NAIFA wishes a happy 30th anniversary to our affinity partners Mickey Straub and the SAMUSA team. Since launching and naming the industry in 1995, they have pioneered sales activity management solutions and collaborated with industry giants such as MetLife, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, Ameriprise, MassMutual, Knights of Columbus, and others, as well as top-performing firms and producers.

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.

Ashley K. Butler, a proud resident of Gilbert, Arizona, and a dedicated member of Alpha Omega Wealth, is a new NAIFA member as of 2024. Though relatively new to the organization, Ashley’s passion for the financial services industry runs deep, with roots stretching back to 2014 when a college friend introduced her to the field. From the beginning, it was clear to her that this career path held something truly meaningful—the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Retirement Plans and Retirement Planning, a newly revised ebook by Kenn B. Tacchino, JD, LLM, Professor of Taxation and Financial Planning at Widener University, is a valuable resource for financial planning students and practitioners. The book is published by FSP, a NAIFA Community, and Professor Tacchino is editor of FSP's Journal of Financial Service Professionals, which NAIFA members may access online as an educational benefit.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Connelly v. United States has significantly altered the landscape of buy-sell planning for business owners facing potential estate tax exposure. As a result, financial professionals must now navigate new complexities in business valuation and the use of life insurance in these agreements. This landmark ruling presents both challenges and opportunities to reimagine how buy-sell structures are designed and implemented.

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, was honored during the Chinese American Insurance Association’s (CAIA) Chinese New Year annual event, held April 3 in New York. The festive evening brought together hundreds of insurance professionals, community leaders, and honored guests to celebrate the achievements and deep-rooted values of the Chinese American insurance community. Mayeux was recognized alongside AmeriLife Chairman & CEO Scott Perry, for their dedication to professionalism, leadership, and service to the industry. 

Lisa Skinner, president of Brokerage Services Inc. in Herman, NE, has had a lifelong connection to the financial services industry. Her journey began early, influenced by her father, who was a General Agent for over 50 years. Lisa started working during school breaks, taking on tasks such as filing, computer work, and scanning files to digital formats. These early experiences set the foundation for a long and fulfilling career in the industry.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, an important reminder of the critical role that financial literacy plays in ensuring Americans' personal and economic well-being. At NAIFA, we believe that promoting financial literacy is not just about helping individuals manage their finances but also fostering a more prosperous society for all.

NAIFA proudly acknowledges and thanks Kent Bennett, LUTCF, CEPS, RFC, a loyal member since 1974, for reaching an impressive milestone as a NAIFA “Joint Chief” based on his lifetime contributions to NAIFA's political action committees. His generosity and willingness to give back to his industry are hallmarks of his professional success.

The independent brokerage insurance agency promotes NAIFA membership and grassroots participation while its advisors enjoy the benefits of NAIFA membership.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and E4 Insurance Services (E4IS) have increased an educational partnership agreement, under which E4IS will promote membership in NAIFA to E4IS-affiliated agents and advisors and provide thought leadership to the NAIFA membership.