Come Join the big to the responsible thing and get a life insurance
We all like to be recognized for doing the responsible thing. I know I proudly wear the stickers to let people know "I voted today" or "Be Nice to Me, I Gave Blood Today." But where is the sticker for "I protected my family with life insurance?" Life insurance is one of those things that rarely gets recognized or rewarded yet it is one of the most responsible and loving things you can do for your family.
This is why we decided to create the Ensure Your Love Photo Mosaic . Presented as a new application on the Facebook fan page of LIFE, we encourage people to upload pictures of their relatives whose financial well-being is guaranteed in life insurance. It is an opportunity to highlight the important decision they made while linking to this great community of people who have done the same, the responsible choice.
I know that when I bought life insurance for my family, I felt really good about the decision. He continues to give me peace of mind knowing that my wife would be protected if something ever happened to me. That's why one of the photos I uploaded to the mosaic offers us the day of our wedding. 
Our hope is that eventually the mosaic will feature thousands of photos of families and individuals whose financial well-being is guaranteed in life insurance. And for each photo that gets uploaded to the mosaic, LIFE will donate $ 1 to the scholarship program life lessons, a fund that provides tuition assistance to students who have lost a parent or guardian and struggle to achieve their dream of a college education.
So, if you have life insurance, come and be part of "the bigger picture" by uploading your favorite photos (up to 20) to Ensure Your Love Photo Mosaic . If you are not yet decided to cover up, then I encourage you to take a tour of the pictures on display. They are the perfect reflection of what life insurance is intended to do - protect those we love and give us peace of mind to enjoy all the wonderful moments of life
The Ensure Your Love Photo Mosaic can be accessed directly on our Facebook page and on our website.
The intangible becomes tangible gift
I am pleased to present our 7 years Madisyn Grace. She is compassionate, happy, and for an athlete to the theater one day. She had me, her mother, to 
Mark was a bold, handsome and brilliant. He prepared our financial lives in the event of his absence. What if we had waited to buy a life insurance after Madisyn was born? Our lives would be completely different. I should have gone right to work, leaving the newborn, and perhaps out of our house. Life was hard enough at that time, the love of my life, the one I most needed, is now gone! In an instant! No warning! (You can see the video of our story here.)
Thanks to life insurance, I was able to focus on raising my daughter while managing our grief. Life insurance in no way removes the deep emotional pain, but it helps you manage your daily life. When the loss occurs, your vision is blurred, small tasks seem huge and thoughts to get up the next day and continue with your routine no longer exist. With the gift of life insurance, you can focus on managing the physical loss and not financial. His father was gone physically, but we were able to manage financially because he had the foresight to protect us in his absence. This intangible gift of life insurance now became tangible :. Life
It was now my turn to lead our family on a new path. We need to focus on love and not the loss. We show everybody that, in receiving the life insurance that we could make a difference in this world. We would take the Mark token of love and share our gratitude for this gift that gave us a great start to our life rediscovered.
The gift of life insurance went way beyond us be able to stay in our own house and protect the future of our daughter. We were able to start the Mark Wandall Foundation. We were able to create the Coalition Running STOP Red Light, which has allowed us to move the draft bailout bill "The Road Safety Act Mark Wandall." And we were able to build a business, M3 Concepts motivation scored by Grace with an authentic approach to educate, encourage and empower.
not wait! Show your family how much you love them. please, do not let your family empty handed. the loss is quite difficult to manage without the financial burden. Mark "paid back" in a great way. Its intangible gift has not only affected our lives in a beautiful way, but our community, state and nation as well.
life will always be the case and still be the right move, the bad and the down right tragic. Why not prepare?
Being an owner (Parent) is more than just
Last month, my husband and I realized a long dream of life: We bought our own house. (We are a toast to our new house in this picture.) It has everything we wanted-rooms for our daughter and unborn baby, office space and a magnificent kitchen. The unpacking process, decoration and make this house a home been so fun. Even my husband got into the act and found his interior decorator!
This week I open the mail to find our first mortgage payment stub. With it came the insurance bill for our owner. Hello, reality! Owning a home is more than just play house. I sat at my desk with the bills and looked down to my daughter playing on the floor next to me. Does it feels like to be growing up?
After paying the bills, I joined my daughter on the floor and played with it. As we have stacked the blocks, I felt proud that I am able to provide a safe and comfortable place to live and grow. But I suddenly was overwhelmed by a sense of panic. What would it happen if something happened to me or my husband? Which would provide for her?
