7. Ray's Retire Right Report - July 2026

Ray's Retire Right Report

Retire Right Retire Smart!

Raymond T. Martin, Retirement Coach and Medicare Planning

July 2026

Happy July! And Happy Independence Day! It’s high time for sun, summer fun and grilling.

July is "National Horseradish Month"

July 3rd – 9th is "Be Nice to New Jersey Week"

And July 11th is "Slurpee Day (or 7-11’s Birthday) Day"

AFishy Story

In a bizarre story from the Safari Park in Shenzhen, China, a black swan there had taken on the responsibility of feeding the Koi fish every day. The workers set out the food, but it is the swan that actually feeds the fish. He arrives at the same time each day, picks up the food and places it in one hungry mouth at a time. The koi fish, who are accustomed to this routine, crowd around him jostling for their turn to eat from the bill of their feathered friend. A keeper at the park explained, “When everyone has eaten enough, the swan goes back into the water and plays with his fish friends again. They became close friends after three years of playing together.” Apparently, this friendship is not rare in the animal kingdom. Swans feeding koi fish occurs in other wildlife parks in the world.

How much does the Liberty Bell weigh?

(See the Answer Area.)

GLP-1 Bridge Program Begins

Over the years, many of our clients have asked about GLP-1 medications for weight loss and expressed disappointment that Medicare generally did not cover these drugs for individuals without diabetes. Beginning July 1, 2026, that will start to change.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, a temporary demonstration scheduled to run through December 31, 2027. The program will provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 medications prescribed specifically for obesity and weight loss. To qualify, beneficiaries must meet CMS eligibility requirements related to factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and the use of the medication as part of a broader weight management plan that includes lifestyle modifications. Interested individuals should work with their healthcare provider, who must submit a prior authorization request directly to CMS. Importantly, this program is completely separate from Medicare Part D. If approved, participants will pay a $50 copayment at the pharmacy, and the pharmacy must bill the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program directly Claims submitted to a Medicare Part D plan for weight-loss use under this program will generally be rejected. In addition, costs paid through the GLP-1 Bridge Program do not count toward a beneficiary's Part D out-of-pocket spending limit.

GLP-1 medications prescribed for covered conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, or sleep apnea may continue to be covered through a beneficiary's Part D plan. As always, our team will continue monitoring developments and keeping you informed.

This Month in History

Here are some fascinating facts about Apollo 11’s moon landing on July 20, 1969

 The original name for the lunar module was Snowcone. Astronaut Jim Lovell suggested the name be changed to Eagle.

 The command module, now called Columbia was first named Haystack.

 The moon’s Sea of Tranquility, the chosen landing site, got its name because in photographs it appeared smooth. It was actually strewn with many boulders. The Eagle had to be flown two miles in search of flat ground suitable for landing.

 Commander Neil Armstrong carried a piece of the Clan Armstrong plaid to the lunar surface.

 Astronauts frequently become attached to their space craft. Following the Apollo 11 mission, while the crew were in their decontamination unit, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins made his way down to the Columbia and wrote in the engine bay, “Spacecraft 107 – alias Apollo 11 – alias Columbia. The best ship to come down the line. God Bless Her. Michael Collins, CMP”.

Britain is responsible for the "Independence Day" celebrations of 63 countries around the world.

Makes Sense (Cents)

After the American Revolution, the U.S. was eager to break with all things British – including their complex and confusing monetary units of pence, shilling and pound. In 1782 it was recommended to Congress that the U.S. adopt a decimal system of currency. Thomas Jefferson suggested that the smallest part, 1/100 of a dollar be called a cent from the Latin word for hundred and that a tenth of a dollar be a dime, from the Latin for tenth. In 1792 America became the first country with a completely decimal-based monetary system.

"Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected"

George Washington

Discovers & Explorers

VISION

WEIGHT

 . Leaf-cutter ants can build anthills 16 feet deep and an acre square.

 The darker green a vegetable is, the more vitamin C it contains.

 Ketchup was once sold as medicine.

 If the average male never shaved, his beard would grow to 13 feet long in his lifetime.

 The human body contains about 60,000 miles of blood vessels.

 Jackrabbits got their name because their ears look like a donkey’s (jackass).

 If you lined up in a row all the Slinkys ever made they could wrap around the earth 126 times.

 The tomato comes in over 4,000 varieties.

 The heel of a sock is called the “gore.”

 The chance that a public road in the U.S. is unpaved: 1%. (In Canada it’s 75%.)

 A fetus can hiccup.

 1 in 12 Americans alphabetizes their spice rack.

 A suriphobe is someone who’s afraid of mice.

 A queen termite can lay 86,000 eggs a day –one every second.

 In 1797 James Hetherington invented the top hat and wore it in public. He was arrested for disturbing the peace.

My friend talked me into lending her money for plastic surgery. I’ve been trying to get it back for months, but I have no idea what she looks like now.

The Answer Area

Lori Verst

Craig Kennedy

Dave Hart

Keith McCarthy

Elliott Martin Mohan Martin Joe Chow

Joseph Martin Matt Leone Jocelyn Signoretti Staff Directory

Trivia Teaser: The Liberty Bell weighs just over a ton, 2,080 pounds.

