Thursday, October 30, 2014

PivotCare Team - Favorite Halloween Costumes

The PivotCare Team families enjoy celebrating Halloween.  You will find some of the best Halloween costumes for babies and children, via our friends at Pinterest/PivotInsurance.  The only thing better than a baby is a baby in a great Halloween costume. Below are some of our favorite creative ideas for babies and toddlers.


1.Oompa Loompa


Green hair and a Wonka Bar? It doesn’t get much cuter!



 2. Holly Golightly from Breakfast At Tiffany



  
Audrey Hepburn's iconic character has some serious competition from this tiny fashionista. 





3.Scuba Diver



This darling little one is making a splash in this amazing costume complete with paci-powered scuba equipment.





4.Haunted House

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5.Gumball Machine



A delightful do-it-yourself costume that is sure to stand out.





6.Clark Kent/Superman



It’s a bird,it’s a plane,it’s….the cutest thing we’ve ever seen!






7.The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Beautiful Butterfly



Brother and sister preciousness based on the  beloved children’s book






8.Pinata








9.Pink Poodle



The sweetest dog on the block !






Elvis



It’s good to be (the) King!

 

See more on our PivotCare Team at Pivot.com, your Life Insurance Marketplace for Life's Pivotal Moments.  Get a free life insurance quote today!



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Planning for Retirement-Is Your Life Insurance Working for You?

Life is full of moments when life insurance should be reconsidered or reevaluated. These times are Pivotal Moments - those instances when you’ve reached a turning point or a milestone, and when the foundation of your life changes. Having a baby, buying your first home, and receiving a promotion at work are just a few of these pivotal moments. Another of these moments is when you decide to retire.


Your retirement is most likely something that is well thought out, and for many it feels like it can’t get here soon enough. Life insurance may not be top-of-mind during this time, but it’s something that should be considered carefully once you decide to retire. Retirement is often met with many changes in lifestyle, especially when it comes to your daily lifestyle. Life insurance and whether or not you make changes to your life insurance policy are things you should evaluate when retirement is on your horizon. Retirement is well deserved and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Having your life insurance arranged the right way, for your specific situation, will help you enjoy your retirement worry-free.
What should you do with your life insurance policy when you decide to retire? Some couples cancel their life insurance policies as they enter into retirement. The thought process here is that if retirement is well planned for, there would be no immediate loss of income for the surviving partner, should the policyholder pass away. However this may be an unrealistic expectation and for many retirees, life insurance can make a big difference financially and emotionally if the life insurance policyholder passes away. There are many expenses that arise, such as funeral costs, that could be covered more easily by a life insurance policy.  Having the right life insurance coverage for your situation helps protect your family against unforeseen costs.

In planning for retirement, there are many steps that must be taken. However, we should point out that simply the act of planning is key. When you near retirement, hopefully you’re taking a close look at your financial investments and commitments. Also, you should be closely considering non-financial factors such as your health, your lifestyle, and your plans for the future, especially any major financial investments you may be making. All of these things and more should factor into your retirement planning, which is why you should speak with a professional life insurance representative when evaluating if your life insurance coverage is still right for you. With the help of a professional life insurance expert, you can determine the type of life insurance policy that’s best for you, and the variations of the policy that fit your specific situation as a retiree. Your life insurance advisor will help you ensure that your family’s future is financially secure in the event of your passing. Retirement for many is often referred to as the greatest years of one’s life. Having adequate life insurance can help you truly enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.

Learn more at Pivot.com, your Life Insurance Marketplace for Life's Pivotal Moments.  Get a free life insurance quote today!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Decisions About Life Insurance Come with Marriage

When thinking about your impending marriage you are probably thinking about all of the ways that you will be merging two households and lives for that matter. With so many things to think about, make sure decisions about life insurance aren’t lost in the shuffle. If either of you have life insurance policies already, may have some decisions to make regarding what you want to do with them when you get married.

The first step is to look at your life insurance policy and see if it would be better served by putting it together with your new spouse’s. There are some things that you should remember when you are combining life insurance policies with your new spouse. First of all, when you are examining your life insurance policies, you want to be sure that you are able to benefit from the way that things are set up. For instance, if you have a life insurance policy through work, you might not be able to add your spouse. Talk with your current provider to see what you are able to do with your insurance policy.

