I’m mad… not sure what to do! – September 2022

This is behind-the-scenes information, not reported by any news outlet…yet.

I had dinner last month with a friend in our business. He is actually a big deal in one of the largest insurance companies in the Medicare space. I tried to enjoy my meal after he shared some coming changes to Medicare plans in 2023 and 2024.

He mentioned briefly that MEDICARE has changed a rule affecting every Medicare beneficiary. We have all seen the latest "Landmark Bill to Cut Prescription Drug Prices," the one slated to cap prescription drug costs at $2,000 per year… that one.

This is great for folks with medications, severely cutting into their monthly budget. But what about the majority of Medicare beneficiaries that only take generic maintenance medications, pay low or no copays, have no deductibles on their plans for those medications, and their plan premium is less than $20/month? What about those folks?

I was so flabbergasted at what he shared. Then, heartbroken for our clients. So, here it is.

"Medicare will no longer allow insurance companies who offer Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans (which include Part D prescription benefits) to pass through their savings from drug manufacturers to Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2023."

What does that mean for the 50-plus million folks reliant on Medicare for prescription drugs? Again, we will see when the plans are released in October, and we will begin our research. My guess is Higher costs!

Higher costs in multiple ways. For folks with Medicare Advantage plans, in the past, most plans did not have a deductible for any prescriptions. For folks on Medicare supplements, the inexpensive Part D plans will go away or back to the old prices averaging about $30 per month. That is potentially triple the current premium for many people in 2022. But, again, my comments are a guess. We will see what the plans look like in October.

The other effects could just be higher copays for maintenance drugs. Some drugs could move up a tier. For example, some generics are actually on the preferred brand tier this year. So I guess we could see more of that. (In English, less $0 copay medications.) These changes could also be phased in 2023 and 2024.

I am mad. I feel that the elected folks are lying. First, they say they want to reduce the cost of prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries; that's a good thing! Then they change a rule that may negatively impact them later down the road.

This makes what we do for our clients even more vital.

It is absolutely critical that everyone has a Certified Medicare Planner® to help them with their plan research. Initially, when just turning 65 and going on Medicare, and again annually to ensure their plan continues to be suitable for them. Experts will look at every plan available, not just the plans that will pay a commission.

Stay tuned to the newsletter for more critical information as we approach the Medicare Annual Election Period.

Here to Help – August 2022

Remember the old days. Three TV networks. The local paper and maybe the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. That was it. You called a local business and folks answered the phones in three rings. A soda fountain in the local Woolworths or corner store was a thing.

Ah the good ole days.

I remember good old-fashioned customer service where folks knew your name. When was the last time you walked into your local bank and the person who helped you last time was still there?

I have good news for you.

There is a little retirement planning company with a few offices here and there that understand what service to the customer looks and feels like. Where you are greeted with a friendly smile when you enter. You may even find your name in lights in the lobby. A kind person offers you a warm or cold beverage. They happily help you whether you are meeting someone or dropping off something.

Yes, I guess I’m talking about us. American Retirement Advisors and all of our companies. I guess you folks recognized our dedication as well. In Arizona we have been voted by the public through the Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com as The BEST of the BEST for Medicare Planning and Financial Planning. Do you realize how many companies are in our business? On the planning side, Edward Jones, JP Morgan, Raymond James, were all nominated, but our little firm won not just once but four times. As for the Medicare planning side, we actually don’t have any competitors. We are the only Medicare Fiduciaries and Certified Medicare Planners®. All other players in Medicare are either the insurance companies, agents who work for the insurance companies, or brokers. We built our company to help folks get the most out of what they have. Eliminate sales
gimmicks and provide the most value possible.

It has certainly paid off for our clients all over this great country of ours.

Thank you for being a fan!

What goes up must come down… or does it? – July 2022

We've all heard it, and now… and if you have been around the block a few times, you have already experienced it. The cost of gas is at  historic highs after years of historic lows, and interest rates are climbing back up after being at what feels like nearly zero for quite some time. Even as I write this in June, summer lets us know it's already here with temperatures rising earlier than ever!

