There's No Excuse Really!
50 million.
Try to wrap your head around that number.
This is the population of California and Illinois combined to help put into perspective.
This is how many people have no life insurance coverage in the United States.
This number is staggering.
This number, together with many personal experiences that I have had people who do not have the sufficient insurance coverage or life insurance coverage to all life, was the motivation behind starting the life insurance movement otherwise known as #LifeAWARE.
Thirty-nine percent of American adults do not have life insurance, which, when you think about it, is crazy. Based on a new study, the most common explanation, alias "excuse" is that life insurance costs too. The reality is that over two thirds of those with life insurance are paying less than $ 100 a month to have, and a little less than half pay less than $ 50 a month.
Do you still think life insurance is too expensive? Think again!
It is difficult to get people motivated on a topic like life insurance, for obvious reasons. Who wants to talk about death? Life insurance is not to die; it is to care for those who are still alive when we left.
The Movement of life insurance, where more than 155 personal bloggers shared their personal stories and reasons why life insurance is so important, why reinforced all households with a family must be talk about.
Melissa Littlehouseinthevalley.com shared her story about how her father was diagnosed with cancer and lost his life at age 38 Although it has not bought a huge policy that would have left her family that much better, buy it enough to help the mother to take care of the mortgage.
Shawanda Greene Youhavemorethanyouthink.org shared his story of how his father bought life insurance, but not take care of the major detail to ensure that she and her mother were the beneficiaries. At his death, his sister called the beneficiary has received all the benefits, leaving his family in an emotional and financial loss.
For all young adults who feel they are invincible and that nothing will ever happen to them, they should take the time and read the story of Jason in Worksavelive.com. He shared the tragic story of how the wife of a close friend, who was eight months pregnant, had complications of labor. Complications were unfortunately not only the life of the child, but also his own. To compound the problem, she had no life insurance, leaving the surviving husband and first child struggling to pay medical bills and other expenses.
These are just some of the reasons why life insurance should be a dinner table conversation. There is no excuse for why you should not buy life insurance.
Get #LifeAWARE.
College Make your child's education is more than just a dream
It is undeniable that, as a parent, you want the best for your child: good health, happiness and a productive and satisfying careers. And one of the keys to achieving this future is education and training.
According to The College Payoff (a 2011 report of the Center on Education and the Workforce), "In 02, the degree holder of a bachelor could hope to earn more than 75% on a lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma. Today, this premium is 84%. "According to the report, while, on average, a high school graduate can expect to earn 1 $ 3 million over a lifetime, a person with a bachelor's degree can expect to gain a life of $ 2.3 million, while those with graduate degrees can be even greater.
But a college education is not cheap. an article on Kiplinger.com quotes a price tag $ 28,500 average for a year at a private college non-profit before adding additional costs such as room and board, books and other expenses. and because of inflation, these numbers will only increase.
Not surprisingly, in addition to obtaining loans students themselves, many students rely on their parents for financial support. But what happens when parents are not there to help them? In
situation Chezerea Ortiz, the loss of his father, in his words, "crumbled the foundation of my family." Not only had she to bear the burden of his college expenses on herself, but she was also concerned about the future of his younger brother. You can see history here. Fortunately, as the biggest beneficiary of the 2011 price life lessons Scholarship Program Chezerea (right) received $ 10,000 to help defray his college expenses. (You can read the stories of others life lessons scholarship recipients www.lifehappens.org/scholarship-recipients)
And even if she is grateful for the help, it also stressed the importance " to be sure that the people who depend on us will be able to take care of things when we left ... life insurance is really one of the few comforts that we can leave our families "
now, ask yourself :. what would happen to your child if you were gone? What kind of future could your child expect? Would he have to choose between giving up their career goals or incurring a massive student debt? If your answer to these questions is "I do not know," then you should consider adding life insurance and disability insurance to your portfolio.
Life Insurance
So you hope to be there when your child graduates from college, the truth is there are no guarantees.. Having a life insurance policy in place can help finance future education of your child, even when you are not there to provide direct cash assistance
life insurance falls into two categories. the term and permanent term life insurance is more affordable but only provides protection for a specific period of time (eg, 20 years) and generally pays a benefit only if you die during the term. This can be a good option if you have a need for a cover that will end at a specific point in time, such as when your last child of university graduates.
