Insight on business, finance, insurance and retirement.
Monday January 11, 2010
“Nothing is so well calculated to produce a death-like torpor in the country as an extended system of taxation and a great national debt,” observed William Cobbett on 1804.
Sadly, history repeats itself today. Our national debt is too high and will have to be repaid by either raising taxes, cutting benefits, or printing money. Current retirement plans are failing and not suitable for most individuals, and while market returns have proven themselves worthy in some past...
Posted in Equity Indexed UL , Estate Planning , Financial Strategies , Retirement , Taxes | Make a Comment
Saturday January 9, 2010
To fully understand the need to potentially modify your current retirement plan, you must understand how national debt, failing retirement plans, and poor ROIs (return on investments) play a predominate role in your financial security.
With the debt at $12.3 trillion and climbing, it is no secret that we are in the middle of an economic catastrophe. As taxpayers, the government has requisitioned us to support the baby boomers' social security, Medicare, and...
Posted in Financial Strategies , Retirement , Taxes | Make a Comment
Monday January 4, 2010
The financial landscape has dramatically changed over the last few years leaving the American public more confused and apprehensive than ever before. We are not even dealing with analysis paralysis as it has become more terrifying then ever to consider various investment options that would ultimately help people reach their financial goals, so people no longer act. With the mainstream financial media claiming that the recession is over and advising consumers not to worry is a slap in the...
Posted in Financial Strategies , Retirement | Make a Comment (1)
Thursday September 10, 2009
September is Life Insurance Awareness month. You heard me: an entire month dedicated to raising the awareness of how life insurance can benefit your family and or business.
LifeHappens.org summed it up best as to why we utilize an entire month to spread the word. "These are unsettling times. Over the past year, almost every pillar of our financial security has been shaken, one by one. The bursting of the real estate bubble, the precipitous decline in the stock market, a rapid...
Posted in Industry News , Life Insurance | Make a Comment
Tuesday June 23, 2009
For most people, the beneficiary designation is one of the easiest questions on a life insurance application. However, there are a few common mistakes we see on a regular basis and your agent may not be aware of how to correctly structure your beneficiary and ownership designations to accomplish your goals.
If you own the life insurance policy, you may face a federal estate tax. Your estate is a compilation of: your investment and retirement...
Posted in Annuities , Beneficiary Designations , Life Insurance | Make a Comment
Wednesday February 11, 2009
Section 151A has been at the forefront of our discussions for insurance agents and our industry in general for sometime now. Unfortunately for our clients, the bill recently passed on December 17, 2008. Rule 151A intends to classify equity indexed annuities (EIA's) as securities. This ruling will penalize consumers along with the responsible insurance agents that have helped their clients weather a massive financial crisis without the massive loss that most people have...
Posted in Annuities , Industry News | Make a Comment (3)
Thursday February 5, 2009
Estate planning is the process of accumulation and distribution of an estate to fully encompass the objectives of the estate owner. If you hear the term "estate planning" and believe it is only for the super wealthy, you may be surprised to learn most people have a need for a properly designed estate plan, they just do not know the right questions to ask to get the ball rolling. What everyone does know is the end result they are after. They know what possessions they want to distribute,...
Posted in Estate Planning , Life Insurance | Make a Comment (1)
Tuesday January 20, 2009
With all of the financial market mess everyone has had to endure, is there any single solution that will be provided to address the financial concerns that most people are facing? Unfortunately, no, everyone's situation is different, however, there are financial strategies and products that can assist you with the correct vehicle to navigate through these murky waters. If you are concerned about your investments and just not sure which direction to look, you may want to consider an...
Posted in Annuities | Make a Comment
Thursday August 14, 2008
Life insurance companies are pushing to sell coverage on-line is going to present a huge problem for consumers. Now, I understand buying car, home-owners, and liability insurance on-line, but not life insurance! For most people the term "life insurance" has several connotations that lead to a very grey area and without professional advise, you may have a false sense of security by being under insured.
If you are looking to purchase life insurance for the first time or you have life...
Posted in Life Insurance | Make a Comment