Changes and Answered Prayers

It has been much too long since my last blog post and with the New Year already here, I thought it would be a good time to catch you up on news in my business.      

So many changes happened within the healthcare industry in these last few months.    Every August, I complete Medicare certifications for each insurance carrier that I work with.     In total, that equals about three hours for each carrier and this year, I chose to work with five insurance carriers.     Next, came certifications and classes regarding all the changes in the healthcare industry.     Between classes and certifications, the total time spent was about fifteen hours.      Learning is always something that is challenging and interesting to me so I am not complaining at all.     It is actually enjoyable to me.    

Once my certifications were completed, I was told that I would receive an e-mail with a special number for the healthcare website.     When the e-mail never came, I made a call to my insurance contact and she shared with me how behind they were and not to worry.      Everything was done as according to what they needed and there was plenty of time before October 1st.   

October 1st came and all heck broke loose.     Clients were calling interested in insurance, my clients were calling because there current policies were being cancelled, the hospital in my home town would not be a part of the new network for the healthcare exchange, and if you haven't heard of this by now, the new healthcare.gov website was experiencing delays, glitches, and just frustrating everyone.     

During this time frame (between October 1st - December 7th), I was asked to stand at a booth by an insurance carrier in a local store in our town to answer questions regarding not only Medicare, but help people with their options on the new healthcare.gov website.     Each year, I do this for Medicare and because the enrollment period for healthcare was at the same time, the insurance carrier asked me to do both.     The first two weeks doing this went pretty well.     Then, I walked in one day to find another agent sitting at the booth.     There was a mix up in the scheduling and now there were two agents working at the same booth.    We worked out the details to make sure that both of us had the opportunity to work there on different days and everything seemed to be going well.     Then, my insurance carrier called and told me that agents across the country were getting threatened because they were so angry about the new healthcare website not working.      They decided to pull out of the store.     I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and with clients calling continually with questions, I felt that this was for the best.     And it was.   

Late in October, agents received notification that the healthcare website should be up and running more smoothly by the end of November.     I was able to do everything such as get quotes on my own directly from the insurance carrier and calculate what subsidies would be available for clients.    This helped clients take a look at plans, figure out what their premiums would be, and ask questions while they waited for things at healthcare.gov to work smoothly.    

November 30th came and the website did work.     It was a sigh of relief as clients were anxious and so was I.     Clients were getting covered, however, there was another hiccup.     There was no way for clients to pay at the end of signing up.    When I would call to help clients out, the insurance agency had no way for them to see if I had actually helped the client or if they had put my agent code in even though I would do this right in front of clients.    As a broker, there has to be proof that you are the broker of record in order for the insurance carrier to give you any information on effective dates, payment information, etc.    

With one frustration after the next, I was wondering if I would be able to make it in this business.     I can't even begin to tell you how many times I would pray about this.     I was worried all the time about clients not being covered, anxious, and overwhelmed.    

Then, my prayers were answered.     I met with a client that needed help with Medicare plans.     With Medicare, an agent must give a presentation so that clients can have a better understanding of what they are getting.     In the middle of the presentation, the client stopped me and said, " I have been praying to find someone to explain this to me in a way that I can understand.   You are my answered prayer."    It was such a blessing to me.     Just shortly after that, I was working with a client that needed help with his health insurance.    He did qualify for a subsidy so we worked together on the application for his insurance.     It took awhile, but he needed the coverage and together, we got it done.      When I was getting ready to leave, he thanked me for having the patience of a saint and shared how relieved he was that he had me to help him through the process.     He stated that he couldn't have done it without me and he would always be grateful.      Another blessing.    

In closing, I will continue on.     I know that there are challenges ahead, but we will prevail.      This business has been a blessing to my family and I pray that it will be a continued blessing to my clients.    They can tell my they are grateful and it certainly is appreciated.      The real blessing is the people that I have the opportunity to help each day and I am grateful for everyone of them.    It is my prayer that they always know it.    

In the Middle of Chaos

Just a little over a month ago now, our son, Andrew and his wife, Christina had a wedding to go to on Long Island.     Because they were going away, they asked my husband and I if we would be willing to watch their dog, Rosie.     We are always happy to help out our children and having a young dog around the house always brings a little more excitement and love.      

