We sure have seen things change with technology over the years. For instance, it's funny that we could use QR codes over a decade ago. But few of us would use those helpful little things until we had to. I think it was restaurants forcing the use of them instead of menus that created the final shove to use the now 'old' QR technology.
Folks' attention spans and ability to focus have changed significantly as well. The use of newspapers and magazines for information has decreased dramatically in the world today. 30 years ago, a paper was delivered to nearly every doorstep in America. Today, less than 5% of people read a newspaper every day.
Consequently, that migration to getting it instantly and preference-based information results in us getting short bits of the highlights of what we want to hear. So the onus is put on us to dig in deeper for the "REST of The Story," as Paul Harvey used to say. The problem is that locating the rest of the story, or even the next paragraph, is challenging.
We Fill a Need
Our business has grown and expanded nationwide over the years. How? We fill a need that educates and simplifies decisions. Folks still want to talk to a person. They may give research a go on their own as they try to find the right Medicare plan or retirement income strategy to suit their needs. But at the end of the day, folks still want an expert to review their findings and confirm they are going down a path that will lead to a solution that meets their needs.
Our workshops are how many of you became clients. We have now made all our educational workshops available to watch on-demand to meet the needs of folks who want to learn NOW. So you can learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
Want a friend in Delaware to experience how Medicare works? Have them call the office for a link to access our Medicare workshop, which is instantly available at the click of a button.
Wonder how Social Security works and strategies to get the most out of what you contributed? Call the office for access to our Social Security workshop on-demand, instantly.
Thinking about your retirement income security and want to make sure your broker doesn't lose your money before you run out of time? Call the office for access to our on-demand Retirement Income Planning workshop.
With everything we do, we aim to make your life 123Easy.
By David Schaeffer
Founder of American Retirement Advisors, David has spent decades helping retirees and pre-retirees build secure financial futures. His straightforward approach to retirement planning has guided hundreds of families toward confident, well-prepared retirements.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's right about how we want information instantly, but retirement planning is one area where the details really matter. Let's take a look at this together. When people ask me, "Can I learn about Medicare on my own," I tell them absolutely—but there's a lot to cover. Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D all work differently, and the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Miss that window, and you might wait until the next year to make changes.
Same thing with Social Security timing. Most people are surprised when they learn that claiming at your Full Retirement Age of 67 versus age 62 can mean a 30% difference in your monthly benefit for life. The Social Security Administration's website has calculators, but having someone walk through your specific situation—especially if you're married or divorced—can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Here's the good news: you can get educated first, then talk through your specific situation with an expert. That combination of self-paced learning plus personal guidance? That's what makes planning ahead 123easy.