Archives: 2024

Useful Apps for Tech-Savvy Seniors

People don’t go anywhere without their phones these days. Cell phones can provide critical assistance to seniors, regardless of their location. Protections are provided through certain “apps” or software applications. These helpful little programs are usually represented by a colorful tile or icon on your phone’s menu screen. Recent reports show that nearly 4,000 new apps are uploaded daily, but which ones are right for you? Read about some of the most valuable apps for tech-savvy seniors. 

Forgot Where You Parked? There’s An App for That!

There are a few options to choose from, but “Find My Parked Car” does just what the name says it does. It can help you to take a photo of your parking spot and save your location. Later, when you’re ready to return to your car, the app will guide you back to its position. You can even turn on voice prompts to tell you to turn left or right as you walk through the parking garage or lot. 

“What’s Covered” Medicare App

Most people have concerns about what falls under Medicare coverage and what doesn’t. This app, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offers simple answers to what you are looking for. Just type in the item or service, for example, “flu shots,” in the central search bar, and it will tell you it’s covered, in this case, under Medicare Part B. Services not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B are only available through Medicare Advantage plans. These include more comprehensive wellness options like dental and vision care. For help with your Medicare Advantage needs, contact one of our agents to get your questions answered. 

Brain-Training to Improve Cognitive Performance

Keeping your mind sharp as you age can require some additional effort. Luckily, handy apps like Luminosity, Elevate, and CogniFit make it easier. Download one, and you’ll be provided with brain training and brain games to keep your mind flexible and alert. The CogniFit app even provides a tailored program just for you by using assessments to locate your current mental condition and guide you to the next level. 

Medication Management Apps

Medisafe, which boasts 4.7 out of five stars and nearly 100,000 ratings, makes tracking and taking your medications easy. It helps you set reminders, make a schedule, and make sure you pick up a refill before you run out. Beyond the basics, it can also provide important information regarding any potential side effects or interactions between meds. It makes it possible to track the whole family, or just you and your partner, in one place. Other top-rated apps include MedManage, RoundHealth, and Pillboxie.

Apps For Staying Connected with Friends and Family

Relatively simple to use and less likely to be overwhelmed with the latest fads, Facebook is a great way to connect with family and friends. You don’t have to stop there either; many older adults find it fulfilling to reconnect with their high school class, groups, and old friends around the globe. Facebook makes it possible to be social without leaving the comfort of your home. If you are looking for a more sophisticated company, Senior Planet Community is another excellent app reserved for adults over 60. You’ll be able to connect and interact with your peers while the interface and everything about the app is designed with your ease of use in mind. 

When It Comes to Health Insurance: You Don’t Need an App

Considering how to make your life easier or more secure? You don’t need an app when deciding on the best health insurance to complement your existing plan. Just call us. Our Medicare insurance agents are ready to walk you through the steps you need to take to get the best coverage to suit your situation. Schedule an appointment or come in to speak with one of our helpful agents today.

Making Your PTO Holiday Program Inclusive in 2025

The U.S. government recognizes a list of holidays on its federal calendar. As our workforce, and the many ethnic and religious groups they represent, is far more diverse, the government calendar is not always consistent with each employee’s needs. To increase the inclusiveness of your Paid Time Off (PTO) program this year, consider a more open-minded approach to celebrated days in 2025. 

Creating a Balance: Federal and Personal Holidays

Most staff enjoy celebrating New Year’s Day, and U.S. citizens may enjoy the 4th of July weekend, but not everyone celebrates Christmas and Thanksgiving. Other holidays during the winter season include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Lunar New Year, to name a few, all of which fall on different dates that don’t coincide with federally mandated holidays. 

Allowing employees to take time off for their religious holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations fosters an improved work-life balance and worker satisfaction. 

How Does PTO Work?

PTO is a group benefit that makes taking days away from work more inclusive. Instead of enforcing a holiday generally perceived as relating to one religious group, it allows staff to choose an alternative day with plenty of advance notice to plan for coverage. PTO groups previously separated categories of paid vacation, personal days, and sick days into one umbrella category to be more easily calculated by your HR department. PTO is primarily earned through work days on the job. For example, one works for one month and earns 1.5 PTO days. By the end of the year, they would have earned 18 days off.

PTO is often considered a “no questions asked” option, making it possible for employees to take the time to handle unexpected life or family situations without reporting being ill or giving a reason for their absence. Whatever the personal reason, the time is deducted from their overall PTO. This system has also been found to reduce the number of sick days employees take, as they prefer to use their PTO for vacation time.

