John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP, has received the 2023 President’s Citation from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) for his extraordinary service to the association.

The NAIFA President’s Citation recognizes an association member who exemplifies NAIFA leadership and has gone above and beyond in their support for NAIFA and the industry. NAIFA’s 2023 President Bryon Holz selected Richardson to receive the President’s Citation to acknowledge his exemplary work in political advocacy and membership recruitment. The award was presented at NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in December.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that Suzanne Carawan is NAIFA’s Vice President, Membership and will lead a newly created department focused on creating exceptional member value and increased engagement in NAIFA’s core areas of advocacy, education, and volunteer leadership. She and her team will develop strategies and implement tactics to deliver NAIFA’s value proposition to an expanded pool of financial professionals that now call NAIFA home due to the recent merger with the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

In this Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) webinar, Fairway Reverse Mortgage Specialist, George Bain, will explore the challenges today’s retirees face and how they can benefit from the strategic use of a reverse mortgage. The presentation will include a discussion of incorporating home equity into a retirement income strategy, with case study examples and planning scenarios for long-term care and life insurance.

The Society of Financial Service Professionals' annual Institute is January 28-31 in Jacksonville, FL. This is one of the premier professional development events in the financial service industry and NAIFA members are invited to attend. Registration includes high-impact educational sessions and opportunities to earn CE credit. The Institute features opportunities for productive networking and offers a unique environment that inspires collaborative learning.

The final 2023 issue of Advisor Today magazine is now available as a digital edition. All NAIFA members receive the printed edition of Advisor Today as an exclusive member benefit and we make the digital edition available after the print issue release. If you are not a NAIFA member, join us today!

Joseph Spinelli, CLU, helps people prepare for the future by prioritizing their financial goals and customizing insurance solutions to best suit their needs. With a robust skill set that includes insurance, life insurance, customer service, disability insurance, term life insurance, and more, he contributes valuable insights to the industry. Joseph has a bachelor's degree in economics from Bridgewater College.

With 2023 coming to a close, we look back at our top podcasts from this year. Advisor Today's podcast series has been a source of inspiration and knowledge for the financial services community through deep dives into the strategies, stories, and wisdom of industry leaders. Let's celebrate the voices and insights that have resonated the most with our audience starting at #5

As we wrap up 2023 its the perfect time to revisit the top posts from Advisor Today in 2023 that captured the attention and engaged our readers the most. The Advisor Today Blog brings you the tools, ideas and techniques you need to build and enhance your financial practice. It is the go-to place for insurance and financial advisors who are looking for the latest news and trends that are shaping the insurance and financial-advising industry. Lets begin the countdown with #5.

5. Digital Marketing & AI Technology to Drive Life Insurance & Annuity Sales in 2023
This post explores the transformative impact of digital marketing and AI technology on the life insurance and annuity sectors. It delves into how these innovative strategies are reshaping the way professionals approach sales and client engagement, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.

NAIFA members, set a reminder! The Q1 State of NAIFA 2024 webinar is happening on January 25th at 12 pm Eastern. Don't miss this first update of the year, as it's a key part of our commitment to keeping you well-informed about our developments and future goals.

John D. Richardson is a financial planner who has been providing sound financial advice to his clients since 2005. His primary focus is to help people align their financial decisions with their values and truths to live enriching lives. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and a Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP), John advises clients on retirement planning, investment planning, and risk management. He serves as a NAIFA leader and has held several leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.