Who will actually receive your life insurance benefit—and what happens if something goes wrong? In this episode, we break down common life insurance ownership mistakes for beneficiaries that can derail even the best plan and leave outcomes to chance. A life insurance beneficiary is the person or entity you name to receive your policy’s death benefit. This myth or reality episode covers common beneficiary mistakes or misunderstandings. Learn why naming a contingent beneficiary matters, what happens when minors are listed as beneficiaries and how failing to review your policy after major life events can lead to probate delays or benefits going to the wrong person. Avoiding these beneficiary mistakes can help ensure your intentions are carried out as planned.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more.

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for information purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

This information is provided by Ameritas, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Fulfilling life is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

Think your life insurance ownership is set up correctly? It might not be, and small mistakes can lead to big tax and estate consequences. In this episode of Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast, we break down “myth or reality” scenarios, including the risks of having different owners, insureds and beneficiaries, why you might want to consider naming a successor, and how poor structuring can lead to unintended outcomes. You’ll also learn how ownership impacts estate taxes and what “incidents of ownership” really mean for your policy. Watch this episode to help ensure your life insurance coverage works the way you intend. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes. Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight. Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/ Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus Disclosures This podcast is for information purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. This information is provided by Ameritas, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas, visit ameritas.com. Ameritas and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Fulfilling life is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company. 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

Are you truly retirement-ready — or just guessing? In this episode of Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast, we’re breaking down financial planning and what retirement readiness really means, along with the steps that matter most.

We cover what financial planning looks like in practice, when it makes sense to work with a financial professional and where insurance and annuities can fit into a retirement strategy. This episode will help you understand your current position, define your goals and build a strategy that adapts over time.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more.

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

Withdrawals and loans will reduce available death benefit and policy value. Withdrawals beyond basis may be taxable income. Excessive and unpaid loans will reduce death benefits and policy value and may cause the policy to lapse. If a policy lapses, unpaid loans are treated as distributions for tax purposes.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

This information is provided by Ameritas, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Fulfilling life is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

Your biggest financial questions answered in this episode: Are you doing all the “right” things for retirement, but still not sure where you actually stand?

In this listener episode of Future Focus, we tackle questions we hear all the time from people who feel like they should be on track, but don’t have a clear picture of their progress. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This episode is all about making retirement planning feel more manageable.

In this episode, we cover:

- How to organize your finances using a simple three-part framework.

- What it really means to be “saving enough” for retirement.

- How market timing can impact early retirement years.

- What RMDs are and why they matter for future taxes.

Most financial uncertainty doesn’t come from lack of effort—it comes from lack of clarity. This episode is designed to help you connect the dots and move forward with more confidence.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more.

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

This information is provided by Ameritas, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

In the final episode of this three-part series, Future Focus brings business and personal planning together, exploring what ultimately matters most: outcomes. When it comes to passing on a business, what does it look like when you’re ready to move it on to the next generation?

This episode discusses navigating equity and fairness between active and inactive children in your business, understanding why the value you think your business will sell for isn’t always accurate, and aligning business exit decisions with personal finance goals.

Listeners will hear practical, high‑level insights on aligning business goals with personal priorities, planning for real‑world outcomes (not just ideal ones), and reframing success beyond the transaction itself.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

In this episode of Future Focus, host Troy Branch is joined by Ameritas advanced planning colleagues, Keali Jo French and Jacob Messick, to explore how to build enterprise value long before an exit. The conversation focuses on people, systems and owner dependency—and why businesses that rely too heavily on key individuals often face hidden limitations.

We cover:

- Retaining key people and the role of long‑term incentives.

- When owner dependency caps growth and value.

- Key person risk, continuity and succession readiness.

- What buyers and successors look for in scalable businesses.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplify the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

Future Focus is kicking off a three‑episode business‑owner series about the decisions business owners make that have long‑lasting effects. In part one, we examine choosing your business entity and how early structure decisions can impact future taxes, flexibility and long‑term outcomes.

The core questions we discuss in this episode include:

- Should a pass-through business owner own permanent life insurance inside their business or should they own it personally?

- How do business owners think about getting retained earnings out of their pass-through business?

- Are today’s income tax decisions creating unanticipated problems such as larger capital gains?

Along the way, we discuss how tax efficiency alone isn’t a strategy. Structure and sequencing matter, and early decisions can limit future options.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus 

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

It’s now 2026 and the estate and gift tax exemption remains near $15 million. So what should families actually be doing now?

In this episode, we discuss estate planning for families with practical tips for readiness, flexibility and smart decision‑making that applies regardless of exemption levels.

You’ll learn:

- Where the estate and gift tax landscape truly stands in 2026.

- Why complacency can be risky.

- Core estate planning documents every family should have.

- How to involve younger generations and loved ones in your planning process.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

Your biggest financial questions answered in this special listener Q&A episode as the Future Focus team dives into real financial questions from real listeners. We cover smart ways to pay for education, whether 529 plans still make sense with fewer kids going to college and how to handle an inherited IRA under the 10‑year rule. We’ll discuss:

- 529 basics, tax benefits and alternatives.

- New 529-to-Roth IRA rules.

- Funding education vs. funding opportunity.

- Strategies for managing inherited IRA withdrawals.

- How timing and tax planning shape long‑term flexibility.

Be sure to like, subscribe and drop your questions in the comments for future episodes.

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/about/

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus 

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas

In case you missed it, go back and watch part one of 2026 Personal Finance Reset: https://youtu.be/IKLv30Fhx5k. Now that you’ve reviewed your financial starting point for the new year, part two dives into the next steps: reviewing your insurance protection, strengthening your retirement plan and getting ahead of tax season. This episode of Future Focus breaks down simple, practical moves to keep your money organized and on track for the year.

In this episode:

- Insurance and risk protection: Update life, disability and health coverage to match your current situation.

- Retirement planning: Review contributions, increase savings rates and rebalance your investments for 2026.

- Tax prep: Organize documents early and explore deductible contributions before filing.

Start the year strong with clear next steps and connect with your financial professional.

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes and listener Q&A sessions. Drop your questions in the comments—we might feature them in an upcoming episode!

Future Focus: A Financial Strategies Podcast 

Welcome to Future Focus, a podcast designed to make sense of complex financial topics. Hosted by Troy Branch, a professional with over 25 years in the financial services industry, this Ameritas advanced planning podcast offers engaging panel discussions that simplifies the jargon into straightforward insight.  

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to enhance your financial knowledge or someone interested in financial literacy, Future Focus is your go-to resource. Each episode provides practical tips covering topics like estate planning, managing risk, retirement strategies for business owners and much more. 

Learn more about Ameritas: https://www.ameritas.com/ 

Find a financial professional who can help: https://www.ameritas.com/contact/find-a-financial-professional/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=future-focus

Disclosures

This podcast is for informational purposes only and will cover a variety of topics examining the role insurance and other financial products may play in financial decisions. The information presented here is not intended as tax, accounting, or other legal advice. If tax or other legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. 

This information is provided by Ameritas®, which is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com.

Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company.

© 2026 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

Careers: https://www.ameritas.com/careers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameritas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameritaslife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ameritas