With the wedding happening on a Friday afternoon, they decided to drop Rosie off on Thursday evening as they would be leaving very early Friday morning.    I decided to have dinner ready for them so we could eat together and enjoy their company.     I also decided to have our oldest son, Michael and his family over so we could all be together.     As our sons have grown and gone out on their own, it becomes a little more difficult to have everyone together so every opportunity that comes about, we work to take advantage of.   

Thursday came and I decided to try a new recipe - pork spare ribs in the crockpot.    I enjoy cooking so anytime I can cook and try something different I'm thrilled.      Michael (our oldest son) and his family arrived first.      The aroma of the spare ribs filled the house.      Michael and Courtney had just looked at a new apartment and were excited about it, loved it, and wanted to start filling out their application for it immediately.      They sat at the table and got to work.     Rosslyn, our granddaughter, was playing with Jazz (our dog), talking about Elmo, smiling, and playing.  

I decided to put out some watermelon slices for everyone to enjoy while we waited for dinner to finish cooking.    I also had rice pilaf, fresh corn on the cob, and fresh carrots from the garden all cooking.     My husband arrived home to the house smelling yummy and Rosslyn jumping into his arms saying, "Grandpa, Grandpa."     A big smile came across his face as I also greeted him and the three of us hugged to welcome him home.    At this time, Michael and Courtney were making copies of things for their application and came back into the kitchen to say hi.      They were still excited and eager to share with John things about the apartment and show us some pictures.   

We looked at pictures as we all talked and set the table.     The apartment looked beautiful and I smiled as I watched them talk about it with such excitement.       Andrew and Christina were on their way, but told us to go ahead and start if things were ready.    We all started with our corn on the cob.    Rosslyn loves corn on the cob and can barely wait to sink her teeth into it so Michael and Courtney have a routine of running it under cold water so she can eat it without having to wait for it to cool.    

A few minutes after sitting down, Andrew and Christina arrived with Rosie.     Jazz and Rosie always get excited when they first see one another again so they begin by running around.     Up and down the stairs and all around the house.     Rosslyn immediately starts saying, "doggy, doggy" and can barely sit still to eat as she is eager to go to them.  

Andrew and Christina sit down to eat as the dogs continue to run around.     We try to settle them down only realizing that they just want to play.       By this time, Rosslyn is down chasing them around trying to give them kisses.     It was a little chaotic, but I loved every second of it.   

We finished eating as we continued to look at pictures of the apartment that Michael and Courtney were looking to rent.     We talked about the wedding that Andrew and Christina were going to.     Rosslyn was playing with the dogs, continuing to talk about Elmo (he is her favorite), and giving us all reasons to laugh and smile.   

After we began to clean up, Andrew and Christina started to share Rosie's schedule.    They are such good doggy parents and will make wonderful parents one day.        Michael and Courtney still had a few things to do on their application so I told them I would keep my eye on Rosslyn.     Aunty Christina decided to take Rosslyn outside to pick some fresh raspberries off of the bushes they planted for me a few years ago.    As I was cleaning up and doing the dishes, I took a moment to watch them.     Aunty Christina was talking with Rosslyn and they were both gently picking raspberries off the bushes.     Rosslyn was intently working to get a few raspberries and put them in a dish that would soon be put on top of ice cream. 

I smiled watching them and turned to look at the dining room table where Michael and Courtney were sitting working together on something for their future.      Just then, the dogs came running across the floor.     As hard as I work to make things perfect for my family, this is just a small example of how chaotic moments turn into lasting memories.   

John and I are still in love.    We show one another respect and never let the opportunity go by to welcome one another home.     Our sons have seen this and now as I watch them with their own families, they do the same.     We are blessed that everyone gets along and sees the gifts that each person has.     We all get excited to see blessings being bestowed on any of us.     The dogs in our life bring a little excitement and chaos, but they are loved and know it.     In the middle of chaos in our home, I smile as my husband watches me and smiles back.    

We have ice cream with fresh raspberries on top, I get the final instructions for Rosie, and everyone is ready to leave.    Hugs and kisses are given.    Once our chores are done for the evening, John and I sit down together.    The dogs are both not far from us and are comfortably resting.    The house is quiet.    I smile as I think of the day and each blessing it held.    I think of Michael and Courtney coming up on a year of being together and thank God they found one another.    I pray for Andrew and Christina as they venture on the road to see friends become married.    We get ready for bed and as I pat both Jazz and Rosie before I go into my bedroom, I am thankful for each of them.     They are part of the smiles, the chaos, and the beautiful memories.        

