecurity hygiene on the part of the insured. Estimates from Marsh’s Global Insurance Market Index suggest that around 27% of cyber insurance claims were not honored or were partially paid due to exclusions within the cyber cover.
3. Rising Premiums
As cyber threats continue to evolve and breaches become more frequent and costly, insurers are adjusting their pricing models to reflect the heightened risk environment. This trend is particularly pronounced for businesses in high-risk industries or those with a history of cyber breaches, like the financial services industry.
Businesses should be prepared for the possibility of higher cyber insurance premiums and factor these costs into their overall risk management strategy. Investing in proactive cybersecurity measures and demonstrating a commitment to risk mitigation may help businesses negotiate more favorable premium rates with insurers.
HIGHLIGHT: The cost of Cyber Insurance in the 2nd quarter of 2022 rose to 79% in the US. Marsh’s Global Insurance Market Index. While premium costs fell by 6% in the third quarter of 2023 compared with the same quarter in 2022, ransomware- and privacy-related claims had already skyrocketed from the previous year, according to risk management consultancy Marsh. (Dark Reading)
The cyber insurance landscape is evolving rapidly. Insurers are implementing stricter security requirements, increasing scrutiny during the claims process, and raising premiums to reflect the growing cyber risk landscape. To effectively navigate these trends, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity investments, maintain compliance with insurer requirements, and proactively manage cyber risks. By staying informed about emerging trends and working closely with experienced solution providers, businesses can protect themselves against the financial impact of cyber incidents to ensure their long-term resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Sample industry solutions that can remove or mitigate risk for stronger cyber insurance alignment are:
• Buckler: A cyber program management system with built-in regulatory compliance and evidence proof for easier program management and communication across teams, leadership, and boards.
• Open VRM: A (zero-cost) vendor risk management (VRM) platform that can be leveraged by clients and their vendors to save time and resources managing vendor risk.
• FCI: An MSSP delivering zero-trust integrated, automated cybersecurity solutions that fill control gaps across endpoints, networks, applications, and users.
The Congressional Conference is a NAIFA members' best opportunity to experience the power of grassroots advocacy first-hand in our nation's capital. Attendees really do make a difference on behalf of their businesses, clients, and communities. Networking allows them to be inspired and share ideas with politically involved colleagues. Training, policy briefings, and expert speakers give them the knowledge and guidance they need to be effective advocates. Meetings with lawmakers allow NAIFA members to speak with a unified voice and forge meaningful relationships with people whose decisions impact the financial security of every American.
If you, as a NAIFA leader, are not registered to attend the Congressional Conference May 20-21, please sign up today. Also, be sure to spread the word. The more people who attend, the louder and more influential our voice. Let's represent NAIFA, NAIFA-Texas and our clients!
NAIFA-Texas members, mark your calendars for April 11th at 11:00 AM Central (12 pm Eastern) for the Q2 State of NAIFA webinar. Learn about the latest on NAIFA’s progress, advocacy efforts, and how you can get the most out of your membership.
This 30-minute webinar will feature insights from Tom Cothron, NAIFA President, Kevin Mayeux, NAIFA CEO, and Diane Boyle, NAIFA SVP of Government Relations. They'll provide a comprehensive update on NAIFA's current position, our advocacy work, and NAIFA programs aimed at supporting your professional development.
Attending is key to staying informed about the latest NAIFA initiatives and understanding how these efforts contribute to the financial services profession. If you're unable to join live, simply register for the event, and national will send you the recording to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable webinar.
This webinar represents an important opportunity for all members to engage directly with NAIFA's leadership, to gain insights into our collective progress, and to see how together, we're shaping the future of our industry.
The quarterly State of NAIFA reports demonstrate NAIFA's commitment to transparency. They are also a great way for leaders and members to stay abreast of everything going on with their association. The online event is open to anyone interested in NAIFA's success, so please invite members and nonmembers, alike.
NAIFA-Dallas held their 2024 Annual Awards & Celebration of Achievement Dinner on March 7, 2024 to present the Mel Meyers Member of the Year award and the OC Jackson Hall of Fame Award.
Awards applications are starting to roll in for 2024. Don't miss your opportunity to shine! We are pleased to announce a new category for the NAIFA Quality Award. We have launched an Emeritus category for members who are at least 60 years old and who have previously qualified for NQA for a minimum of 15 years.
NAIFA's awards provide an opportunity for our members to differentiate themselves from the crowd and receive national recognition for their contributions. All awards are found in NAIFA's Talent Development Center.
All of the awards will close their application/nomination process on May 31, 2024. Please note the slightly shortened time frame of the awards' window due to the Belong Awards Celebration being held in conjunction with Apex 24.
Recipients will be recognized during the 2024 Belong Awards Celebration on September 21, 2024, during Apex at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
Explore these awards and learn more about our 2023 recipients.
John Newton Russell Memorial Award
Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award
Have you ever wondered if great leaders are born or made? Anyone can be a great leader if they understand themselves, know what motivates others to want to follow them, and apply what they learn.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
The Texas Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA-Texas) announced the renaming of their Annual Lifetime Achievement Award to the John M. Ruckel Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s Annual Conference that was held February 16-18, 2024, in Clear Lake, Texas.
The 2024 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference was held February 16-18, 2024, at the Hilton NASA Clear Lake hotel in Houston, Texas with more than 110 guests in attendance over President's Day weekend. To view the digital program, please click here.
Once again for February, NAIFA is fully supporting the Life Happens annual Insure Your Love Month campaign. Life Happens has joined with NAIFA to serve as our consumer outreach and education arm. This month's theme, "How to say I love you," explores the difficulties many people have expressing their love and encourages people to protect their loved ones by obtaining life insurance as an act of love.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA-Dallas held a Membership Luncheon Meeting on January 25, 2024. They were joined by NAIFA-Texas President, Jim Thompson, who conducted the installation of the 2024 NAIFA-Dallas Board of Directors.
