With 2023 coming to a close, we look back at our top podcasts from this year. Advisor Today's podcast series has been a source of inspiration and knowledge for the financial services community through deep dives into the strategies, stories, and wisdom of industry leaders. Let's celebrate the voices and insights that have resonated the most with our audience starting at #5

As we wrap up 2023 its the perfect time to revisit the top posts from Advisor Today in 2023 that captured the attention and engaged our readers the most. The Advisor Today Blog brings you the tools, ideas and techniques you need to build and enhance your financial practice. It is the go-to place for insurance and financial advisors who are looking for the latest news and trends that are shaping the insurance and financial-advising industry. Lets begin the countdown with #5.

5. Digital Marketing & AI Technology to Drive Life Insurance & Annuity Sales in 2023
This post explores the transformative impact of digital marketing and AI technology on the life insurance and annuity sectors. It delves into how these innovative strategies are reshaping the way professionals approach sales and client engagement, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.

NAIFA members, set a reminder! The Q1 State of NAIFA 2024 webinar is happening on January 25th at 12 pm Eastern. Don't miss this first update of the year, as it's a key part of our commitment to keeping you well-informed about our developments and future goals.

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 (RICP) and a Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP), 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.

NAIFA’s Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Society of Financial Service Professionals have both voted unanimously to approve a merger agreement between the two associations. The votes come after the membership of NAIFA and FSP both voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger earlier this year.

Brian Steiner has recently been named the Executive Director of Life Happens, the consumer education arm of NAIFA. His return to the NAIFA fold (he was NAIFA's Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships from 2015-2021) comes as NAIFA adds Life Happens and completes a merger with the Society of Financial Service Professionals. In an interview for an article in InsuranceNewsNet, Steiner discussed his plans to rejuvenate Life Happens, emphasizing the significance of their national awareness campaigns such as Life Insurance Awareness Month, Insure Your Love Month, and Disability Insurance Awareness Month. These initiatives highlight the importance of life insurance and related products.

NAIFA 2023 President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and 2024 President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, cut the ribbon on NAIFA's new national headquarters in Arlington, VA, in early December. Also participating in the ceremony were NAIFA Past Presidents Tom Michel, LACP, CLTC, and Larry Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP.

The Department of Labor thinks it knows what's best for Americans preparing for retirement. NAIFA President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and his long-time client Chuck Ross think the DOL is wrong and bring their real-life experience to the argument.

NAIFA has formally elected its officers and Board of Trustees at its annual business meeting as part of the National Leadership Conference and Belong awards celebration in Washington, D.C.

More than 250 NAIFA members took to Capitol Hill today to meet with over 200 Congressional offices to advance the need to protect the worker classification of financial service professionals as independent contractors and to provide consumers a variety of choices in financial service professionals. The Day on the Hill was coupled with NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference which serves to train the leaders of state and local chapters in grassroots advocacy.