But it's not all doom and gloom, though! There are some good highs too! For instance, 96% of hospitalized individuals here in Arizona are NOT being treated for any COVID variant. In addition, shipping containers carrying goods across the ocean are now flowing freely without the bottlenecks of late. Which should improve access to some goods we have had trouble obtaining for a long time. Thankfully, even formula (for my granddaughter) is back on the shelves!

There will always be ups and downs, but how you deal with them matters. Like we tell folks when they come to us for retirement planning, we cannot time the market, but we can insulate from down times like these and capitalize on the up that comes after. So get ready, better times are coming.

Are you really prepared? – June 2022

Sooooo what if something unexpected happens? What can we expect? That depends.

Most of our clients are already retired, on a fixed but comfortable income, take one or two prescription medications, and are relatively active. What about being prepared with other basic necessities?

Change is the only constant and preparing for unexpected events can bring peace of mind. For example, we discuss wealth preservation tactics for folks retiring at our social security and retirement income workshops. But what about safeguarding tangible essential needs in the event of an emergency?

Having a prepared mindset has become a bit of a hobby for me. When it comes to preserving essential needs, how would I need to prepare?

According to FEMA, 1960 Boy Scout handbook, guides for survivalists and preppers, and folks enjoying off the grid living on YouTube, there are some sustainability basics- Water, food, shelter, sanitation, medication, hygiene, and first aid. Those are the beginnings of a prepared mindset. For instance:

Water. We need it to drink, eat, clean, bathe, and grow plants. Here's a simple test: What would happen to life at home if the water was turned off for an hour. The first thing that comes to mind is that you only have ONE FLUSH of the toilet. Many of us have bottled drinking water on hand, so thirst won't be an issue at the one-hour mark. The bottled drinking water can also cover cooking in that time frame.

Next, let's imagine 24 hours. Hopefully, you have a pool and a bucket to refill the toilet. If not, what then? A case of water bottles is not going to take care of you if that is your sole source of water. What about bathing? Dishes? Solution: Have a month's worth of drinking water and a source of clean water for cleaning and flushing.

Food. What do you eat every day? I eat mostly protein and vegetables. I'm not a rice, pasta, bean, or legume guy. Admittedly, the veggies are not my choice. My wife sneaks them in. My point is we eat mostly fresh food. Not canned, jarred, or stored. For short-term sustainability, buy more, buy more. The price is not going down. Every dollar spent on food today is a tremendous savings realized even a month from now. For the long term... Maybe I should learn to embrace more canned and jarred foods. Shelter is easy. Stay home.

Medication. Not so easy. Having a 90-day supply is common, especially for those who mail-order their prescriptions. What if you can't get to the doctor for some reason? Telehealth is an option. Many doctors have transformed their practices to virtual-only. But what about hard-to-get or expensive medications? I'm not talking about insulin, available without a prescription from Walmart for under $30 for years (Yes, there are more costly insulins, but in a survival situation, you can maintain with the old analog insulins if needed*). What about inhalers that are $300 to $500 a refill or cancer medications that are $10,000 to $20,000 per month and getting months of reserve is difficult at best. When talking to your doctor, consider a scenario where you will be out of the country or on a wilderness retreat for months off-grid. *Discuss your options. The point is to have a plan or meds on hand, so you are never without.

Sanitation. What if there was a diesel fuel shortage and trash collection switched from weekly to monthly? Where/how would you manage your trash? Your weekly fill-size trash can would be full. Stock up on some SUPER THICK 5 or 10 mil 55-gallon bags. The two-ply...I mean, twofold reason? First, they would help keep the critters out and the smells in, for a while. And second... for the 'other' sanitation need... if you ran out of water and had to use a makeshift toilet, you will need a few extra trash bags, don't ya think?

Hygiene. It has already hit 100 degrees here. Can we get personal for a moment? How are you going to shower if the gas or electric goes out? Where are you storing water for your shower? Do you have soap that won't melt in the heat or clump in the cold? What about shampoo, deodorant, and antiperspirant? Do you have extra supply? Since we are already getting personal, I guess now is a good time to discuss toilet paper. How many weeks of supply do you have on hand? I am talking about mathematically figuring out what you need if you are stuck at home for a week or a month and can't get to the store or the store doesn't have it. No mincing words -I'm not talking about hoarding. I’m saying be prepared.

