Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2025
GIVE US A CALL! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
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& WISE
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Listening Is More Than Just Hearing
What We Can Learn From 2 Minutes of Silence
Imagine how you would feel if you had someone’s undivided attention for two minutes totally uninterrupted. You would likely feel heard. You know your words, emotions, and deeper meanings mattering to the other person. I’ve often found it’s much harder to listen than it may seem. Difficult to be in the moment; mindful to the one speaking and not interrupting as soon as we’ve processed a shared thought or experience. March is Listening Awareness Month. It comes at a fitting time since my team and I recently did a work exercise all about listening. Whether it’s a family member, a colleague, or a client, the small act of listening can make a world of difference. Just a few of the many benefits is fostering trust and honesty. Active listening is an essential skill set, and even those of us who focus a lot on others could probably improve the way we hear people.
What really stood out to me was how I immediately felt the urge to respond and connect with my partner as they told their story. About 10 seconds in, I swear my mouth started to move, eager to share an idea of my own. I quickly learned something about myself — I tend to interject when someone is not finished giving their thoughts. It’s because I want to connect, want to share a story in return, but I get in there too early and tend to interrupt. I was already aware of this trait to an extent, but the exercise illuminated it and reaffirmed how valuable story-sharing is for me in building relationships. At the end of the exercise, we all talked about how it felt to have someone listen to us without interruption. It made people feel they were important to the listener; validated, and were the focal point. Though I’ve always known this to be true, one of the biggest takeaways from this practice is the importance of slowing down and letting people get their story out, whether it’s your child telling you about their day or a client sharing needs. Listening is absolutely vital in my role at Federal Benefits Made Easy. We simply can’t effectively help people prepare for retirement without understanding their goals and dreams. And you can’t learn that unless you actively listen when you speak with them. Looking back over my career and how I interact with people, I think my ability to build rapport quickly and form a relationship is the key to my success. People connect by sharing about themselves, and the more vulnerable our sharing, the more we enhance our relationships. As we all continue to hone our listening skills, remember how much the simple act of listening can help deepen relationships, both professionally and personally. Being present and focusing on the other person can make them feel cared for and allow you, as a listener, to understand them better. So, as hard as it may be, hold those thoughts until it’s your turn to speak!
The exercise we did at the office was very simple. We broke off into pairs, and each person had two minutes to talk about what they did over the weekend. As the listener, you were not allowed to interrupt. For two whole minutes, you couldn’t say a word, only using nonverbal communication like eye contact and head nods. Afterward, you switched roles.
–Jeremy Rafferty
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How the NCAA Evolved Into a Basketball Powerhouse Start Your Brackets! It’s March Madness
The First March Madness Champions Before UConn, Kansas, UCLA, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for the 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer.
Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite! Millions of fans come out to support their favored teams and fill out brackets to select a national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you. Humble Beginnings March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school official Henry V. Porter referred to the tournament as “March Madness.” The Emergence of Colleges in the Hunt March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same.
Evolution of Tournament Expansions Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. The last tournament expansion was in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. March Madness Today March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday (March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for “name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
Optimize Your Federal Retirement Benefits With Our Workshops CLARITY YOUR TEAM NEEDS
With a new administration, recent executive orders, and a growing sense of uncertainty in the workforce, it’s no surprise federal employees have many questions about what’s next. At Federal Benefits Made Simple , we work with federal employees all over the country, acting as a resource and preparing them for a happy and prosperous retirement. Our virtual or in-person “Understanding the Federal Employee Retirement System” class covers everything you need to know — whether you’re just starting your career, planning ahead, or getting ready to retire. With so many changes afoot, understanding your retirement benefits is more important than ever, and we can help your team gain clarity and confidence about their future.
