E-Journal
(April 2021)
In This Issue:

  • Sales Idea
  • Join Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) Class in 2021
  • Wanted: Personal Contacts with Florida Legislators
  • Read the Weekly Session Dispatch – for Up-to-Date News About This Legislative Session
  • Save the Date: Virtual Sales Symposium is July 12-16
  • Sign Up for NAIFA Connect: Tools to Better Connect with Peers and Consumers
  • Virtual CE: "Cost Drivers of the Homeowners Market – Webinar", April 20
  • NAIFA-Tampa Bay Hosting Golf Tourney for Kids Charity - April 26
  • Citizens Agent Bulletins Recap
  • Upcoming Sales Classes, Events on Zoom
  • NAIFA-Florida CE Opportunities
  • New Members

Is Your Cow Big Enough?

by Michael Aun, FIC, LUTCF, CSP
CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, President of NAIFA-Central Florida
 
Listen up class… we’re going to examine how much you love your family this week. Really? Are you serious? Of course I love my family. Let’s see by doing a little self-analysis.
 
If you became part of a grill on a Mack Truck today… (Does that graphically describe it?)… Could your family stay in their home? 
 
Could your children complete college without hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loans? 
 
Could they have access to an emergency fund of at least six months of your income? 
 
Could your surviving spouse survive or would they be forced to take an extra job to feed the family?
 
Where would your spouse and children find the money to replace your income? This is singularly the greatest need you may have.
 
It’s pretty easy to calculate most of these, i.e. your mortgage balance, credit card debt, educational fund, and emergency fund. A lump sum to take care of these would leave a spouse with no debt and a place to live. But what about the loss of your income, be it pension, social security, earnings? Read More
Have You Scheduled Time To Develop Your Leadership Skills?
 
NOW is the time and we have an exclusive program just for NAIFA members! If you think you might be interested in this life-changing program – to advance your career and enhance your personal life – NAIFA-Florida would like to hear from you!
 
Space is limited so RSVP today!
 
What is LILI? 
The NAIFA Leadership in Life Institute is a six-month program offered exclusively to NAIFA members who are committed to growing intellectually and professionally through deep introspection and discussion. The intense curriculum creates a unique learning environment that encourages participants to bring out the best in themselves and apply what is learned across every aspect of their lives.
 
Mission
The NAIFA Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) develops leaders by fostering personal growth, enhancing business practices and developing skills necessary for effective leadership.
 
The Course Offers:
  • The best in leadership and personal-development thinking
  • Tools to improve your practice and create a business plan
  • Increased understanding of self and improved interpersonal relationships
  • Expanded professional network and opportunities for growth through LILI alumni programs
  • Leadership opportunities in NAIFA
  • The One Page Business Plan® by Jim Horan
  • The Kolb Learning Style Inventory
  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – the #1 predictor of success in business and leadership. Learn what your EQ is and how to increase it.
  • Credibility by James Kouzes and Barry Posner – all new and revised edition with sharpened focus on how leaders earn and sustain credibility
  • Study of Jim Collins’ entire body of work on Good to Great companies, what drove some to fail, and others to thrive in uncertain times

Taking the course is an investment in oneself and the returns on the investment can be infinite. Graduates consistently report that LILI gives them the tools to succeed and 70% report a measurable increase in the growth of their business since graduating. The LILI program is only available for NAIFA members.
 
The Leadership in Life Institute’s curriculum is based on the leadership writings of Stephen Covey, John Maxwell, Jim Collins and Kouzes & Posner. Each of the six sessions involves interactive learning in a small group setting.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR LILI
To be considered for an upcoming LILI class, potential students must:
  1. Complete the application
  2. Meet the eligibility requirements
  3. Be approved by NAIFA-Florida
  4. Be a NAIFA member in good standing
  5. Commit to attending all 6 sessions
  6. Complete required assignments
  7. Pay student tuition
 
NAIFA members must first apply to participate in LILI.
 
