By David P Schaeffer

[spacer height=”03px”]

Arizona is really awesome! The first quarter of the year has been exceptional; the weather has been mild, and there is an exuberance in the air. Ok, maybe it’s pollen, but folks just seem to be happier.

[spacer height=”03px”]

The parking lots at our local shopping and dining establishments appear to be full on the weekends. People are out and about. Our snowbird tourists are still here enjoying our hotspots. They are keeping our hotels and
golf courses nicely busy, and movie theaters are full. It’s just a great time to be in Arizona.

[spacer height=”03px”]

I stopped watching the news because there seems to be only one topic…if I recall, something about a guy with blond hair that vacations in Palm Beach every weekend.

[spacer height=”03px”]

The markets are in decline a bit as profits are skimmed from the DOW, S&P, FTSE and Nikkei. My guess is we have to wait a bit more before we see significant adjustments. But who knows? Gold is having a good year so far.  Brent crude over the past 12 months is creeping upwards; I heard we should expect a 30-cent increase in the next quarter at the pump. It would be great if we could all pre-purchase at low prices and fill up later!

[spacer height=”03px”]

As you can tell, I am always optimistic. I guess I’m wired that way. We are launching a new company; www.EasyLife.com will be launched in mid-summer! It will service the basic estate planning needs of folks in their 50s.  We have hired our first two employees and I look to add at least 30 more folks in the next 12 months. There is a great need to help folks plan for their futures when they are younger. Leverage is a great thing when it is in your favor. Compounding only works its magic if you give it the time it requires. The new website and initial infrastructure are actually up and running.  As we phase into full operation, we will launch sections of the online services gradually to ensure a great client experience. When up and running, we will offer customer service experiences that are not yet available in the industry. Stay tuned.

[spacer height=”03px”]

So, what else? Under age 65 individual health insurance, has had new rules finalized by the Health and Human Services Administration. (Actually, to allow insurance companies to make a profit.) I mean, to offer insurance again. My guess is, under age 65 individual health insurance may be a business again in November of this year. Looks like the new final “market stabilization” rule will allow companies to offer larger deductibles, higher premiums, and perhaps bring back the old networks that had all our doctors. Hmm. Hopefully, the “faith-based” healthcare programs will remain a viable alternative.

[spacer height=”03px”]

More good stuff. Our business is thriving. We continue to grow and serve our client’s needs. Our Medicare planning practice is seeing clients enjoy great options and one major insurance company should see a nice rate decrease this summer. The estate planning team is bustling with clients getting their affairs in order.  Retirement planning is doing a fantastic job ensuring our client’s income will last as long as they need it and then transfer to their heirs when they no longer have a need for it. The long-term care planning is busier than I have seen in years. People are getting their plans in place while they are healthy, just in case they need extra help in later years.

[spacer height=”03px”]

I think you can tell we love what we do, and we appreciate the nice folks that are kind enough to allow us to serve their needs.

[spacer height=”03px”]

Just wanted to say thank you! “Thank you!”