On January 19th, NAIFA Pineywoods of East Texas (NAIFA-POET) held a Membership Luncheon at the Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas where Texas Insurance Commissioner Cassie Brown was the guest speaker. Commissioner Brown provided members and guests with an “Insurance Market and TDI Update” during the event where close to 50 people were in attendance. The 2024 Board of Directors were also sworn in during this luncheon where NAIFA-Texas President Jim Thompson presided over the ceremony. Keith Hilliard will be serving as the 2024 Pineywoods Chapter President with David Webb serving as President-Elect, John Ruckel serving as Secretary-Treasurer, Brett Weisenburn serving as the Immediate Past President, Debbie Gary serving as a Director and the Diversity Advisor Team (DAT) Chair, Les Littleton serving as a Director and the IFAPAC Chair, Barry Dobbs serving as a Director, and Damon Ruckel serving as a Director and Advocacy Chair.
Join us on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm eastern, for a webinar on the future of Long-Term Care (LTC) planning. As states like Washington begin implementing mandated LTC plans, it's clear that addressing the care needs of our aging population is more crucial than ever. This session will delve into the evolving landscape of LTC insurance, exploring various options that range from traditional insurance to innovative life and annuity hybrids. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of these options, insights into the planning process, and an overview of state-level developments in LTC planning. This event is an invaluable opportunity for anyone involved in financial planning, insurance, or retirement strategies. NAIFA members can register for free, making it a not-to-be-missed event for those looking to stay informed in this rapidly changing field. This webinar is brought to you by Ash Brokerage.
The NAIFA-FSP Resource Center is a benefit available to all NAIFA members and their colleagues in the financial profession. The center is a library of free downloadable content including white papers, webinars, product guides, case studies, industry analysis, and much more, provided by experts and vendors within the insurance industry. You can search the content by keyword or browse topics of interest, including:
Last week we brought staff and leaders together to host a new member orientation for NAIFA-Texas members. With so many new members coming into the NAIFA Family from the merger with FSP, the NAIFA-Texas board thought it would be a great idea to tell members all about the history, culture, and activities that make NAIFA-Texas unique.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA has formally elected its officers and Board of Trustees at its annual business meeting as part of the National Leadership Conference and Belong awards celebration in Washington, D.C.
MADISON, Wis., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, America’s #2 retail mortgage lender overall, was today named #1 for customer satisfaction among mortgage origination companies in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study. This list is entirely based on client feedback collected by the independent research firm.
“At Fairway we continually talk about the primary need for speed, and the importance of smooth and timely closings. Borrowers want things to happen ASAP and without any hitches, and we have built our borrowing experience with that in mind,” said Steve Jacobson, the CEO and Founder of Fairway Mortgage. “We have systems in place that prioritize our customers, and we believe this award recognizes that effort.”
“At Fairway we continually talk about the primary need for speed, and the importance of smooth and timely closings. Borrowers want things to happen ASAP and without any hitches, and we have built our borrowing experience with that in mind,” said Steve Jacobson, the CEO and Founder of Fairway Mortgage. “We have systems in place that prioritize our customers, and we believe this award recognizes that effort.”
Integral to Fairway being named the Highest Ranked Mortgage Originator for Customer Satisfaction is Fairway’s track record in delivering dependable closings. Fairway created a Closing 911 email group where loan officers can reach out to a team of closing experts about any problem or hiccup that pops up at the closing table, no matter who caused the issue.
Fairway also places high priority on serving borrowers who benefit from government loans that offer low down payment or no down payment options. Fairway is America’s top USDA Loan originator in volume and units, the #5 VA Loan lender in volume and units, and the #1 FHA Loan originator in purchase volume.
The Department of Labor thinks it knows what's best for Americans preparing for retirement. NAIFA President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and his long-time client Chuck Ross think the DOL is wrong and bring their real-life experience to the argument.
NAIFA 2023 President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and 2024 President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, cut the ribbon on NAIFA's new national headquarters in Arlington, VA, in early December. Also participating in the ceremony were NAIFA Past Presidents Tom Michel, LACP, CLTC, and Larry Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP.
NAIFA’s Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Society of Financial Service Professionals have both voted unanimously to approve a merger agreement between the two associations. The votes come after the membership of NAIFA and FSP both voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger earlier this year.
As a professional who works with senior citizens, you understand the challenge of securing a comfortable retirement for people 62 and older. In any economic climate, building a financial cushion is crucial for retirees to protect their portfolios and maintain their quality of life, and is even more critical and challenging to achieve in times of economic uncertainty.
In this article, we’ll explore how recent economic fluctuations have affected the retirement assets of millions of senior Americans and show how the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) can be an effective tool for insulating retirement portfolios, improving overall quality of life in retirement and helping retirees afford their dream home.*
More than 250 NAIFA members took to Capitol Hill today to meet with over 200 Congressional offices to advance the need to protect the worker classification of financial service professionals as independent contractors and to provide consumers a variety of choices in financial service professionals. The Day on the Hill was coupled with NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference which serves to train the leaders of state and local chapters in grassroots advocacy.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
In a world that's constantly evolving, it's essential for seniors to explore every financial avenue available to secure their future. The golden years should be filled with relaxation, peace of mind, and the freedom to live life on your own terms. However, achieving this level of financial comfort can be challenging, especially with the rising costs of healthcare, long-term care, and everyday living expenses. This is where Abacus Life steps in as your trusted partner, guiding you toward a lesser-known yet invaluable financial solution – life settlements.
