Season 5
2024-2025
October 1. 2023
Savvy Decluttering
Seniors facing the challenge of decluttering confront a lifetime's worth of memories and possessions. Join us as we explore the emotional journey of letting go and the transformative power of simplifying life's accumulation.
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Speakers:
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Kellie Johnson, Kellie's Blue Moon Estate Sales
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Kim Madsen, Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
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Susie Marsh, Susie's Organization Solutions, LLC
September 17, 2024
Savvy Driving
Michigan has 1.5 million drivers age 65 and over. The number of older licensed drivers has increased by nearly one-third in the last 10 years. Watch Savvy Driving where we have experts in multiple areas talk about best practices to keep older drivers safe as they drive on increasingly busy roads. Finally, we will touch on the delicate subject of when it makes sense to hand over the keys and some options to retain independence if that is the best option.
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Speakers:
• Omar Dieppa - Kent County Sheriff’s
• Alistair Lynch- Farm Bureau Insurance
• Tom Sikkema - Ride Your Way
Season 4
2023-2024
June 13, 2024
Communication Savvy – Keeping Control by Recording your wishes
If you have ever played the age-old game of “Telephone?”, you know how easy it is for something to get twisted through multiple translations. We will discuss the importance of deciding “What you Want”, and ”how” and “where” you will choose to record your decisions. First, you need to learn your options, then the tools that are available to document your choices, and lastly, how to choose the right person to carry out your wishes in the event that you can no longer speak for yourself.
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Speakers:
• Nancy L. Hillary – Hillary Law Offices, PLC
• Katlin Mills – Brio Living Services
• Joel Ruiter – Home Repair Services of Kent County
May 16, 2024
Get Savvy on Continuing Care Communities
You may have wondered why some communities charge a significant buy in, and some do not. What is the difference between a community that is considered a “Continuing Care Retirement Community” aka “CCRC”, and similar communities that offer a wide array of services? We will hear from the communities themselves about their living options, care levels, amenities, costs, and more. Finally, we will talk about the questions to ask to decide if this option is right for you.
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Speakers:
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• Sandi Wake – CarePatrol
• Amy VanderPloeg – Brio Living Services/Porter Hills
• Jason Allaire - Freedom Village Holland
April 9, 2024
Rethinking Possessions – Freedom starts with Letting Go
Most of us spend our lives acquiring things. Some of these items may have been achieved through great sacrifice or financial investment. Other items link us to memories, times, or people who are no longer with us. The problem lies when the things we own start to hinder us from living life to the fullest, and even pose a safety hazard. This talk will focus on the psychology behind hoarding, the many ramifications of holding on to too many items, and the freedom that can be found for those willing to let go. Whether you have a little clutter, or an overwhelming mess, we will point you to resources that can help.
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Speakers:
• Susie Marsh, LBSW – Susie’s Organization Solutions LLC
• Nancy Ayers, LMSW – Senior Neighbors
March 12, 2024
Savvy Singlehood - Navigating Independence later in life
Life happens and many people find themselves suddenly single at a stage of life they had planned on sharing with their spouse or other special person. Whether you become single through an untimely death, or even a planned divorce, your life changes drastically. Learn practical ways to adjust to living life as the new you. We will discuss maintaining a home, making a financial plan, building a supportive social network, and finding joy on your own.
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Speakers:
• Christy Buck - Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
• Christine Freidt - WeTravel
• Alistaire Lynch, Lynch Agency
February 13, 2024
Finance Savvy – Get real on Long-Term Living and Care Costs
“Hope is not a Strategy”. While this is a very true statement, many tend toward denial when faced with planning for their future care. Every family has unique needs and resources, and even those change over time. Learn the realities of various private pay options as well as those offered through Medicaid so you can proactively plan while you are still healthy and independent.
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• Bob Callery – Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
• Curtis Cottle – Security Benefits Center
• Charles Holley – TheKey
• Shari Hooper – Summit Wealth Partners
January 16, 2024
Savvy Estate Planning – Trustees, Executors, and Powers of Attorney
While nothing can be considered fun about Estate Planning, it is one of the single most critical things every adult should do regardless of wealth. Learn the differences between the most common legal planning tools. More importantly, how those tools give authority for others to carry out decisions on your behalf during your lifetime and after your death.
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Speakers:
• Jordan Bush – Hedge Life Law
• Chad Groggel – The CPA Group PC
December 12, 2023
Life Savvy - Finding Purpose at any Age
Getting old is not for faint of heart. As more adults live well into their 80’s, 90’s and beyond, it is critical to find things that inspire you to get up each day. We will be discussing faith, travel, relationships, volunteering, and the many ways people have found to reinvent their lives and find joy and
purpose on a daily basis.
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Speakers:
• Kevin Baker – Ada Bible Church
• Dr. John Mulder, MD, FAAHPM, HMDC – Trillium Institute
• Eric Sattler – EJS Travel LLC
November 14, 2023
Savvy Decision Making -
The Power of being Proactive
What does READY look like? Many of life’s most important decisions are ones that we may never feel fully ready to make. We will be exploring the reasons why we procrastinate, steps that can be taken to move on to a more proactive mindset, and the life decisions that should NEVER be put on the back burner.
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Speakers:
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• Jason R. Beckrow, DO, FAAHPM, FACOI – Trillium Institute in Grand Rapids
• Diane Schroeder, MA, LPC - licensed professional counselor
October 10, 2023
Savvy Independent Living – a world of options for those 55+
Adults 55 and older now have a myriad of choices for independent living. We will discuss the various types of independent living here in West Michigan, and the questions to ask before determining the option that will best fit your budget and lifestyle.
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Speakers:
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• Tom Carabellese - Assisted Living Locators
• Joanne (Jo) Elenbaas – Covenant Living of the Great Lakes
• Natalie Schultz – Samaritas Senior Living of Grand Rapids
September 12, 2023
Get Savvy about living to 100
The number of centenarians in the US has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, changing the demographics of our population as we know it. Are you prepared? Learn about the factors that have the greatest effect on longevity, and how to prepare for a happier, healthier, longer life.
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Speakers:
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• Teresa Schissler-Boichot – Boichot Insurance Agency LLC
• Jennifer Feuerstein – AARP
• Jenna Smith – Vitality at Home
Season 3
2022-2023
June 13, 2023
Downsizing Savvy - Step by Step Advice from the Professionals
Moving is a challenge at ANY age. Downsizing moves where you are moving into a home, condo or community that is likely smaller than your current home, is a whole different ball game. We will be sharing a step-by-step system that anyone can use to jump start the decluttering process. This event will be critical for those considering a move in the near future, and helpful to anyone staying put who desires a more organized home.
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Speakers:
May 9th, 2023
Condo Savvy -Considerations for choosing a condo you will LOVE
Condos can be an excellent option for anyone who enjoys independent living with a limited amount of exterior maintenance. Condos come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, but they also have many things in common. Learn the basic items that most condo associations have in common, and the important questions that will help you decide if living in a condo is the right choice for you, and how to choose one you will love.
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Speakers:
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April 11, 2023
Real Estate Savvy - Living, Dying, & Leaving a Legacy
Most people strive to live a life worth meaning and leave a legacy to those they love. This presentation will explore the idea of living well, dying well, and the things that can be done to ease the burden of grief for families before, during, and after the death of a loved one.
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Speakers:
• Greg Doyle
• Cairey Guikema Deryke B.S., Certified End of Life Doula
March 14th, 2023
Real Estate Savvy - What YOU should know EVEN if you aren't selling!
For most of us, our home is our biggest asset. Learn some basic truths about today's real estate market and how you can use that knowledge for making a future real estate plan. Maybe keeping up a yard has lost its appeal, or you are wanting to be closer to friends or family who have settled elsewhere. Even for those who plan to Age in Place, this is critical information that will help keep YOU in the driver's seat if you determine moving is ever desirable or someday becomes necessary.
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Speakers:
• Tom Smolinski – NextHome Champions
February 14th, 2023
Staying Savvy -Guarding your health and senses for quality of life.
It is easy to take being healthy for granted until something changes. We will be disussing the profound effect preserving health can have on your overall quality of life. While there are many things we can't control, we are going to concentrate on the things we can. Multiple health professionals in different areas will be addressing the latest advancements for fighting typical age-related disorders as well as proactive steps you can take now to stay sharp.
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Speakers:
• Christina Hedlich - West MI Eye Care Associates
January 17th, 2023
Home Owner Savvy- Preserving your most valuable asset as you age.
Your home is your castle but keeping that castle up and running often takes a village! We will be hearing from multiple experts including an insurance agent, a home inspector, and a reverse mortgage specialist. We are going to explore typical home issues, how to avoid them by being proactive, and even how to tap into your homes equity to keep up your home in tip top shape so you can
safely and successfully age in place.
Speakers:
• Alistair Lynch- Farm Bureau Insurance
December 6th, 2022
Finance Savvy - Managing household finances and more in a digital age.
Scams are everywhere and Seniors are targeted at an alarming rate. Hear about some of the most latest scams, and things you can do to protect yourself. Some of the topics covered were homeowner and contractor scams, title work scams, financial scams and more.
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Speakers
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• Teresa Schissler-Boichot - Boichot Insurance
November 8th, 2022
I survived my DOWNSIZE and lived to tell about it.
This was a truly special presentation where several seniors who recently downsized from homes were able to share their stories. Easy? No way! But they survived, and are adjusting to new environments that will best serve them for their next phase of life. Hear the good, the bad, and the ugly of what these seniors experienced, and what advice they might have for anyone considering a future move.
October 11, 2022
Decluttering for Health, Safety & Sanity
The longer we stay in our home the more STUFF we accumulate. Learn the benefits of decluttering additional items before you are forced out of necessity. Hear tips from the pros on how to gradually make your home safer and more inviting regardless of how long you plan to live there.
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Speakers:
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• Kate Wert, Moxie Life Organizing
• Mike Biafore, Hooked Estate Sales
September 13, 2022
Get Savvy on Senior Scams
Scams are everywhere and Seniors are targeted at an alarming rate. Hear about some of the most latest scams, and things you can do to protect yourself. Some of the topics covered were homeowner and contractor scams, title work scams, financial scams and more.
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Speakers:
​• Joel Ruiter – Home Repairs Services
• Cecilia Sandoval - MSU Federal Credit
• Dave Nicols - America’s One Title Company
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