medicare advantage Archives

We survived the earthquake 🌍!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker, like The Big 65. That’s why we’re here.

Quantz and I are exploring Istanbul🕌✨, an ancient city where East meets West. It’s a fascinating mix of Europe and Asia and it’s filled with surprises😲.

Like the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, thousands of shops selling spices, food, and clothing. You can get lost in this place if you don’t use Google maps.

It’s fun to try new things: mulberries, persimmons, even Turkish delight🍬. Of course Q is way more adventurous then I am, but that’s why we have balance in our relationship…

One explorer and one boring insurance dude to keep things on track.

Istanbul is filled with dogs and cats that roam freely and are fed and housed with public funds.

As long as you see a tag in the dog’s ears, or a clipped spot on the cat’s ears, you know they’ve been vaccinated and protected.

On Thursday, as I was walking to meet a friend for coffee, we experienced a 6.2 magnitude earthquake 🌍 that shook for thirteen seconds.

Thousands of people streamed out of every building but there was no major damage, thank goodness😮‍💨!

As Yusuf and I drank Turkish coffee, every member of his family called him to make sure he was OK.

What a great reminder to live every day as if it is your last.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Aging isn’t the problem—losing curiosity is 🧓💭

Greetings and may this note find you in amazing health, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage? Please email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Well this week, Egypt has been a full-on contrast to our quiet, organized lives back home.

Honestly? It knocked me out of my comfort zone way more than it did Quantz. I guess that’s because she knows how to walk like an Egyptian🌞🐫🤣!

Cairo has more than 22 million people, staggering inflation, it’s surrounded by chaos, there’s constant construction, and super intense heat.

Oh, and did I mention there aren’t ANY traffic lights in Cairo😱?

One of our cab drivers u-turned into three lanes of traffic to find a short cut, it was crazy🚕🙏😩!

And yet… Egypt was exactly what I needed😲?

Yours truly is a Medicare Insurance broker because, just like my German Dad, I DON’T LIKE SURPRISES!

I want everything in order, in writing, the exact opposite of Egypt. Do you see the point?

So it was quite helpful (every time Q reminded me to “lighten up,”), that I had just read Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis.

The book is all about seven levers we can pull to live more boldly and creatively—not just on big trips, but in everyday life.

Visiting a new country gave me the perfect chance to practice what I preach.

Naturally, I didn’t “nail” any of these behaviors, but life is all about trying, right? Plus we got to see the oldest coffee house in Egypt, visited by Napoleon and Morgan Freeman 😎.

Attention

The classic saying, where attention goes, energy flows. It’s our most important resource. That’s why the internet is always trying to steal our attention.

Paying attention to the present is a skill I’m still working on, but Egypt gave me a reason to try harder.

Time

The scale of history here is humbling. These pyramids were already ancient when Alexander the Great arrived in 323 BC.

Standing in front of them reminded us how little time we get—and how important it is to stop wasting it on the wrong things.

Intuition

This wasn’t Yelp-approved dining. We followed a smell of roasted meat, made eye contact with the grill-meister, and said yes. It was one of the best meals we had in Egypt, and it was less than 5 bucks.

Sometimes you don’t need a plan—you just need a feeling. Still learning to trust mine more.

Constraints

Jarvis points out that constraints—whether it’s limited time, energy, or resources—can actually push us to be more creative. That hit home in Egypt.

Play

Play doesn’t come naturally when we’re stressed or tired.

Trying to remember: humor connects, lightness heals, and silliness might be the smartest thing we do all day, even if the sandflies are eating you alive.

Failure

We got lost. Took wrong turns. Felt frustrated. But that quiet guard reminded me: failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the path. As Jarvis says, it’s how we move forward.

Practice

As we get older, it’s easy to slip into routine and stop reaching for what lights us up. Chase Jarvis reminds us that wonder, energy, better relationships with our kids—none of it happens by accident.

If we want more meaning or joy, we have to keep practicing the behaviors that lead us there.

In the end, it’s all about showing up. Egypt reminded me—and Never Play It Safe confirmed it—that we don’t need perfect conditions to live fully.

We’re all still figuring it out. But if we keep showing up, practicing what matters, and being open to surprise…

There’s no telling what we might reel in next, just ask Rich🐟!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Think This😃, Not That😫—Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet🫠!

Greetings and may March Madness 🏀 find you in wonderful health with your Medicare insurance🏥working properly😄.

