It has been quite some time since we included a letter from the president of Creating Connections. This is something we are going to start reincorporating into the newsletter every other month. In fact, every other month, Graceful Transitions, which is the women's networking group that puts on these events, will be hosting Creating Connections. In the past, we have had a member of Graceful Transitions host each month. However, this year, we are looking to do something different. We want to highlight not only each individual member, but the Graceful Transitions group as a whole.
A brief description of your business:
As a Personal Risk Specialist with USI Insurance Services, I specialize in helping individuals and families with their individual risk management and personal insurance needs. Through robust analytics, deep expertise, and customized solutions, my team and I protect our clients from risk exposures that “off the shelf” insurance programs overlook.
What makes you passionate about what you do?
I love learning about my clients' lives and what is important to them!
Can you describe a success story that involves your business?
Absolutely! One of my favorites is a client who had 3 children all under the age of 14. All 3 children had an iPhone and tablet with full access to the internet and social media sites for homework, video games, Instant Messaging, and browsing.
Since 65% of 8-14 year-olds have been involved in a cyberbullying incident and roughly 64% of students who have been cyberbullied explained that it negatively impacted both their feelings of safety and their ability to learn at school, the children’s access to the internet presented a significant risk for not only emotional trauma but also significant financial harm by way of legal fees, professional counseling, and reputational management.
To manage this risk, we educated the client on cyberbullying prevention and monitoring including parental control software. We also provided specialized insurance policies for cyber and personal injury liability.
Several months later, one of the children reported being bullied over Instant Messaging by a classmate. By following USI’s advice to monitor the child’s online activity, the family was able to put a stop to the bullying before it escalated into serious emotional damage. They also avoided $25,000 in expenses related to therapy and legal fees.
I love this story because it is such a great example of how a holistic risk management plan helps my clients prevent disaster rather than just recover from it.
Navigating Change with Confidence:
The Power of a Personal Risk Management Plan
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, and moments of unexpected change. From career shifts and moves to new cities, to starting a business or asking for a divorce, change is a constant force, bringing with it uncertainty and risk. In times of upheaval and transition, having a personal risk management plan in place can be a beacon of stability, guiding you through the challenges and helping you emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.
So, what exactly is a personal risk management plan, and how can it help you navigate times of change? At its core, a personal risk management plan is a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating the various risks that could impact your life and financial well-being. It involves taking stock of your current situation, setting goals and priorities, and implementing strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones against potential threats and uncertainties.
Here's how a personal risk management plan can help you weather the storms of change with confidence:
Identifying Risks: The first step in creating a personal risk management plan is to identify the potential risks and vulnerabilities you may face during times of change. This could include financial risks such as job loss or income reduction, health risks such as illness or injury, or lifestyle risks such as changes in living arrangements or family dynamics. By understanding the specific risks you're likely to encounter, you can be better prepared to address them proactively.
Assessing Impact: Once you've identified the risks, the next step is to assess their potential impact on your life and financial well-being. This involves considering the likelihood of each risk occurring and the potential consequences it could have. For example, losing your job may have immediate financial implications, but it could also affect your long-term career prospects and retirement savings. By evaluating the financial impact and severity of each risk, you can prioritize your efforts and resources accordingly.
Mitigating Risks: With a clear understanding of the risks you face and their potential impact, the next step is to implement strategies to mitigate those risks. This could involve purchasing insurance coverage to protect against financial losses, building up an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, or diversifying your income sources to reduce dependence on any one source of income. Additionally, you may explore options for professional development or skills training to enhance your employability and adaptability in a changing job market.
Adapting to Change: Perhaps the most important aspect of a personal risk management plan is its flexibility and adaptability in the face of change. Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can be thrown off course by unforeseen circumstances. By regularly reviewing and updating your risk management strategies, you can ensure that your plan remains relevant and effective as your circumstances evolve. This may involve revisiting your goals and priorities, adjusting your strategies as needed, and seeking guidance from trusted advisors and personal risk specialists.
The practice of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks stands as a valuable process for gracefully navigating times of change and transition. Not sure where to start? Don’t go at it alone—USI provides tailored personal risk management plans and insurance advice using comprehensive analysis, industry expertise, and quantified impact. Contact a personal risk specialist to discuss your unique needs.
ASHLEY WALLACEPersonal Risk Specialist – Mountain Central Region
USI Insurance Services LLC.
4600 S. Ulster Street, Suite 1200, Denver, CO, 80237
o: 303.831.5256 | c: 720.234.0615
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