Permanent life insurance provides lifetime protection, accumulates the value of the cash and pay the full face value death. Under the policy, you may also be able to enjoy an accelerated death benefit in the event of a terminal illness, which allows you to draw a portion or all of the death benefit to manage spending common, the rest supplied to your beneficiaries upon your death.
disability
Although you are channeling a portion of your earnings into a college fund for your child, what will happen if you are disabled and can 't work? You have three chances out of 10 to suffer a disabling illness or accident keeps you out of work for 0 days or more during your career. What would happen if your salary was to stop? Would you have to dip into savings to make ends meet? And how do you keep putting money aside for the education of your children?
If you think that you could rely on the government, think again. The average monthly benefit paid by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a little over $ 1100 per month, and most people who apply for benefits are initially denied. But if you have a disability insurance policy in place, you will receive an income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, helping to ensure that your plans for the future of your child can still become reality. To learn more about disability insurance, visit www.protectyourpaycheck.org.
So you can dream of the day when gowned cap and your son or daughter graduates, be sure to keep your eyes wide open to the realities of the financial costs of education superior. Having a life insurance policy in place, supplemented by the additional security provided by disability insurance, you will ensure that future education of your child is more than just a dream.
What is in your wallet?
So there I was, hanging out at the bar dinner last Tuesday. Next to me was this guy with a flight of wine glasses. Out of curiosity, I had to ask: "What is your favorite? He gave a long look at the three glasses and said, "Pinot of Washington. It is light, smooth and silky. "We exchanged names and continued to talk for some time that we spent the night. Later, Monica, our server asked if we were finished and we both said it was time to call it a night Monica harvested our bills and we presented our respective bills
both reached for our portfolio, therefore, it occurred to me when I asked...: "Hey, Tom, what is the most important card in your wallet?" Tom looked into his wallet and pulled out a picture of his children and smiled "Tom, I get that. they are important in your life! Which card do you? "Tom fingers through multiple credit cards and landed on his VISA card. He started shooting and then saw one." John, it is my health card. "
"Yeah, that's what I thought as well as ..."
Tom quickly adds: "Until"
I stopped and said: "... until I learned that my health insurance card paid everyone but me You see, when I had my accident waterskiing and was confined to one. hospital bed, my medical card paid the hospital and the doctors put me back together, but he has never, ever paid me my salary. that's when I learned that the most important card to have in my portfolio my card-the card paycheck protection that shows I have disability insurance. that's what I paid income when I was unable to work. "
I share this story because I think Tom's response could be the same for most people, including you. So I want to challenge you to think about what would happen if you became ill or injured and unable to work? How long would you be able to make ends meet without your paycheck? In my case, the accident left me unable to earn an income for an extended period of time. I'm in a desperate financial situation without the income that my disability insurance policy provided me. That's why you need to protect your income with disability insurance. Learn more about www.protectyourpaycheck.org.
Estate planning a powerful tool for married couples
Like much of the economy-the talk of fiscal cliffs and all there is uncertainty about taxes in 2013. I wanted 
marital deduction (IRC sections 2056 and 2523) eliminates both the federal estate and gift tax on transfers of property between husband and wife, in fact treating them as a single economic unit. The amount of goods that can be transferred between them is unlimited, which means that the spouse may transfer all his property to the other spouse, during life or at death, and completely escape any federal estate or donation on the first transfer. However, the property transferred beyond the unified credit equivalent will ultimately be subject to the estate tax in the estate of the surviving spouse.
Through the use of the unlimited marital deduction, the combined assets of a married couple are not affected by the federal tax succession, which means that the total amount available for the support of the surviving spouse and maintenance after the death of the first spouse. On the death of the surviving spouse, the marital deduction may not be available, which means that the total value of the remainder of the estate of the surviving spouse will be exposed to the federal estate tax.
The Tax Relief Act 2010, however, provides for "portability" of the tax unified credit maximum inheritance between spouses. This means that the surviving spouse can choose to take advantage of any unused portion of the tax unified credit inheritance of a spouse who dies in 2011 or 2012 (the equivalent of $ 5 million in 2011). Consequently, with this election and prudent estate planning, married couples can effectively protect up to $ 10 million from the federal estate and gift tax-free use of the marital deduction planning techniques, but only if one spouse dies in 2011 or 2012. transferred beyond the $ 10 million unified credit equivalent combination will be subject to estate tax in the estate of the surviving spouse. (You may want to consider life insurance to pay the bill of tax due when the spouse dies.)
If the surviving spouse is predeceased by more than one spouse, the amount additional exclusion available for use by the surviving spouse is the lesser of $ 5 million, or unused exclusion of the last deceased spouse
IMPORTANT :. Since the 2010 Tax Relief Act "sunset" at the end of 2012, the portability of the unified credit exemption between spouses will not be available from 2013 if Congress takes action in the future.
