Monday, 23 March 2009

Compare Term Life Insurance Steps to Take Before You Buy

Compare Term Life Insurance Steps to Take Before You Buy
By Elizabeth Newberry

If you have made the admirable decision to purchase a term life insurance policy, congratulations! Many people put off buying a term life insurance policy due to the nature of the purchase; it can be an unpleasant thing to think about, much less discuss, and before they know it, time has run out.

So, you have made the first step. But before you move to what you think is the second step, wait. Actually buying the term life insurance policy comes later. First you must compare the term life insurance policies and rates of different term life insurance companies. After all, if you are making such an important purchase, you want to make sure it is exactly what you want, at the price you can pay, right?

Start to compare term life insurance companies by asking your friends, family members, and even co-workers about term life insurance companies and policies with which they are familiar. Word-of-mouth is the most honest form of advertisement. You can bet that if they have had a bad experience with one, they will want to warn you. The same goes for if they have had a good experience.

The research doesnt stop there. Once you have a list of term life insurance companies from the people you know (and maybe some you found on your own), further compare the term life insurance companies by checking them out with independent ratings agencies as well as your states insurance department. Both will give you unbiased information you can use to compare the term life insurance companies.

Now that you have a few term life insurance companies and their term life insurance policies that you know are safe choices, continue to compare the term life insurance companies by actually speaking with the term life insurance representatives. Ask for reading material, and find out which ones offer the coverage you want as well as the price you can afford.

Affordable Car Insurance

Home Owners Insurance

Affordable Health Insurance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ElizabethNewberry
http://EzineArticles.com/?Compare-Term-Life-Insurance---Steps-to-Take-Before-You-Buy&id=284278

How Life Insurance Can Cover Your Mortgage Balance

How Life Insurance Can Cover Your Mortgage Balance
By John Winters

Discussing the need for life insurance is never a pleasant topic, and certainly combined with talk of mortgage payments, it can be downright distasteful. But it is your responsibility as the principle breadwinner in your home to consider what might happen if you or your spouse were to perish. Would your spouse be able to meet the most basic needs of food and shelter? While the money necessary to pay for basic amenities like food and transportation are attainable through a single income source, most families simply cannot afford to meet their most basic requirement, the mortgage payment, without the income from both spouses.

How it Works
If you are in this situation, it is important to take the necessary precautions in case you or your spouse dies unexpectedly. While saving enough to cover your mortgage is certainly an ideal solution, it is largely unfeasible for most contemporary families. As a result, individuals often opt for mortgage protection life insurance policies. These policies are designed specifically to meet the needs of your home mortgage payment in the event that you or your spouse dies.

The idea behind mortgage protection life insurance is simple: you pay a monthly premium in exchange for which the insurance company agrees to pay off the rest of your mortgage should you die.

Pricing
Pricing for mortgage protection life insurance policies parallels that of traditional life insurance price criteria. For example, if you smoke your rates will be higher, just as if you are an older individual. But certainly the most determinative factor in your price will be the amount of coverage you need. The more you owe on your home, the more insurance you will need to pay it off, which of course means the more expensive the insurance premium will be.

Alternatives to Consider
While mortgage protection life insurance will cover your mortgage payment, as all home owners know, this is only part of the cost of owning a home. In addition there are taxes and repairs to prepare for. For a family that has lost a breadwinner, making these types of allocations can be difficult. As a result, many individuals opt for coverage which goes beyond just mortgage protection and instead provides payments sufficient to cover all the expenses associated with owning a home. This type of insurance often comes in the form of a term life policy which is for an amount which exceeds the price of your home. Of course, this extra coverage comes with a price. But with this coverage also comes quite a bit more flexibility. Under a term life policy your family is not bound to pay off the house with the money they receive, but can instead use it in whatever manner they feel most compelled to. This can be especially helpful if there are other medical costs to consider or if you have children approaching college age.

Life insurance is not a pleasant concept to consider because it requires that we think about the potential for our own demise and the resulting consequences of our death. It is vital, however, that as individuals who are responsible for the financial support of others, we consider these difficult questions and decide whether a life insurance policy is the best solution for us.

John Winters writes about a variety of financial topics. He recommends http://www.protected.co.uk/ to get a life insurance quote.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JohnWinters
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Life-Insurance-Can-Cover-Your-Mortgage-Balance&id=141441

Term Life Insurance Making the Right Choice

Term Life Insurance - Making the Right Choice
By Marilyn Katz

Temporary vs. permanent Life Insurance

Life insurance comes in two basic types: permanent and term. Permanent insurance is purchased to cover an individual for an entire lifetime, and it may also be used as a savings vehicle and wealth transfer vehicle. In addition to providing a cash benefit if the insured person dies, these types of permanent policies are designed to build up a cash value. Withdrawals or low interest loans may taken from the policy. These are legitimate uses for life insurance, but may not meet many working families needs right now. Examples of permanent life insurance are whole life insurance and universal life insurance.

Term life insurance is a simpler product, which is just purchased to provide a death benefit over a specified span of time. The term of the life insurance can vary. One year renewable term products are marketed, and so are thirty year products meant to cover an individual for their working years.

Advantages of Term Life Insurance

Because the insurer is only taking on the risk of having their insured customer survive a specified span of years, the premiums will much less expensive than a comparable amount of permanent life insurance. The face value, or amount of the death benefit, that can be purchased will usually be much larger. On the other hand, when the term of the policy has ended, the coverage is gone, and the policy will not have any cash value.

Most people look for the larger face values of temporary term life insurance to protect themselves when they have dependent children or spouses, or need to cover a large debt like a home mortgage. They purchase term insurance as a pure insurance product, without intending to use it as a savings vehicle. Since the premium will usually be much less than it is for a permanent policy, the extra money can be used for other savings and investment strategies.

Now many term life insurance policies come with options, or riders, that will provide extra benefits for an extra fee. Even with the riders, the premium will still be an affordable option. Return of Premium riders cost extra, but refund premiums at the end of the term. This provides a nice check right when the insured person is ready to retire, or perhaps a sum that can be used to purchase a smaller, permanent life insurance policy for final expenses. Other benefit riders can provide disability or critical illness coverage, or they can cover premiums in case of unemployment, accident, or sickness.

Some term policies come with an option to convert the policy to a permanent life insurance policy if the insured person's needs change. This means that a working person with young children and a mortgage could purchase a large term policy to protect his or her family. Later in life, when the children are self supporting, he or she could convert the policy to a smaller whole life policy that can be used to leave money to heirs, cover funeral expenses, or settle debts.

If people depend upon you, do not leave their future to chance. Term policies are affordable, and will give your family peace of mind. Plus, with optional riders, they can be used to provide cash or permanent protection far in the future.

M. Katz has helped a large and diverse group of people find the right life insurance for their own personal needs. Young families will have different needs than retired people, and it is generally best to compare your options.

Use the quick online forms on this page to compare life insurance online or apply for life insurance online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MarilynKatz
http://EzineArticles.com/?Term-Life-Insurance---Making-the-Right-Choice&id=621490

Get the Best Insurance Policies Using Online Term Life Insurance Quote

Get the Best Insurance Policies Using Online Term Life Insurance Quote
By Jill Kane

Did you know that you could apply for an insurance policy sitting at home from your own computer? Well the good news is, yes you can do it from home now on your own personal computer. You do not have to look for a pen and paper when your policy has to be renewed or spend time inquiring about the features, prices and the benefits of each and every policy available. You neither have to wait in telephone queues to get information from operators about the policies nor do you have to wait for fifteen to twenty minutes following computerized instructions over the phone and when the line gets cut off accidentally, you find you have to start again from the beginning!

The Internet is the best way to get quotes. It is fast and the technology is accurate and it facilitates multiple quotes on a single site. If you are clear about what you are looking for, with the information available on the Internet, the time required to find the company you want to choose is not much.

Do not opt for a policy that is cheap and remember to check on the companys status for handling claims and the strength of the company in the market. To check insurers monetary positions online, check below Standards and Poors and look for any previous complaints against them under Better Business Bureau. It is very important to check that the company you insure with will still operate when your policy will have to be claimed later on.

Make a list of reputed companies that you would like to consider and visit their websites. Do not just look at the prices - the other things you need to take into consideration are the terms, conditions and the benefits that companies offer.

Term life insurance is a policy in which death is covered for a fixed period of time, from five until thirty years. If one outlives the policy term, there is no sum paid to the insurer. Money could be only claimed if death occurs during the time frame when the policy is in force or is present.

If you get a policy when you are young it will work out cheaper as they become expensive when bought in your middle age and ten times the original amount when you are sixty or above. The premium is not very high when you start a life insurance policy when you are young.

When you are not satisfied with your term life insurance and you have received a reminder from the company and are perhaps thinking of not continuing with it, you could check online for insurance quotes. You could choose from them as each company has something different to offer.

During your first cover, if your cholesterol was high and you smoked and were overweight, all these things meant a low premium. Now if you want to renew or get a fresh policy get your physical examination done to see if your health has improved. Get standard policies because most often, these policies are cheaper than the customized ones. Try saving money by paying the premiums automatically from your account to avoid getting bills.

Before you decide which policy you want to buy make sure you go through at least four to five insurance quotes and before you sign up or pay for them, be 100% sure about the company you are getting your insurance from.

Using the Internet is not very difficult and it is fast. You must use insurance quotes available online. This could help you save a lot of money annually and make you confident about the insurance company you have chosen. The last most important thing is always take time to go through the conditions and terms and other fine print that is related to the policy you want to take.

For more information about life insurance and insurance quotes visit http://www.1st-insurance-shop.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JillKane
http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-the-Best-Insurance-Policies-Using-Online-Term-Life-Insurance-Quote&id=385734

Why Bother With a Life Insurance Settlement?

Why Bother With a Life Insurance Settlement?
By Peter Crump

A life insurance settlement is the amount of money your beneficiary collects when you die during the term specified under the life insurance policy. The premiums you pay depend on the type of life insurance and the amount of the settlement you want to have if and when the life insurance company has to pay out. You might get a life insurance policy a lot cheaper if you opt for term life insurance because there is a possibility that you will never get to collect the life insurance settlement.

Settlements have become a very important factor in the estate planning process for seniors. Prior to the life insurance settlement industry, if a senior owned a policy that was no longer wanted, needed or could afford, there was no option but to lapse, cancel, or surrender the policy back to the carrier for the cash surrender value. Senior life insurance policies allow qualified policyholders to liquidate a policy for an amount much higher than the cash surrender value. Then, these seniors can take advantage of important financial opportunities using the proceeds of an unneeded or obsolete life insurance policy.

There are two types of life insurance settlement transactions: One kind creates immediate liquidity from a non-performing asset, allowing policy owners to cash out of unwanted, unaffordable or obsolete life insurance policies insuring a senior over age 65. The other is a Viatical settlement, which enables someone facing a terminal illness to utilize the present day value of their life insurance policy to ease the financial burdens that can be caused by the high costs of medical care. Knowing that there are options on how to receive a settlement with senior life insurance can take off some stress in a stressful situation.

Over the past few years, life insurance settlements have gained popularity among the financial planning community as the financial benefits to policyholders have become far too beneficial to ignore. As this industry continues to grow, many financial professionals have begun to recommend this financial service to their friends and families. This enables more and more life insurance policy owners to access the unrealized equity built up inside an asset that is normally considered only as a future benefit. Thus, it has become much more than a settlement that is used at the time of death.

By being informed on your life insurance settlements, you can help turn a policy on the verge of cancellation, surrender or lapse, into an immediate cash settlement. Its a true win win opportunity!

A life insurance settlement is an important event.

For a website totally devoted to Life Insurance visit Peter's Website Life Insurance Answers at http://www.life-insurance-answers.com/ and find out about Life Insurance as well as Cheap Life Insurance at http://www.life-insurance-answers.com/cheap-life-insurance.html and more, including Online Life Insurance, Term Life Insurance and Life Insurance Agents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PeterCrump
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Bother-With-a-Life-Insurance-Settlement?&id=68416

Sunday, 22 March 2009

Why Buy Level Term Life Insurance?

Why Buy Level Term Life Insurance?
By Greg Haehl

Term life insurance is often called temporary life insurance. Term life insurance is purchased to cover some type of asset over a fixed period of time. Term life has much lower rates than permanent plans because of these shorter time periods. Level term insurance is purchased to cover short intermediate-term obligations. The time periods can be 5, 10, 15, and sometimes 20 years. Short term debt is often covered by a level term policy. Family budgets are full of short term debt obligations. Families buy automobiles, appliances, furniture, and many other household goods and are in debt for these items over a short period of time. When you purchase these items you are often approached to buy credit life insurance to cover these obligations. It would be less expensive for a family to purchase a level term policy or rider to cover this kind of short term debt.

Level term policies are better than credit life policies because the insured can choose the beneficiary. The credit company is often the beneficiary with credit life insurance and so the insured has no option in how to use the money at time of death. Level term policies are better buys to hedge against inflation. The decreasing term policy is a little less expensive but the coverage declines. The cost of goods and services never declines and so a level term policy will at least maintain its original face amount for the whole time period.

You may want to compare level term rates and decreasing term rates. The difference may not be that much and so level term insurance may be a better purchase in the long run. The best type of life insurance planning includes a base of permanent insurance for life time needs and additional forms of term insurance for temporary needs. Level term life insurance is an excellent option for short term or intermediate term debt obligation.

Our recommended quote sites Life Insurance Quote, Car Insurance Quote, Home Insurance Quote

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GregHaehl
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Buy-Level-Term-Life-Insurance?&id=146784

Why Buy Life Insurance?

Why Buy Life Insurance?
By Stuart Simpson

Love. Yes, thats right. Love for your spouse, children, family, or even your school. This insurance provides financial protection for your family and friends when you die. There are basically two types of life insurance Term and Permanent.

Term life insurance provides insurance for a specific amount of time. Like, for one year. You can usually renew annually, and this is called Annual Renewal Term. This works until about age 80. Level Term offers you a level premium for a fixed amount of years. You lock in a rate for 20 years. Then you have to get a new rate or new policy.

Permanent Insurance is also called whole life, universal life, etc. This form of life insurance also has a built in savings plan. You get a death benefit with a cash value savings plan attached. Of course, this plan is more expensive, but allows for some financial latitude.

You may be wondering why you would need insurance and what could you do with the proceeds if your spouse or loved one died. Here are some ideas that would help with the financial loss.

  • Income. Even if your spouse works, loosing one salary could be devastating.
  • Housing. The money could be used for rent or payoff the mortgage. Your spouse may not want to stay in the house, but it will give some options for them.
  • Debt. Reducing debt due to the loss can help the surviving spouse continue to be financially solvent. This will help your spouse survive on one income.
  • Pay Expenses. Funeral and hospital bills can be tremendous. The average funeral is $6,000.
  • Social Security. Its there, but it takes a while for it to kick in so to speak. Better cover yourself until that first check arrives.
  • Education. Think about the high costs of education and the burden that would be with only one income. Account for an educational nest egg to give your kids a head start.
  • Charity. If you dont have anyone, this would be a good option. Also, you can get a tax deduction for the rest of your estate if you give some money away. In other words, give a chunk away and you might be able to keep some assets to give to your family.
  • Taxes. Two things certain. Death and Taxes. You may have to pay taxes on your 401k and other assets even though you are dead. If you dont get these assets before you die, then the person receiving the benefit must pay the tax.
  • These last two items are a bit tricky and would require expert assistance from a tax attorney or estate attorney.

    Think about your family and decide what type of life insurance would protect them the best. Let me know if you can think of other helpful information on what to do with life insurance proceeds.

    Stuart Simpson
    http://www.insurance--review.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=StuartSimpson
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Buy-Life-Insurance?&id=62813

    Monday, 2 March 2009

    A Report on Cheap Term Life Insurance

    A Report on Cheap Term Life Insurance
    By Dominique Gillard

    People will always search for the best life insurance schemes with cheap premium cost to reduce the burden of the installment. Most of the insurance companies realize the requirement of the people and they are offering different kind of policies with affordable premium value to match the financial background of the customers.

    The term life insurance policy carries very low premium value than the whole life insurance policies. The term life insurance policies also have many other options to reduce the premium by selecting lesser coverage and a lower span of the term.

    Many insurance companies will not even test your health conditions, if the person is selecting the term life insurance policy with a short span. Otherwise the premium value will be decided depending on the health condition of the person.

    The term life insurance can be taken for the period of ten, twenty or thirty years, as you opt to take. The premium of the policy depends on the coverage and the span of the term life insurance.

    The term life insurance is most preferred as it is beneficial for many reasons as well as the coverage for the family of the insured person. In addition to the after-death benefits the term life insurance is more valuable for the protection of the person.

    It can also be utilized for the buy & sell agreements, credit guarantee, and asset plans. If the insured person does not pass away during the term, he will get back the face value of the policy as an additional fund for his life in the latter years.

    The term life insurance policies are cheaper than the whole life insurance policies. The coverage of the term insurance policy will be lesser than the whole life policy however it is more beneficial to the insured person as well as his family.

    The term life policy covers the life of the insured person and some times the person may be alive even after the expiry of the policy term. In such cases the insured person can receive the face value of the insurance.

    The renewable term life insurance can also be picked with an affordable premium value. This type of policy is having the facility to renew for another extended period, regardless of the age and health condition of the insured person.

    Find more Cheap Term Life Insurance articles and information on how to save money when buying life insurance by visiting LifeInsuranceAdvice.info. Dominique Gillard, a well respected writer and web developer, created this site for those needing additional advice.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DominiqueGillard
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Report-on-Cheap-Term-Life-Insurance&id=203854

    Sunday, 1 March 2009

    Life Insurance Agent Opportunities

    Life Insurance Agent Opportunities
    By Alison Cole

    Job opportunities are high for the life insurance agents with a background in computer skills and finance. Life insurance agents, these days, use Smart System (computer applications) to manage risks accurately. Smart System helps life insurance agents in avoiding undue losses and making sound decisions. Internet also influences the work of insurance agents. An internet helps life insurance agents to access information and quotes faster and reduce the time of paperwork. Job opportunity is better for college graduates with business administration course. A bachelors degree in any field and knowledge of accounts and computer provides a good opportunity for a job of life insurance agents. New life insurance agents usually start as trainees and assistant agents. They are given a job to provide information about clients status. As they gain experience, they are promoted to do policy work that is more complex. Being an agent can be a satisfying job for those who like paying attention to details and analyzing. For better opportunity a life insurance agent should have good communication skills.

    Life insurance agents who use internet as a medium to advertise their policy and scheme can have a huge opportunity to expand their business. Life insurance agents knowing multi languages are high in demand as they can represent wide range of customers. Another factor to be successful is to have the knowledge of legal and technical insurance terms. Generally most life insurance agents are paid on salary basis, salary and commission basis and salary and bonus basis. Commission they receive depends on the insurance policy they have sold, premiums and renewal of policies. Life insurance agents who meet their specified goal are entitled to be awarded a bonus. Many beginners life insurance agents fail to meet their specified goals and fail to earn more commission and eventually they opt for some other career.

    Life Insurance Agents provides detailed information on Life Insurance Agents, Life Insurance Agents Publications, Life and Health Insurance Agents, Life Insurance Agent Opportunities and more. Life Insurance Agents is affiliated with Family Life Insurance Companies.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AlisonCole
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Life-Insurance-Agent-Opportunities&id=227444

    Saturday, 28 February 2009

    A Quick Term Life Insurance Guide

    A Quick Term Life Insurance Guide
    By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

    Like a number of things in life, a term life insurance policy has advantages and bad points. Understanding them will help you make more informed choices that will protect your best interest on the long run. That is where this short term life insurance guide comes in. First, the benefits...

    1) It's cheaper for those who are under fifty years. It offers an opportunity of getting life insurance coverage for far less.

    2) With certain features you can take advantage of other life insurance policies whenever they becomes convenient for you.

    Now to the disadvantages...

    1) It's very expensive for older applicants. Premiums increase at the end of each term making it very expensive even when renewal is guaranteed.

    2) There's a risk of becoming uninsurable unless a term life insurance policy has features that provide guaranteed renewal or allows you to convert another life insurance policy without a medical exam.

    3) You do not have any cash value as in other life insurance policies.

    4) There's only a death benefit and that is paid out only if the policy holder dies within the term and not an hour later.

    If you can afford it, go for a permanent life insurance policy. However, if you're in a tight financial situation, get a term life insurance policy but make sure it has features that guarantee renewal and allow you to switch to a permanent life insurance policy without a medical exam.

    How to pay even less for term life insurance...

    You can save a lot of money on term life insurance if you get and compare quotes from insurance quotes sites. You'll have to take out just 15 minutes to get quotes from 3 insurance quotes sites (Some folks fill in details that are not quite correct about themselves. That is NOT a smart move. You'll not benefit from the results returned as that will nullify any life insurance contract since you provided false information).

    I have to tell you this: Look beyond just the cheapest offer to the best price to value ratio. Read through the quotes to make sure the low price is not because they have removed important features mentioned in this term life insurance guide.

    Get your life insurance quotes now from these highly recommended sites...

    Hometown Life Insurance Quotes

    Free Affordable Life Insurance Quotes

    Chimezirim Odimba writes on life insurance.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ChimezirimChinecheremOdimba
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Quick-Term-Life-Insurance-Guide&id=659573

    Friday, 27 February 2009

    A Quick And Easy Route To A Life Insurance Quote

    A Quick And Easy Route To A Life Insurance Quote
    By Craig Thornburrow

    Getting a life insurance quote may be an easier process than it used to be. No longer is it necessary to make an appointment and go to the office of the nearest insurance company to sit down and fill out reams of paperwork. Getting a quotation for the cost of a policy also need not involve bringing an insurance salesperson into your home.

    Too many times the potential client felt pressured when trying to obtain a quotation this way. But now, with the Internet so easy to use a person can get estimates on the cost of insurance from several companies without so much as leaving their computer screens.

    If this is the route you choose to go then in only a few moments the information you need to give can be put into the online form and you can get a life insurance quote for free. This quote will come with no obligation to purchase the insurance and also means that the person can get quotes from as many companies as they choose.

    The forms will ask for the most common identifying information such as height, weight, gender and age. It will want to know if you are a smoker or use tobacco in any form. There will likely be some questions regarding your overall health. Then the form will have a place for you to pick the size and type of policy that you are interested in purchasing.

    Another nice thing about being able to apply for insurance from the comfort of your own home is that you can do it whenever it is convenient for you. There is access to these forms twenty four hours a day seven days a week. Also, be reassured that these companies will not pass along your personal information to anyone else. They will respect your privacy. It is the way they are able to keep their clients.

    For someone who is looking for a more informed approach to getting a life insurance quote they may want to go in to the office of the insurance company to learn more about the different types of insurance that are available to them.

    The Internet is one source but if you have specific questions you need a person to be able to answer them. This person can explain the various terms that go along with the types of insurance and what they mean to the potential customer. They can explain the benefits, the costs and the outcomes of buying the various kinds of policies.

    This information is important if you are seriously considering buying a policy of some type. When you are ready to get a life insurance quote you want to be sure that you have enough information on what you want to ensure you are buying the right policy.

    Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a life insurance company and life insurance rates at http://www.bestdeallifeinsurance.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CraigThornburrow
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Quick-And-Easy-Route-To-A-Life-Insurance-Quote&id=530994

    A Primer on Life Insurance for Mothers

    A Primer on Life Insurance for Mothers
    By Marsh Kaminsky

    One of my client's wives paid me a visit to ask about life insurance, a product I was well acquainted with. She told me that she and her husband were visited last night by a life insurance agent. Jan, what did he try to sell you?

    A $90,000 whole life policy with an annual premium of $500. Is that okay?

    Knowing that few people really understand life insurance, I asked her if she really understood what the agent was talking about.

    I thought I did last night, she replied, ut when I woke up this morning, I wasn't so sure. That's why I'm here. You once told me to never buy life insurance unless I talked to you about it. Well, I'm here. Could we chat about it?

    I was glad that Jan was here instead of Mark. I have learned that it is much easier to talk to women about life insurance than men. Women seem to better understand the financial consequences of their spouses' death, especially if they are mothers. Most men, however, don't want to face life insurance because they think that they will never die. Women know better.

    I was no stranger to the murky world of life insurance. Throughout my 20 years as a CPA, I'd often locked horns with insurance agents and financial planners who wanted to sell garbage life insurance products to my clients. In my role as a CPA, I always believed that it was my job to act as a mother hen and protect my clients from the wolves.

    I began by asking Jan a question that zooms to the heart of the matter. Tell me Jan, why are you buying life insurance? What do you hope to accomplish?

    She answered, To protect me and the children in case Mark dies.

    That quickly established the fact that Jan knew about the key issue: that life insurance has but one purpose: protection in case disaster strikes.

    Then I asked her another question. Just suppose that you knew for sure that Mark was going to die tomorrow. How much life insurance would you buy on his life ---$90,000 or $450,000 --- assuming the premiums were identical?

    She looked at me as if I was crazy. I'd buy the $450,000 policy. Who wouldn't?

    I then gave Jan a quick education about life insurance, explaining that there are only two kinds of life insurance, term and cash value. The problem is knowing which one of them is the better buy.

    Term insurance is pure insurance ( protection) coverage. If you pay the premium and die , the insurance company will pay the face value of the policy to your beneficiary. It is available to age 95 and can be purchased yearly, or on a guaranteed level premium basis for 5,10,15, or 20 years. The product is uncomplicated and very inexpensive. The premiums, however, do increase each time the policy is renewed since the insured has grown older.

