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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
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Holiday Traditions Evolve WHEN LIFE SHIFTS, SO DOES THE PLAN
For the past several years, Thanksgiving has looked a little different for our family. Instead of the hustle of cooking and cleaning at home, we’ve decided to spend the holiday in Panama City Beach, Florida. It’s become our little tradition: soaking up the sun and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant. My in-laws, Bill and Rosie McBeath, join us every year, making it a special time for all of us.
This year, the McBeath Thanksgiving will look a little more traditional: a quieter table, a homemade feast, and time to recharge. It’s a reminder that what worked beautifully for a while may not be the best fit forever. And while the memories of traveling are precious, the gift of simply being together might be even sweeter.
In some ways, it mirrors financial planning. The right strategy at one stage of life may not be the best for the next. Just as we’ve adapted our holiday traditions, families often need to adjust their financial “travel plans” over time. Health, markets, and personal goals all shift, and that’s where flexibility becomes essential. What matters most is making sure the journey supports the destination that matters most to you, more time with the people you love.
Last year, we decided to do something special to celebrate Rosie’s 80th birthday: a week-long cruise. She loved it, but like many adventures, it came with a few challenges. After a small tumble before the trip even began, she bounced back and enjoyed every moment. Still, between the shuttles, hotel stays, crowded airports, and even catching a little bug by the end of the week, she was pretty worn out. The return home was something straight out of a movie. With a delayed flight and just 10 minutes to catch the connection, we knew that a timely arrival to the next terminal
However the holiday season looks for you and your family this year, whether
around a crowded airport gate, a restaurant table, or your own kitchen, we wish you joy, peace, and meaningful moments with family.
was a long-shot. Let’s be honest: None of us move as fast as we used to, and Bill and Rosie, although spry for their age, weren’t exactly ready for a mad dash through the airport. But thanks to
Happy Holidays from all of us at McBeath Financial Group!
a pair of energetic airport workers and a couple of wheelchairs, we barreled through the crowds and slid into the gate with barely a minute to spare. Looking back, it’s a funny memory … but at the time, it was more stress than anyone hoped for.
–Krista McBeath
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• Medicare Advantage (Part C): No medical underwriting is required, meaning you can enroll regardless of your health (except for pre-existing conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease, though recent changes allow more ESRD patients to enroll). • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: If you enroll in a Medigap plan during your Medicare Open Enrollment Period (a six-month window starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B), you are guaranteed coverage without medical underwriting. However, if you apply outside this period, insurers may require medical underwriting, meaning they could deny coverage or charge higher premiums. Bottom line: If you’re turning 65, it’s crucial to select a quality supplement plan, such as Plan G, during your initial eligibility period to avoid future underwriting restrictions. THE IMPORTANCE OF ENROLLING IN MEDICARE PART D Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, but many people mistakenly delay enrolling if they don’t take medications. While some plans have low-cost generic options that are not subject to deductibles, not signing up at 65 can result in lifelong penalties if you need coverage later. FINAL THOUGHTS: YOUR HEALTHCARE, YOUR CHOICE Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare with a Supplement is a significant decision that can impact your well-being and your family’s peace of mind. While Medicare Advantage may seem appealing due to lower upfront costs, its limitations on provider choice and home health care can create challenges when you need care the most. If maintaining freedom of choice, comprehensive coverage, and access to home health care are important to you, Traditional Medicare with a Supplement may be the better option. NEED HELP NAVIGATING MEDICARE? Making the right Medicare choice isn’t just about today; it’s about planning for the unexpected. If you need guidance in selecting the best plan for your unique needs, seek professional advice to make a confident, informed decision.
WHY CHOOSE TRADITIONAL MEDICARE WITH A SUPPLEMENT? If you’re considering your options, here are some key benefits of Traditional Medicare with a Supplement:
Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs Freedom in Healthcare
• Freedom to Choose Providers: See any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without being restricted to a network. • Comprehensive Coverage: With Plan G, most out-of-pocket costs are covered, reducing financial surprises. • No Referrals Needed: You can see specialists without waiting for prior approvals. • More Access to Home Health Care: Traditional Medicare offers greater flexibility for in-home care after a hospital stay, which can be crucial for maintaining independence. • Stable Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans change annually, but Traditional Medicare benefits remain consistent year after year. While Medicare Advantage plans often promote lower premiums and added perks like dental and vision coverage, they come with network restrictions, prior authorizations, and limited home health care options, factors that can make a big difference in your long- term healthcare experience. DOESN’T MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OFFER HOME HEALTH OPTIONS? Yes, but with more restrictions. While Medicare Advantage plans do cover home health services, they often include: • Prior authorization requirements before services can begin. • In-network provider limitations restricting who can deliver care. • Stricter medical necessity guidelines that can result in denied care. • Short-term, intermittent coverage rather than ongoing home support. These additional hurdles can delay or limit access to home health services, making it harder for individuals to receive the care they need.