If you have purchased life insurance privately before you get married, you want to see if your policies will work if you put them together. Some married couples find it much easier to leave their policies separate, because that way they can be sure that they are both covered. If something happens to one of them, the other will still have the same policy.

On the other hand, many couples end up ending separate policies opting for joint policies instead. It is a good option because they will be able to be covered together and it is usually less expensive. If you both already have policies, you might be able to find a better deal by choose to go with a joint policy.
Life insurance is just another way of loving and protecting each other under even the most unimaginable situations in your marriage .With the right policy in place you can rest easy, knowing that if something should happen to you, your spouse be taken care of.

If you’re engaged, make one of your first steps calling your local life insurance marketplace professional. Your local agent can advise you and your significant other on your existing policies and or new coverage within your budget, as well as how much life insurance you should have in relation to your income, assets, and other factors.
 

See more on Pivot.com, your life insurance marketplace for life insurance when getting married.  Get a free life insurance quote today!

  

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Bringing Life Insurance Into Focus for Retirement

When you’re heading into retirement, there are many things that will likely be top of mind for you besides life insurance. For example, you’ll be thinking about your savings, your family’s well being, your upcoming spare time, and so much more. Even if life insurance isn’t something you think about when you’re edging into retirement, it’s important nonetheless and something that you should consider regardless of where you are in the retirement process.
 
There are many times in life that should bring life insurance into focus.  Buying your first home, having a baby, getting a promotion, and more are all life changes, or pivotal moments, that should make you wonder - Do I have the right kind of life insurance? Depending on the policy you had before and the changes you’re undergoing, the life insurance coverage you have might not meet your family’s current needs. Life insurance can be a difficult topic to consider, and it may not seem as urgent as other things do when retirement is looming. However, determining your life insurance set up now will help you continue to build a promising future for your spouse and children, even after you retire. And if you have a life insurance policy provided to you by your employer, retirement is especially the right time to determine your life insurance policy basics and what you should have - and in many cases, additional life insurance is most likely necessary in order to have the best coverage available. After all the purpose of life insurance is to provide your family with a safety net that is big enough for every need your family might have.  

So, who needs life insurance? Let’s ask this instead - do you have anyone relying on you?  If you do, then you need life insurance. Life insurance is meant to provide for families after a death. So, the question goes beyond, do you need life insurance… Do you have enough life insurance?
 
There are different types of coverage to consider. Each life insurance type can potentially be customized further to your specifications. Permanent, or whole, life insurance policies are built to run from the time of purchase until the event of death, regardless of age. You can buy these policies at any time, although it’s more common for younger adults to purchase permanent life insurance policies. Permanent life insurance policies can also be borrowed against without taxation, so if you’re investing funds prior to retirement, permanent life insurance is a great option. Permanent life insurance typically also involves some type of investment or money market account, which over time can increase the value of your life insurance policy. On the other hand, term life insurance policies are cheaper, but only cover a specific time period - such as from the time of purchase until the event of death or to a certain age. While term life insurance is a great way to cover your family at a lower cost, it’s important to work with a life insurance professional to make sure you have the coverage you need and that you aren’t under-insured. The type of life insurance that’s right for you depends on your financial situation, your goals, your budget, and many other factors.
 
So how do you go about determining the right life insurance policy for you and your family? A typical industry standard is to purchase enough life insurance to replace five to seven years of your salary, however, many families plan for more than this depending on their lifestyle, the number of kids they have, the age of their children, if you have a mortgage, and much more. If you’re retiring, you can use your average salary as a way to estimate what five to seven years of income would be, but it’s best to work with a life insurance professional to make sure you have all your bases covered.
 
It’s also important to note that not all life insurance providers are created equally. When you’re comparing two different life insurance policies and contemplating which to purchase, you may think you’re comparing apples to apples - but that may not be the case. Working with a life insurance specialist will help you examine all your options and understand your choice on a deep level. Life insurance isn’t something to be taken lightly, especially as you near retirement. Give yourself peace of mind by selecting life insurance that fits you and your family. Then, you can enjoy your retirement knowing that your family’s future is secure.
 