    Cash value life insurance (sold as whole life, endowment, straight life, permanent life, universal, and a zillion other names) is the second type. It differs significantly from term because there is a savings or investment feature attached--the cash value. About 75% to 80% of every premium dollar goes to this cash value kitty and the remainder pays for the actual life insurance protection. These policies typically last to age 100 and the premiums remain level for one's entire life.

    Thus, in one slick package, a cash value life insurance policy claims to accomplish two worthy goals: death protection and family savings. It was my job to convince Jan that cash value insurance fails miserably on both counts and that she must, for her and her children's sake, buy pure term life insurance and nothing else.

    Jan, there are two reasons why you must not buy that whole life policy or any other cash value product. First and most importantly, cash value life insurance is anywhere from five to ten times more expensive than the equivalent amount of term insurance. It's like paying $75,000 for a $15,000 automobile just because you went to the wrong dealership.

    To keep their customer's attention away from the high cost of cash value, agents focus their sales spiel on the investment feature, usually with the aid of reams and reams of incomprehensible computer printouts. This sales tactic has literally duped the American public out of trillions of dollars in the last 150 years, ever since cash value was invented.

    Jan, how much time did the agent spend last night talking about the actual insurance protection versus how much money you'll earn from the cash value policy?

    She thought a bit before answering. Well, he spent the whole evening going over a bunch of computer printouts that showed us how rich we'd be in fifty years when we retire, and how much we could borrow from the policy if we ever needed a loan.

    But what did he say about your protection needs?

    Come to think about it, hardly anything at all. After we told him that we could afford a $500 yearly premium, he looked in a book and said that he had found a great $90,000 whole life policy that we could afford. But about protection, he really said very little. I could tell that she was starting to bristle in anger, a sign that I was doing a good job.

    I then told Jan that people with children living at home should have, as a rule of thumb, about eight to ten times their yearly gross income in life insurance protection. For Mark and Jan, that translated into at least $475,000. The agent who met with them should have figured that out and done his utmost to assure such adequate protection.

    You see Jan, that agent's sole emphasis should have been on your financial protection in case Mark dies tomorrow, not about making you a rich lady in 50 years. The agent's decision to sell you the anemic whole life policy would literally rob you and your kids of $385,000 if Mark dies tomorrow.

    But Mark is not going to die tomorrow. Don't say that!

    Jan, you don't know that. He could die tomorrow or in a week from any one of a thousand and one different causes. And so could you or I. That's why you must be fully protected right now. Life insurance is a today need.

    I continued...Jan, remember when I told you that there were two reasons to avoid cash value life insurance?

    Yes.

    You told me Jan that the agent spent most of last night talking about the wonders of the cash value investment. Now I am going to give you the real scoop about that. This one always puts the final nail in the cash value coffin.

    The cash value, I continued, is not like an ordinary investment such as stocks, bonds, or a bank savings account.

    But the agent said it was just like a bank savings account...

    It resembles a savings account about as much as a shark resembles a goldfish. Tell me Jan, what do you think happens to the cash value---the promised pot of gold---if Mark dies? Who gets it? The fun starts...

    That's easy, she replied, I do...it's our money...our investment...right? Marsh...tell me I am right!

    Sorry, you are wrong. If Mark dies, the insurance company keeps it. That means that all that extra premium you paid for so many years goes up in smoke.

    So what do I get if Mark dies?

    You get the face amount of the policy...but you could have gotten that for a fifth of the premium with a term policy.

    Marsh...you can't be serious. In my worst nightmare, I would not expect something like this. Are you sure?

    Very. But if you want some proof of your own, get the book What's Wrong With your Life Insurance by Norman Dacey. That's just one of many books in the library that echoes what I have been yapping about. Don't think I am the Lone Ranger on this.

    Apparently she got fed up. Her voice rose as she said, The agent never said word one about any of this! Are you telling me that he bent our ears off last night just to sell us a chump change policy that will leave me seriously underinsured just so he could make a bigger commission...and that they steal my investment to boot if Mark dies?

    That about hits the nail on the head. And one more thing...when you tell the agent you want a term policy instead, expect another visit from him. Be aware that they are very well trained in changing minds. Plus, you might want to shop around for the best deal. Even among term policies there is a wide variance in price.

    End

    Postscript:

    It is this author's hope that anyone in possession of this article pass it onto their relatives, friends, and neighbors. The information in this article can put many thousands of extra dollars in the bank accounts of those who need it most.

    Copyright 2000
    Marsh Kaminsky CPA (retired due to disability)
    e mail: Thetermite@aol.com

    Because of Multiple Sclerosis, I am a retired CPA. Besides my interest in life insurance, I have a very strong interest in early preschool learning.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MarshKaminsky
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Primer-on-Life-Insurance-for-Mothers&id=92447

    Why Cheap Term Life Insurance Isn't Always So Cheap

    Why Cheap Term Life Insurance Isn't Always So Cheap
    By Ken Barnes

    Youve heard a lot of talk about cheap term life insurance and youve decided that its something you need to start investigating. Thats definitely a step in the right direction. Like so many other tasks in life, youve turned to the Internet to get the ball rolling.

    Youve filled out numerous online applications for cheap term life insurance but as the quotes start to come back youre realizing that term life insurance isnt really all that cheap. Whats going on?

    Your health matters

    A couple of factors might be causing higher than anticipated term life insurance costs. First and foremost is the general state of your health. Getting an online quotation is one thing, but pricing an actual policy after the life insurance company has reviewed your medical history is really what determines your true costs for life insurance.

    Very rarely will an individual get life insurance without first having a medical examination. Getting a policy through your place of employment is the only time this may happen, but generally in this situation, your coverage will be minimal.

    If youre looking for cheap term life insurance thatll actually be of financial value after youre gone, youll likely have to supplement the policy you get through your job.

    Lets take a look at the logic for a moment. If given the choice, life insurance companies would select as customers only those whose health is excellent. Excellent health means you should live longer. When you live long there is less chance that the insurance company will have to pay out your policys death benefits.

    In other words, if you outlive your cheap term life insurance policy, the insurance company comes out ahead. The company has collected your premiums, but it did not have to give any money back to your beneficiaries.

    The categorization system

    When determining the true cost of a policy, life insurance companies use a classification system. Individuals with a clean bill of health generally get classified as super preferred and get the lowest-priced premiums. Theyre the ones who get cheap term life insurance. Several more categories exist and, unfortunately, each category comes with a progressively higher premium.

    Some of the health conditions that raise a red flag in the eyes of an insurance company include use of tobacco products, being overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a history of cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease or other type of chronic disease in your family, even if you do not have any symptoms of these conditions.

    If you do have symptoms of the above conditions, you should expect that cheap term life insurance isnt something for which youll qualify.

    The types of medical conditions listed above are more likely to cause premature death in an individual. If the insured individual dies during the life insurance policy term, the insurance company will have to pay out death benefits. And thats what life insurance companies look at when deciding whether or not an individual qualifies for cheap term life insurance.

    Find Cheap Term Life Insurance in the UK. You will not believe our low rates.

    This article comes with reprint rights. Feel free to reprint and distribute as you like. All that we ask is that you do not make any changes, that this resource text is include, and that the link above is intact.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KenBarnes
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Cheap-Term-Life-Insurance-Isnt-Always-So-Cheap&id=194066

    Thursday, 26 February 2009

    Why Comparing Life Insurance Quotes is Essential

    Why Comparing Life Insurance Quotes is Essential
    By Luke Ashworth

    If you have been on the lookout for life insurance, you may have noticed that different companies offer different plans. So, how do you know which plan to choose and don't they all offer the same protection?

    If you want to get the best plan for you and your family, it is important to compare various plans before you make any kind of decision. Different plans will offer different benefits and some life insurance companies offer 15-year term agreements whilst others are designed with critical illness cover also. Critical illness cover is generally there in case you get diagnosed with a serious illness, but you will have to check with the company that you are signing up with exactly which illnesses it is that they cover.

    So, there are different plans to suit different needs and you can either get life insurance on its own or with added benefits. Some companies even try to offer you benefits for signing up with them. Some may offer a discount, whilst others offer gifts such as a couple of nights away in a top hotel for you and a partner. This is another reason why looking around and comparing different plans is a good idea it will help you to see which offers and benefits you could be enjoying.

    Generally, it is better to look online and compare various companies. This is because there are actually websites designed especially to look at hundreds of different insurance companies and compare them to get the best prices. It will show you in a few minutes exactly which companies are better to go with and how much you could save if you choose them. It really couldn't be simpler!

    The main benefit, of course, from shopping around is the fact that different companies offer different prices. You could save money!

    Life insurance is extremely important, so the right amount of time and research needs to go into finding the right plan for you. So why not get yourself and your family protected today and log on to find the cheapest quote for you!

    Derek Rogers represents Protected, a UK based life insurance site providing individuals with the choice of over 100 life insurance plans online.

    This article does not represent %u2018financial advice as each persons individual requirements will be unique to their needs. If there is something in the article which you which to rely on then please check those details with any person from whom you purchase a term life policy at the time of purchase.

    The views in this article represent those of the author and not those of Netbasic Limited.

    Luke Ashworth is the founder of Protected.co.uk which helps you search for life insurance via the website http://www.protected.co.uk.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LukeAshworth
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Comparing-Life-Insurance-Quotes-is-Essential&id=556181

    A Life Insurance Quote Became Reality

    A Life Insurance Quote Became Reality
    By Rolf Rasmusson

    Life insurance quote

    Thank goodness John took his life insurance quote seriously. It didn't prevent our daughters from wishing he were still here but thanks to his foresight they and I still have the things he worked for because he turned that life insurance quote into a policy before his untimely death.

    Byron, my wonderful husband died at age 33 leaving myself and our two daughters behind. Six months prior he felt a tingling in his arms and it was discovered that Bryon had a terminable brain tumor. I am now raising our (2) daughters on my own as a single parent. How I miss our sweetheart.

    Fortunately, when Byron and I were married he made arrangements for such a possibility as he was a caring and considerate man. Being able to invest a portion of the proceeds into a clothing store I owned allows me more time to spend with our daughters and attending to their needs. Because of his foresightedness we have financial stability, security and much peace of mind.

    Without his pre-planning and preparation it's terrifying to imagine where the girls and I would be today. The plans for the future to a certain measure are still in tact. While we grieve our loss the void will never be filled but our thoughts of John brings great warmth to our hearts.

    John was a father and husband who unselfishly thought enough of us and our future to make the decision to turn a life insurance quote into reality for the living. We can't thank John enough.

    More about a life insurance quote

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RolfRasmusson
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Life-Insurance-Quote-Became-Reality&id=56310

    Tuesday, 24 February 2009

    A Life Insurance Policy Can Be Purchased From Any Insurance Company

    A Life Insurance Policy Can Be Purchased From Any Insurance Company
    By Lee Van

    A Life insurance policy can be purchased from any insurance company. Shop around them and speak to brokers or agents about what they have to offer. Work out what premium will suit your monthly budget and take one that you can afford. The main thing is to have one so that you can have peace of mind knowing that you have done what you can to provide for your family in case something unforeseen had to happen to you.

    Your family will always be grateful to you if they are left without a bread winner and there was financial provision made for them. It is very difficult for one partner to bring up a family and have to be both parents and the bread winner as well. It might not be possible to work extra hours to earn more money as the children will have to be cared for. Life goes on and the same expenses will still be there. The mortgage and utilities and the usual bills still have to be paid and if there is too little money this can put enormous stress on the happiness of the family.

    Business partners should also consider insuring their lives in order to protect the interest of the business. If one partner had to unexpectedly pass away there would changes in the business. Either a new key person would have to be appointed or an existing member of the staff would have to be trained for this position. In this transition period the business could suffer loss. The proceeds of the loan would help to stabilise the profits while things got back to normal again.

    Life insurance is so easy to shop for if you check online for the information you want. It is easy and convenient to sit in your chair and get all the information you want. There are many insurance companies that only do business online as this saves them having agents and brokers working for them and they do need such big premises to house all the staff.

    Lee Van writes informative articles on various subjects including life insurancehttp://www.lifeinsuranceswebsite.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LeeVan
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Life-Insurance-Policy-Can-Be-Purchased-From-Any-Insurance-Company&id=530827

    Thursday, 19 February 2009

    Whole Life Insurance Things You Need To Know

    Whole Life Insurance - Things You Need To Know
    By Donald Lusan

    It is unfortunate that when you get a whole life insurance quote online much of the important details are omitted. The average person knows little or nothing about this policy. If people had more information they could make a more informed decision on what they are about to purchase. I am one of those who tout whole life insurance with no apology, as this policy has it's place in the insurance portfolio of many people. This policy fits some needs that term life insurance simply cannot fulfill.

    Permanent Life Insurance

    Whole life insurance can be described as permanent life insurance. This suggests that you can keep this policy for as long as you choose, even if it is to age 100. A term life policy simply cannot guarantee that.

    Cash Values

    Whole life insurance have what is called guaranteed cash values. Some people like this idea because they may choose to use these values as a sort of saving to assist with the college costs or even for a supplemental retirement fund.

    Whole Life Insurance Dividends

    All whole life policies are not the same. Some life insurance companies have a great history of paying dividends to their policy owners on a very regular basis. This does not say that they always will be in a position to pay a dividend. Dividends are not guaranteed. There are some life insurance companies that do not perform very well.

    If a life insurance company is generally successful with their investments and do a good job at keeping expenses down they usually can pay a dividend.

    There are several options that you can choose from but most people have a tendency to apply their dividends to the purchase of paid up additions. These are little single premium whole life insurance policies.

    The other available dividend options areas follows. You can leave your dividends to accumulate interest or you can use them to reduce premiums. You can also take them in cash each year.

    Why Cash Values And Dividends Are Important

    If at some time in the future you should need to put your hands on some emergency cash and that money is available through your cash values plus dividends you may take a percentage of this in the form of a policy loan. Even though you decide how you repay this loan you need to keep in mind that there is interest charged on this loan. In addition the death benefit of your policy is reduced by the amount owed and any unpaid accumulated interest. Another thing to note is that if you have an outstanding loan on your whole life insurance policy the amount of dividend paid will also be affected.

    Nonforfeiture Values

    Another important consideration when buying whole life insurance policies are nonforfeiture values. These options allow you to protect yourself from loss in the event you are unable to continue premium payments.

    Automatic Premium Loans

    With most whole life insurance policies if a premium payment is missed the automatic premium loan is timely activated to prevent the policy from going into a state of lapse. In other words, you do not lose your insurance as long as there is sufficient cash value to keep it in force. Interest is charged on this amount just like any other premium loan.

    Extended Term Insurance

    Instead of using an automatic premium loan to keep your whole life insurance policy in force you may choose to use what is called Extended Term Insurance to keep the policy in force. This is a Term Life Insurance policy for as many years as the cash value of the policy will purchase. If you should die during this period the full face amount of the policy will be paid to your chosen beneficiary. The only disadvantage is that with this option your cash values plus any dividend earned will dissipate over time.

    Reduced Paid Up Policy

    Another option you have if you are unable to pay the premiums for your policy is to elect to keep a reduced amount of life insurance in force rather than the full amount you initially purchased. This policy, though for a reduced amount, will be fully paid up and you will never pay a premium again. The reduced death benefit will be paid upon the death of the insured.

    Cash Surrender Value

    You may also surrender your policy for its cash value plus any dividends as another option. If there is any outstanding indebtedness on the policy it will be deducted from the amount you receive.

    Waiver Of Premium Rider

    When purchasing your whole life insurance policy you have the option of adding the waiver of premium rider an a very minimal cost. You may find it beneficial as if you should become disabled the life insurance company will waive your premiums for as long as you are disabled even if it is for the rest of your life. You must, however, be disabled for a minimal period of time, usually six months. Whenever you are able to return to your job you continue payments of your policy. Nothing is owed for the period you didn't pay.

    Accidental Death Benefit

    Another valuable rider you can add to your whole life insurance policy is the accidental death benefit rider. If you should die in an accident the life insurance company will pay twice the face amount to your beneficiaries. Some life insurance companies allow you to purchase an additional unit of the accidental death benefit rider. In other words, your family would receive three times the face amount of your whole life insurance policy if you died in an accident.

    Whole life insurance premiums are higher than term life insurance premiums. If you feel the abovementioned benefits are worth the additional cost this type of life insurance may be for you.

    For additional information information on whole life insurance go to:
    http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net/whole-life-insurance.html

    For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and most admired life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

    Donald's website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldLusan
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Whole-Life-Insurance---Things-You-Need-To-Know&id=665719

    Term Life Insurance Information Sources

    Term Life Insurance Information Sources
    By Donny Lowy

    Term life insurance is a straight forward product with one direct and many indirect benefits. Although most people understand the basic idea of life insurance they stand frozen in indecision, and avoid purchasing a policy out of lack of knowldege.

