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Life – No Second Chances




The Case(s) to Buy Life Insurance for Your Child

Nearly every insurance company has a life insurance marketing strategy for children. Websites, pamphlets, and sales training have been designed to convince parents to buy life insurance on their kids. But, the thought of a child passing away can send shudders down your spine.

If we step back for just a moment, however, there are a few cases to be made why you should consider buying a policy on your son or daughter.

Case #1 – Insurability

As parents, we dream of our children growing up, marrying, and having children (our grandchildren). However, there are certain medical conditions which may prevent your son or daughter from buying their own insurance later in life or make life insurance unaffordable. By buying a policy during their youth, you are guaranteeing their ability to provide financial protection for their family when the time comes.

Case #2 – Financial Protection

There are some medical conditions which can develop early in life which, unfortunately, may reduce your child’s life expectancy. Such circumstances are truly heartbreaking. If the time should ever come where your child predeceases you, the last thing you want to worry about is the financial burdens of unpaid medical bills and final expenses. Purchasing life insurance early provides you, as the parent, financial protection for the unthinkable.

Case #3 – Discounts

Thinking about anything other than a long, healthy life for your child may not be possible for some parents. And understandably so. Luckily, there are many insurance policies which will provide a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy. Because the premiums are so low for life insurance placed on a child, very often the savings on a home or automobile policy will be more than the insurance policy itself. A win-win for you and your child!

If you are considering life insurance for your son or daughter, contact my office. I will gladly review all of your options and if any discounts may be available on your current coverage.

Special Needs Child? Consider Survivorship Life Insurance

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, planning for the long-term may include providing financial assistance for when your child becomes an adult. Life insurance should be a part of every family’s financial plan. However, for families with a member who will require assistance for their entire life, there are exceptional circumstances that must be considered.

Personal Life Insurance

The first step in life insurance planning includes purchasing a policy on yourself. This policy will provide the funds necessary to help your spouse and children remain financial stable. The life insurance benefits can help pay the mortgage, automobile loans, and other debts. Money can also be used to fund future expenses such as college tuition or a wedding.

There are different types of life insurance policies you can consider. Whether you choose term, variable, or whole life, the important thing is to purchase enough to provide for those left behind. This may include sums earmarked for a special needs child’s therapy, schooling, or medical bills.

Survivorship Life Insurance

Your child will still have your partner to care for him or her. Your individual life insurance policy will provide the money necessary to reduce the financial burden you leave behind. But, parents of special needs children may need to plan financially for what happens when your child outlives both of you.

Fortunately, there is a very cost-effective way to provide the financial assistance your child will need well into adulthood – survivorship life insurance. Also known as second-to-die life insurance, this policy is written on both parents. Since the risk is spread among two individuals, the cost of survivorship life insurance is much lower than an individual policy.

Planning For The Future

Survivorship life insurance is an affordable way to provide the financial assistance your special needs child may require in the future. For children receiving public needs-based assistance, it is recommended survivorship life insurance be placed in a special needs trust. The trust allows your child to continue receiving public benefits while also providing direction on how the benefits can be used. Survivorship life insurance is a relatively simple product. However, financial planning for special needs families can be very complex. Please contact me or someone specialized in special needs planning to learn more.

Summer is Almost Here! Can a Couch-to-5k Running Program Get You Ready?

Summer is almost here. For many of us, now is the time we begin thinking about transforming our bodies from winter mode to swimsuit ready. With just a few weeks left until Memorial Day, a couch-to-5k running program may be just the plan to jumpstart your fitness goals.

What Is Couch-To-5k?

Also commonly referred to as C25K, the couch-to-5k program was developed by Josh Clark of Cool Running decades ago. The idea is simple; provide an easy to follow system to get anyone off the couch and get active. Several C25K programs exist today, but in general, the average program last 6 to 12 weeks with the traditional C25K lasting 9 weeks.

The program begins with short running intervals interspersed between longer periods of walking. As the program progresses, the time allotted for running increases until eventually the runner runs a complete 5k (3.1 miles) without stopping. A fine accomplishment at any level!

What Are The Program Benefits?

There are many benefits to the C25K running program. Many of the benefits gained are similar to those you might expect from dedicated a running, walking, cycling, or other cardio program including:

But the C25K program has one unique benefit others do not – the satisfaction of achieving a set goal. Running a 5k is an exhilarating experience. One that transcends losing weight or building muscle.

How To Get Started?

Aiming to run a 5k is a great obtainable goal to set. Fortunately, the C25K program can be found free online with a quick Google search or through a downloadable app for Android or iOS. The program is very approachable and perfect for those overwhelmed with the thought of more intense (and expensive) workout options.

Begin at your own pace and progress week to week. And as with any new exercise, be sure to consult with your physician before starting. Good luck and see you at the finish line!

