Recap
SCHOLARSHIP
Recipients
Message President & CEO’s
Something historic took place September 26–27 in Milwaukee, Wis. For the first time ever, members and chapter leaders from all four brands gathered as the Trusted Fraternal Life family.
We gathered not just to celebrate, but to recognize the good you do to serve the poor, the hungry and those in need. Members may come from different backgrounds and places, but we all share the same fraternal heart—dedicated to living lives of service that touch others’ hearts.
Some of you roll up your sleeves to organize pancake breakfasts, Easter egg hunts and park cleanups. Others support fundraisers, donate time or simply show up for neighbors in need. Even if you’ve never been part of one of our chapters, your membership alone contributes to a ripple of good—because together, we are building strong communities.
I believe these acts of service are more important than ever as we face division in society. Strong communities don’t happen by chance—they happen because members like you create an impact that spreads gently yet widely, inspiring others to do the same. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
In this issue of Woman’s Life, you’ll learn more about what took place at the Fraternal Celebration. You’ll:
▶ Hear stories of everyday members making an impact.
▶ Meet the winners of Chapter of the Year and Chapter Event Awards.
▶ Learn how a Gather4Good® service project helped local non-profit organizations.
▶ Get retirement financial advice from a popular podcaster, and more! Mister Rogers once said that during difficult times, we should seek out the helpers: “If you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope.”
Thank you for being the helpers we need in our communities. Thank you for saying yes to lending a helping hand repeatedly to those in need. Keep that ripple effect of good going!
God Bless,
John Borgen President & CEO
Publisher John Borgen President & CEO
Editor Debbie Michalak
Marketing
& Communications Director
Writing and
Editorial Direction
Carla Kalogeridis
Kathryn Deen
Kaló Media
Graphic Design
Stewart Moon
Moon Design
Creating Ripples of Good Through Community Sponsorships
Woman’s Life was the proud community partner sponsor of Nancy’s Run, Rock & Stroll, an annual fundraising event for the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA). This event brings together survivors, families, friends and supporters to help raise awareness and funds for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community across Wisconsin. Founded in 2000, WOCA is the state’s leading voice in ovarian cancer education, patient support and research funding. In 2024 alone, the alliance provided over $75,000 in financial support to women undergoing treatment. It continues to offer vital services like peer mentorship and educational
webinars. Woman’s Life’s sponsorship played a crucial role in enabling WOCA to continue supporting and advocating for those affected by gynecologic cancers.
For more information, visit WisconsinOvarianCancer.org
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Woman’s Life was also a proud sponsor of the 200+ Women Who Care event, hosted by the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County in Port Huron, Michigan. This event gave Woman’s Life the opportunity to connect with the community and support causes that are important to its members.
The 200+ Women Who Care event is an inspiring evening of connection, giving and impact. Attendees met 15–20 local nonprofit organizations, learned about their incredible work in the community and cast their vote to decide which organizations would receive part of $15,000 in grants.
The Women’s Initiative is a diverse group of over 400 women whose goal is to engage and empower women in giving opportunities while supporting issues they care about. The Women’s Initiative Endowment Fund has grown to $1.2 million and has awarded $645,000 in grants since 2003. For more information, visit StClairFoundation.org.
200+ Women Who Care Event
Woman’s Life Scholarship Recipients 2025/2026
Each year, Woman’s Life awards academic merit- and needs-based scholarships to qualifying eligible members. Winners are selected from all qualifying applications by an independent judging committee. Each scholarship pays $1,000 per year for up to four years. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, visit WomansLife.org/MemberBenefits. To request an application, contact Member Engagement at 810-214-3405.
Madison Hazel
Hometown: Avoca, MI
Chapter: 611 Port Huron, Michigan
College: St. Clair County Community College
Major: Nursing
levi JoHns
Hometown: Bluffton, IN
Chapter: 721 Pennville, Indiana
College: Purdue University
Major: Industrial Engineering
KennetH tHoMas
Hometown: Fort Gratiot, MI
Chapter: 011 Port Huron, Michigan College: Adrian College
Major: Sports Management/Athletic Training
Call us for assistance or to find a representative in your area: 800-521-9292. We’re here for you!