Remember, anytime you see an ad on TV 📺 (or receive an illegal telemarketing call📞) promising a $900 food allowance for Medicare, beware⚠️…

That benefit is ONLY for people on Medicaid with super low incomes.

If your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, or you’d like to shop your coverage, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. We’re here to help you avoid the swamp monsters🐊☣️.

Remember the opening from the Charles Dicken’s book, A Tale of Two Cities?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

That’s how I felt when Plato and I stumbled upon a herd of one hundred plus Elk 🦌in the park near our house😱.

Fortunately, Plato came running back to me and he didn’t end up getting in big trouble chasing the wildlife🐾😌🙏.

That moment reminded me how much life is shaped by how we choose to respond.

And that’s exactly the idea behind Dr. Josh Axe’s book, Think This, Not That. It’s all about flipping the script—recognizing we can shift our mindset anytime, even when life throws unexpected surprises at us.

As the world continues to spin out of control, this couldn’t be more important. Whether it’s facing health changes, making Medicare decisions, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, adopting the right mindset can turn “the worst of times” into “the best of times.”

Like when KC decided to try snowboarding…but we took him down the expert side of the mountain😩🙈 (poor guy, he looked like Sasquatch in the snow).

Here are 4 powerful mind shifts from the book that apply to all of us:

1. Think Abundance, Not Scarcity

Too often, we think, “I’m too old to try that” or “It’s too late to change.”

Flip it: There’s still so much time to grow, explore, and live fully.

Try This: Pick one new experience this month—whether it’s a hobby, class, or trip you’ve been putting off. New challenges keep you sharp!

Though we definitely started KC on the wrong side of the mountain🏔️, by the end of the trip, he had learned enough to enjoy the process🏆.

2. Think Confidence, Not Fear

It’s natural to feel uneasy when it comes to health changes, life’s curveballs, or Medicare Choices. But fear keeps us stuck.

Flip it: Replace fear with confidence—remind yourself, “I’ve handled challenges before. I can handle this, too.”

Try This: Take one step toward clarity today—whether it’s scheduling your preventive screenings, facing a challenge, or booking a quick Medicare review with me. Being informed is the fastest path to feeling in control.

Fun fact: After skiing, the left side of the table was drinking wine…for medicinal purposes 🤣 (and sore bodies)🍷!

3. Think Focus🧘, Not Overwhelm

Don’t let everything pile up in your mind.

Flip it: Focus on one small step at a time.

Try This: Set a single wellness goal this week—like a 10-minute walk each day or preparing one healthy meal at home🥗.

Plato told me he felt much more confident about chasing the wild turkeys instead of the Elk, but I kept him on the leash just the same.

4. Think Possibility, Not Limitation

Forget “It’s too late” or “I’m stuck.”

Flip it: Ask yourself, “What’s next for me?”

Try This: Write down a few things you’ve always wanted to do—big or small—and take one step toward making it happen.

My wife Q spent 30 years chained to a corporate desk. When the pandemic hit, and work was miserable, Quantz quit her job and said “we need to change everything.” I still work as much as I ever did, but now, I work virtually. Q has reinvented herself as a traveler and that includes medical missions, like the one she is on in Kenya. Happy wife, happy life!

At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing possibility over limitation. Life’s too short to let fear or doubt hold you back.

Keep asking yourself, “What’s next?”—and take that next step.

Be like my big brother Robert. Despite severing his spinal cord in a bike accident five years ago, he rose from the ashes.

Despite many daily challenges, Robert still practices medicine, plays pickleball, mentors young medical students, and makes the world a better place. He’s the first one to tell you, gettin’ old ain’t for sissies! I am so proud of my brother!

Don’t leave your best song unsung. Your story’s still being written—make it one worth telling.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Boring Life😒 or Extraordinary Life😀? The Choice is Yours!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in amazing spirits, ignoring the Medicare scams and with your coverage 🏥working properly😄.

If your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

March is the last month you can make changes on Medicare Advantage plans for 2025.

Look who had a birthday! Plato turned 10 🎂!

We celebrated with fancy dog food and a couple of new toys.

Of course we love our kids but we really love our dogs, right🤣!

It seems like yesterday when Nicholas and I drove to the middle of nowhere Ohio and chose little puppy from the Old Order Mennonite breeder. Now the kids are grown and Plato is an old guy, just like us,😮. As my favorite saying goes:

Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies.

Last week, I shared the Swedish philosophy of Lagom, being content with having just enough.

