September 2024

It’s been a fun filled and jam-packed summer. In the last two weeks of June, my youngest son graduated high school, my oldest moved home from CA, and we bought a new home.

In August, we were nominated for the “Best of Pierce County” award, participated in wonderful community event for the local police department (details below), hired another employee, and took an extended vacation; and most of you know I still worked a little on vacation! Aside from our honeymoon, it was one of the nicest places I’ve been, and it was worth planning a year in advance.

When I reflect on the year, I have moments of awe and moments of frustration. Business and life are very cyclical, but one thing is for certain- time flies. You may wake up and realize you are living your dream, or you panic and realize you have a lot more work to do! Sometimes it is a feeling of both. Every year, I move with a bit more gratitude.

However, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in a lot of my interactions; one being setting healthy boundaries. It is one of my biggest strengths and it contributes to my increased focus and intensity for life. It is a topic of discussion for family, friends, and clients alike.

We are all bombarded at different times and at every level. It can be a challenge to control the noise. It is often difficult to say no. With that, I wanted to share an article in this newsletter on setting healthy boundaries in retirement. It is the single thing I recommend to everyone- learn the value and embrace the power of saying no, regardless of age.

What’s next for us? My staff and I are working hard to prepare for a stellar fourth quarter. Our busiest season is Oct- Dec and the days will get substantially longer. Stay tuned for updates on the healthcare industry, community involvement efforts, and client appreciation events.

Thank you for your loyalty

-Vanessa

Meet Mia: Our Newest Team Member

Mia Rodriguez

Client Services and Pre-Sales Support

Mia was born and raised in Washington and has a Hispanic background, speaking both fluent English and Spanish. Along with a passion for work and learning, she is dedicated to making her community a safer, more inclusive place and strives to have a positive impact on the world.

Currently finishing high school, Mia aims to ensure client satisfaction in between her education and her hobbies which include travelling, long-boarding, track and field, pole vaulting, and soccer.

Despite starting a new field in Insurance, Mia is eager to learn and improve. She has a talent for administrative tasks and an eye for detail. She will be taking over a lot of the communication and marketing roles for Voss.

In addition, Mia will be working in Pre-Sales Support and will assist the team in creating a welcoming, inclusive office and providing valuable assistance to clients.

We are so happy to have her!

We were fortunate to donate to National Night Out for the Fircrest Police Department. National Night Out is an opportunity to build neighborhood unity and strengthen the police community partnership. A special thank you to Kevin, Patrol Seargent, and his team. We appreciate their efforts in patrolling our building and making sure we remain safe and protected.

Bee has officially transferred to sales and will now be working alongside Voss to help our community with Insurance Needs.

Bee's commitment to excellence and her friendly demeanor makes her a valuable asset to our team and she is excited to further expand her skills under the leadership of Vanessa.

We were excited to sponsor our first senior self-defense seminar at the Fircrest Community Center. It was a huge success! We had an amazing audience and some of our clients attended. The instructor, Theresa, was amazing and she brought awareness to a very important subject- one that is especially needed today. We’ll be hosting another seminar in December. Please watch for dates.

A sincere thank you for the nomination and votes! The nomination was unexpected and created excitement at our office. It is wonderful to share moments like this with our employees. The results of the contest are in and will be shared Oct 13, 2024.

Client Reminders

Choosing a Beneficiary

Choosing an insurance beneficiary is crucial for ensuring your loved ones are taken care of. By carefully selecting your beneficiaries and maintaining clear communication, you can have peace of mind knowing that your life insurance will support your loved ones according to your wishes.

Referenced from Physical Activity Basics and Your Health | Physical Activity Basics | CDC

Setting Healthy Boundaries in Retirement

You might have heard about setting healthy boundaries, but what does that really look like, especially in retirement? Healthy boundaries can take many forms. For example, if friends want you to stay out late but you prefer to go home, that’s a healthy boundary. Similarly, asking for personal space from a demanding family member is another example.



Establishing healthy boundaries can be challenging. Reflecting on your values and core beliefs helps protect your physical, mental, and emotional health, often leading to support from those around you.

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Healthy boundaries are essential for meeting your needs. They help you:

• Maintain your identity
• Avoid being exploited
• Foster healthy relationships
• Be assertive
• Pursue personal goals

How to Start Setting Boundaries

First, understand your needs and what helps you maintain self-esteem and identity. Consider your core values: What makes you happy? What makes you feel safe?

Believing that you have the right to set boundaries is crucial. If this is new to you, start with small changes to build confidence.

Boundaries in Different Areas of Life

Boundaries are important in various aspects of life, including:

• Romantic Relationships: Respect each other’s space and communicate regularly. In retirement, you may spend more time with your partner, making clear boundaries even more essential.
• Family: Communicate your needs and establish limits to protect your identity. As a retiree, you might find yourself more involved with family, so it’s important to set boundaries to ensure your time and energy are respected.
• Friends: Clear boundaries prevent misunderstandings and promote healthy friendships. Whether it’s about how much time you spend together or what activities you engage in, it’s important to communicate your needs.
• Volunteering and Activities: In retirement, you might be more active in community work or hobbies. Set boundaries to ensure these activities remain enjoyable and don’t become overwhelming.
• Strangers: Assert your needs politely but firmly to ensure personal safety and comfort. Whether it’s in public spaces or new social settings, maintaining boundaries helps you feel secure.

Healthy boundaries are about mutual respect and ensuring your needs are met while acknowledging those of others. In retirement, these boundaries can help you enjoy this stage of life to the fullest, maintaining your well-being and happiness.

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.