Testimonials

Hi Phyllis, So great to hear from you. Yes, Brian and I are thrilled that our premiums are completely paid up. Thank you so much for your amazing help in the entire process. We feel it’s one of the best investments we made. It’s hard to believe it was 10 years ago. Hope you are doing well, Pam Brody, CO, 03-12-2021 [Great testimonial from some clients that I sold a policy that was paid up in 10 years.  A 10-pay is available today with guaranteed premium and some have a death benefit!]

 

Dear Phyllis, thank you so much for your reply and the discussion you and Suze must have had. I truly didn’t expect it to go to you since it was more of a budget question, but I deeply appreciate your answer! Your advice of adding a separate policy answers my prime question. The other concern was can I truly afford the extra expense in my budget. I see pulling it from my RMDs would be the best idea and I think I could do that without too much pain. Phyllis and Suze, you can’t imagine how much your response means to me! I am so grateful. As Suze always says, “The purpose of money is to make you feel secure.” I think having that extra coverage would make me feel more secure going forward and I hope I can keep up with the cost of healthcare. Linda B., WI, 10/2/2023 [Note: She was considering adding an additional $100/day to her existing policy. Suze and I gave her this advice: “I think you would be better off paying an additional $197 a month now vs. paying an additional $3000 a month when you have a claim.  You are already self-funding several thousand if you are in the minority of people who wind up in a nursing home. But only if you are comfortable pulling that from your RMDs.”

Testimony for Diane Stoddart on my team: Dear Phyllis, I have been following Suze Orman for years and your name kept coming up. I finally reached out to you and so did my sister. You referred us to Diane Stoddart. What a blessing she is! Diane spent time with each of us and imparted a wealth of knowledge. I didn’t even realize I had a LTC policy with UNUM and Diane has been guiding me as to what to ask them so I could learn exactly what my benefits are. She followed up with me for weeks after she reviewed my policy, helped me craft an email with important questions, reviewed my email to them before I sent it, and now we are waiting to see what they say. I may need to supplement what I have with another policy, we shall see. I wanted to let you know what a gem of a person Diane is, and I thank you very much for having her on your team. I feel very taken care of. Thank you, Phyllis and Diane!! All the best, Colette G., CA, 9/28/2023

Testimony for Lori Martin on my team: Lori, thank you much for your time and helpful advice. You are a blessing! I am so happy that Suze referred you. You exceeded my expectations and were so thoughtful and thorough in evaluating my current LTC policy and answering related questions. So appreciative 🙂  Diana V., AL, 9/21/2023 

Testimony for Lori Martin on my team: Ok, friends, if you don’t already have long-term or even short-term care insurance, this is the lady to contact. Lori’s very knowledgeable and thorough. She spent a LOT of time with us over the past 2 weeks, both over Zoom and through emails, to provide us with information from several different companies. Lori has a very gentle demeanor. She didn’t use any high-pressure sales tactics to promote one company over another. I would encourage you to sign up for this insurance even if you’re in your 40s because you never know when a pre-existing condition will arise that will cause you to either pay larger premiums or not even be able to be covered at all. If we had started 10 years ago, we would have paid thousands of dollars less than we are paying now. I just can’t say enough good things about Lori. I hope you’ll send her an email and at least have her start doing some research for you. Lori Martin: lmartin@envision-benefits.com  Sheila F., Arlington, TX, July 17, 2023

Testimony for Linda Thalheimer on my team:  I have a LTC contract that has increased its premiums by 85%. I was feeling really uneducated about the wisdom of continuing or dropping the policy, but the deadline for making a decision was rapidly approaching! I remembered Suze had mentioned on PBS that it was a sound insurance plan and so I reached out to her site with a link to Phyllis Shelton and then Linda Thalheimer. Linda contacted me, asked for some information, closely analyzed my policy and gave me an answer WITHIN 24 hours!! Who does that? And on a Saturday???? I cannot tell you of the relief I felt that I had an extremely educated advisor in my corner who was not selling me anything but rather had my best interests at heart. Linda and everyone else, THANK YOU!!!!!!  Vicki J. CA June 4, 2023

