Today, there are very few restrictions on what you can and cannot insure.  From your homeand auto, to disability or life insurance, to yachts and sports cars – if you want to pay, there is a way to get it done!  Celebs have lead the way in the movement of insuring unique or weird items.  Here are a few exceptional items that have spiced up the insurance industry in the last few years. Hair – whether it’s a unique hairstyle, hair color or even the hair on your chest – it’s likely to be important to someone out there.  Celebs … Continue reading

No matter the time of year or the climate, people in all areas of the country are at risk for having fires in their homes.   In 2013 alone, there were over 369,000 reported structure fires with 2,755 related deaths.  Given those scary statistics, it’s important to think about a fire escape plan for your home.  Whether you are a single person or a family of 5, having a plan that you know, understand, and practice is vitally important.  Here are a few tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help you make your plan a reality. Talk to your … Continue reading

When speaking with my clients, there really isn’t a more emotionally charged topic than kids and life insurance.  There seems to be a great divide on feelings and temperment when I bring this topic up.  Many people are grateful for the opportunity to dicuss this – and some are even more grateful that I’m the one bringing it up so they don’t have to.  Others will move awkwardly in their seats and ask to bypass the topic.  No matter your thoughts, I am fully committed to explaining why you should take the time to consider purchasing life insurance on your … Continue reading

It’s hard to believe, especially in Michigan, that spring is right around the corner.  As of right now, the snow is piled pretty high around my entire house.  Even though green grass and dandelions are a few months away, now is a great time to start making that spring home maintenance checklist.  Planning ahead will allow you to tailor the task to your specific home needs.  Paying attention to some of the items below will prevent the need for filing small homeowners claims. Start by walking around your home. Look at your roof shingles – do you see signs of … Continue reading

It’s that time of year when everyone is leaving behind the doldrums of winter in the North and heading to warmer and sunnier weather in the South.  When planning your annual winter getaway, there are many things to think about.  You have to buy that new bathing suit (or two or three), find someone to watch the pets, find affordable plane tickets and last but not least , make sure your home is still standing when you get back!  To achieve this last item, here are some helpful tips to make life easier. Shut off the water – it’s a … Continue reading

It’s almost time to pick a new health insurance plan for 2015.  There are many variables to consider when understanding the options available to you.  Two of the most important variables are household size and income level.  Below, you will find a chart which gives you the information necessary to figure out where you fall.   *Guideline Only – household situations vary Remember that each state is different in how they handle the Affordable Care Act and access to coverage and benefits.  Additionally, some states offer an expansion of the Medicaid program.  Please consult your state’s guidelines before making a … Continue reading

The Affordable Care Act has created many new dynamics in the health insurance world.  This includes a new way of looking at how we purchase health insurance, and some new terminology along the way.  Many people have heard the term “Open Enrollment.”  It’s all over the nightly news, internet, and social media.  We hear it so much, but what does this term really mean? In general, open enrollment refers to the specific time period each year in which an individual or family can do the following: Make changes to their current plan Enroll and begin coverage for the first time … Continue reading

If you are reading this, then you know it’s past March 31st which means that the open enrollment window for those looking to purchase individual medical plans under the new Affordable Care Act law is officially closed.   Were you able to purchase a plan? Did you successfully maneuver through  the marketplace? Did you find something that was “affordable”? Were you able to accurately estimate your 2014 household modified adjusted gross income? How about your plan choice?  Did you pick a plan that allows you to access doctors in your area and/or the hospital systems you want? What if you … Continue reading

Let’s face it – the US is facing a paradigm shift in the age demographic of the nation.  People are continuing to enjoy longer and longer life spans.  Those who retire at age 65, could see 25-30 years of retirement!  The growing age of our citizenship combined with the emerging awareness of long term chronic illnesses such as Alzheimers/Dementia, Cancer, and Diabetes have created a new wave of concern for how we receive care and pay for care during this portion of our lives. From this, the Long Term Care insurance product was born.  First introduced in the 1970s-80s, Long … Continue reading

Much of my energy as an advisor is focused on the long term care discussion.  Why?  Because people are asking the questions!  If you think Long Term Care is a problem best left to discuss when you’re in your 60s-70s, then you better think again.  More and more Americans are living longer, more productive lives.  They are accumulating wealth and want to protect that wealth for themselves and their families long into the future.  One of the biggest threats to this is the cost of funding their elder care.  I’m here to tell you that proper planning on the front … Continue reading