Latest Stories in "In The News"

WBEC-West Announces New Dates for 22nd Annual Procurement & Awards Conference

Event Rescheduled to December 16–18, 2025 in Honor of WBENC President & CEO Pamela Prince-Eason

Phoenix, AZ – The Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West) today announced that its 22nd Annual Procurement & Awards Conference, originally scheduled for October 7–9, 2025, will now take place December 16–18, 2025.

The Wealth Ripple by Cassandra M. Thomas on Special Amazon Flash Sale — Limited Time Only

For anyone ready to break free from financial stress, create lasting wealth, and transform their family’s future, financial educator Cassandra M. Thomas has an announcement you won’t want to miss. Her powerful new book, The Wealth Ripple: Break the Cycle. Build Financial Freedom. Transform Your Family’s Future is available now for a special Amazon Flash Sale — for a limited time only.

Bestselling Author Todd Thomas Featured in the Debut Episode of Tech Leaders Spotlight on The NOW Network

Tech Leaders Spotlight debuted August 5 at 10:30 PM EST on The NOW Network, featuring bestselling author Todd Thomas. The nationally syndicated episode marked the official launch of the show, highlighting Thomas’s journey as an entrepreneur and innovation strategist. With a focus on purpose-driven leadership, the show airs on a network reaching over 180 million homes via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms

Priscila Cosentino Senior E.A.S.E. Advisor at Xexis Private Wealth – 2025 Social Security Changes: How to Navigate New Rules to Protect & Maximize Retirement Income

Priscila Cosentino announces 2025 Social Security Changes: How Executives Can Navigate New Rules to Protect & Maximize Retirement Income 
Focus on the significant updates to Social Security that took effect in 2025, including COLA adjustments, increases to the full retirement age, earnings thresholds, and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision. These changes can meaningfully affect how executives and entrepreneurs plan their retirement income and tax strategy. 
Major changes to Social Security regulations will take effect in 2025, creating new challenges and opportunities for executives and high-income earners aiming to protect and maximize their retirement income. The updated rules bring significant implications for those nearing retirement, particularly those planning to work beyond age 65 or earn above the Social Security taxable wage base. 
“These changes make it more urgent than ever for executives to reassess their retirement strategies,” emphasized Priscila Consentino. “Professionals who understand the new rules can better position themselves to safeguard their hard-earned savings and avoid costly missteps.” 
The 2025 updates include adjustments to the earnings limit for individuals receiving benefits while working. For executives over 65 who plan to continue working, this could result in temporary reductions to their monthly Social Security benefits, depending on annual income levels. Furthermore, updates to the taxation thresholds mean that higher earners could see a larger percentage of their Social Security benefits subject to federal taxes.   
 
Key Considerations for High-Income Earners   

Understanding the Earnings Test – Under 2025 rules, individuals who have not reached the Social Security full retirement age may see benefit reductions if their income exceeds the updated annual earnings limit. However, these withheld amounts could be credited back once full retirement age is reached, potentially leading to larger payments later. 

Tax Implications – Executive earners could see an increase in taxes applied to their Social Security benefits due to higher thresholds in the calculation formula. Professionals should evaluate their income mix to mitigate these impacts, balancing wages, withdrawals, and other sources. 

Strategic Claiming Decisions – For those nearing Social Security eligibility, the 2025 changes emphasize the importance of timing. Delaying benefits can still result in an annual 8% increase in payouts up to age 70, offering a strong incentive for professionals to optimize when they claim benefits.   

 
Working Beyond Age 65   
For executives planning to remain in the workforce, careful coordination of Social Security benefits with earned income is vital. High earners must weigh the impact of working on their benefit amounts while factoring in taxation. A proactive approach—such as adjusting investment portfolios, leveraging income deferral strategies, or maximizing employer-sponsored retirement plans—can help mitigate risks and maximize cash flow during this transition period.  
  
Priscila also shared: “What happens so often with Social Security is that people don’t really know when or how to make the best decision — and that uncertainty can have long-term consequences. The truth is, Social Security isn’t just a standalone decision. It’s one piece of a much bigger retirement puzzle. What truly hurts people is thinking about it in isolation, rather than seeing how it fits into their overall strategy. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping clients bring clarity to this part of their financial journey. At Xexis Private Wealth, we focus on education-first, personalized planning that helps clients make confident, well-aligned decisions for their future.” 
As people move into an era of evolving retirement policies, a thoughtful and informed approach is paramount, executives can help ensure financial stability without leaving money on the table by working with financial advisors to align their strategies with these new rules.  
About Priscila Cosentino 
Priscila “Pri” Cosentino is a dynamic Senior E.A.S.E. Advisor at Xexis Private Wealth, bringing over two decades of diverse experience in financial management, business leadership, and strategic development across Brazil and the United States. Her background spans industries such as advertising, events, and retail — equipping her with a multidimensional understanding of entrepreneurship and executive-level planning. 
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Pri also holds an MBA in Neuroscience and Human Behavior from UniF, blending financial expertise with behavioral insight to deliver holistic, human-centric strategies. For more than a decade, she has been personally mentored by Dan Brooks, President and Founder of Xexis, refining her mastery of wealth-building strategies, business growth, and personalized financial frameworks through the proprietary E.A.S.E. Planning methodology. 
As a published author and multilingual advisor fluent in English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish, Pri serves a diverse and global clientele with integrity, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight. Her work empowers executives, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals to align their financial decisions with purpose, values, and long-term impact. 
 
