Innovate Summit: Shaping the Future of Financial Strategies
This week at Innovate Summit we brought the industry's brightest minds together for two days of powerful insights, cutting-edge strategies, and transformative learning.
We were thrilled to host another sold-out event, providing independent financial advisors with the latest tools and techniques to elevate their practices. Attendees had the opportunity to dive deep into innovative sales and marketing strategies, industry updates, and actionable ways to grow their business in 2025 and beyond.
Day One: Elevating Retirement Strategies
Martin Ruby, FSA, Stonewood Financial’s Founder and Chairman, set the stage with an insightful discussion on the Five Risks of Retirement. Our CEO, Becky Swansburg, followed up with a crucial update on legislative changes and tax risks, helping advisors prepare their clients for potential policy shifts for taxes, IRMAA, Social Security, and more.
Neil Wilding took the stage to discuss Roth strategies, providing key insights on how advisors can help clients optimize their retirement savings. Attendees also got an exclusive first look at Stonewood’s brand-new Roth software, designed to streamline the planning process and enhance client results.
The highlight of the session was the unveiling of Stonewood Financial's latest innovation: the "Roth Done Right" software. This powerful tool enables advisors to:
Drive the Conversion Decision: Evaluate the tax and IRMAA savings of a Roth conversion, helping clients make informed decisions about their retirement strategies.
Minimize Taxes & IRMAA During Conversion: Identify the optimal structure for clients' Roth conversions, ensuring tax efficiency and minimizing potential surcharges.
Establish Yourself as the Roth Expert: Demonstrate to clients the value of professional expertise in navigating complex conversion scenarios.
If you want a closer look at the report and resources, schedule a call here.
Marketing and prospecting strategies were another highlight of the day, with Matthew Sieja, Member Success Manager, sharing what’s currently converting in seminars and webinars. The day wrapped up with sessions on income planning, overcoming objections, and leveraging tax strategies for lead generation.
After a full day of learning, attendees gathered for a reception to connect, network, and unwind over Kentucky-inspired fare.
Day Two: Advanced Insights and Future-Focused Strategies
Day two began with a working breakfast and software tutorial hosted by Eddie Smith, Operations Support Manager, giving advisors hands-on experience with the latest resources Stonewood has rolled out in 2025. Marty Ruby and Neil Wilding then led an engaging "Ask the Actuary" session, covering regulations, product design, and industry trends.
Alec Stout provided a comprehensive approach to legacy and long-term care planning, while other sessions explored technology’s role in enhancing seminar marketing and the most impactful marketing messages for 2025. Neil Wilding wrapped up the event with a deep dive into holistic client strategies, ensuring attendees walked away with a roadmap to success.
We are grateful to have had such incredible partners in presenting this conference. A huge thank you to AUM Navigator, AcquireUp, American College, FMT Solutions, NAIFA, RA Marketing, Trained Advisor, and Silloet for sponsoring Innovate Summit and for sharing the latest high-converting sales tools and marketing programs with our attendees.
At Stonewood Financial, we’re committed to making 2025 our advisors' most successful year yet. Innovate Summit was an incredible opportunity to connect with our members, share the latest strategies, and equip financial professionals with the tools they need to thrive. We can’t wait to see the impact these insights will have on our industry in the months and years ahead!
Did you miss our latest Innovate Summit training conference? Registration is opening soon for our next training in the fall. Email eventsteam@stonewoodfinancial.com to pre-register!