Volunteer with a Woman’s Life chapter in your community. To find a chapter near you, visit WomansLife.org/ Chapters/Locate or call us to learn how you can start a new chapter in your community. FIND US ONLINE:
For information about our life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to participate in a Woman’s Life chapter and the many benefits of membership in Woman’s Life:
addisen Wilson
Hometown: Lapeer, MI
Chapter: 800 Fort Gratiot, Michigan
College: Saginaw Valley State University
Major: Psychology
TRADITIONAL ESTATE PLANNING DOESN’T WORK FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES, SO WHAT DOES?
What keeps you up at night?
If your child has a cognitive or physical disability, the question that likely keeps you awake is, “What’s going to happen to my child when I get old, or after I die?”
That question kept Harry Eherenberg tossing and turning night after night. Caring for his autistic son, Morris, was a lifelong calling Harry and his wife embraced, but time wasn’t on the Ehrenbergs’ side. Harry knew that age and health conditions would one day prevent them from caring for Morris—or Mo as his parents called him—but there were so many unanswered questions. How could they direct money to pay for Mo’s daily needs for food, clothing and a place to live? How could they leave resources behind for their replacement caregiver? Should they leave money to their daughter to pay for Mo’s needs after they pass?
Special needs families face unique financial questions when planning for the future. Conventional wisdom suggests setting up an inheritance or a life insurance policy to provide resources for them, but a financial hurdle complicates their situation.
Most families with disabled children rely on assistance from federal programs like Medicaid to pay for the incredibly high costs of medical care. Recipients of Medicaid are required to be impoverished in order to receive benefits. These limits mean that, for the rest of his life, Harry’s son can’t earn more than $967* a month in income, and he can’t own more than $2,000 in total assets.
How do those limits affect the Ehrenbergs’ estate planning options? If Harry were to leave an inheritance for Mo in a will or name him as the beneficiary of a
life insurance policy, the increase in Mo’s assets would exceed the $2,000 limit. This could potentially delay, decrease or outright cancel the care that he receives with help from Medicaid.
There is also a danger of disqualification if Mo’s parents pass on without a will in place. In the absence of a will, the state takes over and, depending on state law, the probate court could potentially grant Mo a legal inheritance above the $2,000 limit and jeopardize his eligibility.
If the Ehrenbergs leave money to their daughter for Mo’s care, that could lead to several complications. First, the government might see this as potential Medicaid fraud. Second, since the funds would legally belong to her, their daughter would be responsible for taxes on the money. Additionally, the funds could be lost in a divorce settlement or if she is found liable for financial damages in a lawsuit.
With so many traditional planning methods and tools unavailable to them, the Ehrenbergs needed a different solution. That tool was a Special Needs Trust.
This type of trust is something Harry advocates for daily to special needs families. Through the organization he founded, the Special Needs Estate Planning Task Force, Harry regularly works with special needs families to set up these trusts. This is a financial tool that Harry knows well. He was involved in meetings in the early 1990s with the United States Senate Finance Committee that clarified the use of Special Needs Trusts to maintain Medicaid eligibility in the federal tax code.
“It’s the only legal option, the only way parents can leave their special needs children anything while maintaining access to essential government benefits,” Harry explains. “These trusts are not difficult to set up. Taking timely action is crucial. Delays or inaction could leave your child without the services they need.”
A Special Needs Trust does not replace government benefits; it provides funds to supplement government benefits or for expenses not covered by those benefits. Parents can determine how the trust operates and name trustees who can manage the trust and advise on how funds should be spent after they die.
Harry recommends that families fund these types of trusts with life insurance instead of retirement accounts or property. “Nothing else is remotely close because everything else really has some problems,” Harry says.
For example, funding the Special Needs Trust with retirement accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs creates tax complications—with the possibility of 40% of the value consumed by state and federal taxes. Alternatively, parents who plan to fund a trust at their death must consider the potential of their
own medical and long-term care costs depleting their estate, leaving the Special Needs Trust either underfunded or unfunded.
“Life insurance is the number one funding vehicle,” Harry says, confirming that it is the best solution for most middle-class families.
The first step in setting up a Special Needs Trust is contacting your Advisor. After completing an asset overview, the Advisor can partner with a representative from the Special Needs Estate Planning Task Force to create and set up funding for a trust package for the family. The Task Force does this for a flat fee.
To learn more about setting up a Special Needs Trust, contact Joy Collins at 419-349-4070 or Laurie Kaluzny at 800-965-2547.
