Friday, August 17, 2012

What Is Graded Benefit Whole Life Insurance?

Graded benefit whole life may be the only option for certain individuals

A life insurance policy is a contractual agreement with an insurance company to pay your heirs a sum of money if you die while the policy is active. Insurance companies take great steps to evaluate the liability presented by applicants, and will decline coverage to people who are deemed an unacceptable risk.

Graded benefit whole life policies are specific products made available to people who cannot obtain coverage through traditional means.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Life Insurance Beneficiary Rules

Source: StockMonkeys.com
While the concept of a life insurance beneficiary is simple, a number of situations and scenarios could create confusion and threaten the policy owner's wishes. Understanding the different types of beneficiaries and how to properly designate each one will ensure your beneficiaries get exactly what you had planned.

Are Life Insurance Death Benefits Taxed?

Not all life insurance benefits are received tax-free

Typically, beneficiaries do not have to pay income tax on life insurance death benefits when they are received as a lump sum. However, some insurance companies usually offer beneficiaries a choice of payout options other than a single lump sum.

In this case, a portion of these payouts may be considered taxable earnings. There are also other circumstances in which life insurance benefits may be taxed.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Allstate Share Price Rises After Customers are Exiled

Gambone articles Allstate ALL stock rises customers exiled
Recently, Allstate Corp (NYSE:ALL) shares have climbed to their highest levels in almost four years. At last friday’s market close, the share price was $37.04, up 7.36% for the week. Allstate CEO Tom Wilson expressed confidence in the company’s ability to achieve its goal of a 13% operating return on equity by 2014.

But, while Allstate shareholders may be rejoicing at the company’s better-than-expected operating profits and subsequent share price increases, the Northbrook, IL-based insurance carrier’s customer base is anything but pleased. Policyholders have been riding the proverbial roller coaster for several years while the company has struggled to find new ways of increasing profit and reducing expenses.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Taxation of Annuity Withdrawals

Understanding how annuity withdrawals are taxed is essential to proper retirement planning

Source: StockMonkeys (Flickr)
Before you begin taking distributions from an annuity, it's important that you understand the potential income tax consequences that accompany withdrawals.

Your age, the type of annuity you own and the manner in which you receive the money will all affect how your money is taxed when you receive it.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Variable Annuities Vs Mutual Funds

Variable annuities and mutual funds contain many identical features that can make the two products difficult for inexperienced investors to distinguish. 

If you are considering investing in an annuity or mutual funds, you must learn the differences between them and understand how each product may impact your financial situation.