Team Vance at FIG

05/28/2026

The life insurance and annuity industry has undergone many changes in recent years, and I think more advisors should be talking about this with their clients.

Clients may have a very limited view of what life insurance and annuities can do for their financial plans. But the truth is: Products available today can address a wider range of client needs, and can be used strategically in ways that weren't possible before.

This is another reason why working with an IMO as an independent advisor is so beneficial. Our team at FIG can help you stay up-to-date and educated on all the solutions available for your client needs.

There are more versions of the tools, more options, and more items that need regular reviews.

05/27/2026

Retirement spending doesn’t always follow a predictable path, and this research highlights why reliable income streams matter.

According to EBRI, retirees with access to guaranteed lifetime income, like pensions, were often better positioned to preserve assets and navigate unexpected expenses later in retirement.

A good reminder that retirement planning isn’t just about how much clients accumulate, but how sustainably that income can support them over time.

Access to such options as defined benefit pension income may mitigate future financial shocks, research finds.

05/18/2026

Care planning is one of the biggest overlooked gaps in retirement planning today, and many clients still underestimate the financial impact it can have.

That’s why I’m excited about this upcoming webinar with Waterlily. Advisors will get a look at how AI-powered technology is helping simplify care planning conversations with personalized projections, funding comparisons, and visual client scenarios.

The platform is incredibly innovative, and I think this session will give advisors some valuable ideas for making these conversations more actionable and impactful for clients.

05/15/2026

Waterlily remains the coolest use of AI in the industry.

In this article, a 28-year-old tried the technology that forecasts long-term care events, and she was stunned by the result.

After answering a few questions about her age, lifestyle, and location, the technology was able to forecast a 1 in 5 chance that she would need care, with a starting age of 86. She admitted that she's on the young side to be planning for care, but when the platform showed her how much her long-term care might cost, it motivated her to plan ahead even now.

As the founder, Vittayarukskul, said, "This isn't a crystal ball, but it's the best that we have."

This tech is a must for advisors wanting to bring relevance and urgency to the care conversation with clients.

I used an AI tool to predict my long term care needs, including if and when I'll need help bathing and eating, and how much that care will cost.

05/14/2026

Inherited IRA rules have changed significantly, and 2026 marks the first full planning cycle in which beneficiaries must fully comply with the updated RMD requirements under the SECURE Act framework.

Between the 10-year rule, annual RMD requirements, and evolving tax considerations, beneficiaries are facing more complex decisions than ever before.

This article breaks down what you need to know, from distribution strategies to common planning mistakes.

Products + Planning Inherited IRAs in 2026: Rules, RMDs, and Planning Strategies to Know by FIG Marketing April 23, 2026 written by FIG Marketing April 23, 2026 2.2K Inherited IRA rules have changed dramatically over the past several years, and many clients—and even some advisors—are unclear on ...

05/13/2026

For advisors, social media is no longer just a branding tool. It’s become a key part of business development and client communication, but with that opportunity comes increased regulatory scrutiny.

This article explores how the SEC’s Marketing Rule applies to advisor social media activity, including testimonials, performance advertising, disclosures, and recordkeeping requirements. It also outlines practical compliance considerations advisors should keep in mind as digital marketing continues to evolve.

Marketing + Branding A Compliance Checklist for Financial Advisors on Social Media in 2026 by FIG Marketing May 7, 2026 written by FIG Marketing May 7, 2026 154 Think social media is a fringe channel for independent financial advisory businesses? Not so fast. It’s mainstream. LinkedIn, YouTube, In...

03/11/2026

Advisors don’t usually lose clients over performance. They lose them over communication.

This piece is a great reminder that responsiveness, proactive outreach, and consistent touchpoints build trust long before performance is ever questioned. Whether it’s same-day replies, a monthly newsletter, or simply showing up consistently on LinkedIn, clients want to feel looked after.

In a business built on relationships, communication is the retention strategy.

What’s the real reason clients switch advisors? Todd Bryant, CFP®, shares how 18 thoughtful touchpoints a year can quietly build trust, loyalty, and confidence.

03/10/2026

Are annuities a “one-trick pony," or one of the most underutilized tools in retirement planning?

This piece challenges common assumptions and highlights seven situations where annuities can help solve real-world financial problems.

03/09/2026

Financial planning isn’t about sprinting. It’s about endurance.

Just like Ironman training, lasting results come from strong foundations, disciplined ex*****on, and built-in safeguards. Annuities, life insurance, and risk management strategies can help create the stability clients need to stay the course when markets test their resolve.

Institutional How Does Long-Term Financial Planning Mirror Ironman Training? by FIG Institutional February 18, 2026 written by FIG Institutional February 18, 2026 618 Sustainable results—financial or physical—are built through disciplined, long-term strategy and preparation. Advisors are asking ...

03/06/2026

It’s special to be part of an organization celebrating 50 years in this industry.
FIG has spent decades helping independent advisors navigate change while staying true to our own independence.

Excited to see how we continue building smarter tools, stronger partnerships, and even more momentum in the years ahead!

FIG NewsPress PRESS RELEASE: Financial Independence Group Marks 50 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Advisor Support by FIG Marketing January 30, 2026 written by FIG Marketing January 30, 2026 2.1K Celebrating 50 years of empowering independent financial professionals with the scale, innovation, and....