*The limitation on monthly income can adjust annually due to inflation.
Hearts for Heroes
Chapter 820 Port Huron, Michigan
Not all heroes wear capes. Some quietly pour their hearts into serving their community without expecting anything in return—and they deserve a moment in the spotlight. That’s why, for six years Woman’s Life Chapter 820 Port Huron, Michigan, has been honoring the unsung heroes of St. Clair County with its Heart of a Hero award ceremony.
“This has become a signature event for us,” Chapter President Anne Wilton said. “These men and women fill so many needs in our local community without any expectation of return. They are humble and shy away from the attention. It is our way of saying, ‘Thank you!’”
Community members are encouraged to nominate volunteers from law enforcement, first responders, medical personnel and businesses, especially those working with nonprofits. Chapter members use word of mouth, social media, faith-based connections and other volunteer service organizations throughout the county to identify 10 nominees each year. A chairperson vets the nomination forms, and the board makes the final decisions.
Honorees are presented with personalized, engraved plaques. The event is typically catered and held at Alexander’s, a local banquet facility in Marysville, Michigan. Family and friends of the award recipients, as well as the general public, are encouraged to attend to help cheer them on. This year’s event drew 130 attendees, including 18 chapter members.
By recognizing deserving individuals, Chapter 820 inspires other community members to step up and help others, creating a ripple of impact. As a bonus, one honoree even joined the chapter afterward. The event also raises money and awareness for an important cause. Between ticket sales and raffles, this year’s event raised $3,331 for the Arc of St. Clair County, including Matching Funds from Woman’s Life.
The Arc is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supports their full inclusion and participation in the community. Several Chapter 820 members have personal connections to the organization and the cause.
Since starting Heart of a Hero in 2019, Chapter 820 has raised a total of $23,921 for the Arc of St. Clair County through the event. The chapter also supported the Arc in February at the nonprofit’s Show the Love dinner dance, passing the butterfly net and raising $1,158. Love—and inspiration—were in the air, and ripples of generosity are sure to continue from Chapter 820.
Golf for Good
Chapter 817 Southfield, Michigan
Multiple generations gathered for a golf game for good. Members of Chapter 817 Southfield, Michigan hosted a family-friendly Chip and Putt event this past summer at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Proceeds benefited Empower My Future (EMF), which provides families in the Metro Detroit area with educational, vocational and cultural programs through the arts and sciences.
The park made for a scenic location with the Detroit River and the Renaissance Center among the marvels in the backdrop. Putters were available for rent, and individuals or groups of up to four could play the course. Refreshments were also provided to keep attendees hydrated and happy.
“Our thought around this event was engaging with the community, strengthening relationships and bringing people together to interact in a safe and enjoyable way,” Chapter President Robin Cash said.
A major goal was to encourage young people to spend time outside engaging in friendly competition, away from their smartphones, video games and other electronic devices that can be isolating and consuming nowadays. Cash also emphasized the importance of keeping kids away from gangs, violence and other dangers that can arise in a big city like Detroit.
“You’re bringing these kids together and having a community of people working with them and empowering them to engage in a healthy activity that can really enhance their mental wellness and overall well-being,” Cash said. “So many young people are really inspired by golf, and there are so many powerful and positive role models in the sport. Plus, it’s an excellent way to foster concentration, dedication, camaraderie and commitment.”
The Chip and Putt fundraiser exceeded expectations. About 40 people of all ages attended, most of whom were community members outside of the chapter. A total of $1,547 was raised for EMF from ticket sales,
50/50 raffles and Matching Funds from Woman’s Life. The donation specifically went to support EMF’s freeze-dry program, which uses special equipment to create healthy, long-lasting, portable freeze-dried fruits and vegetables for distribution to food-risk community members. Cash said the chapter educated guests about EMF to help spread the word and encourage more people to support the cause. One attendee also subsequently joined Chapter 817 as a result of the event.
Chapter 817 is about community year-round— aligning with the Woman’s Life National Cause, Answering the Call to Fight Homelessness and Hunger in America, as well as helping at-risk youth.
The Chip and Putt fundraiser was one powerful way the chapter inspires community members to get active and support others in need.
