The April explosion

An exceptionally cold and snowy winter put most of us here in Pennsylvania into some kind of holding pattern in the early part of this year. Subfreezing temperatures, uncertainty about travel conditions and a general reluctance to venture outdoors made many of us hunker down and put life on hold until things began to thaw.

But then April comes along — and everything explodes.

Those first few warm days hit, and everyone goes crazy. People emerge from their winter cocoons and begin doing all those outdoor tasks that signal the change of season — washing cars, getting the porch furniture out of storage, pressure-washing decks — all while wearing shorts. Trees burst into bloom, and the pollen count goes through the roof.

Here at InsuranceNewsNet, we are feeling that April explosion.

We started a few weeks ago, as our editorial staff resumed travel and attended the first of the 2026 lineup of industry events. It’s crucial that we get out there and mingle with experts in the business as well as rank-and-file members of industry associations. These trips result in timely articles for the magazine and website, valuable relationships as we interpret the latest industry movements, and a better overall understanding of what our readers face as they serve their clients and manage their practices.

Our April issue reflects the explosion of new laws and deregulation in the industry as well as the snowball effect of technology.

What does OBBBA mean for taxpayers and advisors?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act dominated the news when this landmark legislation was signed into law on July 4, 2025. Aggressive deregulation and protectionist trade policies contributed to a period of robust growth, with real gross domestic product reportedly rising by 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average exploded above 50,000 for the first time in February.

What does this mean for everyday Americans and those who advise them? John Hilton breaks it down in our April feature article.

While the administration touts “largest tax refund season in history” and rising blue-collar wages, critics point out that the OBBBA is projected to increase the federal deficit by $3.4 trillion over the coming decade.

Analysis suggests a K-shaped impact where the top 1% of earners see significant net income increases, while middle-income and lower-income households may face net losses as the costs of tariffs and potential spending cuts to social services offset direct tax savings.

John discusses what advisors need to know as their clients are impacted by changes to the tax laws.

In addition, Trump Accounts that were established as part of OBBBA provide eligible children with $1,000 in government seed money. Although this is an attractive “free money” entry point, these accounts have significant planning drawbacks compared to traditional 529 plans. John discusses what these funds can mean to families as they plan for their children’s futures.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has actively moved to roll back the Retirement Security Rule  — also known as the fiduciary rule — dropping legal defenses as of November 2024 and planning  to have a new deregulatory framework by May of this year.

Will deregulation prioritize sales over fiduciary duty? John discusses some possible answers.

A lighthearted look at a serious subject

Technology — especially artificial intelligence — is exploding into every aspect of our personal and professional lives. In this month’s issue, Sue Kuraja takes a lighthearted look at a serious subject, the capabilities and potential pitfalls of using AI models. Sue uses the story “The Three Little Pigs” to illustrate ways organizations can scale their AI strategies responsibly.

And this month’s In the Field features an interview with the high-energy Pete D’Arruda, also known as Coach Pete. He exploded on the radio scene, dispensing practical financial advice to callers, and now helps other advisors position themselves as thought leaders in their own communities.

Spring is brief, and the April explosion doesn’t last long. Go out and enjoy it while you can. 

Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected].