Kim Eldred, CPA, Financial Coach

11/02/2026

Don't look at the premium alone!

💰 Medicare tip: The plan with the lowest premium may not be the plan that costs you the least!

When reviewing Medicare coverage for 2027, it's important to look beyond the monthly premium.

Here are a few questions to ask as you compare plans:

🔹 Are my prescriptions covered, and what will they cost?

🔹 Are my doctors and preferred pharmacies in the plan's network?

🔹 What deductibles, copays, and coinsurance will I have to pay?

🔹 What will my estimated costs look like over the entire year?

🔹 Does the plan cover the services I expect to need?

A plan that looks attractive because of its monthly premium may not be the best fit once you consider your medications, providers, and expected medical expenses.

Take your time, compare your options, and ask questions if something isn't clear.

You can start comparing plans for 2027 here:

👉 https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare

The goal isn't simply to find the cheapest plan. It's to find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

11/01/2026

Mark your calendar!

📅 Medicare Open Enrollment is here! Don't let the deadline sneak up on you.

If you're enrolled in Medicare, here's an important date to remember:

🗓️ October 15–December 7, 2026

This is the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can review your options and make certain changes to your Medicare health and prescription drug coverage for 2027.

You don't have to change plans just because it's open enrollment. But you should review your current coverage before deciding to keep it.

Here's what to do:

✅ Read the information your current plan sends you.

✅ Check whether your doctors and preferred hospitals are still in the plan's network.

✅ Review your prescription drug coverage.

✅ Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs.

✅ Make sure the plan still meets your needs for the coming year.

You can compare Medicare plans using the official Medicare website:

👉 https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/ #/?lang=en&year=2027

The deadline for changes during this enrollment period is December 7.

A little homework now can help you feel more confident about your coverage for 2027!

Please share this post with someone who might find it helpful.

10/31/2026

Think about the year ahead

👶 What does next year have in store for you?

When choosing your employee benefits, don't just think about your life today. Think about what might be coming next year!

Are you:

👶 Expecting a baby?

🏥 Planning surgery or a medical procedure?

💊 Managing a condition that requires regular medication?

👨‍👩‍👧 Adding a family member to your health insurance?

🩺 Expecting to visit the doctor more often?

These are all things to consider when comparing your health insurance options.

Also, check whether your preferred doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are covered under the plans you're considering.

Of course, none of us can predict everything that will happen in the coming year. But taking time to think through your needs can help you make a more informed choice.

Your benefits should work for your life—not just look good on paper!

What is one thing you always consider when choosing your employee benefits?

10/30/2026

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10/30/2026

The cheapest health insurance isn't always the cheapest!

💰 Which health insurance plan costs less? The one with the lowest monthly premium? Maybe. But not necessarily!

When comparing health insurance plans through your employer, it's tempting to look at the amount deducted from your paycheck and choose the lowest one.

But there's more to consider!

Here's what you need to compare:

🔹 Premium: What you pay for coverage, often through payroll deductions.

🔹 Deductible: What you generally pay for covered services before your plan starts paying, subject to the plan's rules.

🔹 Copays: Set amounts you pay for certain services.

🔹 Coinsurance: Your share of the cost of covered services, usually expressed as a percentage.

🔹 Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you'll pay for covered, in-network services in a plan year under the plan's rules. Premiums and some other expenses don't count toward this limit.

Now consider this: Would you rather pay a higher premium throughout the year and potentially less when you need care? Or pay a lower premium but take on more costs when you use medical services?

Your answer depends on your health needs, finances, and the plans available to you.

Don't compare just one number. Compare the whole picture!

10/29/2026

📣 MOSES LAKE & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES — YOU’RE INVITED! 📣

💰 Do you have questions about money? We’ve got a panel of local financial professionals ready to help!

Whether you’re an individual, a couple, a family, a business owner, an employee, or simply someone who wants to make better decisions with your money, this special evening is for YOU!

Join us for a Financial Panel Discussion featuring local professionals who can answer your questions and share their expertise on topics including:

🏡 Home, auto & other insurance
💼 Business strategy, payroll, HR & risk management
⚖️ Wills, estates, trusts & legal needs
💵 Financial advising & financial coaching
🏠 Personal mortgages
🩺 Medicare, medical & dental insurance
📊 Personal & small business taxes
🏦 Personal & commercial banking

📅 Wednesday, November 11, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 First Baptist Church
724 W 4th Ave, Moses Lake, WA

You do NOT need to have attended my Groundwork financial literacy course these past few weeks to join us. Everyone is welcome!

Bring your questions, your ideas, and your goals. This is an opportunity to connect with knowledgeable local professionals, get answers, and take a step toward a stronger financial future.

✨ Real People. Real Expertise. Real Answers.

Please share this post with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone who could benefit from an evening of practical financial conversations. You never know who might need this invitation!

We hope to see you there! ❤️

10/29/2026

Don't ignore that email from HR!

📩 That email from HR? Please don't ignore it!

You know the one. The email about open enrollment and choosing your employee benefits for next year.

I know you're busy. You've got work, family, and a hundred other things competing for your attention.

But this is one email worth opening!

Here's your open enrollment checklist:

☑️ Find out when enrollment starts and ends.

☑️ Read the information about your available benefits.

☑️ Compare your options, including the costs and coverage.

☑️ Ask questions if something doesn't make sense.

☑️ Complete your enrollment before the deadline.

Even if you decide to keep your current coverage, review it first. Your employer may have changed plan options, costs, or other details.

A few minutes of preparation now could save you money and frustration later.

Have you received your open enrollment information yet?

10/28/2026

It's almost that time!

📣 OPEN ENROLLMENT IS ALMOST HERE! Are you ready?

It's that time of year when your employer may ask you to choose your benefits for next year, and Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review their health coverage.

Before you automatically choose the same coverage you had last year, let's talk!

With 35 years of corporate accounting and financial leadership experience, I've worked alongside HR teams to help employees make informed benefit choices. And I've learned something important: Your benefit choices can have a big impact on your financial well-being.

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll share practical tips to help you:

✅ Understand your options.

✅ Know which costs to consider.

✅ Ask the right questions.

✅ Make choices that fit your needs and your budget.

Because taking control of your finances isn't just about what you earn, save, or spend. It's also about making informed decisions about the benefits and coverage you choose.

Let's get ready for open enrollment together!

10/27/2026

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