Life insurance allows you to secure a financial future for your loved ones after you die, so it’s essential to make sure that you have a plan in place. The money not only helps to pay for your funeral, it can provide your family with inheritance funds and more. Some additional uses for your life insurance benefits are as follows.
Funeral costs and final costs
Life insurance policy benefits can be used for what are called “final expenses”, including things such as cremation or funeral costs, as well as certain medical bills and estate administration fees. A mortgage balance can even be covered by your life insurance benefits, among other financial obligations.
Income replacement
Sometimes life insurance benefits can serve as a replacement for your income if you pass away. This allows your beneficiaries to pay for essential things such as mortgages and college tuition funds for children.
Inheritance
You can buy a life insurance policy which names an heir as a beneficiary. Life insurance benefits can also supplement other inheritance funds for your heirs too, allowing you to leave your loved ones with the funds they deserve.
Estate taxes
Upon receiving their inheritance, your heirs may be taxed with an estate tax. Life insurance benefits can fully or partially help your beneficiaries to pay off these taxes, allowing them to have fewer financial worries in their difficult time.
Contributions to charity
You can name a favorite charity as your beneficiary on a life insurance policy, ensuring that a portion of your funds will be allocated to a charity of your choice after you pass on. It doesn’t matter if your funds are relatively small, most charities will be happy to receive them!
Looking to find out more about life insurance benefits? Get in touch to find out more about how to secure your finances after you pass away.
In a recent New York Times interview, President Trump was quoted as saying the following regarding health plans:
“So now I have associations, I have private insurance companies coming and will sell private health care plans to people through associations. That’s gonna be millions and millions of people. People have no idea how big that is. And by the way, and for that, we’ve ended across state lines. So we have competition. You know for that I’m allowed to [inaudible] state lines. So that’s all done.”
Health policies in 2018 – 5 Predictions
Obamacare revisits
The fate of health policies is still relatively uncertain in 2018, with many people wondering if the Trump administration will continue to rollback Obama-era policies. Congress is said to be revisiting Obamacare this year, and it’s pretty likely that they will attempt a major overhaul of Obamacare in 2018.
Axios’s Sam Baker recently suggested that the tax bill increases the likelihood that the Republicans will work on healthcare-related policies this year. It is thought that repealing the individual mandate could negatively affect some state marketplaces, with insurers being reluctant to sell in places where fit and healthy people don’t have to buy coverage plans.
States trying to pass individual mandates
In response to new tax laws that no longer require American citizens to buy health insurance coverage, it is likely to many states attempt to pass state-level mandates in order to put this back into effect. Maryland, California, Washington State and the District of Columbia have already made noise about this. Though these efforts may not always work, it’s thought that some states may attempt to incentivize their citizens to buy insurance in other ways, such as via fines and higher premiums.
Big Medicaid changes
About six states want to make big changes to Medicaid policies. Medicare administrator Seema Verma has been reviewing these waivers for some time now, though she tends to support the changes the states want to make. In a recent speech at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, she has this to say:
“For people living with disabilities, CMS has long believed that meaningful work is essential to their economic self-sufficiency, self-esteem, wellbeing, and improving their health. Why would we not believe that the same is true for working-age, able-bodied Medicaid enrollees?
Believing that community engagement requirements do not support or promote the objectives of Medicaid is a tragic example of the soft bigotry of low expectations consistently espoused by the prior administration. Those days are over.”
It looks likely that these waivers will be approved this year and that Medicaid will see some serious overhauls. It seems very likely, for example, that low-income Americans will be required to work in order to receive their federal health care benefits.
CHIP “may” get funded
States’ health programs for low-income kids may very well be shut down (or suddenly funded) in 2018. Its future very much hangs in the balance, though repealing CHIP would not exactly be a good PR move for state and federal governments.
CHIP has been a bipartisan health care program historically, something which cannot be said about the somewhat contentious Affordable Care Act. Though Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who chairs the influential Senate Finance Committee, is a big CHIP supporter, its future remains unclear.
