The world is rapidly changing with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence tools and software. The take away I had from this conversation is : what tools can I implement over the next month to do my work at a higher level and save time in doing so. The next two years will separate the champion advisors from those doing the bare minimum using outdated approaches to solutions.

1. oak Financial launched in 2025 as the next generation of "Ideas by Mike". Ideas by Mike, a dynamic financial planning and insurance agency, is a vision of Mike to create a unique next generation financial firm. I have added my lessons on the growth from Ideas by Mike to 1. oak Financial so you can see what is in front of you in the coming years. For those looking to be members of 1. oak Collective, watch the video below about what is included and comment "meet" below to schedule a time with our client success team and/or comment year you got in the business and one big goal for the next 12 weeks!

The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 — slightly higher than last year’s 2.5% increase. This change will affect nearly 75 million Americans, including retirees and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Starting January 2026, the average Social Security benefit will rise by about $56 per month, bringing the average monthly payment to approximately $2,071. Married couples will see their combined benefit increase by an average of $88 a month.​ The COLA is designed to help retirees keep pace with inflation. While it’s a welcome increase for many, it’s important to note that the rise in living costs and Medicare premiums could offset much of the gain. AARP research shows that more than three-quarters of older Americans still feel these modest adjustments don’t fully cover real-world inflation, which continues to impact essential goods and healthcare costs.​ In addition to benefit increases, some key thresholds are also changing in 2026: - The maximum taxable earnings limit will rise from $176,100 to $184,500, meaning higher-income earners will contribute slightly more in payroll tax. - The maximum monthly benefit for new retirees claiming at full retirement age will climb to around $3,827, up from $3,822.​ For financial advisors, this update serves as both a planning checkpoint and a client communication opportunity. Now is the time to review Social Security strategies: - Reassess claiming decisions based on updated benefits. - Coordinate tax-efficient income strategies around the new taxable maximum. - Evaluate how inflation-adjusted benefits interact with Roth conversions, pensions, and portfolio withdrawals. Social Security remains a foundational element of retirement income — but as COLA adjustments remind us each year, relying on it alone may not be enough to keep up with inflation. A diversified, intentional income plan that integrates Social Security, tax planning, and investments remains the best path to long-term financial independence.

PacLife, an agent and IMO have been sued by Kyle Busch, nascar legend, for reported “losing $8.5mm” and being sold “tax-free income” solution. This is going to rock the insurance only producer market especially annuity or IUL only solution providers. Why? There is now a Google search that shows a celebrity losing real money and an attorney with a lawsuit trying to change the game (aka the industry and make them pay for it). Next up…class action law suits. This type of lawsuit happened in the Real Estate industry a couple years ago over commissions. There was a settlement out of court and the result has still be negative on that industry. What can you do now? 💡Don’t try to persuade that the lawsuit is frivolous—$8.5mm was lost 💡Don’t try to convince someone that the solution is an IUL. 👀 Do get alignment on the problem a prospect has 👀 Do get alignment that insurance industry has problems 👀 Do give pros and cons of all solutions to the problems And, create partnerships that give credibility. That is what 1. oak Collective is. “Your business powered by our history, our credentials and a One of a Kind brand”. Result for you—Alignment with 1 oak Collective=neutral ground to solve problems people need solved. Comment ‘Align’ to have the conversation.