How to Find the Right Medicare Plan for You

Choosing a Medicare plan can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to understand what Medicare does and doesn't cover, you have to understand how it pays for services, when it pays services, and how you can supplement it to ensure all of your medical costs are covered. Your job, when selecting a Medicare plan, is to fit the pieces together to form a coherent, comprehensive plan that you can afford. This guide will help you do just that.

Understanding Medicare

The first step to choosing a Medicare plan is to understand what Medicare is and how it works. Medicare is often touted as the affordable health care plan, but there is actually no limit to the out-of-pocket expenses you could be responsible for under Medicare. For instance, consider that the Part A deductible is not an annual deductible, which means that you may have to pay the same $1,184 deductible multiple times in a year. Paying it once is bad enough, but bills can really pile up if you have to pay it over and over again.

The best way to understand Medicare is to realize that the basic plan is not enough. You need coverage that will ensure that you aren't on the hook for thousands of dollars if your happen to fall into the categories that have you paying deductibles more than once or covering expenses over and above what Medicare will cover. Choosing Medicare coverage should always include choosing a Medigap plan, such as the plans offered by MediGapAdvisors.com. Here is a brief overview of Medigap coverage.

Medigap: Extending Medicare Protection

The best way to understand what costs Medicare doesn't cover is to look at plans that are designed specifically to fill in those gaps. These plans, referred to as Medigap Plans, can vary some from state to state, but the general idea is to cover shortfalls in Medicare. There are ten different Medigap plans labeled A - G and then K - N. Each plan offers different levels of coverage for the following Medicare gaps.

• Coverage for hospital costs for an additional year after Medicare Part A benefits are used up.
• Coverage for deductibles associated with Medicare Part A. 
• Coverage for deductibles and other expenses (called "excess expenses") associated with gaps in Medicare Part B.
• Coverage of blood transfusions. 
• Payment for hospice care. 
• Payment for skilled nursing care. 
• Coverage for medical care during foreign travel.

The list does go on, but the point is clear. There are a lot of gaps in Medicare coverage and you have to decide how best to fill them. Each of the ten plans covers these gaps in different ways for different costs. Plan F, for instance, covers 100% of the costs that Medicare doesn't. Of course, it is a more expensive plan than say Plan K, which covers most things to 50% of their total cost and does not cover certain gaps at all.

Making Sense of It

Making sense of Medicare takes time and effort. There are advisors available to help you, but a great deal of information is available online. You will need to know what types of coverage you expect to use (you may not need foreign travel coverage, but blood transfusion coverage may be critical) and how much you can afford to pay. Let those two factors be your guides, but remember that there are advisors who know the system well and can help you get more coverage even if you think you can't afford it. The worse thing you can do is go without coverage that you think you need, so be diligent and ask for help. There is almost always a solution.

Billy Henderson has many years of experience in the healthcare industry. He enjoys explaining the ins and outs of the system to help the everyday person understand the options.

The 4 Ways Health Care Has Changed For Your Retirement Fund

Most retirees depend upon Medicare for health care. The Affordable Care Act made changes that continue to go into effect throughout the rest of the first quarter of the century. Your retirment fund should be on the forefront of your mind and every aspect should be accounted for. For many senior citizens the changes affect how much of their retirement fund is allocated for medical care. Although there are many changes, four stand out in particular.

Preventative Services

Medicare insurance companies have to provide some preventative checkup services for free that required a co-pay in the past. Mammograms and colonoscopies are two of the screenings now completely covered. A yearly check-up is now also included as part of the free service. However, to pay for the new services many insurance companies are cutting other services that they were not required to pay for but covered as part of their marketing. For example, many Medicare enrollees no longer have free access to health clubs through their policy. The key here is to remember that changes have been made and to fully research what you are covered for exactly. 

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Greater access to pharmaceutical drugs at a discounted price is part of the ACA. The “doughnut hole” is being discarded, which can save many seniors several thousand dollars a year. Seniors can continue to use an ongoing drug treatment program without fear of running out of money halfway through. A greater percentage of coverage has gone into effect for both brand name and generic drugs. 

Medicare Advantage

Those who are on Medicare Advantage may feel that they have lost the advantage the program provided. Known for its low cost care, the program is suffering under the ACA. Many insurance companies are raising the cost for the program, and the services it provides. It has become much more competitive with the standard Medicare Part B supplement program. Many seniors are finding it financially wise to meet with a Medicare insurance agent to compare plans and finding the best option for them. 

Dental Care

The greatest change is one that did not happen in spite of the desires of many seniors. The ACA did not provide any additional coverage for dental care. Medicare does not cover any treatment for the general health of the teeth, leaving seniors to handle expensive bills on their own. Fortunately for them places such as Ivory Dental Centre exist to provide excellent care for reasonable fees. Many dental practices also extend credit to help patients with extensive bills.



Managing retirement and health care remains a juggling act. The changes to Medicare make part of the task easier, but care is needed to understand all the options. Make sure you contact your insurance representative and ask if the changes made will affect you and make sure you fully understand everything that is going on with your funds. Preparation is going to be needed as you enter retirement, make sure nothing goes unnoticed.

Why Accident Insurance Is Necesary To Car Drivers?

• Almost all countries across the globe consider car insurance as a mandatory requirement. This means that a car must have a valid insurance cover for it to operate on public roads.

• However, people tend not to know the importance of having a personal accident insurance cover. In fact, some only buy insurance for the sake of abiding to the laid traffic and insurance laws.

• Accident insurance is of great importance more than people take it. A great number of people who have been involved in a road accident before can attest to the fact that the accident insurance cover was of great importance.

