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| When I think of an insurance salesperson, the image I conjure up is not exactly a positive one. It’s more along the lines of the con men you hear described in jokes. Stereotypes and jokes aside, local Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Ruth Anhen, FIC, does not fit into that picture. In fact, the name Ruth means “friend,” and that’s exactly how Ruth wants to make you feel: like she’s a good, compassionate friend who is looking out for you. When asked about her client service, Ruth responds: “My clients are such a big part of my life. They count on me to make sure they are taken care of in a variety of ways. I am honored to have that role in their lives.” The thing that separates Ruth from other financial representatives out there, she says, is that she means what she says and believes in what she does. Regarding her philosophy on life, Ruth says, “I think life is short. We never know how much time we have and how long we have those we love. Enjoy as many memories and moments as you are blessed with.” Ruth works for Modern Woodmen, which is a fraternal benefit society. The company offers more than just financial services. The 127-year-old company is located nationwide, with its headquarters being in downtown Rock Island. The company also has a wide array of member activities and volunteer opportunities. “Working for a fraternal company means we are involved in so many ways with our communities. We sponsor a number of local events, plus have our service clubs and youth educational programs and local camp activities,” Ruth states. Ruth helps her clients in a variety of ways. She provides whole and term life insurance for adults and children. She also helps plan for retirement. “I can set up 401(k) or simple IRA’s for businesses, Roth IRA’s, and traditional IRA’s. When someone retires, I can show them the options with their 401(k) such as how to roll it over and the choices they have to make withdrawals on it.” She also provides flexible/single premium deferred annuities with a guaranteed minimum rate of return, investments* such as mutual funds, and college education savings plans. Ruth knows that most of us regard life insurance as something we will “get around to someday.” It’s often something that few of us take the time to think about. However, she explains that it’s a simple process, it doesn’t take a lot of time, and in the event that something happens, our families will be taken care of. “We can’t stop unfortunate things from happening, we can’t stop the hurt that comes with losing a loved one, but we can ease the financial burden that often follows.” Kim Budde, Ruth’s longtime friend and former business associate, says that Ruth is very smart and dedicated. “She goes the extra mile and listens to the needs of her clients.” That’s why Kim says she continues to refer friends to Ruth for their insurance needs. She knows they will be very happy with her, she says. Ruth says that she prides herself on educating her clients. She wants to make sure that she has all of their questions answered and that they understand what all of their options are. “I encourage people to take their time and ask a lot of questions. I know that sometimes the terms and lingo can get confusing.” Ruth also assists with planning for retirement. “Times are tight for everyone, and the thought of setting aside money now is very difficult for many people.” She likes to encourage people to think of it like a “required monthly installment.” Ruth insists that just a little planning now can make the later years in life more enjoyable. One of the greatest rewards of her work is helping someone retire with more income than they planned on through savings, a 401(k), or an IRA, she says. Ruth doesn’t just focus on her customers’ financial needs, however. “Being involved with Modern Woodmen has given me the opportunity to be involved in so many wonderful ways,” she says. In addition to being a part of Junior Achievement for many years, Ruth participates in the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, and has taken part in two flights to Washington D.C. with local veterans. According to Ruth, Modern Woodmen is actually the first Quad Cities organization to fully sponsor an Honor Flight, which gives World War II veterans an opportunity to tour the war memorials in the nation’s capital. Not only has Ruth personally helped raise money for the cause, but she has also served as a guardian for the veterans during the trip. Most recently, Ruth took part in a fundraiser for Gilda’s Club, which is a cancer support community, by dancing in “Ballroom with the Quad Cities Celebrities,” which took place last December. More than a dozen well-known Quad Cities faces were chosen to participate, with each one being assigned a dance to learn and perform. “We had a fantastic time,” Ruth says. “Over 1000 people attended the event, plus I got to learn how to dance the Charleston!” After meeting with Ruth, I felt refreshed. I thought going into the interview that speaking with a financial representative might be dry and boring. This is not so with Ruth, however. Her approach to fulfilling her customers’ financial needs and her endless hours of service to the community make her special, in my opinion. Every once in a while you come across someone who exudes sincerity and genuine warm-heartedness. This is what I think of Ruth. While Ruth has won awards for her work performance, that’s not what it’s about for her. “I just think if you work hard and do the right thing, good things will come back to you.” Money is not what seems to motivate Ruth. She says she just honestly enjoys being a friend to everyone she meets. Ruth’s office is located at 621 E. Kimberly Road in Davenport. If you would like more information on the services that Modern Woodmen provides, you can contact Ruth at 563-508-0842 or visit www.modern-woodmen.org. *Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America, 1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, 309-558-3100. Member: FINRA, SIPC. |
Modern Woodmen of America |
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