Voss Insurance Group

2024 Best Agency of Pierce County Nominee! This nomination means so much to us because it reflects the trust and support of our amazing clients and community.

At Voss Insurance group, we strive every day to provide exceptional service, tailored insurance solutions, and peace of mind to our clients. Being recognized as a nominee for this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.

Your support has brought us this far, and now we need your help once again! Please take a moment to cast your vote using the link below. Your vote would mean the world to us and will help us secure this prestigious recognition.

Voting is now open! You can vote once a day from every device!

Vote for Voss Insurance Group Best of Pierce County! Vote once per day through July 8.

Thank you for nominating us! What an honor! Voting starts today at noon. Links to come. Voss Insurance Group

Show some love for local Seniors this Valentines Day by giving a card to make them smile! Last day for drop off is this Friday!

Senior Helpers - South Tacoma

Happy 2024 to our appreciated Community!

Let's play some New Year Task Bingo!

By systematically addressing these tasks, you can lay a solid foundation for a well-prepared and successful year ahead.

Which task do you plan on checking off first?

Santa Stopped by to check our naughty and nice list- he took a few kit-kats for the reindeer, too!

Our December 2023 Newsletter went out today, we hope you enjoy reading it.
We highlight a few of our favorite Holiday Traditions and the importance of year end reviews.

What Tradition are you most excited about fulfilling before we ring in the new year?

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is coming up from October 15th to December 7th. We will be reaching out soon to all our clients to ensure you are still satisfied with your coverage going into 2024.

Don't miss these important dates to ensure you have the coverage that fits your needs!

- October 1st: Medicare plan providers begin releasing information about plan changes for the upcoming year.

- October 15th: AEP Begins - This is the first day you can enroll in, switch, or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for the following year.

- December 7th: AEP Ends - This is the last day to make changes to your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year.

- January 1st: The new coverage chosen during AEP goes into effect.

We are looking forward to reviewing your needs as we continue to pursue our values as your trusted agency.

Today is World Alzheimer's Day and a good opportunity to share awareness for the disease and how we can show our support to those who currently live with it in their day to day lives.

Supporting those with Alzheimer's means being understanding and patient.
Take the time to Learn about the disease, listen to their feelings, and help with daily tasks when needed.
Keep their routines consistent, use clear language, and engage them in activities they enjoy.
Respect their dignity, be patient with repetition, and ensure their safety.
Offer Aid and assistance to caregivers, stay connected, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Consider support groups and counseling.
Remember, your empathy and flexibility make a big difference. Just being a loving presence in their time of confusion can open opportunities in their quality of life.

With the Annual Enrollment period right around the corner, its important to prepare and Protect Yourself from those who wish to take advantage through Medical Identity Theft.

Here are some key tips to safeguard yourself:

Do:
1. Safeguard your Medicare Number and Social Security Number.
2. Treat your Medicare card with the same care as a credit card.
3. Understand how Medicare uses your personal information, especially if you join a Medicare health or drug plan.

Remember that Medicare will only call you in specific situations:
• Your Medicare plan or the agent who helped you join may call.
• A representative from 1-800-MEDICARE may call if you've left a message or were told someone would call you back.
• If you reported suspected fraud, a Medicare representative may follow up on your investigation.

If you suspect personal identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Don't:
1. Share your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number unless necessary (e.g., with your doctor or authorized insurers).
2. Accept money or gifts in exchange for medical care.
3. Allow anyone, except your doctor or Medicare providers, to access your medical records or recommend services.
4. Enroll in a Medicare plan over the phone unless you initiated the call.

Stay vigilant, protect your Medicare, and safeguard your future well-being!

Thank you for this great Testimony and your referrals, Jay. Client Satisfaction is a main priority!

To create a meaningful legacy for your grandchildren, you can share stories and advice, keep family traditions, write letters/record messages, and celebrate milestones. Enjoy these moments! These allow you to pass on your wisdom, values, and love as they grow up.