Types of PTO

PTO is an all-inclusive system. Some types of time off that fall into this category include:

• Vacation time
• Sick days
• Personal days
• Parental leave
• Bereavement leaves
• Paid holidays
• National holidays

Great Benefits Help Attract Higher Caliber Staff

By demonstrating your company’s commitment to employee well-being, your PTO program can help attract higher-caliber staff that expect more from their place of work. Increased job satisfaction and higher retention rates are two more reasons that adding PTO to your group benefits package is a good idea. When hiring and onboarding new staff, ensure your personnel director includes information about your PTO and group benefits plans in their welcome briefing. 

Curious About More Group Benefits? 

Our agents have you covered. If you are looking for new ways to increase the value of commitment in your employees’ eyes, consider discussing your group insurance plan with us. New hires want to know about their healthcare, well-being, and retirement package benefits. Let us help you sound like an expert and make it possible to deliver excellent benefits at a reasonable cost to you.

Your Guide to Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

In addition to helping to maintain our health as we age, having a reliable healthcare insurance plan also provides real peace of mind. As a Medicare Advantage enrollee, you may know that it offers additional benefits not available with traditional Medicare, such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. As we welcome the new year, a new enrollment period begins. 

When Is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is between January 1 and March 31 each year. 

Who is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment For?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You heard that correctly; this is not for you if you do not yet have a Medicare Advantage plan. When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to do so through your existing plan’s open enrollment period (Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is later in the year, from October 15 to December 7). 

What is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment For?

There are only two specific purposes of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period:

• Changes: Those who have a Medicare Advantage plan are given the opportunity during this time to switch to another type of Medicare Advantage plan. For example, if your Advantage plan currently doesn’t have prescription coverage, but you have recently found that you will need it, you could speak to one of our agents during this time to get you signed up for a more suitable policy. It could work in reverse if you decide you don’t need drug coverage and want to drop it or want to try another Medicare Advantage provider that seems better for you.

• Cancellations: During this time, you can cancel your Medicare Advantage plan and return to your original Medicare coverage. 

What Can’t I Do During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The window from January to March is provided only for changes to or cancellations of your Medicare Advantage plan. Therefore, anything else is not allowed, including the following:

• Enrolling for the first time: If you don’t already have Medicare Advantage, you must wait until October 15. 
• Joining other plans: If you want to join a Medicare drug plan, you can’t do it during this time. 
• Switching between Medicare drug plans: Again, anything to do with basic Medicare plans (not Medicare Advantage) can’t be done during this period. 

When Do My Medicare Advantage Changes Become Effective?

If you changed or canceled your Medicare Advantage plan between January 1 and March 31, your changes will start on the first day of the following month. 

Have More Questions? We Can Help.

It’s not always easy to wade through the options to find the best Medicare Advantage plan for you. That’s why we’re here. Just tell us what you are looking for regarding coverage, and we’ll do the homework to find you the best plans to suit your needs. Call to set up an appointment with one of our Medicare Advantage insurance agents today.

New Year’s Resolutions to Help Improve the Workplace

The New Year is just around the corner. It is time to make some resolutions, not just for yourself, but to improve employee well-being, production, and loyalty. Take advantage of the New Year to make changes to help you have the best year ever in 2025.

Foster Open Communication

Ensure your work teams feel welcome to communicate. Arrange regular times, whether at staff meetings or departmental briefings, where employees can share input. Create a feedback channel so that internal issues are heard and resolved. 

Prioritize Employee Well-Being

Invest in your staff’s wellness with a group benefits plan that is right for them and your business. Once you decide on a policy, share the news. Investing in a custom group benefits plan shows you care about employees, value them, and encourage employee retention. 

Set Goals and Celebrate Milestones

There is nothing like pulling off a big win—as a team. Ensure all employees are informed of the weekly, monthly, and yearly targets and get involved. When a goal is achieved, celebrate the milestones! Show your appreciation with special events, such as a catered lunch, tickets to a sporting event, or that evergreen employee favorite: bonus checks.

Invest In Professional Development

It is well-known that human capital is one of your greatest assets. Consider investing in your staff this year to enhance that value. Offer training programs, workshops, mentorship opportunities, or continuing education credits for the people in your firm. As their skills and proficiency grow, your business will see the results on the bottom line.

