Brittney S. Neal's journey into the financial services industry was shaped by family ties, personal experiences, and a deep desire to help others build secure financial futures. A new member of NAIFA, Brittney currently serves as a Client Concierge and Advisor at Wellington Capital Reserve, LLC, based in Greenville, South Carolina. Through her work, she guides clients on how to use privatized banking strategies to create generational wealth and financial freedom.
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Member Spotlight: Brittney Neal - Creating Financial Freedom and Lasting Legacies
By NAIFA Membership on 2/11/25 9:35 AM
Topics: Advisor Today
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Journal Live - Using Consumer Research to Improve Retirement Outcomes
By NAIFA on 2/10/25 1:34 PM
Join us on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 12 PM Eastern for Journal Live, where we explore how consumer research can enhance retirement planning. Based on an article from the January 2025 issue of the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, this program challenges traditional financial planning models and highlights strategies to better serve clients with diverse financial needs.
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Navigating the Medicare Maze
By NAIFA on 2/10/25 1:34 PM
Medicare plays a crucial role in retirement planning, yet it remains one of the most complex and often misunderstood aspects of financial security. As clients approach retirement, they face important decisions about their healthcare coverage, making it essential for financial professionals to stay informed.
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The 2024 Kenneth Black Jr. Leadership Award Winner Is Mike McGlothlin
By NAIFA on 2/6/25 3:26 PM
Mike McGlothlin, CFP, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, NSSA, Executive Vice President, Retirement, at Ash Brokerage, is the 2024 recipient of the Kenneth Black Jr. Leadership Award. McGlothlin manages a staff of more than 65 employees and has maintained a 90% retention rate. Under his leadership, more than 25 employees have bolstered their professional skills and received in-house promotions. The team has achieved a remarkable 300% growth over six years.
Topics: Awards Press Release FSP
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Member Profile: Ray Smith - A Lifetime of Financial Service and Client Impact
By NAIFA Membership on 2/4/25 11:29 AM
Ray Smith has been a loyal member of NAIFA since 1976, calling Stillwater, OK, home. He is the founder of Ray Smith Wealth Management and has built a career in the financial services industry that spans over five decades. Ray's journey into the business started right after college when a fraternity brother suggested he explore the field. After taking the required tests, he joined a company that later transitioned into Ameritas, where he has stayed ever since. Despite the shifting industry landscape, Ray's dedication to his clients and his work has remained constant.
Topics: Advisor Today
37 min read
Navigating Politics and Financial Services With Adam Solano
By NAIFA on 2/3/25 4:54 PM
Adam Solano is a seasoned financial advisor with 32 years of industry experience. A member of NAIFA, he has served in numerous roles in NAIFA — including serving as President of NAIFA Chicago and Illinois — and is a recognized leader and mentor within the financial services community. Adam previously ran for public office, imparting a richer understanding of client advocacy on Capitol Hill, and has taken on the responsibilities of succession, acquiring other practices, and nurturing their growth. He is passionate about maintaining a work-life balance and is currently authoring books to share his professional insights and personal philosophies.
Topics: Podcast
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Life Happens and NAIFA: Life Insurance Is Love Insurance
By Kevin Mayeux on 2/3/25 2:51 PM
February is Insure Your Love Month, an annual campaign created and coordinated by NAIFA’s Life Happens community. The theme for this year’s commemoration is a simple yet impactful message: Life insurance is love insurance.
Topics: Life Insurance & Annuities Life Happens NAIFA CEO Executive Summary
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NAIFA Partners With American Senior Benefits, a Leading Distributor of Senior Market Insurance Products, to Bolster ASB’s Leadership Team
By NAIFA on 1/29/25 3:19 PM
NAIFA and the Dallas-based American Senior Benefits (ASB) have entered a partnership under which NAIFA recognizes ASB as a NAIFA Financial Security Champion and at least 75 ASB regional sales managers will become new NAIFA members.
Topics: Press Release NAIFA Partner
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Member Spotlight: Jesus Lopez Soto - Empowering Families, Building Futures
By NAIFA Membership on 1/29/25 11:11 AM
Jesus U. Lopez Soto’s journey into the financial services industry began with a simple goal: to find a work-from-home opportunity for his pregnant wife. Initially, he saw it as a way for her to earn extra income. However, after being introduced to the industry by a coworker and friend, Jesus realized that this was not just a job for his wife—it was an opportunity for him to build a meaningful career as well. He quickly recognized that the financial services industry offered a chance to help others, make a lasting impact, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
Topics: Member Spotlight
28 min read
The Reboot and Rebrand of Advisor Today
By NAIFA on 1/28/25 10:44 AM
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 and a Life and Annuities Certified Professional, 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.
Kathleen Owings is the Principal and Financial Advisor of Westbilt Financial Group, an independent financial advisory firm providing comprehensive planning for clients wanting to achieve personal goals. Graduating from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2000, Kathleen served for eight years as an active duty officer in the Army Corp of Engineers. In 2007, she began her career in the financial services industry, obtaining licensure in life and health insurance and maintaining Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. Kathleen’s book, Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence, helps women take control of their finances.
Zack Huels is the Membership Director at NAIFA, where he helps members advocate for the industry, educate themselves through customized programs, and advance their careers. He is an experienced association professional with a demonstrated history of working in the staffing and recruiting industry. Zack is also skilled in presenting, emceeing, event planning, program management, and social media. As a young and passionate Advisor Today podcast host, he aims to challenge the status quo and explore the future impacts of technology on financial services.