Insurance Admin

Behind the scenes with Lamar Odom

Behind the scenes with Lamar Odom -

Most of the time I am a marketer of life insurance mild-mannered, hard working on my laptop in the tranquil limits my home office in New Jersey. No agitation. No glamor. No lights.
But one day each year, all that changes. Suddenly, I find myself surrounded by lights and sometimes the fans swooning. I am in the presence of celebrity. Yes, it is my annual pilgrimage to Hollywood to shoot a video with the new spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month.
The setting of the session this year was a gymnasium of the high school in the San Fernando Valley, an appropriate place considering that our new spokesperson is twice NBA champion Lamar Odom. We're showing that we would do the filming that day, but school officials knew and students were abuzz in anticipation of the arrival of one of their local heroes. Some waited nearly two hours to catch a glimpse of Lamar. Finally, an elegant white Mercedes pulls up with dark tinted windows. He parked, but no one emerges for a while. Lamar ends a call. Then it comes to wearing the sweatsuit coolest people I know. Kids are giddy with excitement. Lamar sign autographs and pose for a few photos, but then it's time to get to work.


We start from a conference room to discuss the plan for the afternoon. Lamar could not be nicer. He sits in the chair of a director having little makeup applied by makeup artist who works with the entire Kardashian clan. He said that it can take up to several hours for each of the women Kardashian ready for their public appearances and taping sessions. But the guys are much easier. In 10 minutes, Lamar is ready to go. It changes quickly in a black suit looking smart, blue shirt and tie, and head to the gym for recording.
There's just one thing we need to do before you start. Entertainment Tonight has requested an interview with Lamar to talk about public service announcement (PSA) campaign and other things going on in his life. Lamar gives them a glimpse of what he will communicate in its public service messages. The journalist also slips in a question about reports that he and Khloé are trying to conceive. You can watch the clip here and.
Then it's time to focus on life insurance.
The recording session works very well. Lamar is passionate in his belief of the importance of life insurance. His public appeal comes from its very personal story of loss at a young age: "My mother worked hard to give me the opportunity to live up to my potential. But unfortunately it never got to see me grow up to be the person I am today. My mother died of colon cancer when I was 12 years old. Things could get difficult for me, but my mother made sure that did not happen. Life insurance gave me the foundation to move forward in my life and it can do the same for your family. "We only need a few takes for each segment, and there is an envelope on the public service announcement Lamar.

Lamar sign some T-shirts Lakers and glossy photos for us to give during life insurance awareness Month. We say our goodbyes. he leaves the gym and students are still waiting for him. he posed for some photos and autographs of the signs, then it's off.
My brush once a year with fame is over. time to take home red eyes.

Wealth Cure

Wealth Cure -

I do not normally write messages on book reviews, but I recently read a book by Hill Harper hit home for the readers of our blogs. Hill Harper, a New York Times bestselling author and star of the television series CSI: NY, released his fourth book This is a book on financial literacy, but not in the traditional sense "The Cure wealth. ".

This book is to be responsible for your own actions and your attitude to life's problems, both financial and emotional, and helps you understand your personal wealth factors.
After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Harper took a train trip cross country to Chicago for solitude and time to reassess his life and value propositions. Hill points out that true wealth is not always money, but your friends, your family, your health and your happiness factor. Money in itself does not guarantee happiness, but as the saying Hill, it does help to have your financial world works correctly with little or no debt.
In essence, the book emphasizes that we are responsible for our own actions and how we react to situations which we are exposed. We need to look at the problems that the opportunities for improvement. It is how we react to these issues that will determine our happiness factor.
Harper walks us through his emotions and reactions to the diagnosis of cancer and how it enabled him to rethink and re-evaluate its relationship and personal goals. This book is not for people looking for a quick and easy solutions. It is for those who want to take control of their lives, make the tough decisions and take appropriate action on those decisions.

What is a legacy? Remember Steve Jobs biography

What is a legacy? Remember Steve Jobs biography -


Apple CEO Steve Jobs was released yesterday; his biographer, Walter Isaacson speaks frankly genius of Mr. Jobs here. I watched with respect and wonder how people around the world reacted to his death. More than a million people from all over the word shared their memories and feelings about Mr. Jobs on the Apple website.
There was certainly an innovator, and the products that Apple sells contributed to an easier and more enjoyable way of life for many people. I am even typing this blog on my iPad.
However, it was just a man.
It reminds me of how people reacted when Elvis Presley died. Here in my hometown of Memphis, people come from all over the world every year to celebrate the anniversary of Elvis' death. We call this week "Dead Elvis week." I have to wonder if Apple fans will do the same for the anniversary of the death of Mr. Jobs.
The famous and influential people have this effect on others.
However, the real question is: How are you will remember your family and friends? Of course, things like souvenirs, caring friends and faith are all important and likely to help ease the emotional trauma your family will feel when you, like Steve Jobs is no longer with us.
But most mere mortals that I know do not have the financial wealth that Steve Jobs had, so how we plan for "life after the financial death" our aura family is absolutely essential.
life insurance serves this purpose better than any other product I know.? I know, you think life insurance
Do not think that the insurance life is ... think about what he not
life insurance finance future permits to pursue dreams and maintains families in their homes and their schools of choice. It replaces lost income, provides peace of mind, allowing time to adjust, and, if I may put it bluntly, even creates your financial legacy.
Legacies last forever. Will yours be one of comfort, convenience and financial security for your family? Or other able to tell your lack of planning by the changes your family might be forced to do because all they have is memories and friends and caring neighbors, but not the financial capacity to maintain their way of life? Does your family want? Do you feel they need?
Call your financial advisor today if you want to know how to use life insurance to fund your financial legacy.

What I have done without my LTCI?

What I have done without my LTCI? -

Donna had the chance to follow the footsteps of his sister. His older sister had bought an insurance policy for long term care, and though Donna was only 56, she thought becomes the cover was a good idea, too.
She also had experience with it. His sick aunt had made great use of his care insurance policy long term, but because she had bought at an age of 80-year peak, premiums had been raised.
Get care insurance long term at a younger age felt like a smart financial move, and he also helped put the spirit of Donna comfortable, since she lived alone. She obtained a policy which provided a cash benefit per day, which meant that it would cover the family and friends who provide care for her at home if it has never been necessary.
She did not know that even before reaching retirement, she would be drawing on its long-term care insurance benefits.
Donna went to the hospital for a partial knee replacement and came out of surgery with a fractured tibia. The doctors knew something more serious was wrong. In fact, Donna was then diagnosed with Turner syndrome, a degenerative bone disease.
She was able to continue working as a nurse, but not as a staff nurse. She took the intermittent time for several more surgeries and recover from diseases related to his illness. His care insurance benefit long term helped to pay for care while she was on sick leave, and continued for a few months after her return to work to cover the salaries and the journey in question. She said it was "tremendous help financially."
Finally, her illness took its toll, and Donna found himself unable to continue working. She now lies in its provision of long-term care more more than her disease progresses. in comfort is the fact that although family and friends continue to help her, she is able to pay them for their time, effort and gas thanks to its long-term care insurance benefits. "I really do not know what I would have done without this benefit," she said.
In addition, now that Donna receives benefits of its policy, it does not have to pay the premium for it, due to extra rider she had set up.
Donna could not know in 56 years how it will rely on its long-term care insurance. And if she had waited until her 60s to buy it, it would have been too late. That's the catch-you can not buy coverage after you discover that you need.
We can not all have an older sister to count on good advice, but we can all tap into the expertise of a knowledgeable financial advisor. Do not hesitate to set up your concerns about how you will pay for long term care. As Donna said, "You can not afford to go without long-term care insurance."

Are you part of the 40 percent?

Are you part of the 40 percent? -

In a recent LIMRA survey of Americans not yet retired, 40% said they currently save no money each month towards retirement .
The LIMRA research indicates that fewer future retirees will have to pay pensions for living expenses and will rely on personal savings to finance their retirement. Without a significant change in saving behavior, many Americans will not have enough money to afford to retire.
The survey also found that 19% have not yet retired adults usually save less than $ 100 a month, while 27% saving $ 100-499 per month. . Even those who have a family income of $ 50,000 or more, a significant proportion-42% -are either a savings of $ 100 or less, or nothing, monthly
Looking at the pre-retirees, results are not much better: 41% of pre-retirees are not set aside money for retirement and just over a fifth (21%) of pre-retirees save less than $ 100 per month.
People may think they are just going to keep working until they die, but research LIMRA shows that 56% of retirees retired before they should and 43 % were unintentional. So the timing of retirement can not be theirs.
Plans sponsored retirement employer, such as 401 (k), 403 (b), etc., are an easy way for employees to save taxes on retirement -free. LIMRA's study revealed that many Americans who have access to one of these plans do not take full advantage of tax deferred savings.
Although 55% of adults surveyed do not contribute at all to a plan sponsored by the employer, of those that do, 48% contribute less than 5% of their annual income. Overall, more than 20% less women contribute to their pension plan sponsored by the employer than men (39% against 50%). In addition, the survey found that women are more likely than men to contribute at least 3% of their income (19% against 13%, respectively).
The good news is, despite the weak economy, only 12% of plan participants reduced their rate of contributions during the past year; 24% increased the amount saved and 64% have kept their same contribution.
As indicated LIMRA, educate people about the benefits of systematic savings is essential. For more information on how to reach your savings and retirement goals, contact your personal consultant or agent or visit here.

How can I find peace of mind on your travels - Tips from a Pro

How can I find peace of mind on your travels - Tips from a Pro -

We travel a lot as a small family of four - a lot. We schlep somewhere in the country at least once a month, mini carry-ons and comfort blankets for children in tow. At least once a year we do a major pilgrimage to a place really out of our comfort zone, like last summer when we traveled by train through Eastern Europe for a month. It took us a few years to really get the process of packing the kids just right, and it is only now that they are both a little older, I do not have to remember to pack seven kinds of snacks for an airplane trip. But the most important thing I can do is make an emergency plan


Before the luggage is packed and plants watered one last time, my husband and I do something far less glamorous .: calling a brother-in-law to make sure he knows where all the important documents in case of emergency. While my husband and I do not travel together without children, very often, we always travel as we do just so we're safe. We update our list of beneficiaries, and make sure the executor of our will know where it is located and how to get to any problems. In case. God forbid something should happen to one of us in the middle of Europe where we need to get important documents and one at home knows what we're talking about.
Here is a list of basic things to take care of before you leave home:

• Project will: it must not be as detailed as you'll ever leave, but something is better than nothing. Date him, have notarized, and put it somewhere very safe.
• In that determination, the list of beneficiaries of your assets. My husband and I are not the largest collection of wealth, but we do not want to leave the state to decide who gets what when we die.
• Also list what will happen to your children in the will. If you have not had this horrible conversation is now time. There really is not a good way to do this, simply sit down and decide who goes where before you walk from your door; nothing is as important as deciding what will happen to your children should something terrible happen to you and your spouse
• Get a bank in room safe. even if you buy the cheapest available box, you want somewhere safe and out of your home for really important papers to live. Put the key somewhere even safer.
• Put a copy of all your insurance policies in a safe. Make sure a friend or family trust knows the safe and its contents in case of emergency.
• Make copies of passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, mortgage statements and medical records to store in the trunk.
• Put someone in charge of watching your house. Whether or not they remain on the property and care for children, make sure that someone is on your property at least twice a day by taking the paper off the porch, electronic control, recovery packages and turn lights on and off.
• Set up self-pay bills or take care of them during the period of time you'll be away. Nobody wants to come home from a lovely holiday in a notice of termination to the front door.

Now, have a great time on your holiday vacation! No need to worry about anything at home, you have taken care of everything.

Do not make resolutions-Take Action!

Do not make resolutions-Take Action! -


A new year is a clean slate. Enjoy the fresh start taking steps that will help you build a better future.
Many people will tell you they do not have time to plan. I say you do not have time to do not. The bottom line is: Life happens. We tend to focus too much on tomorrow and not enough today.
Many Americans have taken steps to save for retirement. And while it important, it should not be at the expense of overlooking the risks that we live every day. What would happen to your retirement plans if you become disabled for a long period of time? What if a major source of income in your family died suddenly?

The loss of revenue from one of these situations could have a major impact on your retirement savings and can leave your family in a financial hole they can not recover. My mother always told me "prepare for the worst but expect the best."
So what are you gonna do?

Here are some quick steps you can put into play today to help you make a difference to the financial future of your family:
1. Be protected.
Stop sitting on the fence. There is no good time, so just do it now.
See what your disability insurance plan is working, if any, and how additional disability insurance can get help if you were to become disabled and unable to work .
life insurance purchase to protect your family. There are many affordable options, including term life insurance. But do not count out to protect your family on the basis of what you think can afford one. Do your homework and talk to a financial professional confidence that can help suggest solutions.
If you buy insurance, be cautious consumer and ask questions about the protection of policy add-ons called jumpers. Riders may give you additional benefits and to increase the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, there is another option that will help you maximize your insurance coverage. For example, a "waiver of premium" drivers means that the company pays the premium of life insurance should you become totally disabled. Some riders are free, but many are available at an additional cost.
2 . repay your debt.
Create a debt reduction strategy for high-interest credit card debt. and stop charging. one of the biggest budgeting mistakes people make is not having paid their debt retirement. Start now and stick with it.
3. Start saving.
successful investors use the concept to first pay every time they receive a paycheck. Check with your employer to see if a portion of your paycheck can be automatically deposited into one or more savings accounts and leave the building.
The sooner you learn to pay you, you will be better in the long run. By starting early, the power becomes a formidable ally in the growth of wealth, and it also opens the way for the construction of that three to six months of advisors emergency salary schemes recommended in case you lose your job.
What do you expect?

Problems and solutions

Problems and solutions -


This is the season of holiday house: A time when we reassess what we have done over the past year and determine what we need to do next year; a time to watch the "if." I spent too? Have I saved enough? What happens if I become ill or disabled? What happens if I die? My family will be protected? My children will be able to go to university?

These are just some of the questions we must ask ourselves, and if we do not like the answers, it's time to take positive action to correct the problem. Problems and solutions. The problems that I listed in the above questions all have a solution with a final cost. The cost can be adjusted to your cash flow and financial position. This is what the agents and financial advisors are working with you to help you solve these problems. These professionals can guide you through the process of decision making, but you must take action and implement the recommended solutions.

Think of the problems. Consider the solutions. Pick up the phone and call your agent / advisor today. If you do not, you can click here to find one in your area.

Life insurance is now mandatory!

Life insurance is now mandatory! -


In the recent article "The Case for Demanding life insurance," Brian Fechtel outlines some points that should make you think. And while the concept of legally mandating the life insurance property can be exaggerated, I ask readers to think about these questions:

1. What if the new parents were proof of life insurance before taking their babies to the hospital (as they must have a car seat). If parents must present proof of "fiscal responsibility"?
2. What if applicants in wrongful death suit were allowed to collect from a guilty party for an amount equal to the life insurance of the deceased had his / her life other words: a third party should not have to pay your heirs more than you think your life is worth.
3. Do you wear excessive amounts of liability insurance in case you get sued? If you protect yourself by liability insurance, protect your family with a similar amount of life insurance?
4. Why the families of the victims of 9/11 have their "payment" reduced the amount of life insurance they? Fact: Those who had taken steps to protect their families actually received less than those who did nothing.

Fechtel wrote "when there is no hope that these ideas would be implemented in the near future, would not have public debates on these helpful ideas?" I do not like the idea of ​​the government mandating anything, so I'm not in favor of this idea, however, recent statistics show that LIMRA ownership of individual life insurance fell to 50-year low and that four out of 10 households with children would have trouble paying bills immediately if the family mainstay should die. This leaves many people in very vulnerable situations financially.
Although it is currently not mandatory for you to purchase a life insurance policy, it is mandatory for you to take responsibility for yourself and your loved ones. Start by determining how much life insurance you may need with this calculator. And make sure you follow through and purchase protection. Contact your insurance agent, or if you do not, you can click here to find one in your area.

Planning Ahead: Comprendre le coût réel des soins de longue durée

Planning Ahead: Comprendre le coût réel des soins de longue durée

Do vous connaît le véritable coût des soins de longue durée
Chances sont, comme la plupart des consommateurs, l'impact financier des soins de longue durée peut venir comme un choc lorsque la situation se présente. Et selon le Centre national pour Long Term Care Information, there,Äôs une chance de 70 pour cent que vous (ou un autre membre de la famille) seront confrontés à ce scénario peu après 65 ans de
Mais selon l'étude Genworth , au-delà de Dollars: l'impact réel d'entraide à long terme, près de la moitié des bénéficiaires de soins avait pas envisagé la possibilité d'avoir besoin à long terme des résultats care,Äîan qui peut être causée par une maladie physique prolongée, le handicap ou la déficience cognitive sévère
.
Lorsque cela se produit, les options d'assistance versées (et leurs coûts médians nationaux selon le coût Genworth 2012 Sondage sur les soins) comprennent:

• les services autorisés d'aide familiale (18 $ / heure)
• services assistant de santé à domicile sous licence ($ 19 / heure)
• adulte soins de santé de jour (61 $ / heure)
• centre de vie assistée (3,300 $ / mois)
• de la maison de soins infirmiers ( $ 0- $ 222 / jour)

et si vous croyez que le coût total sera couvert par Medicare ou Medicaid, comprendre que les anciens couvre seulement à court terme infirmiers spécialisés de soins à domicile, alors que ce dernier applique seulement si vous répondez à des directives spécifiques de la pauvreté.
non rémunéré Caregiving
membres de la famille étape souvent à la plaque, avec 87% fournissant des soins à un membre de la famille immédiate, tandis que 37% des bénéficiaires de soins ont été transférés dans une maison du participant de la famille pour une période de temps, selon l'étude Dollars Beyond. Mais même la prestation de soins de la famille vient avec un coût price,Äîboth dollar depuis, même avec assurance, il y a des dépenses hors-poche et aussi, Äúhidden costs,Äù en termes de temps, d'énergie, impact sur les autres relations familiales et obligations professionnelles.
coûts directs et indirects de Caregiving
Selon l'étude, la moyenne des bénéficiaires de soins de quantité passer hors de leur poche pour leurs propres soins (non compris le coût des soins en établissement) peut au total 14 000 $, avec les membres de la famille qui contribuent 8.000 $.
Mais l'impact financier doesn,Äôt arrêter là. Plusieurs fois, les caregiver,Äôs travaillent vie souffre, avec près d'un cinquième des personnes interrogées signaler une perte directe de possibilités de carrière, tandis que 44% ont dû réduire leurs heures, ce qui a eu un effet néfaste sur leur revenu.
Mais la prestation de soins isn,Äôt juste un calcul dollars et en cents claire. L'impact se répercute dans tous les aspects de la vie caregiver,Äôs, en particulier concernant les autres relations familiales. Avec les soignants ayant moins de temps et d'énergie à consacrer à leurs conjoints et enfants, ces relations peuvent éprouver un stress important. Avec 42% des aidants naturels ayant déclaré que le besoin de soins de membre de la famille a vécu avec eux pendant trois ans ou plus (24% ont été la prestation de soins pendant plus de huit ans), l'effet à long terme can,Äôt être refusée.
Qu'est-ce que pouvez-vous faire maintenant pour aider à réduire l'impact sur vous-même et votre famille sur la route? Commencez par vous renseignant sur le coût des services de soins de longue durée, les options de couverture pour les soins de longue durée et l'assurance de soins de longue durée ici. Vous pouvez également cliquer ici pour un guide de 8 pages gratuitement à l'assurance de soins de longue durée de la Fondation sans but lucratif VIE.
Ensuite, discutez de vos options avec votre famille avant que le besoin se fait sentir. Avoir un plan en place réduit everyone,Äôs stress, et permet à toutes les parties concernées à élaborer des stratégies pour couvrir différents scénarios.
Enfin, tirer parti des informations et des ressources fournies par les organismes de prestation de soins, tels que la famille nationale de Caregivers Association et l'Alliance nationale pour les proches aidants.

Realizing the full scope of your value of human life

Realizing the full scope of your value of human life -


To determine the amount of life insurance you need, an important consideration to keep in mind is that is called your "value of human life." This is essentially your financial value to those you love. While you can never, of course, put a financial number on your true value to your family, you can calculate what your future financial contributions to your family will be.
Knowing your value of human life is important when buying life insurance because you want to have a clear idea of ​​what will be needed your family when you are gone and, as such, are not able to contribute financially to the household. the calculation is based on a number of factors, including your occupation, income, benefits you get from your employer, etc. (for details on the data used, visit value Calculator human life of the lIFE Foundation.)

L age is also a critical factor in determining the value of your human life. Compare two scenarios. A 45-year-old man seeking coverage would have its income multiplied by 14-20 times in the determination of an amount of policy, while a 70 year old man would only income multiplied by 4-10. You see, life insurance is to essentially replace your support for a certain period of time, to take care of their relatives in need after your death.
And above all, you want to avoid being underinsured or your family may still be struggling financially after your death, even if you have a life insurance policy.
Neil Jesani CEO BeamaLife is a certified financial planner and was announced by consumers, "the American Research Council as one of the" Top Financial Planners of America. " He blogs about life insurance and other financial topics Personal Finance Principles.

How romantic (or unromantic) are you?

How romantic (or unromantic) are you? -


So you think you're romantic, huh? Are not we all? But have you ever tested for how romantic (or unromantic) are you? Probably not. But with Valentine's Day just a few days, it is logical, is it, to find not what your score might be. Are You a Heartthrob? Suave? Dreamer? Or maybe Clueless? LIFE has developed this quiz Romance-O-Meter fun for you to discover. Try it now.
You may be wondering, though, what love and romance has to do with the word insurance blog? Well, when you think about life insurance, there is really only one main reason you buy it because you love someone. You want your loved ones know you care as you have made plans to ensure their well-being even after you are gone.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to reflect on the unconventional life insurance gift. Did you know that 83 percent of Americans believe that buying life insurance is a way to express their love? This means that the chances are high your gift will be appreciated.
I do not know how to deliver the present of the life insurance? Then look at the couple in the video You Do It for Love.
Good luck on the quiz and you want a lot of love for Valentine's Day.

Got Your Head in the Sand When it comes to disability?

Got Your Head in the Sand When it comes to disability? -


Workers who start today are projected to have about three in 10 chance of suffering a long-term disability during their working years. Yet despite these odds size, nearly 70% of the workforce of America has no private disability insurance.
As part of a consumer research project recently published entitled "The fracture of disability," the awareness of Disability Council found some interesting facts:
employees believe that "disability can happen to anyone at any time" ... but they deny it can happen to them
when asked to choose which of several statements. on disability was more reflective of their beliefs, an overwhelming 83% of respondents chose "it can happen to anyone at any time." other choices like "it rarely happens" (5%) and "most disabilities can be prevented through healthier lifestyles" (6%) were the mostly ignored.
survey participants estimated their chances of suffering a disability during their working life to 1% or 2% ... while the actual odds are more than 10 times higher.
when asked about their chances of becoming disabled during their career, 64% pegged their own chances at 1% or 2%. most thought their chances were below average. so while they recognize that disability can happen, they think it will happen to "the other guy" and not very often about it.
the employees believe essentially disabilities are usually caused by serious accidents ... but the most data show 0% or more disability resulting from disease.
When asked to evaluate the different possible causes of disability, 71% found "serious accident" as or very likely. The next most highly ranked cause was "AVC", 45% second distant, which was followed by "cancer" with 43% choosing it as a probable cause or very likely. In general, the expected causes most often picked disability were bright once, catastrophic events (stroke, stroke, heart attack, cancer, paralysis) while other more chronic conditions like such as muscle or bone pain (26%) and depression / anxiety (14%), which actually cause a high percentage of disability, were considered less likely.
Employees perceive the unrest last long ... but less than a third of America's workforce is. covered by adequate protection of long-term disability income
Nearly 70% of respondents believed that a person had a disability would miss work for a year or more; Surprisingly, 31% said that the person would never return to work. The "catastrophic perception" of disability mentioned above is reflected in the response. Yet about 70% of the US workforce has no private disability insurance.
Where is the money?
Here are some questions you should answer that you consider your disability insurance needs:

• How much are your monthly living expenses that continue or even increase if your income stopped? Have you considered a disease or accident typically increases "out of pocket" expenses such as medical deductibles and co-pays, and hosting fees or custodial care?
• How do you pay your necessary monthly living expenses if your paycheck stopped? How long can you keep paying your bills?
• Do you know that the long-term average disability lasts two and a half years?
• Have you sick plan or paid long-term disability program work? When would it start? How much to pay and for how long? Is there a gap between what the payroll program, and what your monthly expenses will be provided?
• What if you exhaust your personal savings and retirement? How will this affect your long-term financial situation and your dreams for the future?

Enjoy disability related to educational tools that the awareness Council Disability and LIFE Foundation make available and make sure that you get the disability insurance coverage you need.

Barry Lundquist, CLU, is chairman of the disability awareness.

Help a student Win a $ 5,000 scholarship. Vote Here!

Help a student Win a $ 5,000 scholarship. Vote Here! -
It, AOS not often that we get to help a person in need with a click of a mouse, Aiso here, AOS your chance. The three young students profiled here have had to struggle financially and put dreams on hold because of the death of a relative who had inadequate or no life insurance.
The nonprofit LIFE Foundation is sponsoring an online vote to help determine which three students will receive $ 5,000 to help pay for college. The two finalists in the vote will receive scholarships amounting to $ 2,500

Joshua Gleim. Altoona, Pa.

aÌ Joshua, AOS stepfather was his family, AOS sole breadwinner. When he died, the only life insurance he had was a policy purchased through his company to keep it in case of his untimely death. His family was left with nothing, not even afford to pay for his funeral. Joshua immediately started working to help her family. During his high school years, he worked full-time in addition to studying and pursuing extracurricular activities. Today, he attended Penn State University and works in a fast food restaurant to help get to school

Skyler Baird. Draper, Utah
aÌ When Skyler, AOS father died, he left behind his wife and three children, but no life insurance to cushion the financial blow to his family. His company died when he did, further exacerbating the financial difficulties family, OSA. Skyler isn, AOT let that get in the way of his college aspirations, even though he knows that to pay for his education will be difficult. He plans to attend the University of Utah, this fall. He, AOS also committed to publicly share her story of father, AOS to inspire other families to plan more wisely

Mahogany aÌ was aged only one year when his father was killed, leaving his mother to raise Mahogany itself. Without the financial support of a life insurance policy, his mother was forced to work three jobs sometimes, and still struggling to make ends meet. Despite the financial difficulties his family has faced, Mahogany is determined to get a college degree in musical theater and business. She, OSA currently attending high school career where she will receive her cosmetology license so that, having obtained, it can provide a regular income to help cover the costs of his college education at the University of Toledo.

Cast your vote here: www.lifehappens.org/vote.
Every year, the LIFE Foundation facilitates the course students like these through the LIFE scholarship program . This year it awarded 60 grants totaling more than $ 115,000, which was funded in part by generous contributions from the NAILBA Charitable Foundation and the Foundation Table Million Dollar Round.
The winner of the online vote, as well as 2011 other beneficiaries of scholarships will be announced in September 2011 to make a donation to the scholarship fund life lessons, go to www .lifehappens.org / donate.

"The List" (or how to corral your financial and legal documents)

"The List" (or how to corral your financial and legal documents) -


How many of you have legal and financial documents stashed in various drawers in different places? Maybe you have some in your home safely, some in drawers in the bedroom, others in the den and in the office. What happens when you get sick or die? Does anyone know where all the documents? Probably not, including you.
The Wall Street Journal published a very interesting article, The 25 documents you need before dying, just answer this problem. The article was two pages, very detailed and well written, so let me give you a summary of what he said
According to the WSJ, there are six categories of documents that must be maintained . Marriage and divorce, life insurance and retirement, health care, bank accounts, proof of ownership and "essential". Here is what should be included in these categories.
Marriage and Divorce
o Marriage license
o divorce papers
life insurance and retirement of
o fonts life insurance
o individual retirement accounts
o 401 (k) accounts
o retirement papers
o annuity contracts
health care
o personal and family medical history
o sustainable health food proxy
o authorization to disclose health information
o Living will be
o Do-not-resuscitate for
o pre declaration -Need of guardianship (not required in all states, but an excellent idea)
bank accounts
o List of bank accounts
o List of investment accounts
o list of all the usernames and passwords
o list of safes
evidence property
o housing, land and acts cemetery
o Escrow mortgage accounts
o evidence of granted loans and debts
o tracks vehicles
o stock certificates, savings bonds and brokerage accounts
o partnership and operating company agreements
returns o tax
the Essentials
o Will
o Letter of instruction
o other business documents such as purchase and sale agreements or share buyback
My list includes over 25 mentioned by the WSJ, and your list may include other. Here is another indication of someone who lives in an area prone to severe storms and flooding. Put your papers in watertight containers with water to prevent loss or damage due to water.
Now you have your list. Start organization!

