September 2025 Newsletter

IT'S A NEW MONTH AND A NEW SEASON—WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER!

Summer will soon be in the rearview mirror, so it's time to ease into fall. Read on for all the fun and important information you autumn know in September, including all about Life Insurance Awareness Month, what you need to do to get ready for Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, how to reduce your risk of falling, how to make a comforting casserole for an autumn night at home, some intriguing historical facts about this month, and so much more!

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DID YOU KNOW THAT SEPTEMBER IS LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH?

Each September, the insurance industry unites to promote Life Insurance Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to educate people about the importance of life insurance and its many benefits. Life insurance can help cover debts and final expenses, leave a lasting legacy, fund your children's education, support a loved one with special needs, provide a cash value component that may be used as an investment tool, increase your borrowing capacity, supplement retirement income, and more. In short, life insurance is an easy and cost-effective way to gain peace of mind. So, the question is: Are you covered? If not, the first step is to reach out to discuss your current situation. This month serves as the perfect reminder to call or e-mail me and we can make sure that you get the right protection in place!

SOURCES: Advisor Hub, LIMRA, and Life Happens

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ARE YOU READY? MEDICARE'S AEP IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is coming up quickly. From October 15 through December 7, it'll be your yearly opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage, including switching plans, enrolling in new options, or adjusting your current benefits. Get ready by calling me or responding to this e-mail to schedule your annual review. Even if you're currently satisfied with your plan, it's still a good idea to check in to compare options. Each year, plan details can change—from premiums and copays to provider networks and drug coverage. You may be able to save money or get even better coverage for your needs. I can help you make sense of it all, so don't wait to reach out. Let's get you on the calendar now to avoid the last-minute rush!

SOURCE: Medicare.gov

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WANT TO PREVENT A FALL? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

If you've ever taken a fall, you're not alone. In fact, the National Institute on Aging reports that over one in four older adults experience a fall each year. The encouraging news is that there are many steps that you can take to prevent a fall this autumn! These steps include choosing supportive footwear, scheduling regular eye exams, reviewing your medications, and making safety improvements around your home. Research also shows that many people don't mention a fall to their doctors, especially if there were no injuries. It's always important, however, to let your doctor know if you've fallen since your last check-up so that he or she can treat and correct any possible issues.

SOURCE: National National Institute on Aging

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EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR A SHORT TIME, HOW WILL YOU PAY FOR CARE IF YOU NEED IT?

Short-Term Care Insurance (STC) helps cover the kind of care you might need if you're temporarily unable to manage everyday tasks on your own. This could mean a stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility, help from a home health aide, or even certain prescriptions. While many people believe they can rely on Medicare to handle these types of expenses, Medicare benefits can be limited and usually require you to meet certain conditions first. That's where STC offers valuable support, helping you avoid costly out-of-pocket bills.

Does STC make sense for you? I'm here to help! Contact me any time to talk about STC or any of your insurance needs.

SOURCE: SmartAsset

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Good Taste, Good Health

CRAVING FALL COMFORT? TRY THIS STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE!

This dish tastes just like classic stuffed peppers in one easy-to-assemble casserole. In addition to the usual rice, beef, and cheese, there are fresh zucchini and tomatoes. You can enjoy it more than once because it reheats well, too. Casseroles are the ultimate cozy meal for an upcoming autumn weeknight—so, get ready for a plate full of comfort!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into one-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into one-inch pieces
1 pound of ground beef (80/20)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
½ teaspoon of black pepper
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of long-grain white rice
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a three-quart baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, three to five minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and browned, six to eight minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and zucchini and cook until softened, three to five minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, rice, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and one cup of the cheese.
Remove it from the heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
Bake until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 50 minutes to one hour. Remove the foil and stir the casserole. Sprinkle the top with the remaining one cup of cheese.
Increase the oven to broil. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, two to three minutes.
Allow to cool for about five minutes; sprinkle with more parsley and serve.
Makes six servings.

SOURCE: The Pioneer Woman

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DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT SEPTEMBER?

September 4, 1609 – The island of Manhattan was discovered by navigator Henry Hudson.

September 29, 1789 – Congress created the U.S. Army, consisting of 1,000 enlisted men and officers.

September 3, 1833 – The New York Sun newspaper first appeared, marking the beginning of the “penny press,” inexpensive newspapers sold on sidewalks. The paper focused on human interest stories and sensationalism. It became the largest seller in America, with a circulation of 30,000, within three years.

September 8, 1883 – The Northern Pacific Railroad across America was completed.

September 16, 1908 – General Motors was founded by entrepreneur William Crapo “Billy” Durant in Flint, Michigan.

SOURCES: The History Place and HISTORY

SEPTEMBER CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: Keanu Reeves (September 2), Beyonce Knowles (September 4), Hugh Grant (September 9), Bill Murray (September 21), Gwyneth Paltrow (September 27)

SOURCE: Holiday Insights

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CHECK OUT THIS MONTH'S SENIOR FINANCIAL GLOSSARY.

The DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE tracks thirty of America's biggest and most established companies, acting like a quick temperature check of the U.S. economy. It is a benchmark index because its composition changes over time based on economic trends. It is named after Charles Dow, who created the index in 1896, and his business partner, Edward Jones.

An EXCHANGE RATE is the value of a nation's currency when it is traded for another currency. Movements in a nation's exchange rate change the real cost of the supplies that are purchased from abroad, the cost of imports that its consumers buy, and the level of demand for the nation's products.

SOCIAL MEDIA is made up of websites, apps, and other platforms that allow users to share information and ideas with virtual communities through text, photos, videos, and more. According to Investopedia, the largest social media platforms currently are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.

SOURCE: Investopedia

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Quote of the Month

“ Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wiped clean by summer. ”
– Wallace Stegner, American Pulitzer Prize-winning author

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