Health insurance used to be a fairly simple process. But today, whether obtaining health insurance privately or through an employer, we’re being offered a variety of insurance plans with varying benefit levels, making the choice more difficult. Before you enroll in another health insurance plan, here are some common terms you need to know – and understand: Co-Insurance – Co-insurance is the amount that you are responsible for out-of-pocket. Most plans have levels such as...
There were 43 million renters in the U.S. in 2017, the highest number of renters in the last 50 years. Yet according to the Insurance Information Institute , only 37 percent of those currently renting have renters insurance, leaving 27.1 million renters without protection should catastrophe strike. It’s important for renters to understand that while their landlord’s homeowner’s policy would cover structural damages to an apartment or home, it will not protect the renter’s personal...
Television today is bombarded with a variety of real estate programs. House hunting, home renovation, home flipping, these programs have stimulated the interest of many individuals to start investing in real estate for themselves. While many first-time investors lean towards purchasing single-family homes, others may not want to become landlords overnight. If you’re looking to invest in real estate but have no desire to screen applicants, handle leaky faucets or broken appliances, or any other...
When looking for an investment, many people are turning to real estate. There are a variety of ways to invest in real estate, though one of the most popular ways to invest is by purchasing income-producing property. This can be done through the purchase of multi-family apartments, commercial/retail property, or single-family homes. Single family homes offers an excellent entry point into real estate investing, requiring minimal funds up front, while providing a nice revenue stream...
If you’re approaching retirement age, you may be considering a move to a more retirement-friendly state, particularly if your current state of residence imposes numerous taxes on social security, pensions, and other retirement income. While making the decision to relocate is not something that can be done lightly, there are a variety of options available nationwide that may allow you to retain more of your retirement income. Of course, taxes alone are not the only...
As a single woman, you may be faced with some unique challenges when planning for retirement. Here's what you should consider.
We all remember savings bonds. Once a popular gift for young children, parents could secure the bonds knowing that they could cash them out in the future. At that time, savings bonds were typically purchased through an employer or a local financial institution. What made them particularly appealing was the ability to purchase a $50.00 savings bond for $25.00. The idea was to hold onto the bond until maturity, where the bond could be redeemed...
While no one expects to become disabled, 1 in 4 Americans do so prior to retirement age. An accident, an unforeseen medical event, a catastrophic injury can all lead to temporary or permanent disability. So, what happens when you suddenly find yourself unable to work? Most people turn to Social Security Disability. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration offers limited disability benefits that are notoriously difficult to obtain. Difficulty aside, if you are lucky enough to...
If you’re five to 10 years away from retirement, it’s time to start getting specific about your plans after exiting your career.
If you don’t know the difference between asset-backed securities and securities, you may want to take a look at these common financial terms and their definitions. Asset Backed Securities Asset-backed securities are bonds or notes that are backed by assets such as credit card accounts receivable, auto loans, and home equity loans. Blue Chips Blue chips are well-established, well-recognized, financially stable companies. Blue Chip companies offer a variety of products and services, have been in...
If you’ve always dreamed of living abroad, now may be the best time. Today, there are around 400,000 American retirees residing outside the United States, with that number expected to grow over the next few years. Cost of living is often cited as one of the main reasons for the move. For example, in places like Mexico and Costa Rica, it’s possible to live off of a Social Security check, while enjoying a relaxing lifestyle...
While so much of personal finance is common sense – don’t spend more than you make, don’t buy a house you can’t afford, start to invest money while you’re young, many young people today enter the workforce fresh out of college, with a boatload of student loans, and with no clue how to properly manage their money. The truth is that many young adults struggle out of college, finding themselves further in debt in just...
