social security - word abstract in vintage letterpress wood type with a cup of tea and stylish pen, retirement and lifestyle concept

Social Security Changes in 2024

The saying “new year, new you” doesn’t always apply to a well-intentioned New Year’s resolution maker. January 1 is also the date that many new laws and regulations passed the previous year go into effect. For 2024, the first day of the year brought about a slew of new changes to Social Security, many of…

Are You Ready for 2024?

The effort you put in at the end of one year can have a significant impact on how you start the next. This is a good time for settling accounts, getting your books in order, and conducting holiday marketing activities. But what are you doing to prepare for the beginning of the new year? While…

2024 goals concept.Hand holding a wooden cube from the past to 2024 on stack of coins to set business cost target and budget plan new year concept.

Marketing Trends for 2024

Marketing and how we do business are always evolving. This has been especially true over the last few years. As we move into a new year, we need to look at embracing new tactics, or revisiting older methods that have become viable again. For agents and advisors specifically, there are a few trends and tactics…

Targeted grassroots marketing

Marketing Outside the Box

When you think of the different marketing/advertising methods at your disposal, what comes immediately to mind? Digital and print ads? Commercial spots with your local TV and radio stations? Social media? All of the above are effective ways of getting your brand out there to your target market, but they also exist in a very…

Holiday Marketing Tips

Holiday Marketing Tips

The holiday season provides a wealth of marketing opportunities for advisors. Retailers and similar businesses will bombard consumers with holiday deals, sales, and offers. The overabundance of aggressive messaging can leave people suffering from a serious case of ad fatigue. Your holiday marketing campaign should be about showing appreciation, rather than sealing a deal. By…

Sign on Constitution Avenue for the US Department of Labor HQ at the Frances Perkins Building in D.C.

Decoding the DOL’s New Fiduciary Rule

The Biden Administration announced last week the latest Department of Labor (DOL) amended fiduciary rule proposal that, if adopted, would dramatically impact the way independent advisors do business with any qualified money sales. The DOL’s 800-page “Retirement Security Rule” (available here) is allegedly designed to close loopholes in the current “Best Interest” regulations, including as…

businessman excited about his complimentary marketing analysis that will help him voice his unique value proposition

Unearthing Your Unique Value Proposition

Finding and effectively communicating your unique value proposition (UVP) is a vital step towards success. A UVP sets you apart from the crowd and helps potential clients understand why they should choose you as their financial advisor. This should be a succinct statement that defines what makes you, as a financial advisor, different from your…

Social Security money

SSA Announces COLA Increase for 2024

The more than 66 million Americans who receive Social Security retirement benefits are set to receive a cost-of-living increase next year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced this week a 3.2% COLA boost for 2024. This is significantly lower than last year’s 8.7% increase. The increase will see the average monthly benefit check jump by almost $60…