This week I had the privilege of attending Certified Senior Advisor (& Ted Talk Presenter) Kelly O’Connor’s lecture on “The Longevity Lifestyle: Embrace and Nurture It in Your Life.”

What does it take to live not just a long life, but a great one?

Kelly introduced The Ten Pillars of an Extraordinary Life, key areas that contribute to living longer, healthier, and happier lives:

Kelly shared actionable steps for building a lifestyle that promotes longevity, fulfillment, and overall well-being.

✅ Purpose – A reason to get up in the morning.
✅ Financial Well-Being – Planning ahead ensures security.
✅ Community – Social connections improve health.
✅ Spirituality – Faith, meditation, or reflection bring balance and peace.
✅ Curiosity – Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp.
✅ Brain Health – Stimulation, diet, and exercise.
✅ Advocacy – Taking charge of your health empowers independence.
✅ Physical Health – Movement, nutrition, and self-care.
✅ Mindset – A positive outlook improves resilience and happiness.
✅ Mental Health – Stress management and self care support a fulfilling life.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Let’s make sure you have just enough⚖️!

Howdy and may this blog post find you in super health with your Medicare insurance 🏥working properly😄.

Have you seen these totally bogus commercials promising free food cards with an Advantage Plan📺💩😠?

Most of these types of ads offer benefits that are ONLY available to consumers on Medicaid. The ads hold up these food cards as a fishing lure but never mention the fact that you must be on Medicaid to qualify.

Don’t be fooled by these bait and switch techniques!

If you’d like us to review your coverage or if you see a Medicare plan that looks better, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we will look at it together. Most of the time, we find it’s a scam, but if not, we can help.

Plato just auditioned for Shark Week and he reminds everyone to remember the quote: Never trust a man who says trust me😂.

It’s great to be home in Colorado. We are catching up on the “honey-do” list. Quantz sent out a bunch of honey this week and I’m pleased to report we lost only one hive this winter. We’ll get a new Queen and restart the hive shortly!

If we promised you honey and you didn’t receive it, please send me a note.

If you’d like honey🐝🍯 (while it lasts), you are welcome to write a Google Review or refer a friend. You can also follow our Facebook page and that’ll get you honey as well.

Last week’s snow gave Plato a chance to practice his alpaca imitation. He’s so happy to have us home again.

Dogs are usually content and his consistent happiness made me think of the Swedish philosophy of “lagom,” being content with having just enough.

Life is best enjoyed in balance—not too much, not too little, just enough.

Instead of chasing extremes, why not embrace a lifestyle where everything feels just right? 🌿

Lagom offers a refreshing approach to aging with purpose and contentment. Instead of striving for more or dwelling on what’s lost, it’s about finding joy in what is already enough.

This means maintaining an active lifestyle without overexertion, eating well without strict dieting, and spending wisely while still enjoying life. 🏡

Embracing lagom can lead to a healthier, less stressful retirement—downsizing without deprivation, staying social without overcommitting, and engaging in meaningful activities at a comfortable pace.

We can start by decluttering our homes, simplifying our schedules, and focusing on quality relationships over quantity. By doing “just enough” in every aspect of life, we can cultivate lasting happiness and peace. ✨

My late mother-in-law, Susan, was one of the most important people in my life. She helped others, laughed at everything, and always saw the good in life, never letting the darkness get in her way.

She never stopped moving, never stopped praying; she never stopped. Her life was filled with just enough. I still miss her every day, as do many others❤️.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

The good old days ain’t what they was😮‍💨, neither are the drug plans💊!

Hello and may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well😄.

If you’re having issues with your Part D drug coverage or you haven’t received your cards, and you’ve already called the carrier…

Please email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. Drug max out of pockets for 2025 are now $2,000 (down from $8,000 in 2024) but they still are challenging.

Remember the good old days? This week, Q and I have been exploring the mountains of Chiapas, one of the poorest and most beautiful states in Mexico.

Chiapa de Corzo is a small village about an hour from San Cristobal. For the past two hundred years, every January, they celebrate “The Great Feast” in honor of three Catholic saints.

The masked dancers, called Parachios, start in the morning and continue all day. It’s an amazing celebration that connects the community to each other and to their beliefs.

To see something so beautiful makes us yearn for simpler times, for the old days, and yet…

The past isn’t as amazing as we think it was. Our memory typically let’s go of the negative memories and tends to remember the positive.