Once approved students have two tuition options. Print materials: $900 and Digital materials: $800
Visit tdc.naifa.org/lili for additional information and to apply. tdc.naifa.org/lili
 
For more information or to apply, call NAIFA-Florida LILI Chair: Kelli Keith 352-361-1420 or NAIFA Florida 850-422-1701
Do you have a personal relationship with a Florida Legislator?

Your NAIFA-Florida Political Involvement Committee (PIC), chaired by Glenn Ritchie needs your assistance. If you have a personal relationship with a Florida House member or Florida Senator, we’d like to add your name to our list of contacts – to enhance our advocacy efforts as your professional association. By providing the contact information, you make NAIFA-Florida stronger in terms of developing relationships with lawmakers, assistance in reaching out to them regarding important issues and bills related to our business, and providing our Lobbyist, Tim Meenan and his staff, with effective points of communication during the Legislative Session in Tallahassee!
 
What is a personal relationship?
a) The legislator is a friend (know them by first name)
b) The legislator is an acquaintance (business, attends your church/synagogue, service club, same golf club, etc.)
c) The legislator is someone you have met before (at a fundraiser, Chamber, community event)
d) You have contributed to a legislator’s election campaign
 
Also, you may not live in the district of the legislator, yet you still have a relationship – we’d still like to know.
 
How to do it:
 
1) Simply send an e-mail with the name of the legislator(s) and what sort of relationship you have to: Glenn Ritchie ([email protected]) or Tom Ashley ([email protected])
 
To assist you:
 
1) Please see attachment with the names, district numbers, and district city of all Florida Senators and Florida House members.
 
2) If you’re not sure which district(s) you live in, see your voter registration card. It should indicate, numerically, of all of your voting districts.
 
3) Visit your county’s Supervisor of Elections website. Many of them have a feature where you simply type in your home address & it’ll show the numbers of all of your voting districts.
 
4) Still have questions? Feel free to contact Glenn Ritchie or Tom Ashley: Glenn Ritchie ([email protected]) or Tom Ashley ([email protected]). They’ll be glad to assist!
 
Thanks very much for your assistance!! And thanks for your membership in NAIFA-Florida!!
Each week, during Florida’s legislative session, NAIFA-Florida Lobbyist Tim Meenan and his team provide an overview of bills moving through the Legislature which impact financial advisers. The overview is called “Session Dispatch” and is emailed to all NAIFA-Florida members each week during Session. For a sample, see below for this week’s Session Dispatch, week five.
Session Dispatch
    By Tim Meenan, NAIFA-Florida Lobbyist
 
Week 5

The 2021 regular Florida Legislative Session kicked off on Tuesday, March 2nd. COVID 19 has had a significant impact on the state budget. The legislature is focused on addressing the estimated nearly $3 billion dollar budget shortfall. Despite this shortfall, the Governor rolled out his budget at the end of January at a record level of $96.6 billion. His proposal would be $4.3 billion more than the current year’s budget of which DeSantis identified $2.6 billion of the increase being related to Covid-19 response or impacts of the pandemic. 
 
Governor DeSantis announced his plans to utilize $4.1 billion of Federal Stimulus funds of which $1.4 billion is recommended during this fiscal year. This money in addition to the estimated $1 billion in tax revenue to be received from the House Speaker and Senate President’s deal reached last week which creates a plan to collect sales tax for online purchases by out-of-state retailers, and will significantly ease the financial burden originally anticipated when session kicked off. The House and Senate both rolled out their budgets this week to little fan fair minus some discrepancies in the areas of affordable housing and the department of corrections. In the HHS budget, both chambers have agreed to draw down $200 million in stimulus funds to cover maternal care for 1 year postpartum in the Medicaid program.
 
WEEK 5 -- This week the Governor signed the COVID-19 legislation that is addressing COVID-19 liability for business entities and COVID-19 liability for health care providers. In addition to addressing COVID-19 related items, the legislature continues moving along with a number of bills focused on auto insurance (PIP), property insurance, health insurance, telehealth, consumer data privacy and a ban on state contracts and investments with tech companies hosting cloud servers. 
 