• You must therefore ensure you have a personal accident insurance to avoid any inconveniences should an accident occur

• Note that a car accident comes forth with a lot of complicated issues. Once a driver is involved in a car accident, a lot of troubles are bound to follow. In this regard, accident insurance is important to help victims go through such troubles.

• Once involved in a car accident, you insurer will require your car registration details. This will help them ascertain that indeed your car was involved in an accident.

• The insurance is then processed and compensation granted to the victim once confirmed. The following are benefits of having an accident insurance:

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• Sometimes the accident might be intense to the extent of confining victims into disability.

• Also, an accident can be serious to an extent of making you not to work for a long time. In such cases, it might prove daunting to cater for your personal and family matters.

• However, if you are covered for motor accidents, your insurer will be there to provide you with financial support especially in times when catering for your living proves hard.

• In the same vein, death can result from an accident. In such cases, accident insurance will be important since it will help in catering for the family of the deceased.

MEDICAL CARE

• Injuries that occur as a result of accidents can be serious. In such cases, you will require medical attention which again might be expensive to pay for.

• In relation to this, the injured party will have no worries of settling medical bills. This means that you will undergo the recommended treatment without any kind of financial strains.

OTHER EXPENSES

• The good thing about accident insurance is that the victim will have any other expense resulting from the accident catered for.

• You will only require proving that the expense came as a result of the accident. Once confirmed, the insurer will step in to pay for such expenses.

• To pay for different expenses that occur during the accident can be super costly especially if left for the driver to settle personally.

• However, it is important to note that not all insurance companies offer such benefits to their clients. You must therefore take enough time to come up with an insurer with best deals and benefits.

Author Bio: Amy Lawson is a content writer. She is a professional blogger from London and have written many articles on Entertainment, Finance and Health categories. Now she is doing research on british driving licence etc.

Protecting Your Income After an Accident

Protecting your income after an accident should be one of your top priorities aside from getting better. If you were deemed at fault for the accident, you could be paying for your own injuries as well as the injuries suffered by others. If you are not at fault for the accident, you could still see your finances jeopardized due to lost wages and a settlement payment that may not arrive for months or years after the accident. 

Settle the Case as Soon as Possible

It is in your best interest to settle the case as soon as possible. While you don't want to take a deal that isn't to your benefit, you want to find a personal injury lawyer who can help you get your case settled within weeks or months.

Until your case is settled, you should talk to your creditors about alternate payment arrangements that may be available to you. It may be possible to defer or push back payments until your case has been settled. A debt settlement may also be a possibility to help you pay your bills without draining your savings account completely.

Keep in mind that if you settle your case, you can keep most or all of that money without having to pay taxes on it. Although you should consult a tax attorney or an accountant before determining how to treat any award you receive, it is good to know that you can be made whole without having to worry about the government making things even harder on you.

Make Your Insurance Company Pay Everything That it is Obligated to Pay

Your insurance company should be forced to pay everything that it is obligated to pay under your policy. However, you should be aware that your insurance company is going to take steps to pay as little as possible. The insurance company may try to claim that you were acting recklessly or in bad faith when the accident occurs.

Those who live in a state that has no fault laws, you will be going after your own insurance company for compensation whether you were at fault for the accident or not. If you were hurt at work, the insurance company representing your employer may attempt to stonewall as well. This is where workers compensation lawyers can help you get everything that you are entitled to.

Have an Asset Protection Plan Before an Accident Occurs

It is said that the best offense is a good defense. In an accident case, having an asset protection plan can overcome what even the best workers compensation lawyers or other attorneys can throw at you.

If you are at fault for an accident and don't have sufficient insurance, having your property or cash in the hands of a trust or a LLC could keep a victim from getting too much of your personal property.

However, be aware that some or all of your protected property could still be liquidated or handed over to anyone who is suing you related to injuries suffered in an accident that you caused. Your lawyer will most likely try to shield your assets in a settlement in exchange for some other form of compensation.

If you are the victim of a car crash or a slip and fall accident, you have the right to have your case heard without worrying about losing everything before the case is settled. Those who cause accidents can settle their cases in an equitable manner without having to live in poverty if they carefully plan for it. The key is to work with your personal injury lawyer and other legal counsel to determine the best course of action in your particular case. 

7 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Medical Bills

There are many unexpected expenses that that can wreak havoc on your budget. Medical bills are certainly at the top of that list. And they always seem to appear when you least likely expect them, or want them for that matter. Fortunately, not all hope is loss. There is light at the end of the financial tunnel. Here are seven ways to save money on medical bills and begin reclaiming your financial freedom!

Call The Medical Billing Company

Before you pay your bill, you should call the medical billing company listed on the bill for information. The company should be able to give you information on your bill and ways to save money on your medical bills.

Check for Errors On The Bill

A surprising amount of medical bills contain errors. In some cases, patients are billed for items that they did not use, or they are billed twice for the same item. Although it may take some time, it is wise to go over each and every bill to check for errors before paying your bill.

Make Sure That Your Insurance Was Billed

Medical billing companies send out bills around the start of each month. However, your insurance check may not have cleared before the bill was sent out. This means that the amount that you owe on the bill is inaccurate. 

Pay The Insurance Rate

One of the leading medical billing companies in Utah advises that If you don't have insurance, ask if you can pay the same amount that the medical insurance companies pay. Hospitals and other medical providers bill self-paying patients differently than they do patients with health insurance. Because of this, it is wise to ask if you might be able to pay this amount instead of the amount that you owe.

Set Up a Payment Plan With Automatic Deductions

If you owe a bit on your medical bill and cannot pay the amount, you should ask to set up a payment arrangement. In some cases, you can save money if you agree to have the fee deducted automatically from your checking account.