However, there are other ways you can leave a legacy for your loved ones. One of these is by focusing on their financial security. This can look like:

1. Investing Wisely: Set up accounts and investments to secure their financial future.
2. Insurance Planning: Consider life, health, and long-term care insurance for yourself and them.
3. Educational Savings: Contribute to education funds to ease college expenses.
4. Financial Education: Teach them about money management and responsible financial choices.
5. Emergency Funds: Help them establish emergency funds for unexpected expenses.
6. Professional Advice: Consult financial experts for sound insurance and financial planning.

By taking these steps, you'll ensure a legacy that provides both financial stability and valuable life lessons for your grandchildren that they can carry on years into the future with you to thank. Prepare for these moments!

Happy Life Insurance Awareness Month!

Life insurance needs change as you age and it can be important to focus on Certain Life Insurance depending on what stage of your life you are currently in.

• 20s: Affordable term insurance.
• 30s and 40s: Combine term and permanent insurance.
• 50s+: Consider final expense insurance.

Of course, it is important to regularly review your plan with an expert as life evolves. Check out our September Newsletter that will go out tomorrow to learn more!

While the progress of Artificial Intelligence shows a lot of promise, some scammers are using the tool to take advantage. It's crucial to stay informed to protect yourself. Here's a breakdown of common AI scam tactics you should be aware of:

1. Deepfakes Deception: Scammers use AI to create fake videos or audios that seem real, making people say or do things they never did. Be cautious of convincing but fabricated content.

2. Sneaky Phishing Emails: AI can craft realistic-looking emails that trick you into sharing sensitive info or clicking malicious links. Double-check before you click.

3. Voice Cloning Tricks: AI-generated voices can imitate someone you know, leading to fraudulent calls or messages. Confirm the caller's identity if something seems off.

4. Chatbot Shenanigans: Scammers use AI chatbots to mimic trusted contacts, trying to get your personal or financial details. Don't share info blindly.

5. Fake Customer Service: Watch out for AI chatbots posing as customer service reps on websites. They might be after your personal info.

6. Impersonation on Social Media: AI can mimic writing styles to impersonate real individuals on social media. Don't fall for fake accounts.

7. Misleading Content: Scammers create fake reviews, articles, or websites using AI. Verify before making decisions based on online content.

8. Fake Profiles: AI-generated profiles can trick you into trusting fake online personas. Stay cautious when interacting with unfamiliar accounts.

9. Robocall Deceptions: AI-powered robocalls sound human and may pretend to be banks or government agencies. Don't trust them blindly.

10. Investment Schemes: Scammers use AI to promise guaranteed profits, luring you into scams that can steal your money.

11. Healthcare Frauds: AI-powered scammers might impersonate medical professionals, offering fake treatments or cures for medical conditions.

12. Tech Support Ploys: AI-generated tech support scenarios may prompt you to share sensitive info or grant access to your devices. Stay vigilant.

Remember to verify information, use official channels, avoid sharing sensitive data, and stay up-to-date on the latest AI scam trends. By staying informed, you can outsmart the scammers and keep your life secure!

Access to Health Care matters! This free community event will be this weekend and will provide essential healthcare services for those in need.

Thank you, Hope! Your testimony is another reminder of why we love what we do!

Unlock the Client Appreciation Experience! Be a Part of the Decision-Making. Take Our Quick Survey Via The Link Below and Help Us Customize a Memorable Event Just for YOU!

More Information Coming Soon!

Client Appreciation Event How do you want us to show our appreciation?

Keeping up with your immunizations is now simpler for people with Medicare Part D, as they no longer have to pay anything for more vaccines!

This means that a larger number of Medicare beneficiaries can now safeguard themselves against diseases and severe health issues.

Medicare Part D has expanded its coverage to include these additional vaccines at no expense to you:
• Shingles
• RSV
• Tetanus/diphtheria (Td)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B, if your risk for the virus is low

Medicare continues to provide coverage for flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and pneumococcal shots.
To understand what's included in your coverage review your Summary of Benefits and have a conversation with your doctor to determine the most suitable vaccines for your needs.

Online Event this Sunday:

"This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams, and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online."

Protecting Your Personal Info Online - Senior Planet from AARP This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.

