Rx Blues! – September 2022

Melody had always been in good health and took only a few generic prescription medications, which were only a few dollars or even free on the drug plan she had for several years since enrolling in Medicare.

However, in mid-year 2021 she developed several medical issues that resulted in her taking more medications. Unfortunately, a few of these new medications had extremely high co-pays and even triggered the deductible on her plan. "There's got to be a better plan for me," she thought.

While checking her email the next day, she saw her annual email from American Retirement Advisors requesting her new current updated drug list. "Wow," she thought, "Talk about good timing."

The email was simple but important. It was a reminder of the Annual Election Period (AEP) that runs from Oct. 15th through Dec. 7th. It also asked her to provide a list of her current prescriptions so that we can complete the research on all the Part D drug plans available for next year and recommend the most appropriate plan for her.

She immediately got all her prescription bottles to complete the "Request for Information form" included in the email. She needed to provide the name of each drug, the strength of each medication, and how often she takes it. Once, twice or three times a day? After completing the form, she would send us her responses by hitting the "submit" button.

Towards the middle of October 2021, she received a recommendation and was pleasantly surprised at how much she would save in the new year. She didn't realize that drug plans change every year! So now you are reminded too!

So, whether you have a Medicare Part D stand-alone drug plan, or your Part D drug plan is included in your Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to respond to the email that will be arriving soon!

Romantic Fun Moments? – September 2022

When you were courting your sweetie, what did you do to be fun or romantic? Sure, we all imagine flowers and candy, maybe even a nice dinner out. Or you went dancing or to a club? Maybe the romantic evening was a concert to see their favorite entertainer. Whatever it was you probably remember it being one of the most romantic things you’ve planned or experienced. Whenever and whatever it was made you…you!

Now just because you might think something you planned was the most romantic thing you’ve ever done; your partner might have other ideas. So, you might want to have that conversation sometime.

I had what I thought was one of the most romantic fun and exciting thing I’d done for my charming bride over our 40 years. But…I discovered I was totally wrong! I had asked her to lunch and had brought along a bag with a stuffed leopard inside and it had an envelope pinned to it. Inside were tickets to an African photography Safari! Out of all my memories, I would have thought that was “it.” The most romantic moment.

But it turned out that it was some of the small things she talked about. She mentioned the occasion I had gotten a nice bonus, and instead of just handing the check to her, I went to the bank and got cash in small bills. I piled the cash on the bed in our spare room. And when she got home, I handed her a note. It was a clue to where the next note was located. After visiting a dozen spots around the house, the last clue was to check the bed. But it wasn’t just the pile of money on the bed that she loved, it was the time I took giving her a treasure hunt!

Another thing was a simple cardboard Easter bunny I had made for her and had written “Good for a back rub anytime” on the back of the cardboard bunny. That was 20 years ago, and she still has it, treasured with love!

So a conversation about what romance means to your sweetie might surprise you. And those romantic experiences are parts of what make you… you!

Out with a bang! – September 2022

Wow! August went out with a bang (and a few booms!) Monsoon storms and rainfall in Arizona were at levels we haven't seen in years! Our "wet" season officially starts June 15th and ends September 30th. Flooding and rainfall have been record-setting in 2022. The rest of the country is seeing rain and flooding not seen in years too.

While September in Arizona can still be a hot month, it's usually when the night temperatures start to drop. It's not uncommon to be in the 100s during the day and drop to the 70s at night. Some days can experience a 30-to-40-degree swing!

For many parts around the USA, September is the month for leaves to start changing. Lovely Sunday drives to witness nature's color in all its glory is another favorite activity this time of year.

And for all the sports-minded folk, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? College football has become increasingly popular versus professional sports as there doesn't seem to be as much political nonsense with college football. So, root on with your favorite team! If baseball is your thing… it's time for the playoffs!

Hopefully, with kids returning to school, parents and even grandparents are getting a bit of a break in their daily schedules.

Oh, and it's only 16 weeks until Christmas!!! So enjoy your fall!!

Please and Thank You! – August 2022

What the heck has happened to manners? Did they just disappear? If not, they certainly are taking a hiatus! I am simply amazed by the language and lack of manners that is predominate in our society these days. Why, even famous people, athletes, and politicians don’t mind being crude, blunt, and to the point of being obtusely rude with foul language and lack
of civility!

Growing up in the Deep South, we were taught to be gentlemen by our parents. Every question and the answer was started or finished with a “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am.” It was a given that we use magic words like “Please,” followed by a “Thank You.” To this day I still open doors for ladies, and assist an elderly or handicapped person if allowed to.

Do you have manners? If so, who taught you? If you seem to have a lack of, then there’s no time like the present to correct that deficiency. Even Dear Abby started a campaign years ago with her simple booklet on “Good Manners.”