    People need guidance, and especially when it comes to purchasing term life insurance they can use a little more help.

    Luckily the Internet has made available ample information sources for people considering life insurance. Below are the some great information sources for people looking for term life insurance.

    Term Life Insurance Source #1

    Life Line is an industry sponsored site that offers educational information on life insurance. The site offers detailed information compiled by insurance professionals paid by the insurance industry.

    Term Life Insurance Source #2

    Lifeinsurance.net is a privately run insurance site. It offers a detailed explanation on term life insurance and other life insurance options. A handy calculator can help you calculate your insurance needs.

    Term Life Insurance Source #3

    Lifeinsure.com offers live links to help visitors work through the insurance process.A user can read articles on insurance and click on key words to read more on a subject. For example an article on term life insurance might have the word premium highlighted as a live link. A user can click on the word and be taken to a page providing a detailed explanation on what a premium is.

    Term Life Insurance Source #4

    Your local library. Libraries can be a great source for life insurance information. They have books that have been approved by librarians for their content. While many of the books might have basic explanations, they will also eliminate many get rich quick style books.

    Term Life Insurance Source #5

    Financial planner. A certified financial planner is a great source of information and professional guidance. He can make recommendations based on your personal situation. Opt for a financial planner who is compensated by you and not the insurance company. If he receives a commission from the insurance company he might be swayed towards recommending an insurance product based on his potential commission.

    Term Life Insurance Source #6

    Search engines. Search online and you will see thousands of sites that offer free information, along with free term life insurance quotes. Spend the time analyzing and comparing term life policies and obtaining quotes, you will be surprised at the differences in terms and prices.

    Donny Lowy manages http://www.americanlifedirectonline.com an online term life insurance portal.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonnyLowy
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Term-Life-Insurance-Information-Sources&id=187300

    Wednesday, 18 February 2009

    Cutting Corners with Life and Health Insurance

    Cutting Corners with Life and Health Insurance
    By Dave Poon

    Do you just leave everything to chance? Did you ever think of getting a life and health insurance? In today's time, people need to secure their future and prepare themselves in case an unpredictable situation would arise. While it is true that the future is full of uncertainty, nothing beats a well-planned life and health policy when the worst happen.

    Life insurance is very important if you have a family of your own. In the event that a person dies, of course you would want to protect your family's current standard of living. Aside from burial expenses and funeral costs, you might want to invest in a life insurance policy that would cover your current debts and living expenses for your loved ones. Some would say that they would rather prioritize the basic needs and would later on worry about these things once they cross the bridge. But the truth is, if you have invested in life and health insurance and the unexpected happen today, you can then be sure that your family will be taken care economically in the future.

    There are two general categories of life insurance: term insurance and permanent insurance. Term insurance allows you to pay premium coverage for a certain period that you have agreed upon. On the other hand, the permanent insurance policy never ends as long as you are paying the premiums.

    Additionally, should you get sick and be hospitalized, you do not need to worry of huge bills if you invest in a good health insurance. According to a study made by Families USA in June 2004, uninsured individuals tend to delay seeking medications when they are sick. And as a consequence, they often land at the emergency room for serious conditions that could have been minor ones if they have sought medication at an earlier time.

    Just like life insurance, there are two types of health insurance policies: medical and disability. Medical health insurance is the most common and covers benefits for injury or sickness. While, a disability income policy will supply you an income if ever you will be unable to pursue your occupation due to physical or mental impairment.

    Regardless of which insurance policy you will choose, here are some helpful points to consider in lowering your insurance premiums:

    1. Shop around for rates. Search as many as you can for companies that can give you affordable payment quotes.

    2. Consider group health insurance. For health insurance, grab the opportunity if your company offers cheap health insurance policy wherein they pay a fraction of the costs. If your company does not offer this benefit, find a group health insurance. This is a low cost health insurance.

    3.Take good care of your health. For life insurance, this will lower your premium while increasing your life expectancy. Make sure that you exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.

    4. Avoid high-risk activities. If you are a rock climber, skydiver or perhaps a deep-sea diver, then your premiums will be higher since obviously, these are very risky activities.

    5. Get an independent agent. For you to save money and time, you can look for an independent agent who can give you a lot of options with what corporation you will go rather than pushing only one company.

    6. Study costs. Though you may be looking for a lower premium, weigh also the benefits of each type of insurance. Make sure that you get the benefits that you need and at the same time leave some money for your personal savings.

    7. Consider term life insurance. At first, you may invest in a term insurance since this is cheaper than permanent. Also, remember that a term insurance can be converted to permanent but a permanent cannot be converted to a term.

    Remember that you can always secure your future with life and health insurance without sacrificing your needs and jeopardizing your budget. It is always wise to be well prepared and there is no better time to start it, than now.

    Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes inthe latest in Insurance. For more informationregarding Life and Health Insurance please drop by at http://www.bestinsuranceworld.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DavePoon
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Cutting-Corners-with-Life-and-Health-Insurance&id=372917

    Knowing The Pros And Cons Of Finding The Best Whole Life Insurance

    Knowing The Pros And Cons Of Finding The Best Whole Life Insurance
    By Craig Thornburrow

    Once you have finally decided to take that big step and invest in your first life insurance policy you are left with one more major decision: to choose to accept a whole life or a term life. Although both policies will give you and your family the benefit of owning life insurance, they are both totally different ways of obtaining coverage for your demise. Each and every year hundreds of unfortunate consumers are left in the dark when looking for their own policies, and we are looking to bring an end to that confusion.

    The major benefits of the best whole life insurance, or permanent life insurance as it is known in some circles, can immediately begin even if you are still young. Much as its name implies, you are covered for your entire life if you decide to enroll in this kind of policy. With great flexibility, you can begin the policy at whatever age you wish - and provided you continue to pay the premiums, the policy will last until you die even if you live to be over one hundred. In contrast to this flexibility, term life insurance can only be purchased for a set period of years determined actuarially by your insurance provider.

    Secondly, permanent life insurance holds a major advantage over term life because of the diversity in policies you can purchase. The first these unique policies is the typical or traditional style of insurance in which the premium remains roughly the same as long as you pay on time year after year. Premiums from this type of policy start high, but do not increase by much the older you get. By keeping the premiums low, insurance companies allow retirees on a fixed income to still keep the policies they held when they were younger.

    With the second type of whole life insurance, universal form, you are allowed to change the payout and premium levels of your policy as the years go by. While a medical examination is required whenever you make these changes, you can use this type of insurance as a way to generate interest to help you pay for rising premiums if necessary.

    Next we have variable life insurance. With this style of insurance, you are actually able to invest a small portion of your payout in bonds, the stock market, or just about whatever other moneymaking offer you see fit. Even though you could lose a portion of insurance by investing, the chance of increasing your payouts size without increasing premiums is a big draw for many people.

    Finally, you can combine the advantages of the previous two types of policies in a variable-universal plan. This type of life insurance not only allows you to raise or lower your premiums and payouts through regular medical exams but also lets you invest part of the payout in different stocks or bonds. Without a doubt, if you want to maximize your best whole life insurance benefits, the variable-universal plan is a type of insurance that you should definitely consider.

    Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on life insurance and life insurance quotes at http://www.bestdeallifeinsurance.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CraigThornburrow
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Knowing-The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Finding-The-Best-Whole-Life-Insurance&id=468333

    Monday, 12 January 2009

    A Life Insurance Policy A Simple Yet Powerful Document

    A Life Insurance Policy - A Simple Yet Powerful Document
    By Donald Lusan

    Have you ever considered that a life insurance policy is a simple document complicated by a lot of legal jargon? Yes, the legal jargon is designed to protect the policy owner and his or her heirs but it is also designed to protect the life insurance company. That being said, a life insurance policy is a very powerful document. It is a simple document that does a real heavy duty job.

    Your life insurance policy makes putting you away in a time of grief much easier. You will be remembered more fondly because you didn't leave the weighty burial costs for your loved ones to shoulder. You didn't leave the estate tax costs and attorney fees to come out of their pockets. They send you off in style and you would be very proud of your surviving family.

    Your spouse knows about the effort you made to prepare for your untimely death and she loves you even more at this time for your thoughtfulness. Your life insurance policy comes alive after your death...

    Your policy is alive because it pays off that mortgage that was initially a strain on you but you knew you had to buy that home for your wife and children. You watched them enjoy that home and shared their joy but as you drift off you know they will live there for as long as they want because you bought that mortgage life insurance policy.

