Veterans – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"] As we meet with clients each year for the Annual Election Period (AEP), we run into thousands of different scenarios. This year is no exception. Here is a particular case that might apply to many folks reading the column this month. Charlene has been a client for years and annually submitted her request for research for us to perform her review. Her elderly father moved in with her recently, so Charlene became his “caretaker” and needed our help with his Medicare too. He is a WWII vet and always uses the VA. He never had the need or desire to go elsewhere. His doctor went on vacation and hadn’t come back for over three weeks, but he needed to be seen. Charlene didn’t know what to do. Obviously, she wanted to help him and just have him go see her doctor. The best remedy? She needed to get Dad a Medicare plan that would allow him to go outside of the VA for times like this…so she called us. Dad had not served long enough to be eligible for Tri-Care for life. Dad did have Original Medicare A and B but had never picked up a drug plan because he filled everything at the VA, and wanted to keep it that way. We needed to find a Medicare Advantage plan without a Part D drug plan built in. Luckily there are half a dozen Medicare Advantage plans without a drug plan in their county to pick from. Now, to search for plans that had Charlene’s doctor in-network so Dad could go too. 15 minutes later, together we found a plan that not only covered their doctor and hospital of choice, but also provided a $50 give back to his Part B premium every month!!! Charlene and Dad were ecstatic. If you have a friend, a relative, or even a chatty acquaintance that has not reviewed their Medicare plans recently… Call us we can help! *The annual election period is ending December 7th, but that does not mean we cannot start the process to get plans lined up and appointments booked for next year! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Heroes… – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]Have you had a hero in your life? What, or why, was the reason they were your Hero? Was it a friend, relative, neighbor? Because whatever the situation or whoever the person was, it made you….you.
As we meet with clients, we often hear their life stories as they share personal issues or events.
We often hear of an outstanding teacher or coach. Other times it was a particular boss at their job that made a positive impact on their life. But the main point is a person in your life might have put you on the path that made you what you are today. And it’s not always a family or friend that provides a meaningful impact.
I recently had the privilege of meeting not one but three 90-year-old Veterans. They were kind enough to engage me in their experiences from WWII. It was like opening a history book. One of them had landed in England, was part of the invasion on D-Day, and fought in the European theater for the rest of the war. When I thanked him for his service and told him he was my Hero of the day, he simply stated, "No, David, all the heroes are still over there." He was 18 when he shipped out and survived the war without a scratch. So veterans are absolute heroes to me.
Find and thank the folks who are your heroes because they are the ones who made you...you!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Santa or Grinch? – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4"]Rolling into the Christmas season, we're already on the verge of too many Christmas songs on the radio. Especially since they have been playing since Halloween. Many people, like my family, never tire of the holiday songs and the warm fuzzy feeling they bring.
Approaching this time of year, we can choose to be a Santa or a Grinch. But you won't find any Bah Humbuggers in my sphere of friends or business associates because… you attract what you project!
Does rainfall in all our lives occasionally? You bet! Does it rain every day? Nope!
I find that by following a few simple rules, I enjoy life a bit more. What are those rules? I'm glad you asked!
-Avoid the news! We are bombarded with negativity in the media. Avoid news for one week and see how your attitude improves!
-Celebrate your successes! Even small ones. Pat yourself on the back because sometimes you are your best friend. And let's face it. Not everyone knows your struggles, so when you score a win…celebrate it!
-Find the good in others. This one is hard for me, especially driving to and from work every day and getting cut off in traffic. My first instinct is to think negatively about the bad driver, but what if they are responding to an emergency, I don’t know about?
The point is, only you can decide to be a Santa or a Grinch during these holidays. Choose wisely!
Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Check every year for changes to Medicare – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]Stan and Jackie have been clients for five years and read the American Retirement Advisor Newsletter each month to keep abreast of the changes in Medicare and financial and safety tips highlighted each month. For example, last month's newsletter reminded them about Medicare's Annual Election Period (AEP) that happens each year.
Jackie was perusing the latest edition and calmly asked Stan if he had replied to the emails, we send out to each client this time of year to get updated prescription lists. In addition, we do research based on your answers to ensure each client is on the most appropriate drug plan for the coming year because plans change every year even if YOUR needs don't.
"Humm," Stan replied absent-mindedly. "I don't remember. What does it matter anyway since we both only take a few generic medications? I'm sure we are fine for next year."Jackie responded, "I remember when we met with David, he said it was important to check our plan every year. So I'd feel better if we sent our lists and completed the reply. I'll grab our medications to help." Stan completed his response and then Jackie sent hers and awaited a recommendation in the days to follow.
The couple was pleasantly surprised by the research response they received. "Holy Crap!" He exclaimed. "David's research team just answered our email. We need to schedule an appointment ASAP as the premium for the Part D Prescription Drug plan we are on is going to increase from $14 a month to $56a month." "HOW MUCH!?!?" Jackie could not believe her ears.
They made phone appointments to review their options for 2022 Part D drug plan changes and were again surprised to learn that just by shopping plans, they were going to save close to $1,000 next year.
HURRY!!! If you haven't already, be sure to respond to our AEP emails sent last month so we can help you avoid surprises in 2022!
Didn't get our email? Call us! We can help!877-220-1089.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Thankful for Parents!
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4"]There are many things I’m personally thankful for, and in particular, a caring parent who raised three rambunctious boys into good caring adults.
Our Mom was a single parent, and back in the ’50s and ‘60s, there was a certain stigma to being from a one-parent household in the South. But, looking back, I think she did a fantastic job of keeping us out of trouble. She worked full time and still ran the household with determination. She taught all three of us how to cook, clean, make a bed, run a washing machine and dryer, and cook and make minor repairs to our clothing. For example, if you got a hole in your sock in our house, you got the sewing basket and fixed it yourself! “Come on, what are you waiting for? Get busy!” She would often push.