Keeping My Family and Friends Informed

Last month, I started sending out what would be the first of a few letters to my family and friends to keep them informed on what my business offers and who I serve.    

This month's letter is focused on Life Insurance.     Hope you enjoy it and as always, if you have questions or need information on any of the products that are offered through my business, let me know.     My purpose is to serve you providing you with balance, security, and peace of mind with your insurance needs.   

In my last letter, I spoke how Balanced Care services our senior market.     When I originally planned out these letters, I thought that I would cover health insurance for you on the second letter, however, with changes still happening in health care reform and insurance companies waiting on their plans to be approved by the Federal Government prior to open enrollment for individuals this fall, my focus in this letter will be on life insurance and who I help with this product.    

As mentioned previously, insurance is never something most of us jump up and down about.     When it comes to life insurance, that statement is definitely true.     When I work with businesses providing benefits to their employees, group life insurance is a product that many employers provide.     Some employers will pay for one and a half to two times an employee’s salary for a life insurance benefit.      Some employers will give an option to their employees to purchase more and have it deducted from their paychecks.     This leads me to a story that I often share because it holds the true value that life insurance brought to a young woman I worked with.       While working with a business enrolling employees in plans, I sit down one to one with employees to make sure they understand what is offered to them.    This particular day, I was approached by a fifty year old woman.     Every question that she asked was regarding life insurance.     It was obvious to me that she had her reasons for needing it and after we established some trust between us, she stated that she would be forever grateful for her employer for giving her the opportunity to own it.       She had tried to purchase life insurance online; however, due to the fact that she had some health issues, she was declined.    When purchasing life insurance through a business or group, there is little to no medical underwriting which now made her eligible.    She also shared that she had recently lost her thirty year old daughter who died suddenly.     The next statement she made was one that I will always remember.     She stated, “Writing a check out to the funeral home each month brings me back to pain of losing her over and over again.     She was young, healthy, and thought she had plenty of time to worry about life insurance.    With two children still at home, I want to do as much as I can to take away this pain should something happen to me.”    If ever there was a reason to know that what I do brought value, she gave it to me in that moment.     

Not only do I provide life insurance for employees, but also business owners and families.     Business owners purchase it for reasons such as a key employee.    This employee may be a partner in the business and be an integral part of the business’ success.    Businesses have to ask themselves if their business could continue to thrive should something happen to the person they are depending on.  Another reason a business purchases life insurance from me is business continuation.     If a business owner were to pass away, they have to ask themselves if their heirs would be able to continue the business or have to sell because they wouldn’t have the financial means to do so.      

The majority of clients I work with purchase life insurance as a means of protecting their families.      New homeowners, newly married, and upon the birth of children are just some of the reasons clients come to me.   Whether they buy term life insurance, whole life insurance, universal life insurance, or indexed universal life insurance depends on their need, their age, and their budget.     At Balanced Care, I have worked with single men and women, married couples, college students, stay at home parents, and retirees.      Believe it or not, life insurance is also a vehicle to tax free retirement.    Because I am a broker, I work with over forty different insurance carriers to make sure clients have options and that the policy works not only for your budget, but for your specific needs.  

Lastly, I work with a life insurance product called Final Expense life insurance.     These plans are small, affordable and are designed to cover final expenses such as funeral and burial costs.       Without these plans, many retirees and our senior generation would not be able to provide a means to have their final wishes carried out.      These plans are also a good vehicle for leaving a legacy to your favorite church and/or charity.        Many people want to give generously to their church, but financial limitations can stand in their way.     A living gift memorial plan is a viable option that allows you to endow your church with a substantial gift without burdening your personal finances.     A client in her sixties asked me if she could leave part of her death benefit to a library that held a special place in her heart.     I recommended a Final Expense policy that was not only less expensive, but gave her protection for her final expenses as well as leaving a gift to the library as she desired.   

For your convenience, I have included a comprehensive life insurance checklist for you to take a look at.    It has been divided into age brackets with the types of life insurance that are most appropriate.      As I continue to provide solutions, education, and consultations each day, I thank you for taking time to learn more about the people I have the privilege of serving each day and the products that protect them with their most precious assets – Their business, their family, and themselves.   

 

 

With love,  

 

 

Terri   

 

Part 2 - Comprehensive Life Insurance Checklist 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Insurance Checklist for 2013

Ages 30 – 40 Newly married?   Planning a family?   Starting to think about retirement planning?     