3 Vegetables You Can Plant and Grow Anywhere Right Now!

The weather is warming up across the country. This marks planting season for many farmers and it can for you too! Even if you do not have a green thumb, there are a number of vegetables anyone grow right in their backyard – no matter where you live.

Root Vegetables

Sown into the ground or a container, root vegetables are normally easy to grow, especially carrots and radishes. They do need a little bit of room to grow, however. This means having containers at least the size of a 5-gallon bucket. Dirt and compost will serve as proper soil with fertilizer recommended once a month.

As seedlings begin to sprout, you will need to thin out any clusters. This ensures each plant has enough space to fully develop. Knowing when to harvest root vegetables is the same regardless of the type. When the tops get large, green, and bushy it is a sign to pull a couple out to test the size. If they look fully grown, it’s time to harvest.

Leafy Vegetables

Lettuce, spinach, kale, oh my! It may surprise you, but leafy vegetables are hardy plants that are easy to grow. Most leafy vegetables enjoy cooler temperatures and can even handle a little bit of frost. This means their growing season can be longer than other vegetables and in some areas be grown year-round.

For as large as they grow, growing leafy vegetables does not require much room. Containers are simply fine and can even be tucked under taller plants to save space. And since leafy veggies grow so fast, you do not need to plant a whole lot. Instead, plant as many as you may want to consume every couple weeks and you will be enjoying fresh salads all season long.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a vegetable… and a fruit.  Botanically, being a ripened flower ovary with seeds makes tomatoes a fruit. But nutritionally, vegetables are used to indicate plant parts that are not exceedingly high in fructose. Regardless of their classification, homegrown tomatoes are prized in the summertime.

There are a variety of tomatoes to choose from Beefsteaks to cherry and most are simple to grow. Some varieties like the Cherry Cascade can be grown in a hanging basket on your patio. Others can climb wire rods to provide tomatoes for months while others happily grow on top of the soil.

Growing your own vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the flavor of your favorite dishes. Whether you choose to grow one vegetable or an entire salad bowls worth of variety, one thing is for certain – you’ll think twice about going back to grocery store produce!

Is Fasting a Fad?

Every year, a new diet program appears promising to make our weight loss dreams a reality. Whether it is the high-fat, protein-packed Atkins diet, or the calorie-restrictive South Beach Diet, there is no shortage of programs to choose from.

Unfortunately, for most of us, diet programs are just too, well… programmatic. Calorie counting, special ingredients, and special measuring devices make it difficult to follow many programs day after day. And if we give into our cravings, jumping back onto our chosen diet plan feels like a punishment.

Fasting Is Not A Diet

Losing weight requires your body to burn more calories than it takes in. Although this is an overly simplistic explanation of how someone loses weight, this premise forms the foundation of almost every diet plan.

Fasting, however, is different. The idea behind fasting is to reduce the number of hours when we eat and allow more time for our bodies to rest, repair, and rejuvenate itself. Consequently, fewer hours of eating will likely result in few calories consumed when not fasting.

When someone fasts, the body intakes less energy (calories), has more time to regulate fat stores, and weight will begin to shed. And, because there are no calories to count, recipes to learn, or special meals to purchase, fasting is an incredibly easy program to stick to. But fasting is not a silver bullet.

Fasting Is Not For Everyone

While theoretically calorie intake should drop along with the pounds, studies are showing the opposite is occurring in many individuals. The culprit – not understanding basic nutrition.

After not eating for 16 hours, or completely fasting for a whole day, it is not uncommon for people to consume more calories than when not fasting. This often occurs as a means to “reward” oneself for completing their fast. Ultimately, the benefits of resting the body are wasted, having now needing to process even more food than before.

Fasting Is A Lifestyle Choice

Like any form of diet or exercise, discuss the benefits and risks of fasting with your physician before starting your own regime. Like any weight management program, proper nutrition and exercise are critical. Fasting alone will not help you reach your goals, but as a part of a healthy lifestyle, fasting could increase your overall health and energy.

Should You Get a Puppy?

Puppies hold a special place in our hearts. They’re cute, innocent fluffiness is more than enough to win over even the most hardened individuals. If you have become smitten with the thought of bringing home a little bundle of fur, but are still on the fence, we want to help.

We have put together the top 5 pros and cons to help you decide if getting a Fido for the family is the right decision.

Pros

Besides being cute and adorable, here are five more reasons to get a puppy if you (or your partner) aren’t quite convinced:

  1. Less stress – The affection given by dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure and are commonly seen comforting children, seniors, and military veterans.
  2. Feel better – When interacting with your dog, your body releases the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for making us feel happy.
  3. Stay active – Dogs need exercise and when you participate with them, you too will benefit from the activity both mentally and physically.
  4. Live longer – Studies show people who own dogs are more likely to live one year longer than those who do not own a dog.
  5. Make friends – Owning a dog will get you out and about. Between daily walks, grooming visits, and the vet, pups are a natural way to break the ice with others.