Health insurance expansion is tested out by a state
Liberals seem keen to expand public health coverage, especially with continued Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Democratic senators, for example, are continually supporting a Medicare-for-All bill. State legislatures are also being watched though, with some states expressing interest in finding ways to expand public health coverage.
Nevada, for example, nearly enacted the US’s first Medicaid buy-in, which would’ve allowed Nevada state residents to buy coverage through the program which is usually limited only to low-income American citizens. Their plan passed the Nevada legislature, though Governor Brian Sandoval, a Republican, vetoed it.
Medicaid buy-ins are gaining steam, however, as candidates in states such as Colorado and Connecticut campaign by promoting the notion of Medicaid buy-ins to voters who may want them. State legislators in Washington State are also said to be exploring a Nevada-esque buy-in bill.
States tend to act as experiment grounds for health policies, with many states often “testing out” policies that may or may not be looked at by the federal government in time to come. The Affordable Care Act, for example, was largely based on the Massachusetts 2006 health care expansion. It seems like Nevada-esque bills may become more and more common in the near future, as the federal government looks for state “experiments” to model potential nationwide healthcare policies on.
Interested in learning more about the future of healthcare? Get in touch today and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members!
Did you get at least seven hours of top quality sleep last night? If your response is no, you’re not alone. According to one nationwide survey, 30 percent of folks polled get 6 hrs or less of sleep.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that a lack of sleep is a public health concern. This is because a lack of sleep increases disease and lowers quality of life.
To fix sleep challenges, follow these steps…
1. Get outside more.
One sleep deficiency study discovered that the more “fresh air” someone gets, the more likely they were to report a good night’s sleep. So spend a long time each weekend in your city’s parks or walk in your neighborhood after dinner. It’s much better than spending hours in front of the TV. The fresh air will improve your rest even if you’re only able to get outside a few times every week.
Also, being outside in all-natural sunlight is ideal. So many of us spend most of our days confined in windowless offices. Exposure to sunshine is needed to establish as well as keep a normal circadian rhythm.
2. Establish a regular routine.
Spontaneity can be exciting, but it’s not a ideal for rest. Scientists have determined that maintaining consistent habits — from when you get up, to when you work out — substantially affect one’s ability to rest. They believe that adhering to a regimen can program your body’s biological rhythms and better sleep is a natural outcome of this “programming”.
3. Make time for exercise.
It doesn’t matter what time you choose to work out. In fact even a vigorous workout right before bed is beneficial. Regardless of when the workout occurs, 97% of folks report significantly better sleep on the days they exercise.
Many people get life insurance. And one of the biggest mistakes they make is in picking beneficiaries. You are free to name nearly any person as your beneficiary. For most individuals, it’s usually a close family member. Nevertheless, you could select any type of competent person and even an entity, such as a charity.
Beneficiary designations can be made by naming specific individuals or entities. Use complete names to prevent confusion. You can be more certain by describing birth dates or social security numbers… or for charities… their Federal Tax Employee Identification Number.
You can name many beneficiaries to receive equivalent or unequal shares. For multiple beneficiaries, utilize percents instead of real dollars. Dollar amounts can create confusion, particularly if the life insurance policy has a value that fluctuates.
You may also choose a trust fund as a recipient. This can be useful in benefiting minors or handicapped persons. Your main beneficiary will certainly always get policy proceeds initially. If this is a person, she or he must be alive when you die. If that specific recipient is deceased, the plan continues to your next recipient.
Therefore, it is necessary to identify one or more contingent beneficiaries. If you and your key beneficiary pass away at the same time, your key beneficiary is presumed to have actually passed away first. Consequently, if there were no contingency plan, you would not have a named recipient. The life insurance would go to your estate. Having appropriately named beneficiaries prevents having your life insurance policy proceeds from traveling through your estate. This could protect against possible inheritance tax in addition to probate expenses.