Choosing a Medicare plan isn’t just about coverage; it’s about ensuring the right care when you need it most. But with so many options, how do you know which is right for you? For many, the decision between Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare with a Supplement can feel overwhelming. I’ve seen firsthand how these choices impact lives, and I want to help you make an informed decision.
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON MEDICARE CHOICES
The importance of Medicare decisions hit home for me in a deeply personal way.
My grandmother’s experience was my defining moment. After a hospital stay, she wanted to return home with home health care services. Unfortunately, her Medicare Advantage plan did not provide this option, and she was sent to a nursing home instead. Recognizing this challenge, my mother made a change during open enrollment, switching to Traditional Medicare. Years later, at 96, my grandmother faced another hospitalization. Had she been discharged to a nursing home, our family would have lost access to her in her final days due to pandemic- related lockdowns. The thought of being separated from her during such a crucial time was heartbreaking. I also saw the difference when my father needed care. He was able to receive home health care that provided comfort and dignity in his final years. And today, another loved one with Parkinson’s is receiving essential in-home support that allows them to maintain their quality of life. These experiences have taught me an important lesson: Having flexibility and choice in healthcare can be invaluable, especially when unexpected circumstances arise. That’s why I often recommend Traditional Medicare with a Supplement, such as Plan G, to those seeking reliable coverage.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE UNDERWRITING
It’s important to understand how medical underwriting affects Medicare plan choices:
–Krista McBeath
2 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
For one special soldier, the mission is clear: Provide comfort, lift spirits, and stand by his crew, four paws at a time. Raider, a 1-year-old Lab mix from an animal rescue in San Diego, isn’t your typical recruit. He’s about to make waves as the first full-time morale dog on a Navy ship, and he could transform life at sea for hundreds of sailors. With a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty, this pup is ready to serve his country in the most heartwarming way. The nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs as service animals for veterans since 2012, with a mission to “save lives, two at a time.” Though the organization partners dogs with individual veterans, it began bringing therapy dogs to Navy ships for special training outings and made a discovery. Crew members felt a special connection with the pups and kept asking, “Can we take this dog on deployment with us?” Raider is the first canine cadet for the job. He was adopted from Labs and More Rescue and has been deep in training since April. This new furry crew member has been working hard on learning to use a “potty patch” on board and special safety gear like booties for his paws and eye protection. Anchors Aweigh, Belly Rubs Ahead Meet the Navy’s First Full-Time Morale Dog
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Along with getting his sea legs, he’s learning various commands that will help in his role, which is “designed to support the emotional wellness, morale, and mental health of sailors and Marines,” according to the nonprofit. Raider will join a team of five handlers and live full time on the USS Makin Island in his own room. Crew members will get their wish, and any time the base deploys, he’ll be along for the ride. Known for his goofy personality and affinity for belly rubs, he’s already bringing cheer to the base and inspiring others to follow in his pawprints. The nonprofit is busy training morale dogs for other ships.
“Everyone is just really excited to have a furry companion to go with them when they’re underway,” Director of Operations and Training Nicky Moore said, adding, “What makes you happier than a dog?”
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INSIDE
1
Why Flexibility Matters in Travel and Retirement Planning
2
Medicare Choices Made Simple
3
How a Rescue Dog Is Lifting Spirits at Sea
4
Furry Agents and Failed Espionage
SOLUTION
The CIA’s Most Purr-plexing Mission Advisory services are offered through Landmark Wealth Management Inc, dba McBeath Financial Group, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor firm. Insurance products and services are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC are affiliated. All content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of McBeath Financial Group and our editorial staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual financial professional prior to implementation. © 2025 McBeath Financial Group.
Cats as Spies? Probably Not, but Maybe a Beetle
The CIA once tried to turn a cat into a spy. No, really.
men were talking. Instead of heading toward the bench, the cat unfortunately wandered into traffic and was immediately hit by a taxi. The mission was over before it began. It turned out cats weren’t very good at following orders. In a later memo, the CIA admitted that the program wasn’t practical or suited to its “highly specialized needs.” No surprise there. If you’ve ever tried to get a cat to do anything it doesn’t want to do, you understand. Still, the idea of using animals for covert missions didn’t die with Acoustic Kitty. In the 2000s, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) picked up the baton and funded experiments with remote-controlled insects. Researchers at UC Berkeley managed to control a beetle’s flight using neural implants. They could steer it left and right and make it start and stop in mid-air. It was like a bug-size drone. Science has shown that bugs might make better spies than cats. And unless your housecat suddenly develops a taste for espionage, your conversations are probably safe. So, if your feline friend stares blankly at you while you share secrets, don’t worry. That’s not surveillance. That’s just a cat being a cat.
In the 1960s, the agency launched a project called Acoustic Kitty. The idea was to implant listening devices into live cats so they could eavesdrop on foreign officials. One unlucky feline became their test subject. A surgeon embedded a microphone in the cat’s ear,
ran an antenna through its fur, and tucked a transmitter into the base of its skull. The CIA planned to train the cat to sit near targets and secretly transmit conversations. The outcome? Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned.
For the first trial run, CIA agents
released the wired- up cat near a park bench where two
4 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
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