There are so many options to choose from when it comes to Medicare and it is very overwhelming.
There are two basic things you will be looking at: Medicare Supplements or Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare Supplements pay 2nd to Medicare. They follow Medicare wherever it goes. This means they don’t really have a network. As long as the provider, hospital or clinic takes Original Medicare, they will take the Medicare Supplement. Most Medicare Supplement plans will not offer dental, vision or hearing insurance.
Medicare Advantage Plans do work in networks. When I’m looking at a Medicare Advantage plan for a client, I go through a couple of steps. 1st – I look to see how my client’s medications are covered and how much it will cost.
Once I know which plans will cover the medications at the lower copay amounts, then I start to look at physician networks. Are my client’s physicians in the network of that plan?
When I have a grasp on that, then we dig into the benefits: copays, max out of pocket amount, and extra benefits like dental, vision and other things.
I hear stories of how a phone sales agent will not take all of these things into account, leaving folks with a plan that is not the best fit for them.
If you would like to compare plans for your personal coverage, I am happy to help. Now is the time of year to do it too! The Annual Election Period will end Dec. 7 at midnight and you’ll be locked in for 2023.
Yesterday at school a kid pushed Justin against the wall and called him names, and while naturally he would have reacted in kind or worse, this time Justin did not respond, he held himself back and did nothing. As his dad related the story to me a week ago, he said that this was huge for Justin. He’s always been a bit impulsive and showing restraint was something new. When he picked him up from school his dad told him that he was very proud of him for holding himself back, but then he was troubled when Justin asked him: “Dad, why do we learn Karate if we can’t use it…?” It was a great reflection coming from a five year old.
Dr. Jordan Peterson often says that “a man is better when he is a dangerous man who is being good, than he would be if he was just a good man who wasn’t capable of being dangerous.” That is why martial artists train, the goal IS to become dangerous, while at the same time fostering a spirit of calm and disciplined restraint in the application of their abilities. In restraint lies the virtue, not in weakness or the inability to defend oneself.
At our Dojo, just like in every traditional Karate dojo, we recite the Dojo Kun at the end of each class. The Dojo Kun are the tenets of a Karate practitioner. One of those tenets states that one thought to: “Refrain from violent behavior.” So I ask our students what they make of that phrase. Answers range from “You should be nice to others”, or “Do not hit people”, but many do come up with the correct interpretation of “You should try not to use Karate unless you really, really have to”. And I could not have said it better.
As for Justin, he continues to learn about himself, how, as he becomes stronger and more skilled, his confidence allows him not to react out of weakness and perceived helplessness. From my experience, I truly believe that Karate empowers both children and adults to feel more secure in themselves. And secure individuals seem to be more in control of their emotions, they seldom lash out, burst out in anger, or feel the need to yell at others. This is what Justin is finding out without even realizing it. As Martial Arts instructors, observing this progression is a validation of our life’s work and our legacy to future generations.
If you know of someone, who like Justin, could benefit from Karate training, have them contact Colorado Karate Club for a free consultation. It may be one of the best things you could do for them.
Having years of passion for health and wellness, it took having kids in 2016 to really inspire me to create and cultivate the business and community Mrs. Glover’s Goods has now become. I wanted to provide my family with the best opportunity at natural immunity, equipping them with the best products for their bodies.
I dedicated my time in researching ways to boost the immune system. I stumbled upon a little berry that has since become one of my best allies.
By sharing my love for elderberry with my friends and family, I quickly saw how sharing something I was passionate about with others, needed to be shared with as many people as possible. That is when I launched Mrs. Glover’s Goods in 2019.
I am here to help give others the confidence to know that they are capable of supporting their own health and wellness with something as simple as a daily serving of elderberry. I am committed to making other people’s lives easier and helping them create healthy habits. I have carefully crafted delicious elderberry products to do just that. Products that are superior to others on the market today, a product that you can trust.