Children should go to school, not punching a clock

Children should go to school, not punching a clock -


is August, so just about everywhere you look there are ads for back-to-sales school. He is nostalgic for me. I loved going to school, and especially loved the storage of school supplies. Nothing like the smell of new sharpened # 2s. (Do kids even have to translate the most at school?)
But because of the life lessons fellowship program of the LIFE Foundation, I am also very aware of these students will not go to school to college, even high school because their parents or parents died without life insurance. Instead of hitting the books, they punch clocks. Recently I was talking with a young woman who got up at 4 am to unload trucks at a store in large surface just to keep a roof over the head of his family after his father died without life insurance. When school returns in a scenario like this? He does not do.

A common theme in these stories of losing a parent without life insurance is that kids talk about how their parents loved them. At the same time, they also talk about the fact that, without life insurance the fight after the parent is gone is sometimes unimaginable.
graduated early from high school, tutoring every night up to 21 hours to earn money, scrounging for food stamps at the end of the month. This was the reality for Esther Kim after his father died suddenly. You can watch his story here.
Esther was lucky enough to be awarded one of the scholarships life lessons to help him realize his dream of a college education. But there were thousands who applied who do not receive money, which may not be going to school. That's why it's so important for parents to make sure they have life insurance and enough. To learn more about your life insurance needs, start here.

You are 65. Now What?

You are 65. Now What? -

You just celebrated your 65th birthday. It's time for you to include in the insurance, but do you understand the different components of the Medicare program? Here are some guidelines issue of July / August Journal of NYSBA.
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care.
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover services of doctors, outpatient hospital and home health care and prevention services to help you maintain your health and keep certain diseases worse. If you are currently employed and covered by your health plan group insurance, you should sign up for Part B now.
Medicare Advantage Plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are health plans run by private insurance companies approved Medicare. These plans are similar to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). They include Part A, Part B coverage, and usually other coverage such as coverage of Medicare prescription drug (Part D), sometimes for an additional cost.
Medicare Part D is run prescription drug option by private insurance companies approved Medicare. It helps to cover the cost of prescription drugs and may help lower the costs of prescription drugs and help protect against higher costs in the future.
So if you are a top job, what should you do when you turn 65? If you maintain a private health insurance or switch to Medicare? The decision is not easy, especially for those enrolled in the PPO plans because their doctors are not the decision is complicated by many factors, including analysis and comparison of the following costs "in network."
employer Board:
• cost of employee premiums
• deductible policy
• the annual reasonable costs insurance company
• Co-insurance (reimbursement is generally 80% reasonable costs, but reduce the cost of employer plans now allow only 70% or 60%)
Medicare
• Part B (physician) and D (drug) cost of the premium prescription
• Medicare part A, B & D annual deductibles and the "gap" for part D
• Medicare reasonable costs
• Co-insurance (Medicare reimbursement is 80% of reasonable costs)
• Medigap policy premiums
seem confused? I turned 65 last year and had to go to my health insurance agent group to determine what works best for me. This is a very complex and important decision, and you do not want to make mistakes that can have unwelcome repercussions.
Contact your agent, financial advisor or Benefits Administrator to work for proper guidance. If you do not have someone to turn to, seeking an agent or advisor on the website of life here.

Is it time for you to start the conversation?

Is it time for you to start the conversation? -

Only 49% of Americans who have financial advisors and financial plans have already discussed with their advisors by adding life insurance to their plans, according to a study conducted by Saybrus Partners Inc. in collaboration with Harris interactive.
Although almost half of the study participants say they have talked to their advisors on life insurance, 15% said that the conversation took place there over 10 years. Think of how life and the need for change in a decade. Only 40% said they talked to their financial advisor about life insurance in the past year. In addition, 47% of participants reported that their advisors have never reviewed their existing life insurance coverage.
Only 24% of participants reported that their advisors have recommended adding life insurance to their financial plans, and only 10% said that their advisors have recommended adding long term care insurance .
The investigation confirmed statistically that financial advisors often do not discuss life insurance during the financial planning process. The question I is why?
Life insurance is one of the best money creation tools ever invented. With a few cents and a drop of ink, the life insurance company creates a life insurance policy with a promise to pay at a later date. If you buy whole life insurance, it comes with an annual value of guaranteed increase in cash, which in today's market, provides security and peace of mind exceptional.
If your advisor has not talked to you about life insurance, maybe it's time for you to be proactive and start the conversation. You and your family will be glad that you did.

Let My Breast Cancer Story Be a Wake Up Call for You

I was diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer in the spring of 09 and it came as a complete surprise. I have no family history and I was 41 at the time, relatively young for breast cancer diagnosis.
I was scared. As a financial professional, I often faced these intersections with customers. Now it was my turn.
Frankly, I knew I had adequate life insurance only because I am in this industry, but I'm still consumed with anxiety. One of the first thoughts that crossed my mind when I was diagnosed myself, "Have I enough coverage?" And if I did not, then what? Did my husband, Sean, and his daughter, Hannah, OK if something me now or if I'm the cancer again a few years from now?
planning your future becomes much more urgent when that future is uncertain. I know that 'there are many people who are not prepared and put off making decisions. it is something I have seen steadily over the last 20 years of my career.
I'm talking about my breast cancer because I think my story can be a wake up call. I've seen too many people facing difficult circumstances and not having enough life insurance, disability insurance or the money saved for college or retirement when the surprise diagnosis gets delivered
and this is the point :. See my story as a chance to look at your options and take action.
I should also point out that many women believe that if they have breast cancer, they are uninsurable. It can not be the case. I am very surprised that in a year of my treatment, I am able to qualify for the additional life insurance to protect my family in case of recurrence or other unforeseen event that may affect them.
If you don 't been planning or just want to make sure that your plans are in good shape, use a financial professional confidence because it is too late
Here are some tips additional :.

• Find a financial professional who you feel comfortable working with who understands your situation and needs.
• a request insurance your life never know what you qualify for, even with breast cancer history and / or other medical problems, or request an informal survey for a clear idea of ​​what you can qualify for if you were to make a formal request.
• Examine coverage for your spouse and make sure it is adequate. During this difficult period, it is important to ensure that everyone is protected.
• Work with your financial professional to apply for life insurance for your children to protect their insurability if they develop breast cancer or other health problems at some point in the to come up.