For minors, you need to be particularly careful in stating beneficiaries. You should designate life insurance proceeds to a custodian for the benefit of minor beneficiaries.
Also, make certain to review your recipient classifications on a regular basis and if needed, make revisions because of marriages, divorces, births, and fatalities.
It is important to focus on two primary objectives in selecting beneficiaries: ensure your designations accomplish your objectives, and avoid unnecessary legal debates and taxation.
If you have life insurance questions, we have answers! Be sure to reach out to learn more about properly structuring life insurance to meet your specific needs.
No matter whether you’re single or wedded, you’ll have to find out your expenditures, and also prepare for the future.
If you have dependents, you must get adequate insurance to change the revenue you currently generate for them, as well as compensate for any type of extra expenses they may sustain to replace the services you presently supply.
Although there isn’t really any specific formula to estimate life insurance policy needs, a fast and standard method to get a harsh quote is to take your yearly revenue and also increase it by 7.
An additional trick is that your strategy should adequately replace the “concealed earnings” that would be lost at fatality. Covert earnings is earnings that you obtain with your employment that isn’t part of your gross salaries. It consists of things like your company’s payment to your medical insurance costs, the matching contribution to your 401( k) strategy, as well as several various other “perks”.
You must likewise plan for expenditures that emerge at fatality. These include funeral costs, taxes as well as management expenses connected with “winding up” an estate and also passing the residential property on beneficiaries.
Do you have sufficient Health Insurance?
Many employers provide medical insurance to their workers. But also for others, it is up to them to offer their own health insurance. In either case, you may not have sufficient coverage for costly clinical expenses. Ideally, you need to make the effort to analyze your medical insurance strategy to establish if you should buy a lot more, alter your policy, or even minimize what you have.
Medical insurance plans vary from one company to an additional. Some require that you check out only authorized medical professionals and clinical centers for your needs, while others enable you to decide what is right for you. An increasingly prominent selection is wellness savings accounts that permit people to place money away each year right into authorized accounts to spend for their clinical expenditures. Any type of approach that you choose is better compared to having no clinical coverage.
Private health insurance plans are available to help you identify exactly what your needs are, and also to shield your health and wellness which of your family members. Such strategies likewise enable you to choose the physicians you wish to see. To have medical coverage in times of demand is valuable certainly, yet to have complete control over your policy is an added benefit!
If you do have medical insurance, spend time in recognizing just how it functions, and what it can supply you. You should know which medical professional you could see, as well as if you require approval for unique brows through. It is additionally essential to recognize what does it cost? of your medical expense is paid by the insurance plan. Some supply only 80 percent while others will not include prescription medications. Talk with your insurance policy representative today to identify just what medical insurance plan will finest fulfill your demands.
Temporary or Lasting, which one to get?
If you are unable to select the term of health insurance, you should have a clear image of the benefits of both in order to select tenure. A temporary medical insurance plan is right for those who are currently living in the United States, waiting on another strategy or between work. It is likewise ideal for those without any kind of medical wellness protection, and pupils who have actually simply graduated. The tenure of cover of a short-term health insurance policy ranges from one month to a year.
If you feel that you need an insurance coverage for greater than a year, it would be useful to take a look at other individual/family health insurance policies. A lasting treatment health insurance plan helps cover health care services utilized by insured clients that have actually prolonged health problem or special needs. Lasting treatment solutions also cover regular tasks like assistance in bathing, clothing, and also dishes. Neither Medicare nor Company Health Insurance covers these solutions. While long-term care insurance coverage do spend for such kind of services, they are expensive. Before you purchase such a plan, make sure that you could pay for to pay the costs currently as well as later.
Group Medical Insurance– Exactly how it works
A team medical insurance policy is insurance coverage applied by the company with an insurance company. The employer typically pays a part of the costs of the group medical insurance plan. A team health insurance policy offers a company the advantage of not paying the whole premium for the insurance plan in order to cover his employees. The best way to obtain group medical insurance is to get a quote from different firms as well as locate the one that best suits your business and also your workers.