    As the children got a little older your wife decided that she wanted to go back to work. You are so proud of her achievements. If she wants to continue with her career she can but if she should choose to stay at home she could because your life insurance policy proceeds can take care of the expenses. She can take care of the living expenses, she can pay for all the activities that the children enjoy. She can be there for that baseball or football game all because your life insurance policy provided an income that your wife cannot outlive.

    You own a business; a small corporation. Your life insurance agent advised you to have a legally prepared buy-sell agreement in case one of the shareholders should die. You happened to be the one that died. The surviving shareholders would be in big trouble had you not insisted on that agreement funded by life insurance policies. The proceeds of this particular policy would be used by the survivors to buy your shares from your wife. As you insisted on updating the policies each year the surviving shareholders get a solid company to continue on with and your spouse gets full value for your shares. In this case she doesn't really need it so she decides to invest it and leave it for the children.

    The surviving shareholders would have had another problem had you not insisted on some key man life insurance on your life as well as some on their lives. You were very aware that they would need someone to take on your work load. The money to pay this person would come from the proceeds of your key man life insurance policy. It would help them adjust to the new environment.

    A life insurance policy is just a piece of paper mixed with a drop of ink but Oh how powerful an instrument it is.

    For additional information on life insurance and protecting your family:

    http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net/familyprotection.html

    For more information on the effective use of life insurance to protect your business:

    http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net/businesslifeinsurance.html

    For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and most admired life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

    Donald's website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldLusan
    http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Life-Insurance-Policy---A-Simple-Yet-Powerful-Document&id=556970

    Cheap Universal Life Insurance What is It?

    Cheap Universal Life Insurance - What is It?
    By Elizabeth Newberry

    Youve probably heard of both term life insurance and whole life insurance, and you might even already have one of the two types of policies; however, were you aware of the advantages and increasing popularity of universal life insurance before you decided on a life insurance policy?

    Universal life insurance is a personal portfolio of financial security. Since it offers a wider variety of coverage and options, it is different from other insurance policies. A universal life insurance policy can include a life insurance component (whether term life insurance, whole life insurance, or mortgage insurance), an investment component (tax-free funds that can be used for needs such as emergencies or retirement and vary depending on the amount of life insurance purchased and the length of the life insurance policy), a health insurance component (which can include general health or critical illness coverage), as well as additional add-ons such as disability, accidental death, accidental fracture, and coverage for family members, all depending on your insurance company.

    Policy variables such as premiums and the insured amount can usually be adjusted at any time during the life of the policy, therefore making the universal life insurance portfolio flexible both at the time of the purchase and throughout the life of the policy. Because of the wider variety and coverage options available with different universal life insurance policies, you can design complete portfolios for yourself and your family, and you can build financial security progressively, at your own rate, depending on your own priorities, financial status, and family situation, all according to as your needs change. Depending on the insurance company, premium payments can sometimes be reduced or stopped while maintaining coverage using funds accumulated with the investment component, and are available at any time depending on conditions with the selected investment type.

    Given the variety of coverage options and flexibility, considering universal life insurance before committing to another could be greatly beneficial in the long run.

    View our Recommended Source for Insurance Quotes it is a simple site that provides free quotes for all types of insurance.

    Life Insurance Quotes
    Home Owners Insurance

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ElizabethNewberry
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Cheap-Universal-Life-Insurance---What-is-It?&id=164638

    Why Do I Need Life Insurance?

    Why Do I Need Life Insurance?
    By Grey Gregory

    Life insurance is one of those things that everyone should consider, especially if you have a family that is financially depending on you. Upon death, this type of insurance will help your loved ones pay for funeral expenses and other expenses. Death is something that most of us dont like thinking about, but its inevitable and it would be better for your family if you were prepared.

    There are a number of different types of life insurance policies to choose from. The type of policy that you need should depend on how much premium you can afford now and how much money your family will need when you die. When you buy a life insurance policy, you will designate a beneficiary. The beneficiary is the person who will receive the funds of the policy upon death.

    The two basic types of insurance policy are permanent life insurance and term life insurance. Permanent life insurance premiums cost more but you are insured for a certain sum of money for the remainder of your life. Whereas, term life insurance generally has cheaper premiums but you are only insured for a fixed amount of years.

    Before you buy life insurance be sure to do your research. First of all, you need to research the different life insurance companies. You need to consider the financial strength of the insurance company since you are entering into a contract with them to pay your designated beneficiary some time in the future. Secondly, you need to determine what type of life insurance policy you want and can afford. Fortunately, you can do a lot of your research on the internet. Most of the insurance companies have their own website where your can learn more about the company, policy and rates.

    The main reason you need life insurance is to insure the financial well being of your family when you are gone. Having life insurance is one of the best gifts you can give your family.

    Grey Gregory is a successful webmaster and publisher of www.purchaseinsurancenow.com/life-and-health-insurance.php/ She provides more life and health insurancesecrets and solutions at her website.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GreyGregory
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Do-I-Need-Life-Insurance?&id=285204

    Sunday, 11 January 2009

    Term Life Insurance When It's Right And When It's Not

    Term Life Insurance - When It's Right And When It's Not
    By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

    Term life insurance is a great way of protecting your loved from ones from unnecessary hardship if the unexpected happens. However, there are right times and wrong times to get term life insurance.

    Term life insurance is best when you have great financial obligations and need to protect your loved ones from suffering if you pass on. It can take care of your kids' college, pay off the mortgage or provide a buffer for them so that their lifestyle will not be altered.

    It is best when you can't carry the financial burden of paying for a permanent life insurance policy. However, it comes with its drawbacks. For example, it's a policy that has been likened to many as paying rent for a property.

    Even if you pay your rent faithfully for 25 years, you'll leave with nothing once your lease expires or you stop paying rent. You do not own even a part of that property even if the total rent paid over the period could buy the house.

    You'd have to die for any benefit to be paid out. You do not have any form of cash value. Furthermore, if you die an hour after the expiration of your policy, your family will get nothing.

    This may seem like a light issue unless you take into consideration that a person could easily become uninsurable at the expiration of their term life insurance. This however, could be covered by ensuring your term life insurance policy is convertible to whole life insurance and/or has guaranteed renewal as a feature.

    It is advised that you switch to a whole life insurance policy as early as possible. The longer you wait before converting your term life policy to a whole life policy, the more you'll pay eventually even if you have all the safety features included in your term life policy.

    You can lower your insurance costs by getting quotes from reputable quotes sites. You can also do this for all your existing insurance policies: Auto, health and home. The savings you make could then be plowed back into getting the best life insurance policy for you.

    Get your life insurance quotes and quotes for other policies here (my favorite quotes sites)...

    Free Affordable Life Insurance Quotes

    Hometown Life Insurance Quotes

    Chimezirim Odimba writes on life insurance.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ChimezirimChinecheremOdimba
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Term-Life-Insurance---When-Its-Right-And-When-Its-Not&id=623837

    The Different Types of Life Insurance Explained

    The Different Types of Life Insurance Explained
    By Mansi Aggarwal

    There are numerous companies existing today that offer life insurance policies. Though the crux of the policy (to ensure a safe and sound life of an individuals survivors as well as to the individual) does not alter yet companies try to differ with each other by making different classifications or bifurcations.

    Broadly the life insurance is divided into two parts.

    1.Term Life Insurance Policy- Anyone can opt for a term life insurance. This type of policy is basically meant to cover a persons short term requirements. For instance if the policyholder unfortunately meets with a grave accident, he can claim for the insurance amount. But it also compensates the bereaved in the case of death of a family member. All in all it is a policy that helps in covering potential need for life insurance in the short run.

    Term life insurance is usually a renewable and convertible program. It ranges from one to hundred years. If it is a one year program then the cost of its coverage increases after every one year till the time it expires. Generally the expiry is at the age of 75. While if the policy is term to the age of 100 along with cash value it subsequently becomes a part of the insurance for whole life. Quite often it is noticed that it is cheaper to buy a whole life insurance policy than a non-cash one in value Term 100 policy.

    2.Permanent Life Insurance- this is life insurance for the entire life of the individual. The value of this policy increases throughout the time one participates in the program. Terms such as Par and Non-Par are widely used in this context. Par whole life coverage generates dividends that are a partial return of the premium paid for coverage and investment growth. The amount of dividends keeps on changing from annually. On the other hand the non-par whole life insurance policies offer no dividends. The future cash values in these cases are not projected but assured or guaranteed.

    Besides this whole life-quick pay premium policies are also available. In these there is a fixed premium that one has to pay for quit a short interval of time till the time it is entirely paid up. The death benefit in this policy is leveled and paid up at the time the premium ceases.

    Whole life insurance policy can also be fractured in terms of premium payable for 15 years, 20 years and 65 years of age. The terms and conditions in these cases remain more or less the same.

