Does someone else define and measure success for you?


Only you can decide what gives your life purpose.

Can you imagine being a highly valued part of an industry that lets you use the skills and attributes that come naturally to you as a woman to earn an exceptional living and spend ample time with your family—all by helping others find more security and greater peace of mind for theirs?


Chronicling her experiences in two decades as a financial advisor and owner of McNeely Financial Services, in Spencer, Wisconsin, Juli McNeely is the first female president of the prestigious 126-year-old NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Investors) organization, a position to which she was elected in 2014.

Written in her candid, incisive, no-holds-barred style, No Necktie Needed: A Woman’s Guide to Success in Financial Services makes the industry accessible to women in search of a strong work-life balance and who seek to define and measure success by their own standards.


What Others Are Saying

This book is readable, relatable, and doesn’t rely on confusing or technical language. It’s an important read for everyone, especially women, considering a career in the industry. Juli does a great job capturing ways in which you can truly help your clients, which is what this career is all about.
— Caroline Feeney, CLU®, ChFC® President, Prudential Advisors Prudential Financial
For women who seek purpose and balance in their lives, this book serves as an invitation to launch a career in financial services. It is a must read for all who are entering or re-entering the workforce or simply looking for a meaningful change in their career.
— Eileen C. McDonnell, Chairman and CEO Penn Mutual Insurance Company
This book proves that this isn’t just a ‘man’s world.’ The possibilities are endless for women in the insurance industry – they just have to know where to look. Juli’s book is the first place.
— Brian Ashe, CLU, Past President of MDRT & Current Treasurer of LifeHappens
Juli writes from the heart about the possibilities of success for women in the insurance industry. Creating and working your plan is the key, and Juli’s book provides you the guidance to craft your personal blueprint.
— Marvin H. Feldman, CLU, ChFC, RFC, President and Chief Executive Officer, LifeHappens
You don’t have to give up a family to have a career, or vice versa. In No Necktie Needed, Juli encourages her readers to learn how to balance life and work, and that you can be a woman in the industry and be just as successful as any other male counterpart.
— Tom Hegna, CLU, CHFC, CASL, Speaker and Best Selling Author of “Don’t Worry, Retire Happy”
If you’re interested in learning how to achieve an attainable work-life balance, while also dedicating your life to serving others then this book will provide valuable insights to help you achieve that success.
— Jennifer A Borislow, President Borislow Insurance, 2012 MDRT President
Juli’s book is a wonderful reminder that our profession can be customized for each person’s strengths and vision. I was touched by her candor about her struggles and it reminded me of many of my own. Her message of survival, focus, self-talk and teams give all of us more tools to move through the rough more quickly and get to more of those ‘bursting moments’.
— Michelle Hoesly, Past President of MDRT