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Succession Planning Success with Debbie Taylor

Carson Group’s 2024 acquisition of Taylor Financial, which at the time managed $385 million in assets, might not have been its largest deal, but the specialized tax planning capabilities that the 10-person team brought to the national RIA firm is making a big difference for both advisors and clients. Now under the leadership of Burt White, Carson Group has named Debra Taylor, founder of Taylor Financial, as managing partner and chief tax strategist. The appointment underscores the advisor industry’s ongoing mission to deliver a holistic approach to financial health — one that allows advisors to support clients in ways that go beyond market-driven returns. On this episode of Ask the Retirement Expert, ThinkAdvisor Senior Reporter John Manganaro speaks with Taylor about the Carson Group acquisition, tax management for advisors and entrepreneurship. During the episode, Taylor and Manganaro also discuss: – Takeaways from the big tax law changes in Washington. – The keys to successful succession planning. – Working in a multi-generational advisor practice. – The tax-focused services clients increasingly expect and more. To listen to additional podcasts within the Ask the Retirement Expert series, click here.

Strong returns in reinsurance sector attracts capital, leading to favorable client outcomes 0

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Strong returns in reinsurance sector attracts capital, leading to favorable client outcomes

Global volatility persists but elevated insured loss activity seen in the first quarter moderated New York, NY (July 1, 2025) – According to Guy Carpenter, a leading global risk and reinsurance specialist and a business of Marsh McLennan, despite global economic volatility and insured loss activity nearing $70 billion through the first half of 2025, reinsurance renewal trends seen at January 1 continued, including: Strong reinsurer balance sheets driving appetite for growth; Excess property capacity and moderating pricing; Disciplined casualty underwriting; Reinsurer focus on holistic client relationships to grow their portfolios. Insured loss activity in the second quarter levelled off from the elevated first quarter. Losses for the first half of 2025 are now flat compared to the inflation-adjusted five-year average. The Los Angeles wildfires account for $40 billion in insured losses or 59% of activity in the first half of 2025. For reinsurers, the wildfires are not expected to impair capital or appetite for the remainder of the year. Despite loss activity in the first quarter, strong reinsurer performance is expected to continue in 2025. Reinsurer returns on equity were 16% in 2024 and are projected to be 15% in 2025. Reinsurance capital closed 2024 at an all-time high...

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Search for Victims Resumes in Texas Floods After Severe Weather Halts Operations

Article 0 Comments Crews on Monday were expected to resume looking for victims of catastrophic flooding in Texas that killed at least 132 people after more heavy rains temporarily paused their search and rescue operations. Those efforts along the Guadalupe River were halted on Sunday after a new round of severe weather led to high water rescues elsewhere and prompted fears that waterways could surge again above their banks. It was the first time search efforts for victims of the July Fourth floods were stopped due to severe weather. Authorities believe more than 160 people may still be missing in Kerr County alone, and 10 more in neighboring areas. In Kerrville, where local officials have come under scrutiny over whether residents were adequately warned about the rising water in the early morning hours of July 4, authorities went door-to-door to some homes after midnight early Sunday to alert people that flooding was again possible. Authorities also pushed phone alerts to those in the area. During the pause in searches, Ingram Fire Department officials ordered crews to immediately evacuate the Guadalupe River corridor in Kerr County, warning the potential for a flash flood was high. Late Sunday afternoon, the Kerr County...

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: A Strategic Framework for Gen AI Productivity Tools in Insurance 0

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Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: A Strategic Framework for Gen AI Productivity Tools in Insurance

By Joseph D’Souza, Founder & CEO, ProNavigator — With Gen AI dominating boardroom discussions, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Many executives I speak with find themselves at a crossroads: Should they implement general-purpose solutions, such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or Gemini, or opt for specialized Gen AI tools tailored for insurance, or build their own? In my view, the answer isn’t about picking one over the other – it’s about bringing together the right tools for the right jobs. AI is a means to an end, not the goal itself The False Dichotomy of General-Purpose vs. Specialized Gen AI I often hear people framing this decision as an either-or choice – but that’s not how modern insurance operations working.Insurance operations involve a wide range of tasks—some universal across industries, others highly specialized with unique regulatory demands. No single tool can cover everything effectively, and that’s okay. ‍For example, a regional insurer implemented Microsoft Copilot for summarization and meeting note taking. Simultaneously, they deployed ProNavigator to support underwriting and claims teams, ensuring compliance and improved efficiency. A Simple Framework for Choosing the Right Gen AI Tool When deciding which AI tool to use, I recommend focusing on two...

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Houthi Rebels Sink Ship in Red Sea, Killing at Least 4 With 11 Missing: EU Naval Mission

Article 1 Comment Four people are presumed dead and 11 others are still missing after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship sank in the Red Sea following an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a European Union naval mission said Friday. The update from the EU’s Operation Aspides came as private security forces continue to search for survivors from the Eternity C, a Greek-owned bulk carrier that sank on Wednesday. Ten people were recovered alive from the attack, including eight Filipino crew members and a Greek and Indian from the vessel’s three-man security team, the EU operation said. Read more: Red Sea Insurance Premium Spikes as Houthi Risks Return Fifteen people remain unaccounted for, including the four presumed dead, the mission said. “All nearby vessels are advised to have a sharp look out,” the EU mission said. The Houthis have said they hold some of the crew. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen — which has operated from Saudi Arabia for about a decade — has described the Houthis as having “kidnapped” the mariners. The death toll is the highest from any seaborne assault carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the crucial maritime trade route where $1 trillion in cargo once passed through...

Progressive Insurance® Teams Up with Superman to Spotlight Accident Response Superpower 0

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Progressive Insurance® Teams Up with Superman to Spotlight Accident Response Superpower

The insurance provider collaborates with DC and Warner Bros. Pictures to bring superhero moments to life and showcase its in-app safety technology Mayfield Village, OH (July 8, 2025) – Progressive Insurance is teaming up with DC and Warner Bros. and the DC Studios film Superman to shine a light on its in-app safety feature, Accident Response – a real-time resource designed to help drivers when they need it most. To bring the experience to life, Progressive is debuting a life-sized, comic-inspired diorama at the film’s world premiere, giving attendees the chance to strike their best superhero pose. At the Superman premiere, attendees will step into the action with a photo opportunity inspired by the iconic Action Comics #1 cover, featuring a life-sized diorama of a branded car replica suspended mid-air – offering fans their very own superhero moment. Progressive’s Flo and Jamie will join Superman cast member Isabela Merced on the red carpet to celebrate the film and highlight the real-world heroism behind Accident Response. Merced, who plays Hawkgirl, will also partner with Progressive to share the diorama experience, bringing to life how the feature supports drivers in moments of need. The activation extends Progressive’s broader campaign, where Flo and Jamie...

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Tesla Plans Robotaxi Expansion to California and Arizona

Article 0 Comments Tesla Inc. is aiming to bring its driverless taxis to California and Arizona as the carmaker plots an expansion on the heels of last month’s limited rollout in Austin. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk predicted on his social media service X that Tesla robotaxis could launch in the San Francisco Bay area “probably in a month or two,” pending regulatory approvals. The carmaker plans to broaden its service area in Austin this weekend, he said. Tesla has also contacted the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin the certification process for autonomous vehicle ride-sharing, the state agency told Bloomberg in an emailed statement. Tesla has expressed interest in operating within the Phoenix metropolitan area, the transportation department said. A decision on the company’s applications — including for operations with and without a driver — is expected by the end of this month. The automaker didn’t respond to a request for comment on the Arizona discussions, which have not been previously reported. Musk is reorienting Tesla around futuristic pursuits like driverless vehicles, artificial intelligence and humanoid robots as its traditional car business struggles. The CEO has a long track record of offering timelines related to autonomous-driving ambitions that the...

Insurance Meets Interactive: The General Creates Custom Experience in Fortnite 0

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Insurance Meets Interactive: The General Creates Custom Experience in Fortnite

The General Road Test Royale™ aims to bring the brand’s mission to life — giving people a break, whether they’re behind the wheel or behind a controller Nashville, TN (July 7, 2025) – Road anxiety is on the rise, especially with Gen Z drivers. That’s why The General® — an empathetic insurance provider committed to offering flexible, reasonably priced coverage for drivers when they need it most — is expanding its footprint in the gaming ecosystem with the launch of The General Road Test Royale. This custom gaming experience helps drivers tackle road test challenges, inspired by iconic real-world driving locations, in a safe, fun virtual environment. The General Road Test Royale is a custom-built map that is being unveiled as its own universe in The Glitch on July 7. The game is a direct reflection of The General’s commitment to showing up where its customers already are — and in a space where they’re having fun, connecting and competing. The General Road Test Royale™ aims to bring the brand’s mission to life — giving people a break, whether they’re behind the wheel or behind a controller “At The General, we’re constantly looking for ways to meet our customers where they...

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7 Ways to Answer ‘How Much Do You Charge?’

/ ThinkAdvisor provides financial advisors, registered investment advisors and wealth managers with comprehensive coverage of the products, services and information they need to guide their clients in making critical wealth, health and life decisions.

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CSU Hurricane Season Forecast Adjusted to ‘Slightly’ Above Normal

Article 0 Comments The team of hurricane researchers at Colorado State University shaved off a storm from its original Atlantic hurricane season forecast, and now sees a “slightly” above normal season. High levels of observed Caribbean wind shear, which break up storms, is the primary reason for the reduction in expected named storms to 16, hurricanes to eight, and major hurricanes to three. CSU in its last two forecasts of the hurricane season called for 17 named storms and nine hurricanes – with four major hurricanes of at least Category 3 (111 mph or more) strength. The average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Last year’s record-breaking season included 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Related: After Tens of Billions in Insured Losses, Record-Breaking Hurricane Season Ends The team at CSU, in its 42nd year of issuing hurricane forecasts, said its updated forecast issued each July (the hurricane season starts June 1) has demonstrated “good long-term skill when evaluated in hindcast mode. The skill of CSU’s forecast updates increases as the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches.” CSU’s models put a 48% probability of a major Atlantic hurricane hitting the...