FRATERNAL CELEBRATION IGNITES SPIRIT OF SERVICE
The 2025 Fraternal Celebration was more than a gathering—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to belong to something greater than ourselves. Members from all four brand families—Catholic Financial Life, Degree of Honor, Woman’s Life and Catholic United Financial—came together in a vibrant display of unity, purpose and shared values.
celebration replay!
Trusted Fraternal Life holds a celebration every three years to honor the volunteers who bring our mission to life—the people organizing local service projects, fundraisers and community events that strengthen neighborhoods and build belonging. This year’s theme, Inspiring Lives of Service, captured that spirit perfectly.
You can view video recordings and download and purchase photos from the Celebration from our secure event site: TrustedFraternalLife.org/InspiringLivesDigital
Password: Inspire2025
This hallmark event of fraternal life was filled with moments that moved hearts and sparked action. It was a time to reconnect, to celebrate the difference we make and to honor those who go above and beyond. We applauded our Chapters of the Year, celebrated outstanding Chapter Events and heard stories that stirred our souls.
But this celebration was more than recognition. It was a call to action—a call to live lives that inspire, to be the neighbor who shows up, the friend who says yes and the member who makes a difference.
Together, we imagined communities where:
▶ Every family feels supported.
▶ No one feels alone.
▶ Strength flows from the simple act of stepping up.
And we reflected on the alternative—what happens when no one answers the call.
We were reminded that lives of service matter, that one act of kindness can ripple outward in ways we may never see. So let this celebration be your spark. Take inspiration from your fellow
members, and try one of these service ideas shared at the event:
▶ Remember 9/11: Assemble and deliver packages filled with treats and thank-you cards to local police, fire departments, hospitals and ambulances.
▶ Create a Mystery Box: Set a theme and then sell raffle tickets to win the whole box at school fundraisers.
▶ Sponsor a Family Dinner: Find a local nonprofit that hosts a weekly family dinner, provide the food and drinks and serve dinner.
▶ Sew Quilts: Donate handmade quilts to those in need, such as veterans or individuals at homeless shelters.
▶ Hold a Rummage: Collect items and then donate the sales proceeds to a local nonprofit.
▶ Make Meals: Provide a meal for new moms or struggling families.
▶ Assemble Mother’s Day Bouquets: Sell the bouquets after church service and donate the proceeds to a local pregnancy resource center.
▶ Organize a Soup Contest: Charge a fee to taste and vote for the best soup, and donate the proceeds to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Thank you to the members who submitted these ideas during the Fraternal Celebration
are you feeling inspired to MaKe an iMpact, but you’re not sure WHere to start? Reach out to your Woman’s Life Member Engagement Representative, Lisa Pilon, at lpilon@womanslife.org. She’ll connect you with a local chapter leader who can help you find the perfect way to get involved or guide you in organizing your own Impact Team.
When we serve together, small acts become something greater.
ripples
By Theresa Sanders, Catholic Financial Life Chapter 310 Muscoda, Wisconsin
I see the ripples in the pond from the stone cast from anger felt. Anger of injustice, discrimination and inequality. The ripple grows and spreads, enveloping all within its reach. What if the ripple wasn’t angry and was filled with love and hope instead?
Smother out the anger with rose petals and laughter.
Dispel the darkness and loneliness, fill it with hope and truth and light.
Cast stones across the world to spread love, peace and joy.
Cast out in puddles, ponds, rivers, lakes and oceans far and wide.
Cast them far as you can reach, and watch the ripples grow from two to four to hundreds more.
Washing away all the anger, injustice and discord.
Filling hearts with happiness, love and perfect harmony.
Be inspired, be courageous and be brave.
Pick up the stone and start the ripple today!
experience a pilgriMage of a lifetiMe
You’re invited to join with fellow benefit members on a special journey of faith, friendship and renewal as we embark on a pilgrimage in 2026 and 2027.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of the saints, visit sacred sites in Rome or France and Barcelona, and experience the beauty and prayerful spirit of our shared tradition.
As part of our commitment to making this experience accessible, a travel stipend will be available for qualifying members. Space will be limited. Let us know if you’re interested by entering your name and email at TrustedFraternalLife.org/Pilgrimage.
Full details and registration information will be announced in early 2026.
FRATERNAL CELEBRATION SERVICE PROJECT AIDS MILWAUKEE’S HOMELESS
The Friday afternoon service project at the Fraternal Celebration was an inspiring demonstration of Woman’s Life members’ dedication to lives of service—and it rocked!
The scene at the Gather4Good Service Project for the Homeless looked more like a conga line dance party than a volunteer event. With music pumping in the background, Ballroom D at Milwaukee’s Baird Center was an organized mass of merrily moving people and supplies. 2025 Fraternal Celebration attendees formed two assembly lines near tables covered with boxes and
goods. The goal was to assemble thousands of personal care kits for people facing tough times due to homelessness, poverty or natural disasters.
At the start of the lines were stacks of empty cloth bags, and at the end were volunteers holding open several large white sacks. As they went through the lines, volunteers placed toothpaste, combs, washcloths and other
personal care items into individual cloth bags, cinched them closed and dropped them into the sacks.
“This was a great way to start off the weekend,” says Susan Meyer, treasurer of Woman’s Life Chapter 72 Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Meyer, Tracy Ollech, Barbara Schmitt and Sherry Garcia from Woman’s Life Chapter 72 joined the lines to assemble kits.
On the far side of the room, volunteers wrote personal messages of encouragement and support for each kit destined for the hands of someone in need. Messages like, “May the Lord comfort your heart as only He can,” and, “Wishing you brighter
skies and better tomorrows,” were slipped into the cloth bags next to hairbrushes and samplesized shampoo bottles.
In true fraternal style, Meyer, Ollech and the rest of the volunteers from Woman’s Life, Catholic Financial Life, Degree of Honor and Catholic United Financial assembled 2,000 care kits in less than two hours! The kits were packaged and delivered to Catholic Charities of Milwaukee, Cathedral Center, Hope House of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative and Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
“Every kit packed is a small act of love and a powerful reminder of what we can do when we come together,” says Nate Lamusga, director of mission fulfillment for Trusted Fraternal Life.
The women from Chapter 72 were energized to help with the project and the cause. Ollech said the chapter regularly gathers to volunteer at and raise funds for local charities that feed, shelter and care for the homeless in the Appleton and Kaukauna area.
Catholic United Financial launched the Gather4Good program in 2010 to provide a largescale service event that would
unite a local community to aid people suffering from the effects of poverty and homelessness.
How can a care kit make a real difference to a person in need? Charity leaders report that supplying personal care items is often the entry-level step in a relationship between a charity and an individual needing help. The kit provides what leaders call “supplemental help” to a person struggling to find permanent housing. Items in the kits are consumable and must be replaced constantly. Instead of paying for these items, individuals can direct their dollars to rent and utilities. This helps them take
steps toward independence and self-sufficiency.
Once this relationship between an individual and a charity is established through kit donations, the individual often engages with the charity to continue to improve their situation, such as attending personal finance classes or using job placement services. When basic needs are provided for, people can work on more complex issues, like housing, education and financial security. The ripple effects of this service project mean more stable homes for families and children in the Milwaukee metro area.
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Chapter 800 Fort Gratiot, Michigan
At the start of every meeting, members of Woman’s Life Chapter 800 Fort Gratiot, Michigan, recite an inspirational pledge to do all the good that they can for as long as they can. These “Women with Wings” have certainly lived up to that pledge and their angelic nickname, earning the 2025 Woman’s Life Chapter of the Year award at the Trusted Fraternal Life celebration.
In 2024, 99 members collectively contributed 230 volunteer hours across 10 fundraising events that generated $24,717 in donations, demonstrating Chapter 800’s strong commitment to supporting charitable initiatives and to community engagement. In recognition of those meaningful contributions, the chapter was awarded $1,000 to honor its positive impact and support its ongoing service to the community.
“Receiving the award was surreal. We were not expecting it,” Chapter Treasurer Laurie Boyd says. “I feel so honored to have our chapter’s efforts celebrated. We all love to serve our community—the award is just the icing on the cake.”
Chapter President Lisa Shagena adds, “This recognition shows the importance of our friendships and willingness to work together for the greater good of others. We have such a wonderful group of giving ladies—and a few men—in our chapter who are willing to give their time and treasure to raise needed funds for worthwhile nonprofits.”
Fundraisers included dashes for cash, silent auctions, concession sales and raffles during community events such as family nights, comedy shows and dinner galas. Donations were distributed to impactful nonprofit organizations
that hold significance for members: A Beautiful Me, New Life Christian Academy, Healing Hearts Home, Hunter Hospitality House, Blue Water Safe Horizons, the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center, Operation Transformation and Camp Cavell.
“We like to use as much of the funds as possible for all the good we can,” Shagena says.
Chapter members also volunteer monthly at the Mid-City Nutrition Program. In 2024, they spent over 80 hours at the soup kitchen preparing and serving meals to individuals facing food insecurity.
Since Chapter 800 was chartered in 2008, it has raised almost $225,000 in total donations including cash contributions, memorial gifts, Woman’s Life Matching Funds, service grants and in-kind support.
Part of the key to the chapter’s success is making its fundraisers enjoyable, attracting a strong turnout.
“We do fun and innovative, outof-the-box things,” Shagena says. “We always have fun doing the projects and portray that to the attendees of the ‘fun’raisers.”
EVENT RECOGNITION GRANT
Wine Tasting by Chapter 919 Wyoming, Michigan
Wo man’s Life Chapter 919 Wyoming, Michigan, turned sipping into serving with its Wine Tasting fundraiser, earning the 2025 Event Recognition Grant from Woman’s Life.
Ten members and 11 guests gathered at a member’s home to taste and learn about wines, nibble on charcuterie, bid on silent auction baskets and donate their dollars to a good cause. They raised nearly $1,000, including Matching Funds from Woman’s Life, for Women at Risk, International (WAR), a Michiganbased, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization most known for its persistent fight against human trafficking.
“We were blown away by the recognition and award,” Chapter President Cathy VanKalker says. “We are a small chapter that just keeps plugging along trying to raise funds for those who are in need. The award makes our chapter aware that every event we do, big or small, means something to someone.”
It’s a cause that chapter members have held close to their hearts since 2019, raising a grand total of over $5,400 to support the organization. Thanks to Chapter 919’s efforts being recognized with the 2025 Event Recognition Grant, WAR will receive an additional $1,000 donation on behalf of the chapter to support the important work they do.
“At first it was a complete shock—wow, how great!”
Chapter Treasurer Kathy Bartnik says. “Disbelief soon became gratitude for Woman’s Life and the gift of $1,000 for WAR. I admit, getting up in front of 600 people to accept the award was a little daunting, but we realized while talking with people afterward that we created a ripple effect. Big doesn’t necessarily mean better. Small actions can create very positive outcomes, too. It helped everyone realize just that.”
WAR founder and president Rebecca McDonald established the organization to create circles of protection and hope around those at risk. Through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and partnerships, they provide safe places to heal from abuse, trafficking, exploitation and more. Their
passion is to empower survivors to live and work with dignity and hope.
WAR’s programs and partnerships have reached over 60 countries, including the United States, and they address a variety of risk issues—poverty, inequality, violence, abuse and more. Each month, additional projects and partnerships are formed, increasing their ability to offer the rescued and at-risk a hand up instead of a handout.
“We love the fact that they offer shelter, education and vocational training for women survivors of abuse and trafficking,” Bartnik says.
Chapter 919 has also hosted several fashion shows at WAR using its boutique’s clothing and accessories that are handcrafted and made by at-risk and rescued individuals. Chapter members are the models. They invite the public, and the boutique is open for shopping after the show, allowing more funds to be generated for WAR.
From fashion to wine tasting, Chapter 919 knows how to put on memorable fundraisers for a very important cause.
MONEY MATTERS: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO RETIREMENT PLANNING
Reaching your financial goals takes resilience. During the Fraternal Celebration, that was just one of the valuable insights shared by Jean Chatzky, best-selling author and host of the HerMoney podcast.
Here’s more of Chatzky’s guidance to help you stay on track for a confident retirement.
personal finance is More personal tHan finance.
It’s important to make financial decisions that are right for you. That might mean keeping more cash in the bank so you can sleep easier at night, working a few more years to maximize Social Security or purchasing an annuity to ensure a steady income for the rest of your life. Whatever choices you make, the key is to be thoughtful and stick to your plan.
Money is siMple; people MaKe it coMplicated. Behavioral finance uncovers how psychology influences financial decisions—often in surprising and irrational ways. For instance, people tend to rush to buy a lottery ticket as the jackpot grows and the odds of winning shrink. Another insight explains why people struggle to save for the future: It turns out we feel disconnected from our future selves, making us less motivated to save. Having a financial plan can help us avoid irrational choices and make smarter financial decisions.
financial plans don’t fail people; people fail to plan.
