Having the right kinds of insurance — including good medical, disability, automobile, homeowner, long-term care, life, and even travel insurance — is key to good financial planning. This page about insurance gives you the lowdown on how to successfully navigate the often perplexing world of insurance coverage.
How Do I Protect My Assets When Facing A Potential Liability Lawsuit?
When facing a potential liability lawsuit, it’s important to take immediate action to protect the rest of your assets. Here’s where to start. Q: My brother and I have owned a rental property together for more than 15 years. There is a current mortgage, and both of our names are on the mortgage and on [...]
Resources for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey
Since Hurricane Harvey hit, the news coming out of Texas and Louisiana has been heartbreaking. Some people survived Katrina only to be caught up in another catastrophic storm, and others not only lost property, but family and friends as well. The victims continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. If you’re in a position [...]
Paying too much for auto insurance? Here’s why
Are you paying too much for auto insurance? It may feel that, based on your accident history or driving record, what you’re being charged isn’t fair. Well, it turns out you might be right. A new report from the Consumer Federation of America shows that your income has a much bigger impact on your auto [...]
Auto Insurance Policies: What’s In a Rate?
Owning and operating a car isn’t cheap. Aside from paying for gas, maintenance, and repairs, you’ll likely need to buy an auto insurance policy. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), most states require some form of auto insurance. Among other factors, insurance companies look at who you are and how you drive [...]
Is Bicycle Insurance Right for You? Insuring Your Bicycle
According to statistics compiled by People For Bikes, a nationally recognized movement to promote the benefits of cycling, Americans spend $81 billion annually on biking. Buying a bicycle can be an expensive endeavor: A low-end model can cost hundreds, and for the more serious rider, a high-end bike can cost thousands. Whether you’re commuting to [...]
5 Common Myths About Car Insurance
When buying car insurance, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect your premium rates and coverage. But how can you tell the difference between truth and fiction? A good place to start is by reading the following on the five common myths about auto insurance. Myth 1: It’s all black and white During [...]
At What Age Should I Get Life Insurance?
A couple of weeks ago, a 40-something friend of mine gave me the dreaded news: She has an aggressive form of breast cancer, and her prognosis is grim. She worries about who will take care of her 6-month-old son and 4-year-old daughter and how her husband will juggle it all if she’s not there to [...]
How Long Should You Keep Your Kids on Your Health Insurance?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows you to add or keep your adult children on your health insurance until they turn 26. However, not every child needs this help, and in some cases you may want to consider removing them from your plan. Keeping adult children on your health insurance as long as possible may [...]
Open Enrollment Period: How to Prepare
The open enrollment period for 2016 health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act begins in November, so if you’re ready to switch health insurance providers, or are on the open marketplace for the first time, now might be a good time to get educated. Under the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare, [...]
Shopping for Auto Insurance: More Options Make the Process Less Painful
Consumers today have more tools available than ever to help them shop, compare, and ultimately purchase automobile insurance. Drivers can now research and buy auto insurance coverage through an insurance professional, over the phone, by mail, and on the Internet. Before you begin shopping, however, you need to investigate the basis for the cost of [...]