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Jacob Eastlick

5 Reasons Why Having Life Insurance Is Good for You

By Jacob Eastlick on August 27, 2020 0

We get it: No one wants to think about death—for us or the ones we love. And a lot of people equate life insurance with death. And while it IS there if the worst were to happen, it can also do so many other things, and doesn’t have to break your budget while doing it. Check out these great reasons to consider life insurance:

1. It’s part of a sound financial plan.

Insufficient coverage has severe consequences for many families. Our 2019 Insurance Barometer found that four in 10 households without any life insurance would have immediate trouble paying living expenses if their primary wage earner died. Life insurance helps with planning for your loved ones’ long-term health and happiness, providing you with peace of mind that your loved ones are financially protected.

If someone would suffer financially when you die, you need life insurance just like you need a savings or checking account. The money from the policy’s death benefit can help your family meet many important financial needs like funeral costs, daily living expenses and college funding.

2. It’s not as expensive as you think.

Many consumers believe that life insurance is either too complicated or too expensive to consider, creating a barrier to ownership with only 57 percent of people owning life insurance in 2019. In actuality, life insurance is inexpensive and much more accessible that you think. For a healthy 30-year-old, for example, they can get a 20-year term life insurance policy with $250,000 of coverage for about $13 a month. When you break it down life that, it’s easier to budget for and less scary to think about.

3. It can build cash value over time.

Permanent life insurance has a cash value or cash-surrender value, which means it can build cash value over time in addition to providing a death benefit to your beneficiaries. Just like most retirement and tuition savings plans, cash values can accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and be used in the future for any purpose you wish—a down payment on a home, college tuition or even income for your retirement.

This can be a good option as the borrowing rates tend to be relatively low and it’s not dependent on credit checks or other restrictions. Keep in mind, though, you’re ultimately responsible for repaying any loan as set out, to make sure your beneficiary receives the death benefit you had envisioned for them.

4. Life insurance can be more than just life insurance.

Riders to a life insurance contract or a specific kind of policy, can enhance coverage. For example, you could have a life insurance policy, sometimes called a hybrid policy, that includes a long-term care benefit to pay for long-term care services. If this is something you need down the line, you can take advantage of it, otherwise there is a death benefit for your beneficiary. There are a number of different riders available that can help you customize and boost your coverage.

5. It can help maximize your retirement.

If the financial obligations you had when you first purchased a permanent life insurance policy have ended, your policy can take on a new life and benefit your retirement. Structured correctly, your policy can provide supplemental retirement income via policy loans and withdrawals or even options for long-term care benefits.

Life insurance can also maximize a pension by supplementing a surviving spouse’s income, or established into a life insurance trust to allow you to pass on to your heirs outside of your estate (often avoiding both estate and income taxes).

So, what are next-steps? Why not do a quick calculation to see how much life insurance you may need with our online Life Insurance Needs Calculator here. And then plan on talking to an insurance agents about your needs and budget—remember, they will help you free of charge with no obligation.

 

by Maggie Leyes | January 8, 2020 | Life Insurance

Maggie Leyes

Maggie Leyes

Maggie Leyes is Chief Creative Officer for Life Happens. She has been working in the insurance and financial services industry for more than 15 years.

8 smart steps for buying life insurance

By Jacob Eastlick on August 27, 2020 0

How to find coverage that meets your needs and budget

Life Insurance


IN THIS ARTICLE
  • 1. Determine whether you actually need life insurance
  • 2. Calculate how much life insurance you need
  • 3. Consider other objectives you may have for your life insurance
  • 4. Determine what type of life insurance best meets your needs
  • 5. Find out if you need to add any “riders” to the policy
  • 6. Shop around
  • 7. Decide whether to pay premiums annually
  • 8. Tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy

Life insurance can form a vital part of your family’s financial stability and well-being but, if you’re like most people, you may find the thought of shopping for the right type of coverage a little daunting. Fortunately, these eight simple steps can guide you along the way.

1. Determine whether you actually need life insurance

Most people do, but not everyone. If no one depends on you financially, if you have no debt and would leave an estate with enough cash to pay its own taxes and expenses, you probably don’t need life insurance. If you do not meet these criteria, you probably will need individual life insurance.

2. Calculate how much life insurance you need

There are two important questions to ask:

  • What financial resources will be available to survivors after your death? For simplicity, consider three categories of resources: (1) Social security and other retirement-related survivor benefits; (2) group life insurance; and (3) other assets and resources. It is also important to know when these resources will become available—for example, social security survivor benefits are payable immediately to a surviving spouse with dependent children, but only after age 60 if there are no children.
  • What financial needs will your survivors have after your death. For simplicity, consider three categories of requirements: (1) final expenses; (2) debts; and (3) income needs.

Then subtract your survivors’ financial resources (step #2) from their financial needs (step #3) to determine how large a policy to buy. Many people are underinsured, often because they skip these steps or take a shortcut (such as simply buying a multiple of annual income). For more help in determining the right amount of life insurance, see: How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

3. Consider other objectives you may have for your life insurance

Some types of life insurance policies include a savings feature that can be used for purposes other than paying death benefits.

4. Determine what type of life insurance best meets your needs

Essentially, there are three types of life insurance policies—term life, whole life and universal life. If you need the insurance for only a specific period of time, or are on a limited budget, a term policy, which has lower premiums, may be a good fit. If, however, you need the insurance for as long as you live and want to accumulate savings, a whole or universal policy may be a better choice.

5. Find out if you need to add any “riders” to the policy

There are two that you should consider—waiver of premium and guaranteed insurability. Some policies come with one or both included with the basic contract but, if not, it is generally a good idea to add them. Waiver of premium pays the life insurance policy premium for you if you are disabled. Guaranteed insurability permits you to add to the death benefit without providing additional evidence that you are in acceptable health.

6. Shop around

There are many ways to save money when buying life insurance, but they don’t always entail paying a lower premium immediately. That said, life insurance is a very competitive business so quotes can vary significantly between companies.

7. Decide whether to pay premiums annually

In most cases, it is better to pay annually rather than in installments because there is often a relatively large additional charge for paying smaller amounts more frequently.

8. Tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy

Once the policy is issued, inform your beneficiaries the company that issued it, where to find the paper copy of the policy and any specifics about what you want them to do with the death benefit. While is rare for people to be unaware they are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, it does happen and you want to make sure that the benefit will not go unclaimed. And store your documents so that they can be easily accessed by your beneficiaries.\

Published by: Insurance Information Institute

Staying Safe on Playgrounds

By Jacob Eastlick on July 29, 2020 0

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year, more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger go to U.S. hospital emergency departments with injuries associated with playground equipment. More than 20,000 of these children are treated for a traumatic brain injury, including concussion.

As the weather warms up and trips to the park become frequent, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the risks on playgrounds and how you can prevent injuries.

Check for Playground Hazards

Nearly 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls. Watch out for these potential hazards when taking kids to the playground, and report any hazards observed.

Improper ground surfaces: Surfaces around playground equipment should have at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials. Playgrounds should be free of exposed concrete footings, rocks or tree stumps.

Overcrowded play areas: The area under and around play equipment should be a minimum of 6 feet in all directions while swing set areas should be twice the height of the suspending bar both in back and front of the swings. Structures more than 30 inches high should be at least 9 feet apart.

Unprotected elevated areas: Platforms higher than 30 inches should have guardrails or barriers.

Head entrapment spaces: Openings between rails, bars, rungs and even ropes of cargo nets should be less than 3 1/2 inches or more than 9 inches.

Sharp points and edges: Playground equipment should be free of protruding bolt ends, “S” hooks, and other sharp points and edges.

Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics webpage on playground safety to learn more.

Avoid Strangulation Hazards

The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that children should not wear or play with anything that could get caught on equipment and become a strangulation hazard.

  • Never attach or allow children to attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment
  • Leave sweatshirts with drawstrings and necklaces at home
  • Remove bike helmets when playing on the playground

Be Cautious of Too Much Sun Exposure

The National Program for Playground Safety reports that only 3% of public playgrounds assessed had full sun protection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., peak exposure hours, while 30% had partial shade. The remaining 67% of public playgrounds were exposed to full sun during the peak hours.