Streamline Work Processes and Reduce Bottlenecks

You may have some areas of your business where work always seems to pile up. Take a step back to review these areas. It may need more staff, changes in management, or a fresh approach to resolve these issues. Your employees who likely feel stressed and overloaded will thank you. 

Make Good Decisions and Benefit All Year

Even if you have only one New Year’s resolution, it can make a positive change. You know your business and employees better than anyone. It’s easy to see that investing in both with a group benefits policy can help you increase retention and employee satisfaction, thereby improving your overall production and profit. Is it time to upgrade the group benefits you offer your employees? Reach out to discuss how your benefits packages can be customized to your business needs. Our helpful agents can spend all the time you need to create a benefits package that suits your budget and attracts the employees you want on your team. 

Traveling Smart in 2025: Why Travel Insurance is Essential

Traveling the world is one of life’s greatest experiences, but it can also come with unexpected challenges. Having the right travel insurance is the key to a stress-free experience. This is especially true for those 65 and older on Medicare, whose health coverage does not extend internationally. With 2025 and spring break around the corner, travel insurance is a necessity for peace of mind and financial protection.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

1. Medical Coverage: Many individual and group insurance plans lack international medical coverage. GeoBlue stands out by offering up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage, including emergency evacuation and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and some travel interruption coverage. Allianz offers extensive trip coverage, and also provides up to $50,000 in medical benefits along with support for medical transportation.
2. Trip Cancellation and Protection: Life can be unpredictable. Illness, extreme weather, or unexpected family emergencies can disrupt travel plans. Allianz offers trip cancellation benefits up to the amount you choose to insure, along with trip interruption coverage.
3. Lost or Delayed Luggage: Both Allianz and GeoBlue help with lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. From reimbursing essentials to covering damaged belongings, this protection is great during busy travel seasons.
4. Emergency Evacuation: International medical evacuations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Both GeoBlue and Allianz include evacuation coverage, making sure you get the best care without financial strain.
5. Hazardous Activities Coverage: GeoBlue offers up to $25,000 for claims related to activities like downhill skiing and scuba diving, helping thrill seekers travel with confidence.

GeoBlue and Allianz: A Perfect Partnership

We recommend combining both plans for the greatest coverage. Here’s why:

GeoBlue Highlights:

• Up to $1,000,000 in medical benefits with a $0 deductible.

• 24/7/365 assistance with unlimited telemedicine.

• Access to a global network of vetted doctors and facilities in 190+ countries.

• Direct billing with providers for seamless claims.

Allianz Highlights:

• Flexible trip cancellation protection up to $100,000.

• Enhanced coverage for delays and interruptions.

• SmartBenefits® for fixed payments without receipts after qualifying delays.

• Concierge services and additional upgrades like “Cancel for Any Reason.”

By combining the strengths of both GeoBlue and Allianz, you get great medical coverage and trip protection, making sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

A Special Note for Seniors

For travelers 65 and older, it’s so important to acknowledge that Medicare and most supplemental plans don’t cover international travel. GeoBlue ensures global coverage for medical emergencies, so you’re never stranded without help. Allianz adds further protection with options specific to your travel preferences.

Planning for 2025

Travel smarter with the right insurance. Whether it’s a Viking cruise, a fishing trip, or a European getaway, let us help you find the perfect coverage plan for you and your family. As we continue to continue to offer travelers insurance, we have found that Allianz and GeoBlue offer the best coverage to millions of Americans in terms of coverage, cost, and their claims processes. 

Get Started Today

Protect your travel investment and your health:

• Call us at (630)-885-8082

• Start your quote here

Reach out to Boettcher Insurance Agency today to learn more about GeoBlue, Allianz, and the perfect travel insurance solutions.

What to Do if You Missed Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), or Medicare Open Enrollment Period, offers beneficiaries a once-a-year opportunity to change their health coverage. If you missed it, don’t panic. There are still options. Here are the key dates and periods to remember to sign up at the next convenient time.

Winter Enrollment

The annual open Medicare enrollment period is always in the winter. By signing up for Medicare or making changes to your plan between October 15th and December 7th each year, your changes will be able to be processed and will go into effect on January 1st of the coming year. 

Spring Enrollment, Better Late Than Never 

If you missed Medicare’s annual enrollment period at the end of the year, a secondary period, called the “General Enrollment Period” or GEP, is available from January 1st to March 31st each year. When you sign up during the secondary period, your coverage won’t start until July 1st. 