As a single woman, no children or close family, I knew LTC insurance was something I needed to have. I had no idea how to figure it all out or where to go. I am so glad I found Phyllis Shelton and LTC Consultants! Phyllis’ handy guide, “The ABCs of Long-Term Care Insurance,” was such a great resource. Phyllis was supportive, gave me great advice, and patiently explained to me the various options. She provided me with three different plans and quotes, with various riders, from three different carriers. One of the additional riders she suggested, which I am so glad I opted for, was for the inflation protection. Each year I get a notice from my LTC provider that my benefits have increased, but at no extra cost to me because I added the rider.  If I hadn’t purchased this when I signed up, I don’t think I could afford to pay for the cost of care when I have a claim.  On my 55^th birthday, now many years ago, I signed the papers to buy my LTC policy. This was probably the best and wisest financial move I’ve ever made. One never knows what life may hold for us. I an independent person and am glad I won’t have to be a burden on any of my family or friends, should I ever need LTC. Finding Phyllis was a godsend. If it wasn’t for her and her advice, I may never have done this. The whole process was just so overwhelming, but Phyllis made it so easy. I recommend her and her company whole heartedly. Donna B. Washington, DC  May 2023

Testimony for Diane Stoddart on my team: Hi, I had a great call with Diane Stoddart.  She graciously answered all of my questions and provided insight into the future of Long Term Care insurance.  I have not heard a peep from the agent who sold me the policy since the day I signed it.  Only wish I had known about your team when I was shopping for LTC. Regards, Kathleen M., FL, 3/9/2023

Note from Diane Stoddart on my team: Thank you, Phyllis and Suze, for inviting me to help people to plan for the most fragile part of their lives.  I am more than grateful and honored to ne on this wonderful team of dedicated women. Today, when Suze’s listener, Debra S, in southern Illinois completed an application with me to submit just prior to age 70, the last thing she said to me was, “I know Suze is going to be so proud of me for finally doing this”. I told her that I also am very proud of her for taking this step to protect herself and her loved ones. 2/8/2023

Testimony from a couple most grateful for the help of Lori on my team: Lori, please accept my sincere thanks in speaking with me today regarding my current Long Term Care Insurance Policy with CNA that I have had for over 30 years. You answered questions that representatives of the Virginia Insurance Commission were unable to answer. Most importantly for me was your recommendation to “NOT to cancel my LTC with CNA.” Yup,The poor customer service of CNA has been on my mind since I retired in 2015 after working for Fairfax County Public Schools. I will definitely sleep a little easier this evening. Thank you. Paul D. 1/30/23

Testimony for our colleague Linda Jahnke who helps people with LTC insurance claims: I just want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for the support and guidance I most certainly needed in advocating for my Mother. For now she is somewhat ok, and I am learning to be ok with that. The good news is that CNA is cooperating. Watching the aging process up close is so hard on so many levels. If I get to a point where I need more assistance, I will hire Linda for sure. So great to know services (and people) like yours/you are out there. Fondly, Andra M., Houston, TX (mother is a CNA client) 06-23-2022

Testimony for Diane Stoddart plus she sent to her friends: Here are more GREAT additional Long Term Care (LTC) planning & educational resources we received from Diane Stoddart that we found to be extremely helpful and thought you might,  too…especially the Genworth cost of care link to help you project what the long term care costs will be in whatever area you live in and for whatever timeframe you designate. We learned this is a great place from which to begin planning for Long Term Care, if you are in that process. You may already have a great LTC plan in place, which would be FABULOUS! We are only now learning about LTC planning and until I finally found Diane, I had been going down so many rabbit holes unable to find good information that explained things as well as she and her resources have done. So only passing along this info in case you are in the same boat as us, in hopes this might help save you a lot of time finding some legit info on the subject and consider possibly adding this very important protection for you and your caregiver (who we really must plan for and hope we never need)! If you have any LTC questions, I’m copying Diane Stoddart, whom you can reach out to help you through this planning process. She’s been so genuinely helpful to us and I’ve truly felt has had our best interests in heart. That’s hard to find these days!! Debbie G., GA, 5/16/2022

Testimonial for Diane Stoddart on my team: Diane, thanks so much for the quick turnaround on my questions. Just wanted to let you know how impressed I continue to be with the outstanding service you have provided me.   Your responsiveness is excellent; your answers to my questions are always thorough and complete;  and you present the topics with clarity for easy understanding.  Ten out of ten for great service! I put you in the top tier of all the professionals I have worked with over the years (and I’ve worked with a lot!!!) and wanted you to know your phenomenal service is appreciated. Susan L, 5/6/22

Thanks so very much for speaking with me this morning and helping me to understand the “fine print” in a hybrid LTC product that I’m considering. Your guidance was clear, compelling and — most important — compassionate. I felt that I was talking to the best possible person I could have found to give me advice based on my best interests. You’re a treasure, Phyllis! Thank you! Barbara R., New York City, February 2022 [Note from Phyllis: Barbara added this to her testimonial 06-27-2022. This underlines the importance of paying more for the proper inflation benefit today to avoid paying a LOT more out-of-pocket at claim time.] This is Barbara R, in New York City. You may remember that you were very helpful and generous to me when I was contemplating buying an insurance product with an inflation-protected long-term care benefit. I just wanted to let you know that I am now the owner of the policy we discussed – it’s very expensive but you helped me understand why it is well worth the money. Just wanted to say, thanks again — I hope all is well with you and yours.