Below is a summary of the legislation of interest that we are tracking in the 2021 session:
2021 Florida Session Update
  WEEK 5

LIFE AND Health

 
1.     FLAHIGA SB 1470/HB 797
 
HB 797 by Representative Robinson passed its final committee in House Commerce on March 16th and will be up next on the House Floor. The bill updates Part III of Chapter 631 which establishes the Florida Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association (“FLAHIGA”) by adding conforming language contained in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) “Life and health Insurance Guaranty Association Model Act.”
 
FLAHIGA is the safety net that pays the policyholder claims of insolvent life, annuity, health and long-term care insurance companies should they be rendered insolvent.  In Florida, the state Chief Financial Officer maintains the duty to liquidate insolvent insurers, and FLAHIGA has the duty to pay outstanding claims.  All U.S. states have a guaranty fund, and when an insurance company sells in multiple states, the different state guaranty funds work together to assure claims are paid. The changes include:
·      Including a definition of Moody’s Corporate Bond Yield Average.
·      Updating the definition of “person” to include all legal entities including LLC’s.
·      Clarifying that FLAHIGA, in dealing with an impaired insurer, may also assume or reissue policies of insolvent carriers, in addition to guaranteeing and reinsuring them.
·      Confirming that FLAHIGA may intervene in court proceedings involving insurer impairments or liquidations occurring in other states or involving subrogation issues.
·      Clarify that FLAHIGA may both avoid paying an improper claim and recovering payment of improper claims.
·      Confirm membership in the National Association of Life and Health Guaranty Associations.
·      Remove the $250 cap on Class A assessments, which are made to pay expenses of the association, as other provisions of the Statute allow expense payments to be made from Class B assessments, which are made primarily to pay claims of insolvent life and health insurance companies. Clarify that Class A assessments may be made on a pro-rata, or non-pro-rata basis.
·      Clarify that if an insurer receives a deferral from paying an assessment to FLAHIGA because the assessment would endanger the assessed insurers financial solvency, that once the insurer regains financial strength, it still owes the assessment.
·      Remove the reduced assessment level levied on non-profit annuity insurers, placing them on par with other annuity insurers.
·      Grant power to the FLAHIGA Board to remove a member insurer board member if that insurer becomes impaired or insolvent.
·      Require the FLAHIGA Board to establish a policy and procedure to address conflicts of interest. 
  • This legislation will strengthen the “safety net” of FLAHIGA to pay the claims of insolvent life, annuity, health, and long-term care insurance companies.
 
The Senate companion SB 1470 by Senator Boyd passed it second committee this week in Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and will be up next in Senate Appropriations.
The NAIFA-Florida annual Financial Advisors Sales Symposium will be held virtually again in 2021 – July 12-16. Members are encouraged to save the dates as each day (Monday thru Friday, Noon to 1:00 p.m. ET) top speakers will offer sales ideas and motivation to help advisors be more successful!

 Last year’s event, also held virtually due to the pandemic, drew nearly 200 members each day on the Zoom platform with each speaker drawing high ratings in the evaluations. So, watch for complete registration information coming soon – as details become finalized.
NAIFA has launched NAIFAconnect.org, an online community and member portal providing NAIFA members with tools to better connect with peers and offer a more personalized profile to consumers.
 
NAIFAconnect.org allows NAIFA members to provide in-depth information on their education, experience, and participation in organizations to better differentiate themselves and enhance their profiles on NAIFA’s online search tool that connects consumers with advisors. The personalized profiles provide better information for consumers seeking to work with NAIFA members offering different types of products, services, and advice. The robust search allows consumers to search for certifications such as the Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP) certification and LUTCF designation.

