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Archive for the ‘Insurance’ Category

MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Mortgage insurance: Not always a sure thing.

 

If you have a mortgage on your home, chances are good you also have mortgage insurance. The idea is that if you should become seriously ill or die before paying off the mortgage, the coverage will kick in and pay it off for you. It’s meant to offer peace of mind and to reassure you that your family will be able to stay in your home if anything should happen to you. The reality falls a little short of that.1

 

To find out more and see CBC’s Market Place VIDEO documentary, click the following link:  

IN DENIAL: The Mortgage Insurance Game

 

1.  CBC.ca. IN DENIAL, February 6, 2008:  http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/in_denial/

The Power of Dividends

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

This extended version is a 9 minute video that more completely reviews the benefits of investments that pay dividends. The potential gearing effect on your portfolio could be impressive. The Power of Dividends is real, but so is human behavior. Consider the importance of also having some “safe income.” After watching this video on dividends we suggest you watch our video on safe income

Insurance Planning

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Insurance planning to-do list

1.

If you’re unsure of how much life insurance you need, talk to an insurance advisor who can help you with the calculations.

2.

Find out what insurance benefits your employer offers before you go out and buy additional insurance. Also, compare the cost of the insurance from your employer to what you can purchase externally.

3.

Make sure you have adequate disability insurance coverage, especially if you’re self-employed.

4.

You may want to buy more disability insurance coverage than what your employer’s plan offers – be sure to examine the policy for cost of living adjustment and other features.

5.

When you buy a house, consider purchasing term insurance to cover the value of the mortgage instead of specific mortgage insurance.

6.

Periodically re-examine the beneficiaries you’ve named on any existing life insurance policies to see whether or not a change is in order.

7.

Protect your home and car with adequate insurance coverage, but remember you also need to protect your lifestyle and assets – for yourself and any dependents – with other products that may also be appropriate for you, such as disability, life or critical illness insurance.

8.

If you have a significant life event such as purchasing a home or having a baby, make sure you re-evaluate your life insurance needs.

9.

When you buy an insurance product, carefully review its additional or optional features that may add value to the product, such as return of premium or inflation protection, and familiarize yourself with any riders.