Testimony for Lori Martin on my team: Thank you for all your help through this process. I am relieved to know we have a policy that will work for us. I don’t know how we would have navigated the LTCi maze without you! Marilu E., KY, 2/25/2022

Testimony for Honey Leveen on our Suze team: Hi Honey, Bob and I would like to express our sincere thanks for all the guidance and support you have given to guide us in making an educated and informed decision in choosing what LTC insurance would meet our needs best.  You were extremely knowledgeable and able to not only explain all the terms and coverage included but also able to answer any questions we had in detail.  Your communication was excellent and your responded to us in a very timely fashion.  We appreciated all of the assistance in how to fill out the paperwork , copies to keep and who to inform in our circle that we had obtained the policy.  Your availability through out this whole process and willingness to be available to us for future assistance gave and gives us peace of mind.  We would highly recommend your services to any friends or family interested in obtaining LTCI in a heartbeat.  High quality service is a rarity these days and we were blessed to have chosen you to lead us in this endeavor. Thanks for your excellent service and sharing your knowledge and ability with us. Sincerely, Lori & Bob F. PA 01-22-2022

Hi Phyllis and Honey, I just want to say thank you to Honey for her time today. I have to say,  through Suze Orman and her team of experts ( including you) it is a  nice community of people helping people and I so appreciate that Honey took the time to review my LTC policy. Honey thank you for explaining my benefits and what my LTC looks like in the future. And I am happy you like the policy 🙂 I just wanted to thank you and please let Suze Orman know I thank her for recommending your services.  S. Haskel, FL, 10-26-2021

Here is a great testimonial for Rhonda Bills on my team in answer to a question concerning a CalPers rate increase, and she was also able to help his wife with her John Hancock policy.   “Thank you for all your expertise. You definitely know your stuff!!! Wanted to let you know that I just called J Hancock and they were able to confirm that In fact the compound inflation rate is 5% and is currently up to $438 per day (up from $200 per day). I’ll be going on the website and sing your praises to Phyllis and then for fun I’ll send an email to Suze Orman as well! Thanks again, it’s not often you get great service and so friendly too. We both appreciate all that you offered!” B & J Shepard, CA, 09-29-2021

Hi Phyllis, we all much appreciate the Zoom meeting you arranged for us! We are so grateful that you were able to give us personalized information, and spend so much time explaining how Long Term Care policies work.  It’s been a great help and relief for my mom Dorothy, as she has been very concerned about it since receiving the Transamerica letter. It has given her confidence to face uncertainties that may arise in the future. We thank you, and we thank Suze and her organization, for sharing the knowledge!  All best, A. Martin, 06-08-21, CO

[Note from Phyllis:  Honey Leveen on my amazing team said this testimonial shows how surprised people are when they get the competent, attentive service they deserve.] Dear Honey, thanks a lot for your excellent work! I am glad I chose to trust Suze and got to be connected with you! We are deeply touched by the level of your patience with our detailed questions; the willingness of you to spend time making sure I do everything needed in order to get the best rate; the fact you want to go over the policy in detail even though we thought your job was done; your excellent knowledge in the fields of long-term care insurance and the integrity you have shown during this whole process. I am grateful!  Again, Thanks a lot for your excellent work! Yan J., MD, 05-25-2021

Good Evening Phyllis:  Thank you so much for speaking with me about LTCi on Thursday, 6 May 2021. Your presentation and actively listening to my insurance needs, provided me with the valuable information to make an informed decision on this most delicate issue. Rosa B, VA

My name is Brenda and I am from Louisiana. I was connected to Renee Caldwell by SUZE ORMAN. I hear SUZE on her podcast one day talking about LTC insurance. The topic of LTC insurance has always been dear to my heart as my dad, Raymond, had a severe stroke in 2011 that took him from being totally independent totally dependent requiring 24 hour care. I watched him suffer requiring a 6 weeks of hospitalization and eventually needing nursing home care. He did not have LTC insurance and required LT Medicad. I lost him at the end of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I have always wanted to obtain LTC insurance for myself as I did not want to have to go through what my dad did. Renee took good care of me and took time to listen to me and did several Zoom meetings and customized a plan for me including a policy that met my needs and budget.  I highly recommend Renee to anyone who needs LTC insurance. I am highly satisfied with her guidance and I now feel fulfilled as my goal of to obtain LTC insurance is now granted. Brenda, 05-07-2021 [Note from Phyllis: As we say in the South, “it don’t get no better than this!” Awesome job Renee!]