Visit Pivot.com, your life insurance marketplace today for a free life insurance quote. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Getting Married? Get Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of those things in life that comes along when you have other things going on in your life. When life hands us pivotal moments - moments that change everything, such as buying your first home or getting married - it’s often a very busy time. During these times are usually when we realize that our current life insurance may not cover our growing needs. Life insurance isn’t always top of mind, but it’s important and should be a higher priority, especially during these changing times. After all, marriage is a big deal - and it’s typically the first time that many of us take on the responsibility of caring for someone else.
Life insurance is especially important when you decide to get married. But of course, when you’re planning a wedding and perhaps even moving in together, life insurance isn’t the first thing you think about. You’ll be looking for a wedding venue, deciding who to invite to your wedding, consolidating your belongings, and so much more. You may also be combining incomes, retirement funds, home loan documents, and more. Marriage creates a lot of paperwork and requires a lot of planning, so shouldn’t you also plan your new life insurance coverage right along with everything else?

As you enter married life, you should be thinking about life insurance sooner rather than later. If something unexpected were to happen to you, your life insurance is how you would be able to secure your significant other’s financial security. When considering the right life insurance for you and your expanding family, it’s important to remember that your life insurance plan should be just like you and your marriage: unique. Each family’s life insurance need is different, so rather than simply guessing what you should have in life insurance coverage, you should work with an insurance provider who understands that the needs of you and your future spouse are unique to you.
There are two basic types of life insurance policies - permanent and term - with ways to customize each type of plan based on your needs and goals for the future. Permanent life insurance policies run from the time of purchase until the end of the policyholder’s life, regardless of their age. On the other hand, term life insurance policies are typically less expensive than permanent policies, but only cover a specific time period - for example, from purchase to age 65. These policies are typically less expensive due in part to the fact that they insurance you for a more limited amount of time.
When you’re getting married, talking to your spouse about life insurance may be difficult or even awkward. No one wants to talk about dying! But you’ll be glad that you and your significant other had these discussions after you determine the best life insurance for your situation. With life insurance comes peace of mind, and purchasing life insurance means that you’re providing your significant other with financial security and peace of mind.

Learn more about life insurance when getting married at Pivot.com, your life insurance marketplace.  Get your free life insurance quote today! 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Having a Baby? It's Time to Evaluate Life Insurance Needs

If you and your significant other are about to have your first baby, life insurance may not be top of mind. Many couples find that there are plenty of things that cross your mind and that seem more important than life insurance, such as purchasing a crib and baby furniture, clothes, diapers, car seats, strollers, and so many more important items. There are innumerable things that cross your mind when you’re about to become a parent. Not only do you have to buy those necessary items for your baby, but you are probably also thinking about day care, school districts, whether your house gives you room to grow, and more. However, there are many times in life that life insurance does need to be top of mind. Life changes, or Pivotal Moments, give people an opportunity to realize that their current life insurance coverage might not meet their family’s needs - especially if your family is growing! Life insurance can be a difficult topic to talk about for some of us, but being fully insured is a great way to make certain your family’s future is secure.
As you enter into the world of parenthood, you should be thinking about life insurance sooner rather than later. For many new parents, it’s likely that you don’t have enough life insurance coverage, or you won’t have enough if you wait to buy until after your baby is born. Some people are lucky enough to have a life insurance policy provided through their employer, which is a great start. But considering additional life insurance is a great idea. When it comes to life insurance, you want a safety net that is big enough for every need your family might have if you were not there to care for them. So really, when you are having a baby, there are several life insurance questions to consider - do I have life insurance? and, do I have enough?
having a baby
When considering the right life insurance for you and your family, it’s important to remember that your life insurance plan should be just like you and your needs: unique. Each family’s life insurance need is different, so instead of just guessing what you should have in life insurance coverage, you should work with an insurance provider who understands that the needs of your family are unique to you.
Let’s start by discussing the basics of life insurance. There are two basic types of life insurance policies - permanent and term - with ways to potentially personalize or modify each type of plan based on your needs and goals for the future. Permanent life insurance policies run from the time of purchase until the end of the policyholder’s life, regardless of age. These policies tend to be more costly, in part because of the wide range of coverage. Many permanent policies also come with investment options, which can provide some extra long-term financial security. On the other hand, term life insurance policies are typically less expensive than permanent policies, but only cover a specific time period - for example, from purchase to age 65. These policies are typically less expensive due in part to the fact that they insurance you for a more limited amount of time.
Next, let’s discuss how much insurance is right for you and your family. As we mentioned before, each family’s needs are different. However, a typical industry rule of thumb is to start calculating your life insurance needs by planning to purchase enough life insurance to replace five to seven years of your salary at an absolute minimum - or more if you can afford it. In addition to this consideration, it’s important to keep in mind that many families today have a mortgage, car payments, and other monthly bills. And, if you have a baby on the way, there are college funds to think about too, and extra healthcare, among other extra expenses. If you want to cover these expenses in addition to your salary, you should work with a professional to calculate the estimated life insurance coverage you will need. And of course, there are ways to estimate these costs for the future by using life insurance calculators in addition to expert-level advice. But it bears repeating that this is where a life insurance professional’s help comes in handy. If your goal is for your family to maintain their current lifestyle in the event of your passing, it’s crucial to work with an educated and trusted advisor who can calculate the coverage that’s right for your family and leave no room for error.
Thinking about life insurance when you’re about to have a baby can seem intimidating for many people. However, it shouldn’t be, for a few reasons. First, life insurance is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your family to show them how much you love them. What better way to show your love than to take steps to make sure your family is covered and comfortable in the event of your passing? And second, when you have the ability to work with a trusted and experienced life insurance industry professional, you can tackle your biggest life insurance questions head on. No matter what your situation is, your life insurance professional will help you sort through it and decide on the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.
And it simply must be repeated that most importantly, when you are considering the specific life insurance coverage that’s right for you and your growing family, you’ll want to work with an insurance provider who you know and trust, and who understands your needs. Resist the urge to do a quick internet search and buy the first life insurance policy that you see online. Deciding on a life insurance plan is a serious decision, with lots of aspects to consider, both financial and personal. So it’s important to work with a life insurance provider who can help you uncover what’s right for you and your family’s future. After all, your life insurance expert is here for you to be an advisor and consultant, so you can focus on all the other tasks you have ahead of you before your baby arrives. If you have a baby on the way, reach out to a life insurance professional today!

