News & Information

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) enacted health care continuation coverage requirements applicable to employers with more than 20 employees (except churches, the federal government, and the District of Columbia). COBRA requires an...

Section 125 "cafeteria plans" can help business owners and employees lower their tax bills. Under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, workers are permitted to withhold a portion of their pre-tax salaries to pay for premium contributions to employer-sponsored...

Life insurance may be a "diamond in the rough" for your business if its ongoing success depends on one or more key individuals. The death or disability of such a person - for example, an owner or manager who brings in customers - can mean tough times. The realities of...

From time to time, circumstances may warrant taking money out of your 401(k) account. If you're older than age 59½, become disabled, get divorced (in specific situations), or die, money can be removed from your 401(k) without paying the 10% federal income tax penalty...

As larger corporations downsize to meet the competitive challenges of the 21st century, many middle managers are taking the opportunity to strike out on their own as consultants. They often seek the independence and satisfaction of working for themselves. Wouldn't...

When Cindy and Sean Baxter purchased their life insurance policies ten years ago, they thought they did things the right way. They determined their insurance needs, taking into account the mortgage on their home, projected college education costs, and living expenses....

The possibility of sustaining a long-term disability from an accident or illness is something most of us would rather not contemplate. However, there is a way to protect you and your family should you lose your ability to earn income. Disability income insurance can...

Insurance is like a fire extinguisher. You sleep comfortably, knowing it's there, but you hope you'll never have to use it. If you do need it, however, it's helpful to know what to do. For a claim under any insurance policy, step number one is to notify your insurance...

One of America's great rites of passage - a teenager getting his or her driver's license - also brings with it an increase in the cost of insurance for the family car(s). That increase can often be as much as double (or in some places, even triple) the current rate....

Many individuals view life insurance as a means of providing a financial "safety net" for loved ones after the family provider is gone. While correct, this view may be limited when one realizes that insurance companies work to continually enhance their offerings to...

Daily family life means the mortgage gets paid ... clothes and groceries are bought... and summer vacations are taken with family and friends. All this is part of what many of us take for granted every day of the week. However, there are two important financial...

Many people often ask "Who needs life insurance?" Another way to phrase the question might be "What can life insurance help me accomplish?" When viewed as a planning tool, life insurance can be used to help you achieve a variety of important financial objectives....