--- title: | Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications (4) description: "Lauren is a content marketing enthusiast with a love for storytelling - on camera, in writing, and through others. She has a robust communications background that includes: public relations, content creation, internal communications, digital marketing, and copy editing. Driven and motivated, Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in English and is an avid reader. (4)" --- [Login](https://www.covisum.com/login-experience) | [Call: 402-235-4500](tel:1-402-235-4500) | [Contact Us](https://www.covisum.com/contact) ** [![covisum-logo](https://www.covisum.com/hs-fs/hubfs/covisum-logo.png?width=264&height=41&name=covisum-logo.png "covisum-logo")](https://www.covisum.com/) [![Start Your Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2755909/b23743cd-d0df-4907-a66d-293b58ab1164.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2755909/b23743cd-d0df-4907-a66d-293b58ab1164) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2755909/6c6d7fe7-e094-4fc0-9c82-d93d4ccbb532.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2755909/6c6d7fe7-e094-4fc0-9c82-d93d4ccbb532) # Press Browse by topic All Topics In The News Social Security Tax Fintech benefit cuts COLA Marketing retirement widow benefit Risk 401(k) Biden CARESAct IRS Income Planning Roth Trustees report investing Subscribe to our news ![ThinkAdvisor: The Do's and Don'ts of Annual Client Meetings](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Covisum/New%20Website%20Images/17.0%20SST%20Product%20Details/Streamline%20Complexities%20copy.jpg) #### In The News ### [ThinkAdvisor: The Do's and Don'ts of Annual Client Meetings](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-the-dos-and-donts-of-annual-client-meeting) on June 2, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) This week in his column for ThinkAdvisor, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, talks about a shift in the financial services industry away from focusing on products to plan-centric relationships. Annual client meetings are a great time to focus on adding value and wowing your clients. Consider this list of do’s and don’ts to make the most of your annual client review meetings and grow your practice [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-the-dos-and-donts-of-annual-client-meeting) ![Press Release: New Covisum® White Paper Examines the Uncertain Future of the Social Security Program](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Workplace%20with%20tablet%20pc%20showing%20news%20and%20a%20cup%20of%20coffee%20on%20a%20wooden%20work%20table%20close-up.jpeg) #### In The News ### [Press Release: New Covisum® White Paper Examines the Uncertain Future of the Social Security Program](https://www.covisum.com/press/press-release-covisum-white-paper-examines-the-uncertain-future-of-the-social-security-program) on May 14, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) OMAHA, Neb. –Social Security is a significant source of income for many retired Americans, but the solvency of the system is currently in question. Many experts suggest that high unemployment combined with an influx of new claimants will cause the Social Security system to run out of funds even faster than initially projected. "It's no secret that the Social Security system is facing challenges and people are nervous, but claiming Social Security early could significantly impact their ability to meet retirement goals. Don't make decisions based on fear alone," said Joe Elsasser, CFP®, Founder and President of Covisum, the financial tech company that created Social Security Timing®, Tax Clarity®, SmartRisk™, and Income InSight®. In a new Covisum white paper, "Is Time Running Out on Social Security," Elsasser explains how Social Security will continue to be an essential retirement income stream. The white paper outlines why claiming early in response to potential cuts to Social Security benefits is not advantageous for most people. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/press-release-covisum-white-paper-examines-the-uncertain-future-of-the-social-security-program) ![Perspectives Magazine: Trusting the Planning Process](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/double%20exposure%20of%20businessman%20hand%20working%20with%20blank%20net%20work%20diagram%20as%20digital%20cloud%20concept.jpeg) #### In The News ### [Perspectives Magazine: Trusting the Planning Process](https://www.covisum.com/press/perspectives-magazine-trusting-the-planning-process) on May 6, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) For financial advisors, the first half of the year has included some unique challenges. Cryptocurrencies, Reddit suggestions, and other high-flyers have been tempting to some investors. They are all too eager to abandon their initial plan and move toward the exciting new opportunities. However, a look at the past year shows the planning process works, and shouldn't be abandoned. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/perspectives-magazine-trusting-the-planning-process) ![InvestmentNews: Pandemic’s Impact on Social Security Services, Funding](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/images.thinkadvisor.comcontribcontentuploadssites415201803Social_Security_Money_MI.jpg) #### In The News ### [InvestmentNews: Pandemic’s Impact on Social Security Services, Funding](https://www.covisum.com/press/investmentnews-pandemics-impact-on-social-security-services-funding) on April 29, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) While the solvency of the Social Security system has been an issue for awhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused even more difficulty for the program. When reviewing the efficiency of current benefit processing and how to finance Social Security in the future, the effects of the pandemic are evident. While the Social Security Trustees report for 2021 has yet to be released, last year's report indicated that reserves would be depleted by 2035. Given the high unemployment and market volatility throughout the past year, that estimate is likely to change. This recent InvestmentNews article takes a closer look at how the pandemic has impacted the Social Security program, and how Covisum's new calculator can help consumers determine the impact of potential cuts to Social Security benefits. Covisum Founder and President Joe Elsasser, CFP® was quoted in the article. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/investmentnews-pandemics-impact-on-social-security-services-funding) ![CNBC: New web tool shows how Social Security cuts could hit your wallet](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/Graphics%20-%20Web%20/Blog/cnbc-logo-blog.jpg) #### In The News ### [CNBC: New web tool shows how Social Security cuts could hit your wallet](https://www.covisum.com/press/cnbc-new-web-tool-shows-how-social-security-cuts-could-hit-your-wallet) on April 23, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) With the solvency of the Social Security program in question, many people are understandably nervous about their retirement plans. Cuts to Social Security benefits could be one potential outcome, but it's important to avoid claiming early out of fear. A recent CNBC article highlighted how Covisum's new Social Security benefit cut calculator can help people plan for benefit cuts and avoid poor Social Security claiming decisions. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/cnbc-new-web-tool-shows-how-social-security-cuts-could-hit-your-wallet) ![ThinkAdvisor: 4 Biden Tax Proposals That Could Shake Clients' Retirement, Estate Plans](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/The%20White%20House%20on%20a%20beautiful%20summer%20day,%20Washington,%20DC..jpeg) #### In The News ### [ThinkAdvisor: 4 Biden Tax Proposals That Could Shake Clients' Retirement, Estate Plans](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-4-biden-tax-proposals-that-could-shake-clients-retirement-estate-plans) on April 8, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) This week in his column for ThinkAdvisor, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, talks about how some elements of President Biden's tax plan could significantly impact retirees. In the article he outlines four specific proposals that advisors should prepare for and how to plan accordingly. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-4-biden-tax-proposals-that-could-shake-clients-retirement-estate-plans) ![Press Release: Covisum Launches Social Security Benefit Cut Calculators](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Workplace%20with%20tablet%20pc%20showing%20news%20and%20a%20cup%20of%20coffee%20on%20a%20wooden%20work%20table%20close-up.jpeg) #### In The News ### [Press Release: Covisum Launches Social Security Benefit Cut Calculators](https://www.covisum.com/press/press-release-covisum-launches-social-security-benefit-cut-calculators) on April 6, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) OMAHA, Neb. –Today, Covisum®, the developer of Social Security Timing®, Tax Clarity®, SmartRisk™, and Income InSight® software solutions for financial advisors and institutions, announces the release of a new Social Security benefit cut calculator. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/press-release-covisum-launches-social-security-benefit-cut-calculators) ![Retirement Daily: Roth Conversions Could Become Even More Beneficial for Retirees](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/darren-halstead-sT50jo9LCH0-unsplash.jpg) #### In The News ### [Retirement Daily: Roth Conversions Could Become Even More Beneficial for Retirees](https://www.covisum.com/press/retirement-daily-roth-conversions-could-become-even-more-beneficial-for-retirees) on March 30, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) Over the past few months, the Biden-Harris administration has already made some significant changes and more could be on the horizon. Some of these plans could have a big impact on retirees, but there are both challenges and opportunities if you know where to look. Converting funds from a traditional retirement account into a Roth IRA could become even more beneficial considering new required minimum distributions (RMD) guidelines and potential tax law changes. In this Retirement Daily article, Roth Conversions Could Become Even More Beneficial for Retirees, Covisum® Founder and President, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, examines a few potential changes and planning opportunities. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/retirement-daily-roth-conversions-could-become-even-more-beneficial-for-retirees) ![ThinkAdvisor: Taxes in Retirement, Five Things Your Clients Need to Know](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/Taxes%20Concept%20on%20File%20Label%20in%20Multicolor%20Card%20Index.%20Closeup%20View.%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg) #### In The News ### [ThinkAdvisor: Taxes in Retirement, Five Things Your Clients Need to Know](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-taxes-in-retirement-five-things-your-clients-need-to-know) on March 15, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) This week in his column for ThinkAdvisor, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, talks about why taxes can have significant impact on a client's retirement strategy and how advisors can add enormous value if they know where to look. In the article he outlines five considerations that might influence which accounts retirees should withdraw from at which points in retirement. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/thinkadvisor-taxes-in-retirement-five-things-your-clients-need-to-know) ![InvestmentNews: Wealthier Clients Saving in 401(k)s May Fall Into Tax Trap](https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/Red%20Ring%20Binder%20with%20Inscription%20Tax%20Law%20on%20Background%20of%20Working%20Table%20with%20Office%20Supplies,%20Laptop,%20Reports.%20Toned%20Illustration.%20Business%20Concept%20on%20Blurred%20Background.%203d%20Render-1.jpeg) #### In The News ### [InvestmentNews: Wealthier Clients Saving in 401(k)s May Fall Into Tax Trap](https://www.covisum.com/press/investmentnews-wealthier-clients-saving-in-401ks-may-fall-into-tax-trap) on March 3, 2021 | By [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/press/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) While the pandemic has caused widespread worry about retirement, many people managed to continue to contribute to their defined-contribution plans such as 401(k)s throughout 2020. However, contributing too much to a tax-deferred retirement account could potentially become a problem later on if taxes are increased in the future. And a tax increase seems fairly likely as President Biden's tax plan outlines several changes. This recent InvestmentNews article takes a closer look at how advisors can prepare their wealthier clients for these potential changes. Covisum Founder and President Joe Elsasser, CFP® was quoted in the article. [Read More **](https://www.covisum.com/press/investmentnews-wealthier-clients-saving-in-401ks-may-fall-into-tax-trap) current_page_num+2: 6 - disabled ## Covisum’s ecosystem of solutions can help you grow. [Learn More](https://www.covisum.com/software) ## Stay Connected Access industry news, expert insights, best practices, free downloads and more. 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