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There is a dangerous piece of conventional wisdom floating around the financial world right now, and it sounds something like this: "The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million. I don't have $15 million. Therefore, I don't need an estate plan."

On a recent episode of the Future Focus podcast, hosts Troy Branch, Jacob Mesik, and Keali Jo French took a hammer to this myth. In their episode, "Estate Planning in 2026: What Families Really Need to Know," this team of advanced planning professionals mapped out exactly why a high federal tax exemption has lulled the average family into a dangerous state of complacency.

Everyone tries to simplify success in business with an equation. I’ve resisted this simplicity because sometimes an equation complicates business. But at times it can be beneficial.

Consider the success the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had in mitigating diseases in Africa. Through data analysis, their team identified that a large percentage of infections occurred around the borders of African countries. During interviews with medical personnel and country leaders, it was determined that each country thought the other country had taken care of those villages close to their borders with vaccinations and supportive hygiene tools. The solution to reducing the disease by more than 80% was simply identifying where the disease was, putting some energy and coordination behind the effort, and executing on the needed steps.

When you hear the phrase “estate planning,” what image pops into your mind? For most of us, it conjures up visions of sprawling family mansions, high-powered corporate trusts, and multi-millionaires trying to shield their wealth from the federal government.

But on a recent episode of the Future Focus podcast hosted by Troy Branch, along with advanced planning experts Keali Jo French and Jacob Messik, the team shattered that exact myth. They sat down to talk about how a powerful, multi-faceted tool—life insurance—is completely underutilized by families with what they define as a "modest estate."

f you can cut through the trash on social media, you can find leaders, authors and personalities that are worth pausing for. It’s worth taking 30 seconds to determine if an entire video or webinar has is something meaningful to listen to that makes me think and consider how I do business or lead.

Planning for retirement means more than just saving. It’s about making sure you have a steady income that lasts as long as you do. With people living longer and markets staying unpredictable, many retirees worry about running out of money. An indexed annuity can help by providing guaranteed income for life, helping give you more certainty and confidence in your retirement plan.

January is all about fresh starts, when gym memberships spike, meal plans trend and personal goals take center stage. But what about your financial health? Just like physical wellness, the New Year is a great time to refocus on your long-term financial goals.

To start 2026 right, consider setting some low-stress, high-impact New Year’s Resolutions for your retirement plan. Here are three powerful goals to get you started.

As the Federal Reserve pivots toward monetary easing, small-cap equities are stepping into the spotlight. With back-to-back rate cuts in September and October 2025, and markets pricing in additional cuts through 2026, financial advisors are reevaluating their small-cap exposures.

Among the leading small-cap indices —Russell 2000, S&P SmallCap 600, and CRSP Small Cap Index —the Russell 2000 stands out as particularly well positioned to capitalize on this environment.

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared for a Potential Market Correction

No one can deny that markets fluctuate routinely. Throughout my 36-year career, the markets have been good at times and poor-performing at times.

I have always taught the concept of proper asset allocation, buy-and-hold for long-term monies, and secure guaranteed income for a portion of your retirement income. Recently, we have been on a significant rise in equity markets.