Hi Honey, Thank you so much for talking with me today on my current LTCi situation, and I wish I could have talked with you several years ago!  Your information has helped me understand that my current coverage could take me through longer than the reduced years made years ago to help with costs, and it has helped me feel more assured and confident with the coverage I have.  Many thanks to you, Phyllis and Suze! Sincerely, Carol C., 03-29-2021 [Note from Phyllis: Testimonial to Honey Leveen on my team – this is why we do it!]

“We really appreciate your providing the information we needed to make our decision, and your excellent service is precisely why we will recommend your services to friends and family members who need to be thinking about LTCi. We believe there is a lot of value in making sure the product is best suited to the customer”.  Cecelia S., NJ, 02-03/2021 [Note from Phyllis: Testimonial for Renee Caldwell – so proud of you Renee!]

Rhonda is a warm, caring person. She was very helpful, and gave me plenty to think about. She was organized in her presentation. And she explained things very simply. Linda B., NC, 01-27-2021 [Lovely testimonial for Rhonda Bills on our team. I can also personally attest she bakes the tastiest cookies I have ever consumed. But don’t let that word get out – everyone who meets with her will be asking her to send them some!]

I filled out your questionnaire on www.gotltc.com and was contacted by Tobe Gerard. She has been outstanding to work with in her knowledge and professionalism. She makes a very complicated topic understandable and took the time to walk me through each part of the process. She was very prompt in getting back to me and made sure that no question went unanswered. She let me know what to expect and gave me time frames on each part. I want you to know of my wonderful experience and give her the kudos she deserves. Her experience in the field and her desire to give me options and make me aware of all aspects of this policy are greatly appreciated. She has been a blessing in this regard. I am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to work with her. Georgene Q., TX, 01-12-2021

Thanks Rhonda. You explain stuff so clearly. It is refreshing to speak to someone knowledgeable who can explain things using a simple language. We are looking forward to speaking with you again on Tuesday.  Mahnaz, NV, 12-09-2020

Thanks Linda!  You’re awesome. I really appreciate your patience.  You’re just an amazing teacher.  You’ve helped us to make this an easy, logical, and sensible decision.  Everyone else makes it hard to pull the trigger but the clarity of your explanation makes understanding long-term care simple. Kendric, HI, 12-06-2020

Thank you so much for taking many hours of your time holding our hands and supporting us on this journey of purchasing an LTC that best fit our need. Along the way, I have not only deepened my knowledge of LTC but also started to look at aging and the need for an elder with new perspectives. It provided reassurance and peace of mind whenever I am thinking about the future when we are getting old.  That was really meaningful to me. Yan J., MD, 11-07-2020 [Note from Phyllis: This compliment was sent to Honey Leveen on my team – great job, Honey!]

Hi Tobe, it was great speaking with you.  You provided a lot of great information.   I am glad you told us about the international coverage aspects for US LTC policies as I kind of assumed none of the companies would cover LTC out-of-the-country, and I certainly didn’t think the amount of LTC coverage outside the US could vary so much based on the LTC company. These video chats are a great service from Suze, Phyllis and YOU. Thanks again. OR 10-19-2020 [Note from Phyllis: This Oregon woman asked to remain anonymous, but the compliment was for my awesome specialist Tobe Gerard. Way to go Tobe!]

My LTC discussion with Renee in one word was superb.  She listened to my needs, finances and is exploring plans that might be available to me for my limited budget.  I am very thankful to her and would highly recommend Renee to anyone who would like to explore LTC. Linda M., NY, 10-11-20 [Note from Phyllis: Renee Caldwell is the newest member of my fabulous team and has already received a great compliment!]

Hi Honey, thank you so much for taking the time to help me understand all of this. At this time, I’m going to stay with the one policy that I already have. After exploring the calculations, I’ve decided I can self insure for the extra money I might need. You are truly wonderful and I’ve recommended you to my friends. Thank you. Cynthia H., CA, 07-07-2020 [Note from Phyllis: This testimonial demonstrates how our team helps people, whether or not they purchase insurance.  Great job Honey Leveen!] 