Ask About Any Charity Funds That Might Be Available

If you have a modest income, you may qualify for a charity fund that some medical organizations have created. If you do qualify, a portion or your entire bill may be forgiven if you do qualify. It is definitely worth checking into!

Make Sure That The Doctor or Other Health Provider Accepts Your Insurance!

Before making an appointment, make sure to double check. If you go to a doctor outside of you network, your fees may be higher or you may have to pay the entire bill out of pocket.

There is no way to avoid the inevitability of medical bills. We all have to face them at one point or another. While no one is immune to medical bills, following the advice listed above will go a long ways to minimizing medical bill expenses and putting money back in your wallet.

Features to Look out for When Choosing Insurance Software and What it Can do for your Company and Clients

The insurance industry is moving faster than ever, and in order to stay on top of your game it’s important to utilise the latest insurance technology solutions on offer. Both insurers and brokers require reliable insurance software that they can depend on and there a wide range of options out there, but what specific features should you be looking out for?

Here’s a guide to some of the best, which can provide valuable functionality to the day to day running of your insurance firm or brokerage.

Easy configuration without expert help

Some insurance software solutions are so complicated and impenetrable that they require the help of outside specialists such as SSP Worldwide, or specially trained in-house IT staff just to set them up or apply changes as needed. By finding one which is user-friendly enough to configure yourself you can save time, money and any associated headaches.

But if you do need to call in the experts then don’t be afraid to if you think that software installation is beyond your skills set. Better to be safe than sorry…

Wide range of functionality

Ideally you want one software package which can do it all. It can be expensive and unnecessarily confusing to use different pieces of software for each aspect of the insurance process, and there’s also the risk that they won’t be compatible with your operating system – or each other! So find one insurance software package that is fully featured and can tie together every aspect of your business, from underwriting and certificate issuance to claims management and billing. As well as making the process generally more neat and tidy, this will reduce the amount of time spent training new staff.

Telematics for motor insurance

Modern technology has given insurers the ability to provide motorists with personally tailored insurance based on how they drive. By picking insurance software that supports telematics you can add a new dimension to the service you provide, and reward careful drivers with cheaper policies.

Because telematic systems provide an accurate picture of how the policy holder drives, they enable a better calculation of risks to be made. Data used includes average speeds, roads used, speed of deceleration and time of driving. Some telematics solutions use a specially installed box to collect the data, while others can be utilised by downloading a smart phone app onto an existing device.

Cloud-based operation

The ‘Cloud’ is all the rage at the moment and it’s easy to see why. If you’re not familiar with the term, cloud computing refers to the act of accessing software and data on a remote computer via the internet rather than from your own hard drive.

By choosing a cloud-based insurance software solution you don’t have to worry so much about the capabilities of your own hardware, as the software will effectively be running remotely on external server. In addition to this, if a problem occurs then it will be somebody else’s responsibility to fix it. This in turn can reduce IT costs for your company and prevent costly downtime.

About the author – Paul S. Sutton is a freelance writer with a background in insurance. He regularly blogs on insurance industry issues for a variety of websites and often uses www.ssp-worldwide.com for research.

Aftermarket Insurance: The Low Down

Insurance companies, just like everybody else, are always looking to save money. Whenever we have to make repairs, we have the choice of choosing generic or aftermarket products instead of purchasing parts and spares made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). OEM parts are generally more expensive.

However, before making such a decision, which will probably be made for purely short term gains, you should check if the insurance coverage in the car’s insurance policy will change. In the event that either you or your mechanics choose to install aftermarket parts or spares, you should notify your insurer, else there is a large chance of the coverage changing on discovery of such changes. Insurance companies do not have to insure after markets or can choose not to insure them, hence they prefer it, as it means they save money.

Of course, there are plenty of very high standard aftermarket parts which can be found which are actually better parts to use in cars. In case the car is pretty old, then there is no choice but to use aftermarket parts so when purchasing used cars from car dealers in St. Louis, make sure you check the parts and see how many of them you will have to change or repair.. Tom Torbjonsen who hosts America’s Car Show says that eighty percent of auto body shops use aftermarket parts. The only problem is consistency, aftermarket parts are sometimes at par with OEM spares, sometimes better and sometimes worse but they can generally be found faster than OEM spares.

It is also correct that aftermarket parts save owners a significant amount of money. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies has said that in 2012, aftermarket parts cost 26 to 50 percent less than OEM parts. This difference saves car owners between $1.5 billion to $2.4 billion each year. 

Types of Coverage Available

Let us discuss some of the basic terms of coverage that are available to car owners. There are usually four broad categories of insurance and they are listed below:

• Bodily Injury (BI) Liability: This sort of coverage pays for medical and legal expenses and judgments going against you where there is an accident that you yourself are responsible for and there has been injury or death of another in the accident. 
• Property Damage (PD) Liability: In case your car causes damage to the property of other people, this coverage covers the damages that the vehicle causes. This is limited to only property though and such property generally means other cars or someone’s yard, fence, house, etc.. 
• Collision: This covers the damage to your vehicle from a collision regardless of the person responsible for the collision. This sort of insurance comes with an out-of-pocket deductible before coverage kicks in. 
• Comprehensive Physical Damage: In case hail, fire, brimstone, theft or vandalism leaves your car damage, then this is the insurance that appears as the night in shining armor. Deductibles also apply for this form of insurance and the insurance payout will be limited to the value of the car before the damage was sustained. 

In almost every state in the United States, licensed drivers are guided by mandate to have auto insurance and liability insurance. There are other types of optional packages such as Medical Payments Insurance that cover the medical bills of you and your fellow passengers after an accident regardless of who’s at fault.

