There are significant pitfalls lurking in the world of income-generating annuities. In one especially sad case, the sister of a young man with Down’s Syndrome made the mistake of buying annuity products that her brother most likely wouldn’t live long enough to collect any money from. These kinds of annuities are a very poor match […]
Buyer Bilked Out of $123K: ‘Just Like That, It’s Gone’
Questions about homeowners coverage? Aaron Cole and his family lost $123,000 — their entire down payment for a $440,000 house — when Aaron fell for a scam email that purported to be from WFG National Title Insurance Company. The email, which included a lot of real information about the sale and looked authentic, gave Aaron […]
How Universal Design Can Help You ‘Age in Place’
Universal design is a new type of architecture used to create homes that are suitable for all ages. Senior citizens often have to purchase new homes because stairs, narrow hallways, and crowded bathrooms become hazards. Universal design is focused on accessibility and features like waist-level appliances, walk-in showers and bathtubs, integrated ramps or lifts, and […]
Reverse mortgages can cause problems when spouses, heirs aren’t on board
While reverse mortgages can sometimes provide seniors who cannot work with a steady income, they can also cause problems or even result in the eviction of family members following the main borrower’s death. If a borrower is forced to move out for medical reasons, they (or their families) must repay the amount borrowed or sell […]
Are Your Insurance Deductibles Right For You?
A deductible is something that is often accompanying an insurance policy. This deductible is the amount one pays initially before the insurance starts to kick in. for example, if the deductible on a house is $500 and a tree falls on the house, this is the amount that the homeowner is expected to pay before […]
What Should I Keep in a Safe Deposit Box?
A safe deposit box at a financial institution is (even in the digital age) a good way of securing important valuables or documents that must be protected, and/or which could be needed after the owner dies. You will receive a key, and often the bank will keep one as well, with both keys needed to […]
What Is a Property Title Search? Why It Matters for Buyers and Sellers
A property title search is a crucial part of the real estate sales process that determines who has legal ownership of a piece of property, and ensures that nobody has any claims or liens that could complicate the sale. After an offer has been accepted, the title search reviews a wide variety of federal, state […]
5 steps to take after buying life insurance
Buying life insurance is an important step towards financial security for your whole family. After purchasing a policy the job is not done. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the details of the policy. Set up a calendar to review the policy once a year. Make sure your will is up to date so the […]
Is Your Home Protected From Wildfires? Tips For Getting Coverage – Cover
With a growing risk to homes from wildfires, many homeowners insurance companies are trying to find ways to avoid paying customers any more than necessary. Wildfires already cause billions’ worth of damage every year, and climate change is just going to make this hazard worse. Most homeowners insurance is supposed to cover both fire damage […]
Buying used cars – Tips you need to know
Realizing that it is time to upgrade your car can be a stressful and usually unwanted experience. Most of us in America cannot afford to buy a brand-new car so unfortunately, used is the way we must proceed with. Foreign Policy magazine has compiled a very short list of items to keep in mind when […]