Medicare Advantage Enrollment and Window of Change

Medicare Advantage (MA) is health insurance provided by a private company approved by the government. All providers under the Medicare Advantage umbrella allow you to make one change to your plan each year between January 1st and March 31st. This period coincides with Original Medicare’s GEP; sometimes, policyholders choose to return to Original Medicare, and overlapping enrollment and change periods make the transition smoother. 

Special Enrollment Periods

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) occur not based on time but on circumstances. Certain life situations call for changes during this period. It is best to check with your insurance agent to find out if you qualify for an SEP, but some examples of when one might apply to you include: 

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Moving to a new location
• Losing job-based medical coverage
• Major income changes
• Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Each SEP has a set of rules. Contacting one of our licensed Medicare agents can provide valuable insight into whether you can enroll during the Special Enrollment Period.

Late Enrollment Penalties

If you miss your enrollment period, you should know that the longer you wait, the more likely you will have to pay a penalty. When everyone enrolls in Medicare, it makes it possible to care for those needing medical attention. If people only apply when suffering a health condition, the program is less viable. This is why penalties exist. 

• If you miss the GEP for Medicare Parts A and B, your premium for Part B can be increased by ten percent for each 12-month period that you could have signed up for but didn’t. This penalty is permanent for as long as you have the policy. 
• If you go without Part D or other prescription drug coverage for 63 days or more after your Initial Enrollment Period (the seven months surrounding your birthday), you will have to pay a late penalty, which is added to your monthly Part D coverage.

Take Your Next Step to Get Coverage

Discovering you missed your open enrollment period can be stressful, but there are solutions. By talking to one of our qualified agents, we can help you prepare for the next enrollment period or see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period so you can apply sooner. You have options. Call our office today to see how we can help you get the coverage you qualify for and stay on top of your health needs throughout the year. 

Retain Top Talent with Retirement Plan Vesting Schedules

Your people are your most valuable resource, but how do you keep the stars in your company from moving on? Fostering employee loyalty in a hybrid and work-from-home environment could require more effort. Several strategies can inspire greater loyalty from the employees you want on your team. One effective method for incentivizing your employees is a well-structured vesting schedule. 

How Vesting Works

“Vesting” means to give or confer full ownership to an employee of a share in a pension fund. In the case of a joint contribution retirement account, such as a 401(k) pension plan, the employer-funded portion of the policy would become available to the employee to be used at their sole discretion. You can give ownership to your employees all at once or over time. By implementing a vesting schedule as part of your group benefits plan, employers can encourage longer-term commitment and reduce employee turnover, a win-win proposition for both employees and the organization.

Types of Vesting Schedules

• Immediate Vesting: Employees gain immediate access to full ownership of the employer’s contributions to their retirement plan. While this is attractive to employees, it does little to incentivize long-term commitments.
• Cliff Vesting: This is where full access to employer-funded benefits “drops” after a specified period, usually three years. This approach encourages new hires to stay with the company long enough to get the full benefits of their pension. 
• Graded Vesting: Graded or gradual vesting allows employees to become partially vested over a period of time. For example, they might gain access to 20 percent more employer-contributed funds each year for five years. This method gives employees an added reason to stay on and achieve full ownership of their pension fund. 

Benefits of Vesting Schedules for Employee Retention

When structured strategically, vesting schedules can help you reach your employee retention goals in several ways. 

• Build connection: Employees who see you investing in their future feel valued and more inspired to stay.
• Financial Security: Encourages employees to stay so they can benefit from employer-contributed retirement funds or stock options.
• Equity Ownership: This strategy grants employees some ownership in a company with time, allowing them to benefit from its success.
• Fosters a Positive Work Culture: Creates a long-term partnership between employees and employers for a collaborative work environment.
• Encourages Performance: Aligns employees’ financial benefits with work performance, inspiring higher production levels.
• Adds Value to Compensation: Offers long-term rewards beyond salary and benefits, an appealing situation for employees.

The Importance of Communication About Vesting Schedules

As part of your group benefits, contributions to employee pension funds add to an appealing benefits package—and you gain tax benefits. Ensure your benefits package and vesting schedule are clearly explained to potential hires, new hires, and your existing personnel in employee meetings with the following actions: 

• Meetings: At employee meetings, explain the program in simple language, focusing on the win-win nature of the plan. 
• Highlight milestones: Celebrate vesting milestones to reinforce the value of long-term employment with your company. Get managers to acknowledge employees for their longevity and recognize the increased value of their pension fund due to their hard work. 
• Regular reviews: During regular HR reviews or one-on-one meetings with staff, ensure that retirement benefits are part of the conversation to remind employees of the rewards of staying with your enterprise.