·         Term Life Insurance – A twenty to thirty year term policy can help you with your financial responsibilities such as your mortgage and your children’s college tuition should something happen to you.  

·         Indexed Universal Life Insurance – Purchasing an indexed universal life policy early in life allows you greater potential for the policy to grow and accumulate value while you pay your premiums. 

Ages 40 – 55 Married? Have children?  Protecting your family/preparing for a comfortable retirement?

·         Indexed Universal Life Insurance – You have probably made some contributions to your employer sponsored retirement plan and have a more focused prospective on what you’ll need for retirement.   This will help you as you design your personal IUL.  

Ages 55 – 65 Married?    Children grown and moving out?  Preparing for retirement – protecting assets?

·         Whole Life Insurance – A whole life policy can be used for Estate Planning, charitable donations, or even purchasing as a gift for a grandchild

·         Annuity – An annuity can be an ideal place to roll over pension/IRA funds which will eliminate market volatility at a time in your life when you can’t afford to lose.  

Ages 60 – 70 Retired? Want to offer protection to family after your gone?

·         Final Expense – A small, affordable life insurance policy designed to cover final expenses such as funeral costs and other end of life expenses.  

·         Annuity – The peace of mind that comes from having an income stream unlike any other protection you have in place.   As you look at your retirement income, an annuity might be the perfect compliment.  

 

 

 

Providing Protection One Business, One Individual, One Senior at a Time

With my sons now grown, it is no longer important for me to know the local school's schedule.     This week, however, I've noticed many posts on Facebook with regards to graduations, have seen pictures of children on their last day of school, and have noticed local graduation ceremonies in the newspaper.  

These things brought a smile to my face as I remembered the last day of each school year for my children and how they anxiously awaited summer.    They loved the fact that I didn't have to wake them up and could literally play all day.  Picnics outside, playing in the pool, trips to the beach, baseball games, and our annual camping trip were always treasured by each of us.  

As I thought about our summer days, I remembered doing everything I could to protect my sons against injury and keep them healthy.     For instance, they weren't allowed to ride their bikes without a helmet.    They had to wear sunscreen and if we were heading into the woods, bug spray would always come with us.   I made sure to keep food cool so they wouldn't get food poisoning.    

Now that they are grown, I can no longer protect them the way I used to when they were children.    When my granddaughter, Rosslyn comes for a visit, my motherly instinct goes into full gear.    We block off the stairs, close up electrical sockets, close doors, put up gates, and protect her as much as we can.  

When I thought of this, it really confirmed for me that I am in the best career.    I am still able to protect children.     I am still able to protect families.    It is much different than protecting my children, but it is still protection.    

When I sit down with businesses that want to provide health, dental, life, and supplemental plans for their employees, it is gratifying to know that one more person is protected.    It doesn't matter whether the business has one employee or 300 employees, everyone deserves protection.      They can get proper medical help when needed.    They can get their teeth cleaned.    Their children will be able to learn as much as they can when in school because they had the proper vision care.  

When I sit down with a family that wants to buy life insurance, I am able to sleep a little bit better that night because another family is protected.      I know that if something happened, that little boy or girl would still miss their Mother or Father, but would have much less stress because their parents loved them enough to still care for them after they were gone.  

When I sit down with a senior that is overwhelmed about Medicare choices, it is humbling to see a sigh a relief when they now understand what they need to do.  

The reality is that we can do everything humanly possible to protect.     I did all I could to make sure that my sons didn't get hurt when they were outside, but things still happened.    Andrew still got a black eye when he was playing baseball with his brother.    Michael still needed a trip to the emergency room when his finger got stuck in the car door.     Rosslyn still took a tumble down a few stairs.  

My clients will still receive a diagnosis that will change their lives.    They will still have an accident.     All I can do is do what I do best - provide protection, provide peace of mind, and provide security one business, one person, one senior at a time.  

Eye Opener

Since the beginning of this year, I have been on a quest to analyze my business to make sure that I am doing what I can to promote myself.     It's never an easy task especially when you have a very small business budget, however, several things have happened in the last month that have been eye opening.      

Just a few weeks ago, I ran into a friend at the grocery store.     Once we caught up on our families, the subject of our work came up.      She knew that I did insurance, however, she wasn't fully aware of all the products that are offered to clients.     This became painfully evident when I handed her my business card and she realized that I offered Medicare insurance.     She let me know that had she known that I offered Medicare, she would have gladly referred me to a friend of hers a few months prior.       To make matters worse, just last week-end, I ran into another friend while running errands.     The same thing happened when she read my business card except for this time, it was about Life Insurance.       This was eye opening as it made me realize that I haven't done as good of a job as I should have about promoting what is offered and to whom I serve.    