Sunlight can be beneficial for health, but unprotected exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to problems like sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. To safeguard yourself, daily sunscreen is essential, but there are other strategies too:

Clothing and Hats: Choose clothes with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and dark colors to block more UV rays. Opt for tightly-woven fabrics and cover as much skin as possible.

Sunglasses: Wear large sunglasses or goggles with 99%-100% UV protection to shield your eyes and sensitive skin around them.

Umbrella: Use an umbrella or parasol outdoors to block direct UV rays, especially when combined with other protective measures.

Avoid UV Lights: Be cautious with tanning beds and mercury v***r lighting, and ensure your light bulbs have protective coverings.

Eat Sun-Protective Foods: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can promote healthy skin. Foods like citrus fruits, almonds, and fish are excellent choices.

By following these skin-saving strategies, you can enjoy the sun safely during outdoor activities without compromising your health!

Have some fun travel planned? There's still time left before summer ends but be sure not to forget your medications!

Traveling with Medication can be tricky, which is why we spotlight it in our August Client Email Newsletter along with some other valuable information on health, finances, and security.

Check your inbox to read or sign up at the below link to receive this months and future issues.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/e4TrzIk/vignewsletter

Grateful for Clients Like You, Rose! Your kind words inspire us to keep striving for excellence. Thank you!

Retirement Accounts: Choose Wisely, Reap the Rewards! Are you ready for a financially secure retirement? Let's look at different retirement accounts that can help you reach your goals.

Traditional IRA:
You get tax benefits when you contribute.
You pay taxes when you take out the money in retirement.
Good if you think you'll have lower taxes after retiring.
Roth IRA:
You contribute with money you've already paid taxes on.
You can take out the money tax-free in retirement.
Great if you expect higher taxes in the future.
401(k) Plans:
Your contributions reduce your taxable income.
Some employers add money to your account.
You have different investment choices.
Roth 401(k) Plans:
You use money that's already been taxed for contributions.
You can withdraw the money tax-free later on.
Anyone can join, and employers may add money too.
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA:
You can contribute more than with other IRAs.
Ideal for self-employed and small business owners.
Your employer can add money, and you get tax benefits.
Plan for a happy retirement by understanding these retirement accounts. Start saving early, contribute regularly, and choose the one that suits your financial goals.

Whether it's with family, friends, or romantic partners, cultivating strong bonds enriches our lives in countless ways. With love, trust, and communication at its core, a lasting relationship can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Invest in your relationships, and you'll reap the benefits of joy, support, and fulfillment they bring to your life!

What are some fundamental principles you try to take when nurturing lasting relationships?

"Come and join this ongoing conversation every Friday about the challenges of life transitions, aging, culture, and health among other things. Make new friends and share stories about your experiences in life. This gathering introduces concepts that may help to broaden your perspective in life."

Finding Purpose, Wellness, and Community After 60 - Senior Planet from AARP Come sit through a virtual gathering where participants will explore topics that lead to healthy aging in the digital age.

The "FIRE" movement started in the United States and gained popularity in the early 2000s. It began with the book "Your Money or Your Life," which talked about financial independence. With the rise of the internet, people started sharing their experiences and strategies for early retirement online. Blogs, forums, and social media helped spread the FIRE philosophy worldwide. The main ideas are saving, investing, living with purpose, and breaking away from the traditional work-to-retire path.
The value of the FIRE movement:

Saving Power: FIRE encourages saving a lot of money, sometimes up to half of income, to build wealth quickly.

Mindful Spending: It promotes spending on essential things and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Investing for the Future: FIRE followers invest their savings for long-term growth and passive income.

Early Retirement, More Options: FIRE allows people to retire early or work on things they love without financial stress.

Flexibility: FIRE offers flexibility to pursue dreams and passions.

While early retirement might not be possible for everyone, adopting FIRE principles can improve financial literacy and create a more secure future for anyone. It's about taking control of finances and living life on your own terms.

Planning for retirement is an investment in yourself and an awareness to the legacy you want to create. It's a commitment to safeguarding dreams, protecting loved ones, and ensuring that that independence endures. Embracing the significance of retirement planning today means opening doors to possibilities tomorrow. Schedule your appointment with an expert at the following link: https://voss.agency/fixed-income-planning-retirement/