Another of the optional packages is the coverage of aftermarket and performance part called Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) policy. Therefore, after purchasing a car from a used car dealer in St. Louis, it would be advisable to opt for this sort of insurance package. People who have comprehensive auto insurance or collision insurance are generally provided around $1000 in coverage under CPE. Aftermarket parts are defined by such packages as permanent part that improve the look and the performance of the vehicles but they aren’t installed by the manufacturer themselves.

Bio:
Nick Jones is an automotive journalist who has been writing about cars and whatever they entail for the past twenty years. Being an avid fan of the world of aftermarket upgrades himself, Nick has always been following the insurance packages that go along with aftermarket parts and also on any special offers offered by car dealers in St. Louis and around the area.

Do You Still Need Your Life Insurance Policy?

If you're like most people, then you purchased a life insurance policy either when you started a family or when you started your first major job. With life insurance, you knew that you could help your family to cover your funeral and medical expenses. You also knew that the insurance could provide income for any spouse or children you left behind.

Now, as you grow older, you may wonder whether you still need life insurance. If you've accumulated enough wealth to take care of those you'd leave behind, then you may be tempted to let your policy lapse. Alternatively, when you don't have many assets, letting your life insurance policy lapse may cause you to lose your most valuable investment. Before getting rid of your life insurance, weigh the current amount of money that you'd save on your premium versus the risk to your dependents and your estate.

How to Know Whether You Should Keep Your Life Insurance

Before you give up your life insurance policy, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does anyone depend on your continued earning capacity? If your loved ones depend on your salary and not on investment income, then they'll need the proceeds from your life insurance to sustain them after you're gone. On the other hand, if no one depends on your income and your medical and funeral expenses are covered, then you can get by without your policy.

2. How much would your beneficiaries need? Add up your employer's life insurance benefit, any pension money your beneficiaries may receive, any money that they may inherit and your Social Security survivors benefit. Then, add up your dependents' income needs and any major future costs, like college tuition. Compare the two totals and decide whether your dependents would have enough to live on without your life insurance benefit.

3. Could your dependents become self-sufficient? If you leave behind young children when you die, then your spouse may not be able to return to full-time work. Also, if you have older children who are in college or that are having difficulty finding jobs after graduation, then they may still need financial support from you. Consider keeping your life insurance policy if any of your adult dependents can't jump right into the workforce.

4. What about probate? Avoid dropping your life insurance if your family wouldn’t be able to cover their expenses while going through a lengthy probate process.

5. How much will your estate owe in terms of debt and taxes? Your family will need enough money to cover any debts and tax payments related to your estate. If you have liquid assets, like securities, certificates of deposit or cash in bank accounts, then they can easily access the money to pay those expenses. However, if they would have to sell an asset like a home or business at a loss to cover debt and tax payments, then you should keep your life insurance.

What If You Need Cash Instead of Insurance?

If you can no longer afford your life insurance premium and find yourself in need of cash after retirement, then you may want to consider a life settlement. In this transaction, you surrender your life insurance policy to a life settlement provider in exchange for payment. The provider then continues to pay your premium and receives the benefit after your death.

Start by contacting your insurance company and letting them know you're interested in a life settlement. Your insurance company will usually contact a life settlement broker, who will forward your request and medical records to a life settlement provider. Underwriters will evaluate your mortality risk so investors can weigh the premium they'll pay during your lifetime against the amount of your death benefit. With life settlement, you'll receive more money than if you allowed your policy to lapse, but you won't get the policy’s full value.

For almost everyone, life insurance is a good investment. Consult a broker to find out whether you should purchase term or whole life insurance. Also, talk to an estate lawyer about how to leave the benefit to your heirs while minimizing tax consequences to your estate.

About the Author: George Thacker writes about personal finance for both print and online publications. He recommends Pacific West Capital Group to people that want to pursue a life settlement.

Image by Stuart Miles from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to Choose an Insurance Plan for Your Vehicle Repair Business or Garage

If you are running a garage and are in charge of dozens of vehicles that need servicing, repair, or fitting every single day, then chances are high that you know how important it is to have critical insurance coverage. 

The right insurance plan coverage can spell a big difference by helping you be prepared for any scenario, unpleasant (or disastrous) as it may be. You are, after all, responsible not only for your customer’s vehicles, but for your own premises and your own staff as well. 

Insurance Plan

Even if you are simply running a repair business or garage from your own home, you would still need an effective insurance plan. But how do you choose one that suits your needs and requirements? What particular features should you be looking for?

Having a discussion with your potential insurer can enlighten you on many aspects of the best trade insurance plan. But if you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get the right answers. 

If you are self employed, do you need motor trade insurance cover?

Some self employed professionals and repairers are not quite aware that they still need proper motor trade insurance cover. Even if you are operating from your own home garage, you need cover – in fact, you are required by law to have an insurance plan, even if it’s merely a very basic third party only insurance. 



If you are self employed and you have a specific policy in place, you need to remember that when making a claim, you should be able to provide proof of your trade with the use of invoices and other business lists and records. 

What if you have no purpose-built premises where you operate your business?

This goes back to the question of whether you operate from your own home or have your own building and premises for your enterprise. 

If you have no purpose-built premises, you can purchase trade plan insurance such as a road risk cover plan, which basically covers the vehicles you drive during your normal business’ daily activities. 

If you have an existing NCB or No Claims Bonus, can you use it on your new policy?

When you take out an insurance plan, you can use your existing NCB on the policy. You can get further discounts on your insurance premium amounting to 60% to 70% depending on the insurer if you have had no claims for the last four years or so. 

If you have a good driving record with no claims, then you can certainly benefit from your NCB when you get your new cover. 

Can you protect your NCB on your new policy?