If you want more information on how to make the most of the marital deduction, please contact your financial advisor or agent.
You're retired. This is happening now with your finances?
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy 
The median income of the retired population is around $ 18.700 for people 65 and older. In 2010, Social Security, on average, accounted for 40% of their income. Pensions and annuities accounted for 20%, property income accounted for 12% and the result of profit accounted for 27%.
According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for retired workers was only $ 1,230 per month in early 2012. Can you pull on it?
A survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that the percentage of workers saying they have saved for retirement fell by 75% in 09 to 65% in 2012. Only 42 % of respondents said they have tried to calculate how much money they need for retirement, and 16% of workers were not sure of having enough money for retirement.
When will you retire?
Although retirement usually occurs around age 65, the age does not necessarily indicate a complete end to employment. Many retirees continue to participate in the workforce for financial reasons and not financial.
You need to evaluate your current financial resources to determine if you have sufficient income during your retirement years. If the pension income provided is not sufficient, additional income must be allocated to save for retirement. You must understand the importance of saving for the future and start it as early as possible in life. If job changes occur, you should keep your retirement accounts as you move from job to job.
Because retirement planning is a multi-dimensional business, you should consider how best to distribute and preserve assets. Retirement planning does not end at retirement; the retirement planning has put the regime
You must be aware of the options available which include :.
- health care resources such as supplements Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Life insurance for final expenses, income replacement, lack of assets, children with special needs, legacy planning and the needs of the estate tax
- short-term and long-term care options for the protection of assets, the choice of care and needs survival of the Joint health
- financial products such as life income annuity to provide income and beyond the normal life expectancy. You can live 30 or more years after retirement.
All these issues must be discussed with your agent and / or advisor to ensure you have the best advice and guidance for a secure retirement.
Tweet, Tweet Here is the truth-
Take this example: the annual cost of 20, $ 250,000, political life in 30 years term for a healthy eating is about $ 150 per year, but Americans believe the cost $ 400!
Here are 10 more facts of the 2012 Barometer study insurance may surprise you. We actually "tweetable" so you can share: click that you would like to tweet and the tweet will be generated for you. And make sure to follow us on Twitter at @LIFE_Foundation.
Life changed in an instant
If I had met him in the summer of 03, my life would have appeared almost like yours or your friend or sister or neighbor. I was a wife and mother who works full time and taking care of his family. Balancing the demands of these roles was sometimes difficult, but I felt I was doing a very good job of it.
That is until I entered a crosswalk.
I was in New York City business and was crossing the street with light when an SUV turned the corner and came barreling into me. I was thrown 30 feet into the air. The impact broke my pelvis, and every joint in my body has been damaged. Instantly, my carefully balanced life disintegrated.
I went from being the guard having to be supported. My injuries were so severe that the doctors said that I would never walk. I was bedridden for eight months and needed help with basic tasks we take for granted, such as bathing, dressing and moving. It took seven surgeries and three years of intense rehabilitation and work for me to get to my "new normal". Meanwhile, I am unable to work and earn a living or take care of my family as I had in the past.
one of the key factors that helped me navigate this difficult chapter in my life was my disability.
Our family had counted on the income of both my and my husband. This accident and my being unemployed for almost three years could have decimated us financially. Fortunately, I had planned ahead and obtained disability insurance, which provided me with an income when I was unable to work. This influx of revenue enabled us to stay in our house, pay our monthly bills and medical expenses mount. It also allowed me to hire someone to help with my children and help me, as well. I do not know what we would have done without my disability.
I feel very blessed. It's amazing that I lived and even more amazing that I lead an active life now, including forward with my two sets of twins!
I took on disability insurance that I had then, and I maintain now, because I enjoy what I do for my family I take care of themselves physically, emotionally and I give a salary to pay our expenses. I'm worth it.
The bottom line is, if you need your income, you need disability insurance. And the only time to get it is before you need them.
See the great www.protectyourpaycheck.org calculator to see how much disability insurance you may need.
Life changed in an instant
If I had met him in the summer of 03, my life would have appeared almost like yours or your friend or sister or neighbor. I was a wife and mother who works full time and taking care of his family. Balancing the demands of these roles was sometimes difficult, but I felt I was doing a very good job of it.
That is until I entered a crosswalk.
I was in New York City business and was crossing the street with light when an SUV turned the corner and came barreling into me. I was thrown 30 feet into the air. The impact broke my pelvis, and every joint in my body has been damaged. Instantly, my carefully balanced life disintegrated.
