I am going to review some of the most asked questions about Medicare changes in 2013.  This is a deep and wide subject and I am only touching of a few of the most common issues.  While we do know Medicare from a financial standpoint is in trouble today (heading for toward a $37 trillion dollar deficit ), we still want and need this social system.  And while there will be increases (as with everything in our society presently), there are also some very positive changes and savings that should be discussed.

The ONE standard that stays the same in my business, year –to-year is, DO NOT TAKE AWAY MY MEDICARE.  It does not matter what side of the political debate a person is on, MEDICARE is taking care of hundreds of thousands Americans that could not survive without it.  And EVERY year, the benefit options for coverage have increased, due to government and private insurance mandates.  CHANGE IS INEVITABLE AND IT IS A GOOD THING.

When: Thursday February 14, 2013 – 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: WWN weekly lunch meeting at On Rice – Fairhaven
Presenter: Teresa Nansen, Medicare Compare USA

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this business that was Mary Kay’s dream in 1963, come hear Chris Hansen, Independent Beauty Consultant, talk about how Mary Kay Cosmetics is focused on “corporate social responsibility.”  Not only is Mary Kay “doing good” in the U.S., the company’s global focus on helping women and children is going strong.  In addition, Mary Kay’s “Pink Doing Green℠” program is a dedicated effort to find ways to be more sustainable and green.  Even she was surprised at how much is happening in the Mary Kay world beyond introducing women to our skin care and color cosmetics!

>We are all familiar with legal wills in which we bequeath to others our worldly possessions – our valuables. An Ethical Will is for bequeathing the “intangibles” in our lives – our values. An Ethical Will or Legacy Letter is a powerful way to share your core beliefs, life lessons learned, hopes, dreams, and personal reflections with the people you care about most. More valuable than a diamond bracelet or ruby slipper, your loved ones will find your Ethical Will/Legacy Letter “priceless.” Learn about the benefits of Ethical Wills and Legacy Letters – both those who write them and to those who receive them.

Sara Geballe assists people in preserving the stories of their lives in book form. Through a series of relaxing and enjoyable conversations, she can help craft your life story in your own voice. The result is a beautifully written and bound heirloom-quality book written in your own words, and illustrated with the photographs you cherish.

She also write legacy letters, ethical wills, memorials, tributes, mini-memoirs, and one-page biosheets. Let her capture the words of your lifetime!

When: Thursday January 10, 2013 – 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: WWN weekly lunch meeting at On Rice – Fairhaven
Presenter: Sara Geballe, Memoir Crafters

When: Thursday January 3, 2013 – 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: WWN weekly lunch meeting at On Rice – Fairhaven
Presenter: Cindy Sherwin, Long Term Care Solutions

Julie Carpenter will provide an updated summary to everyone’s perennial question: “How’s the real estate market doing?” Her talk will examine both national issues that effect real estate, especially during this election and next government cycle.  She will also review local market dynamics and a “hot off the press” new listing in Sudden valley with wild lake views for only $259,900.

A long-term realtor and Whatcom County resident, Julie Carpenter provides complete information, an honest opinion and the highest level of assistance.  She uses her contacts and networking skills to assist you with your real estate needs.

When: Thursday November 8, 2012 – 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: WWN weekly lunch meeting at On Rice – Fairhaven
Presenter: Julie Carpenter, ABR, GRI, Realtor RE/MAX

The holidays can be a stressful and hectic time of the year, but the true joy of the holidays comes from time with family and friends, slowing down, and enjoying the little things.  Come here Virginia Malmquist, Counselor/Therapist, give us great tips to stay centered and have a stress free holiday!

When: Thursday November 1, 2012 – 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: WWN weekly lunch meeting at On Rice – Fairhaven
Presenter: Virginia Malmquist, Counselor / Therapist

• Dramatically reduce your chance of audit
• Reduce or Mitigate audit “Red Flags”
• Audit-Proof your tax documentation
• Survive an IRS audit

Come hear Siobhan Murphy, CPA and Owner of Thrive Business Group, tell us how to feel confident during tax season.

Siobhan loves to serve her clients with a cheerful smile and an infusion of fun. She’s been known to say, “If we’re not having fun, then we need to do something different!” She is passionate about education so that self-employed individuals and small business owners are empowered with a deeper understanding of the financial workings of their businesses, which results in more effectively leadership of their businesses to support their lives.

At Thrive Business Group, we believe it’s about Your Life. Your Business. In That Order.

Christian Health Care Center is hosting a free informational class on Thursday, October 25th, from 4-5:30pm.  The class titled ‘Long Term Care Insurance – Plan Ahead Now to Protect Your Family and Your Assets’ will take place in the meeting room at Lynden Public Library, 216 4th Street, Lynden.

Attendees will learn about Long Term Care (LTC) insurance, what it costs, and what options they may have from class presenter Cindy Sherwin; a question and answer session will be included in the presentation.

“Insuring your home and automobile are common practices for protecting yourself in today’s world.  Long Term Care insurance offers similar asset protection and it can greatly increase personal care options throughout the aging process.  The info I’ll be sharing will be valuable to 50 – 70 year old residents of Whatcom County and their loved ones who wish to help with LTC planning,” shares Sherwin.

Cindy Sherwin is an expert in the insurance industry; she owns Long Term Care Solutions in Bellingham and specializes in helping people choose affordable and appropriate LTC policies from a variety of top rated insurance carriers.

“The costs and decisions regarding a person’s care involve the entire family.  It’s not about the individual who needs care; it’s about how providing that care will affect the family, financially and emotionally.”

Visit chcclynden.org or contact Mary Beth Wynstra at Christian Health Care Center with questions about this community education opportunity, 360-354-4434.

Come hear Chris Hansen, Independent Beauty Consultant, talk about the TimeWise Repair line and wonderful gift ideas for the holiday season.

Mary Kay® offers the TimeWise Repair™ skin care line which targets advanced signs of aging in one’s skin, whether due to sun damage, pronounced dark spots, very dry skin or other signs of aging.  There are five separate products in the TimeWise Repair™ regimen, which combines extensive research, innovative ingredients and comprehensive testing to deliver the benefits that focus on slowing down those signs of aging skin.  We can now offer our special Foaming Cleanser, Lifting Serum, Eye Renewal Cream, Day Cream and Night Treatment With Retinol.

If you are thinking ahead for holiday gifts, Mary Kay have some fun limited-edition color cosmetics in the “Old Hollywood” classic look — such as our Mary Kay® Bold Shine lip colors in “radiant red” and “poised pink,” a couple of amazing nail colors in “radiant red” and “tempting teal,” an “Eye Intrigue Color Quad for well-defined eyes this holiday season, and two gel eyeliners in “tempting teal” and “jet black.”  Very fun!  Of course, there will be such classics as our Mint Bliss™ Energizing Lotion for Feet & Legs, Satin Hands Pampering Sets (in Fragrance-Free or Peach Fragrance), and many other items that make great holiday gifts.