Here are what customers are saying about Mrs. Glover’s Goods:
“I love this stuff. I use it daily and have it as part of my morning ritual for self care. It’s got the good stuff without the additives you find in ones at the grocery store. Since regularly using it, I have noticed stronger immune defense against those sick around me. Plus being a portable bottle makes it easy to travel with. I highly recommend.” ~ Amelia Snyder 06/23/2022
“Amazing customer service, and fast delivery! Hands down the best tasting and cleanest elderberry syrup on the market. We’re on our 3rd jar and my toddler still asks for some everyday!” ~Emma Sandlin 04/08/2022
It’s unfortunate, but recessions are a fairly normal part of the economic landscape. When a recession occurs, how might you be affected? The answer depends on your individual situation, but regardless of your circumstances, you might want to consider the items in this recession survival checklist:
Assess your income stability. If your employment remains steady, you may not have to do anything different during a recession. But if you think your income could be threatened or disrupted, you might want to consider joining the “gig economy” or looking for freelance or consulting opportunities.
Review your spending. Look for ways to trim your spending, such as canceling subscription services you don’t use, eating out less often, and so on.
Pay down your debts. Try to reduce your debts, especially those with high interest rates.
Plan your emergency fund. If you haven’t already built one, try to create an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account.
Review your protection plan. If your health or life insurance is tied to your work, a change in your employment status could jeopardize this coverage. Review all your options for replacing these types of protection. Also, look for ways to lower premiums on home or auto insurance, without significantly sacrificing coverage, to free up money that could be used for health/life insurance.
Keep your long-term goals in mind. Even if you adjust your portfolio during times of volatility, don’t lose sight of your long-term goals. Trying to “outsmart” the market with short-term strategies can often lead to missteps and missed opportunities.
Don’t stop investing. If you can afford it, try to continue investing. Coming out of a recession, stock prices tend to bottom out and then rebound, so if you had headed to the investment “sidelines,” you would have missed the opportunity to benefit from a market rally.
Revisit your performance expectations. During a bear market, you will constantly be reminded of the decline of a particular market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But instead of focusing on these short-term numbers, look instead at the long-term performance of your portfolio to determine if you’re still on track toward meeting your goals.
Assess your risk tolerance. If you find yourself worrying excessively about declines in your investment statements, you may want to reevaluate your tolerance for risk. One’s risk tolerance can change over time – and it’s important you feel comfortable with the amount of risk you take when investing.
Keep diversifying. Diversification is always important for investors – by having a mix of stocks, mutual funds and bonds, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. To cite one example: Higher-quality bonds, such as Treasuries, often move in the opposite direction of stocks, so the presence of these bonds in your portfolio, if appropriate for your goals, can be valuable when market conditions are worsening. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification cannot guarantee profits or protect against all losses in a declining market.)
A recession accompanied by a bear market is not pleasant. But by taking the appropriate steps, you can boost your chances of getting through a difficult period and staying on track toward your important financial goals.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Exploring early education options for your little one’s early years can be a challenging, stressful, and overwhelming process for families. There are many important pieces to consider when making a decision about their early learning years such as class size, curriculum, staff , location, and cost, just to list a few. Knowing that this decision and the need for early childhood education are such a prominent need and focus in our community, I am excited to announce the launch of Hills Academy in January 2023!!
Hills Academy is a ministry of Northern Hills Church which is located on Highway 7 in Brighton. Our vision at Hills Academy is to provide a Faith-based educational environment where your child can explore, imagine, learn, and grow into the beautifully and wonderfully made person God has made them to be.
For our January launch we will be offering a 3 year old class on Tuesdays and Thursday and a 4 year old class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with both half day and full day options. I encourage you to visit our website at, https://hills.academy/ , to check out all the wonderful things that we have coming, to learn more about enrollment, and to schedule a tour.
I am very excited to see all the amazing plans that God has in store for Hills Academy and cannot wait to meet you and your family!
Whew, there’s a lot packed into that title! For November, the month when we’re reminded to count blessings and express gratitude, I’m going to pause on the current article series about new construction homes and instead, take the opportunity to count my blessings, express sincere gratitude, and let you know of a change with Hepp Realty, LLC.