Cons

Before you run down to the shelter on a whim, take the time to research the breeds that may fit best for you and your family, along with the following considerations:

  1. Not home – Dogs require a lot of attention. If you work long days or travel often, you may not be able to give all the love your new puppy needs and deserves.
  2. You move – Jobs requiring you to move from city to city can be a strain on your dog. Residences may restrict breed types and size, outdoor activity may be limited, and you will be changing veterinarians with every move. 
  3. Tight budget – The cost of owning a dog is often overlooked. Considering the cost of food, flea medicine, toys, and regular (and emergency) veterinarian trips, owning a dog will make a dent in your monthly budget.
  4. Little patience – Puppies don’t come with instructions. You will need time and patience to properly train your dog so both of you can enjoy a happy life together.
  5. Dog as a present – Many of the dogs you find at the shelter are those that were given as a gift to someone. Never give a dog as a gift unless the receiving party is well prepared and ready to take on the responsibility.

If you are ready to take the plunge with a new puppy, make sure your home is ready ahead of time. Prepare a sleeping area, eating station, and a runner (potty area) for him. And then enjoy the love and affection of man’s best friend!

Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Home

Thoughts of the American backyard may conjure up images of barbeque and baseball. But as we all spend more time at home, now is the perfect time to explore how to fully enjoy the outdoors without leaving our home.

Movie Time – Wireless technology makes it easier than ever to take your movies anywhere. Bring the popcorn and projector for show under the stars.

Build a Bar – While the number of patrons may have to be limited, the fun doesn’t have to be. Now is the time to try all those cocktail concoctions you were afraid to order before.

Relax by the Fire – Nothing is quite as romantic than a glass of wine by an open fire (pit). Within minutes, you and your love could be sharing the perfect s’more.

Get Fit, Finally – If you’ve been putting off your New Year’s resolution to get fit, create your ideal workout space right in your own back yard.

Cook without a Kitchen – Bring the joy of cooking outside by exploring new recipes on the trusty ole’ grill.

Find Your Focus – Enhance your yoga and meditation sessions with a quiet outdoor space where you can breathe the fresh air.

Go Green – Gardening has a host of benefits including keeping your mind active, connecting with the earth, and eating clean vegetables.

Excellent Eggs – Raise chickens to provide your family fresh, protein packed meals everyday with a lot less effort than you think!

Lovely Laundry – No matter the circumstances, the laundry must get done. Dry clothes on an outdoor clothesline to get the real springtime smell.

Get Crafty – Rejuvenate your creativity by bringing your art or craft outside. Inspiration is bound to strike, and old projects can finally get finished.

Game Time – Jumbo size your next game night by purchasing giant sized sets of chess or checkers. Or bring back the classics like croquet or bocce ball. The world may not be your oyster right now, but your backyard can. There are limitless ways you can make the most of the outdoors while staying right at home.

New Energy After 60? 4 Ways to Biohack Your Health

What if you could change the environment around and inside you to control your biology and “unlock” more energy? Well, you can! A biohack is anything you do to alter the external or internal environment to achieve desired outcomes.

For those over the age of 60, energy levels begin to decrease at an increased rate. But, there are proven steps you can take today to begin increasing your vitality and enjoy a fuller life.

Improve Your Sleep

Stress is one of the leading causes of disturbed sleep. To combat the role stress plays, take time to allow your mind to decompress. This may include meditation, yoga, or stretching exercises. Avoid any screen time at least 30 minutes before bed. Lastly, keep a sleep journal to track what actions result in a good night’s rest.

Surround Yourself With Smells

Aromatherapy introduces essential oils to help replenish your sense of well-being and rejuvenate health. Made up of various natural chemicals, including ketone, terpenes, and phenols, the aromas help stimulate the immune system. Together with the triggering of good, smell-associated memories, the mind and body opens to the world around you.

Change Your Mealtime

When you eat can have as much of an impact on your energy levels as what you eat. After conferring with a physician, consider intermittent fasting (IF). IF takes many different forms, but one of the most common is having your first meal around noon and your last bite at 8pm. During the 16 hours in between, your body heals while learning how to regulate fat and release its energy more consistently throughout the day.

Move Your Body

It may seem counterintuitive, but regular exercise will increase your energy throughout the day. Exercise increases and maintains muscular strength, including your most important muscle – the heart. Regular workouts, including even a daily walk, improves your body’s circulatory system. With better blood flow brings the ability to deliver vital, energy giving nutrients throughout your body.