With Thanksgiving, we naturally turn our attention to the three Fs: family, food, and football. But when we consider things that we are truly thankful for, I’d like to add one more: financial service professionals.

Americans have much to be thankful for this holiday season largely because of the crucial work you are doing. While your practice websites might tell us that you offer insurance products, financial planning, wealth management, or other products and services, what you are really giving your clients is peace of mind, opportunities to live their best lives, and happiness for themselves and their loved ones. These are among the things Americans are most thankful for.

As we mark November, long-recognized as National Long-Term Care Awareness Month, I want to extend my thanks to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance for stepping forward with a public campaign to shine a spotlight on long-term care planning for the future. Their announcement reminds us that as Americans live longer lives, the possibility of needing long-term support services climbs significantly.

November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month and NAIFA is marking the occasion by spreading the word about caregiving and long-term care and providing financial professionals with valuable ideas and information. On November 19, NAIFA’s Limited and Extended Care Planning Collective is sponsoring an online event: “The Care Economy: Where Compassion Meets Capital.” It will feature seven 20-minute sessions by industry thought leaders who will share what advisors and agents need to know about the present and future of caregiving and long-term care. They will discuss such topics as the current state of long-term care insurance, the benefits of right-sizing LTC coverages, the role of annuity products in LTC planning, how to talk about LTC with younger clients, and much more.

NAIFA is deeply concerned by company announcements indicating they no longer will pay commissions to Medicare agents. And today, Humana announced they will no longer use agents to sell Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). This alarming trend threatens not only the livelihood of financial professionals but also the millions of seniors who rely on them for help navigating their healthcare options. If you learn of other announcements, please forward them to communications@naifa.org.

As a proud Florida Gator, September brings me all the anticipation, hope, and excitement of a brand-new college football season. As the CEO of the oldest and most influential association for insurance and financial professionals in the United States, it brings me the pride and heightened sense of purpose of Life Insurance Awareness Month.

LIAM was created and continues to be coordinated by Life Happens, a NAIFA community. It is a time when we shine a spotlight on the importance of life insurance products and educate consumers about this foundation of many comprehensive financial plans. Financial professionals understand that life insurance provides vital protection to more than 80 million American households (even if many are underinsured) and that coverage is available to fit the budgets of families at most income levels.

The life insurance profession is facing a pivotal moment. Over the next 10 years, more than 110,000 financial professionals are expected to retire. That represents about 38% of the industry’s workforce and over 41% of the assets they manage.

On this day in 1890, a group of forward-thinking professionals gathered in Boston with a bold vision: to elevate the profession, advocate for consumers, and set a standard of excellence for financial advisors. That vision became NAIFA and 135 years later, it’s still going strong.

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), an important time to highlight the critical role disability insurance plays in protecting the financial well-being of American workers and their families. NAIFA is committed to raising awareness and educating about the necessity and value of disability insurance.

NAIFA proudly participates in Disability Insurance Awareness Month, a national initiative led by Life Happens. Through this campaign, we provide financial professionals with resources to educate their clients about the importance of disability insurance, helping them secure critical protection against unforeseen financial challenges.

Financial literacy is a critical life skill that’s becoming more important as today’s students prepare to navigate a changing financial landscape. According to a 2024 report by Tyton Partners and Next Gen Personal Finance, just one personal finance course in high school can translate into a lifetime benefit of nearly $100,000. That powerful statistic should prompt action from policymakers, educators, and communities nationwide. 

Recent findings from a McKinsey & Company study highlight a critical need for more financial professionals in the United States. As more Americans grow their wealth and look for financial guidance, the industry is confronted with a projected shortfall of up to 100,000 financial professionals by 2034. Increased reliance on personal savings for retirement, complex financial products, and rising client expectations all contribute to a growing demand that’s outpacing supply. While technology has improved productivity, attracting new talent is essential to ensure consumers continue to receive the comprehensive guidance they need.