“NAIFA is a big-tent association of experienced, talented, and ethical professionals with a range of insurance and financial services practice specialties who serve a variety of consumer needs across the country,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “NAIFAconnect.org is a great benefit for our members and consumers. It allows prospective clients to connect with NAIFA members who share similar interests and practice in specific areas. Whether a consumer needs life insurance, health coverage, college planning, retirement planning, wealth management, small business support, or any other type of financial services, NAIFA members are available to help. Now with NAIFAconnect.org they are easier to find than ever.”

NAIFA members serve their clients by developing lasting relationships and providing individualized products, services, and advice. With search access to NAIFA members’ personalized profiles, consumers at NAIFA’s financialsecurity.org site can make more informed choices when selecting which NAIFA members to Contact.

In addition to consumer connections, NAIFAconnect.org provides a community for NAIFA members to interact with their peers. It has a feed where members may leave comments and exchange ideas and provides channels tied to specific interests and groups within NAIFA’s membership.

Insurance and financial professionals should join NAIFA to take full advantage of the benefits of NAIFAconnect.org. Go to naifaconnect.org.
This one-hour CE class is designed to educate general lines (P&C) agents on how to communicate with their policyholders the reasons for rapid rate increases in the Florida homeowner market. Included will be discussion on reinsurance markets, the impact of the CAT Fund on the re-insurance market, increases in litigation, and fraudulent claims activity. Moderator is Craig Duncan, ChFC, President of NAIFA-Florida.

Intermediate Level ~ Course Authority CE2-20- General Lines (Property & Casualty) ~ Course ID 116550 ~ Provider ID 654

The class will be free for NAIFA members, $15 for non-members
Golf4Kids Charity Classic benefiting Epilepsy Services Foundation

When: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:30 AM, EDT
Where: Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive - Tampa FL 33618

EVENT DETAILS:


NOTE: Use Chrome for Registration information:
Agent Bulletins Recap
January & February 2021
 
Citizens emails its appointed agents, agency principals and credentialed LCRs with important bulletins regularly. In case you missed them, below are links to any Personal Lines bulletins and Agent Updates sent in January and February. There were no Commercial Lines bulletins sent during those months.
 
Personal Lines
·     02.19.21 – New-Business Messages Improve Efficiency
·     01.05.21 – New Evidence of Property Insurance Form and 2021 Application Changes
 
Agent Updates
·     02.09.21 – Breach of Requirements for Continued Appointment
·     01.06.21 – COVID-19: Processing of Cancellations and Nonrenewals Resuming February 1
 
You also can find all bulletins on our website. Select News and then Agent Bulletins located on the left side of the page. For more helpful information, check out our Did You Know? feature on the Agents site (you must log in to view). Customer representatives and agency support staff can receive these bulletins via email. Register by going to our website and select News > Agent Bulletins > Subscribe under Email Distribution on the right side of the page.
 
Need to Reach Citizens?
Agents, agency principals and credentialed LCRs can log in to the Agents site and submit questions via the Contact Us page of our website. Citizens should respond within three business days. Additionally, they may call the dedicated 888.685.1555 number for agents and their staff. 
 
Social Media
Citizens has a vibrant social media community where you can learn more about our current programs and initiatives, receive updates on press releases and share educational infographics with your customers. For agent information, follow us at @citizens_agents on Twitter and search for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation on Facebook.
See below for highlights of upcoming NAIFA-Florida classes and events – all by way of Zoom! To view all events on the NAIFA-Florida calendar, click here: https://naifa-florida.org/events/  OR go to: naifa-florida.org > “Get Involved” > “Calendar of Events”.

