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LYN’S LEDGER
Lyndon Thomas Insurance Agency
Prepare for and Prosper in the Senior Years
May 2025
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Kathy was on the phone scheduling her abdominal lymphoma biopsy when her primary care physician’s office called with the news that her breast biopsy had come back positive. That was in October 2024. With endometrial cancer in 2020, she has now experienced three cancers in four years. A hysterectomy eliminated number one. Fast forward now to May 2025, and number two is in complete remission. Treatment for number three is now beginning.
body and health when the diagnosis is received and treatments are undertaken. You learn to pronounce words you’ve never heard before. You are forced to make decisions you don’t want to make. You see more doctors than you ever imagined could even exist. We learned from tests following the hysterectomy that Kathy has a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome. Every cell in her body has a gene that is missing a protein. It’s hereditary, and this weakened gene is associated with a 60% greater likelihood of cancer. Cancers from this weakened gene are perhaps more easily treated. See? You learn all sorts of things you never wanted to know! For her first 60 years, no problem. The next five years? I’ve lost track of how many oncologists she has seen. Kathy has endured the past year in an amazing way with her faith in God, quiet tenacity, and fighting spirit. Plus, the support and help of so many friends in Ojai and beyond. The medical profession is remarkable. We have encountered so many caring people in offices and treatments in Ventura and Los Angeles. These professionals are all very optimistic. We are converging conventional medicine and alternative treatments in a pathway to being cancer-free. And, of course, for me personally, as a Medicare plan agent, it has been gratifying to see Medicare and private insurance provide the best coverage we’ve ever had at the lowest price we’ve ever paid. It’s taken a few months for me to get accustomed to seeing my name on the Medicare card in my pocket. Twenty-plus years of marketing Medicare plans prepared me for this time! A special word of thanks to the terrific staff here at LTIA. Beth, Denise, Kelley, and Rod have truly had my back as I have taken time off to be with Kathy. Simply the greatest!
As all Lyn’s Ledger readers who have had health challenges will affirm, you learn more than you ever wanted to know about your
We are blessed,
www.LT-ins.com –Lyn Thomas
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Lyndon Thomas Insurance
Your Midlife Molecules Are Revolting
TIME TO TAKE CONTROL
No matter what we do, we can’t stop time. We grow a little older as every minute, hour, and day passes. We might not feel older mentally, but our bodies don’t move as well as they used to. It seems like it would happen as a slow, natural progression, but many people report feeling an onset of aging once they cross certain thresholds. A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that our bodies age faster when we enter our mid-40s and early 60s than at any other point in life. The study reviewed data from 108 people who donated blood and other biological samples throughout several years. Through their efforts, researchers found that nearly 81% of the studied molecules demonstrated age-related fluctuations when subjects reached their mid- 40s and early 60s. Both age groups sustained molecule changes related to cardiovascular disease, caffeine metabolism, and skin and
muscle groups. Those in their mid-40s saw changes related to alcohol metabolism, and those in their early 60s had changes in immune regulation and kidney function. The results of the study may make you feel powerless to stop these molecular changes once you reach these specific ages. However, like most health-related scenarios, you can take action to help offset age-related changes. Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the best ways to do this. You can eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins to improve and maintain your heart health. Eggs, chicken breast, and salmon can help strengthen your muscles. Citrus, leafy greens, and ginger are great for immune support. If you’re already committed to a healthy diet and are still worried about these changes, incorporate more exercise into your daily
routine. Also, remember to get quality sleep. A regular and sound sleep schedule benefits our health in more ways than one. Aging doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. Knowing what to expect and countering potential obstacles will help you enjoy a long life full of happy moments!
The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check BUDGET SMARTER, NOT HARDER
PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money. YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck
cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices. Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app
automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free.
Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
2 1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
CA#6010969
Prepare for and Prosper in the Senior Years
A Scam Every Day, It Seems
Why do bank robbers rob banks? Because that’s where the money is. These days, smart criminals are online. It’s the dumb criminals on the street sticking up banks. In an ongoing effort to help us all learn to protect ourselves more effectively, Lyn’s Ledger will include periodic information on scams. Here’s an example of one I’ve received: The Toll Road SCAM. You happily drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or take the E-470 around the east side of Denver (personal experience!) and two weeks later, receive a letter from the toll authority with a payment due for the toll. This is legitimate. However, scammers are sending out emails and/or texts acting as toll companies and advising of an unpaid toll. The messages often include a link taking the recipient to a screen where they’re asked to enter their card information, which the scammer may use to run a charge with a mobile wallet provider. RED FLAG: If you haven’t traveled on that toll road, you’re being pressured to click on a link and provide information that the scammer will use to steal your money. If you initiate contact with a website and you are expecting an email, it’s okay, but be very careful with any email that comes to you unsolicited. Beware of a scam if you are: • Contacted out of the blue, especially for a service you didn’t order • Pressured to act immediately • Asked to pay in an unusual way • Asked to provide personal information If it sounds too good to be true, it’s a scam. If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there’s often little the bank can do to get your money back. Pressure to pay “right now” is very scammish! And always remember, Medicare, Social Security, and the Internal Revenue Service NEVER make first contact by telephone. If they need to communicate with you, the first contact is by mail. Anyone calling you “from the government” is a SCAM! Stay safe out there!
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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Lyndon Thomas Insurance Agency
P.O. Box 207 Ojai, CA 93024
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Prepare for and Prosper in the Senior Years
INSIDE
CA#6010969 | www.LT-ins.com | 805-646-6409
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Up Close and Personal
You Can’t Stop Time, But You Can Slow the Damage Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
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A Scam Every Day, It Seems Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Travel Swaps That Save You Thousands
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
DESTINATION DUPES THAT DELIVER Big Dreams, Small Budget
Have you been planning, saving, and dreaming about the perfect getaway only to realize your bucket list destination comes with a bucketload of expenses? Don’t put away that passport yet! Some of the most talked about travel locales today are destination dupes — places offering all the charm, culture, and excitement of big-name hot spots without the sky-high price tag. Let’s get packing with these wallet-friendly wonders that let you travel big! Liverpool for London London is one of the most popular cities for tourists, and it doesn’t come cheap. But, if you have your heart set on experiencing British history, a tasty pint, and great places to explore on foot, Liverpool is quickly becoming a beloved alternative to the country’s capital. Highly walkable, minus the chaos of London’s hustle and
bustle, Liverpool offers so much to see and a truly British experience. Not only does it have entertainment and charm, it’s the birthplace of The Beatles. Though you will miss out on Buckingham Palace, you can experience rock royalty at the famous Cavern Club, where some of Britain’s greatest rock bands performed. Kraków for Rome Though Poland may seem worlds apart from Italy, Kraków has the same fairytale charm and old-school style as Rome. Unlike Rome, Kraków has more breathing room and a far more laid-back atmosphere. If the history of Rome calls to you, you’ll find many historical sites in the city to explore, including the Wawel Castle. And foodies can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Polish to Middle Eastern dishes.
Budapest for Barcelona Barcelona tops many people’s list of must-see cities, making the summers incredibly busy and expensive. If you want an architectural treat with a fascinating history akin to Spain’s central city, you can head to Hungary. Budapest is the country’s largest city and features buildings representing many eras of design, from art nouveau to baroque. You’ll also find a history museum for everyone in your family, from the House of Terror to the Museum of Fine Art.
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1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
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