Success story of the month February 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="He said She Said..." background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="Success Story of the Month - February 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] By David S Edge [spacer height="04px"] [spacer height="03px"] While assisting many folks and couples with their selections of retirement planning options, we often run into pre-conceived notions about retirement, especially misinformation about Medicare. We will hear things like, “Well, my neighbor told me that her mother…. Or my cousin’s sister told us…” [spacer height="03px"] At times we just have to shake our heads! [spacer height="03px"] Marge and George were just such folks. We spent the first thirty minutes of their appointment dispelling all the things they thought they knew about retirement. Here is a short list of items we discussed. [spacer height="03px"] Marge stated they could get full Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. [spacer height="03px"] Correct answer: Full retirement age for Social Security is age 66. The benefit amount will be approximately 8% less for each year taken earlier. But you can take the discounted amount as early as age 62. [spacer height="03px"] George thought that he didn’t have to get a Part D Prescription Drug Plan along with his Medigap plan because his HR department stated that Part D was voluntary. [spacer height="03px"] Correct answer: While Part D is voluntary, what his HR department rep didn’t explain was that for each month he didn’t have a Part D, he would be penalized later when he did add Part D. The penalty grows each month he doesn’t have his Part D, and this penalty never goes away! [spacer height="03px"] George’s HR department told him he had to turn on his Part A of Medicare when he turns age 65. [spacer height="03px"] Correct answer: If you continue to work with an employer coverage plan, you do not need to do anything. [spacer height="03px"] George also thought he could continue to contribute to his HSA [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SuccessStory_Feb2017.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Medicare Minute Jan 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Time to Shop" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="Medicare Minute Jan 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] Time to Shop [spacer height="02px"] By David S. Edge [spacer height="02px"] We have just completed the Annual Election Period where folks with Medicare Advantage plans and independent Part D Prescription Drug Plans can switch plans with their new selections starting January 1, 2017. There are lots of happy folks out there that are pleased with the research our staff was able to perform for them and their choices for 2017. [spacer height="04px"] So now what? [spacer height="04px"] If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement), did you know you can switch your plan or carrier any month of the year? Now I know what you are thinking, “why would I do that?” [spacer height="04px"] What you have to realize is that your monthly Medigap premium is based on age, smoker, non-smoker, and even your zip code. Every year you have a birthday, your premium increases as these plans are age sensitive. [spacer height="04px"] The government inspects these carriers usually once a year to ensure they are funded correctly. If the carrier’s Medigap fund is underfunded, the government, not the carrier will instruct the carrier to increase their monthly premium and get back to 100% funding. These reviews can cause the carrier to increase or even decrease their rates. [spacer height="04px"] Over the years, we have seen both increases and decreases from the annual reviews. [spacer height="04px"] So there are two ways you may experience a rate change with Medigaps. Having a birthday, may result in an increase, or the state’s Department of Insurance review where you can see an increase or decrease in your monthly premium. [spacer height="04px"] Point is, you should shop your Medigap plan and carrier to see if you need to switch to keep your money where it belongs, in your pocket! [spacer height="04px"] Remember, you must be healthy with no chronic conditions in order to switch. There is no doctor or medical exam, just a medical questionnaire you must answer in order to see if you qualify. [spacer height="04px"] If you would to like to check out your options to see if you can save money, give us a call! We’re here to assist you with your research! Now is the time to call and schedule your “Medicare Supplement Review” to see if you could be saving! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture2.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Success Story of the Month
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Success Story of the Month" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="Dec 2016"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] This month’s success story is for all the folks who reviewed their Medicare advantage plans and made the correct decision on what to do for the next year! Each of you is a success story.[spacer height="05px"] (Sing along to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas)[spacer height="10px"] On the first day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a Medicare Advantage plan for free.[spacer height="05px"] On the second day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, tier-two drugs for cheap.[spacer height="05px"] On the third day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, three-month bill for Part B.[spacer height="05px"] On the fourth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free flu shots.[spacer height="05px"] On the fifth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a once-a-year-well-ness checkkkkkkk![spacer height="05px"] On the six day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, my doctors on my network.[spacer height="05px"] On the seventh day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free gym membership.[spacer height="05px"] On the eighth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a great newsletter for free.[spacer height="05px"] On the ninth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, nine nurses caring.[spacer height="05px"] On the tenth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me ten doctors deliberating.[spacer height="05px"] On the eleventh day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free doctor visits.[spacer height="05px"] On the twelfth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, twelve months of worry-free healthcare.[spacer height="05px"] Here’s hoping that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, filled with love and laughter. It has been an honor and a privilege to help you with your needs throughout the year, and we look forward to continuing to do so in 2017! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SuccessStory_December2016.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="150px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]ARA November Newsletter Now Available!