Some of us are understandably concerned about protecting our existing NCB, as we know that it amounts to a great deal of saved expense. You can opt for a protected NCB option on your policy, provided that you are willing to pay an additional fee, depending on the insurer you choose.

Running a business certainly has its share of challenges. Anything can happen, and it is always best to be prepared. Getting good trade plan insurance can give you peace of mind and will ensure that when the unthinkable happens, you are more than ready to face it head on. 

Why Go for an Online Car Insurance Cover?

Most insurance providers allow you choose car insurance online from the various quotes present. The online shopping gives consumers the freedom to choose and make a wise choice. You can get several quotes from different agencies and compare to arrive at a proper decision. Online quotes for car insurance are cheaper, and you also get more value for the policies.
 

Online Shopping Method

The conventional car insurance choice consists of approaching a broker or using a directory. With the advent of internet, the option of online search has opened up a new vista thus providing customers to have a wider and better range to choose from. Recently aggregated quotes offer a better avenue for those looking for a perfect deal.

Things You should Look for while Searching Online

When you use online method, you need to consider the following:

• The quotes can be procured faster if you use comparison websites than by manually searching for different policies and their advantages.
• Rating of the insurer is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. Make sure the insurer is properly licensed.
• Know the basics of getting car insurance before you ask for a quote. You can grasp the advantages and drawbacks better this way.

Opting for the Best Policy

There are basically three types of motor policies namely third party insurance, third party fire and theft, and the fully comprehensive insurance. Third party covers legal liability if you cause damage to property like gates, walls or vehicles while driving. The fire and theft type includes cover for damage caused by fire and theft in addition to the third party cover. The comprehensive policy offers cover for damage to your vehicle in case of an accident and also gives you cover in case you are driving someone else’s car. The fully comprehensive cover is a good choice as it has the best cover but can be expensive.

Information You Need to Furnish

You need to supply information covering the following details.

• Personal information related to gender, age, driving history, and credit status.
• Information related to vehicle like the age, model, make, safety features, mileage, and the present condition.
• If you have basic coverage for the vehicle, you need to supply relevant information and also specify if you want any additional coverage.

Precautions You should Follow in Online Shopping for Insurance

Some companies provide only an indicative quote rather than the entire policy to attract customers. Reading the complete quote with all the terms and conditions will prevent you from making the wrong choice. Comparing the additional features of your existing policy with the one you are going to buy is important. If you do not verify properly, you may end up with a reduced cover than what you earlier had. The final quote should include features like:

• Personal accident cover
• Coverage for audio equipment and personal belongings
• Breakdown recovery
• Optional excess
• Legal protection

While searching online, you need to know what to look for so that you can save time and find the right one easily. When you have decided on the policy and supplied the required information, you can get a better car insurance quote.

Author Box:
Tom Wood sheds light on many of the web resources that enlighten you about any kind of insurance or claim people avail in their lives. Of them, http://www.ppiclaimzmadesimple.co.uk is his favorite pick which covers everything if you are making a claim.

Why Do Some People End up Empty-handed After Their Retirement?

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Retirement can be considered one as big decision in life. It is something that people plan keenly. Most people would describe retirement as finally embracing the final stage of their careers where all they have to do is just look back if they were able to fulfil their dreams or if their whole employment span was a fruitful and productive one. But some people reach the end of their careers without really thinking what’s going to happen next. Some people think that since they’re done sending their kids to school, have enough money in the bank and applied for necessary insurance assure them a life after retirement. What could really be the main reasons why people end up empty-handed after retirement and don’t see anything out of their long years of hard work?

1.) Lifestyle

It is given. People tend to disregard the idea of retirement. Young professionals like those in 20’s and 30’s, the idea of ending their professional lives and relying on savings would always seem covered. Young ones are always focused more on their careers, enjoying a simple life or just living by the day. These people are active spenders. Even with other age ranges, people would simply just rely on the retirement packages since it is still far from happening.

Getting a big retirement package doesn’t really secure a promising tomorrow especially the lifestyle that they’re living and if they will be able to sustain it. It would still depend on how people would go about what they have and how they intend to grow it. Even in other aspects in life, wise decisions really matter and if you know how to run things well which same goes with retirement. Life after retirement has to be embraced well. 

2.) Retirement Planning Advice

Some people who retire consider big figures projected by retirement packages and spend it as if it will never run out. This is the major problem especially those who retire, this time, in their middle age. Sadly, some people who retire are the ones with no long-term plans after years of working. The idea of retirement should not just stop there. Some may ignore the idea but yes, there is such thing as Retirement Planning Advice. Even retirement needs a thorough planning and should be taken seriously. Since retirement is the last phase that everyone is gearing to, it would still be proper to take steps carefully and enjoy the real perks of it towards the end.

Yes, financial freedom and pre-enrolled necessary insurances are indeed important matters. That's exactly where such various retirement planning come in. It is that very same with planning your life in general where the difference is just, retirement is preparing and looking ahead for what is in store for tomorrow without being drastically empty-handed.

Mismanagement of big amounts even if it is not for retirement could be really challenging for most people. Sometimes, people tend to forget how to balance spending, saving and planning. Once that last and most coveted pay check is released, a lot of things come in to one’s mind and forget those important things that were planned ahead. People end up dropping the art of managing retirement packages. 

Managing retirement packages and even insurances are things that have to be taken into consideration seriously apportioning it to different facets of life. People do have issues on manoeuvring their financial freedom and capabilities. 

Bottom line is, spending shouldn’t be the end goal of retirement, and it should be still about building life after it. 

Ending a professional phase should be a start of something productive as well.