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses
  • Avoid burns; if playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin

Allow Only Age-Appropriate Activities

The Consumer Product Safety commission lists age-appropriate equipment in the Public Playground Safety Handbook. And remember, there is no substitute for parental supervision, especially for young children.

 

Originally posted by National Safety Council (NSC)

11 Camping Safety Tips

By Jacob Eastlick on July 28, 2020 0

Whether you’re headed out for just one night or for a week-long adventure, safety should always come first when you’re in the outdoors. Here are 11 camping safety tips every outdoor enthusiast should keep top of mind.

1 / 11

First Aid Kit safety tipsZERBOR/SHUTTERSTOCK

Bring a First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit should have an antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, some adhesive bandages, ibuprofen and some gauze pads. If you have a camper with a life-threatening allergy, include an EpiPen. Carry first aid supplies in a waterproof box or bag.

2 / 11

camping tents food coolerAVAVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Food Safe

Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers and keep perishable food in an insulated cooler. Make sure raw meats are kept separate.

Here are 16 camping hacks, tips and tricks you’ll wish you knew earlier.

3 / 11

camping Boil Drinking WaterVALERY SHANIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Boil Drinking Water

Except for boiling, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say few other water treatment methods are 100-percent effective in removing pathogens. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute to kill all pathogens. Those in higher altitudes may need to boil water for three minutes. See the CDC’s Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry and Travel Use.

4 / 11

hiking trailDUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Be Safe on the Trail

When hiking, always wear sturdy shoes or boots and reflective gear. Never go alone and consider bringing flares, such as those in your car emergency kit, in case you become lost.

5 / 11

poison ivySTOCKPHOTOFAN1/SHUTTERSTOCK

Know Your Plants

No one wants to have a reaction to poison oak or poison ivy when on a camping trip. Learn to identify poisonous plants and consider putting an antihistamine in your first aid kit.

6 / 11

outdoor cooking campingVLADIMIR SALMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Protect Against Carbon Monoxide

Fuel-burning equipment, such as lanterns, gas stoves, heaters and grills should never be used inside an enclosed shelter, such as a tent or camper. Keep fuel-burning equipment at a safe distance away from flammable materials.

7 / 11

camping tent sleeping bagsCOLLIN QUINN LOMAX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Stay Warm

To protect against the cold, bring plenty of extra bedding and clothing. Be prepared for the cold and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. To help you stay dry, use a plastic ground cloth under your tent. Dress in layers, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

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8 / 11

raccoon pestEDWIN BUTTER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Pests Away

Avoid leaving food out that could attract pests, such as raccoons, bears and skunks. Safety tips for pets? If you bring your dog on the trip, keep him on a leash, make sure to check for ticks regularly and provide him with plenty of water and food.

9 / 11

hiking bug sprayDUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Bugs Away

To keep mosquitoes at bay, apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Wear long sleeves and pants to help keep ticks off skin, and check for ticks often. If found, remove the tick promptly.

10 / 11

camping camp fireSOLOVIOVA LIUDMYLA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Build a Safe Fire

Never build a fire under low trees or leave a burning fire unattended. Make sure there is no debris, such as garbage or dry leaves or grass, near the fire pit. If there is no designated fire pit, surround the fire area with rocks.

11 / 11

camping tent sunscreenMARIDAV/SHUTTERSTOCK

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The sun’s rays can reach you not just on clear days, but hazy or cloudy days as well. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Seek shade during midday hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Posted by: Rachel Brougham, Family Handyman on March 20,2019

Stay Safe in Summer Sun

By Jacob Eastlick on June 25, 2020 0

Too much sun can cause skin cancer, but that doesn’t mean you have to hole up all summer. Build up your solar smarts and learn how to enjoy the light of day. Here’s how to stay healthy and protect your skin all summer long.

IS772020

Remember when a bright sun in a blue sky was a call to action? Swimming! Tennis! Lying on the grass! That was before we knew what slathering on baby oil and sizzling all day did to you. But now what to do with the fact that themost common type of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer and most cases are associated with sun exposure? The short answer is, be smart about it.

