Community

Local Nonprofit Seeking Nominations for Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women

Women from across Arizona who are currently making an impact in their communities in a meaningful way are being sought as nominees for Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women.

Now 11 years old, 48 Arizona Women, the sponsoring Valley-based organization, started as an official Arizona Centennial Project in 2010 to recognize the state’s most remarkable women having a positive impact in their communities, often with little fanfare. The organization’s mission is to, “Transform lives, build stronger communities and help positively shape Arizona and the nation.” Partnering with the Arizona Historical Society, 48 Arizona Women honors professional and nonprofessional women from diverse backgrounds whose leadership and commitment are contributing in a positive way to the future of Arizona.

“The first group of 48 honorees were selected in 2012 and included U.S. Supreme Court Judge Sandra Day O’Connor, Cindy McCain, and Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee,” says Connie Robinson, chair of the 48 Arizona Women Steering Committee. “But they also included a former governor, educators, a bull fighter who became a CEO, an advocate for the treatment and cure of Niemann Pick Type C disease, a former mezzo-soprano with the Metropolitan Opera, a pastor who ministers to incarcerated women, a mayor who transformed a city, an ambassador who became Secretary of the Air Force and many dedicated philanthropists, volunteers, doctors, artists and entertainers in leadership positions throughout the state.”

Open nominations are currently being accepted through September 30 and local residents are encouraged to nominate anyone they feel is worthy—from a next door neighbor to an elected official. Nominations can be completed online at 48women.org. Paper nomination forms are available by calling 602-896-9000 or can be downloaded from the website. A committee comprised of a diverse group of community leaders, public and private sector leaders, and residents will evaluate nominees on several key factors: the impact that their leadership, accomplishments and dedication have had on the state and the nation; their influence as role models and visionaries; and their ability to relate to a wide range of people. Honorees will be announced in early 2022 and featured in a 140-plus page coffee table book titled Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women—A New Decade, telling each woman’s story in words and photos. All honorees will be formally recognized in spring 2022 during a 48 Women Luncheon as well as a VIP reception for the launch of the book. The book will be available for purchase throughout Arizona in mid-2022. “Our goal for the book is to incorporate it into the Arizona school curriculum as well as make it available in libraries around the state,” Robinson says. “Children need everyday role models who are bringing meaningful change to their lives and the communities in which they live. We also want to create awareness among Arizonans of the richness and uniqueness of the state’s history and the dedicated people who have contributed to it.”

For more information about nominations, including a list of categories, visit 48women.org or call 602-896-9000.

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Community

COVERAGE AHEAD Insurance agent Rebecca Kossmann helps her clients protect their most valuable assets

By Sondra Barr

Rebecca Kossmann is passionate about making sure people understand insurance. In the over 18 years Kossmann has been an insurance agent with Liberty Mutual, she’s seen the detrimental effects of having too little insurance or none at all. “People don’t understand insurance,” says Kossmann. “I try to educate them and have them take a close look at coverage and how it will affect them and their family. Having little to no insurance bankrupts people and they usually don’t understand the full ramifications until they have an accident.”

Kossmann grew up in Illinois and attended college at Northern Illinois University before a visit to Phoenix changed her trajectory.

“I was working in health insurance marketing back home and one of the companies’ competitors was opening up an office in Phoenix and I contacted them,” says Kossmann. Within a year of being hired, the company shuttered their offices, but not before a headhunter reached out to Kossmann to see if she was interested in working for Liberty Mutual.

After five years as manager of Liberty Mutual’s Ahwatukee call center, Kossmann was ready to branch out. “I’m an extraverted person. Being an agent means getting out and meeting people and getting referral sources,” she says. “Plus, the great thing about insurance is that everyone on the planet needs insurance in one form or another.” Since then, she’s been providing personal insurance lines, including home, auto, life, annuity, motorcycle, and RV.

“Most people’s biggest assets are their homes and I’m always astonished that so many people have no idea how their homeowner’s insurance works,” says Kossmann, who takes the time to explain coverage and find a cost-effective policy to meet her client’s needs, while trying to dissuade them from the cheapest options. “The cheapest thing is not going to rebuild your home in case of a catastrophic event.” She recounts a personal experience to emphasize why cheaper isn’t better. “A Ford Expedition flipped in front of me as a result of another driver and sprayed my car with battery acid. Thankfully it didn’t land on top of my vehicle. The Ford was totaled, and I had $7,000 in damage to my car from the battery acid. The 19-year-old who caused the accident was liable for $47,000 in damages. He only had state minimum limits at the time, which only gave him $10,000 of coverage. He ended up having his wages garnished to pay it off.”

Insurance companies will do what they need to do to recoup their money, including suing people, garnishing wages, and putting liens on homes, which is why having appropriate coverage is important, according to Kossmann.

Having her efforts payoff is worthwhile, like the time a family’s heirloom ring was stolen and Kossmann had urged them to add a jewelry rider, or when she’s sold life insurance to families who’ve been able to stay in their homes after loved ones have passed away.

Being able to quote other companies is another huge benefit to her clients. “If I quote something with Liberty Mutual and I don’t feel it’s the best rate for a specific situation, I can shop it with other companies including Progressive, Travelers, and Nationwide,” says Kossmann, who’s committed to offering affordable insurance programs to help her clients lead safer, more secure lives.

To learn more, visit libertymutual.com/ rebeccakossmann.

How to be Financially Savvy When Changing Jobs

Renee A. Hanson, CFP® , ChFC®, CEP®, CDFA™, CFS® , BFA®, APMA®

The tight labor market is enticing many people to evaluate options to start a new career. If you’re among those who plan to quit your current role in search of a better opportunity, it’s important to consider how doing so could affect your finances. Here are some things to think about before you hand in your two-week notice.

Compare the complete package. Many factors contribute to work satisfaction. Weigh these factors when evaluating whether to stay in your current job or take the leap into a new opportunity. you. A prospective employer should be able to outline your expected career path along with a timeline for advancement. Consider whether you could be walking away from a bright future at your current workplace. Is there a chance your employer would sweeten your terms to keep you on board?

If you decide to take the leap and have a new job offer in hand, here’s what else to consider.

• Pay – Better pay is often the main motive for changing jobs. However, pay comparisons are not always as clear as they seem, particularly when moving from an hourly to a salaried position or a position reliant on commission. With a salary, you may be expected to work extra hours without the benefit of overtime, but bonuses can potentially boost your earnings. • Benefits – Benefit packages vary from employer to employer. How much paid time off is your employer offering? Will you have quality options for health, dental and life insurance? Will they cost more? Does the company match 401(k) contributions? There is value in other perks as well, such as an on-site workout facility, dry cleaning or daycare facility that can save you time and money. • Culture – Pay attention to the culture of your prospective workplace. How do you see yourself fitting in? Does the workplace seem to be collaborative or hyper-competitive? Where do you thrive? Is there flexibility to work from home? All of these things can make or break a new job. • Commute – Is the new job closer or further from home?

If the new job is further away, you will spend more time commuting. You will also incur extra expenses either in Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find bus fees or gas, oil and wear and tear on your vehicle. the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll These costs may offset potential salary gains. track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where • Opportunity – Think through where a new job can take you want to go. Negotiate while you can. Most prospective employers expect some give-and-take during salary and benefit discussions. Think of ways to quantify the value you would bring to the business and be prepared to counter if an offer does not meet your expectations. Transition your benefits. Use your paid time off before leaving your current position. Ensure continuity of health care coverage by enrolling in COBRA until your new benefits kick in. You will have decisions to make about your 401(k) savings. You can keep them where they are, transfer them to your new employer’s plan, or roll savings into your own account. You can also cash out your savings, but this will incur a tax penalty and detract from your retirement goals. Leave on good terms. Ideally, you want to maintain good relations with former employers. Provide ample notice to help them find a replacement. Ask for a letter of referral. Participate in an exit interview if one is offered. Talk to your financial advisor. Job changes are life events that impact your financial future. Lean on your advisor’s expertise to adjust your financial plan as you transition in your career. Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFATM, CFS®, BFA®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years. To contact her visit www.affinitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800. Her office is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, AZ 85054-3115. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 3685575-RUSH (Approved 08/2023)

Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

602.923.9800

7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.