So, you’re eligible for Medicare Part B, but you’re still enjoying your employer’s health coverage and thinking, “I’ll get to Medicare when I need to!”  We get it.  But Uncle Sam has a little surprise waiting if you take too long to sign up.  Here’s what happens if you miss the Medicare Part B boat when your employer coverage sails off into the sunset.

1. The "I'm Good While I’m Employed" Clause:
   As long as you’re actively employed and covered by a qualifying employer health plan, you can actually delay Medicare Part B without penalty.  Think of it as a hall pass to put off Medicare for a bit longer.  But don’t get too comfortable!
2. The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) aka "Your Safety Net":
   When your employer coverage ends, the clock starts ticking.  You’ve got an 8 month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalties.  Miss that SEP? You’re looking at a little extra on your Part B bill each month.
3. The Penalty:
   Here’s the not-so-fun part.  If you miss that 8 month SEP, the government adds a late enrollment penalty to your monthly Part B premium.  Usually, a 10% increase for every year you delayed enrollment.  So, if you were planning to skip out on Medicare, think again!  This penalty MAY still apply in 2025 and beyond.  We are still gathering information to confirm. 

Enjoy your employer's health plan while you have it, but don’t snooze on that 8 month SEP once it’s over!  Missing it could mean an annoying, recurring reminder on your premium bill that Uncle Sam’s always watching.

To learn more, try this link: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties

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.  

Car manufacturers are exploring new technology that could allow them to listen in on conversations inside their vehicles.  So, if you’re discussing your craving for tacos, don’t be surprised if the GPS suddenly directs you to the nearest taco truck! While the concept raises possibilities for more personalized in-car experiences, it also stirs concerns over privacy and data security. 

Here is a great article with links on what Ford is doing:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/09/ford-seeks-patent-for-conversation-based-advertising

Looking for a side hustle that doesn’t involve selling questionable supplements or driving strangers around town?  Say hello to becoming a notary!  It’s the low-key gig that turns signatures into cash, and all you need to get started is a notary bond (relax, it’s not the 007 kind).

A notary bond is a type of insurance that protects the public from any errors you might make while notarizing documents. It’s not for your protection, but for the people who trust you to witness their signatures. The bond covers errors, oversights, missed deadlines, and even breach of contract. If a mistake happens, the bond ensures the person isn't left financially stranded. Once you're bonded, you’re ready to go.

Here’s where we come in.  Whether you’re a seasoned notary whose bond is about to expire, or you’re just starting and need one, our agency can hook you up with the perfect notary bond. We’ll get you bonded fast, so you can focus on turning those signatures into cash.

Once you're up and running, you can charge for each document you notarize.  From loan agreements to real estate paperwork, people always need something notarized.  With every signature you witness, you can charge a fee, and the more documents you stamp, the more money you make.  It’s like getting paid to be an official document superhero, minus the cape but who needs that anyway?
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It’s low on stress, high on demand, and perfect for those who want to make money on their own schedule. Who knew stamping papers could feel so profitable? Forget the spy missions, this bond is your secret weapon!

Let’s face it, dealing with Medicare can feel as fun as doing taxes or waiting in line at the DMV. But the UnitedHealthcare mobile app is here to make it a whole lot easier!

Say goodbye to those moments of panic when you realize you’ve left your insurance card at home. With the app’s digital ID card, your health insurance is always with you, right next to your Sudoku and social media apps. Whether you're at the doctor’s office or managing Medicare benefits, it's all there in one tap.

Ever wonder what’s going on with your claims or how much of your deductible you’ve already used? The app lets you track claims, payments, and monitor your benefits like a pro. Plus, you’ll get notifications when claims are updated or when your medication shipments are on their way. No need to call member service and wait for what feels like a lifetime. Just tap, swipe, and you’re in the know.

Looking for a doctor? The app’s in-network provider search lets you find nearby docs faster than you can say "WebMD rabbit hole." Want to compare healthcare costs? It’s like having your own personal price checker for medical services.

The app even has an in-store product scanner so you can check which over-the-counter items are covered by your plan while you shop.

The best part… Virtual visits! Forget about waiting rooms and outdated magazines. Now you can chat with a doctor in your pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. It’s healthcare, Netflix-style.

Need a little extra motivation to stay healthy? The app also comes with plan education and rewards, offering incentives for healthy behavior. Stay informed about your coverage, learn more about Medicare plans, and earn rewards for staying on top of your health goals!

The app also helps you keep track of your meds with prescription reminders and easy refills. No more realizing at 10 p.m. that you’re out of medication.
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Whether you're navigating the complexities of health insurance, brushing up on Medicare, or just reminding yourself to refill your meds, the UnitedHealthcare app has you covered and fits right in your pocket!

Shopping for home and auto insurance online might seem convenient, but it's like trying to diagnose a weird noise in your car by watching YouTube videos.  Sure, it might work, but do you really want to risk it?  The thing is, insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.  When you buy online, you might end up with a cookie-cutter policy that doesn’t fit your needs.  Like buying shoes a size too small because they were on sale.

Then there's the fine print, which online forms aren't great at explaining.  You could miss crucial details like realizing your “great deal” actually has more exclusions than a picky eater at a buffet.  Plus, algorithms don't always know you like a human agent does.  They can’t ask you questions about your specific situation or suggest options you didn’t know you needed.
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And let’s be honest, do you really want to trust your biggest investments, your home and car, to a faceless website?  A real agent can offer personalized advice and help you navigate the confusing world of deductibles, liability limits, and uninsured/underinsured motorist.  So, skip the online roulette and talk to a pro.  You’ll sleep better knowing you’re covered and no small print surprises lurking in the shadows.

Deepfake fraud is like the digital world's version of a bad impersonations.  Except this time, it's not your friend trying to mimic your voice; it’s an AI that’s frighteningly good at it. Using advanced technology, scammers can whip up fake videos or audio clips that could make anyone believe your cat is fluent in three languages. These deepfakes can be used for all sorts of unlawful purposes, from spreading misinformation to pulling off financial heists or even swaying public opinion. The frightening thing about these fakes is how realistic they can seem, deceiving even the most perceptive among us.

Imagine your boss (or someone who looks and sounds just like them) popping up in a video, approving a hefty transfer of company funds. Or worse, someone uses deepfakes to create some “compromising” footage of you that never actually happened. The fallout from these scams can be massive, with consequences that hit your wallet, reputation, and peace of mind.

Spotting deepfakes requires a sharp eye and a bit of skepticism. Watch out for awkward facial movements, mismatched lip-syncing, or blinking that seems a bit off. Deepfakes often have subtle lighting or skin texture inconsistencies.  Like when your Zoom filter glitches, but less obvious. Do you see shadows where you would expect them to be? Maybe the forehead and cheeks are too wrinkled or too smooth? Another clue may be eyeglasses. Do they have excessive or minimal glare, and does the glare's angle alter as the person moves?  If the audio sounds too smooth or robotic, your red flag should be waving.
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Always check where the content is coming from. If it’s from a dodgy source, be on high alert. There are also AI tools designed to help you spot these fakes, so make use of them. Staying up to date with the latest in deepfake tech and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism are your best defenses against these digital deceptions. After all, not everything or everyone you see and hear online is what it seems.