Posted on: Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 by jcliff

MetLife, America’s largest life insurance company, failed the Federal Reserve’s “stress” test along with three other bank holding companies for 2012 according to Jeff Jeffrey’s article on InsuranceNewsNet.  The stress test is the 2012 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review which applies worst case scenarios to 19 complex holding companies through the end of 2012.  Because these four companies failed the test, the Federal Reserve rejected their capital management plans.

MetLife has fired back in defense of themselves arguing that the capital standards presented in this stress test don’t make sense for insurance companies.  Of …

Posted on: Saturday, March 24th, 2012 by jcliff

If you haven’t noticed, LifeInsurance.org recently unveiled a new, user-friendly version of their well-known site for consumers.  The overhaul of the site aims to present a cleaner and more organized experience for consumers according to the LifeInsurance.org press release on InsuranceNewsNet.

There’s been a great response so far to the fresher site and visits have increased as consumers continue to use the site for valuable life insurance information.  The online tools at LifeInsurance.org help consumers make informed and educated decisions before purchasing a life insurance policy.  So, spread the word that this site is …

Posted on: Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 by jcliff

First time life insurance buyers often feel overwhelmed as they dive into the life insurance world.  Comparing life insurance quotes can be confusing, but by following some some simple tips, new customers can stay on track.  New York Life offers a quick reference guide on their website and advice from a reputable company can never hurt.

First and foremost, understand why you need life insurance.  Who benefits from this policy and does it make sense in this particular point in your life.  Then, sit down and evaluate how much coverage you will really need. …

Posted on: Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 by jcliff

If you were one of many people who bought a universal life insurance plan in the 1980’s or 90’s, you might want to revisit your policy.  According to the ABC affiliate out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, KCRG, there is a very real possibility that your policy could lapse, leaving you and your loved ones empty handed.  The article, “Your Life Insurance Policy Could Expire Before You Do,” by George C. Ford, blames the bad stock market and extremely low interest rates for the collapse.  When policies were purchased in this time frame, the prime …

Posted on: Monday, March 19th, 2012 by jcliff

According to the article on IFAWEBNEWS by Bob Graham, Sagicor Life Insurance Company is acquiring the life insurance policies and clients of PEMCO Life Insurance.  This will be an important acquisition for the insurer and it should make a positive impact to their bottom line in 2012.

Sagicor Life Insurance is based in Tampa, Florida and is looking to purchase around 10,000 term and whole life insurance policies, including 7500 clients from PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company which is based out of Washington state.  Financial terms have not been disclosed and the transaction is currently still subject …

Posted on: Thursday, March 15th, 2012 by jcliff

When deciding to purchase a life insurance policy, many people consider the financial burden placed on their families in the event of something happening to them.  How could my family afford to pay all of our bills without my financial contribution? It’s probably the #1 reason why people buy life insurance, actually.  This simple truth suggests however, that if someone, perhaps a stay at home parent, was not contributing to the family monetarily, they wouldn’t need to be covered under a life insurance policy.  Makes sense, right? Not according to Frank N. Darras, and the …

Posted on: Thursday, March 15th, 2012 by jcliff

Members of AARP don’t always consider the importance of life insurance, but it definitely has a place in the lives of those over 50.  According to their website, AARP offers affordable term life insurance through New York Life.  Their plans strive to be competitive and affordable while requiring no medical exam.  Acceptance is based on answers to some health questions, but in general many AARP members can obtain coverage.

AARP life insurance policies offer no waiting periods and coverage is surprisingly high ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.  Life insurance benefits can help protect your family by …

Posted on: Monday, March 12th, 2012 by jcliff

No one likes to think about divorce as they are shopping for life insurance with their spouse, but unfortunately it is responsible to consider all possibilities when choosing a policy and a beneficiary.  The WomensDivorce.com website offers some basic information to consider when you are facing a divorce.  You not only need to consider existing life insurance, but many divorce provisions will include a stipulation that the supporting spouse should carry a life insurance policy to guarantee the children will be provided for in the case of a supporting parent passing away.

You may be asking …

Posted on: Friday, March 9th, 2012 by jcliff

The economic situation in our country is one of the most talked about during this election year.  Presidential candidates are trying to convince the voters that they have a plan to rebound the crisis and lower the national unemployment rate, which hit 8.3% in recent months.  In the meantime, many are struggling to pay bills, keep a roof over the heads of their family, or even put food on the table, leaving them feeling trapped and out of options.  However, according the Fox Business article, “Out of Work? Consider Tapping Your Life Insurance Policy for …

Posted on: Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 by jcliff

Earlier today, John Hancock’s Life Insurance Underwriting department announced enhancements to their HealthStyles program for their customers.  This plan has been very successful as they aim to benefit applicants with favorable health and lifestyle factors.  This crediting program allows for more affordable life insurance rates for people following healthier lifestyles.  The enhancements will further improve this program and make it more appealing to a wider group of people.

After years of research by John Hancock Life Insurance, the HealthStyles program allows underwriters to offer discounts to more clients under a broader range of lifestyle behaviors.  The …

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