Understanding the Opportunity
Abacus Life, a leading buyer of life insurance policies and a vertically integrated alternative asset manager specializing in specialty insurance products, believes in making the often-overlooked life settlement an accessible and transparent option for seniors. But what exactly is a life settlement, and why is it such an undervalued tool?
Life settlements are a financial strategy that allows policyholders to sell their life insurance policies in exchange for a lump sum cash payment. These policies are typically considered personal property, and just like any other asset, they can be liquidated to provide seniors with the financial means to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.
The Hidden Benefits
Financial Flexibility: Life settlements grant you the flexibility to decide how best to use the funds. Whether it's funding your medical care, covering long-term care expenses, paying for that dream vacation, or pursuing a new business venture, the choice is entirely yours.
Adapting to Life Changes: As life unfolds, your needs and circumstances may change. You may find that you no longer need the life insurance policy, or perhaps your beneficiaries no longer require the policy benefits. Life settlements provide the opportunity to adapt to these changes and maximize the value of your policy.
Affordability: Rising premiums or unexpected financial challenges can make it difficult to maintain your life insurance policy. Rather than surrendering it and losing your premium investments, a life settlement can provide a cash amount significantly higher than the policy's surrender value.
Investment Opportunities: Life settlements empower you to recapture the equity you've invested in your policy. This equity can then be used to explore new financial opportunities, such as investing in a business, purchasing a home, settling debts, or acquiring an income-generating annuity.
Abacus Life's Commitment
Abacus Life is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the most from your policy and that your entire experience is seamless. With over $4.6 billion in face value of policies purchased, Abacus has been a reliable partner for thousands of clients looking to maximize the value of their life insurance. With an experienced leadership team averaging 20+ years in the industry, Abacus brings innovation and expertise to the life settlements space.
As part of Abacus's commitment to transparency and client empowerment, they have introduced the Abacus Marketplace, a leading policy valuation and management platform. This platform provides real-time updates, easy case file management, direct communication with your Abacus representative, transparent pricing data, and E-sign capabilities. It's a one-stop destination for all your life settlement needs.
Life settlements are an undervalued financial tool that can provide seniors with the means to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. The flexibility, adaptability, and financial opportunities they offer make them an excellent choice for those seeking a brighter and more secure future. Abacus Life, is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique financial goals and circumstances. So, why let your life insurance policy sit in the shadows when you can turn it into a valuable asset that supports your dreams and aspirations in your golden years?
Find out if you qualify to sell your life insurance policy by using our simple online calculator or speaking with a settlement specialist at 1-800-561-4148. We are eager to assist you in making the most of your life insurance policy.
November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month and it is a great time to bring potential limited and extended care planning needs top-of-mind with your clients. It is important for every comprehensive financial plan to include LTC considerations. So even if LTC insurance is not your primary line of business, Long-Term Care Awareness Month gives you a good opportunity to get clients up to speed.
The end of 2023 is around the corner and it's vital to be prepped for what 2024 might bring. Who better to guide us than the seasoned leaders from MassMutual Greater Houston? On November 16 at 2 pm eastern (1 pm CST and 12 pm MST for our Texas members), NAIFA National is hosting J.K. McAndrews, CLU, the President & CEO, and Lena Allouche, the Chief Growth Officer, in an upcoming NAIFA Live session.
NAIFA-Dallas held a Membership Luncheon Meeting on October 26, 2023. They were joined by guest speaking Kevin Freeman, CFA who spoke about his book, "Pirate Money: Discovering the Founders' Hidden Plan for Economic Justice and Defeating the Great Reset". Kevin unpacked a 230-year-old solution that the Founders placed in the Constitution.
NAIFA-Texas President-Elect, Jim Thompson was present at the meeting to promote the 2024 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference to Dallas members.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
The accomplishment recognizes the chapter’s commitment to delivering a quality member experience.
John Wheeler is an accomplished Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry since 1969. He has earned several impressive designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), LACP, and CLTC. In his current role, John supports his firm through seminars, advanced joint sales work, recruiting, and developing financial planning services. He is a highly respected speaker in the financial services industry and has also taught various certification programs such as the CRPC and CFP.
Richard (Rick) Demko is a licensed life insurance agent who speaks nationally to associations, consumers, and producer groups regarding proper life insurance planning strategies. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Life Underwriting Training Council Fellowship (LUTCF), Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP), and is currently challenging the CFP. Rick was Texas’ fourth Advisor Today national 4 Under 40 recipient, inaugural Texas Young Advisor of the Year, past NAIFA Houston President, and current State Director.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA encourages all insurance and financial professionals to vote in local, state, and federal elections and to encourage others to follow their example. Approximately 63 million Americans who are eligible are not even registered to vote. Encouraging your colleagues, team, and clients to register is a great first step and a way to show your dedication to participating in the democratic process.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
Brought to you exclusively by NAIFA and the Society of FSP, this essential webinar delves deep into the time-sensitive implications of provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 that are scheduled to sunset by 2025. The panel of industry experts will arm you with strategic insights, ensuring you capitalize on evolving planning opportunities and prepare your clients effectively for the imminent shifts in the tax landscape.
Are you a successful producer, dedicated to your career and committed to providing knowledgeable, ethical client service? Let the world know by getting NAIFA’s Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification.
As an insurance agent/financial adviser you are responsible for many things and must do a lot of research for your recommendations. The insurance world has products and specifications and to keep up with all of them can be daunting. You need trusted sources that you can rely on to help guide you through your insurance solutions and recommendations.
Partnering with a Brokerage Director at Mass Mutual can help you with:
And provide solutions for you and your clients insurance needs.