I had went online and discovered that many people who buy homes also get life insurance. This surprised me. Life insurance has always seemed like something only for people with big salaries and big families-not your average family like mine, but I soon realized that was not the case at all. Responsible, people-forward had life insurance. I want to be responsible and forward thinking!
Yesterday my husband and I started the life insurance research process. Now we can feel safe, knowing that we would never get anything, our daughter will be scheduled. I'm really an adult!
Evaluate your day life? Yep, and here's an Easy Start
Today is your day Assess life ... interesting, because most of us to assess or reassess the "things "1 January or our birthdays. But, alas, there are still areas in our lives, we can improve and make better decisions about. Most of the changes we know we need to focus on our work, health and finances. Here are some questions to get you thinking:
Is your work / family life balance We know that technology has tied us to work and "extracurriculars" resumed our free time? . The Mayo Clinic has a nice post called Tips to regain control, which focuses on creating a better balance work and home. There are a dozen tips but that resonated with me was simple, but difficult to do at times: Learn to say no. As the article says, "Whether a colleague asking you to take an additional teacher or your child asks you project manage the class game, remember it is okay to respectfully say no."
is your exercise routine on track? Notice I'm not saying health. I think most of us admit that we do not get as much exercise we should, and if we did, our health would be better I think Michelle Obama is on to something with its Move campaign Let exercise does not have to be complicated;.. it can be as simple that get off the couch and walk around every day. Or, as the First Lady said, when in doubt, simply "turn on the music and dance until you sweat."
have you your financial priorities in order? It appears that (almost) everyone has felt the financial pressure in the current economic climate. People are coming up with creative ways to make their money go further; check these. budgets tighter households can also mean cutting back. Choosing a cell phone plan cheaper and dining room, instead of, sense. But be careful what you consider as a luxury or a necessity in cutting spending. Cable? Luxury. Life insurance? Need. If you are not convinced, read this.
Simplify? ... Simplify! An underlying theme of these articles and messages appears to be setting priorities. What is really important for 
But as we contemplate this change Evaluate your day life, I love the quote Babauta emphasized by Thich Nhat Hanh :. "Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the earth world revolves slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment.". .. The time for me to brew some tea.
Are you just pay Lip Service?
In these rocky economic times, business owners must make tough decisions to keep their businesses healthy and, hopefully, growing. Often, when it comes to budget cuts and tightening of the belt, the first thing to go or cut back are benefits.
I challenge you to think differently.
Many companies say they value their employees, but they do not follow this declaration. If If 
This is part of what we offer:
- 85% of health insurance premiums paid by employers for employees and dependents
- 401 (k) plan with 100% employer match up to 3% of salary, then 50% up to 2% of the following compensation; postponement of the average employee 8.9%
- 100% employer-paid premiums for short and long term disability insurance
- 100% of the premiums paid by employer for the insurance of long-term care
now you can say, "well, we just do not have the money to do" this may be true, or can. -being a case of mistaken investment. with regard to budget time, you invest in a new roof for your building or hiring a new vendor? or are you making a direct investment in your employees making sure they have the advantages they need to stay healthy physically and financially and happy?
the key is to understand what your employees really want. Surprisingly, many times it is not more money. While people are certainly motivated by money, you can actually get a better return on your dollar by putting money toward generous benefits instead of raises. A great benefits package allows you to attract a higher level of talent and gain a greater commitment while they are at work. We also ensure that we remind employees that they have a rich benefits package, so they do not take for granted.
Altruism? ? Or better for the bottom line
We also offer something that many other companies do not: long-term care insurance benefits. We found the long-term care to be a growing concern for many employees. We pay 100% of the basic benefit, and offer the opportunity for them to pay for increased coverage and get coverage for their spouse. In addition, we searched until we found a policy that is portable. This means they will be able to access their coverage during the years when they will most likely need most of the post years of work. It is true that our society can not see a "benefit" to offer tangible LTCI because the employee is no longer working for us when using the service, but it does send an important message. Offering care insurance long told our employees that we really appreciate them now and in the future.
Our goal is to be an employer of choice. One important way we do that is by offering a generous benefits package. If you believe that people are your most important asset, you need to make the investment in them with a sufficient degree that they know that you care now and in the future.
Navigating life that sandwich generation
Two months before my wedding, my soon to be husband received a call from an emergency room near his mother. She had come with bad flu 
When our marriage arrived she was in rehab recovery treatment. The brain injury caused by the encephalitis, unfortunately, climbing his next big health crisis of Alzheimer's disease. Over the next 10 years, my husband started slowly taking on most of his care and manage its finances until we finally put it to a facility that could take care of its growing needs.
