Thinking about a new car but not sure if you should buy or lease?  Here are a few quick tips to help steer you in the right direction!

1. Monthly Budget:  Leasing is generally easier on your wallet up front.  Monthly payments are usually lower because you’re only paying for the car’s depreciation.  If you want lower initial costs and don’t mind never “owning” the car, leasing could be your best bet.  Buying, however, may come with a higher monthly cost but it builds equity.  One day, the car is all yours.
2. Driving Habits:  For those with a light daily commute or who stick mostly to the city, leasing works well.  Leases come with mileage limits, so if you’re a road trip enthusiast or have a long commute, buying might make more sense.
3. Maintenance and Resale:  Leasing often means newer cars, so you’re less likely to face major repair bills.  You also skip the resale process as you just hand the car back.  If you buy, future maintenance and resale value are yours to consider, but you’ll also have the freedom to drive it as long as you like!

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The decision between buying and leasing comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.  Leasing offers flexibility and lower monthly payments, perfect for those who enjoy upgrading to the latest models every few years.  Buying, on the other hand, provides a sense of ownership and the freedom to drive without mileage limits.  Consider your priorities, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the option that fits best.  Whether you’re buying or leasing, there’s a car out there ready to take you on your next adventure!

Ah, Halloween!  The time of year when skeletons emerge from the closet (literally), your neighbors suddenly become cobweb enthusiasts, and EVERYTHING is pumpkin spice.  While you're busy planning your costume (and debating if you’re too old to trick-or-treat), there's one thing that might not be on your spooky radar, your home and auto insurance.

Yes, I know insurance is about as fun as eating candy corn.  However, it’s important to consider a few important factors if you don’t want your Halloween to become a real-life horror story.

1. Home Sweet Haunted Home
Whether you go all out with a haunted house or just leave a bowl of candy outside (because human interaction is scary enough), your home is ground zero for Halloween shenanigans. But what if a neighborhood kid trips over your fog machine, or a mischievous teenager eggs your house? Your home insurance may cover injuries or vandalism, but it’s wise to double-check your policy. You definitely don’t want to be calling your agent, dressed as a vampire, explaining how someone broke their leg fleeing from your graveyard display.

2. Your Car: Beware of Bumpkins
Parking on Halloween can be tricky. With trick-or-treaters darting around like sugar-fueled squirrels and questionable decorations everywhere, your car might be at risk. If a little Transformer scrapes your car or an inflatable pumpkin causes damage, comprehensive auto insurance could have you covered.

3. Light It Up!
This one’s for all you candle lovers out there.  Jack-o'-lanterns and mood lighting are all fun and games until something catches fire.  Make sure your homeowner’s insurance has fire damage covered, and maybe consider swapping out real candles for battery-operated ones.  Safety first, spooky second.

4. Ghostly Guests
If you’re throwing a Halloween party, don’t forget about liability.  If someone overindulges on your witch's brew and ends up doing something regrettable, you might be held accountable.  Your insurance policy may have you covered but check the fine print, no one wants to be haunted by lawsuits.
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Halloween should be all about fun! Before you get tangled in cobwebs, take a minute to review your insurance. That way, if anything spooky happens, you'll be ready.  Happy Halloween!

With Medicare’s 2025 enrollment here, it’s time to debunk some scary myths that can lead to costly mistakes.  Don’t let these spooky misconceptions haunt you.  Let’s shed some light on the facts so you can make informed decisions and avoid nasty surprises.

Myth #1: Medicare Is Free
Fact:  Most people don't pay a Medicare Part A premium.  Part A covers hospital visits and things like that.  Part B comes with a monthly premium, and higher-income individuals may pay more.  Part B covers doctor's office visits and things that happen outside the hospital.  Medicare also has deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance, so don’t be tricked into thinking it’s all free!

Myth #2:  You Can Enroll Whenever You Want
Fact:  Medicare’s enrollment isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet.  You have specific windows to sign up, like when you turn 65 or during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7).  Miss those, and you might be stuck with penalties.

Myth #3:  Medicare Covers Everything
Fact:  Medicare doesn’t cover everything.  Original Medicare (Parts A and B) skips dental, vision, hearing aids, long-term care, and more.  You’ll need supplemental insurance like Medicare Advantage or Medigap to fill in these gaps.

Myth #4:  Medicare Costs the Same for Everyone
Fact:  Medicare costs vary based on income and plan choice.  Higher income earners pay more for Part B and Part D, while out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and copays) depend on the plan you select.  It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Myth #5:  Medicare and Medicaid Are the Same
Fact:  Medicare and Medicaid serve different purposes.  Medicare is primarily for those 65+ or with disabilities, while Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals.  Some qualify for both, but they are separate programs.

Myth #6:  You Don’t Need to Review Your Plan Each Year
Fact:  Even if you're happy with your current Medicare plan, it’s important to review it annually.  Costs, coverage, and network providers can change, so staying on top of it helps you avoid unexpected surprises.

Don’t let these myths scare you away from making the best Medicare choices.  Know the facts, avoid the tricks, and enjoy peace of mind this enrollment season!
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CALL US!!  Open Enrollment starts Oct 15th and ends Dec 7th.  

If you're a veteran, you’ve already got some of the best healthcare perks out there.  But what if you could upgrade that coverage?  Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are often called MA plans for short.  These plans are like that trusty sidekick who makes your already great VA benefits even better.

These special MA plans are designed to work alongside your VA benefits.  You keep your VA benefits for your care at VA facilities, and your MA plan picks up the slack for services outside the VA.  Like seeing a civilian doctor or getting coverage for things VA doesn’t always handle like dental/vision/hearing.  These plans often come with low premiums, which means you can save more for the important stuff like fishing trips, golf outings, or spoiling the grandkids. It's a win-win.

Many MA plans offer additional perks like transportation, fitness memberships, nutrition programs, and even meal delivery after a hospital stay.  So not only can you enjoy your VA benefits, but you can also get a few extras on the side.

MA Plans offer flexibility, more choices, and some nice perks.  Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans for veterans are Humana, UHC, Anthem and Aetna.  To name a few.
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CALL US!!  Open Enrollment starts Oct 15th and ends Dec 7th.