Can Group Insurance policy be categorized under tax incentives?
Team medical insurance is tax deductible. Offering medical insurance to workers has many advantages. Not just are workers better, yet likewise they are less most likely to switch work.
Which Life Quote is right for me?
A life insurance policy shields your household financially if you or your spouse dies. Insurer comprehend that life is constantly transforming, so there are a selection of life insurance plans to fulfill your altering needs. Because many households depend on two incomes simply to make ends meet, insurance provider provide plans that can insure greater than someone, shielding the total family members earnings.
It is never prematurely or far too late to think about your life insurance policy alternatives. There are 2 major kinds of life insurance policy– term as well as entire life. Entire life is occasionally called permanent life insurance policy, and it inclusives several sub-categories, including conventional whole life, universal life, variable life and also variable global life. Term life insurance supplies monetary security for a restricted and specific time period, at a reduced expense than irreversible life insurance. These policies end without worth if the insured endures the stated period. Universal life insurance policy gives survivor benefit as well as income tax-deferred cost savings to assist you satisfy your economic goals while you are living. It has several adaptable functions and benefits that can transform with your changing financial demands. Whole life insurance provides the protection amount to your recipient in case of your death, in addition to cash-value financial savings you could use throughout your lifetime.
Variables you need to take into consideration before purchasing Medical insurance
Prior to acquiring your medical insurance coverage, you should consider these elements:
-The integrity of the insurance company. Does it deal with individuals relatively? Does it pay cases immediately? Does it have adequate team to answer your inquiries and resolve troubles?
-Most insurance coverage require you to cover part of your health and wellness expenses on your own (your part is called the “insurance deductible”) prior to the company pays anything. Under some policies the insurance deductible is yearly, and you pay just as soon as every year if you make use of the insurance. Under others, you pay the deductible each time you have a disease or injury. In selecting insurance policy, you should believe very carefully regarding just how much you could pay for to pay out of your own pocket each time you are sick or damaged, as well as consider the insurance deductible against the premium prior to you decide.
-Usually, after you have paid the deductible, an insurance plan pays only a percent of your medical expenditures. The plan might pay just 80 percent; the staying 20 percent, for which you are responsible, is called the coinsurance or co-payment.
-Some policies state specific buck limitations on what they will certainly spend for particular solutions. Various other plans pay “typical” or “affordable” costs, which indicates that they pay exactly what is typically butted in the town. Be really mindful in reviewing plans with specific buck restrictions; for significant health problems, the limit might be far too low and you might have large clinical costs not covered by your insurance policy.
-Some insurance plan placed a time frame on health problems and also injuries. In that case, after the advantage duration for a problem has run out, you need to pay for proceeding the treatment of the disease on actual expense basis, even if you are still insured by the firm.
-Lots of insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If you get here with a condition that will require medical focus, validate the pre-existing facet of the plan that you are examining.
The success of a financial plan may rest on selecting the right life insurance policy. The best-laid plans can be shattered by the unexpected. If a spouse passes away, or both parents perish, the financial fallout can be significant. Perhaps due to its nature, life insurance is a topic many attempt to steer clear of when creating a financial plan. Beyond that, most people are optimists experiencing difficulty imaging a life insurance policy becoming necessary. While it may be a challenging topic to approach the alternative can be unsettling.
Each day, people face life-changing circumstances. A recent story about a middle-aged family man (with two children) passing away from cancer gave me the chills. Lacking further information about the family’s financial situation, I had to wonder if there was a financial plan in place. We all want to live to old age, yet there are those facing situations like this all the time.
Chances are, this family was like many others. Planning for the future, raising their family, and working hard to make it all happen. At that age, most imagine death years away, long after retirement and growing old together. That all changed with a diagnosis. Within months, the father had become increasingly ill until passing on, leaving a wife and kids behind. Left without an income, parent, and spouse they are left to pick up the pieces.
