Burn Baby Burn

I was out running errands today, when a jogger almost came running out in front of me.  He was on the jogging path and was just turning around to go back up the path.  He was probably in his early to mid-70's, bundled up to run on a cool, dreary April 1st day......Now that's dedication and I say more power to him. 
I try to be pro-active and get a work-out in a few times a week, but with 2 jobs and a busy schedule, that doesn't always happen.  Sometimes it's too easy to say....well, I don't have time to get dressed, then drive to the gym, come back home, shower....blah blah blah.  I say, why does a work out have to be so much WORK?  I enjoy a workout video, and I enjoy a workout class--motivates me when I work out with other people, but I also like to be active.  If you have activities you like to do, then by all means get up and do them.  Shopping at the mall, planting flowers, golf, even going to Bingo, burns calories.  I found a website where you can calculate how much you activity burns.  Check this out....you go on, put in your weight, the minutes you performed your designated activity, then click calculate and it will tell you.  I burned 115 calories unloading the car and putting groceries away....not too bad.  I didn't even count walking around the store shopping.
Give it a try to see what you're burning.
http://www.healthstatus.com/
I just burned 26 calories, writing this blog.

TRI-C's Kickoff Class to Turning 65

This week Cuyahoga Community College kicked off their "Happy Birthday, So You're turning 65" class at their Westshore campus in Westlake.  I was the co-teacher, along with my associate, Kathy Hirko.  The class will be offered at 4 locations over the next couple of weeks, with both day and evening times.  This gives Babyboomers and Retirees the chance to come into a classroom setting to learn the basics of Medicare--Parts A, B, C and D, the difference between Medicare Supplements and Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and some basics about Long-term care.  We are available to answer questions throughout the presentation as well as to answer individual questions afterward. 
The first class on Tuesday consisted of 2 students, both having different scenarios for their retirement and different questions.  Although small, we felt our class was a success, and that as word spreads, we will continue to grow. 
If you have questions and enjoy a class like environment, we encourage you to join us at one of our Tri-C classes, or contact us to host your own.
Happy Learning!!

Bucket List

I am sitting outside on this BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon in March....one of my friends said it could be snowing or sunny this time of year.  I say Hooray for the sunshine.  It's very easy to get a case of Spring fever on a day like today....but that's ok, because it gives me a chance to start planning for warmer days. 
This morning I was reading posts from one of my LinkedIn groups and someone was talking about how they had always wanted to take horseback riding lessons and realized they were 42.  No more waiting. She signed up and loved it.
I'm curious as to what people have on their bucket list--maybe a Safari or visiting the 7 wonders of the world....????  This year, I would like to have 2 bucket lists--a small bucket, local, easy to achieve events and a big bucket, future plans that may require more time and/or money.
So what are some small bucket items?  Well, here are a few I have:

*meet with a group of friends/classmates at our local wineries--too many times the only time people have the chance to all get together like this, is when something tragic happens.

*Visit local Museums
*Attend training camp for my favorite football team
*visit the football hall of fame
*take golf lessons (again) and play golf at least 12-15 times this year
*learn another language

These may not be big DREAMY plans but they are things that I wish I would take the time to do.....
I encourage all of you to make a "small" bucket list ot things to do, and I would appreciate hearing from you about what they are and the results if you achieve them.  For some it may be planting flowers, another learning to use the computer, someone else, riding a motorcycle, but no matter what it is, go try it!  You know what they say--There's no time like the present.  Be active, have fun and don't look back and say, "I wish I would have tried ______"  Go ride the rollercoaster or take the dance class, whatever it may be and ENJOY!!

Not Your Grandma's Senior Center

I'm not sure why, but for some reason when I thought of Senior Centers, I pictured lunches, Bingo and groups of people sitting around talking.  Over the last year, I've had the good fortune of doing seminars and health fairs at several local senior centers, and I'm here to say--SIGN ME UP!
Unfortunatly, I'm not age eligible to join because most centers you have to be 55. But here's what's going on and why joining a Senior Center is on my bucket list:
I have seen these centers range from small community buildings to large, beautiful facilities.....but the goal is the same, no matter which one you attend, activity and community support.  As I browse through a monthly newsletter from a local center, here are just a few things they have going on.....
Educational seminars (taxes, health care, attorney...etc) Veterans groups, Singles groups, Movie night,
Local Shopping trips, Bingo, Cornhole, various card, game and hobbie groups, Arts & Crafts, Dances, Cultural Groups, Fitness Classes: Yoga, Zumba, Personal training, fitness classes for all levels, Line Dance classes, Computer classes, and the TRIPS.....these range from day trips to Casinos or fairs/festivals or Outlet shopping, overnight trips to theater productions, and some week long trips (all total, this particular Center has 73 trips planned for 2012).  And of course don't forget the food.  They have wonderful lunches served daily at very affordable prices.  In addition to all that goes on, there is also a weight room and billiards room.  And amongst all this activity you see people socializing and enjoying life.  If you haven't had a chance or you never thought to check into your local senior center I encourage you to do so.  Join a group, make some friends and get involved. 
Do you know the old saying, "If you can't beat em', join em'?"  Well, I figure if they won't let me in as a member, maybe they'll let me in as a volunteer; somebody's got to call those numbers...... 
I-17, B-5, O-72.......BINGO!!!!

Hello, this Aimee

That's how I answer my cell phone when a client calls me directly.
Just to build on the personal service and trusted agent point I made last time, I wanted to share a day I had this week.  Twice in one day I had a call from 3 different clients--a couple in southern Ohio and a client in NE Ohio, both experiencing a rate increase from their supplement plan and not sure what to do.  Because we work together and I know their needs, we were able to review how the plan worked for them overall and then check for another plan.  In both cases we found a plan that met their needs, they qualified for and they were able to save money. 
Too many times people see these increases and do one of two things:  Accept it--"Oh that's just what happens.  I'm sure all companies do that."  OR, begin doing research, having to contact multiple companies on their own for eligibility and pricing.  My clients were confirmed for price, eligibility and had forms filled out in a matter of a couple of days. 
How does that make me feel as their agent?  WONDERFUL!  There is nothing so rewarding as knowing you helped someone. 
I meet wonderful people all the time and I look forward to sharing their stories with all of you.

Who Will Help Me When I Turn 65?

Baby Boomers are turning 65 at a rate of approximately 10,000 people a day in the U.S.  As people are turning 65, they are being bombarded with information from insurance companies and agents.....stacks of mail, phone calls....etc.  How do you know who to trust and where to turn?  Obvioulsy there are a lot of options for you....many people take the advice from a friend or relative, attend a seminar or research online.  Here are a few things to consider: 
You should not have to pay to meet with someone to discuss your options (unless it's a class or seminar--there may be a fee for the facility where it is being held) 
One-size does NOT fit all.  The plan that works for your friend or sister may not be right for you.
Compare your options from different carriers, pricing, networks, facilities, area....these could all be a factor in the plan you choose.
Be comfortable with the agent you work with--choose someone who will answer your questions and concerns.  The right agent is someone you will work with for years to come.  Unfortunately, many people think once they turn 65 and put their plan in place, they are DONE.  Your plan is an ongoing plan, it should be reviewed, and possibly updated or replaced in the future.  If you work with someone who knows your needs, they become someone you trust to help make decisions based on your best interests.