A recent study of baby boomers revealed that they are more fearful of outliving their money than of dying. More than half of all Americans have never even tried to calculate how much money they will need for retirement. It’s easy to tell yourself that everything will be OK, but that can be dangerous. Creating a financial plan is the best way to ensure future financial stability.
Hope is not an investMent strategy. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, consider these two questions: 1) How long will you live? and 2) How long will you keep working? In the past three decades, life expectancy rates for men in
this country have jumped from 70 to 76, and for women from 77 to 81. It turns out that the longer you live, the longer you’re likely to live. The average 65-year-old will live to about 84 years old. And half of those 65-yearolds will live beyond 84 years old! The general rule is to replace 70–80% of your pre-retirement income. Whether that’s enough depends on your personal goals. If you want to travel around the world or start a new business, you might need more. The key point is, when you consider these two questions and establish a plan, you’re more likely to achieve your financial goals.
you Won’t get WHere you’re going unless you KnoW WHere you are.
To move forward financially, you must understand where you are right now, which means knowing how much money is coming in and going out. You’ve probably heard the saying, “What gets measured gets managed.” It’s true—when we track our finances, we’re likely to improve in reaching our goals.
you can recover froM any financial MistaKe by saving More.
The generation of the Great Depression saved money consistently. The personal savings rate in this country spiked in the 1940s and slowed a bit in the ‘50s and the ‘60s. Even in the mid-‘80s, we were still saving 10% of whatever we made in this country. But by 2005, we spent more than we made. Today, the personal savings rate is only around 4%—indicating that few people are positioned to weather a financial emergency.
eMergencies Happen.
Emergencies are going to happen, which is why, despite low interest rates, your emergency fund should be kept in the bank because it needs to be stable and accessible. An emergency fund should cover three to six months of your annual income, at a minimum. But if you’re retired, you need at least two years’ worth of income.
if you can’t see it or toucH it, you Won’t spend it. The best way to rebuild an emergency fund is through automatic and recurring transfers. Why choose automatic? Because if you can’t see it or touch it, you
won’t spend it. This is why saving in a retirement plan like a 401(k) works so well—the money never lands in your checking account.
get Help WHen you need it.
Having a financial advisor as a sounding board is always beneficial. They serve not just as a portfolio manager but also as a therapist—someone who reminds you of essential things, like factoring charitable giving into your annual budget and keeping your priorities at the forefront.
it’s not about Having it all; it’s about Having WHat you value Most.
Ultimately, your financial plan is about helping you achieve what you value most and recognizing that money is a tool to help you get the most out of life.
To learn more about financial planning, life insurance and annuity products, contact your Woman’s Life Representative or call 800-521-9292, option 3.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any specific advice. Consult with your personal financial advisor for advice specific to your goals and needs.
PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES
to Woman Woman
A Beautiful Heart
Karen Palka Helps Young Girls Build Self-Esteem
Karen Palka has long exemplified a life of service, dedication and inspiration making her a perfect person to highlight at the Fraternal Celebration by sharing her story. As a member of Woman’s Life Chapter 800 Fort Gratiot, Michigan, she has embraced the organization’s mission to uplift women, build community and make a positive impact. Her involvement has included serving on the Woman’s Life Advisory Board and previously on the Board of Directors. For Palka, Woman’s Life has been more than an organization—it has been a source of learning, relationships and meaningful experiences that have shaped her personal and professional journey. From participating in local chapter events like Dash for Cash to contributing to national initiatives, she has seen firsthand how service creates lasting ripples of goodness.
Palka’s drive to empower others led her to found A Beautiful Me, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young girls build and maintain self-confidence and self-esteem. Through after-school workshops designed for fifth-grade girls, the organization teaches tools for lifelong empowerment, reaching over 13,000 girls in its 17 years of operation. As founder and executive director, Palka combines her vision, faith and experience to create a
ripple effect of confidence—one young woman at a time.
Palka’s inspiration is deeply rooted in the legacy of Woman’s Life founder Bina West, whose bold vision for women’s opportunities sparked Palka’s commitment to empowering others. Learning about West’s courage and determination to create change reinforced Palka’s belief in the power of service and mentorship. Palka reflects the same attitude in her work with Woman’s Life and beyond, as
she consistently strives to uplift others and encourage confidence, courage and resilience in those around her.