Please contact Rodney G. Mogen at 512-680-6851 or rmogen@massmutualbrokerage.com to learn more.
In addition you can contact other brokerage directors from Capital Strategies Todd Wilson toddwilson@massmutualbrokerage.com or Scott Wooley swoolley@csomtx.com
Every August, Congress recesses, allowing Senators and Representatives to spend a few weeks working from their home states and districts. Things slow to a crawl in our nation’s capital but they really heat up in Congressional districts across the country. It’s an opportunity NAIFA does not pass up. Each August, we facilitate hundreds of In-District Meetings between insurance and financial advisors and their lawmakers and staff. Equally as important as more formal meetings in Washington, D.C., these In-District Meetings are critical to building and nurturing meaningful grassroots relationships. In fact, 98% of Congressional staff agree that attending events in the district is important to understanding constituents’ views and opinions.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
When you think about mental health concerns in the workplace, you may immediately worry about managing signs of anxiety, stress, and depression. While valid, the No. 1 reason employees say it’s important for their employers to pay attention to mental well-being may surprise you: It affects their performance.
Compared to 13% of businesses, 40% of employees say that employers should be concerned about mental health due to the impact on productivity and performance, a 27-percentage point difference.1
It makes sense. If someone isn’t feeling their best—physically or mentally—they can’t bring their best self to work.
“We don’t magically leave our personal lives at the door when we enter our workplace or set them entirely aside when we log on to work from another location,” says Kara Hoogensen, senior vice president of Benefits and Protection at Principal®. “Employers are well-served to think about their team members as whole humans—people who will take care of business if the business takes care of them.”
As employee disengagement trends make headlines, better employee mental health could be one strong antidote. Here are three ideas to get started.
Employers and employees agree that the top two contributors to worsening employee mental health are inflation/rising cost of living and concern about their personal financial situation.1
Compared to business leaders themselves, employees are significantly more worried about inflation, rising interest rates, and a recession, according to the Principal Financial Well-Being IndexSM.2
Worry about money isn’t something employees can typically compartmentalize to non-working hours. Financially stressed employees are six times more likely to have troubled relationships with coworkers and are three times less likely to stay with their current employer.3
This means financial stress is not only bad for workplace culture but retention as well.
Providing the building blocks to a sturdy financial foundation—livable, competitive wages and access to benefits—is the first step. When it comes to workplace benefits for their financial security, employees have three clear winners: health care, retirement, and paid vacation. Dental/vision and life insurance round out their top five.2
Beyond providing access to a benefits program, resources and education are key to helping employees get the most out of their money and benefits. A financial wellness program can help do this work for you, with most employees seeking help to save more and pay down or avoid costly debt.3
Employee mental health isn't all on you. Providing an avenue to professional, affordable resources and care is essential in helping to promote employee mental health and well-being. It’s also the No. 2 benefit workers want their employers to add this year.1
An employee assistance program (EAP), one common offering, provides a vast array of confidential services—from stress management coaching to substance use treatment to grief support—typically at no cost to the individual. Services are available by phone or online and often are included with some types of benefit coverages (e.g., disability or life insurance) at little-to-no additional cost.
"Be proactive about describing what an EAP is and what resources are available, Hoogensen says. “And stress the confidentiality of EAPs. It's not just about a crisis, but about the normal work-life stressors we all face, too.”
From there, consider how easily an employee could get more substantial therapy or treatment and how much it would cost under their health insurance options.
Clearing a path to mental health services not only saves precious (work) hours that employees would spend searching for a covered provider taking new clients but also demonstrates that you care about them holistically.
"Our employers are woven into our everyday lives. If someone has a death in the family, for example, who they work for and how they were treated during that time will stick with them."
Kara Hoogensen, senior vice president of Benefits and Protection
Though not the top concern, employees still report burnout drivers—inflexible, longer work hours, and excessive workloads—as major contributors to worsening mental health.2
But providing flexibility isn’t so simple when running a company that requires in-person work or customer service during open hours. What you can do is get more creative in how you show people you care about and respect their lives outside of work.
Gone are the days of family company picnics—many of today’s workers desire clearer boundaries between work and personal time and compensation for work-related activities. Some more attractive ideas may include a PTO gifting program, donating to employees’ charities of choice, or providing extra paid time off after completing a big project or busy season.
Access to and support from leadership also means a lot—especially to Gen Z and millennials.4 Schedule regular leader-employee touch bases that encompass job and life concerns. A few questions to help with the conversation:
During these conversations, create a plan to address issues or offer additional support—all while gaining insight into how your team member is feeling.
“Be willing to gather feedback regularly and then act on it,” Hoogensen says. “If something can’t be acted upon, be transparent on why.”
1 Principal survey of small and midsize businesses (fewer than 500 employees), including 250 businesses and 250 employees, Jan. 25–Feb. 5, 2023.
2 The Principal Financial Well-Being IndexSM (Feb. 2–9, 2023) surveyed 500 business owners, decision makers, and leaders at companies with 2–10,000 employees and 200 full-time employees.
3 Inside the wallets of working Americans, The 4th Annual Report from Salary Finance, 2022.
4Principal Financial Well-Being Index℠, July 2022.
This article is intended to be educational in nature and is not intended to be taken as a recommendation.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
Joe Jordan is an inspirational speaker and behavioral finance expert. In 2013, he released his award-winning book Living a Life of Significance, which has sold 90,000-plus copies in five languages. Additionally, Joe is a Founder of the Insured Retirement Institute and was featured on the cover of Life Insurance Selling Magazine. He was also honored by Irish America magazine as one of the “Top 50 Irish Americans on Wall Street.” Before becoming an international speaker, Joe worked in insurance and retired from his role as Senior Vice President at MetLife.