April 14 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
NAIFA Live: Outperfrom the Norm. Daily Execution. Extraordinary Results. Scott Welle Outperform the Norm #1 Best Selling Author and Founder April 14, 2021 2 pm eastern Today's competition is brutal and numbers drive everything. The pressure to perform can be suffocating. What are you doing to stay ahead and keep from burning out? Join Scott Welle, #1 Best Selling Author and Founder of Outperform The Norm, as he shares the peak performance strategies used by high achievers and elite athletes…

April 15 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Bonefish Grill, 10950 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32223
April 15, 2021 11:30 AM-1:00 PM EASTERN LOCATION: Bonefish Grill 10950 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32223    Tips to use in educating your clients. Being financially stable does not come naturally. These proven tips can help you build credibility with your clients. Be that advisor to help educate their children. Teens are especially vulnerable as they move into being a young adult. Your client's children need to learn good habits. This also builds an advisors credibility…

April 20 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
ZOOM
Craig Duncan, ChFC President of NAIFA-Florida This one-hour CE class is designed to educate general lines (P&C) agents on how to communicate with their policyholders the reasons for rapid rate increases in the Florida homeowner market. Included will be discussion on reinsurance markets, the impact of the CAT Fund on the re-insurance market, increases in litigation, and fraudulent claims activity. Moderator is Craig Duncan, ChFC, President of NAIFA-Florida. Intermediate Level ~ Course Authority CE2-20- General Lines (Property & Casualty)…

April 21 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
ZOOM
NAIFA-Broward Virtual Meeting Wednesday, April 21, 2021 9:00 am - 10:00 am Guest Speaker: Christopher Rosoff  VP, Institutional Insurance Subaccount Sales at Fidelity Investments Owner, CenterPoint Insurance Group, LLC Regional Vice President, Allianz Life CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT CHRISTOPHER ROSOFF "Developing an Effective Income Strategy - Consider Investor Portfolios from Different Perspectives" ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FREE for Members, $10.00 for Non-Members. Zoom link / invite will be sent before the meeting.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!…

April 21 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
ZOOM
SPECIAL INVITATION FOR ALL MEMBERS! NAIFA Virtual Meeting hosted by NAIFA-Broward! Register Today! Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 9:00 am - 10:00 am via Zoom GUEST SPEAKER: Christopher Rosoff Vice President, Fidelity Institutional CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT CHRISTOPHER ROSOFF “Developing an Effective Income Strategy – Consider Investor Portfolios from Different Perspectives” ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FREE for NAIFA Members, $10.00 for Non-Members. Zoom link / invite will be sent before the meeting. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! For more information, please…

April 22 @ 8:30 am - 10:00 am
ZOOM
Presented by NAIFA - Palm Beaches Thursday, April 22, 2021 Incorporating Medicare Planning into the Retirement & Financial Planning Process Virtual Presentation Time: 8:30 am – login/networking 8:45 am – meeting open 9:00 am – Medicare Planning 10:00 am – Meeting Ends Cost: $10 - Non NAIFA member NAIFA member ……Voluntary donation appreciated to help defer cost of event. Click on donation link when registering. Check payable NAIFA – Palm Beaches 1217 Lake Geneva Dr Lake Worth, FL 33461 561-588-5444…

April 22 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
Shane Westhoelter, AEP, CLU, LUTCF Gateway Financial Advisors, Inc. President Susan Combs, PPACA Combs & Company, LLC CEO Scott Brennan Thursday, April 22, 2021 2 pm eastern This event is the first virtual program in an interactive series designed to inspire individuals who sell or want to sell life insurance by educating them to address the coverage gap issues for their under-insured clients. In this session, attendees will learn more about why the coverage gap exists, review trends that have…

April 23 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Hannibal’s On The Square, 511 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
Join members of NAIFA-CF and other Central Florida industry professionals for the April 2021 luncheon at our NEW VENUE, Hannibal's On The Square, Winter Park. NAIFA-Central Florida's monthly meeting is now in virtual and live attendance format! MEETING INFORMATION 11:30 am - 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 23, 2021 Either from your home or in person at Hannibal's On The Square 511 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL Cost: Member of NAIFA In Person At Hannibal's $15.00 Non-Members In Person At Hannibal's $20.00 Invited and…

