There is no other organization that is on watch for us the way NAIFA is. NAIFA gives me the opportunity to interact with legislators on the state and federal level. The amount I pay for my NAIFA membership is not in proportion to what I receive – in advocacy work alone.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors has named Corey Anderson the 2012 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. Anderson, 34, is a disability event consultant with Secura Consultants and is the 2011-2012 NAIFA – Minnesota Young Advisors Team (YAT) Chair.

A ceremonial tribute to Maurice “Maury” Stewart, CLU, ChFC, CLF, in honor of his recent induction into The American College Alumni Hall of Fame, will take place in Chicago in December. Only seven other individuals have ever been inducted into The American College Alumni Hall of Fame.

NAIFA keeps me educated on the key issues that impact my clients and the products I sell – new tax proposals, regulations – whatever is happening on Capitol Hill. NAIFA does that unlike everyone else. I can then relay that education to my clients, which makes my relationship with them even more valuable. Changes to my business may impact their lives and their livelihoods down the road.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of what we all do is the friendship that grows from the professional relationships formed through NAIFA.

Advisor Today magazine is pleased to announce this year's Four Under Forty. The award is given annually to four outstanding advisors who achieve excellence in their profession before or by the age of 40.

Only 8 percent of Americans say that growing their retirement savings is more important than protecting them, while 35 percent say protecting retirement assets is a bigger concern. This and other results from a recent survey by Charles Schwab & Co. shows that U.S. investors have serious interest in limiting the risk in their retirement investments.

Even though I have been in the industry since 1988, I joined NAIFA in 2003. It wasn't long before I saw the value of NAIFA and wished I had joined earlier in my career. The members who I continue to have the privilege of associating with, I believe, are consummate professionals who operate with the highest of ethical standards. It wasn't long before I saw the value of NAIFA and wished I had joined earlier in my career.

NAIFA member Gary T. “Doc” Huffman, CLU, ChFC, was recently elected to the position of chairman of the Board of Ohio National Boards of Directors. This is in addition to his current titles of president and CEO.

Since he won the Four Under Forty Award three years ago, Adam Solano has been a busy man. He has spoken at industry gatherings, acquired a couple of agencies, and improved the operational efficiency of his firm to enhance his clients’ experiences. Here are his thoughts on what it takes to move ahead.