In a recent article, Susan Neely, President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), highlights the growing concern among Americans about their financial security during retirement, given increasing lifespans and economic pressures. The passage of SECURE and SECURE 2.0 aimed to address these concerns by closing savings gaps and expanding retirement security.
Neely explains that a fiduciary-only approach by the Labor Department would eliminate commission-based arrangements and potentially limit access to financial recommendations for millions of Americans. She emphasizes that Americans want the freedom to choose their financial professionals and that a fiduciary-only policy would disproportionately affect working-class individuals, particularly Black and Hispanic Americans, widening the racial wealth gap.
The article also highlights a decline in Americans' confidence in their long-term financial prospects and asserts that a fiduciary-only regulation would worsen the situation. Additionally, it argues against any proposal that hinders access to annuities, which have become a popular choice for financial consumers.
NAIFA and ACLI have worked together to get the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) annuity transactions model bolstering consumer protections implemented in 38 states. Life insurers and lawmakers, says Neely, must work together to develop sensible public policies that promote financial certainty in retirement for all Americans.
Do you know any college students interested in the insurance and financial services industry? NAIFA's Future Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for college students and recent graduates to get a glimpse into careers in insurance and financial services.
Future Leaders was created to raise awareness about opportunities in the industry and invite more students into the profession. It is presented by NAIFA members who volunteer their time to get the word out about careers in financial services and is an excellent opportunity for students to make connections with industry professionals.
The free, four-part program breaks down the complex industry to help students understand how many career pathways exist and discern what might make for a great fit. Students also hear from advisors in different practice areas to understand "a day in the life" and be inspired to reach their potential. Students who attend live get an opportunity to engage with these dynamic advisors and agents and walk away from the program with several contacts in the industry.
With more than 100 participating schools, Future Leaders aims to reach as many prospective agents and advisors as possible.
The session topics are:
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to make connections with professionals across the country. Some participants have secured internships and post-college jobs from the connections made by attending Future Leaders. Upon graduation, participants will also receive a certificate of completion from NAIFA.
Learn more and download the Future Leaders flyer below to share with the college students in your life.
Is your alma mater participating? If not, email marketing@naifa.org to add it to the list! Visit the Future Leaders website to find the list of participating schools.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
NAIFA's Congressional Conference is its signature grassroots advocacy event. Each year, we list the names of attendees who pledge to advocate for their clients, communities, and country.
NAIFA-Texas is excited to welcome the following new members. We look forward to their involvement are honored for them to join our great network of financial professionals!
You are invited to join NAIFA-Texas and Books Made Easy for a collaborative virtual Book Club this summer!
NAIFA-Texas Platinum Sponsor, Harbor Life Brokerage hosted a webinar on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Central to share their services with members across the state. We were joined by Harbor Life founder and CEO, Lucas Siegal.
NAIFA-Dallas held their Annual Celebration of Achievement Awards Dinner on February 28, 2023. The event brought special recognition to the recipients of the O.C. Jackson Hall of Fame Award, the Mel Meyers Advisor of the Year Award, the John and Erma Connally Advocacy Award, the YAT of the Year award, and the Board Member of the Year. In addition, LILI graduates receiving designations were also recognized during the dinner.
The 2023 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference and Day at the Capitol was held February 21-23, 2023, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Austin, Texas with more than 130 guests in attendance over the three day event. To view the digital program, please click here.
NAIFA-Dallas held a Membership Luncheon on January 26, 2023 with honored guest, NAIFA-Texas President, Rodney Mogen, who conducted their 2023 Board of Directors swearing in ceremony.
The Joint Insurance 101 event NAIFA-Texas hosted with TALHI and IIAT was a huge success! We hosted over 50 Capitol staffers and legislators for breakfast on January 26th at the Texas Capitol. We provided an overview of the life, accident & health, and property & casualty insurance in Texas from both a company and agent perspective. An Insurance 101 Handbook created by all 3 entities was provided to each attendee as a resource. We will be following up and distributing these handbooks to other Capitol offices that were unable to attend. This was a great branding opportunity for NAIFA-Texas! Jason Talley, NAIFA-Texas Government Relations Chair and Elizabeth Hadley, NAIFA-Texas Lobbyist spoke at the event with representatives from TALHI and IIAT. Doug Massey, NAIFA Secretary was also in attendance.
Register today for the 2023 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference and Day at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. Learn more by visiting the conference page!
NAIFA-Texas sponsor, Financial Seminar Services led a webinar on Thursday, October 27, 2022 for Marketing Ideas to Finish 2022! Financial Seminar Services is a premier marketing company in the insurance and financial services industry. They come from the business and understand how important your marketing campaigns are to you and your business’s success.. They use 70+Years’ combined experience to help advisors have more successful marketing campaigns! To view the recording, please click here!
Texans across the state are more aware of life insurance than they have been for decades. Governor Abbott recently proclaimed September 2022 to be Life Insurance Awareness Month in Texas.
Watch NAIFA-Texas's advocacy focused webinar with industry leaders including NAIFA-Texas Past President and current NAIFA Trustee, Doug Massey as well as NAIFA-Texas Past President and current NAIFA-Texas National Committeeperson, Jason Talley. We were also joined by NAIFA's Andrew Holt and Stephanie Sheridan. During the webinar, our guest speakers discussed their advocacy stories, how and why they stay engaged in NAIFA, what advocacy looks like across all lines of business (local, state, and national), systematic changes to the industry because of NAIFA's impact, and more!
NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, to be the 2023 NAIFA Secretary. A current member of NAIFA’s Board of Trustees, Massey has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1987. As incoming Secretary, Massey will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2024 and President in 2025.