Learn more: http://pricosentino.com/  
Xexis Private Wealth and Pri Cosentino are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment advice. Any decisions related to Social Security should be made in the context of a broader financial plan and in consultation with a qualified advisor. Investment strategies involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. Investment advisory services offered through Virtue Capital Management, LLC (VCM), a registered investment advisor. VCM and Xexis Private Wealth, LLC. are independent of each other Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. None of the information contained on this website shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or any insurance product. Any references to protection benefits or steady and reliable income streams on this website refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment advisory products. Annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC insured. The information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned. Third party recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Third party ratings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. 

Paul Castner, President & Co-Founder of C&K Healthcare, On the Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast Discussing Becoming the Business Owner’s Trusted Advisor

Paul Castner discusses becoming the business owner’s trusted advisor 
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-paul-castner-w-c-k-healthcare-advisors-becoming-the-business-owners-trusted-advisor/
In this episode of Influential Entrepreneurs, Mike Saunders, welcomes back Paul Castner, the president and co-founder of C&K Healthcare Advisors. They dive into the significant opportunity for insurance agents to become trusted advisors to business owners, a market that is often overlooked but holds immense potential. 
In a podcast episode featuring Paul Castner, president and co-founder of C&K Healthcare Advisors, the discussion centers around the significant opportunity for insurance agents to become trusted advisors to business owners. This role extends beyond merely selling insurance; it involves providing comprehensive solutions that address the unique needs of businesses. 
Business owners represent a lucrative market for insurance agents due to their higher incomes and greater insurance needs compared to individual consumers. They often have multiple revenue streams, which opens up various avenues for agents to offer services, including: 

Group Benefits: Providing coverage for employees that can enhance retention and satisfaction. 

Individual Coverage: Addressing the personal insurance needs of business owners themselves. 

Tax Strategies: Helping business owners reduce their tax liabilities and build tax-free wealth. 

By focusing on these areas, agents can build long-term relationships with business owners, benefiting both the agents’ businesses and the growth and stability of the businesses they serve. 
One of the key advantages of working with business owners is the potential for referral opportunities. Business owners are often well-connected within their industries and can provide introductions to other potential clients. This network effect can lead to organic growth for agents who position themselves as strategic business advisors rather than just insurance salespeople. 
Building Long-Term Relationships 
Paul emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with business owners. Unlike traditional insurance sales that focus on one-time transactions, agents should aim to become integral parts of their clients’ business strategies. This involves understanding the broader context of a business’s needs, including employee satisfaction, tax efficiency, and succession planning. 
Paul shares a current example from Maryland, where an agent is working to secure a high-value business client. The agent has engaged in multiple conversations and provided a custom quote that highlights the differences between their offerings and the client’s current policies. This approach not only showcases the agent’s expertise but also demonstrates the value of whole life insurance, which can be more beneficial for businesses compared to traditional term policies. 
Employee retention is a critical concern for business owners, as losing an employee can be costly. Castner notes that it can cost thousands of dollars to replace an employee, factoring in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. By offering group benefits that enhance employee satisfaction, agents can help business owners mitigate these costs and create a more stable workforce. 
In summary, the podcast highlights the vast potential for insurance agents to become trusted advisors to business owners. By focusing on comprehensive solutions that address both business protection and personal wealth building, agents can position themselves as invaluable resources. This approach not only benefits the agents’ businesses but also contributes to the success and sustainability of the businesses they serve. 
 
