On Life With Helen

What are the main differences between traditional lines of credit and an FHA reverse mortgage? In this episode , we delve into the second part of our conversation about what is true and what is a myth about the reverse mortgages line of credit. Mitchell explains why he considers a reverse mortgage a great tool, especially for those in their 60s and above who struggle to access traditional lines of...

There are a lot of myths about reverse mortgages. Some think they can lead a person and their heirs to lose everything, have tax issues, or lose their social security benefits; none are true. Still, horror takes over clients' faces whenever we suggest a client consider reverse mortgages.  In this episode , I'm really excited to welcome Mitchell Cooper back to the show. Mitchell is a Certified...

If you think about where you would like to spend the final years of your life, you most certainly won't pick an eight-by-ten room in a building living with a bunch of strangers and having to report for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yet somehow, society pushes us to believe it is an ideal place for older adults.  In this episode, I'm talking with Renée Balcom, Professional Healthcare Advocate,...

How many things did you do despite being scared this year?  In this episode , I'm talking about the fears conquered, the accomplishments, the chances of being brave I didn't waste in 2022, and my expectations and vision for 2023. As we get closer to the final sprint of the year, a year I used to clean my plate, mentally and physically, I take time to look back and give myself some grace for e...

The holiday season is usually a time for reflection, planning, and, quite often, feeling awful after overeating and experiencing food coma symptoms.  In this episode , the lovely Jen Livengood visits us again to share five hacks to take care of your health during the holidays that'll help you keep your mental and physical health on track. As an experienced registered dietitian and functional...

You already learned why retention is so important and how to implement the stickiest plans to make it happen in parts one and two. Now it's time to find out your options to fund that commitment.  In this episode , in the third and last part of this series on employee retention with Trevor Patching, you'll learn the best options to fund your retention plans and how to recognize the right appro...

If a recession or any other external factor forced you to shrink your company by 30, 40%, or even half, who are the employees you should retain to keep the lights on?  This week, on the second episode of this three-part series on employee retention with Trevor Patching, we talk about the best ways to solve retention issues and put in place a plan sticky enough to make employees decide to stay...

The post-pandemic scenario brought a massive change in employee retention with it. The different career path options, the hybrid work models, and the starring relevance of mental health at work created a war for talent. Employees happily jump between jobs, and companies break their heads trying to figure out how to attract talent.   In this episode, I'm talking with Trevor Patching in th...

Whether it is for lack of time to prepare meals or seeking quick dopamine hits, we rely more and more on processed food, which not only lacks essential nutrients but also takes a toll on our health. Recent studies show that at least 88% of American adults have some kind of metabolic issue.  In this episode, we welcome Jenn Livengood, who invites us to look differently at what we put in our bo...

With virtual healthcare tools increasing, human connection and speed to care remains vitally important when it comes to the healthcare experience.  In this episode, I am joined by Lisa Hutcherson. She is a National Account Director at SUMMUS Global, a platform that empowers families through direct access to a  virtual network of leading specialists across 48 leading hospitals. Lisa’s pre...

What changes are being implemented in Medicare?  In this episode, I am talking with Rosamaria Marrujo. Rosamaria has been a true pioneer in the field of Medicare for over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has supported over 6,000 agents nationwide through her GA/FMO based out of California. Rosamaria Marrujo, of Trusted American Insurance Agency, is the current CAHU/CAHIP Medicare Chair, a...

Do you have a list of things that you have to do but they continue to pile up? In this episode, I am talking about how I have made changes in my life throughout this year that have allowed me to make room for exciting changes. Back in January, I made a list of personal and professional things that I wanted to tackle. I went through and wrote down commitments that weren’t serving my goals anymore a...

Do you spend most of your day sitting down, staring at technology? Adjusting your habits and incorporating more movement throughout your day is something that will make your body feel better and improve performance when you’re working.  In this episode, I am so excited to be joined by Dr. Kent Hardenbrook. He has been a practicing chiropractor for over 25 years and is passionate about teachin...

Have you been thinking about starting your own business? Taking the leap to become a business owner takes a lot of courage. However, you will find fulfillment through the ups and downs if you have a mission that is driving you.   In this episode, I am talking with Samantha Siders, the CEO and Trusted Benefits Partner at Siders Insurance Solutions. Samantha’s goal is to help people reach...

Are you a California resident? Medi-Cal is a gift that the State of California provides its residents so it’s valuable to take advantage of if you qualify for it.    In this eighteenth episode , I am re-releasing episode 18 in which I was joined by Michael McCabe to talk all about Medi-Cal. For the past twenty years, Michael’s job has been Medi-Cal planning, focusing on counseling people...

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It’s important to know the resources available for you so you can help yourself or those in your life who are struggling with their mental health.   In this twenty-sixth episode , I am re-releasing episode 10 to emphasize the importance of understanding what a Mental Health 5150 is. You will hear from Renee Balcom, a health advoca...

Do you lack confidence when it comes to making decisions about your healthcare or a loved one's health? Working with a health advocate advisor will give you the peace of mind that you are looking for when it comes to navigating the healthcare system.    In this twenty-fifth episode , I am re-releasing Part 2 of my conversation with Renee Balcom, a health advocate advisor. In Part 1, Rene...

What exactly IS a healthcare advocate advisor? If you are intimidated by the healthcare system, a  health advocate advisor is there to help you make sense of it all.   In this twenty-fourth episode , I am excited to re-release episode 7. In this episode, I had the chance to be joined by Renee Balcom, a health advocate advisor. Through her work, Renee helps people learn the healthcare sys...

Are you waiting for a sign to make a career change? No matter how many years of experience, people supporting you, or dollars that you have saved away, taking the leap of faith to make a big change is always scary, yet so rewarding.  In this episode, I am talking with Lauren Bayha. Lauren has recently decided to open up her own insurance agency,  BenefitsBay Insurance Solutions. Not only...

Are your efforts going to what you do best as a business owner or are you paralyzed by endless non-revenue-generating activities? One of the most common problems faced by businesses is the unending rise in overhead costs stemming from inefficiencies in compliance, and hiring, among others. In this episode, I am talking with Ben Godinez, a Business Consultant at Vensure Employer Services. He is pas...

Recent studies show that divorces among couples who are over 50 years are on the rise in the US. One of the challenges that such couples face that younger couples don’t is how to split their assets such as a house in a way that secures their future financial stability. The reverse mortgage has proven to be a game-changer in this area because it allows such couples to split a house without making m...

When was the last time you had a difficult conversation in your workplace? There have been major changes in the workplace throughout the past few years, and it’s important for all employers to be clear communicators while also providing their employees a safe space to do the same. In this twentieth episode , I am talking with Jay Johonson. Jay is the CEO of Coeus Creative Group and is an internati...

Have you and your family discussed the details on what to do when one of you passes away?    In this nineteenth episode , I am talking about a difficult event that happened recently in my life. Just a few weeks ago, my sisters and I said goodbye to our mother after she had lived a long, full, and beautiful life. I share with you the last 10 years of my mother’s life, what health difficul...

Do you live in California? If so, it is important to learn about Medi-Cal and understand how you can qualify.    In this eighteenth episode , I am joined by my great friend, Michael McCabe. Michael has been doing Medi-Cal planning for the last twenty years, focusing on counseling people on the psychology and financing of a person facing long-term care needs. He coaches his clients on how...

Do you and your family members have a life insurance plan? It’s best to prepare for the worst so if the worst comes, your loved ones can properly grieve without having to worry about costs and arrangements.    In this seventeenth episode , I am joined by my good friend Lisa Hutercherson. Lisa is the National Account Director at SUMMUS, a platform that provides medical decisions through f...