November 2024

I’ve been on a safety kick lately. Many of you have visited our office on Center St. in Tacoma, WA, while some of you haven’t. I love this location for its visibility and convenience, but I don’t love how dark it gets. The change in daylight and weather has led to an increase in homeless foot traffic and garbage. I’ve had numerous conversations with fellow business owners about how to protect ourselves, our employees, and ensure our business entrances remain clean and professional.

To enhance safety, our office door remains locked during business hours. We no longer answer the door unless an appointment has been scheduled, and we avoid leaving or walking to our cars alone in the dark. My team also knows to leave together and to leave immediately.

I’m currently listening to Spotting Danger Before It Spots You by Gary Dean Quesenberry on Audible. The author asks, “When are you most vulnerable?” As a creature of habit in the height of my busy season, I’ve realized my vulnerability stems from routine and distraction. It’s dark when I arrive at the office and often dark when I leave. While this might seem depressing to some, I’m a workaholic who doesn’t like to leave tasks unfinished. My staff and I are working hard to do the best job we can, but this focus sometimes makes me less aware of my surroundings.

My goal is to increase awareness. While I’m physically fit and confident I could put up a good fight, I’m not naïve—I know I can’t avoid danger all the time. There’s only so much we can control. However, I want to spot danger before it spots me. This requires increasing my environmental awareness, trusting my intuition, and understanding the basics of self-defense. Life is too short, and I want to keep living my dream.

So far, my biggest takeaway from the book is that a lack of confidence and preparation makes you more vulnerable to attackers. Just like insurance, preparation is key. With this in mind, I encourage you to attend our free event co-hosted by Theresa Norris at the Fircrest Community Center. This will be our second event—the first was such a success that we had to do it again! At the event, you’ll learn basic self-defense strategies and enjoy Theresa’s presentation and engaging personality.

I hope to see you there!

-Vanessa

Upcoming Client Event

We were excited to host a senior self-defense seminar at the Fircrest Community Center for all of our Valued Clients.

This will be taught by Gig Harbor Self Defense and will empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones in any situation.

The class will take place at 9 am on December 14th.

Please respond to this email to RSVP.

Insurance Regulation Notice

In order for us to continue serving and communicating with you in 2025, we are required to get written consent from you.

All our clients will soon be receiving three important forms through the contact information we have on file. These forms will be a Permission to Contact Form, a Privacy Notice, and a Recording notice. Please review and answer accordingly.

Thank you in advance for your trust and cooperation!

2025 Medicare Parts A & B

Premiums and Deductibles

"Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024." 

Family Caregiver Calculator

Across the country, family caregivers provide over $600 billion in unpaid support each year, often taking on significant financial and emotional strain. Many pay thousands from their own pockets and give up work time to care for their loved ones.

Tools like the Family Caregiver Calculator below can help estimate the true financial value of this caregiving, underscoring just how much caregivers contribute.

Tradition Blending for the Holiday Season

As we gather for the holidays, it’s natural to want to blend meaningful traditions with a few new touches. For those of us with a little more life experience, we have the chance to both keep our families connected and add a sense of well-being—physically, emotionally, and even financially—to our celebrations. Here’s how to keep your holidays both rich in tradition and in balance, helping you and your loved ones stay healthy and "wealthy" in the memories that count.

Nurture Well-Being

Long-lasting traditions often bring comfort and joy, but they can also be a way to keep everyone healthy and grounded. Family meals for instance, provide a wonderful opportunity to share dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Maybe update a classic recipe with a healthful twist—grandkids will get the benefits, and you’re keeping the tradition alive in a fresh way.



Holiday activities like a walk after dinner, setting up a family sports game, or even a holiday hike can keep everyone active. Physical movement doesn’t have to disrupt traditions—it can fit in naturally with time-honored routines and make everyone feel their best.

Memories and Meaning

Traditions don’t just make us feel connected—they’re an inheritance of stories, values, and lessons that last a lifetime. Passing down a family recipe or telling stories from past holidays helps strengthen this legacy. This is wealth that goes beyond money; it’s about adding richness to each family member’s life with memories and meaning.

Consider taking it a step further by sharing small keepsakes or memories with younger generations, such as a recipe card or a story about a beloved tradition. This personal touch creates a deep sense of belonging and connection that’s priceless.

Less Stress and More Joy

While we all want the holidays to be memorable, less can often be more. Simplifying things can mean ordering in part of the meal, setting up a group gift exchange, or focusing on meaningful gatherings rather than extensive planning. Easing up on the “extras” helps make the season more joyful, with more time to connect and less worry about logistics.

Financial Wisdom

A holiday season that feels abundant doesn’t have to mean overspending. Set a budget for gifting and encourage thoughtful exchanges—perhaps a “family experience” gift or charitable donations in each other’s names. As the family leader, you have a unique opportunity to pass down values of financial wellness and generosity, showing that a meaningful holiday isn’t about the price tag, but the memories you create.

Giving Back

If you’d like to add something special this season, consider finding ways to give back. Volunteering together, organizing a family charity project, or supporting a cause as a family can strengthen bonds and make the season feel even more fulfilling. Acts of giving enrich your family’s “wealth” in compassion and connection.

Togetherness

While traditions add flavor to the holidays, the true gift is time spent with family. The value of togetherness—creating new memories and honoring old ones—is what the season is all about. Each little ritual, each shared moment, adds to the “wealth” that you’re creating within your family. Here’s to keeping family traditions alive and creating new ones that make every year feel just as special as the last.



NOTICE TO RECIPIENT: we do not offer every plan in your area. Currently, we represent 13 organizations which offer 66 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, or your local state Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.