“I try not to discourage outdoor activities,” says Casey Gallagher, dermatologist at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Boulder, Colorado. “Instead, I tell my patients to always apply sunscreen to their face and hands every morning and plan outdoor activities for the early morning and evening as much as possible.”

And when that’s not possible, the truth is, there are many ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays — even while you’re enjoying its warmth and crucial vitamin D. “My attitude toward the sun is the same as raising kids — you do the best you can,” says David E. Bank, a dermatologist in Mt. Kisco, New York. “I don’t harangue patients if they get a little color and they were outside doing fun things. You have to view life as a whole.” With that in mind, here’s a guide to a safe, sunny summer.

Know your sun susceptibility.

You garden, you play outside with your kids, you picnic. All good things as long as you know your skin — and how it reacts to the sun. The fairer you are, the more at risk you are of getting burned. You’ll know this if you pass tan and go directly to burn and blister. “If you’re really fair, find the highest SPF number you can — like 45 or even 60,” says Michele S. Green, a New York City dermatologist.

And people with a personal or family history of skin cancer should use extreme caution — and cover up — when outdoors. “If you have a history of melanoma in your family, you’re at risk of getting it yourself,” says Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, clinical and research dermatologist in San Francisco.

In fact, while most skin cancers are caused solely by sun exposure, having a parent or sibling who had melanoma (the deadliest kind) means you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Regardless of family history, always keep an eye on your skin and see a dermatologist right away if you see any changes in moles or freckles. Many insurance policies will cover annual skin cancer screenings.

Play it smart.

When it comes to sunscreen, more is more.

Looking for a rule of thumb? Apply early and often. That means putting it on 20-30 minutes before you’re going to be in the sun.

If you’re outdoors: reapply every two hours or after you’ve been in water, whichever comes first. Use a broad-spectrum water-resistant UVA- and UVB-protecting sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin. Or opt for a physical blocker with products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form an invisible barrier against UV rays.

Don’t worry — the days of white-nosed lifeguards are over. Today these products go on like any other sunscreen.) You can also try longer-lasting sunblocks with Helioplex (found in some Neutrogena products) or Mexoryl (found in some L’Oréal or Kiehl’s products).

Both compounds preserve sunscreen’s UV-protecting abilities, although doctors say you still need to follow the same old reapplication rules. And regardless of which kind of sunblock you’re using, you need to lay it on thick — about as much as would fit in a shot glass or in the palm of a cupped hand.

What is vitamin D?

If you’re concerned that limiting your sun time will rob you of D, the vitamin du jour, don’t be. The sun-borne nutrient is key to keeping bones strong and may play a role in preventing heart disease and various forms of cancer, but it turns out 15 minutes of peak sun three times a week is all you need to help avoid a vitamin D deficiency. And unless you’re a champion applier, most of us don’t regularly use so much sunscreen that it blocks vitamin D synthesis.

If you’re still concerned, ask your physician to check your vitamin D levels next time she draws blood. Then, if you’re truly low on vitamin D, consider taking supplements (800 to 1,000 IUs is generally considered safe) or eating more vitamin D-enriched foods such as fortified breakfast cereals, milk, and eggs, as well as fatty fish like salmon and sardines.

Your UV risk can surprise you.

Frustrating but true: Window glass and clouds are no protection from UV rays. (And 80 percent of UV rays penetrate clouds.) That’s why you need sunscreen even if you’re just driving in a car or sitting at a desk near a window.

The UV index is an indication of how strong a given day’s UV rays are, and if it’s 3 or higher, protect yourself (find out your area’s daily index at epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html). “If you don’t see a long shadow from the sun, you need more protection — and it doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy or sunny,” says Karrie Fairbrother, R.N., spokeswoman for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

It’s never too late to start protecting your skin.

Even if you haven’t always applied yourself to sun protection, give yourself a break and get on it. “It’s never too late to protect your skin,” says Karrie Fairbrother, R.N., spokeswoman for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. “The skin does repair itself some and it does rejuvenate.” So, while you won’t be able to erase your lifetime radiation exposure, you will see positive changes as you protect your skin more. Find ways to make it easy.

