Marc Kiner, CPA, is a co-founder of the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA^®) Certificate program and a new NAIFA member as of early March.

Over his three-decade career as a CPA, Kiner grew increasingly interested in the inner workings of Social Security benefits. In 2008, he bought three books on Social Security, read them cover to cover, and emerged with more questions than answers. So, he sought out an expert and was referred to Jim Blair, then the District Manager of the Piqua, OH, Social Security office. Blair worked for SSA for 35 years before retiring on December 31, 2010.

Premier Social Security Consulting 

Kiner was interested in Social Security consulting, but when he pitched his idea to collaborate with Blair, Blair turned him down flat. However, Kiner kept floating the idea to start a business around Social Security consulting and training, which finally paid off.  On January 1, 2010, they founded Premier Social Security Consulting (PSSC) with the aim of helping Americans across the country understand and manage their Social Security Benefits. Three years later, Kiner and Blair founded the National Social Security Advisor Certificate program, designed to educate professionals on the complexities of Social Security benefits.  

The NSSA^® Certificate Program is offered in three forms—live webinars, in-person classes, and on-demand videos. So far, 2,600 professionals have earned the certificate and 5,000 have gone through the training program. Kiner describes the program as a complement to professional designations, saying, “The NSSA^® Certificate program begins where other programs like RICP^® and CFP^® end.” The program includes the gold standard of support, including questions, Social Security update webinars, and Social Security Open Forums.  Additionally, the National Social Security Advisor education focuses on Situational Social Security and asking probing Social Security questions to uncover additional benefits for clients. 

NAIFA, WIFS, and PSSC 

Kiner serves on the board of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), a NAIFA advocacy partner. In January, NAIFA and WIFS President Toni Gonzales, MBA, LACP, a loyal NAIFA member since 2017, announced a renewed, deeper partnership. Last month, Kiner provided NSSA^® members a webinar with NAIFA’s Director of Government Relations Jayne Fitzgerald discussing what’s new in Social Security for 2023. Last month, NAIFA and WIFS hosted the inaugural Women’s Financial Security Fly-In in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for the important role that women advisors play in the industry. 

Kiner has joined NAIFA’s Limited & Extended Care Planning Center community and is a contributing author for “2023 Social Security & Medicare Facts” published by The National Underwriter Company,  and "Guide to Social Security and Medicare: Income Maximization Strategies,”  the guidebook from industry legend and loyal NAIFA member since 1989, Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, CASL, LACP.  

The Role of Social Security in Retirement Planning 

Holistic planners know that Social Security is a key pillar in any solid financial plan, so the future of Social Security is always of concern—especially when looking towards funding to cover limited and extended care needs. Carroll Golden’s new book “How Not to Pull Your Family Apart” addresses the current consumer crisis for long-term care, especially in the sandwich generation. Social Security plays a critical part in any retirement plan but is also an important factor in funding a variety of other life issues. Kiner will bring his expertise in Social Security to the Limited & Extended Care Planning Center to aid advisors in understanding the constantly changing landscape of Social Security and how to effectively utilize the benefit in comprehensive plans. 

We’re excited to collaborate with Marc Kiner and Premier Social Security Consulting as we work toward ensuring financial security for all.