AEP is over. The big checks are coming. Now what? 👀

Here's your behind-the-scenes playbook on how real Medicare pros use those January–March commissions to build momentum for the entire year instead of blowing it like a limited-time McRib.

In this episode of Medicare Sales Playbook, Dallas Keithley and the "ever-effervescent" Medicare Matt Smith break down how to:

• Turn your AEP windfall into a 2026 game plan instead of a short-term payday

• Set real goals that actually mean something by looking at your past, present, and future

• Get clear on your WHY so "financial freedom" becomes a real outcome, not a vague wish

• Budget your bonus checks (taxes, marketing, living money, and future AEP war chest)

• Move from pursuit marketing (leads, mailers, seminars, community events) to referral-driven business over your first 3+ years

• Use OEP the right way—protecting what you have, serving clients well, and setting yourself up for long-term referrals

• Build a year-round seminar & pipeline strategy so you're not starving in February and March

• Partner with carriers & uplines for funding and support (when you come with an actual business plan)

• Avoid the classic trap of "taking all of December off" and giving other agents a 30-foot head start in 2026
  
  

If you're a Medicare agent who just finished AEP and is staring at that deposit thinking, "Okay… now what?", this episode will give you a step-by-step way to:

👉 Spend smarter, market bigger, and build a business that pays you all year—not just during AEP.

📌 Next Steps for Agents

• Take one day to review your AEP: what worked, what didn't, and what you'll change
  Decide how much of your January–March money is going to taxes, marketing, and future AEP

• Build a simple 2026 business plan (goals by quarter, marketing budget, seminar/lead strategy)

• Reach out to carriers and your upline with that plan and ask how they can partner with you
  
  

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

If this episode helped you think differently about your Medicare business:

• Like the video

• Subscribe to the channel for more Medicare Sales Playbook episodes

• Share this with another agent who just finished AEP and needs a roadmap for 2026
  
  

📝 Want reminders for webinars, Tuesday Tips, and new episodes?
Drop us an email at: Dallas.Keithley@MedicareSalesPlaybook.com

In this episode of the Medicare Sales Playbook, Dallas sits down with Emma Dunlap, owner of Prime Benefits Group—and one of the most resilient new agents in the business.

Emma's journey is unbelievable:

• She entered the industry after burning out in entertainment and tech

• Survived Hurricane Helene, spending four days on her roof in North Carolina

• Lost nearly everything, evacuated to Wisconsin, and rebuilt her life from scratch

• Started in an area with no leads, driving hours between door knocks

• Refused to quit, pushed through adversity, and rebuilt her agency in Kentucky

• Is now serving families, leading with consistency, and preparing to build a nationwide team
  
  

This episode is packed with motivation, tactical advice, and mindset shifts for newer agents, struggling agents, and anyone who needs a reminder that you can start again.

You'll learn:

• Why "failing your way into the business" is actually a superpower

• What to do when you have no money for leads

• How to build consistency and structure as an independent agent

• How to choose the right mentor or agency

• Why cross-selling life & Medicare increases persistency and income

• How community, mindset, and discipline keep you going on hard days
  
  

If you're grinding through AEP or trying to get momentum, Emma's story will light a fire in you.

✔️ Last Wednesday Webinar: deeper dives into episode topics
✔️ Medicare Bootcamps: in-person training coming soon
✔️ Contact Dallas: dallas.keithley@medicaresalesplaybook.com
✔️ Connect with Emma: Text: (828) 380-1359

Happy Thanksgiving from the Medicare Sales Playbook family! 🦃🍂

In today's special Thanksgiving episode, Dallas and "Medicare Matt" Smith pause the chaos of AEP to reflect on gratitude, growth, and the incredible journey of serving in the Medicare space. You'll hear heartfelt reflections, hilarious side-tangents, and powerful reminders of why this career matters.

We also invited some of our favorite agents and leaders from across the country to share two things:
1️⃣ What they're thankful for this year
2️⃣ One Medicare tip to help you finish AEP strong

Inside this episode:
✅ Why gratitude matters — even in the busiest season
✅ How this industry has transformed lives
✅ What "the broken road" really means in business & life
✅ Practical Medicare advice from real producers
✅ A reminder that fulfillment comes from people, purpose & community
✅ A whole lot of Thanksgiving food debates (whipped cream??)

Whether you're surrounded by family today or grinding through a tough season, we hope this conversation brings you encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that there is something to be thankful for today.

👇 Tell us in the comments:
What's ONE thing you're thankful for this year?

👉 Subscribe for more Medicare training, stories, and tips:
https://www.youtube.com/@MedicareSalesPlaybook

👉 Join the Medicare Sales Playbook Community:
https://medicaresalesplaybook.com/

Happy Thanksgiving — we are truly grateful for YOU.
— Dallas, Matt & the Medicare Sales Playbook Team 🧡