I went from being the guard having to be supported. My injuries were so severe that the doctors said that I would never walk. I was bedridden for eight months and needed help with basic tasks we take for granted, such as bathing, dressing and moving. It took seven surgeries and three years of intense rehabilitation and work for me to get to my "new normal". Meanwhile, I am unable to work and earn a living or take care of my family as I had in the past.
one of the key factors that helped me navigate this difficult chapter in my life was my disability.
Our family had counted on the income of both my and my husband. This accident and my being unemployed for almost three years could have decimated us financially. Fortunately, I had planned ahead and obtained disability insurance, which provided me with an income when I was unable to work. This influx of revenue enabled us to stay in our house, pay our monthly bills and medical expenses mount. It also allowed me to hire someone to help with my children and help me, as well. I do not know what we would have done without my disability.
I feel very blessed. It's amazing that I lived and even more amazing that I lead an active life now, including forward with my two sets of twins!
I took on disability insurance that I had then, and I maintain now, because I enjoy what I do for my family I take care of themselves physically, emotionally and I give a salary to pay our expenses. I'm worth it. The bottom line is, if you need your income, you need disability insurance. And the only time to get it is before you need them.
See the great www.protectyourpaycheck.org calculator to see how much disability insurance you may need.
Retirement Challenges for baby boomers
Some 76 million baby boomers now reaching retirement age, and they represent nearly a quarter of the population of the United -United. The oldest of these, to 66 this year, probably considering retirement or have already done. About 10,000 per day to qualify for social security payments, and many of them have done a poor job in preparing for the faces.
According to an article in the American dream, a social commentary site, as much as 36% of those of 
The Research Institute of Employment Benefits reports that 35% of the retirement age people are almost totally dependent on social security benefits for income, and only half of the remaining 65% have savings retirement $ 50,000 or more.
Annual Survey 2010 MetLife Employee Benefits Trends indicated that 62% of the youngest members of the generation of baby boomers and 60% of older members felt they were late in preparing the retirement. The survey also indicated 16% of boomers said they had not started planning for retirement, and 20% said they had no savings at all objective. The MetLife study interviews with policymakers 1,508 full-time employees of enterprises and 1412 age 21.
The question is, why did they not anticipate? Thirty-four percent of older baby boomers said they did not understand the process, while 39% reported not having money to invest in their future.
While many baby boomers may have done well in preparing for retirement, circumstances sometimes intervene. Half of those who retire will not retire by choice. Instead, conditions such as disability, death of a parent, downsizing or closure of a plant get them to end their careers earlier than expected.
The disturbance interferes with plans for continuing contributions to their nest egg and lengthens the amount of time they spend in retirement, based on what they have accumulated.
in some cases, the baby boomers have also delayed having children, leaving them nearing retirement that their offspring are completing college.
The main issue in retirement planning is procrastination, with many baby boomers not address their concerns until they reach their 50s, and then it may be too late achieve their goals forcing them to make difficult decisions: "Do we reduce the size of our house, postpone retirement, part-time work during retirement or to try to live with less?
false common potential retirees arise ideas discuss their plans. Most people underestimate what they need or what they want to live in retirement. There are costs for basic needs continue to increase, even when they retire -. Gas, food, taxes, insurance, and this causes a surprise when they realize how much they will have to supplement what Social Security provides retirement
it is never too late to start planning, but if you wait too long to start, it may be too late to achieve your goals.
Revenue Not Enough? Or personal responsibility is not enough?
I recently participated in a meeting with senior executives from some of the largest life insurance companies 
The question is, Why do we have this problem? Part of the reason is the loss of employment due to the weak economy, but it is not the main reason. The main reason is the new standard of what consumers deem reasonable and appropriate for their lifestyle.
Young people are waiting longer to get married and start a family, so the perception is that there is no need life insurance protection in their 20s or early 30s. Cell phones, cable television and the Internet have become necessities and are no longer a luxury.
I recently had a discussion with a young lawyer who said he had just spent his cable, Internet and phone handset business package for $ 500 per month. That is $ 6,000 per year, a few years ago, and would have been allocated to savings and protection planning. If the prosecutor has an income of $ 75,000, this package is 8% of its gross income.
His concern is that it does not have enough net income to pay for a life insurance, especially since it does not expect to die anytime soon.
Life insurance may not be a financial priority now, but what happens to people who depend on him if he is here to provide the income they need to maintain their lifestyle or simply pay for basic necessities? It is a matter of personal financial responsibility to plan and plan early, when life happens, because when he does, it's too late to get the coverage you need. You can start here.