New Trustee Vice Chair

I have learned to have gratitude on a daily basis for all I have and for the wonderful people in my life – my family, close friends, business associates, and of course my valued clients. Having gratitude provides me with great happiness, peace of mind, and appreciation for life. Throughout my career I’ve never been driven by money; what drives me is the desire to serve first, last, and always, and continue to contribute to make a difference in people’s lives.

One of my major commitments is to educate as many people as I can and I have done this through television programs, published articles, a book published in 2013 – Simon Says®: Love Your Legacy, A Guide to Financial Education for You and Your Family, webinars, and an upcoming podcast series called, Simon Says®: Take Charge of Your Money.

I also developed a series of blogs called Simon Says®: Having the Talk, which discusses important conversations we all need to have with our parents, children, spouse, business partners and financial advisor. Over the past 16 months I’ve been working virtually doing Zoom webinars with different panels of experts on elder care planning, living through a divorce, and soon I will have one on women & finance.

I have learned how precious life is and the importance of being in a loving relationship. Witnessing the experiences of close friends, family, business partners, and clients, I realize how life can change in a minute and people need to be prepared for any eventuality. I strive every day to help them do that.

Saul Simon is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Simon Financial Group is a marketing name for securities and advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (Member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-3644805-062321.

Saul Simon Simon Financial Group (732) 623-2070 www.saulsimon.com

New Vice Chair IARFC Board of Trustees

Michael Jay Markey, Jr. MRFC®, BFA

Financial Speaker, Author, Show Host, MDRT Top of the Table Member, Investment Advisor Representative & Insurance Representative, Master Registered Financial Consultant, Vice Chair of IARFC Board of Trustees

Michael Jay Markey, Jr. is a co-founder and owner of Legacy Financial Network and its associated companies. His vision has expanded the organization from one location to three, with the hopes to make Legacy a national company. He attained his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University while playing baseball for the Eagles.

Michael’s accolades include being recognized as the trainer-of-the-year for a previous insurance employer, a Million Dollar Round Table; member in 2010, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, & ‘15. He earned Court of the Table honors in ’11, ’12, ’13, ‘14 and ’15 and Top of the Table honors in ’14. MDRT is an exclusive organization designed to recognize those in the top of the insurance services field.

Michael has served on the IARFC Board of Directors, held the office of Treasurer on the IARFC Board of Trustees and has been an integral part of the Association Education Committee. He and his wife Vanessa have appeared as the “fictional couple” during the IARFC National Financial Plan Competition.

In West Michigan, Michael can be heard on 102.9 FM every Thursday at 11am for his weekly radio show, “Fireproof Your Finances.” He has authored a book, also entitled “Fireproof Your Retirement”, and has a monthly column in LifeHealthPro called “Seriously, Dave?” He has been featured in print nationally by LifeHealthPro Magazine as one of “13 Insurance Industry Heroes” and InsuranceNewsNet magazine as a celebrity in the insurance industry. Under his direction, Legacy Financial Network was recognized by A.M. Best’s Best Review as one of the top 10 most innovative agencies in the country with their feature article “10 Agencies That Get It Right.” Michael has been published in several national trade magazines and was a featured guest on William Shatner’s “Moving America Forward.”

Grateful for the opportunities he’s been blessed with, being involved with and giving back to the community has always been important to Michael. Legacy participates in many local events and parades (the company even owns a firetruck for these events and Michael always makes sure he gets to drive it). Legacy sponsors a little league team and has sponsored free throw contests at a local high school where both the student and the school benefit. Michael has pledged most of the proceeds from his book to local fire departments. Michael’s main passions are his faith and his family.

Michael and his wife Vanessa listening intently as the National Financial Plan Competition Finalist explains their Financial Plan for the “fictional family”.