Get to know more about this inspiring woman, her passion for service and how she continues to uplift communities through her work.
WL: How did you become involved with Woman’s Life?
Palka: I remember sitting in my car back in 2009 when someone told me about Woman’s Life. As I
learned more and evolved with the organization, that’s what got me to really lean in—the founder’s story was just great.
WL: What impact did Woman’s Life founder Bina West have on your establishing A Beautiful Me?
Palka: I learned about her at the same time I was developing my nonprofit, and I even visited her headstone with my chapter. It really struck me how she was a young school teacher who saw a family in need—a mom had passed away, and the kids had no solution other than being displaced. That inspired her to leave the classroom and travel the country, rallying people and dedicating her life to making sure families could survive and thrive after the tragic loss of a parent. I think about all the things she risked and the boldness she showed back when women weren’t given the same opportunities. That really inspires me to be bold in my own convictions. I hope A Beautiful Me can help girls to be confident women like Bina West.
WL: Tell us about the journey that led you to found A Beautiful Me.
Palka: I laugh because I didn’t want to found the organization, but God had other plans. I’m a graphic designer by trade, and I loved my work—but I hid behind it. I didn’t really see my own value until someone helped me put words to it. That got me thinking about my daughters— what if they never recognized their own value? Research shows girls’ self-esteem peaks at age 9, then plummets until ninth grade. I wanted to reach girls at that tipping point. What started as a hobby with short, two-hour
workshops quickly grew, and the demand kept increasing. Over 17 years we’ve reached more than 13,000 girls, and the program keeps evolving.
WL: What have been A Beautiful Me’s biggest milestones so far?
Palka: Personally, it has been seeing my daughters go through the program. My daughter Jackie went through the program a couple of times, then she was a helper while in college, and just recently she was a co-facilitator. It was a full-circle moment. Organizationally, we started working out of my car and coffee shops, and eventually had our first office. In 2019, we opened our dress store after people kept giving us dresses. We sell new and gently used formal wear at affordable prices, and the proceeds benefit A Beautiful Me. It has grown into a 4,500-squarefoot space that combines our office and store. Every step and all the bumps along the way have been part of the journey.
WL: What is your ultimate goal for A Beautiful Me?
Palka: My BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to reach every fifth-grade girl in the country with the tools to build confidence and maintain it. I want to give them the foundation to grow into
confident women who can step into the world and pursue their dreams. Our team is actively working on ways to make that happen, and we have facilitators and plans in place to scale the program. I truly believe that when these girls gain confidence, they will identify other gaps in society and be the ones who step up to fix them—that’s the long-lasting ripple effect we’re trying to create.
WL: What are some ripple effects you’ve seen from A Beautiful Me?
Palka: Two come to mind. One girl, Danni, I met in sixth grade, she sends me video messages or notes about how she uses things she learned with us in her work and life. Another is Naomi, I met her in fourth grade, and her mom said, “You didn’t just impact Naomi, you impacted our whole family.” Naomi is graduating from Michigan Tech this year, and they still invite me to family events. That’s what it’s all about: When girls better themselves, it impacts their families and communities.
WL: What inspired you to seek election to the Woman’s Life Advisory Board?
Palka: I wanted to increase my knowledge in areas that would help me as I ran my own nonprofit. I have a board of directors for A Beautiful Me, so I wanted to learn more about serving on a board, but I also wanted it to be meaningful. When I saw the opportunity to join the board in this magazine, I realized it aligned with my values and the organization’s values. I thought if I could help Woman’s Life grow in any way and also grow my own knowledge, then my time would be well spent.
Because Her Story Has Yet To Be Told…
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Contact your Woman’s Life Representative today or call 800-521-9292, option 3. Woman’s Life is a Trusted Fraternal Life™ brand. Products issued by Trusted Fraternal Life, Milwaukee, WI. Not available in all states. Term Life Insurance can be converted to permanent life insurance with Trusted Fraternal Life at any time during the level term period or the contract anniversary following the insured’s 75th birthday, whichever comes first. Conversion is subject to the age and minimum face amount requirements of the permanent plan. Like all life insurance policies, this policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms under which the contract may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your Woman’s Life Representative or call 800-521-9292.
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