Shop for a moisturizer that contains SPF and you’ll save a step (but if you’re using two separate products, always apply your SPF first and then apply your moisturizer on top). Consider using makeup with SPF protection, including foundations and lipsticks.

Another tip: Store a tube of sunscreen and a hat with a brim in your car, in case you decide to take a spontaneous walk, suggests Casey Gallagher, dermatologist at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Boulder, Colorado. And instead of dwelling on past sunburns or the fact that you forgot to apply sunscreen yesterday, get right back to your sunscreen regimen today.

 

 

by Better Homes & Gardens

7 Easy Ways to Save Water in the Summer

By Jacob Eastlick on June 25, 2020 0

The summer heat brings the need to use more water, whether it is watering your lawn and flowers or filling up the pool, overall use skyrockets in the summer months.

Here are 7 ways that you can save water, which will help the environment and your wallet!

1. Water at Night or in the Morning

Watering your lawn, flowers or garden is a must during the summer to keep your plants healthy and alive. However, it uses a lot to keep plants alive. While you don’t need to use less, it is important to use water smarter.

Watering and using sprinklers at night or in the morning is the best time of day to do it. Not only are these the coolest times of day, but they are also the times that will allow your plants to absorb as much as possible.

Midday is the hottest, and the water you spray will evaporate quickly because of the daytime heat. Cooler temperatures will allow for more time to soak into the soil.

Early and evening times are also the cheapest times of day when it comes to water usage, because they aren’t “peak usage” times, which will help keep your bill to a minimum.

2. Use the Dishwasher

This may seem like it doesn’t save anything, but dishwashers that are Energy Star certified are actually made to conserve water. This is much more efficient than washing each dish by hand because of the running sink. Washing dishes by hand can use up to 25 gallons, while using an Energy Star dishwasher uses as little as three gallons.

However, using the dishwasher only saves water if you run it when it is completely full. Running half loads will use more of it and cost energy, and will not save money or be efficient. Be sure to only run the dishwasher with full loads.

3. Go to the Carwash

Going to the carwash will save water because they recycle it. There are a lot of carshwashes that are cheap and quick, which will save time and money as well. In the long run, a five dollar car wash will probably cost you less than washing it at home and having your utility bill increase.

Washing your car at home can use up to 100 gallons if you do not have an automatic shut-off valve, and if you do it can still use 30 gallons in a 10-minute wash.

Commercial car washes recycle anywhere from 10% to 80% of runoff from the wash, so it is important to make sure that you are going to a carwash that does recycle.

This will keep your utility bill down, and also require less clean water usage, which is a win for you and the Earth!

4. Keep Filtered Water in the Fridge

Keeping water in the fridge will reduce the need to run the faucet waiting for it to get cold enough to drink.

Instead, keeping a large pitcher of filtered water in the fridge will keep it cold, easily accessible, and always ready for you to drink. It will also save you from buying single-use plastic bottles from the store because you can use it to fill reusable bottles when you’re on-the-go. Quick and easy!

5. Use a Rain Barrel

Using rain barrels is a great way to harvest runoff for gardens and other outdoor uses. Rain is free to collect and is great for watering gardens. It is easy toadd a rain barrel to your backyard, and can save many gallons over the course of the summer.

6. Keep Grass Longer

The next time you mow your lawn, raise the clippers up a level so that the grass is cut longer. You won’t notice much of a difference, and this will help your grass stay green.

When grass is cut too short, it requires more water to stay green. Keeping the grass longer will require less watering and keep your lawn looking green and healthy.

The lowest setting should almost never be used, because it requires the most watering in summer. It is recommended to set your mower to either the setting below the highest or at the one below that. The highest setting is best for extremely dry climates to prevent damage from over-clipping.

7. Use Public Pools or Waterparks

Public pools, rec-centers and water parks are a great way to cool off. They are also a great way to spend family time or meet people in your neighborhood.

 

 

by Home Advisor

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