Leaders Blog

As financial professionals, understanding the intricate web of challenges your clients face, especially those entangled in student loan debt, is paramount. With the United States grappling with an overwhelming $1.7 trillion in outstanding higher education loans, the issue is more critical than ever. 

We invite you to join us for a Journal Live audio discussion on "Excessive Student Loans: The Harbinger of Death to a Financial Future," on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 12 PM Eastern. This session is not just another webinar; it's an opportunity to deepen your understanding of how excessive borrowing for higher education can severely limit your clients' financial growth and stability.

Presented by Greg Geisler, PhD, and J. William Harden, CPA, ChFC, PhD, this 45-minute program will offer a comprehensive look into their study's findings on the long-term impacts of student loan debt. Learn how excessive debt burdens can hinder your clients' ability to engage in long-term tax-advantaged savings and prepare for a financially secure future.

Included is a Q&A session, where you can engage directly. This event is free for members and presents an excellent opportunity to enhance your ability to guide clients through the complexities of student loans.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, an annual observation NAIFA wholeheartedly agrees with. But why is financial literacy important and what are we doing about it?

FINRA surveys consistently show that around two-thirds of Americans lack basic financial understanding, and their lack of knowledge is significant. Those who score higher on FINRA’s financial literacy quiz show a greater tendency to earn more than they spend, have an emergency fund of three-months’ salary or more, contribute to retirement accounts, and accurately estimate their retirement savings needs.

On April 18th NAIFA Live will feature Michael McGlothlin, CFP, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF,  best-selling author, industry-renowned speaker, and expert in growth strategies for financial advisors. Join Mike as he explains how financial professionals can clarify their message to generate leads, create more referrals or empower their sales team. By using the StoryBrand Marketing Framework, Mike will help you understand what customers are looking for so you can tell your story in a way people listen.

Time is ticking to ensure your chapter makes the cut for the deadline of the first round of play on Sunday!
Will your chapter advance or will you be knocked out at the end of the first round of IFAPAC Madness? There is still plenty of time to secure IFAPAC contributions for your state. Round One started on Tuesday, March 5th and will run through Sunday, March 24th. All 51 chapters will be competing to advance through the brackets. The winner will be announced on May 20, 2024, during Congressional Conference! The 2024 Champion Chapter will receive a trophy that can tour around the chapter all year.

As we continue to strive for excellence and growth within our organization, we recognize the invaluable contribution of each member in shaping our community. However, we have noticed that some of our valued members have lapsed in their membership. We know that we are stronger together and the more members we have the louder our voice. That’s why, we are reaching out to you for your assistance in encouraging these lapsed members to renew their commitment to our profession by ensuring their membership is current.

Now, more than ever, NAIFA needs to flex our collective strength as we advocate for ALL financial models against the DOL fiduciary rule for our collective interests and ensure a fair regulatory environment. With your support, we can bring these members back into our congressional footprint and further enhance our message.

The Congressional Conference is NAIFA members' best opportunity to experience the power of grassroots advocacy first-hand in our nation's capital. Attendees really do make a difference on behalf of their businesses, clients, and communities. Networking allows them to be inspired and share ideas with politically involved colleagues. Training, policy briefings, and expert speakers give them the knowledge and guidance they need to be effective advocates. Meetings with lawmakers allow NAIFA members to speak with a unified voice and forge meaningful relationships with people whose decisions impact the financial security of every American.

NAIFA is proud to be a 2024 partner of Medicarians Vegas 2024.  Medicarians is more than Medicare, it is the home of senior health, wealth, and AgeTech. Set for April 8th - 10th, 2024, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, this event is a must-attend for those looking to navigate the future of the industry with confidence. This will be the only place to network and learn from more than 2,500 participants across this sector.

NAIFA Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Diane Boyle will take the stage on Monday to talk about the importance of advocating in Washington, D.C. with your fellow financial professionals on the issues impacting our industry and the clients we serve.

NAIFA members, mark your calendars for April 11th at 12 pm Eastern for the Q2 State of NAIFA webinar. Learn about the latest on NAIFA’s progress, advocacy efforts, and how you can get the most out of your membership.

Join us for an insightful webinar led by head lobbyist for health policy issues affecting producers, Michael Hedge, and policy director, Roger Moore, aimed at financial service professionals, IMOs and FMOs, and other stakeholders within the Medicare ecosystem. In this webinar, we'll delve into the intricacies of these proposed changes and explore their potential impacts on various aspects of the Medicare landscape.

Will your chapter advance or will you be knocked out at the end of the first round of IFAPAC Madness? There is still plenty of time to secure IFAPAC contributions for your state. Round One started on Tuesday, March 5th and will run through Sunday, March 24th. All 51 chapters will be competing to advance through the brackets. The winner will be announced on May 20, 2024, during Congressional Conference! The 2024 Champion Chapter will receive a trophy that can tour around the chapter all year.