Invest in Your Team with a Vesting Schedule

Putting together a mutually beneficial vesting schedule could pay off with happier, long-term employees committed to helping your business thrive. If you have further questions about the best vesting schedules or need to review or update your group benefits policy to ensure you get the most out of it, talk to one of our agents today. Your business is our business, and we look forward to helping you succeed. 

Senior Health Tips for the Holiday Season

Everyone loves the holidays. The fabulous food, families coming together, the cooking, shopping, and decorating make the holidays an exciting—and somewhat stressful–time. As seniors, it is crucial to put your health first while enjoying the best of holiday joy. Here are a few things seniors can do to stay healthy and happy during the holidays. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated seems simple, but it bears repeating. Medical doctors recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day. With all the extra running around for shopping, drinking liquids can be easy to forget. An easy way to track your water intake is to drink two glasses at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and two more in the afternoon with a light snack. If you are not a water drinker, other healthy drinks, such as herbal tea or juice, can be substituted—but watch the sugar content!

Eat in Moderation

Holiday gatherings are a perfect excuse to break your diet. Consider enjoying indulgent foods in moderation and only after you have filled your plate with healthy fruit, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Eating nutritious foods first with a smaller portion of something sweet afterward can help you avoid over-consuming desserts loaded with sugar and fat. 

Stay Active

When your schedule has been turned upside down with holiday shopping and family events, it’s essential to squeeze in some time to stretch. Taking a brisk walk or doing some light exercise at home goes a long way to maintaining your strength and boosting your mood. 

Prioritize Your Mental Well-being

Don’t stress out trying to meet the standards of what you used to do—be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to ask for help instead of trying to cook a turkey dinner for ten on your own! If the grandkids want to go sledding, but you’d like to rest, take the opportunity. Give yourself the time and space for a quiet rest, and don’t feel you have to do everything you used to. Children and relatives are often more than happy to lend a hand if you need help shopping or wrapping presents; don’t be afraid to ask. 

Schedule a Medicare Check-Up

Medicare’s open enrollment period ends on December 7th, and the holiday season is a great reminder to review and update your plan. New programs come out yearly—you might be eligible for a more affordable plan at a lower cost. Medicare can be challenging to understand—get help from one of our local agents and save yourself from frustration! 

Get Good Rest

The excitement of the holidays can disrupt your regular sleep schedule. Keep an eye on the clock and gracefully retire when it gets too late. If you are accustomed to an afternoon nap, your family will understand. A good night’s sleep helps support your immune system and keeps your mood positive.

Take Advantage of Preventative Health Services

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can access preventative services that could help you during the holidays and all year round. Services like annual wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations are covered, helping you stay on top of potential health issues before they get out of control. 

Enjoy a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

The holidays are a special time to reconnect with family and friends. While you celebrate, stay mindful of your health needs, take advantage of Medicare benefits, and focus on your well-being, you will enjoy the festivities far more. 

If you need Medicare guidance for the new year, contact one of our local agents to learn more about new programs or options that could benefit you. We can help you support your health and wellness goals all year long.

8 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving at Work & Why It Matters

Thanksgiving is when we take the time to feel thankful for what we have. Usually, this is with our close family and friends. This season, spread gratitude around because your coworkers and employees deserve recognition, too. Help create a positive, engaging, and rewarding company culture using some of these ideas to celebrate at work.

1. Wall of Thanks

Creating a wall of thanks is one way to help employees get into the spirit. Encourage employees and executives to contribute by writing down who they are thankful for and why and pinning it up. Make your wall a beautiful fall decoration by choosing a theme, such as a giant tree, pumpkin patch, or an elaborate turkey. Each note can be written on prepared sheets shaped like leaves, pumpkins, or feathers. Get as creative as you like. Start your wall of thanks at the beginning of November so that by the end of the month, everyone has had a chance to share their gratitude and contribute to the office art piece. 

2. Thanksgiving Pie Contest

If you feel like having more than one feast in November might strain your belt loops, opt for something less that’s just as delicious: a pie contest. This activity inspires employee participation and adds light-hearted fun to the workday. Choose a day for employees to bring in home-baked or store-bought pies. Get a few staff volunteers to be the judges and give out funny prizes (“most creative flavor,” “best decorated,” and so on). When the results are in, everyone can enjoy coffee and a slice together, the perfect time to give a little thank you speech to tell your staff how much you appreciate them. 

