Retirement Inside Out with Tom Lamendola Financial Independence Group

For the first ever time, we’re welcoming Keith Burger onto the Retirement Inside Out podcast! He recently joined the FIG team as the Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Channel Sales. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the FIG team.
Tune in as we chat with Keith about his extensive background, including his tenure at AIG Corebridge and Luma Financial Technologies, and what led him to join FIG. Then, we’ll dive into the opportunities and challenges facing insurance distribution in the broker-dealer and institutional channels, especially in light of evolving regulations. Join us as he shares his vision for the future and outlines how FIG is working to meet the unique needs of broker-dealers.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Keith's journey to becoming EVP at FIG and his vision for institutional channel sales The importance of a broker-dealer-first strategy in today's regulatory environment How FIG is helping broker-dealers streamline and enhance their insurance planning models  
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155
 

Ever wondered what it's like to be on the front lines of the financial services industry as an intern? We’ve got just the conversation for you this week! We are joined by Graham Wald and Paul Matanovic, our 2024 FIG spring interns in today’s episode.
Tune in as we discuss their backgrounds, experiences, and takeaways from their internship here at FIG. From hands-on learning to relationship building, Graham and Paul have gained valuable insights into various aspects of the industry, from product knowledge to communication and networking skills. Stay tuned for a unique glimpse into the importance of internships and early talent development in shaping the future of the financial services industry.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Graham and Paul’s backgrounds + what led them to the financial services industry The importance of early talent strategy and internships in the financial industry Paul and Graham’s key learnings from this internship experience at FIG Staying open-minded, continuously networking, and embracing learning opportunities throughout your career  
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155
 

Join us for a special episode featuring David McKnight, our partner from Power of Zero.  He’s here to talk about the upcoming Heroes of Zero conference in Nashville on May 16th and 17th at the Renaissance Hotel. Stay tuned as David shares the list of incredible financial experts that are going to be featured this year and discusses the details of the event.
From understanding the latest tax law changes to implementing the most effective marketing strategies for your business, this event will bring you some of the most cutting-edge retirement planning education in the industry. This is an excellent opportunity to network with peers, learn from the best, and equip yourself with the knowledge to shield your clients and prospects from the impact of rising taxes. Stay tuned to learn more!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is the Heroes of Zero conference and who will be speaking? What topics will be covered during the event? How can attending the conference benefit financial professionals and their practices? How much does this event cost to attend and how do I register?  
Register for Heroes of Zero
https://ca.heroesofzero.live/
 
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on a topic that is increasingly vital for our clients: long-term care planning. Joining us on the show is Lily Vittayarukskul, the CEO and founder of Waterlily Planning. We’re so excited to partner with Waterlily and introduce you to its innovative approach to long-term care planning.
Lily's personal journey, sparked by her aunt's battle with terminal cancer, led her to develop a solution aimed at easing the financial and emotional burdens of aging care. Waterlily harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to offer clients a better understanding of their long-term care needs, including cost projections and potential family involvement. Tune in as Lily discusses the role of predictive analytics in retirement planning and how Waterlily empowers advisors to better serve their clients' needs.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Lily's journey and motivation for entering the long-term care industry What is Waterlily and how does it help advisors with long-term care conversations? The importance of holistic planning and incorporating long-term care considerations into retirement strategies What’s in the future for Waterlily?  
Resources for this episode:
Waterlily Planning
https://www.joinwaterlily.com/
Lily on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-vittayarukskul/
 
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155

Welcome back to the Retirement Inside Out podcast! Hamilton Morales, the Senior Vice President of Social Security here at FIG, is with us for this week’s episode. Amidst a busy start to the year, he has some important updates and insights to share surrounding Social Security.
Listen in to learn how Hamilton assists financial professionals in staying informed about Social Security changes, and the various Social Security events and seminars he is available to host. He’ll discuss the latest adjustments to Social Security for 2024, including increases in maximum taxable earnings and changes to the earnings test exemption amount. He’ll also shed light on the complexities of Social Security taxation and reveal a surprising detail about state taxes on Social Security benefits in certain states. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Getting in touch with Hamilton to speak at your event The maximum taxable earnings for Social Security has increased in 2024 The earnings test exemption amount has increased from $21,240 in 2023 to $22,320 in 2024 While the COLA dropped from 8.7% in 2023 to 3.2% in 2024, Medicare Part B premiums increased by almost 6% Some states impose taxes on Social Security benefits + educating clients on federal and state taxation Understanding spousal benefits, widows' benefits, and benefits for children  
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155

We’re very excited to have our friend, Mark Gaffney, on the show today. Mark is the founder and owner of Mark Edward Gaffney (MEG), a boutique consulting and marketing firm for the financial services industry, and partner of FIG. In today’s episode, he’s joining us to talk about the data-driven marketing approaches that MEG uses to generate significant returns for financial advisors.
Stay tuned as Mark shares some of MEG’s success stories, demonstrating the power that even the smallest of tweaks to your marketing process can have. You’ll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming launch of FIG TV, powered by MEG’s turnkey marketing system. Join us to learn more about this process and the incredible benefits that TV marketing can bring to the right advisor!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Mark’s history in marketing for financial advisors + the impact of minor adjustments to your marketing process The importance of paying attention to data in the current business landscape and being coachable The power of events (seminars and webinars) and database management marketing for financial firms The upcoming launch of FIG TV, the right candidates for this kind of service + the limited slots available with MEG  
Learn more about MEG
https://markedwardgaffney.com/
 
Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 
800-527-1155