The November edition of the American Retirement Advisor newsletter is now available! For health tips, financial advice, and the latest retirement news make sure to get your copy of our monthly newsletter.
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It is available online here where you can also sign up to receive it every month in the mail.
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Dianna’s Corner
Autumn, the word conjures up images of trees with colored leaves, pumpkins, chrysanthemum, and the smell of burning leaves. It actually starts in September, but gets going full blast in October. Hot spiced cider, ducks flying south, and bon fires enlarge the mental image. All you need to add is marshmallows with graham crackers and chocolate bars, S’mores! Did you ever roast wieners over a pile of burning leaves? Great memories. [spacer height="20px"] Now we have new bits of information about Autumn that I didn’t know before; and maybe they will be new to you too. If you are born between September and November, you are more likely to live to be 100 than anyone born at other times of the year. You’re special! (per Random history.com) Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany takes place in the Autumn. Huge tents are set up that will accommodate 5,000 people each. What was once a prince’s wedding festival has turned into an annual celebration. About 1.3 million gallons of beer are consumed. We went there one year and it is something to see! We start thinking about outdoor activities as it cools off. More evening walks, sidewalk cafes, yard sales, local theatre productions, etc. There is so much to choose from as the weather cools. We also have more residents in our community as the part-time residents join us. It’s almost like a family reunion. [spacer height="20px"] Of course, our favorite holiday of the month is Halloween. People decorate for Halloween as much or more than they do for Christmas. Sadly, the number of “trick or treaters” seems to be dwindling. There must be more home parties going on. We used to go out on two nights, All Hallows Eve and on Halloween night. Really had a good time and raked in lots of treats. Back then, many were homemade cookies, popcorn balls, apples, etc..... You don’t see that anymore, either. Not everything new is better. [spacer height="20px"] One thing I do differently now is I paint faces on the pumpkins rather than cutting them. They last longer and don’t get all mushy. I let the little “Whimsy Elf” in me come out and have fun with the paint! [spacer height="20px"] Of course the most important autumn event is the starting of the football season!! Everyone rooting for their particular favorite, convinced no one else is nearly as good. LOL. [spacer height="20px"] We are a bit challenged now as one of our grandsons graduated from a different school from the one my husband attended, and they compete against each other. Friendly rivalry…. HeHeHe. It is all fun and adds a bit of spice to the weekends. [spacer height="20px"] For us, it is a time of preparation. We train and work to learn all the new plans and changes to plans that become available on October 15. If you have a prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, watch for the Annual Notice of Change letter you will receive to find out if your plan has made changes. If it has and you want to review it, give us a call and we will be happy to help; that’s what we do. Have a great Autumn, enjoy the cooler weather; we have survived another summer in style. [spacer height="20px"]Click here for the full version of the October newsletter.