First aid. There are multiple scenarios to discuss here, from a basic boo-boo kit for scrapes to trauma kits for more serious injuries. For example, if your family member gets a burn while cooking, takes a fall, stops breathing, seriously cuts themselves, or something even worse happens. DO you have the stuff to stabilize them until professional help arrives? What is an expected wait for the EMT and/or ambulance? What can you do in the meantime?
If you are retired and have time in your day, add a simple preparation list to your living plan. Then, prepare by deciding to be a little more self-reliant. FEMA.gov has a great essential list to get your preparedness juices flowing.

My journey in learning about being prepared has been fascinating, and I am growing! Who knows, your new knowledge could unexpectedly help others. For example, you may join an off-road civilian search and rescue team. Take CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) course. Learn CPR and basic first aid. You never know how and when you can lend a hand to those in need.

Chin up. Life is good. American Retirement (Prepper) Advisor out.

Small stuff or big picture -May 2022

“Don't sweat the small stuff.” That's what folks have said to make us feel better when we’re overwhelmed. I have heard it too, and I get it. But in talking to Nancy, who runs our financial department, she says SHE is ALL about the small stuff. That is a true statement because she is responsible for folks who manage our client's
life-long savings. The details always count!

For you and me, the 'big picture' items should be what we reflect on daily. Things like our family, our health, and our wealth's health might be at the top of our minds and deserve more frequent check-ins.

The family check-in:

The Youngers... How are your kids, the grands, and the great grands? Have you shared a "Hello" with extended family this week? If they watch the news (I mean... broadcast opinions and entertainment with a bias based on some event, not actually news...), they could be a little freaked out about the conflict in Europe. So a calming call just to say you were thinking about them is always welcome.

The Olders... They may need a little more attention. Different attention. Perhaps a call every couple of days. Depression is a big deal with olders. Sometimes, they catch the lonesome bug when they lose friends and don't make new ones. Even worse, if they shelter in place because they watch the same television broadcasts every day or health fears keep them isolated. I think it's up to us to reach out. Not the other way around. Just a quick call to let them know you care makes all the difference in the world.

Health checks:
As for health, Oh my. Health is a tough one. Our diet in America defies guidelines and standards. We have for generations eaten stuff we know we shouldn't and conditioned our taste buds to crave the wrong things. But you can conquer those cravings with conscious efforts My wife has made considerable conscious changes since the beginning of the year by eating healthy and it shows! She looks amazing. (Yes, I told her so.) I am glad she is cooking healthy, so I can keep a check on my health too. She makes dinner, and I wash the dishes. I'm still hitting the gym in the morning before work. Tip: Nothing like a trainer you gotta pay (whether you show up or not) to keep you exercising.

As for the wealth, we let Nancy and her team take care of that. They love the details. Which just makes one less thing for you and me to worry about.

What can we do? – 2022

There is a lot to be thinking about these days, and probably like me, inflation is what comes to mind first. Recently, I was in the store and noticed the price of 35 lbs. of chlorine. I usually don't look too closely at the costs of my regular maintenance supplies, but this one really smacked me in the face. Last year, a few issues contributed to the chlorine supply shortage we experienced. Back then, I immediately went online and sourced a years' worth of chlorine for my pool. Now needing chlorine again, it's inflation's turn for feeding wild pricing! You can't have a green pool, ya know. So back to stockpiling, I go.

As a young lad, I was a cub scout, and as an adult, I was a boy scout leader. The motto, "BE PREPARED," is not just a motto. It's a life skill that promotes readiness to respond. As a kid growing up near the water and a member of the power squadron, a boat safety organization, we learned to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As an adult, we unconsciously and consciously live this skill daily. We keep groceries in the pantry, manage our savings, and even chlorinate our pools for health safety. We vary in our levels of preparation, but it's a valuable skill.

So, what can we do in our current scenario? Consciously prepare.

