Insurance

Please don’t ask me why, but the way providers talk about benefits can confuse many folks, especially younger employees who might be enrolling for their insurance for the first time. One recent study showed that more than half of employees choose plans that aren’t right for them, costing them money in premiums or underfunded costs.

So, what is all this tricky language, and what does it mean for you and your benefit selections? Let’s review a few of the most common terms you’ll encounter in selecting a package.

• October 26, 2023

Next weekend we officially enter the fall — one of the best times of year that ushers in football, fire pits, and the beginning of the holiday season. As you watch the leaves turn brilliant red and orange and begin to blow to the ground, it’s easy to appreciate the natural beauty of the end of another life cycle before the cold winter months.

It’s much harder to appreciate nearing the end of our own life cycles. As a matter of fact, most of us probably avoid thinking about it altogether. And that’s perfectly understandable. None of us wants to consider that one day we won’t be around anymore and our loved ones will be left to pick up the pieces. Heck, I’m sorry for even bringing it up today. But it’s just the reality of the human condition.

• September 14, 2023

Nobody’s benefits renew in March. March is pretty much the opposite of benefits season. Many of you are just waiting on the fall email from your employer that reminds you to check your benefits and see if something has changed — marital status, number of children, medical history — as well as instructions on how to make changes to your package. If nothing significant has occurred, you probably just check the box to keep everything the same. It’s easy.

• March 15, 2023

As a financial planner, I’ve learned over the years that there is no greater asset than that of human life. I’m reminded of that whenever I see families go from tying the knot to starting a family, from becoming empty nesters to retiring, and finally to celebrating life. We’ve been blessed to walk alongside our clients’ families during each of those steps and celebrate life’s milestones, happy and sad. 

• February 14, 2023

Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if you become sick, injured, pregnant or need surgery and are unable to go to work. There are two types of disability insurance: short-term and long-term. These are sometimes offered as an employee benefit from your employer but be sure you understand what you have and any plan limitations before assuming you are fully covered.

• October 7, 2022

Family gatherings at the dinner table have always been special to me. Some of my favorite memories happened – and some life skills were developed – around my parents’ dining room table. After church on Sundays, they’d usually host another couple or two, and after dessert and taking my dishes to the sink, I’d get my piggy bank (except mine was a duck), and make the rounds soliciting our guests for their loose change. They all obliged young Dave by dropping a coin into my duck bank, at which point I’d go get my actual piggy bank for round two! Then, I’d empty them both out and offer folks their coins back. (I wasn’t the hardened capitalist I am today!)

• November 18, 2021

You may or may not know that November is Long-term Care Insurance Awareness Month. Now, this may not sound like a fun topic to spend a month talking about, but I can tell you from personal experience – three examples in my extended family in fact – that if you need this coverage and don’t have it, there will be regrets.

• November 10, 2021

First, there are two main types of coverage for you to consider: group or employer-sponsored life insurance, which is coverage that you sign up for with your employer’s human resources office, along with other employee benefits. Some employers offer basic plans at low or no cost to you, as well as options for more coverage at a higher cost. We can help you sort through what your employer offers if you’re not sure what you’re looking at. The second main type of life insurance is individual coverage that you purchase through an insurance company for yourself or a loved one.  

• September 26, 2019