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Dianna Harbaugh
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Healthcare & Retirement Planning Professional
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Taking Care of People is My Life Long Mission
Health Tip Of The Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month [spacer height="20px"] About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual international health campaign organized to spread awareness about the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, diagnosis, prevention, and a cure. [spacer height="20px"] Surprising statistics about breast cancer: [spacer height="20px"]- The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female as well as aging. An estimated 95% of all breast cancers in the US are in women 40 and older.[spacer height="20px"]
- Since 1990, the number of breast cancer deaths has been declining due to better screening, early detection, increased awareness, and new treatment options.[spacer height="20px"]
- Breast cancer is more common in developed countries rather than undeveloped countries.[spacer height="20px"]
- The United States has the most recorded cases of breast cancer in the world.[spacer height="20px"]
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women, right behind skin cancer.[spacer height="20px"]
- The first operation to ever use anesthesia was a breast cancer surgery.[spacer height="20px"]
- The youngest known survivor of breast cancer was barely three years old.[spacer height="20px"]
- It’s been estimated that if every woman over the age of 50 had a proper mammogram every year, breast cancer deaths would decrease in this age group by a potential 25% or more![spacer height="20px"]
- More than 40,000 people every year in the United States will die from breast cancer.[spacer height="20px"]
- Breast cancer is often refered to as the “Nuns Disease” due to the high incidence of Nuns affected by breast cancer.[spacer height="20px"]
- This is a strong correlation between an increase in weight and the diagnosis of breast cancer. Especially individuals who gained weight after adolescence or after menopause.[spacer height="20px"]
Click here for the full version of the October newsletter.
Five Can’t-Miss Events in Arizona This Halloween
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Salt River Fields Halloween Balloon Spooktakular (Scottsdale, AZ)
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Nightmare On Main (Mesa, AZ)
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Dine Among The Dead (Phoenix, AZ)
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Halloween at Hogwarts (Phoenix, AZ)
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Guided Ghost Tours at Hermosa Inn (Paradise Valley, AZ)
Why Am I Me? Political Involvement?
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Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian? Or just maybe you are part of the silent non-voting majority?
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Where and how did you learn about politics? We of course observed our parents growing up discussing local politics and possibly a Governor’s race or two. Possibly even a Presidential race?
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I remember “I like Ike” as a youngster and then the Kennedy years. Of course the heightened tragedy of Kennedy’s assassination and the funeral was watched by school children on large black and white TV’s while crowded into libraries and lunchrooms. The event was a very impactful moment and heightened all school children’s political awareness. As a school age child I do remember the impact made by Kennedy about the great space race and NASA.
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But at our home we rarely discussed politics as we were much more absorbed in our daily demands of school, ball practice, band, church, etc. etc. Nixon was the first president I actually followed with any regularity from 1969 to 1974 as I was in high school civics class and later at the university where there was a lot of anti-war activity against “the man.” For many people my age at the time we were far more interested in our rock music, concerts, etc. I have to admit some of the best classic rock came from that period of time.
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I did have my first taste of success with politics when I ran for my high school class Vice President and won. Looking back it seems small but it did give me an interest to keep in touch with the bigger picture of the U.S. political scene.
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Where did you get your political awareness? Was it from parents, school, a college or university professor? Or did you just develop an interest all on your own? Ever work for a candidate for an election? Did you never attain political awareness at all? Some folks never do, as they stay focused on their daily lives of their family and careers, and take the attitude, “it is what it is and I can’t change it.”
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It’s almost a sense of hopelessness or simply not caring. What people don’t understand is that one person can make a difference!
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I have made it a point to vote in every election since I was 18 years old. I didn’t get to vote the first time I was eligible because Gerald Ford was placed into office of the Presidency due to Nixon resigning. So the first Presidential election I participated in was the Carter vs. Ford election. It was unfortunate that Ford had to clean up the mess after the Nixon years and it seemed like the American public wanted to be rid of the entire thing along with anyone who had something to do with it. Ford was the first President to give a Presidential pardon (Nixon) and the first President to visit Japan. He was also the first President who survived two assassination attempts, both by women!
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How you developed your political awareness is what makes you part of who you are and why you, are you.
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What we all need to understand is that politics also can make a huge difference in our income. Some politics increase our taxes for more free stuff to the underprivileged masses. While other politics keep making the wealthy continue to pay more, even after they retire! Currently the top 10% pay 70% of all taxes collected! While the other 90% pay only 30% of all taxes in the U.S.A.
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Make sure you’re not overpaying your fair share and also insure that your retirement funds can keep supporting you even after taxes and downturns in the market. You have what you have and can’t afford to lose or gamble at this point in your life!
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Give us a call! We know a team of folks that will review your current situation and recommend a safe haven for a politically correct retirement!