The Committee has also nominated two members to serve two-year terms on the NAIFA Board of Trustees. The nominees are Brian J. Haney, CLTC, CFS, CIS, CFBS, LACP, CAE, Founder and CEO of the Haney Company in Silver Spring, MD, a loyal member since 2013, and Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, CLCS, LACP, Owner of Weigner Insurance & Financial Services Inc. in Pottstown, PA, a loyal member since 2005. Under the respective leadership of Haney and Hatfield, The Haney Company and Weigner Insurance & Financial Services are both participants in NAIFA’s 100% Agency program.
Two members of the 2022 Board whose terms are expiring have been nominated to serve additional one-year terms. They are Aprilyn Chavez Geissler, LACP, First Executive Vice President with Gateway Financial Advisors in Albuquerque, NM, a loyal member since 2005, and Dennis Cuccinelli, LACP, an Independent Financial Representative in Edison, NJ, a loyal member since 1986. Geissler has served the organization in a myriad of ways including being a past national Diversity Champion, and Cuccinelli has served the association for multiple years as national Membership Chair.
Bryon A. Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, President of Bryon Holz & Associates in Brandon, FL, and a loyal member since 1987, will serve as NAIFA’s 2023 President. Thomas M. Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, Agency Manager at Southern Farm Bureau Insurance in Ocala, FL, a loyal member since 1981, will be the 2023 President-Elect. Both Holz and Cothron have served the association in multiple roles including national Trustee, state President, and specialty committee roles throughout their leadership tenure.
Brock T. Jolly, CFP, CLU, LACP, ChFC, CLTC, CASL, RICP, Partner at Veritas Financial LLC/MassMutual and Financial Group in McLean, VA, a loyal member since 2001, is nominated to continue to serve as NAIFA’s Treasurer. Lawrence J. Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Director of Insurance and Advance Sales, at Fortis Lux Financial, in Melville, NY, a loyal member since 1990, will serve as Immediate Past President.
Continuing their current terms as members of the Board of Trustees in 2023 are Mark Acre, LUTCF, CEO of OneSource Insurance Group in Ozark, MO, a loyal member since 2009; Christopher L. Gandy, LACP, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group (OneAmerica) in Lisle, IL, a loyal member since 2003; Evelyn Gellar, LUTCF, RICP, CLTC, FSCP, CDFA, Managing Director of Forest Hills Financial Group (Guardian Life) in Melville, NY, a loyal member since 1993; Winona Havir, CPCU, CLF, LUTCF, FSS, AIC, LACP, Executive Vice President of Business Development with Educators Insurance Resources Services, Inc. (Horace Mann) in Stillwater, MN, a loyal member since 1997; and Danny O’Connell, LACP, CEO of Next Level Insurance Agency in Addison, TX, a loyal member since 2008.
The nominees will stand for election during NAIFA’s annual business meeting at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). The NLC and Belong awards celebration will be held November 13-15 at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Following the association’s business meeting, all Trustees and state presidents will be sworn into office with an awards dinner to follow.
The NAIFA Governance Committee consists of 12 NAIFA members and is chaired by NAIFA Past President Cammie Scott, MSIE, ChHC, CLTC, LUTCF, REBC, RHU, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, President of CK Harp & Associates in Springdale, AR, a loyal member since 1998.
“The Governance Committee considered a strong slate of applicants for the NAIFA Secretary and Board of Trustee positions, and we settled on a group of candidates who bring passion, energy, intelligence, and a dedication to service that will lead NAIFA to continued success as we enter year three of the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan,” Scott said. “This group, along with returning board members, incoming President Bryon Holz, and President-Elect Tom Cothron, will continue to lead NAIFA’s modernization and delivery of a high-quality membership experience.”
NAIFA members interested in serving as volunteer association leaders should contact their local or state chapters to explore leadership opportunities.
Registration is now open for National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Washington, D.C. to be held November 13-15 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The purpose of NLC is to optimize how we work together as One NAIFA. This is an opportunity for you to learn, grow, and celebrate.
Andrew Holt is the Government Relations and Grassroots Manager at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). NAIFA works on behalf of its members to promote a favorable regulative environment, provide professional education services, and ensure ethical professional conduct for insurance and financial advisors.
Whether you're new to political advocacy or a grassroots leader, NAIFA's Get Out the Vote is a great resource for everything you need to know about NAIFA's political advocacy. Find information on polling dates and locations, ballot measures, and your elected officials. Brush up on Government 101 or find the text of individual bills—this site has useful information for everyone.
Represent NAIFA-Texas by registering today for NAIFA's Apex 2022. NAIFA's Apex is the new sales summit for the #AmericanAdvisor and will be held at The Arizona Biltmore August 17th and 18th, 2022.
When Joshua Ruble graduated from college, he didn’t plan on a career in insurance. However, when a friend suggested a Risk Management Advisor role in Dallas, he quickly took the opportunity and relocated from Oregon.
As a Risk Management Advisor at C1 Insurance Group, Ruble works primarily with high-net-worth families insuring their homes, autos, valuables, and more. He enjoys building relationships with his clients and educating them on the risks they face and consulting on how to best prepare for those disasters. One experience that stood out to him in particular came during a winter freeze. He insured a family’s home with extensive water damage protection through one of his premier carriers. Following the freeze, the home sustained extreme water damage. Not only was the damage repaired to the extent of $750,000, but all the work was completed in six months. Ruble’s client expressed his gratitude, saying, “Your service, responsiveness, and the way you keep your customers updated is truly on a different level than others.”
As a NAIFA member, Ruble is excited to network with and learn from other industry professionals. “I want to be more well-rounded in my knowledge of my industry, as well as others that will best serve my clients,” he says.
