Many people neglect getting their life insurance plan in order. The reasons for the procrastination vary and can include thoughts about not needing insurance at this time, fear about not qualifying due to prior health issues, and of course, the cost.

While the industry will disagree, the truth is that there are times in your life when you probably do not need life insurance, but these are few, relative to the times when it is important for the financial well being of your family.

The seemingly limitless choices available can make your head spin. They are not easily understandable by the average person. Don\’t worry: All the the different policies can be decoded. Your life insurance agency can be a great resource. Following is basic information you need to know:

Straight life insurance, also known as whole life or permanent, is set for life when you purchase the policy as is the death benefit. In general, the younger and healthier you are when you purchase the policy, the lower your premiums for the remainder of your life.

As long as your premium is paid, your beneficiary will receive the proceeds when you pass away. Straight life policies accumulate cash values that you can borrow or withdraw if needed. Remember that borrowing will reduce the amount that will be paid to your heirs, if it is not paid back.

Annuities have two benefits: they have a death benefit and can create a stream of income for you while you are still alive. There are several types of annuities, but there are two basic types; fixed and variable.

A fixed annuity pays a fixed yield and has pre-determined payout to you while still alive depending on the date that you annuitize the policy and how many years the insurance company estimates you will live to collect those payments. You also can elect to pay a fixed payment monthly in exchange for a fixed monthly benefit for a specified period of time.

A variable annuity performs in a similar way, but can potentially pay much better benefits because your premiums are invested in the stock market. You have the potential to earn or lose money just like a regular investment. Your actual monthly payout, should you decide to annuitize depends on your success with your investments. There are also other choices available with annuities, but you should talk with an agent for more explanation and discussion about whether or not this is a good route for you.

Perhaps the most popular is term life which is the easiest to understand. It is also the most economical. Term life is for a specific period of time (example 10 years) and will pay to your heirs only if you die during the term of the coverage.

Young families can purchase a high amount of coverage relatively inexpensively to ensure that young children will be cared for in the case of the death of one of the partners. Term life insurance does not build cash value.

Burial coverage is self explanatory. It is meant to pay funeral costs.

Mortgage life is like a term policy but more expensive. The purpose is to pay off the mortgage in case of the passing of one of the borrowers of the mortgage. The value declines at about the same rate as the mortgage balance declines. Inexpensive term insurance, which retains a consistent life amount through the term of the policy, is a better value.

For more specific information about what type of protection would be best for your situation, it is always recommended that you do your own research, and of course, check with an agent who can answer your questions.

In the San Francisco Bay area, call on Stoneridge Financial for advice and assistance with life insurance and other insurance related investment products. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services

Still in a fragile state due to the recent economic downturn, the real estate market is slowly recovering. Even so, it is a buyer\’s market throughout the country. It is likely that it will remain that way for quite some time, and the popular vacation hotspot of Sea Isle City, New Jersey is also affected by this.

With near historical lows on mortgage rates for qualified buyers and property values that have rolled back to prices not seen since 2003, quite a few real estate investors see this market as a great time to acquire vacation rental properties or second homes. Sea Isle City is definitely worth consideration for this type of investment.

The Jersey Shore is a popular Eastern Seaboard vacation destination for Philadelphia and New York City residents due to its proximity and its stunning beaches of white quartz sand. This region has maintained a prestigious and luxurious reputation despite the economy, drawing young socialites, college students, families, and all kinds of other tourists with all its charms – lovely seaside communities, boardwalks full of family attractions, unique festivals, fine dining, boutique shopping and a thriving live music scene.

Sea Isle City is situated on a barrier island in Cape May County, the southernmost county of New Jersey. Compared to the rest of the state, it has relatively mild winters as well as slightly lower temperatures during the summer. With about 3,000 year-round residents, Sea Isle has a small-town feel, making it a perfect place to escape from the city and relax. Most available real estate is either vacation properties owned by investors or private vacation homes. While most people think of it for summer vacations, the town is starting to be recognized as a peaceful winter getaway. It also features many spring and fall activities.

As the Jersey Shore\’s reputation as a desirable vacation spot grew over the last decade, so, too, did property prices. Sea Isle City definitely was a part of this boom, but it wasn\’t exempt from the economic issues facing that the rest of the country. Sea Isle\’s tourist industry continues to thrive, but now, rental properties can be purchased at far lower prices than has been possible for some time.

Given the current economic climate, it could be many years before we see any noticeable increase in property values. Not just any property is a good buy, regardless of how low the price is in comparison to a few years ago. It is critical to understand average rental rates for homes in the area before deciding to invest. A knowledgeable Sea Isle City real estate agent who keeps careful watch on rates for vacation rentals will be able to assist in choosing properties with the most opportunity for return on investment.

The condition of the economy has scared many people out of investing in vacation homes as well as other real estate, allowing some savvy investors to take advantage of the abundance of properties on the market. The right purchase of Sea Isle City rental property could bear much fruit over the years for smart real estate buyers.

Landis Company is Sea Isle City, New Jersey Real Estate for sale and Summer Rentals Headquarters, specializing in seashore condos, townhouses and single homes for rent or for sale at the Jersey Shore. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services