What happens when women in finance stop waiting for permission and start telling their stories? In this episode, Leslie Lipscomb, Senior Vice President at FIG, sits down with Jessica Schloemp, Director of Operations at FIG, to share the heart behind Financial Trendsetters 2, a collaborative book written by 12 women who are redefining what it means to lead in financial services.

They’ll give us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this book, all while discussing imposter syndrome, accountability tribes, and why women’s stories must be heard, especially in male-dominated industries. This conversation is about more than a book release- it’s about vulnerability, courage, connection, and lifting others as you rise. Plus, all proceeds from the book support an awesome cause that you’ll want to hear more about!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📚 Behind the scenes of Financial Trendsetters 2

🧠 Combating imposter syndrome

🤝 What it really means to be a “trendsetter”

🎯 The power of accountability circles

🎓 Fueling the future with scholarships for women in finance

Resources for this episode:

Get your copy of Financial Trendsetters 2: https://shorturl.at/1qEyu

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

As the financial world evolves at lightning speed, staying ahead means embracing smarter tools- not just for efficiency, but for better outcomes. In this episode, guest host Shawn Sigler sits down with Keith Burger, Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Channel Sales at FIG, to unpack the power of Lifecycle Manager- FIG’s proprietary, advisor-focused technology that’s transforming how annuity and insurance portfolios are managed.

Keith shares how this tool consolidates complex carrier data into a single, actionable platform, making it easier for advisors to evaluate legacy contracts, uncover new opportunities, and elevate the client experience. We’ll also explore some real-life examples of how this technology can drive superior outcomes for clients. If you're an advisor looking for ways to elevate service, stay competitive, and turn disruption into opportunity, this conversation is a must!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💻 What Lifecycle Manager is and why it matters

🤝 How tech enhances, rather than replaces, human relationships

🔄 Why “refinancing retirement” matters more now than ever

📊 What’s next: AI, life insurance integration & improved UI

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

Today, Hamilton Morales, Senior ​VP and ​Social ​Security ​Strategist ​at FIG, is taking over as host to walk through some important Social Security changes taking place in 2025.

He explains the newly signed Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change restores full Social Security benefits to millions of public sector workers who were previously penalized and even offers retroactive payments dating back to January 2024.

He also covers important annual updates, including higher taxable wage bases, earnings limits for early retirees, and the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Plus, he previews potential legislation that could eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits altogether, while raising important questions about how to protect Social Security’s long-term solvency.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📈 Important 2024 and 2025 Social Security changes

🏛️ What is the Social Security Fairness Act?

📉 Impact of eliminating WEP and GPO penalties

💵 Future push for no tax on tips, overtime, and benefits

🛠️ How future reforms could affect Social Security solvency

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

Today, Arron Price, COO at FIG, takes over as host and is joined by Jessica Schloemp, DOO at FIG. Jess is here to unpack what makes operations truly tick and how culture, collaboration, and self-awareness shape the way teams show up and succeed.

Jess will share her experience building and leading a 34-person operations team, none of whom came from the insurance world, by focusing less on resumes and more on mindset, adaptability, and heart. From empowering team members to take ownership, to replacing meeting culture with real, solution-focused collaboration, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders looking to build more engaged and effective teams.

We also unpack what it means to lead authentically, how to build true self-awareness, and why being unapologetically yourself is a value worth holding onto at every level of business.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🛠️ Building operational teams that solve problems

🧠 Why culture should be intentional, not accidental

🤝 Intentional collaboration vs. meetings: what drives real progress

👥 Embracing authenticity and self-awareness at work

🌱 Hiring for potential, not just resumes

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

It’s an exciting day on The Retirement Inside Out Podcast! Guest host Shawn Sigler, Executive VP at FIG, is taking over the mic today for a special conversation with David McKnight- best-selling author, speaker, and financial strategist. With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, David has helped countless advisors transform their approach to retirement planning through his Power of Zero program.

David will share some powerful insights from his book, The Power of Zero, and discuss the inspiration behind his latest bestseller The Guru Gap. Shawn and David also dive into why financial advisors are seeing massive success with the Power of Zero marketing program. If you’re tired of cold calls, dinner seminars, or unpredictable prospecting, this system might be what you’ve been searching for!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• David’s background, the Power of Zero message, and partnership with FIG
• Why David wrote his new book, The Guru Gap
• The benefits of starting a YouTube channel for financial advisors
• The success advisors are having inside the Power of Zero program
• Next steps if you’re interested in learning more about the Power of Zero

Resources for this episode:

Learn more about The Power of Zero:

https://www.powerofzero.com/

David’s YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxUwL7NvZUyLfgO18h3e2g

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Mark Gaffney, Founder and CEO of MEG (Mark Edward Gaffney), a boutique marketing firm specializing in financial professionals. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mark has dedicated his career to helping advisors refine their marketing strategies using one key element- data.

Mark shares how analyzing key metrics, diagnosing inefficiencies, and implementing structured marketing plans can drive exponential growth for financial advisors. He also breaks down the importance of having a plan, tracking performance, and making data-backed refinements to stay competitive in an evolving landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how to take a smarter, more strategic approach to marketing, this conversation is for you!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The challenges some advisors are facing as they look ahead to 2025
• Becoming more efficient in business through technology
• Dedicating time to working only on your business
• Finding the ideal investment in marketing for advisors in growth mode
• The competitive advantage of having a marketing plan

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

It’s always a treat to have Nicholas Ross, Chief Strategy Officer at FIG, on the show! In this episode, we're diving into strategies that can help financial professionals stand out in a crowded industry and build deeper, more personalized relationships with their clients. From cutting through the noise in the financial world to leveraging data and communication effectively, Nicholas shares valuable insights on how to differentiate yourself and grow your business.

Nicholas also explores the importance of truly understanding your clients' unique needs and how you can provide relevant, tailored information that adds real value. Then, we'll discuss how financial advisors can optimize their operations and step into more of a CEO role by outsourcing key business functions. Whether you're looking to enhance client relationships or optimize your firm’s day-to-day operations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Navigating industry noise and prioritizing the different levels of your business
• Becoming a known resource for your client through personalized communication
• Differentiating yourself from your competition through the “RID” system
• Outsourcing business functions to scale and grow your business

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

We’re shaking it up here on the Retirement Inside Out Podcast! In 2025, we’re bringing you a fresh lineup of voices, featuring guest hosts from the Financial Independence Group team, along with advisors, industry experts, and business owners. But don’t worry- Tom will still be making regular appearances to share his valuable insights!

To kick off the first episode of the year, we’re thrilled to welcome back the highly popular Tony Parish, CFA, CQF. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in investment management is growing stronger. Tune in as we dive into a discussion with Tony about AI’s potential and limitations in portfolio management, the latest market trends, and exciting updates from Alphastar.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• AI’s role in investment management and market trends
• The bullish outlook for 2025 and the potential for market reversals
• The impact of global trade dynamics, tariffs, and immigration policies on the market
• The outlook for the jobs and housing market in 2025
• Updates on Alphastar’s initiatives

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155