Social Security remains one of the most important and often misunderstood components of retirement income planning. For financial professionals, helping clients navigate the complex claiming rules and optimize their benefits can make a meaningful difference in their long-term financial security.

Join us on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Eastern for a webinar with Martha Shedden, RSSA, CRPC, President and Co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. This webinar is free for both members and non-members, thanks to co-sponsorship by RSSA.

In his column published in both the print and digital editions of NJBiz, NAIFA national Trustee Dennis Cuccinelli, a member of NAIFA-New Jersey, warns that the state's proposed reclassification of insurance agents as employees instead of independent contractors would limit agents' independence, reduce consumer choice and potentially harm families' access to financial protection.

NAIFA is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Foundation for Financial Service Professionals’ Paul S. Mills Scholarships and the inaugural Eileen J. Prus and Edmund O. Ciske Jr.-designated Paul S. Mills Scholarship. This annual program provides need-based scholarships to students pursuing degrees in financial service-related fields. Each of the 12 recipients receives a $1,000 scholarship.

NAIFA President Doug Massey, LUTCF, CLU, ChFC, CRES, FSS, has announced the appointment of Kathleen Bilderback, Counsel in the Business Practice Group with Sandberg, Phoenix & von Gontard P.C., to serve on the NAIFA Board of Trustees.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has appointed Dan Peterson, LLIF, LUTCF, FIC, President and Managing Partner for E4 Insurance Services, to the Industry Leadership Board (ILB).

When it comes to retirement planning, financial expertise alone isn’t enough. Today’s clients are looking for more than just numbers. They want guidance that speaks to their goals, fears, and vision for the future. Building trust and addressing the emotional side of retirement decisions can be just as important as crafting tax-efficient strategies.

NAIFA members, mark your calendars for June 26th at 12 pm Eastern for the Q3 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.

Non-cash assets such as real estate, closely held business interests, and collectibles represent a massive and largely untapped opportunity in charitable giving. While these assets are estimated to total between $40 and $60 trillion in value, they make up less than 2% of all charitable donations. For financial professionals working with affluent clients, understanding how to leverage these assets is essential to providing effective tax and philanthropic planning strategies.

NAIFA has appointed Bobby Johnson, Chief Distribution Officer of Midland National Life® Insurance Company, to the Industry Leadership Board (ILB).