While we don’t want to blame everything on our education system, there is a total lack of respect for teachers and administrators in our schools. If we look at society, we can trace some of this downfall to our family units over the past 30-40 years. With both parents working and children becoming “latch-key” kids, there exists a growing lack of parental responsibility to the effect that we now have disrespectful adults raising disrespectful kids, compounding the challenge. What are these kids
exposed to for poor influence? Well for one thing, popular music with incredibly foul language and explicit sex acts is described, and what’s on TV isn’t much better.

What’s the cure? I might be so bold as to describe why my single mother was successful in raising three boys by herself. The answer was “structured activity,” plain and simple. If we were not at baseball practice, we were at band rehearsal, and if not that, we were at Boy Scouts, and if not that, we were at church doing activities with our youth group, if not that, we
were at the library checking out books to read. In other words, we didn’t have time to get in trouble. All the time we were subjected to male and female role models where respect and good manners were reinforced. Fred Astaire once said “The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.”

It’s Hot! – August 2022

I don't know where you are… but here in Arizona, we are dealing with some of the hottest summer heat on record. Our local
power company just recorded the largest power draw on their system in history… now that’s hot!

Guess all of our air conditioners are running at full power here in the valley, I know mine is! When I do venture outside I have these reminders running through my mind:

Drink plenty of fluids! You need to stay hydrated.

Put on a hat! (If you didn't know I am bald as it gets!) Now is not the time to get careless! Sunburn hurts!

How is your aloe vera supply?

The heat isn’t all bad though. It give us a chance to go explore new places we wouldn't otherwise had a reason to go visit. Like a day trip for a picnic up to the mountains or rim country,

Payson, is beautiful this time of year… It’s not just the heat we’re still dealing with, but also a late monsoon rain could appear.

If hiking, stay out of dry creek beds and caverns as it could be raining miles away but the flash flood could affect you!

Make the best of these next few weeks and get the kids and grandkids out on a few extra outings as it’s almost time for school to start!

Stay safe and hold on for another month or two before we start getting cooler temperatures.

Until next month…

State of Confusion – July 2022

Before attending one of our many workshops, Rich and Rachael were astounded by the amount of misinformation they had learned from friends, relatives, and medical staff about Medicare.

Some of this misinformation:

1. You must sign up for Medicare at age 65 no matter what!
2. You can never change Medicare plans after you choose one.
3. You can't keep your employer's plan.
4. You can have as many plans for coverage as you want.
5. You don't need a Part D drug plan because it's optional.
6. Many doctors don't take Medicare anymore.
7. My friend has a great plan, and I want that same one.
8. I thought that no one could ask medical questions anymore.
9. Medicare covers me anywhere in the world.

After attending our Medicare workshop and meeting with a Certified Medicare Planner® to research their specific doctors, hospitals, and prescription needs, they were pleased to find out that Medicare wasn't the big bad bugger-bear that they thought it would be.

We also clarified that the information they shared about Medicare above was not accurate. The couple asked us, "Why is all that wrong information out there?" The answer was simple. Most folks repeat gossip like it was the gospel; they are not speaking as trained professional advisors.

The other issue is that doctors' offices confuse folks about which Medicare Advantage network doctors participate in. With over 5000 combinations of Medicare plans available, it's no surprise!

As part of our initial meeting, we learned that Rich had access to a Retirement Health Plan from his company. But it costs over $1,000 a month to ensure them both! They were thrilled to find a Medicare Medigap plan they could each have for about $300 a month with no co-pays and only a $233 deductible. They could also go to any doctor they wanted to go to, even any specialist, without a referral! When you turn 65, whether you continue working or planning to retire and wonder, "What do I do"?

Be sure to explore your Medicare options. We can help you compare your options to feel confident with your healthcare choices.

Finish what you start – July 2022

Our parents or another significant adult (teacher, coach, etc.) told us to "finish what you start!" As a result, we all find a level of responsibility to finish things at
different times of our lives. However, sometimes unfinished business has unintended consequences.

I remember while growing up that there were unintended consequences when you didn't finish a job or your chores. While there wasn't much harm in not raking ALL the leaves in the yard in the fall or not mowing ALL the lawn, we quickly learned that the important stuff had dire consequences. For example, you had to milk the cows every day at the dairy farm, including Saturday and Sunday! If you missed a day, the cows could stop producing milk, and then you'd have nothing to sell. So, you had to make sure those cows were milked at the same time every single day!

When it was time to harvest the hay, it had to be cut, dried and bailed. Then the bailed hay was placed in the barn's loft so that the cows have feed all winter. If the hay got wet because you didn't bail it on time, or if it were to rain before you could bail the cut grass, that hay would mold and spoil. You had to buy your hay, and that was expensive. You cut into your profit because somebody didn't finish the job.