Meanwhile, one thing that helped us immensely was quite unexpected. There is evidence that many years ago, just after her husband died, my mother-in-law bought a very, very good long term care insurance policy. This allowed him to have a support home care for many years, and has helped place it in a better house when the time came. It was a great blessing for our family
This was never clearer than this past January when it was my turn. I get a call from my mother's doctor saying she was in a meeting and clearly had a kind of very severe pneumonia. My mother suffered a deep hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain), which was originally changed it to be combative and mentally, and she resisted going to the hospital.
coma After 10 days induced medically two months of rehabilitation, and six months of my mother being out of work, my husband and I almost lost our house trying to (and us) to stay afloat financially. My mother has long-term zero care insurance, no disability insurance (she is Assistant Professor), and little in the way of savings. Finally, we have addressed the problem by triggering social security of my mother early and having its movement with us. We adapt to being a family of four now; I secretly think my daughter likes to have her grandmother all the time. I do, too often. We run a little during the night time television. But we will survive
The contrast between the two scenarios is striking, and it is because my mother-in-law was smart and purchased long term care insurance early. she was in her late 40s. We brought the subject with my mother, but we met some resistance; she thinks the long-term care insurance is equal to the nursing home. We try to correct this misconception; the long term insurance would actually be much easier to keep it at home, after all. At 43 now myself, it is something my husband and I on our "list" when our finances recover this year.
The Gift of Peace of Mind
- Peace of mind can be at the top of the wish list for most Americans, but with all the economic turmoil that been an impact on the lives (and budget!) in recent years, you would think it is out of reach.
However, it is a area where you can take care not only to protect your financial future, but also that of your family :. Planning Insurance
According to statistics, most Americans do not have adequate life insurance is appropriate. Unfortunately, this decision can have a disastrous effect on their families both in the short and long term. Many families will be unable to manage spending overnight after the loss of a parent while on the road, children may be unable to attend college or have other needs adequately.
TO LIFE Foundation, we are committed to helping Americans make smart insurance decisions for themselves, their families and businesses. These three steps will help you achieve peace of mind by ensuring your insurance needs are met
First step: Stop procrastinating .. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, " never leave tomorrow what you can do today. "You are aware that life insurance is important. You may even know friends or family members whose lives have been in financial distress due to lack of adequate insurance. But still, you Feel free to make the decision time for a reality check.. go to insurance LIFE Calculator needs for quick and easy analysis needs the answer may be just the motivation you need to get the next step
Second step:. .. Working with a professional You see your internist for a 12-month check-up and your dentist for regular cleaning Even your car undergoes a service routine by a qualified mechanic. Why would you entrust your financial plans and insurance needs to anybody unless a qualified financial expert? an annual review of your insurance and financial plans and portfolios with a financial professional can help you create a plan that aligns with your needs insurance and financial products and arrangements you have in place and to identify areas where changes are needed. (Locator Use Life Foundation agent to find a qualified professional financial adviser or insurance.)
Step Three :. Work the plan You know what you need and you can even have met professional insurance to get the facts and figures. Now you have to act on that knowledge. From a purely practical standpoint, the longer you hold off making a decision, the more money the policy can cost you, since, in general, rates increase with age. But there is not that your budget will be allocated, but your peace of mind as well. Knowing that something must be done, but do not actually do it is like wearing a heavier weight that grows every day. Ultimately, it is less stressful to make the decision and check the item to your list of things to do but continue to avoid. (Still not sure Hear experience CindyLu Rowe to life realLIFEstories?).
This holiday season, treat yourself and your family a gift that will keep on giving: an insurance policy that will protect your future and theirs. In addition to its financial benefits, it will give you peace of mind to look to the future.
Up, Up and Away!
Do you remember this great classic song by the Fifth Dimension, Up, Up and Away?
Well, not many people sing ?? the way things are good on the economic front. Fear of higher taxes, ongoing recession, persistent unemployment and low economic growth anemic or have many people scratching their heads and wondering how better position financially.
A just published the LIMRA report shows that policies permanent life insurance sales for the first three quarters of this year were up 15% compared to the same period last year. Why people take a renewed interest in permanent life insurance? I see several reasons:
1. People are looking for guarantees. What better than a guaranteed interest rate of 3% or 4% of the value of your cash? What other options offer this type of guarantee?
2. The tax advantages of life insurance include the tax-free accumulation of cash values while the policy is in force and the tax-free nature of most benefit death.