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Click here for the full version of the October newsletter.
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David S. Edge
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V.P. High School Class of 1973
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Healthcare & Retirement Planning Professional
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Utilizing fact-based decision making to protect your retirement lifestyle!
Success Story of the Month
So often our clients impact our lives in ways they may never know. Through the years many of you have become so much more to us than clients. We consider you friends and some even family. Many of you reading this may know I am talking about you; others may not even realize the way you have impacted all our lives personally. [spacer height="20px"] I can only speak for myself, however, I know many of us here have shared similar experiences. As most of you know, my life is an open book and I have been blessed to have so many of you share in my own family’s most memorable times. From the birth of my two perfect (haha) babies (and 10 long months of pregnancy and If you are a client of mine you know my thoughts on how it is really 10 months not 9!), my husband’s cooking adventures, Baptism’s and numerous birthdays, you all have been there. Some of you even came to the hospital and my home to welcome my little ones into the world. A few of you have also been there even in our hardest times and deepest sorrows, which I am forever grateful. [spacer height="20px"] You also have shared your lives with me. Your joys, children's weddings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, retirement, new home purchases, special cars, trips, etc. You’ve offered advice, sometimes unsolicited, many times directed at me as if I was your child or grandchild. You have shared your most difficult times, your sorrows, your sadness. You’ve opened your family’s hearts to ours and allowed us to be more than just a business relationship. [spacer height="20px"] The blessing of doing what I do is I get to know all of you, but the hard part is from time to time losing one of you, which brings me to this month’s success story. Some of you unfortunately know I am there to lend support when a loved one has passed. [spacer height="20px"] A few years ago, I was lucky to get a wonderful couple as clients. The husband was retired and the wife was planning on working another three years. Unfortunately, six months into our plan an unexpected illness occurred. Planning for the unexpected is what we do best and these last few years this couple and I have spent lots of time together reworking their financial plan to get them the absolute best result. Subsequently, all those meetings allowed us both to really know one another and become not only friends, but people we could both count on and trust to be honest. Recently the husband passed away and while it’s always my privilege to guide our clients at difficult times, this passing was a little more challenging for me than most. I didn't share that with his wife or his daughter because who was I to have a difficult time? I held strong and put on my “brave” face. After they would leave the office or we would end a call I would need some time to compose myself. They graciously invited me to his memorial service and I can tell you my life will be forever better for knowing this person. [spacer height="20px"] I listened to his wife, his children and his mother, speak of him and I learned so many new things. I knew he always spoke his mind, as he had with me a few times and sometimes on nothing related to business at all. What I found out was he was like that with everyone. Both he and his wife were remarkable at always making me feel welcomed and comfortable when we met. As I listened to more people talk, it seemed he had this calming effect on everybody. He was the type of person who never met a stranger. He was a loved man, a family man, a kind man, an honest man, a man that took everyone in and welcomed them as family. [spacer height="20px"] As I drove home from the ceremony I hoped that people would speak about me that way if something were to happen. I thought about all of you, about the many different things you all have taught me, the years of experience and knowledge you’ve given me, the care and respect that you have showed me. You all impact my life in so many different ways. You have helped me grow as a person and I am humbled to be considered one of your trusted advisors here at American Retirement Advisors. [spacer height="20px"] So, thank you, all of you who impact us here. You may not know it or realize it but we are your success. Your accomplishments, stories of the past, dreams of the future, tidbits of wisdom, they all help us shape and grow which ultimately help us serve you better. [spacer height="20px"] We appreciate the opportunity to be your advisors and we thank you for your friendships. [spacer height="20px"] To Ernie, may you rest in peace. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, if ever so briefly, you will be forever missed. [spacer height="5px"] By Nancy Monaco [spacer height="1px"]
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Healthcare & Retirement Planning Manager
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Oh by the way-I am never too busy for you or your referrals!
ARA October Newsletter Now Available!
The October edition of the American Retirement Advisor newsletter is now available! For health tips, financial advice, and the latest retirement news make sure to get your copy of our monthly newsletter.
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It is available online here where you can also sign up to receive it every month in the mail.
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