There are several scenarios which may come to be depending on life insurance coverage. Either the husband lacked coverage, lacked sufficient coverage, or had adequate life insurance protection.
Lacking coverage. Were the husband to pass away without any life insurance coverage in place, the remaining family members may face dramatic changes. Depending on different factors the family may be forced to relocate, take extra employment, and children may be separated.
Insufficient coverage. There is the possibility the husband had life insurance, yet lacked sufficient coverage to match his family’s needs. This can often occur with employer insurance plans. The family may remain stable, yet dramatic lifestyle changes are likely to follow. Lacking enough income, debt may begin to mount.
Sufficient coverage. With sufficient life insurance coverage, life can return as close to normal as possible, following tragedy. Sufficient coverage will adequately satisfy mortgage obligations, other debts, and will enable children to achieve a college education. While the passing of a loved one is unthinkable to bear, a plan in place for continuity can alleviate at least a portion of the worry.
Comparing these three possible scenarios, it’s simple to see the best alternative. Immediate savings today may lead to long-term woes for surviving family members. The same is true for disability insurance and long-term care insurance. Families rely heavily on incomes and when those are threatened, the results can be tragic. A plan in place can help with facing the loss of a loved one. Call today for more information on life insurance and taking care of your loved ones.
For more information on life insurance policies call today. Life insurance can be utilized as a vehicle for retirement savings as well. Call for more details. Visit often for more ways to preserve wealth and plan for the future.
There is something about fall and apples. Apple cider, apple pie, and the most fun of all: apple picking. Apples are full of delicious potential, yet the old saying about ‘an apple a day’ may be truer than most realize. Reduce visits to the doctor with these three great benefits from eating more apples:
1. Apples may help with weight loss.
A medium-sized apple has somewhere around 95 fiber-rich calories (around 18% the recommended daily value). Apples are more-filling, boasting a high water content. Fruit and vegetable flavonoids have been linked to a host of health benefits. The flavonoids in apples are strongly-correlated to helping with weight loss.
2. Apples may reduce cancer risk.
Research at Cornell found several substances within apple peels which inhibit cancer growth or in some cases, eliminate cancer cells completely. The study found strong relationships between apple peels and anti-cancer activity in the liver, colon, and breast. A number of other medical studies connect apple consumption to reduced risk for cancer.
3. Apples may reduce diabetes risk.
Multiple studies indicate a connection between apple intake and a reduced risk of type-two diabetes. This may be due to high levels of antioxidants found in apples. In China 2017, a study of 500,000 people found those eating daily fruit (mostly apples) were 12% less likely to develop type-two diabetes compared with those that never or rarely consumed fruit. Apples also contain quercetin, a plant-pigment aiding the body regulating insulin and blood sugar.
Apples, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle can help improve health and energy levels. Drink plenty of water and always consult a health professional before beginning a diet or exercise regimen. Agents are available to answer any insurance questions. Check back often for more on healthy and happy living.
Parity legislations such as the Paul Wellstone and also Pete Domenici Mental Health And Wellness Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008 need team medical insurance intends to cover mental wellness and also chemical abuse problems similarly as the strategy covers clinical problems. However it can be hard to guarantee that a patient has actually the insurance coverage needed for healing, claims Elizabeth Hill, scientific supervisor of the Blake Recuperation Center at Provider Facility, a psychological and also behavioral health and wellness treatment center in Belle Mead, New Jersey. Insurance provider frequently include fine print, which covers the therapy just if medically necessary– a condition that could be subjective, relying on the viewpoint of the healthcare carrier, she states.
Yet substance abuse among grownups age 50+ is projected to increase from the 2.8 million annual standard in 2006 to 5.7 million people in 2020. That makes insurance coverage of dependency concerns a matter of enhancing seriousness.
To make sure the very best possible insurance coverage under your existing strategy, right here are 7 necessary actions.
