Although both life insurance and annuities may be appropriate components of your short- and long-term financial strategy, they serve different purposes. Life insurance is designed to help provide financial protection for your beneficiaries, while annuities help provide a hedge against outliving your retirement savings.
Plan and purpose
The main purpose of life insurance is to help your family meet ongoing financial needs previously met by your income. Life insurance can help fill the financial gap left in the event you are no longer there. Common types of life insurance include whole life, term life and universal life. There are many different options and riders with each type.
Annuities are designed to help individuals convert assets into an income stream. In exchange for a purchase payment, or series of payments, the insurance company guarantees to pay a stream of income in the future. Although all guarantees are based upon the claims-paying ability of the issuing company, annuities are designed to help provide income that can last as long as you do.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Do u txt & drv?
In today's 24/7/365 world, staying connected is what it's all about. And text messaging, according to the CTIA, the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, is increasingly how many people prefer to communicate today.* Maybe it's the allure of the rapid read and respond capability — even from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
The wheel in one hand, the phone in the other
In January 2010, the National Safety Council (NSC) released a report that estimates that at least 1.6 million crashes (28 percent of all crashes) are caused each year by drivers talking on cell phones and texting. If you're using your handheld device while driving, try these tips to break your habit:
Turn off the ringer so you won't be tempted to answer while driving. Let your voicemail pick up messages.
Place your handheld device out of reach so you can't use it to talk or text.
For more tips, go to the Department of Transportation's new Web site that aims to reduce distracted driving: http://www.distraction.gov.
Then go to http://txtresponsibly.org/oath/ and take the oath. It may save a life, even your own.
State laws vary
Cell phone use and text messaging laws vary state-by-state as more and more states and municipalities are banning specific distractions. So before you head out on vacation, visit http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html for current information on cell phone usage. And let's check your auto coverage soon to see if you're prepared for all those distracted drivers on our roads.
*http://ctia.org/advocacy/research/index.cfm/AID/10323
The wheel in one hand, the phone in the other
In January 2010, the National Safety Council (NSC) released a report that estimates that at least 1.6 million crashes (28 percent of all crashes) are caused each year by drivers talking on cell phones and texting. If you're using your handheld device while driving, try these tips to break your habit:
Turn off the ringer so you won't be tempted to answer while driving. Let your voicemail pick up messages.
Place your handheld device out of reach so you can't use it to talk or text.
For more tips, go to the Department of Transportation's new Web site that aims to reduce distracted driving: http://www.distraction.gov.
Then go to http://txtresponsibly.org/oath/ and take the oath. It may save a life, even your own.
State laws vary
Cell phone use and text messaging laws vary state-by-state as more and more states and municipalities are banning specific distractions. So before you head out on vacation, visit http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html for current information on cell phone usage. And let's check your auto coverage soon to see if you're prepared for all those distracted drivers on our roads.
*http://ctia.org/advocacy/research/index.cfm/AID/10323
How secure is your home?
Question: If you locked yourself out of your house, could you easily find a way in? If you answered yes, then a burglar could also answer yes. Many burglaries occur in the summer when people are away on vacation. Read on for a few tips that may help secure your home when you're not there. And you might want to print out the list of additional General Security Tips and keep it for future reference.
Take a security survey. Many local law enforcement agencies will provide a free survey of your property to help identify potential trouble spots. Another strategy is to put yourself into the mindset of a burglar. Walk through and around your home and keep asking yourself this question: If I were going to break in, how would I do it?
Get a dog. Dogs are great companions and even small dogs may make enough noise to help deter burglars.
Burglar alarms. A security alarm system can help keep your home safe from burglars — if you remember to turn it on.
Secure windows and doors. Easily visible locks on windows and doors may deter thieves. Make sure doors, windows and all frames are strong and in good condition.
Outside lighting. Good outdoor lighting is a crucial aspect of your home's security. Lighting can help to deter burglars and eliminate potential hiding spots.
Gardens, gates and fences. Check for weak spots in gates and fences and potential hiding spots provided by shrubs.
Keys. Don't leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot — thieves often look there first.
No matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar has targeted your home and is determined to break in, the unthinkable may still happen. Be prepared: Create and maintain a detailed household inventory. And call me: I can give you information that may help you determine if you have adequate insurance coverage on your home and belongings.
General Security Tips1
1.Arrange to have a member of a law enforcement agency do a professional survey.
2.Keep all trees and shrubs pruned and well maintained to prevent anyone from hiding unseen.
3.Make sure that no trees, downpipes or latticework provide easy access to upper floors.
4.If you have skylights, make sure they can't be removed from the outside or easily broken.
5.Don't leave ladders or tools outside; they may assist a potential intruder.
6.Don't hide house keys outside where they're likely to be found.
7.Keep your home well lighted with particular attention to exterior doors.
8.Exterior doors should be at least 1¾ inches thick, made from solid wood or reinforced with metal.
9.All exterior doors should have heavy duty dead bolts and reinforced door jams.
10.Make sure no one can gain easy access through a mail slot, dryer vent or pet entrance.
11.If doors have glass panels, make sure no one can break through and defeat the locking mechanism.
12.Protect all sliding glass doors so they can't be easily lifted out of their frames.
13.Check that all exterior lights and security devices are in good working order.
14.If you have an attached garage, make sure the door leading to the house has a dead bolt.
15.Make sure your overhead door has a working electronic door opener.
16.Make sure your overhead door doesn't have any loose, broken or missing door panels or hardware.
17.Keep the overhead doors closed, and your car locked inside the garage.
18.Make sure all windows have reinforced locking devices that can be secured in the open position.
19.Install reinforced locks on all screens and storm windows.
20.Install guards or grates on all ground level windows.
21.Make sure that basement windows are glass block or protected by grates or security devices.
Take a security survey. Many local law enforcement agencies will provide a free survey of your property to help identify potential trouble spots. Another strategy is to put yourself into the mindset of a burglar. Walk through and around your home and keep asking yourself this question: If I were going to break in, how would I do it?
Get a dog. Dogs are great companions and even small dogs may make enough noise to help deter burglars.
Burglar alarms. A security alarm system can help keep your home safe from burglars — if you remember to turn it on.
Secure windows and doors. Easily visible locks on windows and doors may deter thieves. Make sure doors, windows and all frames are strong and in good condition.
Outside lighting. Good outdoor lighting is a crucial aspect of your home's security. Lighting can help to deter burglars and eliminate potential hiding spots.
Gardens, gates and fences. Check for weak spots in gates and fences and potential hiding spots provided by shrubs.
Keys. Don't leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot — thieves often look there first.
No matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar has targeted your home and is determined to break in, the unthinkable may still happen. Be prepared: Create and maintain a detailed household inventory. And call me: I can give you information that may help you determine if you have adequate insurance coverage on your home and belongings.
General Security Tips1
1.Arrange to have a member of a law enforcement agency do a professional survey.
2.Keep all trees and shrubs pruned and well maintained to prevent anyone from hiding unseen.
3.Make sure that no trees, downpipes or latticework provide easy access to upper floors.
4.If you have skylights, make sure they can't be removed from the outside or easily broken.
5.Don't leave ladders or tools outside; they may assist a potential intruder.
6.Don't hide house keys outside where they're likely to be found.
7.Keep your home well lighted with particular attention to exterior doors.
8.Exterior doors should be at least 1¾ inches thick, made from solid wood or reinforced with metal.
9.All exterior doors should have heavy duty dead bolts and reinforced door jams.
10.Make sure no one can gain easy access through a mail slot, dryer vent or pet entrance.
11.If doors have glass panels, make sure no one can break through and defeat the locking mechanism.
12.Protect all sliding glass doors so they can't be easily lifted out of their frames.
13.Check that all exterior lights and security devices are in good working order.
14.If you have an attached garage, make sure the door leading to the house has a dead bolt.
15.Make sure your overhead door has a working electronic door opener.
16.Make sure your overhead door doesn't have any loose, broken or missing door panels or hardware.
17.Keep the overhead doors closed, and your car locked inside the garage.
18.Make sure all windows have reinforced locking devices that can be secured in the open position.
19.Install reinforced locks on all screens and storm windows.
20.Install guards or grates on all ground level windows.
21.Make sure that basement windows are glass block or protected by grates or security devices.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Top 10 Webistes for "Insurance Jobs"
Are You Finding "Insurance Jobs"?
The following is just the recommended ten websites for review about Insurance Jobs that may help you to find the Insurance Jobs...
1.INSURANCE JOBS .com - claims adjusters sales underwriting ...
Insurance Jobs by Top Insurance Companies and Recruiters! Search Insurance Careers Submit Resume. Claims Jobs and Adjuster Jobs, actuarial, insurance sales, ...
2.GREAT Insurance Jobs! Thousands of high-quality insurance jobs.
Insurance Jobs. Further your insurance career -- Search thousands of high-quality insurance jobs from top insurance companies in the United States and ...
3.Insurance Jobs | Broking & claims jobs | Choose from 923 live ...
Search for your next job from 923 live vacancies, or upload your CV now and let employers find you.
4.Insurance Jobs - Financial Services Jobs - Insurance Recruitment ...
Insurance Jobs, Insurance Recruitment and Financial Services Jobs Portal for the UK. 1000's of insurance jobs / financial jobs from insurance recruitment ...
5.Insurance Jobs | Insurance Job, Insurance Employment, Insurance ...
Ultimate Insurance Jobs specializes in insurance jobs, insurance employment, insurance positions, insurance careers and insurance opportunities.
6.General Insurance jobs, General Insurance careers & Recruitment at ...
Insurance jobs and careers at reed.co.uk. Find vacancies for actuaries, brokers, claims, underwriters, personal lines and other General Insurance roles. ...
7.The Premier Insurance Job Search website - Insurance Workforce
Insurance Workforce. Simply the best insurance job site since 2001, new jobs daily. Insurance Workforce lists 1000s of insurance jobs with free resume ...
8.Insurance Jobs | Indeed.com
Job search for 592543 Insurance Jobs at indeed.com. one search. all jobs.
9.Allstate Careers - Join the Allstate Community - Search Jobs or ...
Search Jobs and Apply - Your Future Awaits You! ... No insurance background or franchise fees required! women with calculator ...
10.Insurance Jobs, Insurance Careers, Insurance Employment and ...
Insurance Jobs and Insurance Careers. Looking for a job in the insurance field, then InsuranceWorks.ca is your source for insurance careers and insurance ...
The following is just the recommended ten websites for review about Insurance Jobs that may help you to find the Insurance Jobs...
1.INSURANCE JOBS .com - claims adjusters sales underwriting ...
Insurance Jobs by Top Insurance Companies and Recruiters! Search Insurance Careers Submit Resume. Claims Jobs and Adjuster Jobs, actuarial, insurance sales, ...
2.GREAT Insurance Jobs! Thousands of high-quality insurance jobs.
Insurance Jobs. Further your insurance career -- Search thousands of high-quality insurance jobs from top insurance companies in the United States and ...
3.Insurance Jobs | Broking & claims jobs | Choose from 923 live ...
Search for your next job from 923 live vacancies, or upload your CV now and let employers find you.
4.Insurance Jobs - Financial Services Jobs - Insurance Recruitment ...
Insurance Jobs, Insurance Recruitment and Financial Services Jobs Portal for the UK. 1000's of insurance jobs / financial jobs from insurance recruitment ...
5.Insurance Jobs | Insurance Job, Insurance Employment, Insurance ...
Ultimate Insurance Jobs specializes in insurance jobs, insurance employment, insurance positions, insurance careers and insurance opportunities.
6.General Insurance jobs, General Insurance careers & Recruitment at ...
Insurance jobs and careers at reed.co.uk. Find vacancies for actuaries, brokers, claims, underwriters, personal lines and other General Insurance roles. ...
7.The Premier Insurance Job Search website - Insurance Workforce
Insurance Workforce. Simply the best insurance job site since 2001, new jobs daily. Insurance Workforce lists 1000s of insurance jobs with free resume ...
8.Insurance Jobs | Indeed.com
Job search for 592543 Insurance Jobs at indeed.com. one search. all jobs.
9.Allstate Careers - Join the Allstate Community - Search Jobs or ...
Search Jobs and Apply - Your Future Awaits You! ... No insurance background or franchise fees required! women with calculator ...
10.Insurance Jobs, Insurance Careers, Insurance Employment and ...
Insurance Jobs and Insurance Careers. Looking for a job in the insurance field, then InsuranceWorks.ca is your source for insurance careers and insurance ...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Do it yourself Retirement Planning?
Planning a vacation, decorating your house, refinishing an old piece of furniture…
sometimes it’s fun to do it yourself. But when it comes to your retirement, it pays to talk to a
professional.
As a Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent, I can give you – in everyday language –
the professional perspective you need to help you build a solid retirement plan. You’ll get help
with important investment decisions, learn about tax-advantaged strategies, and learn about the
advantages of consolidating your various financial accounts, so you’re in better control of your
retirement.
Farmers Financial Solutions has relationships with some of the most respected investment
companies in the country. But it’s the professional service your agent provides that sets us
apart from other companies.
Don’t go it alone. Americans are living longer and spending more years in retirement than ever –
so your savings and investments will need to last. Call me today at (888) 995-9098 EXT 7
P.S. Even if you already have a financial advisor, it pays to have a second opinion. There’s no obligation whatsoever.
Securities offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC,
30801 Agoura Rd. Bldg. 1 Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Member FINRA & SIPC
This listing is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or an offer to buy any product. This site is published in the United States for U.S. residents only.
This information and the products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in a state where the agent is properly licensed
sometimes it’s fun to do it yourself. But when it comes to your retirement, it pays to talk to a
professional.
As a Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent, I can give you – in everyday language –
the professional perspective you need to help you build a solid retirement plan. You’ll get help
with important investment decisions, learn about tax-advantaged strategies, and learn about the
advantages of consolidating your various financial accounts, so you’re in better control of your
retirement.
Farmers Financial Solutions has relationships with some of the most respected investment
companies in the country. But it’s the professional service your agent provides that sets us
apart from other companies.
Don’t go it alone. Americans are living longer and spending more years in retirement than ever –
so your savings and investments will need to last. Call me today at (888) 995-9098 EXT 7
P.S. Even if you already have a financial advisor, it pays to have a second opinion. There’s no obligation whatsoever.
Securities offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC,
30801 Agoura Rd. Bldg. 1 Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Member FINRA & SIPC
This listing is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or an offer to buy any product. This site is published in the United States for U.S. residents only.
This information and the products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in a state where the agent is properly licensed
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Why is an Annual Insurance Review Important?
Just ask professional wrestler Hulk Hogan......
Published: April 22, 2010
Updated: 04/22/2010 01:07 pm
CLEARWATER - Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan claimed in a lawsuit filed today that his insurance company failed to upgrade his coverage when his exposure to risk grew, leaving him inadequately insured when his teenage son Nick Bollea got into a wreck that left a passenger grievously injured.
As a result, Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, had to use some of his own money to settle out-of-court a lawsuit filed by the estate of the passenger, John Graziano, because Hogan's insurance was inadequate, the seven-page lawsuit says.
The suit was filed against Wells Fargo Southeast, which has been subsumed by Wells Fargo USA. The company has provided Hogan insurance for nearly 10 years, with coverage for his homes, boats, watercraft and motor vehicles.
The company has collected tens of thousands of dollars in premiums from Hogan and routinely promised to minimize the celebrity's risk, the lawsuit says. Despite Hogan's substantial wealth, however, the company never advised him to increase his insurance or buy an umbrella policy, two avenues the company could have pursued.
One reason to increase Hogan's insurance, Hogan claims, is that his risk grew considerably when his children became teenagers and were able to drive his various cars, the lawsuit says.
"Wells Fargo Southeast had a duty to perform an ongoing insurance evaluation and, at the very least, a yearly or biannual insurance review with Hogan, complete with professional advice and coverage recommendations," the lawsuit says.
"Such a review would have demonstrated that Hogan required an excess/umbrella policy in an amount that appropriately corresponded to his substantial assets and the risk to which they were exposed," the lawsuit says.
"Each time a teenage driver, a vehicle, a watercraft or a piece of real estate was added to Hogan's insurance policies, Hogan's risk increased; however, his insurance coverage remained woefully inadequate, and Wells Fargo Southeast still failed to consult Hogan regarding the advisability of increased coverage and an excess/umbrella policy," the lawsuit says.
Graziano suffered a severe brain injury Aug. 26, 2007, when a car driven by Nick Bollea crashed into a palm tree in Clearwater while Bollea was racing with a friend, authorities have said. Bollea served 166 days in jail after he pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge.
Graziano's medical bills and continuing care far exceeded the policy limits of $250,000 per person, Hogan's lawsuit says. With no additional insurance, Hogan's fortune then of roughly $30 million was exposed and unprotected, the lawsuit says.
In addition, Hogan had signed for his son's driver's license, which exposed him as an individual to liability, the lawsuit says. Wells Fargo Southeast should have known this, the lawsuit says.
Had Wells Fargo Southeast adequately insured him, Hogan says he would not have had to dip into his personal fortune to settle the lawsuit filed by Graziano's guardian, Hogan's lawsuit says. The amount of that settlement has never been disclosed.
The lawsuit filed today represents at least the second one Hogan has filed in connection with the wreck. In September, he filed a lawsuit against two of his attorneys, claiming they wrongly charged him more than $1 million in legal fees after agreeing to defend him against the suit filed by Graziano's guardian.
That lawsuit has been settled out of court.
Published: April 22, 2010
Updated: 04/22/2010 01:07 pm
CLEARWATER - Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan claimed in a lawsuit filed today that his insurance company failed to upgrade his coverage when his exposure to risk grew, leaving him inadequately insured when his teenage son Nick Bollea got into a wreck that left a passenger grievously injured.
As a result, Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, had to use some of his own money to settle out-of-court a lawsuit filed by the estate of the passenger, John Graziano, because Hogan's insurance was inadequate, the seven-page lawsuit says.
The suit was filed against Wells Fargo Southeast, which has been subsumed by Wells Fargo USA. The company has provided Hogan insurance for nearly 10 years, with coverage for his homes, boats, watercraft and motor vehicles.
The company has collected tens of thousands of dollars in premiums from Hogan and routinely promised to minimize the celebrity's risk, the lawsuit says. Despite Hogan's substantial wealth, however, the company never advised him to increase his insurance or buy an umbrella policy, two avenues the company could have pursued.
One reason to increase Hogan's insurance, Hogan claims, is that his risk grew considerably when his children became teenagers and were able to drive his various cars, the lawsuit says.
"Wells Fargo Southeast had a duty to perform an ongoing insurance evaluation and, at the very least, a yearly or biannual insurance review with Hogan, complete with professional advice and coverage recommendations," the lawsuit says.
"Such a review would have demonstrated that Hogan required an excess/umbrella policy in an amount that appropriately corresponded to his substantial assets and the risk to which they were exposed," the lawsuit says.
"Each time a teenage driver, a vehicle, a watercraft or a piece of real estate was added to Hogan's insurance policies, Hogan's risk increased; however, his insurance coverage remained woefully inadequate, and Wells Fargo Southeast still failed to consult Hogan regarding the advisability of increased coverage and an excess/umbrella policy," the lawsuit says.
Graziano suffered a severe brain injury Aug. 26, 2007, when a car driven by Nick Bollea crashed into a palm tree in Clearwater while Bollea was racing with a friend, authorities have said. Bollea served 166 days in jail after he pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge.
Graziano's medical bills and continuing care far exceeded the policy limits of $250,000 per person, Hogan's lawsuit says. With no additional insurance, Hogan's fortune then of roughly $30 million was exposed and unprotected, the lawsuit says.
In addition, Hogan had signed for his son's driver's license, which exposed him as an individual to liability, the lawsuit says. Wells Fargo Southeast should have known this, the lawsuit says.
Had Wells Fargo Southeast adequately insured him, Hogan says he would not have had to dip into his personal fortune to settle the lawsuit filed by Graziano's guardian, Hogan's lawsuit says. The amount of that settlement has never been disclosed.
The lawsuit filed today represents at least the second one Hogan has filed in connection with the wreck. In September, he filed a lawsuit against two of his attorneys, claiming they wrongly charged him more than $1 million in legal fees after agreeing to defend him against the suit filed by Graziano's guardian.
That lawsuit has been settled out of court.