Nostalgia is Widespread

A 2023 Pew survey found that 60% of Americans believe life was better 50 years ago.
Popular culture fuels this nostalgia, with old songs dominating the music market and movies relying heavily on sequels and reboots.

The Reality: Life Has Improved Dramatically

Material Living Standards: Americans today are wealthier, with bigger homes, more cars, and advanced technology.
Education: High school and college graduation rates are significantly higher than in the past.
Global Advances: Extreme poverty has dropped from over 50% of the global population in 1950 to just 10% today, and life expectancy has increased by nearly 30 years.

Why Do We Yearn for the Past?

Shifting Expectations: Progress raises our standards, making us forget past hardships.
Selective Memory: We tend to forget negative events and idealize the positives of the past.
Loss Aversion: Fear of change makes us cling to the familiar, even when the present is objectively better.
Personal Nostalgia: Often, we’re longing for our younger selves, not the past itself.
While challenges exist, the broader trajectory of human history shows progress in health, wealth, and equality. Remembering how far we’ve come can help us appreciate the present and look forward to the future.
Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Don’t ever pay…immediately ⚠️!

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

For Medicare questions or concerns, book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com if you need us.

If you were driving the backroads of Mexico and you came across a cowboy 🤠 leading his cattle🐄 across the road, you’d slow down, right?

Consider using the same strategy when it comes to paying Medicare medical bills—proceed with caution⚠️.

One Medicare client received a shocking $50,000 hospital bill😱, but after a few calls, it was corrected to less than $1,000. What a difference😌!

To avoid overpaying, separate the forest from the trees.

Here’s what to do:

Review Your Bill Carefully:

Never pay the bill immediately.
Request an itemized statement from your healthcare provider.
Look for duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, or any unfamiliar billing codes, called CPT codes.

Compare with Your Insurance Coverage:

Cross-check the charges against your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Verify that the services are covered and that the charges align with your plan’s benefits.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider’s Billing Department:

If something doesn’t look right, call the billing department to discuss the charges.
Request a review and ask them to resubmit the claim to Medicare or to your insurance plan if there are errors.

Remember, slowing down to verify your medical bills can save you thousands of dollars. Here’s an article from Medicare. This problem occurs with Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Drug Plans. Beware!

If you have questions about Medicare or need assistance navigating your coverage, we are here if you need us.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

January sure is dry!

Happy New Year 🎉🥳🎆 …!

May this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

For Medicare questions or concerns, book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com if you need us.

I love this picture of Lauren celebrating New Year’s Eve as she has done for the past 30 years, working in Times Square. Well done!

This picture of my brother Haas and Nicole sums up how Q and I normally celebrate the New Year😂😴. We rarely stay up late🌙🦉 either.

This was my view on New Years Eve day, wrapping things up with clients for 2024. If it doesn’t look like Denver, you’re right!

Plato and Elwood we’re not happy we left town, but thanks to our amazing neighbor, these two boys are getting plenty of love till Sus and KC get home.

The two brothers in the picture below were our exchange students in the US when our daughter Sus was in high school.

Santi and Memo drove two hours to Mexico City to have dinner with us and it sure was delightful to see them again.

That beer you see in front of me was the last one I had before “Dry January” began. I miss it already😢🍺.

Dry January, a month-long break from alcohol, is an opportunity to reset and focus on wellness. Whether you’re cutting back or going completely dry, the benefits are impressive. It’s also a great way to show solidarity with anyone you love who struggles with alcohol.

Here’s why taking a break from booze could make January your best month yet.

Physical Benefits:

Improved Sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, and skipping it helps you wake up more refreshed.
Boosted Energy Levels: Experience higher energy as your body recovers from the effects of alcohol.
Weight Loss: Cutting out empty calories from alcohol can help you shed pounds.

Mental Health Benefits:

Better Mood: Without alcohol’s depressive effects, many people report feeling more positive and emotionally stable.
Improved Focus: Gain mental clarity as your brain operates without the influence of alcohol.
Stress Reduction: Discover healthier ways to cope with stress, like exercise or mindfulness.

Social Benefits:

Stronger Connections: Focus on meaningful interactions without alcohol as a social crutch.
Explore New Activities: Try sober-friendly events, fitness classes, or coffee dates.
Be a Role Model: Inspire others to explore healthier habits by leading the way.

Long-Term Health Benefits:

Liver Recovery: Give your liver a break and reduce the risk of liver disease.
Lower Blood Pressure: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, so abstaining may improve heart health.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Alcohol is linked to certain cancers, and reducing consumption can lower your risk.

