Back in the saddle again

Back home again, and back into the grind of work. I spent another week or so with my mother, helping her a bit after her surgery. I didn't do a lot, just errands and household cleaning and stuff. She is having difficulty with her loss of control over her life so it's a constant tug of war: how much does she want done vs. how much she will let you do.

I've agreed to work with one of the local banks, selling Medicare supplements and Advantage plans this fall, starting in September until January, during the Medicare enrollment period. I will be placed either in one of their bank offices with set appointments OR at a desk in a local grocery store, accepting walk in queries - and hopefully sales. This is something new and different for me, as I've never actively focused on the senior market. However, I believe that in the coming years, this will be the market of choice for health insurance agents (think of all those baby boomers!) so I'm going to give it the old college try. I've spent the last month completing forms, faxing/emailing resumes, licenses and E & O policy pages - basically showing them that yes, I am a licensed and insured insurance agent and I am capable of selling insurance. Now I will spend August going through the Medicare required education and certification to sell the products. The feds have made so many regulations that one must go through many hoops just to sell in this market, that I hope it is worth it all! I've already got a few friends asking me questions about the differences and details available in the supplement marketplace. At the very least, this will educate me on the subject.

On a similar note, I passed my first certification test with H &R Block. Tax professionals are given 3 tries and a passing grade of at least 80 percent is required to be hired back to HRB in January. I passed on the first try with 95 percent! The plan is to try the 2nd certification test next week. If I can pass that one, then I'll move on to the 3rd test before the season starts in January. I doubt if I will pass either of the next 2 tests on the first try, but it's ok, I get 3 tries!

This summer has been very hot, dry, and very boring. I'm looking forward to becoming productive again, soon. And that Panama Canal cruise I've always wanted to take is tempting me tremendously.....if I make a few good sales, I just might be able to book it soon.