1. Inspect Your Plan. The concern of precisely just what is covered begins with the insurance policy itself, so be sure to obtain a hold of your plan or advantages publication and also read it meticulously, claims Dr. Fred Berger, clinical supervisor of the Scripps McDonald Facility in La Jolla, California. Policies may have in-network and also out-of-network advantages, which are covered at different degrees depending upon an insurance firm’s contracts with various centers. On top of that, some facilities might not accept insurance policy, yet need payment ahead of time, leaving the client to seek compensation from the insurer. Berger includes that Medicare protection of inpatient detoxing programs “is normally very good.”
2. Understand Therapy Alternatives. Not all treatments are just as reliable– or just as covered by insurance strategies, states Mandie Conforti, LCSW and a consultant at Towers Watson, a personnels and take the chance of monitoring working as a consultant in Chicago, Illinois. Before taken care of care came to be widespread, she says many people would certainly choose extended, completely compensated stays in treatment facilities in The golden state or Florida. Nonetheless, managed treatment firms began wondering about that method, considering that the triggers for relapse are often in the house. Because of that, she states, numerous cover outpatient therapy that overviews patients through the tests of continuing to be substance-free in their home setting. Hospital-based treatment programs could be covered differently from property therapy programs, as well, she claims. Ultimately, make certain to inquire about and follow any type of demands for authorizations, pre-certifications, or references.
3. Note Underlying Conditions. Typical underlying clinical problems, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or persistent discomfort might add expense and also risk to chemical abuse therapy, and they have to be consisted of in the treatment program, says Berger. Depending upon the scenario, those underlying concerns might require more extensive therapy than would certainly otherwise be required, he states.
4. Maintain Records. Jot down dates and information of discussions with your insurance provider prior to as well as during treatment, as well as the name and, preferably, the title and also various other determining details of any agents, says Linda Schmidtt, head of state of Physician Solutions, a medical invoicing business in Richardson, Texas. Ask the center for a made a list of listing of expected costs and ask your insurance company for a duplicate of the authorization letter. Likewise, ask your medical professional for a checklist of medical diagnosis codes for any conditions that will certainly be treated, she states. By gathering as much detail as possible, people have paperwork to counter any conflicts by the insurer.
5. Collaborate with Your Team. A person combating dependency is typically not in the most effective mindset to keep abreast of information as well as fine print, says Berger. Enlist a member of the family or friend in order to help you browse the process. On top of that, he states, collaborate with your doctor as well as the team of the therapy facility, who often have sources to validate insurance policy protection and also create the best possible treatment protocol for the protection you have.
6. Speak Up. Hillside locates that numerous patients are so excited to get far better that they under-report their signs, claiming they really feel far better compared to they actually do. When development is communicated to the insurer, the size of keep or therapy may be minimized.
“Older individuals are extra suitable to not want to be a bother, but we can only report exactly what you say. So, it’s extremely important to be as truthful as you can be regarding exactly what you’re really feeling,” she claims.
7. Know Your Rights. If your insurance claim is refuted, it’s not the end of the road, states dependency therapy veteran John Lieberman, that is currently the supervisor of operations at Visions Teen Therapy Center in Malibu, The golden state.
“If you get denied, the insurer should also tell you or send you a letter mentioning exactly what the next [step for appealing] is,” he says. “You could ask for a further review. You can have your health care physician make the telephone call to make a further request,” he states.
If such call does not yield results, Lieberman encourages consulting your state insurance policy commissioner’s office, which governs the insurance policy industry in each state. (Locate your state’s.) You can likewise call your state Attorney general’s workplace. Doing so can be an efficient means to shield your rights and also insurance coverage, he states.