When did you learn about finishing the job, and who taught you those valuable lessons? What were the dire consequences that you or your family suffered if a job wasn't finished?

How about those healthcare or retirement plans you've been meaning to manage? What about that income plan you know you need but haven't gotten around to? We see folks on an almost

Fun 4th of July Facts – July 2022

Americans love their holidays, and the 4th of July is one of the granddaddies of them all!

Fun Fact: Many citizens think we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on this day. Actually, we celebrate the adoption of the document - voted on and approved by the Continental Congress on July 4th. John Adams wrote to his dear wife that July 2nd would go down in history as Independence Day- the day the thirteen original colonies separated formally from Great Britain. Still, the body politic didn't approve it until July 4th! So there you are!

Another Fun Fact: Most of the delegate members didn't actually sign the Declaration until August 2nd, 1776.

The best-known version of the Declaration is a signed parchment copy displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Did you know... Two additional copies of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence have been found in the last 25 years. The words "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th of July 1776" are written upside-down across the bottom on the back of the original document.

The nation's population was 2.5 million when the Declaration was signed, as compared to 329 million currently. July 4th didn't become a federal holiday until 1870, and it wasn’t until 1941 that it became a paid holiday for all federal workers. It’s interesting to know… many countries around the world celebrate the 4th of July along with Americans because they see it as a way to bring in American tourists to vacation during the holiday.

So whether you are celebrating with a backyard BBQ, a day at the lake or beach, or a local parade with fireworks in the evening, may you have a safe and joyful Fourth!

Long Distance – June 2022

Carol and Adam and been an "item" for years in the Arizona firm they worked at, but now something was a threat to their relation- ship. Carol had won a promotion. But to take advantage of the opportunity, she had to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia. She wanted the promotion and the raise that went with it, but she didn't want to leave Adam behind in Arizona.

While they were both excited about moving to Atlanta, Adam would have to leave his job and find another to relocate with Carol. His main concern? It wasn't about finding a job or the pay. Instead, it was about medical benefits. He would be turning 65 in a few months and was confused about Medicare and transitioning to it. Lucky for him, his buddy Glenn was already 65 and worked in the office next to his.

Glenn was to the point on what to do. "You're turning 65 and moving- you don't want to make a mistake with this. Call David at American Retirement Advisors, and they'll have the answers for you." Adam was grateful but hesitant. Should he use an Arizona service for the guidance he needed for his soon-to-be new home state of Georgia? He trusted Glenn, and he needed an honest place to start, so he made the call.

In our first meeting, we made him feel at ease by letting him know we are licensed in every state. So, assisting him with getting a plan in Georgia was easy! He was already feeling relieved!

We reviewed all the plans available in his new zip code, and he was surprised that the coverage and costs would even be better than his current employer's health plan. (We hear that a lot!)

He decided to stay with his current job until he turned 65 and then allowed us to enroll him in a Medicare plan of his choice stress-free. Carol had already moved, blazing the trail to Atlanta. Adam joined her as soon as he had his new medical coverage. So expert guidance and planning allowed them to move prepared!

Moving to another state and needing Medicare Expertise? Call us so we can help!

Biggest Surprise of My life! -June 2022

We’ve all had a big surprise in our life at some point. What was yours? Who were you with, where was it, and what was it? Whatever it was, it made you…you.

As I review my life, I am amazed that a poor kid from Georgia has accomplished what I have. My two brothers and I lived in a rental house with just our mother to support us. There was never any extra money. I admired her - a saint for what she accomplished by raising three boys alone.

At an early age, my brothers and I learned that you better earn some money if you wanted something. So, we cut grass, raked leaves, washed windows, cleaned out roof gutters, cut firewood, and just about anything to earn money. I was surprised at what I could do and what I earned!

I paid my way through college, graduated, and spent time trying different employment opportunities. I was a trained singer and successfully worked at Six Flags in their live shows, and even worked as a stuntman. I later met my wife and moved with her to California. During the first years of marriage, the biggest surprise of my life was having our baby daughter!

We both loved to travel, and when we got married, we promised each other that we would go somewhere we had never been before once a year. At first, we could afford only local destinations as newlyweds. But later, as our income allowed, we started visiting more exotic destinations - Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico. We included annual trips to New York to see the newest shows. Then added a few cruises and international travel to several European countries, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Iceland, and other Pacific Rim countries. I was grateful we could share these experiences with our young daughter!

I started out as a poor kid; I never thought I’d visit over 40 countries and travel worldwide - not in my wildest dreams. But, having a daughter and all the travel we have accomplished are the biggest surprises in my life.

Each of us has experienced something that makes us unique. So, what was the biggest surprise in your life? Because whatever it was, it made you…you!