I have a new gig too

[ladypanther]

Not as cool as @Khyber53 but new to me and I am excited.

For a couple of years I was working remotely for a national company who was a large insurance broker.  I was making an exit plan as I was just not liking some of the changes there were making. Did not feel right.  Well, they beat me to it as they secretly were training overseas teams and when they got them trained they terminated several teams in my department.  So I got to work on my new plan just a couple months earlier than expected.  But, all is good.

I am now a licensed life and health insurance agent and certified with Medicare.  Lots of studying!  I will say proudly that I passed all my state licensing exams on the 1st try.  

I am an independent contractor...meaning...I can do what I think is right and do not have anyone looking over my shoulder telling me I need to sell X amount of policies.  I am contracted with a local brokerage (I've had insurance with them for years).  The owner has become my mentor...he is great to work with.  I plug in thru his software systems and he is so busy he and his staff are happy to send me referrals.  I can work some from home...can come into the office as needed. No pressure.  It is the perfect set up.

Have some more training to do.  BCBS has their own training...working on that now.  Medicare season  (Oct 15) will be here before you know it.

I enjoy talking with people and I can just truly focus on helping them find what they need. It fits me I think.  And, I am happy.

 

[LinvilleGorge]

Congrats!

Are his initials R.M. by chance?

[ladypanther]

36 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Congrats!

Are his initials R.M. by chance?

No....R.B.

[Khyber53]

That's great!!!! I hope you have amazing success!

And my wife and I are looking to add a term life insurance policy in the near future! Maybe we can give you a call then!

 

[thefuzz]

Congrats.

Been an independent contractor for 20 years now, my one piece of advice if you haven't ever been on this side of the market.

Pay your quarterly taxes.  Some will say take 35% and set that aside for taxes and other clever confiscation measures that are in place....but after this many years, I'd say that's bad advice, and to just pay your quarterlies.

Also budget, and learn to get really good at it.  When you have no idea how much money you are going to make month in and month out, you need to be very careful and plan LONG TERM.  I think in years now, not weeks like most people think about when looking at pay.

[ladypanther]

8 minutes ago, thefuzz said:

Congrats.

Been an independent contractor for 20 years now, my one piece of advice if you haven't ever been on this side of the market.

Pay your quarterly taxes.  Some will say take 35% and set that aside for taxes and other clever confiscation measures that are in place....but after this many years, I'd say that's bad advice, and to just pay your quarterlies.

Also budget, and learn to get really good at it.  When you have no idea how much money you are going to make month in and month out, you need to be very careful and plan LONG TERM.  I think in years now, not weeks like most people think about when looking at pay.

Great advice.  As I was getting this started I spoke with an accountant.  He suggested I plan on 30% for taxes.  I have a separate account just for that.  Tax money from anything I get goes in there..nothing else. I will pay the quarterly tax bill from that.   I know that I will be making more money during the fall with  Medicare enrollments but definitely know that will have to carry me through other parts of the year.

So excellent advice.  Thanks for taking the time and interest.

[Louie]

Congratulations!!!!

 

[SOJA]

congrats we desperately need more people like you working in the field of healthcare. 

[ladypanther]

13 hours ago, Louie said:

Congratulations!!!!

 

 

2 hours ago, SOJA said:

congrats we desperately need more people like you working in the field of healthcare. 

Thank you both!

[ladypanther]

Just getting started but in the last 2 days have enrolled 3 people in a healthcare plan thru the ACA (affordable care act).  They were able to get health insurance that a few years ago they could not have gotten.

There are people in this business who "sell' and there are people who help. I am very happy to be in the latter  group.

[Anybodyhome]

Congratulations to you. I've always believed it's not really work when you actually enjoy what you're doing and, at the end of the day, know you've helped someone.

[Khyber53]

Hope this is still going great for you!

[ladypanther]

On 9/3/2023 at 10:12 AM, Khyber53 said:

Hope this is still going great for you!

Just saw this....yes...getting better everyday and learning so much.  Thanks!