The truth is that I assumed  that others know exactly what Balanced Care does, but obviously, they didn't.      Another friend and business owner just shared with me yesterday something that she offered to her clients and I wasn't aware of.     I've known her for years and still didn't know about this one piece to her business.     With this is mind, I will be focusing on sending out a series of letters to family and friends to ensure that I am doing my part so this experience won't happen again.     This blog is really about people getting to know me and the person behind the business.     I'm human, I do make mistakes, however, I have also learned to keep my eyes open to the needs in the community and my clients.    This is the first of many letters that I plan on sending out.     Please feel free to share and by all means, please let me know of any suggestions or questions you may have.     I'm open and would love your feedback.   


The first letter:

                     

About three weeks ago, I ran into a friend at the grocery store.     After catching up on our families, the subject of work came up.     When we both shared what we doing, she let me know that she wished she would have known what I did a few months ago.   The reason was because she could have referred me, but didn’t know what I did.      This brought the reality that I haven’t done as good of a job as I should have by sharing exactly what I do and who I serve.     With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to send you a series of letters to give you more insight into my day with the hope that this experience won’t happen again.    

Most people know that I work with insurance and to be honest, I completely understand that the majority of people don’t like it.   Because I have seen firsthand both personally and with my clients the value that insurance brings,   I continue to love what I do.    In my business, I serve our senior population, businesses, and individuals.     I strictly work within the scope of both health and life insurance.   Because that involves many insurance products, it is much easier to go through just a few at a time.    In this letter, I will concentrate on our senior population and how they are helped through my business.        

I have to be honest and share that the age of 65 is hardly a senior; however, this is when most people become eligible for Medicare.    About six months to a year prior to their 65^th birthday, Medicare beneficiaries will begin to receive countless books, sales and marketing materials, and postcards from insurance companies.     This is so overwhelming and leaves many not sure what direction to take.     They wonder if they need a Medicare Supplemental Plan, a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or a Medicare Advantage Plan.     They are told they can be penalized for not signing up for Medicare when they are first eligible, but don’t understand when that is.     They are also told that having a Prescription Drug Plan isn’t required, yet if they don’t have one, they can be penalized.    Many people work beyond the age of 65 and wonder if they need to sign up for Medicare.    Can you why they are overwhelmed?   If that isn’t enough to be confused about, each year between October 15^th and December 7^th, they can analyze their current plan and make changes.   Because Medicare is always changing, my recommendation is to start looking at options three to six months prior to your 65^th birthday so you will have the most current information and ample time to grasp what exactly you need to do to ensure coverage and prevent penalties.        

For more information on Medicare or any of the other products offered through Balanced Care, please visit my website at www.balancedcarehealth.com.    I’m also active on social media with Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter and would love to keep connected with you.     

With love,  

Terri

Happy Anniversary, my love

Twenty nine years ago at 4:00 in the afternoon, I walked into a room full of family and friends.     The one person that I had my eyes on was the man that was the love of my life.    That man is now my husband and has been ever since that afternoon on May 26, 1984.       

I still remember every single moment of that day.      Standing side by side, exchanging vows, joining hands, and being pronounced husband and wife was more than I ever dreamed of.        

John - I am blessed to be your wife.    I am honored to still be standing next to you, still holding your hand, and walking together with God's grace.   

                                                      Happy Anniversary, my love.      

One Little Heartbeat at a Time

 

Last week-end, mothers across the country celebrated Mother's Day.     Whether you are a Mom, a Step-Mom, an adopted mom, or a grandmother, we all celebrated together with homemade cards, jewelry made out of noodles, handprints, and maybe breakfast in bed.   

For some, they celebrated Mother's Day missing their child and longed to have their little one in their arms.     For some, they celebrated either their first, second, or more without their Mother.      One of my sisters and I spent the day before Mother's Day visiting my Mother's grave, planting vines and flowers, and sitting there together with her.    

As I sat at brunch the next day enjoying my family and feeling so blessed to be in their company, I thought of her of how thankful I was that she was my Mother.    She taught me to love deeply and enjoy every moment.        She took the time to change my life - one little heartbeat at a time.