There is never an easy time to plan. But knowing that you and your family are in good financial health is one less thing to worry about, come what may.
Vlasta Duffy is a general agent with MassMutual, which supports the awareness of breast cancer, and a managing partner of Integrated Financial Strategies LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona.

6 Tips for saving on your health insurance during Open Enrollment

6 Tips for saving on your health insurance during Open Enrollment -

Now more than ever, you must take the time to review your health plan to ensure you do not leave the money on the table. Go on "autopilot" during the open enrollment season can be an expensive mistake. A new survey from Kelton / eHealthInsurance shows that workers tend to be lethargic about selecting their benefits for next year, which can bite them in their portfolios. Here are some tips to help you save money on your health insurance.
1. review all your options. Review all plans available from your employer as soon as you receive your open enrollment packet. For good measure, check your options in the market for individual health insurance purchased too. Although the group still plans can provide a more robust coverage and will cover pre-existing medical conditions, individually purchased plans may offer a stronger alternative than they did a few years ago.
2. Shop smart If possible, enroll in a plan that covers only the services you need. This can mean a lower monthly premium. For example, a plan with robust maternity coverage may not be the best match for singles. And if you do not care for branded drugs, see if you are offered a plan that covers only generic drugs instead. Choosing a high deductible plan may be smart for some individuals and families because it typically reduces monthly premiums, but be prepared to pay the amount of the deductible in the coming year based on care needs health arise.
3. Consider a Health Savings Account . Many employers offer a high deductible with an HSA option. Some may even contribute to the HSA for you. Depending on the use of health care, this can be a good option to save because the money can be deposited before tax in your HSA to cover unexpected health expenses not covered by your health plan. Unused savings can also roll over year after year until retirement.
4. Mix and match, if any. According to your own health and your family and how an employer contributes to a charge to cover, it may be less expensive for certain family members to be on a separate, individually purchased plan of health. Do the math on separate policies if there are special needs. It's easy to price individual and family plans online. But remember that it is possible to be denied coverage purchased an individual plan based on the medical history of a candidate, do not cancel an existing line of coverage until you are approved for a new one.
5. Search innovations in the individual market. If you can not afford health insurance by the employer, or if your employer's plan does not meet your needs, look for new options in the individually purchased health insurance members market. some States carriers offer incentives to avoid too much using your coverage. For example, some may substantially reduce your deductible next year if you do not use your full deductible this year; others can encourage healthy habits by sending you gift cards and other rewards for positive health outcomes.
6. Check your medical expenses. Regardless of what plan you choose for 2012, be sure that you follow all your health care costs, including insurance premiums, co-payments and drug costs. This will give you the knowledge you need to assess your insurance choice disease in 2013.
Carrie McLean is an open registration specialist with eHealthInsurance.com.

I paid a price greater than I had imagined

I paid a price greater than I had imagined -
When I wanted to have my father at 83, moved in with my husband and me, you could say that I am an idealist or being overprotective, or I bite more than I could chew.

At the time, I would have argued with you vehemently, but you would have been right!
Based on my commitment to my father, my sense of duty and my own idea of ​​what awaits you in my new role as a caregiver (and little research or actual planning), in my mind, I 'm ready.
"It will not be a problem," I reassured my husband. Daddy cool-not Alzheimer's disease, he takes care of himself and does well to move into the house. Of course, he needed limited assistance to live alone, but he was still active and robust father I had known all my life.
I can now tell you-complete with battle scars and learn as -you-go frustrations-how quickly I learned significantly a family is affected when they are not at all prepared to provide care. I did not know that

• You can not take a vacation without vis-assistance ($ 20 per hour). In my case, my father refused to go to a nursing home in the short term and I felt guilty.
• senile dementia of my father, but not very noticeable at first, deteriorate and trap us so we could not go to the store or elsewhere for more than several hours, lest he decide to cook or walking in the street alone, neither of which he could do without injury.
• many and inevitable health problems may arise with more frequency, making me miss the time critical work.
• dream of my husband to build a restaurant for a retirement income falls overboard because it would cost more to support my father while we were both working extensive hours.
• The treatment of memory loss and an associated combative cause fights, arguments and guilt.
• The progressive need of care would create a need for "sitters" more qualified if my husband and I managed to get away for a few days. This care was needed to prevent bedsores, maintenance, feeding tubes, and monitoring of dubious continence.

My father lived to be 0 years old and was near the end of his retirement savings when it passed a way. I kept my promise to have to stay with us for as long as he could, but I paid a higher price than what I could imagine all those years when I made that promise. I am more convinced than ever that the planning of my own years later with tools such as long term care insurance is a must for me and my family.
Although you can not predict everything, long term care insurance would have helped eliminate unnecessary stress and some unknown to me while I was looking after my father. In other words, it offers caregiving options that ensure that you or your family members get the care you need without depleting your savings.
long-term care insurance ensures that families should not assume the many requests for provision of care alone. In addition to nursing care in a nursing home or assisted living facility, most long-term care insurance plans cover adult day care and home care that can give caregivers a well deserved break (and well deserved!) of their caregiving responsibilities. Some plans also have flexible options that will cover the care provided by friends or family members, training for caregivers, changes in home and medical equipment.
Not everyone likes to talk about age and planning for our later years. It can be a very emotional subject. But finding a simple, hassle-free solution will give you peace of mind knowing that your financial security is protected and you receive the care you need.
I encourage you to use long term Awareness Month Care as an opportunity to learn more about the resources and products available to plan your needs for long-term care to come and start this important discussion with your loved ones.

Tips for finding the best health plan for you

Tips for finding the best health plan for you -
The purpose of health insurance is to cover and reduce the cost of health-related expenses. A good insurance plan to save money and protect you from having to pay in full for high medical expenses now or in the future.