Author's Bio
Ian G. Elbanbuena is a blogger and infopreneur who writes on various topics mainly finance, self-improvement, business and marketing. At present he works as marketing staff at comparehero.my, Malaysia's leading comparison website. This portal helps individuals in making the best decision by comparing rates from different finance providers.

Are Annuities A Smart Investment?

In the economic bust of 2008, we learned that easy credit is no way to stretch dwindling retirement funds. Many senior employees took early retirement trusting that their Market-dependent 401(k) would produce an income stream capable of sustaining their unexpected situation. When it did not, they turned to credit hoping to make it through to better days. As a result they wound up first in bankruptcy, then homeless, and finally destitute. If they and their employers had utilized annuities instead of Market driven investments to create retirement income streams, then a lot of grief might have been avoided.

It’s worth checking how much you need to retire with the lifestyle you want.

Annuities Are Sustainable Even In a Down Market

The rate of return offered by fixed annuity plans is based on the amount of time your money is kept out of your hands by the Annuity Fund. The usual holding period is 5 years or more. This means your money is untouchable during those years. In return for this commitment you will receive a guaranteed rate of return. This rate is usually fixed at 3% to 5% depending on the type of annuity you purchase and the length of time your money is held.

Unlike stock portfolios and mutual funds, the income you receive from annuities does not fluctuate even when the Stock Market rises and falls. This is because annuity rates are anchored on highly stable investments such as US Treasury Notes and Bonds. Because the payout is spread over longer periods of time, Annuity Fund managers can react to changing economic conditions with thoughtful planning instead of panic. This enables them to give you the best annuity rate available. 

Stocks Can Produce More Income In a Shorter Time

While it is possible for an investor to grow wealthy over night in the Stock Market, every downturn produces its share of impoverished investors. It may be fun to pick the right stocks and watch your investment grow, but it is no laughing matter when the very safety net you depend upon to see you through rough times rips apart just when you need it most.

As this article explains, fixed annuity rates are not tied to Market performance. You will get your 3% return even if the Market drops to the floor. And even more important; you will get all the money back intact when the required holding period is up. You will also have made 3% interest on that money. And if, for some reason, you have to withdraw the money before the time is up, a predefined surrender fee will be imposed. But you will still get the majority of your money back. Can your Market-driven 401(k) make that claim?

Sanity and Safety

Make one bad investment in the Market and you can wipe out your retirement nest egg. Annuities offer investors few guarantees. However, most annuity plans are sane and safe. Most important: the money you put into an annuity will still be there after 5 years. Can your 401(k) portfolio make the same claim?

How The Affordable Care Act May Impact Medical Debt

There are many Americans that are struggling to pay down some of their medical bills. They may be wondering how they can find support to eliminate some of these burdens and get on with their life. The new Affordable Care Act penned in to law by President Obama is slated to go in to effect soon. Some people are wondering whether this will provide help with medical bills, which would be beneficial for many. There are several new changes that will be ushered in by this law, so it may be worthwhile to review some of the pros and cons that it will bring.

First, the new Affordable Care Act will simply make it more accessible for people to get healthcare coverage. While this won't directly affect existing medical bills, it may provide people with much needed support as they move forward. If they are continuing to receive medical treatment for an illness, this provision may just make it more affordable. This can reduce the overall burden that they have to pay out of pocket. If they can't afford to pay for a private health insurance package, some people might qualify for Medicaid. The limit for qualifying for this package has been raised to 133% of the federal poverty level.

The Affordable Care Act will also provide additional support to families that are hovering above this poverty level. If a family of four makes less than $94,000, then they will be able to qualify to receive support. Some people may be able to get tax credits, which can offset much of what they pay for their health insurance package. This could prove to be helpful, since many people currently pay high out of pocket costs. These types of benefits may seem small, but the cumulative effect may allow many people to get out of medical debt.

There are a few other benefits that may be available to different kinds of consumers out there. Some people may work with a large employer that does not currently offer health benefits. With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, these large businesses will start to receive tax credits for providing health insurance. Additionally, families can claim their kids up to age 26 on their healthcare plans. This will provide them with much more flexibility in the way that they offer coverage. If they are struggling with medical debt, they could expect to get a lot of support going forward.

Some people may want to consider a few of the cons that the program may introduce in the future. There are some sources that are predicting that some insurers will be passing on the costs of the legislation to their customers. This may cause premiums to go up over time, which will be challenging for them. There are also many people who might need to get additional testing to confirm a diagnosis. It can be important for people to consider whether they want to pay for these additional diagnostic tests. They may not be able to afford some of the extra costs that this will bring to them.

In all, a vast majority of consumers can expect to get assistance with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. They likely won't be able to get direct help with a medical bill that they already have. Some people may need to think about checking out some of the insurance deals available through the exchange system being implemented. This could prove to help people find out whether they can get a little help to get back on track. This may be enough for people to eliminate some of their more extensive medical bills.

Protecting Your Income

The reality is that, even in this modern first world life, people are still living on the brink on financial ruin. Precautions need to be taken to protect yourself and your family. If the worst should happen and you end up out of work (or worse,) you need to guarantee that your family finances are secure. 

Why it matters

There is a common misconception that the only insurance other than automotive worth having is life insurance. However, life insurance only pays out on death or permanent disability. Given modern medicine, you are a good deal more likely to become temporarily incapacitated than killed. Income protection insurance offers coverage in the event that you are unable to work for an extended period of time for health-related or other reasons. Life insurance isn’t concerned about your kids starving because an earthquake destroyed your place of work. Dying isn’t the only way that you can be prevented from taking care of yourself or your family. People are vulnerable, both physically and mentally, jobs can disappear, and you can be displaced. If you’re in Australia, you can protect your income with AAMI insurance. 