3. You have a guaranteed access to cash values. If you need a loan, your banker will always be there? Your cash value will be.
4. Consider the stable nature of the life insurance industry in the financial world otherwise fragile.
5. You gain peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are protected and will be provided with the exact amount of financial support you have identified they need in the event of your premature death . What a legacy to leave!
Click here to learn more about the permanent and term life insurance, which can be good for you. I hope you take the time to discover the unique and powerful nature of life insurance. It will help you feel like your financial health is up, and away!
Some Spare Change?
When I mention the words "life insurance", people tend to disperse more quickly than if I had a summary nature requesting spare change. And while the holidays are over and the ringers have all gone home, it is never too late to spare some change, especially for your family. As an insurance professional, I can rattle off statistics and data on the importance of life insurance, but I will not do it. Instead, I'll let the stories speak for themselves. I work with these three women and want to share their stories of "spare change." (I have changed their names to maintain their privacy.)
Erin came to work for me, so it was in high school. She had moved to the Chicago area to Memphis four years earlier, not because it has chosen, but because "life happened" and the choice was made for her. While driving home from the funeral of his grandfather the day after Christmas, a drunk driver hit the car, she was head of killing both his parents. She and her two brothers went to live with their aunt and uncle, who already had three children. Their family has doubled overnight and so did the responsibilities. But because his parents had adequate life insurance, Erin and her brothers were able to stay together and have been "spared Change" miss all the positive things that the future held, such a college education private. Of course, nothing can replace the loss of a parent, but Erin did not have to lose the future promising that his parents would have wanted for her.
Tammy came to work for me there about a year. She has no plans to return to the Chicago area either. Tammy lived in sunny Arizona with her husband of eight years. They had to take a share of the American Dream by starting their own business. Their business began to pick up as they settle into their life together. One night, though, Tammy awoke to find that pre-existing cardiac disease her husband had taken a deadly toll. Tammy tried to save him while calling 911, but there is nothing she could do. He died on April 15; he was in the life insurance eligibility Tammy May 17 was left with business loans, a mortgage and no life insurance. In the midst of grieving the loss of her husband, she had to make the difficult decision to move out of the house they had built together. "When he was able to get life insurance, he did not think he needed it," said Tammy. Tammy has not been "spared change" in his life. When I asked Tammy what she would say to the people of her experience, she said firmly: "Even if you do not think you need life insurance, you do"
Anne, a. brilliant mind worked for me while getting his college degree. Always smiling, she was the kind of person who lit up a room. Anne had spoken of herself for a life insurance policy for a . while She said: "My parents think that I do not need," but decided to do politics anyway. Ten days later we have completed the application, Anne died in a car accident. Political life has been validated. A few days after the accident, I spoke with Anne's mother, who said: "If there was not this policy, we would not be enough money to bury my daughter." Anne was a 22 year old woman with no children, no husband and no major assets. However, thanks to his choice, she managed to "save some changes" to her own parents.
How will you spare some change for your family in 2011?
Beth Budreck, CLU, has a BS in Finance and has been running his agency Chicago area State Farm for over 21 years. She is married with two children, a boy who is 7 and a girl who is 8.
The magic of life insurance
Let me share a few reasons why I am proud to sell life insurance and why I think it is important you own it. Think about what we have in the industry of life insurance, do every day: We create money where there was previously. We create dollars for future delivery, dollars for pennies a piece. We create safety of a spouse or family.
With just a piece of paper and a drop of ink, we can create more money to more people than any other person in any other industry. Think about it. If you are a man of 40 years (for example) that do not smoke, you pay an annual premium of $ 1,000 for a permanent life insurance policy $ 100,000. This is 1% of the nominal value. Where can you "buy" money to 1% per year?
With life insurance, we create security, dignity and peace of mind.
When a client dies, I'm the one who brings money to the family. Other accountant advisors, the prosecutor and the heirs have all their hands. I walk only with money created out of the magic of life insurance.
But to really get the benefit of this magic, you must have an amount of life insurance that is appropriate to cover the value of your human life.
After 9/11, the federal government determined that the average person who died in the attack against the World Trade Towers had a value of human life equal to 15 times their annual profits. Are you insured for 15 or 20 times the annual income you? If not, why not? If someone offers to pay you in cash the amount you insured your life and said that you would now work for them for the rest of your life without extra income, would you take the offer?
If you answered no, you are underinsured. I do not know what your "value of human life" is? Use the calculator the value of human life to run your own calculation, then be sure to get the coverage you need.