As costs go up and product availability is impacted, just buy a little more. If you buy one giant paper towel package every month, just get one more. I hear you already asking where to put all this stuff. Tackle a closet and donate that stuff you haven't worn for the year to Goodwill. Folks will put it to good use, I promise.

As far as the pantry... are you a Costco canned organic diced tomato fanatic like my wife? Stock up, because you surely know many ways to use those delicious tomatoes. Speaking of veggies, I have gone the way of gluten-free eating (yep and lost 4 inches in my waist) over the past couple of months. Kudos to my wife, who is
eating and cooking super healthy, so I figured I would reduce my bread consumption too. Wow, what a difference. Good thing my suits are all held up with suspenders!

When on a journey, we will all experience many common things and see things differently. For me, right now, preparing just
We can help in all 50 states! makes good sense. We can make the best of things and do what we can for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

We ask our clients about their needs, dreams, and wishes when focusing on their retirement journey. We want them to feel confident and prepared financially. While facing our current economic situation, it just makes sense to extend some of our preparation practices. Someone once said, "Your attitude determines your altitude." I choose to soar. I feel lighter when I am prepared. If you need a little help, call our office. We can help make your retirement planning 123 Easy. That's what
we do!

How are you doing? – 2022

It's a new year, and I'm feeling pretty darn good. I made it another month without watching the news on TV, and I gave up news radio as well. I must tell you it is refreshing. I even didn't bring my phone to dinner with my wife Saturday night. Ok, I forgot it, but I survived.

I'm not sticking my head in the sand by any means. I'm just looking for digestible information from reliable sources without an agenda. We've talked about the folks on TV pushing bias…or just don't know it. My job is to cut through the chatter to provide direction. Although, I must tell you it is getting difficult to see through the forest.
It's really not news anymore that the markets are as volatile as ever, then there's inflation and chatter about Russia bad, America good, and Ukraine caught in the middle. I know I am way oversimplifying. But that chatter creates views for TV and conversations for everyone who watches.

What's the solution? In my mind, it is simple. Making sure important tasks are covered creates peace of mind.

Put everything you need or want to accomplish on paper (or your phone) and begin to get those tasks completed. What am I talking about? When was your last physical at the doctor's office? Many of our clients report staying home, not socializing, and avoiding doctor visits. Do you have at least 90 days of essential medications stored in a cool, dry spot? (Six months' supply, not three months). Because some drugs are in shorter than normal supply. Have you shopped for auto insurance lately? I saved over $3,000 per year by shopping three years ago. Remember, brands are marketing, not assurances of quality. (Not anymore, at least). Have you checked your windows and screens? (As well as sunscreens for us in the west) How is the garage door? How is the microwave, printer, computer, washer and dryer, fridge? Even building supplies are feeling the pinch. Have you put off some home maintenance? Prices are going up; you may wait weeks or months for something that used to be on the shelves. So, get your house in order too – for peace of mind.

As for the world, everyone looks at us… the USA. Our economy is actually doing ok. Folks are getting back to work. Services are slowly returning to normal. Restaurants are full. New car lots are still empty… but mechanics are super busy keeping our older cars in top shape. Supplies for most auto parts are flowing, albeit slowly. Tires, wiper blades, and batteries are available, but the costs are WAY up.
Change is still our only constant.

Stay optimistic. I'm optimistic. I have a new Lil’ Schaeffer to watch grow up. That adds to my optimism! My family is healthy. I'm down 10 pounds from this time last year. Life is good!

Thank you… – 2021

As this year comes to an end, I think it is appropriate to take a moment and reflect on where we have been, how far we have come, and where we want to go next.

We started 2021 with high hopes of a new "normal." The pandemic coming to an end… life and business back to resembling what we used to know.

But honestly, I am not sure I can remember what 2019 felt like. I am not even sure where 2020 went or, for that matter, 2021!

Our team has endured a lot, and it is all thanks to YOU, our wonderful clients, that fuel our sense of purpose. To wake up every morning knowing that someone needs our help regardless of the climate outside… politically or literally.