What it does

This coverage is not unemployment insurance, and it certainly doesn’t function an excuse for taking an extended vacation from work. Income protection is specifically for extended lengths of time where you are unable to work. There are specific jobs where this coverage is highly recommendable. For example, if you work in food preparation and contract a severe stomach bug, you can be forced out of work for weeks at a time. In fact, your employer is legally liable if they allow you to work while ill and preparing food. 

How it works

When are unable to work, you get a certain amount of pay in the form of disability benefits; but this usually comes at a fraction of your usual income. That is where income protection insurance comes in. The payout from income protection takes into account all of your payable benefits on top of your regular income, and will match up to three quarters of that income This is not a lifetime fix. 

Most income protection plans only cover one to two years. You can get a policy that will cover you for longer, but serious problems which mean that returning to work is implausible qualifies you as permanently disabled (which is often a part of life insurance.) Since both the benefits and the monthly fees are calculated based on your income over the twelve previous months, income protection insurance is pretty likely to fit into your budget. 

This type of coverage can fit into a wide range of budgets, which is convenient since less affluent people are more likely to lose their income, and less likely to absorb the loss of that income without catastrophic effects. You are very likely to need income insurance at some point. Most people don’t make it through life unscathed. Keeping a safety net under your feet with precautions such as income protection insurance can help tremendously in maintaining your way of life without suffering financially

What to Think About When Getting Home Insurance

Home insurance is a necessary expense when purchasing a house. A home or a house is a valuable investment, and it is important to protect it. Home insurance covers a number of different events, from natural disasters to theft. In the event a homeowner experiences any of these events, the cost of rebuilding the home or replacing the stolen items is not wholly the homeowner’s responsibility. Home insurance, in essence, provides a great deal of peace of mind to the homeowner. 

The Basic Requirements and Offerings

Anyone who has a mortgage is required to carry home insurance, so any home purchase will come with this requirement. Beyond this basic requirement, there are many different levels of protection. There is one level of protection that insures the home in the event it is burglarized or damaged in a fire. More protection is offered for additional expense and will cover problems such as those caused by ice and snow accumulation, or problems with the water heating or plumbing systems. These levels of protection can be as comprehensive as the homeowner wants, but it is important to remember that those who live in areas where floods or earthquakes are common will have to purchase separate insurance policies to guard against these disasters as standard home insurance does not cover these events.

Do Research Before Deciding

The process of choosing a home insurance policy will require the homeowner to make a list of all of the valuables in their home that they would like replaced in the event of a loss. Taking photographs of these items to document them is recommended. It is also important for the homeowners to familiarize themselves with the different policies that exist and to have a conversation with a knowledgeable insurance broker. If the homeowner finds that there is a good insurance policy available through their current auto insurance company, they can often get a discount by getting both insurances through one broker.

Questions to Ask

During this meeting with the insurance broker, the homeowner should find out as much as possible, including the process for reimbursement for those items claimed to be lost due to theft or disaster, the amount of the deductible, the rate of personal liability coverage, and the cost of adding on additional coverage. Learning about special circumstances, such as the potential for reimbursement if the homeowner needs to call Portland pest control, is also a good idea. It is also important to learn more about the customer satisfaction rates of the insurance company. Homeowners should find out about complaints filed against their insurance company through their state board.

Home insurance is a necessity, and purchasing it can be confusing. Homeowners should educate themselves about the amount of insurance they need, and find out which company can provide it at the lowest costs. It is important to be as informed as possible about what each insurance policy covers in order to avoid unpleasant surprises or unexpected expenses later on.

3 Tips to Make Filing a Home Owners Claim Easier

Filing a home owners claim can protect you against paying for damaged or stolen property out of your own pocket. As long as you have adequate coverage, you may be able to receive a pay out that covers all of your expenses while you’re putting your home back together. Whether you’re the victim of a home invasion or experience some sort of natural disaster, home insurance can be a saving grace. In order to make the process run as smoothly as possible, follow these three tips.

Understand What Your Policy Covers

Read your policy now and take some notes, so that when and if you actually need to file a claim you will have an idea about what your coverage dictates. Being educated on your policy can stop you from filing a claim that is sure to be rejected, or failing to claim damage that you would have been reimbursed for. Make a note of which property can be replaced, the financial limit of your claims, and the time frame during which your claim must be submitted after the damage occurs. Talk to an insurance agent if you have questions about your policy so you can purchase additional coverage now if you need to do so.

Report the Damage in a Timely Manner

Reporting damage right away may be within the terms of your contract, but even if it’s not required it’s still a good idea. The more time that goes by after a break in or disaster, the more difficult it will be to prove exactly when the damage occurred. Your insurance company could claim that it looks suspicious that you filed a claim so long after the damage happened, and it will be harder for you to prove how and when the events occurred as time goes on. Always report your damage within one week whenever it’s possible.

Take Photos

Having photos of the damage will help your insurance adjuster determine how much damage occurred and it will also provide proof about when the incident happened. You may be required to submit images for larger claims, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and capture pictures of the damage right away to keep for your records. Sometimes submitting a photos is easier than trying to explain to an insurance adjuster what was broken or the nature of the accident. Take more images than you think you’ll need, and save them online for safe keeping.

Filing a home insurance claim can involve a lot of paperwork and red tape, but the better prepared you are the less painful the experience will be. The most important step you can take now is to research the process for filing a claim so it won’t seem so overwhelming when the time comes. Keep a file with your policy and the instructions for claim submission. If you can file a claim online, it may expedite the process, so find out how to do that in advance and save any appropriate URLs into your browser bookmarks.

Barry Johnson is a personal finance consultant. He enjoys passing on his insights through blogging. Check out the BuyHomeInsurance.net website for more information.