    Universal life insurance policy is meant for people who require a life insurance, have a big marginal tax bracket, have big RRSP and pension contributions, paying a good tax on investment income, want to have an additional future income and have an investment prospect for at least 10 years. These policies are considered to be most difficult of all the insurance contracts.

    Mansi Aggarwal writes about affordable life insurance quote. Learn more http://www.lowquoter.com/life/

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MansiAggarwal
    http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Different-Types-of-Life-Insurance-Explained&id=116463

    Friday, 9 January 2009

    Buying The Right Life Insurance Plan

    Buying The Right Life Insurance Plan
    By Max Bellamy

    Life Insurance is an important investment and irrespective of the income level, it is imperative to buy at least a basic Life Insurance plan. This helps to secure emotional and financial stability. It is very important to know and understand which plan would be ideal for an individual's specific needs. The details that have to be considered are the financial status, assets, affordability, debts and credits, including child support expenses and any other related expenditure. The present insurance market offers a host of varying policies and it is quite difficult to make a choice.

    Permanent and Term Life Insurance are the two regular Life Insurance plans. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. They should be opted for keeping in mind optimum benefits and minimum expenditure. A permanent insurance guarantees forced saving, tax-free income, paid-up additions to the benefits, provisions of extended term periods and the provision of borrowing. However, a high rate of premium is applied, to avail of these features. It covers the monetary loss incurred by the investor?s death.

    Term Insurance, on the other hand, covers the beneficiary only if the investor dies during the insured period. The premium charged for such insurance is much less than a permanent insurance and it has no saving feature. According to experts, a term insurance can be the best deal if the investor saves the difference and puts that money to good use. The interest received can become an additional income in that case, maintaining a low cost insurance at the same time. Surveys reveal that twenty percent of the investors lose their policies within two years and fifty percent of them in five years, after buying permanent policies.

    Investors can go through all the necessary details associated with a particular policy and then decide if it meets their requirement.

    Low Cost Life Insurance provides detailed information on Low Cost Life Insurance, Low Cost Term Life Insurance, Low Cost Whole Life Insurance, Low Cost Life Insurance Quote and more. Low Cost Life Insurance is affiliated with Low Cost Family Health Insurance.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MaxBellamy
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-The-Right-Life-Insurance-Plan&id=408366

    Buy Term Life Insurance The Best Time

    Buy Term Life Insurance - The Best Time
    By Donald Lusan

    When is the best time to buy term life insurance? Take a moment to consider when is the best time to buy any type of life insurance. Also think about whether you should buy any life insurance at all. Do you need life insurance? Of course you do...everyone does. Life insurance pays outstanding debt after death for pennies on the dollar. Why should you pay the full amount of your debt when you can pay it for 3 cents on the dollar. When is the best time to buy term life insurance for family protection? Do you have a family? Do you think you need to guarantee that your income continues going to them after your death? Of course you do.

    May be the best time to buy term insurance is now. Why? As you get older the same policy you would buy today will cost you more. The actuaries that work with the life insurance companies know how many people at a given age are going to die within a year. They know how many will be alive next year this time. The problem is that we don't want to think about the possibility of death. If we give the matter some thought we realize that the best time to buy term life insurance is today. Why do I keep referring to term life insurance? Term policies cost less than permanent policies. Anybody with an income can buy some term insurance as long as s/he can qualify for it.

    Some of the permanent policies like whole life, universal life or variable universal life are too costly for many people but they can afford a term policy. May be you only want the policy to pay last expenses. $10,000 to $20,000 will do that for most people. The costs of these policies are so negligible that anyone can buy a term policy to take care of last expenses.

    The best type of term life insurance for you depends on the period of time you for which you need to keep the policy. Policies of choice are the level term policies for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years or 30 years. The shorter the time you will need the policy the lower the cost. When is the best time to buy your term life insurance policy? You should buy your policy at the earliest convenience as each year you wait it costs more. The fact is many people will not qualify for the policy next year this time because of ill health.

    I have spent more than 40 years in the life insurance business and I can tell you many sad but delightful, in a way, stories about people who did not wait to buy their life insurance. These stories are sad because someone died but they are delightful in other ways. The outstanding debts were paid off and the families left behind were provided for. The children could continue going to the same school and the surviving spouse could take them there in the same car. The money needed to take care of final expenses was more than sufficient.

    The other side of the coin is rather ugly. I could tell you stories about many people who died without sufficient life insurance but I won't. The best time to buy term life insurance is now. There is no time like the present to do the smart thing.

    For additional information on term life insurance go to: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net/termlifeinsurancequotes.html

    For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and most admired life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

    Donald's website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldLusan
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Buy-Term-Life-Insurance---The-Best-Time&id=356704

    Whole Life Insurance Comparisons The Right Way For The Best Result

    Whole Life Insurance Comparisons - The Right Way For The Best Result
    By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

    Using the right strategy, you'll pay far less by doing whole life insurance comparisons. The more extensive and thorough the process is, the better the results you'll get. While you'll get considerable savings this way, care must be taken to ensure that you do not take steps that could have dire consequences later.

    Nothing can be more painful than realizing what the exclusions are when you want to take advantage of your investment. There could be slight differences from one insurer to another. Make sure you understand details of an insurer's whole life insurance policy before signing.

    Does this policy have details that cover all your life insurance needs? It's a smart move to ask questions about any concerns you may have before paying for your whole life insurance policy.

    Know what you want and why you want it. This will help you make better choices especially when you may have to choose between a cheaper offer that slashes things that are important to you and a more expensive one that's just right for you.

    The best comparison isn't just about looking at the lowest price, it involves looking at what you get for the price.

    An insurer's rating is very important. Make sure you check or, use a reputable insurance quotes site and you can rest assured that they'll return quotes from reputable companies.

    For best results, get your quotes from up to five (but not less than three) reputable sites that offer whole life insurance quotes. The logic behind this is simple. You're more likely to miss some great quotes if you visit just one site.

    You can NOT afford to postpone issues that have to do with your life and those of your loved ones till later. Tomorrow may be too late (or make you lose more on paying more than you should) therefore take out some time now to do your whole life insurance comparisons. Whole life insurance policies are cheapest when you're youngest.

    Don't lose sight of your main reason of looking for a whole life insurance policy when comparing those whole life insurance quotes. People who don't care about what happens when they're gone don't bother about whole life insurance. You do. Be very thorough, then, as you compare quotes.

    Here are my favorite quotes sites for whole life insurance quotes...

    Free Affordable Life Insurance Quotes

    Hometown Life Insurance Quotes

    Chimezirim Odimba writes on life insurance.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ChimezirimChinecheremOdimba
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Whole-Life-Insurance-Comparisons---The-Right-Way-For-The-Best-Result&id=633684

    Thursday, 8 January 2009

    Whole Life Insurance Online

    Whole Life Insurance Online
    By Peter Emerson

    With the pervasive presence of the Internet, online shopping as leisure activity has occupied every imaginable time slot in an individuals life. It is no longer restricted to evenings, when one would stroll by the streets to shop for the items. Online shopping has taken the time during lunch breaks, coffee breaks and even between household chores.After the online presence of commodities, goods and services like travel and lodging, online shopping was followed by banking products. It was finally followed by insurance companies setting up their websites, and other insurance-related services followed. Online insurance policy sales were combined with physical transactions, as these transactions involved hard copies like documents and contracts. Insurance companies sold their products by offering quotes for different products, advertising the various features and sometimes offering online advice.

    On the Internet, besides getting free quotes, one can obtain ratings of different products, called the cost index numbers, and advice on the products. These are provided by insurance agencies. Blogs and other forums have developed for discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various products.

    The Internet insurance shopping experience provides a fast and easy way to obtain an insurance policy by providing all of the information needed to make a decision. Still, dealing with financial products requires expert opinions, and insurance is no exception. Hence, with all the information available from the Internet, a second opinion on the matter from an insurance agent or from relatives would make the decision stronger. Some insurance companies provide agent location features to offer advice and recommendations.

    When a purchase is made online, it is important to keep all the papers sent by the company through email or regular mail. After receiving the quote, the expiration date of the quote should be noted to take fast action.

    If the company is well known, comparative searches has been done and the individual knows what exactly he or she wants, the online shopping experience will be comfortable.

    Whole Life Insurance provides detailed information on Whole Life Insurance, Whole Life Insurance Quotes, Whole Life Insurance Policies, Term Vs Whole Life Insurance and more. Whole Life Insurance is affiliated with Instant Whole Life Insurance Quotes.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PeterEmerson
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Whole-Life-Insurance-Online&id=210222