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Club MED
April 2024
Scammed! 3 Important Takeaways
I arrived at the office Monday morning extra early to handle some pressing matters. I fired up the computer, pulled up the CRM (customer relationship manager) and other websites to get to work, and opened my emails. I started sorting through emails. An email popped into my inbox. Norton had charged my account $500 that morning for my anti-virus software. I remembered receiving an email a few weeks earlier that I was coming up on my anniversary. I knew I wanted to cancel Norton because I was going in a different direction on anti-virus software. I needed to act right away so I could get a full refund. I decided to take care of this first thing. I didn’t want to wait because I would probably forget and lose the $500. I called the 800 number. The voice on the other end of the line was very professional. He took me through several steps to deactivate the software from my computer. He sent very official-looking emails. I gave them access to my computer to deactivate the software. Everything was going well. I had to repeat the codes they sent me. It was getting done so I could move on to my real work. The refund was being sent to my bank account. Then Norton’s customer service person asked me to open my bank account online to double-check that I had received the refund. I decided to use another computer to check, just to be safe. I told him I didn’t see the refund yet. Then he asked if I had opened my bank account on the computer he had previously accessed. I said no. I was using another computer. He said that it would only work if I used this computer. The alarm bells went off in my head. I shut everything down and hung up. I remembered I had used a credit card, not my bank account for Norton. I couldn’t believe I had been so naive. The scammers called back. They told me other scammers had impersonated Norton, and they were the real thing there to help me. I hung up again. They kept calling from various phone numbers from all over the U.S. I use Cox Tech Support, which is an excellent tech support resource. I called them immediately. They logged into my computer to clean it up. As they were working on my computer, the hackers were fighting them. As Cox deleted malware, the hackers put it back. Finally, I shut it down and pulled out all the plugs.
I had used Ken’s PC Repair before. They are a local computer repair shop. I called and got a hold of Ken. He told me to come over immediately, even though they weren’t open yet. When I told Ken my tale of woe, he knew what had happened. As I began the story, he finished it because he knew exactly what the scammers were doing, step by step.
I left my computer with Ken for the day. He found the malware and cleaned it up.
When I returned, Ken shared some more stories about scammers and their dirty business. He gave me his card and told me to call if anything suspicious happened again. Then he carried my computer to the car and put it in the back of my SUV. Ken was superb.
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Medicare Insurance Made Easy
402-614-3389 • 1
SELF-CARE TIPS FOR A HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER YOU
You matter. It’s an easy thing to forget with the overwhelming obligations and responsibilities most people have, but you matter. Everyone, including you, must practice self-care to ensure their happiness and peace of mind. DISCONNECT FROM TECHNOLOGY The connectivity provided by technology comes with several benefits, but they have just as many drawbacks. Companies design phones to be addictive. Your brain releases a little dopamine whenever you get a notification, not unlike a slot machine. That’s why we constantly check our phones, even when they don’t ring or vibrate. Meanwhile, studies correlate heavy social media usage with profound feelings of loneliness and depression. Everyone needs to distance themselves from technology every so often. Try leaving your phone at home when you go outside or set a specific no-screen time. Better yet, dive into nature. Practice yoga in the park or hike through the woods and breathe in the fresh air instead of scrolling. DREAM MORE Our bodies demand that we spend about a third of the day sleeping, and it does so for a reason. Almost every cell needs If I got anything out of my embarrassing experience, it was that I had a fantastic example of superior customer service with Ken, which further embarrassed me because I don’t think I have kept my customer service as high. Ultimately, I didn’t lose anything except for some of my pride, which is probably best lessened. I did, however, learn some crucial lessons: One, don’t be in such a rush. That always gets me in trouble. (I don’t seem to learn from that repeated mistake — my wife reminds me about that one.) Second, confirm who is on the other end of the line before doing anything that involves personal information, computer access, or money. Third, make sure I do everything possible for my clients so they know I have their best interest at heart, and I am worthy of their trust. ... CONTINUED FROM COVER
time to refresh and renew. But many people continue to shrug off sleep, which falls to the bottom of their priorities.
Take the time to increase your sleep quality. It helps almost every part of your body, from brain to toe. To do so, implement positive sleep habits. Don’t watch TV before bed, keep your bedroom dark, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” INDULGE YOURSELF It’s all too easy to devote our lives to other people, but taking time for ourselves is essential. Some me-time lets you get some perspective through joy. Once a month, push the responsibilities away and spend the day doing what you love. If you want a spa day, get a massage. If you’d prefer to paint figurines in your basement, that’s all you. We spend most of our time in our heads, preoccupied with our thoughts and focused on our obligations. It’s not good for our mental health. The sheer weight of life is heavy on our shoulders and minds. Ease those worries and anxieties by putting the phone away, getting a good night’s sleep, and spending quality time with ourselves.
Ken has my five-star endorsement.
Ken’s PC Repair 12865 Deauville Dr., Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 933-7890
–Christopher J. Grimmond
2 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
YOUR GUIDE TO MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT QUOTING TOOLS STREAMLINE YOUR SEARCH
Testimonial
“Christopher knows this business well and knows what to suggest to you. Very up to speed on all the changes. He pays attention and will be great help every year I have to update my policy. I have already referred a few people my age to him because he did such a good job for me.” –Reva B.
Navigating the multitude of Medicare supplement options available can be overwhelming. Whether you are just starting to look or have been arduously researching plans and calling insurance companies, you should know about software that can offer some much-
needed relief and guidance. Medicare supplement quoting tools — online platforms that allow you to compare and evaluate them based on their cost, benefits, and provider — can help you find a plan that meets your budget and coverage needs. WHY ARE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS NECESSARY? While individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those suffering from certain disabilities, can be covered by Medicare, costly gaps still exist in their coverage. Fortunately, private insurance companies offer Medicare supplements, which are designed to round out your Medicare coverage. These plans help cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. THE TOOL MAKES PICKING A PLAN PAINLESS. Medicare supplement quoting tools draw their information from insurance companies’ filings with state insurance commissioners. These filings detail alterations made to those companies’ policies, including price and premium changes, which the software gathers automatically for easier reference. After inputting your age, location, and gender, as well as disclosing any tobacco usage, the software narrows your pool of options by presenting the policies available in your area. From there, you can compare them side-by-side and find the option that best suits you. WHY SHOULD YOU USE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT QUOTING TOOLS? In Nebraska and Iowa, over 40 insurance companies offer hundreds of Medicare supplements. By using these tools, you are no longer required to manually research and contact insurance carriers for the most up-to-date information — the software does all of that legwork for you. Additionally, the comprehensive overview it provides allows you to compare relevant details, ratings, and policy details in a fraction of the time it would take to research each policy document manually. ACCESS ADVANCED MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT QUOTING TOOLS. This software can be expensive, so it is easiest to access through a licensed insurance agent. Omaha Insurance Solutions utilizes CSG Actuarial, cutting-edge software that can help you get the quotes you need to make the most informed decision possible. Give us a call at 402-614-3389 to speak with a licensed insurance agent for a free consultation to discuss your Medicare Supplement plan.
Savor the flavor with our mouthwatering grilled steak, paired perfectly with vibrant chimichurri sauce. Ingredients • 2 lbs steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt steak) • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
402-614-3389 • 3
11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
402-614-3389 OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com Chris@OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
Code 79779_040324_MK
INSIDE This Issue
1
Scammed! (And What I Learned …)
2
Self-Care Practices to Help You Thrive
The Tool You Need to Find the Perfect Medicare Supplement
3
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
3
Discover the Healing Wonders of Hot Springs
4
The Allure of Hot Springs Earth’s Geothermal Wonder
• Less Stress: As the warm water melts stress away, the magnesium and lithium improve your mood. • Pain Reduction: Sulfate helps reduce pain, while hot water soothes muscles and reduces inflammation. WHERE YOU CAN FIND HOT SPRINGS The western part of the U.S. has a higher concentration of hot springs, but if you look hard enough, you can find one anywhere. Some hot springs are deep in the mountains, so you’ll have to hike in. They often have specular views and are worth the journey. If you don’t want to trek up a mountain, you’ll find many spas built around hot springs that offer amenities besides the spring, such as restaurants and saunas. So, the next time you’re traveling, locate the hot springs in your area and put a visit on your itinerary!
rocks close to the Earth’s crust. These rocks are naturally very hot, which then heats the water. HOW MINERALS AND HEAT IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH The water in hot springs contains a plethora of minerals, so the water can be healthy and rejuvenating, providing benefits for your skin, cardiovascular system, and more. Every spring has a unique mineral makeup and varied health effects, but here are four of the most common. • Improved Blood Circulation: Minerals like calcium, iron, and sodium bicarbonate are great for blood circulation, as they promote oxygen flow. • Radiant Skin: Nitrogen, silica, and other minerals are excellent for exfoliating skin.
Soaking in the heated waters of a hot spring is an experience you’ll want again and again once you try it. And there is much more to this geothermal wonder than meets the eye. The naturally heated, mineral-rich water nourishes the body and mind, allowing you to shed stress as you easily float on the surface. HOW HOT SPRINGS WORK Hot springs are heated by geothermal energy. Water meets volcanic hot rocks, resulting in boiling mineral-rich water. Regions far away from volcanic activity can also have hot springs; those occur when a spring runs so deep that it hits
4 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
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