 

Get a free life insurance policy quote today at Pivot.com! 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

How Much Life Insurance Does My Family Really Need?

Do you know how much life insurance your family needs? There are many times when you should think about life insurance. Life changes, or in other words, pivotal moments, are times when you might realize that something significant in your life has changed, but your life insurance has not. Maybe you bought your first home, or got a big promotion at work, or perhaps you’re having your first baby. Do you have enough life insurance to cover your family if something were to happen to you?


Life insurance may be uncomfortable or intimidating to talk about, but it’s crucial if you want to ensure the safety of your financial future. Even if you have a life insurance policy provided to you by your employer, additional life insurance is most likely necessary. When it comes to your life insurance, you want a safety net that is big enough for every need your family might have.
raising a family
Do you have life insurance? If you have it, do you have enough? Life insurance was created to provide for families after a death. It’s a way for you to ensure that your children and significant other are able to live their life to the fullest, even if you are not there physically to provide for them. When it comes to determining how much life insurance your family needs, every family is unique and has different needs. For example, let’s say that a family has a mother who works, a father who stays at home with the kids, and two children. Although the primary earner should have life insurance, it’s also a good idea to consider the costs affiliated with handling the needs of the household on a daily basis, and to take these costs into consideration when determining how much life insurance to purchase. Or, let’s say that a family has two working parents and one child. This family undoubtedly has different needs than the previous example, and those needs should be carefully considered when determining the right life insurance to purchase. For these reasons and many others, it’s best to work with a life insurance professional when determining how much life insurance is appropriate for your family.


When you’re considering the amount of life insurance that’s right for your family, it’s also important to consider the types of life insurance that are available. There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent. Term life insurance policies typically last for a certain time period, for example from the time of purchase to age 65. Permanent life insurance policies typically run from the time or purchase to the time of death, regardless of age. Term policies are generally more affordable, while permanent policies cost more, but offer other benefits. The type of life insurance that’s best for you truly depends on the unique needs of your family and how you want to provide for them in the future.

Life insurance is a complex matter, so when you’re ready to buy more or add on to your current coverage, contact your local life insurance professional to ensure you’re purchasing the best life insurance policy for your family.

Get a free life insurance estimate today at Pivot.com, your life insurance marketplace!