How to Start the Family Caregiving Discussion
By Amanda Chase | Horsesmouth Associate Editor Nobody looks forward to discussing finances and elder care with their parents, but every family needs to do it. These tips will help you start the conversation now and get a plan in place before you urgently need it. Most of us have always thought of our…
Read MoreUnderstanding Guardianship for Older Adults
By Elaine Floyd, CFP ® | Horsesmouth One day you may find yourself involved in guardianship proceedings for an elderly parent or relative. Here’s an overview of what guardianship means today, how the court evaluates the adult, and what you need to know. Guardianship promises to be a huge issue facing baby boomers in the…
Read MoreHow to Keep Health Care Costs Under Control in Retirement
By Elaine Floyd CFP ®| Horsesmouth If you’ve been covered by a generous employer group health plan, you may be in for a rude awakening when you retire. Here are some tricks for keeping health care costs under control after you retire. Although the government may subsidize some of your health care costs under the…
Read MoreHow to Build a Retirement Health Care Budget
By Elaine Floyd CFP ® | Horsesmouth The most accurate and reliable way to determine your spending needs in retirement is to sit down and make up a budget projecting costs in the areas of housing, utilities, food, transportation, leisure activities and so on. Depending on how your life will change (or not) after retirement,…
Read More10 Common Medicare Questions Answered
By Elaine Floyd | Horsesmouth People are confused about Medicare—both about how the system works, and how these inner workings affect their retirement decisions. These ten questions address some of the most common sources of confusion around Medicare: When to sign up, what to do if you are still working, how much it costs,…
Read MoreBuilding Health Care Costs into Retirement Planning
By: Amy E. Buttell | Horsesmouth Health care costs are rapidly emerging as a major expense item, both before and during retirement. With lifetime employment a relic of the past and longevity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to estimate how much to save to cover costs in retirement and include those…
Read MoreRise of Indexed Universal Life Policies on Social: IULs are far from the simple solution that many on social media suggest
In recent months, I’ve noticed a growing trend of insurance agents, particularly those affiliated with multi-level marketing companies, promoting Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies aggressively on social media. These promotions often paint IULs as a catch-all financial solution, which has led many of my clients and prospects to ask about their viability as part of…
Read MoreThe 100,000-Mile Rule: How to Save on Car Insurance Without Adding Risk
As financial professionals, one of our core responsibilities is helping you make confident decisions about where and how to put your money to work. While most conversations focus on investments, retirement savings, or tax planning, everyday financial choices—such as car insurance—can also make a meaningful difference in your bottom line. A common but often overlooked…
Read MoreMaking the Most of Your Health Insurance Options: Helping you choose the best plan that’s right for your health and your wealth
As we plan and invest for the future, it’s important to remember that financial well-being extends beyond markets, portfolios, and retirement accounts – it also includes protecting yourself and your family from unexpected healthcare costs. Choosing the right health insurance plan can feel complicated, but understanding your options will give you confidence and can help…
Read MoreA Quick Look at Your Life Insurance Needs: You might consider a needs analysis in order to truly meet your objectives
Have you ever wondered how much life insurance is “enough”? One general rule of thumb says that you should buy an amount equal to five to seven times your annual income. Sure, it may be a reasonable guideline, but this method does not relate life insurance needs to your personal financial goals. A better method…
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