April 26 @ 11:30 am - 6:30 pm
NAIFA TAMPA BAY: For over 30 years, the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors Tampa Bay has organized the Golf for Kids Classic. Following the original mission "to give back to the community where we work and live." The organization has raised over $520,000 for local charities.EPILEPSY SERVICES FOUNDATION: Epilepsy Services Foundation has benefited from the Golf for Kids Classic since its inception. The Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to creating a better future and environment for persons…

April 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
       Tech Tips from the Top Ryan Pinney, LACP Pinney Insurance Center, Inc. President Julianne Hertel Dream Big Wealth Strategies, LLC Financial Advisor & Founder Brandon Heckert, AAMS FSM Wealth, Inc. Financial Advisor Tuesday, April 27, 2021 2 pm eastern This is the first virtual program in a three-part client prospecting series designed to provide applicable lessons that attendees can use in their daily practice to see an increase in ROI. In this session, attendees will be able…

May 2021
May 5 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
Tax Planning with Home Equity Harlan Accola, CRMP Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation National Reverse Mortgage Director May 5, 2021 2 pm eastern Join industry leader, Harlan Accola, CRMP, for this one-hour discussion on tax planning with home equity. MORE The webinar is brought to you by

May 12 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
Calling all NAIFA members! Each month we gather together and hear from a great speaker in our industry as one nation, one NAIFA. Check out our NAIFA Live page and mark your calendars for the next meeting.

May 14 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
Membership Chair Meetings are held on the second Friday of every month. Please note that all State and Local Membership Chairs have been registered through the rest of the year. Please check your email for the Zoom login details. If you are not a Membership Chair, and are interested in attending, please email [email protected].

May 19
Save the date and check back! Details TBA

May 19 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:00 am - 10:30 am Disability Insurance CE class moderated by Michele Friedlander, RHU, REBC; plus NAIFA-Florida Lobbyist Tim Meehan discussing Florida legislative events. Visit www.naifa-broward.org for more information!

May 19 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am
ZOOM
NAIFA-Broward Virtual Meeting Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 9:00 am - 10:30 am Disability Insurance CE class moderated by Michele Friedlander, RHU, REBC; plus NAIFA-Florida Lobbyist Tim Meenan discussing Florida legislative events. Check our website and membership communications for updates and registration for all of our upcoming events!

June 2021
June 9 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ZOOM
      Calling all NAIFA members! Each month we gather together and hear from a great speaker in our industry as one nation, one NAIFA. Check out our NAIFA Live page and mark your calendars for the next meeting.

June 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Membership Chair Meetings are held on the second Friday of every month. Please note that all State and Local Membership Chairs have been registered through the rest of the year. Please check your email for the Zoom login details. If you are not a Membership Chair, and are interested in attending, please email [email protected].

June 30
Save the date and check back! Details TBA
While many of our members may not choose to be in the office, or otherwise are self-isolating at home, we realize that your Florida DFS continuing education requirements are still in place. Please see below for a list of virtual CE and professional development opportunities – so you’re able to stay compliant during this challenging time.
 
Kaplan Educational – Online Classes for NAIFA-Florida Members -- 15% discount
 
A corporate partner, Kaplan Educational is offering NAIFA-Florida members their Total Access CE package at a 15% discount – only $33.15! It’s the most economical and efficient way to satisfy CE requirements for both Life & Health and Property & Casualty. This package is geared for the self-study learner who wants to earn CE over a longer period of time:
 
·        365 days of unlimited access to Kaplan’s unmatched library
·        Immediate results with instant exam scoring
·        The ability to retake exams as often as needed
·        Interactive CE tracking system
·        Printable certificates
·        CE submission to one state
 
 Click here for more information on NAIFA-Florida CE Opportunities.
Welcome New and Returning Members!

NAIFA-Florida would like to welcome new members and returning members to the association – for the month of February. Current members, please feel free to extend a personal welcome to these new and returning members! Click here for the complete list, to be found on the NAIFA-Florida website.

Thank you to our 2021 Corporate Sponsors!