Ray Martin Martin & Associates

30 Executive Park, Suite 250

Irvine, CA 92614

Ray Martin specializes in Personal Finance, Investor Coaching, Medicare Planning and is the author of . . .

The finest compliment I can receive is a referral from a satisfied client like you. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me with your retirement needs. Please send your friends and family to me knowing that I will care for them as I have cared for you!

Need a Speaker forYour Group?

Invite Ray Martin to be a guest speaker at your next club meeting, retreat or gathering for an informative presentation on Medicare or Social Security, crucial for a successful retirement. Ray is a frequent speaker at local colleges, school districts and major corporations. To schedule an available date for your group, call Ray or Lori today at (800) 464-4941 or email ray@WeRetireSmart.com

The Top 8 Estate Planning Misconceptions

Estate planning is an essential process that allows individuals to protect their assets, ensure their wishes are followed, and provide for their loved ones after they're gone. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding estate planning that can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Here we will debunk the top estate planning misconceptions and shed light on the importance of creating a well-crafted estate plan.

distributed, appoint guardians for minor children, and make healthcare decisions in case of incapacitation.

4. My Spouse Will Automatically Inherit Everything

1. Estate Planning is Only for the Elderly

One of the most common misconceptions about estate planning is that it's only necessary for the elderly or the wealthy. In reality, estate planning is vital for everyone, regardless of age or financial status. Accidents and unexpected events can happen at any time, making it crucial to have a plan in place to protect your assets and loved ones.

2. AWill Avoids Probate

Many believe that having a will is enough to avoid the probate process. While a will can outline how your assets should be distributed, it still requires probate court approval. Probate can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but other estate planning tools, such as living trusts, can help bypass probate and streamline asset distribution.

3. I Don't Have EnoughAssets to Warrant Estate Planning

Another misconception is that estate planning is only for individuals with substantial wealth. Regardless of the size of your estate, estate planning allows you to have control over how your assets are

Assuming that your spouse will automatically inherit all your assets is a common misconception. In some cases, state laws dictate how assets are distributed if there's no valid will or estate plan. By having a clear estate plan, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, even if they deviate from state laws.

5. Estate Planning is a One-Time Task

Estate planning is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process that should be regularly reviewed and updated. Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or significant financial shifts, may necessitate updates to your estate plan to reflect your current situation and goals.

6. I Can DIY My Estate Plan

While DIY estate planning tools may be available, they often lack the customization and legal expertise required to address unique situations adequately. Estate planning is a complex area that requires professional guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney or financial advisor to ensure your plan is legally valid and comprehensive.

7. Estate Planning is OnlyAboutAssets

Estate planning encompasses more than just distributing assets. It also involves planning for incapacity, specifying healthcare preferences, appointing guardians for minor

children, and supporting charitable causes. By considering these aspects, you can create a well-rounded estate plan that aligns with your values and goals.

8. I Don't Need to Plan for Taxes

Tax planning is a vital component of estate planning, especially for those with significant assets. Proper tax planning can help minimize estate taxes and ensure that more of your wealth goes to your beneficiaries. Working with professionals well-versed in estate and tax laws can help you optimize your plan.

Truth v. Myths

By debunking these misconceptions and embracing the importance of estate planning, you can have peace of mind knowing that your legacy is secure and your loved ones are cared for. Understanding the truth behind these estate planning misconceptions is essential for creating a comprehensive and effective estate plan. Estate planning is not limited to the elderly or the wealthy; it's for everyone who wishes to protect their assets, provide for their loved ones, and ensure their wishes are carried out. To ensure your estate plan is tailored to your unique circumstances and goals, seek guidance from a financial advisor.

How Martin Wealth Management Can Help

As you embark on the exciting journey of retirement planning, don't overlook the critical element that ensures your legacy endures – expert estate planning. Our seasoned financial advisors specialize in guiding you through the intricacies of estate planning, seamlessly integrating it into your retirement strategy. Beyond mere financial management, we empower you to leave a lasting impact, creating a legacy that transcends generations.

Imagine a retirement where your hardearned assets are strategically preserved, ensuring a seamless transfer of wealth to your heirs and loved ones. Estate planning isn't just about minimizing taxes; it's a meticulous process that demands personalized attention to your unique circumstances and aspirations. Our advisors work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that safeguards your estate, facilitates smooth wealth transfer, and supports your philanthropic goals.

Why leave the destiny of your legacy to chance? By partnering with us, you gain access to a team of experts committed to optimizing your estate planning within the context of your retirement goals. Whether it's establishing trusts, minimizing tax implications, or ensuring your wishes are carried out through a robust estate plan, we provide the expertise you need for a secure and impactful retirement. Secure your tomorrow and leave a legacy that resonates with purpose – because your financial future deserves the meticulous care of seasoned financial advisors.

BEFORE you make any financial move, call with your “Here’s what I’m thinking about doing…” as opposed to the dreaded, “Guess what I just did...” announcement! We offer a one-hour Complimentary Consultation. Contact us today at (800) 464-4341. ---------------------

Ray Martin is an Investor Coach and Investment Advisor Representative for Martin Wealth Management, LLC Schedule a phone appointment at www.SpeakWithRay.com or call (800) 464-4941 or email Ray@WeRetireSmart.com

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