Why a Life Insurance Claim May Be Denied

Life insurance can be an important financial tool for you and your family. For example, life insurance can help replace earnings that would cease upon your death. It can provide a legacy for your children or grandchildren, and can even be used to make a charitable gift after your death. However, the fact that you’ve …

How can I prepare financially for stormy weather?

Floods, tornadoes, torrential rain, lightning, and hail are common events in many parts of the country during the spring and may result in widespread damage. Severe weather often strikes with little warning, so take measures now to protect yourself and your property. Review your insurance coverage Make sure your homeowners and auto insurance coverage is …

What are some tips for creating a home inventory?

Imagine having to remember and describe every item in your home, especially after you’ve been the victim of a fire, theft, or natural disaster. Rather than relying on your memory, you may want to prepare a home inventory — a detailed record of all your personal property. This record can help substantiate an insurance claim, …

Life Insurance and Terminal Illness

What if you were faced with the heart-wrenching news that you were terminally ill? How would you provide for the continued financial support of your family and loved ones? How would you and your family pay for the expenses related to your medical care and comfort? Your life insurance policy may be a valuable resource …

How long will I have to pay for private mortgage insurance?

It depends. There are generally two ways that private mortgage insurance (PMI) can be removed from your mortgage loan. The first is if you request PMI cancellation directly from your lender. The second is through termination by your lender. You can request PMI cancellation directly from your lender once you have reached the date when …

When Disaster Strikes: Deducting Casualty Losses

Wildfires, tornadoes, storms, landslides, and flooding…. It’s almost as if you can’t turn on the news without seeing images of a disaster striking somewhere. If you’ve suffered property loss as the result of these events or other circumstances, you may be able to claim a casualty loss deduction on your federal income tax return. What’s …