Insurance World

When a budget is tight it is easy to dismiss the need for life insurance. Lack of knowledge can also make an individual put off purchasing a life insurance policy. And, of course, planning for one’s own death and discussing it with loved ones is always difficult. However, the lack of life insurance can leave those you care about with burdens after your death.

Why is it necessary?

In the period immediately following a death it is much easier to arrange for a funeral if a life insurance policy is in place. The average cost of a funeral is more than $7,500.

Also, within a marital partnership, the death of the spouse does not relieve debt. Your partner will be liable for any payments that need to be made. Standard housekeeping expenses will need to be met as well. The ability for your loved ones to continue living in the same manner as they did prior to your death will also be important to you. Funding the education of any children will certainly be important.

What amount should be bought?

In order to calculate the amount of life insurance you need you must consider immediate and short term needs as well as long term requirements. Burial costs and existing debt would fall into the current needs category. Mortgage payments and child care would also fall into this group. College expenses would be an example of future expenses to be considered. Don’t forget taxes that may be due. There are many calculators available on the net which can help you to estimate the amount of life insurance you may need.

If you need help

In a matter as important as life insurance it is always good advice to get many quotes and compare them. Quotes are free and are the best way to compare plans, pricing and options. After receiving some quotes it may be prudent to consult a life insurance professional or even an attorney. Many times life insurance proceeds can be protected from taxation.

The best way to learn and save money on insurance is to collect as many quotes as possible in order to compare services and rates.

Health insurance costs have been skyrocketing for years. Many employers can’t afford it and have no choice but to pass the increased costs along to you. If the money taken out of your paycheck seems to go up and up, that’s why. But what can you do about it?

Take Control of Your Health Insurance Dollars

Every company has an open enrollment period when employees are allowed to review health insurance options and make changes or drop coverage. Do your homework first! Look at your deductions and talk to your HR person to find out what percentage of your monthly premium the company covers.

With these numbers in mind, look at private health insurance. A good place for advice and free health insurance quotes is www.ehealthinsurance.com. Believe it or not, you may find that it makes more sense to opt out of your employer’s plan and use the money they would have taken out of your paycheck to pay for your own insurance.

Suffering From Coverage Overkill?

The truth is, many employers offer expensive insurance. If you or a dependent has a medical condition, it probably makes sense to stay with your employer’s plan. But if you rarely visit the doctor, why pay more for an expensive health plan with benefits you won’t use?

Imagine if auto insurance included coverage for repairs. You’d probably pay twice as much and, if your car is reliable, you’d never use that extra coverage. You’d be better off putting the money you would spend on insurance into the bank. Health insurance works the same way. You can lower premiums by finding a high-deductible health plan. Put that savings in the bank in case you need medical care until you reach your deductible.

Think About Your Kids

Even if you keep your own employer coverage, you might save money by putting your dependents on a private health insurance plan. Most employers only cover a small percentage of the premium for your dependents, while you’re left paying the rest. Individual plans for your kids are another way to save money. For example, a nine-year-old in Toledo, Ohio can get a policy for under $50 a month! An easy way to compare rates from insurance companies is on eHealthInsurance.com. You can find quotes for just one child or for your entire family just by entering your zip code.

Karen Auby is a personal finance expert.

A high-deductible health plan is one way to lower your premiums.