Understanding Annuities: Fixed Annuities vs. Variable Annuities

With annuities, it's important to know what you're getting into. This is a huge decision that'll determine how much and how often you get paid during your retirement years. Should you go with a fixed annuity or a variable annuity? Let's take a look at some of the differences between fixed annuities and variable annuities, and you can decide which one sounds more along the lines of what you're looking to do with your money.

What Are They?

First things first, let's define them. A fixed annuity is a contract offered by an insurance company. You deposit money and the insurer agrees to pay a certain interest rate over a specified period of time. A variable annuity is an insurance contract that, at the end of the accumulation stage, the insurance company guarantees a minimum payment. The rest of the income payments can vary depending on the performance of the managed portfolio.

Essentially, variable accounts are similar to mutual funds. You can invest in one or more accounts, and those accounts can own stocks, bonds, or a combination of both. Variable annuities have more fees than mutual funds, though, which leads to them having a higher annual operating expense than mutual funds.

The Tax Differences

One important difference between fixed annuities and variable annuities is the way that they're taxed. With both fixed and variable annuities, any earnings remain untaxed as long as they within their annuity. However, if they're withdrawn, the earnings are taxed like normal income. If you draw before the age of 59, you'll pay a 10 percent penalty.

The earnings in your variable annuity are taxed at ordinary income rates instead of long-term capital gains rates. This essentially converts all long-term capital gains to ordinary income, which is a definite disadvantage for variable annuities because it boosts the share of your gains that go to the government. If you pull your money out within the first seven to 10 years, you'll have to pay an early withdrawal penalty. You may need to calculate different types of annuities to see which one works best for you.

The Safety Difference

A fixed annuity offers more security than a variable annuity, but the upside potential is very limited. With variable annuities, you accept more short-term volatility because the value of your investment will fluctuate with the value of the stock and bond markets. You're essentially looking at risk versus return.

With a variable annuity, if the market goes up, you're golden; if it goes down, you lose money. Fixed annuities are also based on the market, but they don't directly participate in it. The interest is paid out at certain intervals based on how well a specific measure of the market is performing.

Rather than just offering a guarantee, variable annuities provide the opportunity for growth. Your return will depend entirely on how well the investment you select does, and may be greater or less than that of a fixed annuity. If you die before you begin receiving annuity payments, your heirs will receive at least as much as the total of your premium payments.

The Hidden Costs

Fixed annuities don't usually have hidden fees. If they do have a fee, it'll be an annual policy fee, which could run $25 to $50 annually, which can be waived if your investment meets a minimum specified amount. Variable annuities, however, have a ton of hidden fees and charges. They have mortality and expense risk charges, administrative fees, sales and surrender charges, and charges for optional benefits and riders.

It basically comes down to risk tolerance and how much control you want over the investment decisions. Fixed annuities have very little risk, but there's no growth potential. Variable annuities provide a much greater potential for growth, but there's a huge risk involved. Your investment decisions can impact the growth of the annuity. There's a lot of management involved with a variable annuity as well.

For a steady stream of income after retirement, a fixed annuity is the way to go. With little risk and a guaranteed minimum return, you know exactly how much you're getting. Variable returns are much riskier and nothing is really guaranteed; you shouldn't rely on variable annuities as a source of income. Sure, your investment could pay off big time, but you could be left without a retirement fund. If you've got the extra money, a variable annuity might be a fun venture, but otherwise, a fixed annuity seems like a much safer option.

Have an annuity tips from first-hand experience? Leave a comment below.

Different Ways to Sell My Structured Settlement for Cash

Selling your structured settlement isn’t exactly brain surgery. Many people believe there is an exact science to it, that there is a formula that you have to follow in order for your sale to be successful. That is not true. Selling structured settlements is not a complex process nor is it something that makes you want to pull your hair out before it is even over. It is actually quite simple. It simply comes down to two things: how much do you want to sell for and how much you want left over in your savings. That is it. However, there are different ways that you can sell your structured settlement for especially for cash and in this article I will explain all the different ways you can do this in detail. 

Before you sit there and ask yourself, “How can I sell my structured settlement?” there are a couple of things that you need to do first. The very first thing you need to do is figure out exactly how much cash you need. I know that this may seem obvious, but it is nonetheless important for you to do. Sit down and ask yourself, “What do I need the money for?” Do you need money to pay off some medical bills that you recently received? Do you have some debt that you need to get rid of? If so, how much do you need? Do you feel like you want to go on a vacation? If so, figure out how much you will need in order to pay for it. This step is all about budgeting. Never take more than you actually need.

The next thing you need to do is figure out every little detail of your structured settlement. From which insurance company did you purchase your annuity from? When did you win your lawsuit? When does your first payment begin? How much is it? How much is your total settlement? Finding out these details is crucial because whether you use a private investor or company to sell your annuity, they will need to know these details before they can even start the selling process.

The last thing for you to do is to figure out your payment options. The private investor or company that you hire to help you sell your annuity will tell you what options you have available. You are usually left with only two options: cashing your annuity for one large lump sum or receiving a little bit at a time in the form of monthly payments. With whatever option you choose always choose the one you are most comfortable with and whichever one will make you happy.

The whole process of selling your structured settlements may seem like a daunting prospect. Do not let your fear control you. It is a rather simple process and usually only takes little more than a week to complete. If you follow the steps I have outlined in this article you should be able to sell your structured settlement for cash in no time at all.

Author Bio:
Mark Long has very much experience and is a leading expert in selling structured settlements payments. If you ever find yourself asking, “how long does it take to sell a structured settlement?” you can always ask Mark for some guidance which he is more than happy and willing to give.