3. Team Volunteering to Give Back

Thanksgiving is all about counting your blessings, but why not give others something to be thankful for? Give your staff the option of taking an afternoon off work and going in groups to contribute to the charity of their choice. During November, shelters and food pantries often do their best to provide for needy people and can always use extra hands.

4. Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch

A Thanksgiving potluck lunch allows employees to bring dishes that reflect their unique family traditions and cultures. A potluck is fun, encourages a better understanding of the traditions of different cultures, and celebrates diversity and inclusion. 

5. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Spread 

Thanksgiving, falling leaves, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice are nearly inseparable. Celebrate the fall season and Thanksgiving less traditionally by creating a thank-you spread of pumpkin-spiced goodies. Get together a few tables filled with pumpkin pies and fresh whipped cream. Offer pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, and other holiday-themed goodies. Add a banner letting employees know this is a thank you for them for Thanksgiving. 

6. Thank-You-Grams 

Show your appreciation through thank-you-grams. Set up “mailing stations” for these special messages, with instructions, pens, thank-you notes, and a Thanksgiving-themed collection box. Staff can sign their cards or make them anonymous to increase the fun. Each day or once a week during November, have an assigned staff member distribute the cards to employees’ desks. If you are the boss, don’t forget to let all your staff know how thankful you are to have them with a heartfelt note or a sign at the mailing station.

7. Donation Drive Competition

Survey employees on the top five charities in your area to find out which one they would like to donate to for Thanksgiving this year. Then, hold a donation drive competition. You can choose to raise cans of food, gently used clothing, new shoes—whatever is needed by the chosen charity. Divide the office into teams and inspire a little bit of healthy competition. Offer prizes for the first, second, and third teams, but remind everyone that they are all winners for giving others something to be thankful for.

8. Give Thanks with a Free Knowledge Sharing Workshop

Another way of giving back and showing gratitude to your community is by sharing your specialized knowledge. Collaborate with employees to offer a free knowledge-sharing workshop or offer your services to an underserved part of the community for a day in November. Not only is this an opportunity to raise awareness about your company and services, but also a great way to give back. Offer incentives or a special thank you dinner for all employees who participate.

Giving Thanks at Work: Why it Matters.

A recent study found that staff who know they will be recognized are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged at work. Employee appreciation can also reduce staff turnover and help build loyalty and commitment. Thanksgiving is a special time, but making employees feel valued can be done year-round with comprehensive group benefits. Our agency is ready to answer any questions about the best ways to ensure your employees feel supported with a great group benefits plan that works for them and your company’s bottom line.

A Thanksgiving Gift That Lasts a Lifetime: Life Insurance for Your Loved Ones

By Boettcher Insurance Agency

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on the people who bring meaning and joy to our lives. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to think about how we can show our appreciation in meaningful ways. One impactful way to do so is by considering life insurance, a gesture of love and financial protection for the ones you’re most thankful for.

Why Life Insurance Matters

While it might not come wrapped in a bow, life insurance is a lasting way to provide security and peace of mind. Whether for a spouse, child, or grandchild, life insurance offers:

Financial Stability: A policy can help loved ones cover significant expenses, such as mortgages, education, or unexpected medical bills.

Peace of Mind: Alleviate financial burdens for your family during difficult times.

A Legacy of Care: Life insurance supports your loved ones long into the future, leaving a meaningful legacy.

Flexible Life Insurance Options

At Boettcher Insurance Agency, we specialize in finding the right policy for your unique needs. As independent brokers, we work with over 100 carriers to ensure you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the ways life insurance can work for you and your loved ones:

Designating a Beneficiary

The simplest way to provide financial security is by naming a loved one as the beneficiary of your policy. This guarantees they’ll receive the policy’s death benefit when it’s most needed.

Transferring Policy Ownership

For a larger impact, you can transfer ownership of an existing policy to the recipient, giving them full control while you continue paying premiums.

Purchasing a New Policy

Buying a new policy for a loved one—especially a younger family member—locks in their insurability at an early age. Some policies also accumulate cash value, helping them save for future milestones like college or buying a home.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we approach the new year and think about the goals we want to achieve, now is the time to plan for the financial security of those closest to you. Unlike other gifts that lose value over time, life insurance grows in significance, providing long-term benefits to your family.

If you’re interested in exploring life insurance options, we’re here to help. At Boettcher Insurance Agency, we’ll work with you to design a plan tailored to your family’s needs.