two pumpkins at the shoreline on the beach at sunrise
October 13, 2025
 | 
Written By:
Brian Goldman
 - 
Retirement Specialist, Financial Adviser

October Newsletter

Time For Pumpkin Spice And Everything Nice — It's October!

Get ready to carve out some time for fun because it's officially fall. Read on to harvest some valuable information like what you can learn during October's Health Literacy Month, what you'll want to do to prepare for Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, why it can be a good idea to plan outdoor activities this time of year, how to make a simple seasonal recipe you'll be pump-ed to enjoy, some fascinating historical facts about this month, and much more.

October Is Health Literacy Month.

 

October is Health Literacy Month

Since 1999, Health Literacy Month has been celebrated in October to highlight the importance of health literacy. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information in order to make appropriate decisions and follow instructions for treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, poor health literacy can lead to misunderstandings, uninformed choices, and negative health outcomes. To improve health literacy, be open with your doctor if you don't understand something, ask for written materials, and utilize online resources. The goal is to better manage your health through informed decisions.

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and Days of the Year

It's Time To Schedule Your Medicare Annual Review!

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 only. This is your once-a-year chance to review your Medicare coverage. Whether you're thinking about changing plans, exploring new options, or simply fine-tuning your current benefits, now's the time to act. Call me today or reply to this e-mail to lock in your annual review appointment. Even if you're happy with your current plan, reviewing your options is essential. That's because details like premiums, copays, drug coverage, and provider networks can shift from year to year … and those changes can impact your costs and care. You may be able to save money or get even better coverage for your needs, but only if you review your options in time. I'm here to guide you through it, so let's get ahead of the rush and book your annual review now.

SOURCE: Medicare.gov

Embrace Outdoor Activities This Autumn

Despite the cooler temperatures, autumn provides ample opportunities for older adults to participate in outdoor activities. According to the National Institute on Aging, regular exposure to nature and fresh air can boost mood and overall wellbeing. Some ideas for autumn-friendly outdoor activities include nature walks to admire the foliage, birdwatching, light gardening, outdoor photography, and volunteering for a park clean-up through your local recreation center or community association. When doing any outdoor activity, experts recommend wearing layers and comfortable shoes to prevent slipping on fallen leaves. Safely enjoy yourself and the beauty of the season!

SOURCES: National National Institute on Aging and National Medical News Bulletin

Consider All The Advantages Of Life Insurance

 While many people view life insurance mainly as a way to help their family manage debts and cover final expenses, those are just some of its valuable benefits. In addition, life insurance can help you leave a legacy for your loved ones or a favorite charity, fund your children's college education, and even offer a cash value feature that acts as an investment. It can also improve your ability to borrow, provide for a family member with a disability, and supplement your retirement income. Beyond the financial advantages, having life insurance can give you peace of mind, reducing worries about the future and allowing you to enjoy the present.

Curious to explore all the ways that life insurance can benefit you? Please feel free to reach out to me anytime!

SOURCE: MoneyGeek

Good Taste, Good Health

 

IT'S A SWEET TREAT THAT'S SIMPLE TO MAKE AND SIMPLY GOURD-OUS: PUMPKIN COBBLER.

Pumpkin cobbler

This delicious pumpkin cobbler is just what it seems — a creamy, rich, sweet layer of spiced pumpkin topped with a cakey spread.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup of milk, evaporated or regular
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 box of yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • ½ cup of melted butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
  4. Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Then, sprinkle evenly with pecans and drizzle the butter evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for about one hour, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cobbler stand for 15 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
    Makes eight servings.
SOURCE: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

BE IN THE KNOW WITH THESE OCTOBER FACTS.

October 1, 1908 – Henry Ford's Model T, a car designed for the masses, went on sale for the first time. 

October 3, 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln officially designated the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

October 6, 1927 – The first “talkie” opened in New York. The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson was the first full-length feature film using spoken dialogue.

October 13, 1775 – The United States Navy was born after the Second Continental Congress authorized the acquisition of a fleet of ships.

October 21, 1915 – The first transatlantic radio voice message was created by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company from Virginia to Paris. 

SOURCE: The History Place

 

OCTOBER CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: Susan Sarandon (October 4), Kate Winslet (October 5), Matt Damon (October 8), Paul Simon (October 13), Julia Roberts (October 28)

SOURCE: Holiday Insights

Check Out This Month's Senior Financial Glossary.

The AMERICAN DREAM is the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work in a society where upward mobility is possible. Writer James Truslow Adams popularized the term in 1931, describing it as a vision of a better, richer, and fuller life with equal opportunities. Although this concept has changed over time, homeownership, education, and entrepreneurship remain key components of achieving the American Dream.

CUSTOMER SERVICE is the support and assistance that a company provides to its customers before and after purchasing its products or services. Customer service could be carried out in a number of ways including in person, by telephone, through e-mail, live chat, and social media. Good customer service is critical to business success.

An individual's GROSS INCOME is their total earnings before taxes or other deductions are taken out. It includes income from all sources, not just from employment. It's not limited to income that's received in cash. It also includes property or services received. It's typically referred to as gross pay when it appears on a paycheck.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Quote of the Month

“ Let's be honest. You can't celebrate fall without its leading role: pumpkin! ”
Rachel Hollis, American writer and motivational speaker

sudoku puzzle

View Last Month's answers

SOURCE: BrainyQuote©

Brian Goldman
Retirement Specialist, Financial Adviser
412-897-0760brian.goldman@successfs.com