When I was in college, I was amazed at how many of my university classmates didn’t even know how to boil an egg, much less cook dinner, shop for groceries, wash clothes, or accomplish simple mending chores. I didn’t know how good of a “life coach” I had while growing up.
Mom supported our interests in the school band, baseball Little League teams, and more. If the church doors were open for a service, we were there. Our Mom kept us so busy; there simply wasn’t any time to get into trouble. Later as teens, we all had part-time jobs to earn spending money.
I recently had a phone call with one of my old high school chums and learned about some misfortune of another family with three boys in our old neighborhood. Unfortunately, the news was not good, as all three had fallen in with “the bad kids,” and none of them were alive today.
I recognized my thankfulness at that moment. Our Mom who cared enough to make sure we would turn out to be good men. And for that, I am truly THANKFUL. Things you are thankful for, are what make you, you!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Thanks and Pass the Gravy! – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]As we come to this time of year, we have certainly had our fair share of troubling times and tribulations these past several months. But it’s also a time to be thankful for what is good and great in our lives.
Is your family in good health? Do you have running water and flushing toilets? Have clothes to wear with shoes on your feet. Are you eating regularly and maybe even gained a little bit of weight? Were there birthday parties or family get-togethers where you could actually see and touch loved ones? Be thankful!
While you may be OK, are there friends or neighbors who might need a helping hand this time of year? Maybe it’s an elderly person who would just love a simple visit from you to brighten their day? Many of these folks just want something for free….your time. They want to interact and be with someone who puts a smile or a spark in their lives.
At this time of year, be generous with your time to someone who would love a visit. Americans have long been known for their generosity. So, let’s all work together to keep that positive attitude going!
Wishing you and yours a truly Happy Thanksgiving! Now...pass the gravy!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]I can Help! – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]We recently met with Donna to review her needs and enroll in Medicare. At the end of the meeting, she expressed her confidence in what she wanted to do as far as her health plan choices. However, she had one piece of homework to enroll in Medicare P arts A&B on her own.
We provided Donna with the link to enroll electronically and the 800 772 1213 phone number to Social Security to enroll over the phone. She thought she was all set. A week later, she called our office panicked. "This is Brady . I can help one of our client care team members answered.
"Oh, Brady!" Donna exclaimed, "I think I've really messed up trying to enroll in Medicare. The link took me to Social Security and not Medicare!
Brady calmly explained that she had not "messed up"! The process to enroll in Medicare begins through Social Security so she was in the right place. Brady remained on the phone with her to assist her step by step, screen by screen, to ensure she was completely comfortable completing her enrollment. "Thank you! You made this so easy!" She exclaimed.
"Making things 1, 2, 3, Easy is what we do!" replied Brady. “I am always happy to help!” It's comforting for clients to work with a firm that has a client care team that is readily accessible to provide personalized care and create calm when client’s need it!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Scary Stuff – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]When recalling our childhoods, scary things seemed a lot more real back when we were young. Whatever scared you, made you…...the you, ….you are today!
As kids in the late 50's and early 60's, Fridays were when the scary movies came on TV late at night. Of course, no school the next day meant we were allowed to stay up and watch! Old Frankenstein, Wolfman, Dracula, Mummy, and Creature from the Black Lagoon films filled our small 19" Motorola black and white TV screen. Three boys sat hypnotized on the couch, huddled together with a bowl of popcorn. Oh, and my proverbial blanket nearby to hide under during 'terrifying' moments. My mom swore I was Linus from the cartoon Peanuts as everywhere I went, I had a blanket. Somehow, I felt that blanket would protect me from the scary boogers on TV and maybe in real life too!
After watching one particularly scary movie one night, our older brother thought it would be funny to sneak up on my twin and me in the dark and grab us. Of course, it scared the living daylights out of us!! SO…we plotted our revenge. As our brother quietly laughed himself to sleep, we crept down the hall, got one of our mom's old raincoats and our grandfather's old hat he had given us. I climbed on my twin's shoulders so we would look taller, put on the coat and hat, and snuck up beside our brother's bed. We both started screaming while I was waving my arms wildly! Payback was sweet!
So, what was your scary stuff moment? Who was with you? Who did you scare? Was it funny or not? Because whatever "it" was, it made you...you!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Howl-O-Ween! – 2021
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.4.4" hover_enabled="0"]As we enter the fall months, Halloween is the kickoff to the holidays. Most American's start to get distracted by all the holiday spirit that comes alive this time of year. Kids back in school, football season in full swing, and special meals for a special time of year. And PUMPKIN Spiced everything!!!!
Retailers have latched onto Halloween as the start of anything pumpkin, and it continues through Thanksgiving to Christmas. As young kids growing up, pumpkin pie was about the only 'pumpkin' thing we would get in these fall months. Now it's a literal smorgasbord of whatever you can think of that can be pumpkin flavored.
Another seasonal sign that happens in our neck of the woods is the howling of the coyotes at night ramping up as the weather cools down. After 33 years of living near the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, we get our fair share of daytime and nocturnal critter visits like skunks, raccoons, owls, javelina, bobcats, and coyotes. The coyote howl is a distinct sound that we never tire of hearing. It calls out Howl- o-ween in the desert. Oh, and yes, we are on our guard keeping our pets indoors at night. Nobody wants their pet to turn into a coyote hors d'oeuvre!
Enjoy October's entrance even if that includes pumpkin spice!
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