Outside of the office, Ruble enjoys spending time with his wife and 2-year-old daughter. He appreciates the opportunity his career gives him to provide for and spend time with his family. His daughter loves animals, so the family visits zoos and museums often. Ruble is also an avid sports fan, loves hosting gatherings of friends, and stays involved in his community through his church and his daughter’s school.
Thank you, Joshua, for your hard work and dedication. We look forward to a bright future in the association for you and are #NAIFAproud to call you one of our own.
Join NAIFA-Texas and their efforts to provide assistance to the families of Uvalde, Texas. Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas and First State Bank of Uvalde are two great avenues to help make an impact. Learn more below.
You are invited to join NAIFA-Texas and Books Made Easy for a collaborative virtual Book Club this summer! The Book Club is exclusive to current NAIFA-Texas members only. The book club is complimentary following the purchase of our assigned book.
NAIFA's Annual Congressional Conference bolsters NAIFA’s prestige among lawmakers and industry partners and enhances our standing as the leading voice for insurance and financial professionals. Watch for these loyal NAIFA-Texas members at this year's Congressional Conference on May 23-24 in Washington, D.C.!
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Next Level Founder and CEO Danny O'Connell moved to Dallas and started his career at an investment firm, but he didn’t find his passion until he was recruited into insurance and employee benefits. Once he found his niche, he never looked back.
NAIFA is now accepting nominations and applications for its 2022 awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, performance, and achievement that differentiates NAIFA members from their colleagues in the insurance and financial services industry. NAIFA bestows these annual awards as programs of the Talent Development Center, which recognizes exemplary NAIFA members, promotes professional growth, and encourages a new generation of agents and advisors to join the business.
The 2022 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference was held February 23-25, 2022 in Houston, Texas. This multi-day event included educational sessions, networking opportunities, and camaraderie! To start off the final day of NAIFA-Texas State Conference, we held a Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) Panel Discussion for all attendees. The Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) is a six-month leadership development program devoted to advancing personal growth and professional success for NAIFA members.
Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) was a featured speaker Thursday, February 24, in Houston at the 2022 Annual State Conference of NAIFA’s Texas chapter. His remarks at the event reviewed the State of NAIFA and challenged insurance and financial professionals to be the best they can be as producers and as advocates for their businesses, association, and Main Street clients.
The NAIFA Quality Award provides advisors at any career stage the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to excellence. This includes:
The NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors and Awards Committee were delighted to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to two deserving recipients during the 2022 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference that was held in Houston, Texas February 23-25, 2022. The NAIFA-Texas Awards Committee selected Russell "Rusty" Donohue, CLU, ChFC and Douglas Massey, CLU, ChFC, FSS as the newest recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors is proud to announce their chosen recipient of the
2021 NAIFA-Texas YAT Leader of the Year Award, Rick Demko. The NAIFA-Texas YAT Leader of the Year Award recognizes an advisor’s commitment to NAIFA including service on local and state and committees as well as participation in the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI); involvement with state and/or federal legislative efforts; participation in external service work such as charities; and an ability to inspire others.
The NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors and Awards Committee were delighted to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to two deserving recipients during the 2022 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference that was held in Houston, Texas February 23-25, 2022. The NAIFA-Texas Awards Committee selected Russell "Rusty" Donohue, CLU, ChFC and Douglas Massey, CLU, ChFC, FSS as the newest recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is a featured speaker Thursday, February 24, in Houston at the 2022 Annual State Conference of NAIFA’s Texas chapter. His remarks at the event will review the State of NAIFA and challenge insurance and financial professionals to be the best they can be as producers and as advocates for their businesses, association, and Main Street clients.
NAIFA-Texas is happy to announce 2022 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference Virtual Sponsor, Referme IQ. The NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference (February 23-25, 2022) agenda and registration details can be found here. You don't want to miss this event! For those of you unable to attend, please take a moment to watch this brief message from our sponsor.
NAIFA-Texas is happy to announce and thank the 2022 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference Sponsors. We are grateful for all of our sponsors and can't wait to kick things off in just a few short days!
NAIFA-Texas is happy to welcome our newest Platinum Sponsor, Bright HealthCare! Over the coming months we will be sharing all of the great opportunities that Bright HealthCare has to offer for Texas residents. Bright HealthCare believes quality health insurance should be simple, personal, and affordable. They design easy-to-understand plans with benefits you'll actually use! Benefit-packed plans and surprisingly low rates mean you can focus on staying happy and healthy. Please take a moment to visit Bright HealthCare's sponsorship page by clicking the link below!
NAIFA-Texas wishes all of our members and industry professionals a happy and safe holiday season! 2021 was quite a year for NAIFA-Texas and we could not have done it without the support of our members, colleagues, consultants, and families. As 2021 comes to a close, we are extremely grateful for the camaraderie (finally some in-person!) and community being a NAIFA member brings. Can't wait to create new memories in 2022. Cheers!
Board Members and Chapter Leaders of NAIFA-Texas recently attended the NAIFA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on December 5-7, 2021. On Monday December 8th, NAIFA-Texas members and leaders attended a full-day of educational sessions centered around leadership coaching, grassroots training, and more! They also enjoyed a delicious lunch that was prepared by former White House Chef Marti Mongiello. Monday was capped off with the Annual Meeting and Belong Awards Dinner. On Tuesday, NAIFA-Texas met members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
NAIFA-Texas sponsor, Principal hosted a panel discussion in November moderated by their very own Senior Regional Managing Director, Phil Pyrz. During the discussion, panelists discussed their experiences with utilizing technology, best business practices, success stories, and the evolution of FP Practices (over the last 10+ years)! Panelists for this event included Bob Markle, Mindy Helfrich, Robbie Schubert, and Chris Richey.
