Pointers

Planning Maven Pointers

IDEAS!
	Below are listed some rather -- shall we say -- shrewd ways to use insurance if you are a person with a chronic illness or disability and think you have been shut out of the traditional market. For each idea, an introduction to a larger discussion is presented in each paragraph here. If you are interested, the entire article is merely a click away... [we don't want insurance people to find it that easily...]

Cash-Strapped Strategy

One of the most difficult portions of a complete protection plan to devise is the cash flow plan during sustained periods of disability that are likely to exceed the typical planning period of 6 months. Most financial planners will advise you to keep 6 months of expenses in cash savings. Most middle class people have difficulty collecting that much in savings during their younger years -- if at all. So how does somebody survive the year-and-one-half or longer typical waiting period before any payments from Social Security Disability are likely to commence -- if at all? Here's one idea that may help you survive the cash crunch....

The Sicker You Are, The Richer You Should Be

It sounds strange, but it is true -- IF you know what to do! There is no question that if your chronic illness progresses, your need for available cash will also increase. However, contrary to popular opinion, if you find yourself hospitalized fairly frequently for reasons related to your chronic illness or disability, you may have a golden opportunity to raise some of that needed cash precisely because you are sick and hospitalized. Here's how...

Axe The Tax Man

[Coming Soon]

Insurance Rock Hounding

[Coming Soon]

TIPS!!

Below are listed some helpful tips to consider when you purchase insurance.

Life Insurance

	In addition to financial health [see links section], you want to choose a company that is responsive to its policyholders. That's why it is a good idea to check with your state's insurance regulating body [see links section] to make sure there are no serious complaints against any of the companies you are considering.
	When you are buying a variable or universal life insurance policy, another issue to consider is what funds are offered. In these kinds of policies, you may be able to direct where you want your investment to go. Generally, the insurer will offer a range of investments, from safe, fixed-income funds to stock and high-yield bond funds which offer the potential for more income but which come with a higher risk.
	Fees can be another concern for permanent life policies, especially if you are planning on tapping into that cash value. To fairly compare policies, take a look at fees, including management fees and penalties that could eat up your cash value if you decide to surrender the policy.

09/25/08