life insurance
3 Ways to Claim a Life Insurance Benefit: Which Is Right for You?

3 Ways to Claim a Life Insurance Benefit: Which Is Right for You?
When you are due a life insurance death benefit, a lump sum payment isn't your only option. There are typically three main ways to take your benefit, …
February 11, 2020
How to Shop for Life Insurance

How to Shop for Life Insurance
You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that’s just the start of your search.
January 30, 2020
Pros, Cons and Possible Disasters after SECURE Act

Pros, Cons and Possible Disasters after SECURE Act
Sweeping retirement changes were just signed into law that bring both positives (for savers) and potentially disastrous consequences (for heirs). Here…
December 31, 2019
Worried about Estate Taxes? One Strategy to Try

Worried about Estate Taxes? One Strategy to Try
If your heirs might face a big estate tax bill one day, an irrevocable life insurance trust could help protect your legacy.
October 28, 2019
Learn from My Best and Worst Financial Decisions

Learn from My Best and Worst Financial Decisions
It's normal to have financial regrets. I know I do, and I don't mind sharing. Use them as a growing opportunity. And make sure to celebrate your succe…
October 25, 2019
Annuity Exchanges, Full or Partial, Boost Flexibility without Creating Taxes

Annuity Exchanges, Full or Partial, Boost Flexibility without Creating Taxes
1035 exchanges let you trade up for a better annuity or trade in unneeded life insurance.
October 22, 2019
What to Know Before Purchasing a Long-Term Care Rider

What to Know Before Purchasing a Long-Term Care Rider
Do you know the difference between a long-term care rider and chronic illness rider? Section 7702B and Section 101(g)? If you're contemplating a life …
September 27, 2019
Life Insurance: Beyond Just Estate Planning

Life Insurance: Beyond Just Estate Planning
When it comes to life insurance, many folks don't think they need it, if they consider it at all. In fact, it's a versatile financial tool that can he…
September 13, 2019
Don't Overlook Advantages of Making Insurance Part of Your Retirement Plan

Don't Overlook Advantages of Making Insurance Part of Your Retirement Plan
Life insurance can offer income and saving options for the long term.
July 10, 2019
Is Your Insurance Hurting You Instead of Helping You?

Is Your Insurance Hurting You Instead of Helping You?
If you’re not careful to buy the right kind of insurance, keep it in the right place and pay for it in the right way, your good intentions could end u…
April 16, 2019
5 Myths That Could Have You Walking a Financial Tightrope Without a Safety Net

5 Myths That Could Have You Walking a Financial Tightrope Without a Safety Net
Life insurance is a mystery to most people, but it's an important part of your financial picture, so don't let these common misbeliefs stop you from p…
April 8, 2019
3 Ways To Leverage Your Health Equity For Better Life Insurance Rates
3 Ways To Leverage Your Health Equity For Better Life Insurance Rates
Studies show that the average retiree will need $280,000 just to pay for medical expenses.
February 7, 2019
3 Ways To Leverage Your Health Equity For Better Life Insurance Rates
3 Ways To Leverage Your Health Equity For Better Life Insurance Rates
Studies show that the average retiree will need $280,000 just to pay for medical expenses.
February 7, 2019
Beware of These Often-Overlooked Insurance Gaps

Beware of These Often-Overlooked Insurance Gaps
Surprise: There’s a chance your most precious possessions may not be covered.
January 3, 2019
Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement?

Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement?
One form of life insurance that may be worth investigating for its tax advantages and estate benefits is an indexed universal life policy.
December 21, 2018
Something BIG Could Be Missing from Your Retirement Plan

Something BIG Could Be Missing from Your Retirement Plan
About 70% of people who reach age 65 could potentially need long-term care at some point in their lives, and it can easily cost $100,000 a year. You n…
October 24, 2018
What NOT to Do During Open Enrollment Time

What NOT to Do During Open Enrollment Time
Many employees just automatically pick the same benefits options year after year with little to no thought. That's a mistake. Instead, here are some p…
October 12, 2018
A Financial Planner's Guide to Open Enrollment

A Financial Planner's Guide to Open Enrollment
As you read up on your health insurance, life insurance and other options for 2019, here are five tips to help get the most out of your workplace bene…
October 3, 2018
Time to Reassess Your Life Insurance After Tax Reform

Time to Reassess Your Life Insurance After Tax Reform
The new tax law is prompting policyholders to review their life insurance to see if the coverage still makes sense.
September 1, 2018
New Tax Rates Could Provide Push to Help Defuse Your 'Tax Time Bomb'

New Tax Rates Could Provide Push to Help Defuse Your 'Tax Time Bomb'
If 401(k)s and IRAs make up the majority of your retirement savings, with today's lower tax rates, it could make sense to steer more of your money int…
August 17, 2018
Kiplinger's Recipes for Quick & Easy Financial Fixes
Kiplinger's Recipes for Quick & Easy Financial Fixes
Each of our recipes for financial success takes 15 minutes or less to cook up. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish in so little time.
August 2, 2018
What to Do When Your Term Life Insurance Is Expiring

What to Do When Your Term Life Insurance Is Expiring
Many families are discovering that a 20-year term for a life insurance policy isn’t enough.
August 2, 2018
Why I Love My Whole Life Insurance Policy

Why I Love My Whole Life Insurance Policy
While they may not be for everyone, I feel like buying a whole life policy was one of the best financial planning decisions I ever made.
August 2, 2018
Smart Life Insurance Strategies for Young Buyers

Smart Life Insurance Strategies for Young Buyers
Buy the right life insurance plan now to avoid scrambling to find coverage later.
August 1, 2018
New Baby on the Way? The 8 Financial Steps You Should Take to Prepare

New Baby on the Way? The 8 Financial Steps You Should Take to Prepare
Congratulations! Now get busy. From health insurance to car seats, here's what expectant parents should do to get ready for their new arrival.
June 5, 2018
5 Financial Tips for New Parents

5 Financial Tips for New Parents
In between naps, feedings and burpings, here are five things you should do when you bring home your bundle of joy.
May 18, 2018