Members, we are two weeks away from the return of NAIFA-Texas' Quarterly Lobbyist Update! It was been a very eventful interim within the Texas Legislature. Click here for your free registration!
Members, voting is open elect your 2022 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors!
National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November -- is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.
Redistricting is complete! The redrawn political maps for the Texas House, Texas Senate, and Texas Congressional seats were signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on October 25, 2021. These maps were drafted and passed by the Texas Legislature during the third special session. Members, the Texas Tribune has a tool where you can view any changes to your district and representation!
Members, if your business includes annuity products, then this post is for you!
As a continuation of HB 1777 passed by the 87th Texas Legislature, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) adopts rules about the forms an agent must provide to a consumer before or when recommending or selling an annuity. Any NAIFA-Texas member who sells annuity products should review this adoption and familiarize themselves with the new required forms. The rules adoption can be found here.
Our Quarterly Lobbyist Update (QLU) returns on Nov. 30th 2021! This exclusive member-only virtual event will break down this very eventful interim of special sessions, quorum breaks, redistricting, and more. NAIFA-Texas Lobbyist, Elizabeth Hadley, of Greenberg Traurig will be touching on these topics and answering your questions. Snag your FREE registration by clicking here!
Thank you to those who were able to attend the 2021 Texas Leaders Round Table Kickoff Event that was held in Houston, Texas earlier this month! We would like to issue a special thank you to our event sponsors, Fairway Mortgage and Joey Ussery with John Hancock. Joey also served as the emcee for this exclusive event.
Join NAIFA-Texas sponsor, Principal on Wednesday, November 15, 2021 for a panel discussion moderated by their very own Senior Regional Managing Director, Phil Pyrz. During the discussion, panelists will discuss their experiences with utilizing technology, best business practices, success stories, and the evolution of FP Practices (over the last 10+ years)! Panelists for this event include Bob Markle, Mindy Helfrich, Robbie Schubert, and Chris Richey.
The Texas Legislature has one week left in it's third special session. The item on the forefront: redistricting. Redistricting occurs every 10 years after the U.S. Census results are collected and certified. The U.S. Census measures how much the United States population has grown and changed based on various demographics. Then, state legislatures redraw district maps to reflect the census results. The 2020 census reflected that people of color fueled 95% of Texas' population growth.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued the annual data call to agents writing title insurance in Texas. State law requires title agents to report data that is used to set rates. The data reports are due December 13, 2021. Check the TDI website for reporting instructions and forms. The full bulletin can be found here.
It's baaaack! The NAIFA-Texas State Conference 2022 will be held in Houston, Texas from February 23-25, 2022. Visit our website for room blocks, event agenda, and more!
Millennials are making more money than any previous generation... so why are they less wealthy?
If you are an agent selling annuities, then this blog post is for you... and your CE credits!
The Texas Legislature is back for the third special session of 2021. Governor Abbott has tasked the Texas House and Senate to pass legislation relating to COVID-19 mask mandates, transgender student participation in sports, gender-affirming health care for trans youth, property tax relief, bail reform, allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act federal funding, and redistricting. The Texas House and Senate gaveled in this past Monday to start its work.
Warsaw, Indiana, is affectionally known as the “Orthopedic Capital of the World.” Over a century ago, a young chemist started the world’s first orthopedics company in the small Midwestern town. Since then, the industry has ballooned. Today Warsaw, which has a population of just 15,000, hosts numerous companies that focus specifically on designing devices that manage musculoskeletal problems. For employers, this clustering offers the promise of a skilled workforce that understands the industry. Yet it also presents an acute challenge: heated competition for that very labor.
What does our NAIFA-Texas Secretary Treasurer Rodney Mogen and the most
iconic steak in Texas have in common? One is 72 ounces and the other is 7' 2"! Show up at the Big Texan Steakhouse Wednesday, September 22nd, to see who's tougher, the Man or the Steak. Click here to view the event flyer!
On August 26, 2021, NAIFA-Dallas hosted several Texas federal and local legislators and their staffers for their annual legislative luncheon! Staff for State Rep. Carl Sherman (HD-109), State Rep. Rhetta Bowers (HD-113), Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30). State Senator Angela Paxton (SD-30) and her District Director joined us as well.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued a guidance of the new and revised annuities courses state-licensed agents and non-resident agents will be required to take if they are looking to sell annuities on or after January 1, 2022.
On August 16th, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) proposed a rule about the forms an agent must provide to a consumer before or when recommending or selling an annuity. Agents can use the hyperlink above to review the rule and submit comments before September 27, 2021. This rule falls in line with the Texas adoption of NAIC's Best Interest Standard (HB 1777).
On Saturday, August 7th, the Texas Legislature gaveled in for the second special session of the interim. Texas Democrats broke quorum for the third time to deny the Texas House from passing any business, including the GOP high-priority elections bill. The issues on the Governor's call do not directly impact insurance agents or financial advisors. NAIFA-Texas does not foresee this changing.
Did you miss the changes #txlege passed this session in relation to agent licensing and certification? Texas Department of Insurance hosted a webinar discussing what agents should be looking out for! View the recording here.
Two weeks until the 2021 Performance + Purpose Virtual Conference! NAIFA has a packed agenda with keynote speakers, industry leaders, and breakout sessions that is promise to inspire and "redefine the lines." It is not too late to register! Click here to reserve your spot.
Do you want to strengthen your leadership skills? Are you looking for an outlook that will help you grow as a business owner, thus growing your business? How about developing a stronger, more confident sense of self?
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