Paul shared: “Success in this industry isn’t measured by how many policies you sell—it’s measured by how many lives you improve and how many agents you empower to reach their full potential.” 
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ExhqSx1i2zY 
About Paul Castner 
Paul Castner is President and Co-Founder of C & K Healthcare Advisors, one of the insurance industry’s most innovative agent-focused organizations. With extensive experience at top Medicare carriers and a passion for helping seniors navigate healthcare costs, Paul has revolutionized how insurance professionals serve their clients. Under his leadership, C & K Healthcare Advisors has grown from a regional operation to a nationally recognized organization known for its cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training systems, and unwavering commitment to agent success. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paul continues to mentor agents while building the future of insurance services. His first book is set to launch on Amazon in the next few weeks. 
 Learn more: http://www.ckhealthcareadvisors.com/  
Recent News & Interviews:

Paul Castner President & Co-Founder of C&K Healthcare Advisors, on Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast discusses Why Top Agents Choose C&K Healthcare Advisors for Senior Market Success : https://authoritypresswire.com/paul-castner-president-co-founder-of-ck-healthcare-advisorson-influential-entrepreneurs-podcast-why-top-agents-choose-ck-healthcare-advisors-for-senior-market-success/
Paul Castner President & Co-Founder of C&K Healthcare Advisors, Interviewed on The Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast, Discusses Building Life Insurance Practices That Last: https://authoritypresswire.com/paul-castner-president-co-founder-of-ck-healthcare-advisors-interviewed-on-the-influential-entrepreneurs-podcast-discusses-building-life-insurance-practices-that-last/

DISCLAIMER: Plans and products may not be available in all areas. Certain exclusions and limitations may apply.  Our Website serves as an educational invitation for you, the customer, to inquire about further information regarding your health insurance options, and submission of your contact information constitutes as permission for a Licensed Insurance Representative to contact you with further information, including complete details on cost and coverage of this insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. This is a solicitation for Insurance. C & K Healthcare Advisors, LLC and their agents are licensed and certified representatives of a Health and Life Insurance organization. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. 

Paul Castner, President and Co-Founder of C & K Healthcare Advisors, Achieves Amazon Bestseller Status with Game-Changing New Book

 Insurance industry expert and producer development strategist Paul Castner has officially earned Amazon Bestseller recognition with the release of his new book, The Elite Advantage: The Blueprint for Agent Success. The book made an immediate impact upon release, ranking at the top of multiple competitive categories on Amazon and confirming Castner’s place as a thought leader in the insurance and financial services space. 
The Elite Advantage reached the following Amazon milestones: 

#1 Hot New Release in Medicaid & Medicare 

#1 Hot New Release in Insurance 

#1 Hot New Release in Risk Management 

#2 Bestseller in Life Insurance 

#2 Bestseller in Medicaid & Medicare 

This powerful debut reflects the book’s relevance to today’s producers seeking to gain a competitive edge and transform their client relationships, business models, and overall performance. 
A Proven Framework for Agent Success 
The Elite Advantage outlines a proven system designed to help insurance agents escape the commodity trap and position themselves for long-term success. Drawing from decades of industry experience, Paul Castner presents a step-by-step blueprint rooted in clarity, discipline, and authentic value creation. 
The book introduces the “Elite Framework,” a signature model developed by Castner to help agents: 

Cultivate authority and trust in their niche 

Build stronger client relationships through consultative value 

Implement efficient systems to reduce burnout and boost productivity 

Align purpose and profitability for meaningful career growth 

Rather than relying on hype or outdated sales tactics, The Elite Advantage delivers practical strategies that high-performing agents can implement immediately to elevate their results. 
The book has already received praise from professionals across the industry for its actionable insights and clarity. Many readers are calling it a “game-changer” for agents who are ready to transition from average production to elite performance. 
The Elite Advantage: The Blueprint for Agent Success is now available on Amazon. Purchase the book here. 
About Paul Castner
Paul Castner is President and Co-Founder of C & K Healthcare Advisors, one of the insurance industry’s most innovative agent-focused organizations. With extensive experience at top Medicare carriers and a passion for helping seniors navigate healthcare costs, Paul has revolutionized how insurance professionals serve their clients. Under his leadership, C & K Healthcare Advisors has grown from a regional operation to a nationally recognized organization known for its cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training systems, and unwavering commitment to agent success. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paul continues to mentor agents while building the future of insurance services.  
Learn more: http://www.ckhealthcareadvisors.com/  

Plans and products may not be available in all areas. Certain exclusions and limitations may apply. Our Website serves as an educational invitation for you, the customer, to inquire about further information regarding your health insurance options, and submission of your contact information constitutes as permission for a Licensed Insurance Representative to contact you with further information, including complete details on cost and coverage of this insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. This is a solicitation for Insurance. C & K Healthcare Advisors, LLC and their agents are licensed and certified representatives of a Health and Life Insurance organization. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. 

The Masculine Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) SUMMIT is Scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

The 2nd Annual M.E.N. Summit, hosted by BeMen, takes place August 23, 2025, at The Schoolhouse Theater in Parker, CO. This one-day event invites men and teen boys (13+) to explore healthy masculinity, purpose, and connection through real stories and practical tools. With expert speakers and no political or religious agendas, this empowering summit offers honest conversation, personal growth, and lasting impact.

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