Parents want the best for their children. Creating a future for kids takes effort and for single parents, the responsibilities increase. Should the unthinkable happen, children have needs. Life insurance plans alleviate anxiety for the future but single parents have more to think about when shopping insurance policies. Coverage, pricing, and more all change for single parents. Eliminate uncertainty. Gathering the right answers beforehand helps determine the right life insurance policy. For single parents making the decision about life insurance these pieces of information help determine the coverage amounts and the right policy choice:
1. Speak to Caregivers
The first thing is determining caregiver options for children. Selecting a legal guardian creates a definitive plan for the care of children. Capabilities, assets, and opportunities vary per caregiver situation. Caregivers may be peers to parents and anyone in-between. The right policy covers expenses realistic to each case. Speak to caregivers early and learn to plan for later.
2. Think about the Children
The right policy includes planning for child age and personal needs. Parents of younger children may wish for more coverage to cover longer lengths of time. Parents of older children may have school or college expenses to plan for. Many policies may be amended, adding coverage later on.
3. Understand the Finances
The right policy extends coverage beyond immediate costs, closing out personal debts as well. Things will already be difficult for the children, adding debt and expenses only serve to complicate things. Organizing personal debts beforehand and finding sufficient coverage helps children cope with their immediate situation, and the future moving forward.
4. Add Everything Together
Experts recommend multiplying annual salary by 7 to create base coverage amounts. This means life insurance policy coverage for a single parent with an income of $40,000 begins at $280,000 and grows from there. Caregiver options, future plans, and personal debts additionally factor in determining the right amount of life insurance coverage. This may sound like a large number, but life insurance policies are affordable through the right insurance carrier.
5. Shopping for Life Insurance
It is easy to overestimate the cost of life insurance. Policy amounts sound large yet policies are often much more affordable than first suspected. Planning a life insurance policy around children means choosing policies for the right amount of time. For parents of children leaving the home in several years, long policies may be unnecessary. Coverage for the proper amount of time helps limit overall cost. With the right planning and forethought, life insurance policies can cost as low as $50/month. Speak to an agent today about finding the right life insurance coverage. Having a plan for the future helps keep the focus on today.
Insurance topics have bearing on finances, decisions, and healthy living just to name a few. Have any topics to suggest? Send any topic suggestions or insurance-related questions on over!
Women have more to think about planning for retirement. On average women live longer lifespans than men. Men reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of around 84.3 years. Women reaching the same age can expect over two extra years, reaching average lifespans of 86.6 years.
As a woman there will likely be living expenses well over age 80 and beyond. Women planning for retirement must prepare for 20-30 of living expenses or more. The following steps add value to any retirement savings plan.
Know all the basic living expenses. Preparing a budget means knowing annual expenses. This helps determine the amount of income necessary for each year of retirement. With the basic expenses covered there is more time to experience the joys of retirement.
Use pensions. Women with pension plans may have advantages over men. A consultant with Macro Consulting Group says women may actually receive larger lump-sum payments than men. This is because many plan payout calculations favor women. Lump-sum payouts can be reinvested in more profitable markets.
Seek alternative income sources. Untouched savings accounts generate money for later expenses, or for leaving an inheritance. Pensions, social security, and other sources create a mix of income allowing savings to grow.
Check legal paperwork. Married women listed as primary recipients of a spouse or partner’s pension want to make sure all legal and insurance paperwork is in order. Traditional plans cover basic survivor payouts, reducing the spouse or partner’s payout during their lifetime. Couples may fare better agreeing to a lump sum payout and reinvesting in life insurance.
Put the brakes on Social Security. Retirees thinking of living off Social Security benefits may want to consider waiting. Social Security benefits left alone until age 70 pay higher monthly amounts. Retirees waiting until age 70 qualify for delayed-retirement credits, increasing monthly Social Security payments.
Watch for lump sum Social Security payouts. A payout for uncollected benefits may cost delayed-retirement credits. Social Security may offer attractive lump amounts for uncollected payments beyond age 65. Read the fine print. According to a partner at Plaza Advisory Group in St. Louis, Social Security lump payments have a price. Delayed retirement credits are exchanged for lump sums, meaning lower monthly payouts.
We are always on the lookout for insurance topics and information impacting health, wellness, and pocketbook. Have any insurance related questions? Be sure to reach out for answers.