You can not be covered by your employer or are self-employed, which puts the burden to obtain health insurance coverage squarely on your shoulders . It may seem like a maze of information, but here are some tips to make it easier to find the best coverage for you.
To choose the health plan that is right for you, balance the cost of the plan (the premium , usually paid monthly) with the level of coverage and the amount it allows save on your medical expenses. Consider deductible (how much you pay expenses before coverage begins) co-plan payments (the amount or fixed percentage you pay the full cost of goods or services) and out-of-pocket limit (also called maximum out-of-pocket, the more you can pay out of pocket for health care costs in the year).
Assess Your Needs
So what is the "best" health plan? It varies for each individual. The best health care plan for you depends on your health status, medical needs, the desired level of coverage and cost of the plan.

• Examine your current health expenditures and other you expect to hire . Where are your health care dollars is now: doctors, medications, procedures, etc.? Based on this assessment, decide which areas need strong coverage, and can be low or no coverage (so you only pay for what you need).
• research plan coverage levels and costs for your specific needs. For example, someone who needs regular medication for a chronic illness may want a plan with full coverage in pharmacy and low co-payments for drugs. A person who is healthy, but intend to have knee surgery should check the policy carefully and rates for major medical procedures.
• Then consider medical contingencies , large and small. It may be worth paying a little more now for the safety of unexpected bills (and higher) future, or even peace of mind.

Your search options
different health plans and configurations can protect you and save money in varying amounts. Use online tools such as health insurance comparison sites to see a quick and easy overview of several side by side plans. You can filter the plans by the cost and the amount of copay even compare and charges for common medical expenses.
Be an informed consumer. The consequences of ill-fitting health insurance can be extreme. Based on a cross section plans, the average out-of-pocket limit is $ 4,033 family. However, in some ways, you can be on the hook for $ 30,000 before coverage takes care of the rest. Always make sure you know what is covered, what is not and how much you may have to pay in any situation.
There are many online resources to help you find the best health plans, so research thoroughly and make an informed decision about your health and future. Your family and your wallet will thank you.

Uncertain? Confused? Join the Club

Uncertain? Confused? Join the Club -
A recent Guardian survey, Life Insurance Company has found that Americans are overwhelmed by the prospect of saving for retirement, and they do not know how insurance -life part of the overall planning. This survey indicates that all Americans are showing uncertainty and, at worst, complete inaction with regard to the financial decision making.
The survey also revealed the continuing uncertainty about the economy, coupled with the belief that it is headed in the wrong direction, as the main source of anxiety in every stage of life on the ability to save for a comfortable retirement.



This feeling of being overwhelmed about retirement planning further increases the distress of many Americans feel about long-term financial security. While almost all respondents (92%) surveyed say they are confident in their personal financial decision-making, almost four in 10 in the general population (39%) and over half (52%) of generation Y and a third of Gen X do not even know where to start when it comes to retirement planning.
Among factors the survey focused on perceptions were people in the direction of the economy is heading. From the perspective of generations, Generation X (82%) believes the economy is headed in the wrong direction and feels less financially (47%) of any group. Three quarters of the general population also shares a pessimistic vision of the direction of the economy, while over a third (37%) do not have a sense of financial security. Members of Generation X (59%) are most concerned that they will not have enough money saved for retirement, perhaps reflecting the sequence of economic forces that have affected their work life.
Respondents who have a whole life insurance were the most confident they have saved enough for a comfortable retirement. This sense of security may be due to their knowledge that the cash value of a whole life insurance policy is available on a tax-advantaged basis to supplement retirement income. However, among the general population, the survey found that there is a lack of understanding of how the different types of life insurance works. Americans in general are divided as to whether it is smarter to buy a term life insurance and invest the rest, or buy a whole life insurance and treat it as part of the overall financial portfolio one (40% each).
As for how their perceptions of the economy have impacted their decision global financial decision, the survey found that two-thirds of respondents from the general population (65%) are more likely to keep their money in a savings account rather than invest, despite the fact that 62% of them believe that the market down is an opportunity. However, most respondents (60%) still believe that it is important to continue to invest in their retirement funds because the economy is less stable, with skittish Gen X being the exception: 47% of respondents in this cohort believe investing in their retirement fund is actually less important during this period of economic instability.
based on the results of the survey, Generation X may have been disproportionately affected by the crisis of the economic landscape, but the Guardian survey indicates that all Americans are showing uncertainty and inaction when it comes to financial decision making.
So what do these results tell us? He says the financial services industry needs to do a better job of educating the consumer through all generations about how they can and must plan their financial future, and not just pure financial products, but insurance-life too.
This is the LIFE foundation comes in. We have been educating consumers for the past 17 years on various types of insurance and what these products do. LIFE has the resources and powers as a third party without profit to help consumers make these important insurance decisions, but the industry needs to do a better job of accessing and using these tools .

Scare Tactics retirement? I do not think so

Scare Tactics retirement? I do not think so -
retirement. I mentioned the lack of preparation for retirement for years to baby boomers. Many baby boomers are not and will not in a financial situation where they can enjoy a secure retirement.
Financial-Planning.com published "12 Scary Facts retirement Keeping Boomers-And-Up their advisers at Night", which addresses these concerns and reinforces the urgency for boomers to work with their planners financial and professional agents to be better prepared
Here are just statistics that stand :.

• about half of American workers have less than $ 10,000 saved for retirement, and 29% have less than $ 1,000, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
• One in six older Americans live below the poverty line, according to the Office of the US Census.
• Between 1991 and 07, the number of elderly people aged 65-74 who went bankrupt rose by 178%.
• In 1991, half of all US workers planned to retire before 65, now the number is less than one quarter.
• A recent AARP survey found that 40% of baby boomers plan to work "until they drop."
• The vast majority of Americans-88% -Y concerned "to maintain a comfortable standard of living in retirement," according to a survey by Americans for Secure Retirement.

scary thoughts, and if the facts do not care about you, you are

1. in denial about your financial situation
2. Unaware of your financial situation
3. Have been smart enough to be proactive in your planning.

If you are in one of the first two categories, you should contact your agent or planner today . If you do not have someone to help you, go to the location of the LIFE agent.