In today’s changing economy, personal struggles like addiction are having profound financial consequences. In a recent webinar, NAIFA Florida President Cheryl Canzanella, owner of Coastal Life Strategies and a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry, explored how the opioid epidemic is impacting families’ emotional and financial well-being—and what advisors can do to help.

Charitable giving plays a vital role in many clients’ financial plans, yet discussions often focus heavily on tax mitigation rather than the true philanthropic intent behind the gift. Selecting the right charitable planning tools ensures that clients maximize both their financial benefits and the lasting impact of their contributions.

Jeremy Vidmar, FIC, CLTC has a wealth of experience from his tenure in the insurance planning industry since 2018. With a background in banking and tax planning, he has extensive experience in estate planning, business succession, and long-term care solutions for clients across various industries. Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and pursued advanced theological studies in Rome. He is passionate about helping advisors and clients navigate complex insurance solutions.

NAIFA would like to thank E4 Insurance Services for sponsoring this episode. 

Charitable gift annuities (CGAs) offer a unique way for donors to achieve their philanthropic goals while securing a reliable income stream. Increasingly, nonprofits, donors, and financial professionals are leveraging CGAs to meet a variety of financial and charitable objectives with a single gift. Simple to establish and available in multiple formats, CGAs can even be funded through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), making them a versatile tool for charitable planning.

Joe Breslin is a dedicated financial professional with Armstrong Dixon in Baltimore, MD, and a loyal member of NAIFA since 2018. His journey into the financial services industry is marked by a strong drive to help others achieve financial success. Reflecting on his early days, Joe remembers making thousands of cold calls to small business owners to build his client base. At the time, he worked for a large insurance company and was fortunate to have a few clients who helped him grow his network through referrals.

Carroll Golden, Executive Director of NAIFA’s Centers of Excellence, was honored with the ILTCI’s Recognition Award on Monday, March 10th. This prestigious award highlights her significant contributions to the long-term care insurance (LTCI) industry and her commitment to advancing LTC planning.

Once again this May Life Happens will coordinate Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), an annual campaign Life Happens created to raise consumer awareness. Now that Life Happens is a NAIFA Community, specially curated content featuring DIAM messaging is available to NAIFA members to help them connect with their clients and consumers.

Monique Lee, a dedicated financial professional with New York Life and a NAIFA member since 2023. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Monique’s journey into the financial services world began when her youngest child was preparing to start grade school. Looking for an opportunity to re-enter the workforce, she was referred to New York Life by a close family friend—and she hasn’t looked back since.

NAIFA, for a third consecutive year, has proudly hosted a Women’s Financial Security Fly-In. The event brought 37 women financial professionals from around the country to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of their businesses and clients.

We are excited to spotlight Aamir Chalisa, General Manager at Futurity First, an industry leader who has spent over 35 years transforming lives through his work in insurance. His journey is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve financial security.

Aamir’s path in the insurance industry began shortly after he graduated with an MBA in 1990 from Southern Illinois University. At the time, job opportunities were limited, and as an international student without sponsorship, he faced even more challenges. But a chance encounter with a mentor, an individual from Pakistan, led him to explore the world of sales. "My mentor introduced me to the insurance industry, and I made the bold decision to dive in as an insurance salesman," Aamir recalls.