NAIFA's Congressional Conference shines a spotlight on NAIFA's unmatched advocacy influence and provides financial professionals with another way to serve consumers' best interests. NAIFA members who meet with their members of Congress this May will not only be advocating for their own businesses but also for their colleagues, clients, and communities. Decisions made in Washinton, D.C., affect the financial security of  families and businesses nationwide that rely on NAIFA members for financial guidance.

Congratulations to Mike Washburn, FSS, CLF, LUTCF, loyal member since 1987 of Cordova, TN on being inducted into American National's Multiple Line Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes a career of success in performance excellence, support of American National and its values, and a spirit of giving back to the industry, communities, and peers. In addition to receiving the most prestigious recognition that can be bestowed upon a member of the American National field team, he was also recognized as the Life Insurance MLGA of the Year, Gold. Mike joined American National in 1986 and became a NAIFA member the following year. He has held numerous positions on the NAIFA-Memphis/West-TN board, including serving as president in 1996.

Glenn Crawford is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and a licensed insurance agent holding a Series 65 Investment Advisor Representative distinction. His mission is to support better financial outcomes for clients by educating, enabling, and empowering them to make sound decisions about their financial well-being. Glenn has also dedicated a significant part of his practice to advising clients on the financial aspects of divorce. Before entering the wealth management industry, he enjoyed a career in information technology and was a partner in a $65 million consultancy firm.

With over three decades of expertise in the Life Insurance sector, I've come to realize there's nothing more vital for safeguarding your business than cybersecurity. Whether you're a financial advisor, an insurance agent, a broker-dealer, or a principal of a brokerage agency, a single cyberattack could devastate your business. Adopting a Zero Trust approach is essential. Moreover, cybersecurity is crucial for meeting regulatory and compliance obligations. I urge you to conduct audits on your network and website. I'm here to assist you in securing a complimentary audit. Now, let's delve into some key insights on cyber insurance, compliance, and security.

Frank Maselli is an accomplished keynote speaker, coach, and author of three best-selling books. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has helped thousands of financial professionals grow and achieve success by providing them with contemporary skills well-suited to the demands of today's clients. With his programs based on human psychology, Frank is known for his pioneering ideas, dynamic thinking, and engaging delivery. He is a sought-after presenter, recognized as a top industry speaker.

In an ever-evolving landscape of personal finance and estate planning, staying ahead of the latest trends and legislative changes is paramount for professionals in the field. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the upcoming webinar led by Marty Shenkman, JD, CPA, MBA, PFS, will go over the critical developments and changes anticipated in 2024. Join us on February 27, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm eastern. 

NAIFA and Stonewood Financial have completed a partnership agreement whereby Stonewood Financial will become part of NAIFA’s Business Performance Center that provides education and legislative debriefs to members on issues concerning practice management. Additionally, the two organizations will have a presence at organizational meetings and conferences, including NAIFA’s May Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C., and its September Apex educational event in Phoenix, Arizona, and Stonewood’s spring and fall Innovate Conferences in Louisville, Ky.

Throughout February, NAIFA will be showing our appreciation for our members with articles on the Advisor Today platform and in social media posts. Our first print 2024 issue of Advisor Today magazine will be mailed exclusively to NAIFA members this month, with articles highlighting NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, 2023 NAIFA award recipients, attendees of NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference and Belong event, and much more.

February, the month of love, brings with it a unique opportunity to express our deepest affections in the most meaningful way possible. Life Happens, a devoted advocate for financial protection and security and NAIFA's consumer outreach arm, spearheads Insure Your Love Month every February.

This initiative serves as a reminder that one of the most profound demonstrations of love is ensuring the financial safety of our loved ones. The message is clear and powerful: acquiring life insurance is not just a financial decision; it's an act of love.

Do you have a well-thought-out strategy to start your day off right? Like many people, you might not. Instead, you probably have morning routines on autopilot, like making your bed and brushing your teeth. But, if you want to get the most out of your day, it is not the morning routines that will change your life, it’s mastering morning rituals!