Death is uncomfortable to think about. Most of us prefer not to contemplate what will happen when we die, let alone how our loved ones will respond. It often takes a disaster or tragedy that’s impossible to ignore, such as a serious health scare, to finally make us take the subject seriously. But a reluctance … Read more
People buy life insurance policies for a slew of reasons. But policyholders generally have the same broad goal in mind: ensuring their death doesn’t create an undue burden for those left behind. That burden can take many different forms. And, of course, one individual’s death can create multiple types of burdens, from the loss of … Read more
You’ve heard the expression, “Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.” Whatever your feelings are about the phrase itself, you’re probably willing to acknowledge that hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is sound practice. All that’s required to upend the most meticulously laid plan is one unexpected occurrence beyond your control. … Read more
Whether it’s auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, or life insurance, chances are good you have at least one personal insurance policy to your name. It’s a little easier to sleep at night knowing you and your loved ones have some measure of financial protection should your luck turn. Can you say the same for … Read more
Your medical provider usually files health insurance claims on your behalf. You don’t have to deal with the potentially frustrating process of completing and filing your claim — not to mention awaiting approval from your insurer. But you may encounter situations when you must file your own health insurance claim. In an emergency, you might … Read more
There are many reasons people buy life insurance, but there’s one thing just about every policyholder has in common. Should they die while the policy is in effect, they want to provide financial protection for their loved ones. If you’re a life insurance beneficiary, you share in this promise of financial protection. But it’s not … Read more
Nothing says “rude awakening” like trudging out to your car in the morning to find the passenger window smashed and the interior ransacked. You don’t keep anything valuable in your vehicle, but the damage to your window is real. And the burglar put some serious dents in the door. You’re easily looking at a $1,000 … Read more
Give me some money, preferably in a lump sum. I promise to pay it back — with interest — when you’re older. Those payments could continue for the rest of your life. Sound too good to be true? Think again. This is the basic principle of a fixed annuity, a type of insurance product that … Read more
If you have a 401(k) and a Roth IRA, you might feel like you’re on the right track for retirement. You’re not wrong. But you might not be doing everything you can to set yourself up for a long, comfortable life after work. If you live significantly longer than you expect or incur unexpected expenses … Read more
You’re minding your own business in your car at a red light on your way to work. The light turns green, and you slowly accelerate into the intersection. Bam! A pickup truck barrels into your passenger door. Your car ends up in the ditch on the side of the road — seriously damaged, maybe totaled. … Read more