Tips for Success:

Set Clear Goals: Decide if you’re going completely dry or just cutting back.
Find Alternatives: Stock up on tasty non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails.
Seek Support: Join a Dry January challenge or share your goals with friends.
Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to celebrate milestones.

Ready to Take the Challenge? Whether you’re in it for the health, the savings, or the mental clarity, Dry January offers something for everyone. Here’s to a healthier, happier start to the year! Anyone who tries will get honey (when we get home).

We saw this sculpture and quote while walking in Condesa and it says everything:

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to a person or an object.”
—Albert Einstein

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Get ready, the end is coming!

Hello and may this note find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 not driving you crazy😵‍💫.

No, the Bruns-Kylers are not in Australia, but client Ken is doing a walkabout in the land down under and we couldn’t resist posting his picture of the most relaxed animal on the planet. May this little rascal be your role model for the end of 2024.

Back here in Colorado, we will be working on the 31st. Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com if you still have questions.

I’m grateful to our daughter Sus for shaming me into buying a good, sturdy ladder. It’s way less expensive than the ER deductible🚑😂⚠️, right?

Now we’re wrapping up the holidays and getting organized for 2025.

This was a very relaxing Xmas. We celebrated early with the kids and spent a lot of time with friends and animals (including Elwood, our daughter’s foster dog). Plato was happy to have a pal!

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to enhance your life in every dimension. Here are simple ways to make 2025 amazing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Follow Henri’s example and you’re going to have an amazing year.

Practice gratitude daily: Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning.
Learn something new: Engage in a new hobby, language, or skill.
Embrace mindfulness: Spend 10 minutes a day meditating or practicing deep breathing.

Rich’s dog Kali is committed to meditating with his chew toy every day!

Commit to regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity weekly.
Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods: Focus on a balanced diet.
Prioritize sleep: Maintain a consistent schedule and aim for 7-8 hours of rest.

Rocket is committed to good sleeping and Marcel tells me she adds zest to their lives❤️, and walks!

Reflect on your values: Align your actions with what truly matters to you.
Engage in daily reflection: Spend a few moments journaling or in quiet contemplation.
Practice acts of kindness: Help others through volunteer work or small gestures.

Bob says Hobbes can be a true pain in the #!?*@ and he is a very good boy.

Life is unpredictable, but maintaining a flexible mindset and focusing on what you can control will help you navigate challenges with grace.

Here’s to a thriving 2025! Let’s make it a year filled with growth, connection, and joy.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year, and safe travels to Ken in Australia!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

The Secret to Happy Holidays!

Greetings and may this blog find you in superb health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

Even though the Annual Election Period ended on the 7th, we’re still busy talking with clients all over. Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com. If you still have questions, I’ll be working till the 31st🎉.

Plato has been busy too… hounding neighbors like Vickie for treats😂 when we go walking.

We ran into John and Debbie on the trails and it was fun catching up.

Mookie always barks like a maniac when you walk by his yard. But if you stop and say hello, he is the sweetest dog on the planet.

Socializing, even casually, can boost serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical, and oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” These chemicals help reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and trust.

I make it a point to always say “hello” to strangers and it makes me feel like I’m walking tall😊.

Engaging in friendly chats can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone. Less stress means a healthier heart, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.

Quantz has joined a flower arranging class and I know she looks forward to it.

Being part of a community—even in a small way—helps combat loneliness. This sense of connection is vital for mental and emotional well-being, especially as we age.

Casual conversations stimulate your brain, keeping you mentally sharp and engaged. When Quantz couldn’t go to her flower class this week, since it was paid for, I went in her place and actually had fun trying something new.

Here are the simple steps to building low stakes friendships:

Be Open to Conversations: Make eye contact, smile, and engage in small talk during daily activities.
Frequent the Same Places: Visit the same coffee shop, park, or community center to create familiarity.
Practice Kindness: Compliments or simple acts of kindness can start a connection.
Join Local Activities: Consider joining clubs, walking groups, or community events to meet new people.

These brief, positive interactions don’t just benefit you; they brighten the day of the other person as well. A kind word or shared laugh can ripple outward, creating a chain of good feelings in your community.

As we navigate the holiday season, low-stakes friendships remind us that a connection doesn’t always have to be deep to be meaningful. I challenge you to reach out and make a connection with someone new this week. Report your connection and we’ll send you honey🐝. Q is still filling bottles.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including: