Feb 4, 2012
I was recently offered the opportunity to blog for a Life Insurance Company on their website. Although that didn’t pan out, I’m pleased with what I began for them and wanted to share it here.
The idea was to write something to draw internet traffic to their website, which would, theoretically increase their business. So I came up with the idea of treating the Reader as if they were brand new to the idea of Term Life Insurance. It was going to be a six-part series: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. I only completed the first three.
Still, I think it’s a solid showcasing of my abilities to make a concise, intriguing entry. What do you think?
Part One: WHO, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Life Insurance: Who Needs It, Anyway?
We hear it all the time: “Who needs it, anyway?” It’s a common statement that so casually dismisses any importance tied to the subject. It’s often meant as a way of shrugging off any ties. When someone offends us, we wave back and grumble, “Well, who needs you anyway?!” When our car breaks down beyond repair, we give the same reaction. When met with a rude waiter at our favorite restaurant, we don’t leave much of a tip, do we? Who needs it…
But we do need it. In some way, shape, or form, we are in need of human contact. Of transportation. Of food and shelter. And, yes, even Life Insurance.
In this day and age, finances are a very scary subject. You’re probably asking yourself, “Can I afford Life Insurance?”
That’s the wrong question. Instead, ask yourself this: “Can I afford to not have Life Insurance? Will my family be burdened when I’m gone?”
Do you have enough funds free and clear to cover all expenses, once you’re gone? Are you the sole provider for your family? Do you own your house or are you still paying a mortgage? Do you even have enough for a decent burial? Or would your family have to incur more debt just to take care of your funeral?
Wouldn’t you like to make sure your loved ones are taken care of in the event something happens? Death is a reality. Inherited debt doesn’t have to be.
You don’t have any heirs to worry about your estate, you say?
Not sure what type of policy you would get, or how much you’re worth?
Don’t know where to start?
What the heck is this Life Insurance thing all about, anyway?
Come back to this blog as we hit the highlights and hopefully fix some misgivings you’ve had.
Got questions? Suggestions? Stories? We’d love to read what you have to say.
We’re here for you.
Part Two: Who, WHAT, When, Where, Why, and How
Life Insurance: What is it?
We get a lot of people who aren’t really sure what a Term policy is. And most feel a little silly asking.
“It’s Insurance, right? Shouldn’t this be easy?”
But let’s be real: in the Information Age, sometimes people still have too little (or too many) details to go on.
You have insurance on your home and auto that will provide financial assistance in case of loss or catastrophic damage.
Life Insurance is just that: an insurance policy on your life. If you die while your policy is active, the coverage amount will be issued to your beneficiary as they continue on.
Term Life Insurance is simply a policy that offers coverage for a predetermined amount of time (typically 10, 20, or even 30 years), with a fixed payment plan. Your plan, and your payments, never vary. It’s something you can count on!
It’s important to know that it doesn’t end there. You can always renew your Term Life Insurance policy, or convert it to a permanent policy that guarantees coverage at fixed rates for the lifetime of the policyholder.
Term Life policies are the most popular form of Life Insurance policies because, generally speaking, they are also the most affordable.
For someone who’s just starting out in life.
For someone who’s on a fixed income but still wants to provide for their family.
For someone who wants peace of mind.
Everyone’s insurable. Even if you think you’re not, you really are. Individual people require individualized policies, and we can help with that. No matter what you’ve heard, you’re never too young, too old, too sick, or too anything for a Term Life Insurance policy.
We’re here for you.
Part Three: Who, What, WHEN, Where, Why, and How
When should I get Life Insurance?
The question is direct. The answer is simple: NOW.
But there will be a million reasons to stop you. Young people feel invincible. Adults don’t have time to think about it. The elderly think it’s too late.
Let’s be clear: the only time it’s too late to get Term Life Insurance is when you’re dead.
Think of Term Life Insurance as a savings account for your beneficiaries. It’s your way of continuing to provide for them after you die, just as you’re doing now. And nobody knows the day or hour of their death.
THERE IS A 100% CHANCE THAT YOU WILL DIE.
Anything can happen: the healthiest person can be struck by a drunk driver. A slip-and-fall can cause internal injuries. Or you could just not wake up some day.
AND THAT DAY COULD BE TODAY.
Don’t you want to make sure your family doesn’t have more to deal with than they have to? If you could protect your loved ones from unnecessary heartache, wouldn’t you?
THAT DAY IS TODAY.
Term Life Insurance offers an easy payout after your death to assist your loved ones, just as you do while you’re living. There’s no condition on how the policy must be spent. Your family can use it to pay medical bills, take care of funeral expenses, or pay off other debts.
It could be your last chance to provide for your family. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
We’re here for you.
Feb 3, 2012
We’ve all heard it before. You can’t predict your life. Things happen. What you have designed for your life is not what God has designed for your life.
Blah.
Blah.
BLAH.
When I was a child, I lived in Michigan and planned to live in California and become a famous actress. Or a teacher. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was a teenager, we moved to California and I planned to work at Disneyland. Or marry John Stamos. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was in my 20’s, I went to college and planned to become an award-winning news journalist. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was in my 30’s, I was a single mom trying to make ends meet. I planned to marry rich and spend the day being a carefree housewife. Or live in New York. And I’d write about my dreams.
Now I’m in my 40’s.
I thought by now I’d be married. I thought by now I’d be published. I thought by now my name would be known. I thought by now I’d be fairly debt free, fairly financially stable, fairly living where the grass is greener.
Life.
I still live in California.
I’m still a single mom.
I still believe in God.
And I still write. About my dreams. About my memories. And everything in between.
I write.
All the time.
“Life is what happens when you make other plans…”
I always tell people, I was born to write. I have ink instead of blood. I keep my fingernails clipped short to make it easier to type. I always carry a notebook and pen wherever I go. I have my own brand of shorthand, and I know how to write in the dark.
I can be inspired to write a sonnet by looking in a landfill of trash.
When I go to a movie, it has to be a really good one to keep me from being distracted with thoughts of “I could write that better” or “this scene should have been written this way”.
I have yet to make a living with my writing. I don’t have any national awards on my resume yet. People aren’t sending me fan mail. Yet.
But this I know:
I’m not settling for a change of plans.
I was born to write.
And I am really good at what I do.
I’m just waiting for the rest of the world to realize it.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 2, 2012
My daughter is 17. Practically a Straight-A Student. Senior in high school. Tall, slender, beautiful, natural blond. You hate her already, dontcha?
And for the past 8 months, she’s had her Driver’s Permit. She’s driven side roads, main roads, and freeways… just not in my car. Just not with me.
Her grandparents take her out driving once or twice a week. Her very first behind-the-wheel excursion was taking Grandpa’s truck through the dry river bed. Talk about fun! She’s been hooked on the beauty of trucks ever since.
They tell me she’s a good driver. They tell me she knows all the safety concerns with seatbelts and mirrors and slowing down for emergency vehicles. They tell me she does really, really good. They tell me.
But I’m, well, me. And I’m not a big proponent of inexperienced people driving my car. I guess I was just hoping for the day I would wake up and she’d be a driver. I didn’t think there would be this in-between time. I didn’t think while she’s behind the wheel she’d still be learning how to be behind the wheel.
Now, there’s a reason that years ago my doctor recommended I stick to decaf… yah. I’m not a big winner on the whole “keep it calm” game. But, she is my daughter. And I love her. And someday I’m gonna want her to run to the store for a gallon of milk or ice cream or something… so I figure she should actually be able to drive.
As anxious as I can be at times, my daughter is the complete opposite. She is controlled. Cool. Clear-headed. She would never say the kind of words that accidentally slip out of my mouth when brake lights appear out of nowhere or someone cuts her off. She is so not like me.
But every time she’s asked to be behind the wheel, I wince. It’s not an unreasonable request. But I see potential for disaster. Not of her making, of course. And since it’s my job as her parent to always, always, ALWAYS protect her, the answer is simple: “Not today.”
The reasons are as varied as there are words in the English language: I’m too tired to pay attention. I have a headache. You overslept and we’re in a hurry. I overslept and we’re in a hurry. I’ve had too much coffee this morning and my heart can’t take it.
No. You can not drive my car. Not now. Maybe later.
I’m doing better with the “later” thing. Last week I let her drive almost a mile from school to the Post Office. I had to explain to her that Main Street was out of the question. I’m sure she’s a good driver. But my car can’t take it. If my car is going to fail, I’d rather it be with me behind the wheel so she doesn’t get scarred for life.
I’m only thinking of you, Dot…
But today came the day I’d been promising her for months. I backed the car out of the garage then asked if she wanted to drive to school. Her eyes almost got wide with excitement, and then she contained herself. Sure, she nodded with a smile. A nice, composed, in-control smile. And we traded seats.
Her CD was still playing. Usually I tell her to turn it off so it doesn’t distract her, but she told me it helped her feel better. So I let her listen. And drive.
Out the driveway. Don’t back up so far, you’re practically in the neighbor’s yard. Up to the corner. Now, remember: just because we don’t have a Stop Sign doesn’t mean you can zoom into the turn. Down to the crossroad, up a turn, make a left, past the school. Children! Children! And finally, on to Main Street.
And while I was full of advice, my voice was calm. I never clenched my fists. My feet didn’t reach for an imaginary brake pedal on my side. My heart never missed a beat. She did great! Even when a red truck swerved and decided to suddenly stop, on Main Street, right in front of her.
She. Did. Great.
She was able to carry on a complete conversation, which is more than I can say about myself. [Want me to say “yes” without paying attention? Talk to me while I’m driving.]
We talked about my writing, and the characters from my book series. She was amazingly attentive. She did all the right things to take the focus off her driving and just be in the car. She kept it as real as a regular trip. The music. The chatter. She never rocked out. Never got loud. Never changed lanes without looking. Slowed ahead of time. Never raced the engine. She acted as if she’d been driving for quite a while. She. Was. Confident. If she was in Psychology 101, I’d tell her teacher to give her an “A”.
And when we got to school, I got out to take over and she called out, “Wait!”
Before I could get into the car, she ran over and gave me a hug.”I love you, Momma,” she smiled.
And I knew. She may be growing up. But she’ll still always be My Little Girl.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