Phyllis – Thank you for the note and wonderful news. We did receive the letter in the mail about our policy qualifying as an Illinois LTC Partnership policy. I was so happy about this. It means that we don’t have to spend down our assets the way that my Mother – and probably Father – will have to.  We have been very lucky. We have two healthy children, live in a nice neighborhood and have careers that allow us the ability to be comfortable.  I thank you for your great service to us. Having our policy gives me great piece of mind that we will not be a burden to our children when we can no longer take care of ourselves independently. Mark C., IL, 06-08-2020

Phyllis, we met with Rhonda Vry-Bills today via the computer screen.  She shared the research she had done to find a care plan that would work for me and my husband.  It is great to be able to get something in place.  We appreciate your team working with us.  Have a great week. Dee Ann and Wade H. 05-08-2020 [Note from Phyllis: Rhonda Bills is one of four amazing specialists who are helping me with all the special families who are finding me through Suze Orman and others!]

Everything ran perfect. Rhonda is amazing and really helped me understand this process from start to finish seamlessly. Gina G. IL 05-13-2020

Hi Phyllis, I just simply wanted to thank you for calling me back and referring me to this specialist on your team, Linda Thalheimer. She was so helpful to me and I just wanted to somehow better say thank-you. Linda is very wise and detail-oriented which I appreciate. She was very thorough and helped explain things to me in laymen’s terms. She definitely helped me understand more about how long term health insurance works and the application process. I have a tough time sorting/understanding confusing information and making an educated decision based on it, and I just felt soo much better after talking to her. She was very patient with all my many questions. I even called her again another day with more questions and she took my call after working hours. I feel more confident in my information gathering and decision, and I just wanted to say these words of appreciation. Diane S. 05-07-20 [Note from Phyllis: Linda Thalheimer is also on my amazing team of LTCi specialists!]

“I purchased Suze Orman’s Protection Portfolio. My most recent step has been to go through the Insurance Selector and check what types of insurance I need and to evaluate my current insurances.  I saw that it was important for me to have Long Term Care insurance.  I have even done some research on this in the past but have not followed through. I clicked the link to get more information and was  quickly contacted by Honey Leveen.  I was so pleased with this fast response.  Honey is so polite and helpful. She asked the necessary questions and then spent time researching what type of policy and what company would work best for me. Throughout this, she kept in close contact with me.  We used phone conversations, email, and Zoom meetings all of which were helpful. She explained each step in the process.  As in all businesses insurance has their own language and she made sure I understood all vocabulary and aspects of my policy.  I feel that she found a policy that will help keep me out of a traditional nursing home (which is a concern of mine). Already, knowing I have this policy in place is giving me peace of mind. Honey also advised me to talk to my children about this policy and share with them its location.  This will make it easier for my children and myself when it is needed. On a personal note, Honey has such a genuinely caring nature. Throughout this process I have felt this.  She really cares about getting clients the best possible policy for them. Her friendliness and willingness to answer my many questions made this process easy.  I am happy that I was given her as my resource person. Something I have needed to do for quite some time turned out to be easy.  I also feel confident that if I need Honey in the future she will be there for me. Many thanks to Suze Orman for making this service available and to Honey Leveen for her excellent work.”  Robin, Utica, OH, April 2020

We started our call with my feeling angry and fearful over a 72% annual premium increase in my LTC.  With your knowledge of LTC,  you took ample time to give me a rational explanation, to help me understand, and to decide my best course of action.  What a relief!  Thank you, Phyllis, not only for your excellent advice, but also for caring.  I recommend you highly.  Faye W. Topeka, KS 03-07-20

I know any mention of “Long Term Care” sends heads into the sand.  After Peter and I crossed the 50 mark, we knew it was time to get this insurance in place.  I found that none of our support professionals (accountant, financial planner or insurance broker) had specified experience in long term care. They all had recommendations, but each had concerning holes. So I did a deep dive and found JOHN FERRONI, CLTC, RHU, CSA.  While he has his own agency, he is also affiliated with Got LTCi – and Phyllis Shelton (one of the national experts in this area).  John’s customer service has been remarkable.  His approach is soft sell, with immediate follow up to all communication. We have respected John’s expert knowledge and integrity.  We can’t recommend him more highly.  Even if you’re not ready to commit to this insurance, it’s important to know the market and what you need to plan for ahead.  Many of us are now understanding how stressful and burdensome caring for our aging parents can be – and how prohibitively expensive support costs are without this insurance in place.  Peter and I are relieved that Colin will never feel this burden on our behalf.  Here’s a great short video on the topic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBPfvj3QTl0.  Give John a call, and start a conversation…      Heather W. NC 1/16/20  404-985-9455 [Note from Phyllis: John Ferroni is also on my amazing team of LTCi specialists!]