Thank you to the thousands of folks that attended a 123Easy workshop - online or for a rare in-person library event (not all the cities have opened their doors to events). Whether we guided on the basics of Medicare, Social Security, or Retirement Income Planning… we appreciate every attendee.

Thank you also to the thousands more that chose to navigate their retirement journey with one of our advisors. Our guidance now expands across the country! Without your trust, we would not make it very far in this ever-crowded industry.

We are grateful you all found your way to us online or in-office based on the word of a family or friend. Referrals are the lifeblood of any small business!

To all, WE say THANK YOU. Let's make 2022 even better!

Home of the Free and the Brave – 2021

I started our company over 20 years ago out of the trunk of my car, and I drove the tires off that car every six months. Yes, I did house calls back in the early days and could only help five or six folks… on a good day. We struggled! There were days where the costs of marketing and my only employee exceeded my commissions. But I knew people needed my help, so the challenges only drove me to keep going.

I strived above all to provide excellent services and add value to every person that was kind enough to let me help. I lead on that very premise to this day. You see, I regard it as a privilege to aid others and solve their challenges. A privilege I am grateful for.

I knew it would take time to grow the business when I first started, but I never asked for a handout or relied on others to pay my way. I just didn’t. I was raised to be self-reliant.

Our little company grew as we added people with great talents. Then, as we added more clients and employees, we grew even faster. Our growth landed us on Inc. magazine’s list of fastest-growing privately held companies three years in a row!

So what’s my point? I hear conversations and see on the news folks complaining about a lack of opportunities or the wrong jobs, comments about entitlement, frustration at low wages. Here? Now? While there are signs ‘looking to hire’ nearly everywhere you look?

I was a Cub Scout and later a Scout Leader as an adult. The Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” That made sense to me. It meant owning your moment, taking responsibility, doing the right thing at the right moment, being ready to do your duty. It still makes sense to me. In business, successful teams solve problems and do the right thing. Our team provides solutions as a unit. We know just about every challenge a client will encounter. Folks are struggling with something and need a solution when we first meet with them. They come to us because we are prepared and want to help. And it continues to be our privilege to help.

I still believe this is a place of opportunity. Where else on our little planet can you start from meager beginnings and grow into the company servicing thousands upon thousands of nice people in just about every state in our country? The Land of the Free. There is so much to be grateful for here. That’s just my 2 cents.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and THANK YOU for the privilege of allowing us to contribute something positive to your life … even if in some small way.

BOO! – 2021

Everywhere you look, the media seems to be promoting topics to stir up your fears. From continuing grocery store supply and chip shortages to health and the economy, etc. I don’t need to list all those news topics here as you probably know what I mean. It’s so hard to avoid the mainstream press or to tell what’s real news anymore. I try to read two or three publications looking for narratives that look like news and not opinion.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a sense of calm and predictability.

I find that in our business, no matter how clients express it, folks want guidance that fosters calm and predictability during their retirement years too. To guide clients navigating toward the calm, we first identify their unique needs and create a plan that provides solutions that accomplish their goals. Retirement planning is not a one-size-fits-all process.

Often folks come to us with concepts about how their retirement plans work, and sometimes their ‘concepts’ actually identify their worries. Did you know folks even consult their doctor for retirement guidance? I found this odd at first, but it is more common than you might think because of the personal relationship they have with their healthcare provider. They are managing their health after all…But then I realized a common thread, for instance, in managing your cholesterol and long-term care costs …Each professional is an expert in his field. As retirement planners, we have a common interest, you! Your doctor creates a plan for keeping your heart healthy. Your retirement planner creates the plan that keeps your finances healthy

Both professionals take common steps maintaining your ‘health’.

• Identify your needs by asking questions

• Share how particular options work and provide base level education so folks can make their own decisions

• Provide ways for managing the goal.

• Routine reviews

We understand how folks can get fearful when entering into a new realm such as retirement. It
doesn’t help when anxiety created by the media trickles into retirement concerns too. Our business
is based on calming your fears. We explain options so nothing scares you. I believe in looking at
each client as an individual - staying objective and unbiased.

I think I’d rather leave the scary ‘boos’ to the news media.