happen if they lose their jobs, the fate of their remote roles, or if now is the right time for them to retire from government work. With new information being revealed on an ongoing basis, there are more questions than ever, and it’s an excellent opportunity for agencies to provide extra support for their teams. Our class has six modules covering everything from pensions, TSP accounts, health benefits, Medicare, and the steps to retire. We offer in-person, virtual, and hybrid models for this workshop based on what’s best for your agency. Whatever form you choose, our program can help answer your employees’ questions and give them thoughtful strategies to plan the retirement of their dreams. Along with the course, we are happy to stick around for one-on-one appointments to work
directly with your staff who are getting closer to retirement. Our workshop is a wonderful tool for agencies to provide useful training, education, and resources to help employees stay on track with their retirement goals while navigating all the latest changes. Federal Benefits Made Simple is here to help your team understand what’s happening in the federal work place and all the essentials necessary for the path to retirement. Our availability fills up quickly, so we encourage you to reach out soon so we can get you on the calendar. Visit FederalBenefitsMadeSimple.com/ workshops-for-federal-agencies to fill out a workshop request or contact us at 303-922-4304.
Going into 2025, federal employees are asking many questions about what will
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WHY TRAVELING ALASKA BY TRAIN BEATS A CRUISE SHIP ALL ABOARD THE ALASKA RAILROAD!
with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world- class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty.
access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience.
And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. The journey on the Alaska Railroad is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit- down meal, or taking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mashup
Train Your Brain!
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by Delish.com
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup whole milk • 1 prepared graham cracker crust • 3 bananas, sliced • 20 Nilla Wafers • Whipped topping and crushed Nilla Wafers, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl of a standing mixer, add softened cream cheese and beat until fluffy and free of clumps. 2. Add sugar and beat until combined, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix and refrigerate for 3 minutes until thickened. Pour pudding mixture into cream cheese mixture and fold until combined. 4. Into the graham cracker crust, pour half the filling and spread evenly. Add a single layer of sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers, then pour remaining filling over and smooth the top. 5. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours, or overnight. Top slices with whipped cream, crushed Nilla Wafers, and any additional banana slices as desired.
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Give us a call! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com FAX: 303-416-4358 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
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Insurance products are offered through the insurance businesses Federal Benefits Made Simple and E.A. Buck Financial Services. Federal Benefits Made Simple is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor and Buck Wealth Strategies, a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Federal Benefits Made Simple and E.A. Buck Financial Services are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. AEWM is not affiliated with Federal Benefits Made Simple, E.A. Buck Financial Services, or Buck Wealth Strategies. In California, we are known only as E.A. Buck Insurance Services in all solicitations of insurance. Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. E. A. Buck Financial Services, Buck Wealth Strategies, Federal Benefits Made Simple, An E.A. Buck Company are affiliated by common ownership. 02876656 - 2/25
INSIDE THIS ISSUE page 1 The Secret Ingredient to Building Rapport and Trust page 2 The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches Get Retirement Ready page 3 Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mashup
page 4 A Chef’s Truest Triumph
MICHELIN MAGIC
The Mark of Culinary Mastery
For culinary creators worldwide, earning a Michelin star is like winning an Olympic gold medal. Chefs with excellent kitchen skills and outstanding customer service are eligible to receive the honor. Late French chef Joël Robuchon holds the world record with 31, while TV star Gordon Ramsay rose to international fame and marked his hot-tempered journey to TV stardom by achieving 17 stars for his many restaurants. But how did this legendary distinction in the cooking world begin? If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at a Michelin-honored establishment, you have the automotive industry to thank. As its name implies, the star system was the brainchild of the Michelin tire company. To help inspire consumers to drive more — and increase the demand for tire purchases — it began publishing “The Michelin Guide” in France in 1900. The publication included
maps, tips on tire care, and recommendations for hotels and restaurants along popular French travel routes. As the guide grew in popularity, the company expanded its content to include anonymous restaurant reviews. In 1926, it introduced “the Michelin star” to recognize the eateries it considered the best in the country. Today, the bestselling publication reviews more than 40,000 restaurants across three continents. Only 146 restaurants worldwide — or less than 1% of those rated by the guide — have received three Michelin stars. In Ramsay’s mind, receiving that rare level remains the ultimate benchmark in his profession. As he stated in a 2024 article in Parade, “As a soccer player, I wanted an FA Cup winner’s medal. As an actor, you want an Oscar. As a chef, it’s three Michelin stars; there’s nothing greater than that.”
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