Sadly (for me anyway), my sister Joni Leonard and Kayla McGee (kind of like my third daughter) are leaving real estate behind to pursue other adventures as of this month. These two smart, beautiful, and amazing women have been such an integral part of the power team of women at Hepp Realty, LLC making it the success we have been for so many years that I’m pained to see them go. At the same time, I’m very excited for what comes next for them and truly wish them all the best that life has to offer! “You gals are (and always will be both literally and figuratively) family, and I love you both HUGE!
As for Hepp Realty, LLC, well, my daughter Joni Pierce and I aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! So now, when you think of Hepp Realty, LLC, simply think of Jan and Joni, the “Dynamic Duo” of FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL top-ranked REALTOR®s “kickin’ butts and takin’ names” to get you the best residential or commercial real estate transaction possible, regardless of whether you are selling or buying! The real estate market is unpredictable and full of challenges during these crazy times. We’ve got the proven expertise and continued commitment to our outstanding 40-plus year legacy of setting extraordinary standards through world class customer service. We look forward to putting that know-how to work for you!
For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340.
While we should be thankful all year long, Thanksgiving is a designated time of year to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. I can’t thank you enough to those who have come in and shown their love and support and have given wonderful feedback on my products! With that being said, I know you all have loved ones you would like to show your love and thanks to by giving them something special – whether it be for a birthday, holiday, anniversary or simply just because.
The holidays are coming up and shopping for loved ones can be a task! Come in and I’ll help you put together the perfect bath and body gift set. Maybe some wine soap with a wine themed goat milk bath bomb and body butter to go along with it. I’m also working on ready-made gift sets so you can grab and go! Let go of the stress and relax with some luxurious goat milk bath and body care products and let me help you help your loved one relax and soak their cares away this holiday season.
Hey all you husbands out there, come in and let me make it easy for you! You’re wives with be thrilled to get luxurious handmade high quality relaxation!!
Have you wondered why there are so many different styles and techniques used in Chiropractic? If you have been to more than one Chiropractor before, you probably noticed that their style was different from the last doctor you saw. There’s actually a really good reason why this occurs.
A good analogy to explain this is the task and joy of climbing a mountain. There are so many different types of gear you could purchase and prepare ahead of your climb. You may shop at a different outfitting store than your best friend. Then on climbing day you determine when to leave, which path to take and watch the weather all day. There are so many variables. Once you reach the top and take in the view, it is breathtaking and glorious. But your friend may be tired and hungry and see a different view than the one you have just experienced. You both reached the summit, but your journey and thoughts about the experience may vary.
Chiropractic doctors are similar in that they determine Chiropractic styles that they feel are the best fit for their technique style and what they feel will give their patients great results. All doctors are working towards the same result for their patient, they just may get there on a slightly different trail and with different equipment. But the view from the top (the results of regular Chiropractic care) are the same, amazing! Give us a call for your own unique view, 303-993-6092.
It seems like 2022 has flown by in an accelerated mode. It’s hard to believe we’re preparing for the Holidays already!
When things slow down for a moment to contemplate, you may find there are a good number of things for which to be thankful.
To name a few…..the weather is still gorgeous most days, every move we make isn’t driven by whether or not we’ll get Covid while doing it, and within a few short weeks there will be a reprieve from all the Midterm Election commercials, and one of our favorite Holidays is coming this month with lots of great food and family enjoyment!
Below is a listing of upcoming local events to put on your calendar:
Craft Bazaar at Heritage Todd Creek November 5th
College & Career Readiness FAFSA & CASFA Nights Nov. 9, Dec. 8, Jan. 11
Live at The Armory – A Tribute to Selena Nov. 11th
Live at The Armory – The Long Run Nov. 18 & 19
38th Annual Turkey Trot Sat, Nov. 19
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Brighton November 26th
Tree Lighting Founders Plaza – Downtown Brighton Sat. Dec. 3rd
27th Annual Festival of Lights Parade Downtown Brighton Saturday, Dec. 10th
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Holidays right in your own backyard.
Be sure to seek out all the specials on Small Business Saturday and help our local businesses to thrive.
Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate
As a home seller, you have a lot more control in pleasing buyers than you think. If you start the selling process by learning what buyers really want, you can prepare your home to come as close to their dreams as possible. Here’s what you can do to please buyers and get higher offers for your home.
Curb Appeal You only get one chance to make a first impression. Your home should sell to the buyer from the curb. That’s how important curb appeal is. Your buyer should be so impressed, so charmed, so delighted that they want to leap out of the car and run inside.
How do you create curb appeal? Show attention to detail. Your home has to be prettier, cleaner, and in better condition than its neighbors.
Start with sweeping the drive, walkway, and porch or entry of dirt and debris. Get rid of leggy bushes, wilted flowers, and broken tree limbs. Plant fresh flowers in the front garden or in containers at the entry.
Power-wash the exterior and hand-wash the windows. Touch up paint around the windows, if needed. Paint the front door a fresh, modern color. Replace the door hardware and porch sconces. The idea is that the home looks fresh.
Space The number one reason why people buy homes is to have more room. Whether they’re moving from an apartment or moving up from the home they have, they want to have plenty of space to do the things they enjoy.
If you have a large home, you’re golden, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got it made. You can ruin a buyer’s first impression with too much clutter, so make sure to keep your home picked up so your buyer can see your home’s features clearly and easily.
What if you don’t have a lot of space? Plan to do some storing and staging. Rent a storage unit and put away all out-of-season clothes, toys, and home decorations and accessories. Clean off all tables and countertops so you have only the minimum of things your need to operate your home. Empty closets of anything that is “stored” and move it to the storage unit. The small expense you’ll pay in storage fees you’ll more than make back from your buyer’s offer.
Updates There’s a reason why first-time buyers and singles tend to buy older homes –they’re more affordable than buying new. So unless your buyer is a building contractor, chances are they want a home that’s as updated as possible.
You may not be interested in putting in a new kitchen to sell your home, but you can do a few things to make buyers happy. Replace the most dated features – cabinet doors, countertops, and appliances.
Bathrooms are so personal that they can easily turn buyers off. Invest in new towels, bathmats, and a shower curtain. Throw out slimy soaps and limp-ragged bath sponges. Replace with liquid shower and bath products. You can take all the new stuff with you to the next home.
Painting is expected by buyers, but don’t repaint the same colors that you chose 10 years ago. Pick an updated neutral like a warm grey. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the architecture and flooring in your home.
Homebuyers aren’t expecting your home to be the same as a new home, but they do expect to see pride of ownership. The more tweaks, updates, and repairs you perform, the more confident your buyers will be that they’re choosing the right home.
If you are thinking of selling your current home and buying your next home, your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Forever Agent can advise you on how to best prepare your home for sale. Visit BHHScore.com or call us at 303-905-8850 to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about real estate in your neighborhood.
Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate has partnered …Read More »
Offered by: John Wilson, B.S., BC-HIS – Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center When it comes to today’s hearing aids, …Read More »
Testimonials
December 31, 2019
I got a call from Susan at the Brighton Buzz asking if I wanted to
advertise n the next issue. My response was that I either needed to keep
my ad running or fold the business.
About 90% of the calls that I receive include a comment like, ”I
saw your ad in the Brighton Buzz…. . “
The majority of my calls take me inside a home, it is not unusual for somebody to pick up a copy of the Buzz and say they found me right there. The Buzz that they show me is frequently not the latest issue. The Buzz has great holding power! At the same time, I can always tell when The Buzz has hit mailboxes. My phone starts ringing. A lot of people seem to look through it right away.
The cost per home is low, the cost per response is
reasonable. Am I going to continue to advertise in the Brighton
Buzz? You can count on it!
Roome Paget
Gray Guy Handyman Service, LLC
Brighton, CO
July 19, 2015
Wonderful! Well written! Informative! Susan is Superb!
July 19, 2015
Susan is Amazing! Thanks for all your had work. We all appreciate it.
July 19, 2015
Advertising process was flawless! The ad looked great, the responses are already coming in and Susan was terrific to work with. Thank you! We'll definitely be working with you guys again!
