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.

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.

As we conclude another impactful Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible efforts of our NAIFA members, corporate partners, and the broader financial services community. Together, we’ve made significant strides in educating and empowering individuals and families across the nation about the importance of life insurance and its critical role in securing financial futures.

The award recognizes NAIFA members who achieve extraordinary professional success before age 40 and will be awarded at the combined Apex and National Leadership Conference in September 2024.

The current 2024 issue of Advisor Today magazine is now available as a digital edition. All NAIFA members receive the printed edition of Advisor Today as an exclusive member benefit and we make the digital edition available after the print issue release. If you are not a NAIFA member, join us today!

The final 2023 issue of Advisor Today magazine is now available as a digital edition. All NAIFA members receive the printed edition of Advisor Today as an exclusive member benefit and we make the digital edition available after the print issue release. If you are not a NAIFA member, join us today!

The Summer 2023 issue of NAIFA's Advisor Today magazine is here! NAIFA members will receive a copy in the mail soon. For non-members and those who prefer a digital format, the current issue and our back catalog are available online.

If you are concerned about diversifying your clients' income during retirement and are searching for strategies to protect against potential increases in taxes and inflation, then join the next Advisor Today webinar on Thursday, June 22 at 2 pm eastern with Allianz.

At "Decumulation Diversification," Schyler Adams, Director of Advanced Strategies & Planning Platforms will reveal concepts and innovative approaches to secure your clients' financial future. Don't miss this opportunity to optimize retirement income and help your clients achieve long-term financial stability.

We're excited to announce we are now accepting nominations for NAIFA's Advisor Today 4 Under 40 Awards.

Each year, Advisor Today magazine recognizes four financial advisors with Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40 Award, who achieve excellence in their profession by or before the age of 40. Past winners have a proven track record of continued success through industry leadership roles, speaking engagements, and increased peer recognition.

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. In 2007, Kathleen began her career in the financial services industry with New England Financial. Her licensure is in life and health insurance and she maintains 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. 

Kathleen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2000. After serving for eight years as an active duty officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, she retired — but continued to commit herself to selfless service.