Life insurance is not always a topic that people want to discuss for obvious reasons, however, given the state of the world, it needs to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds when it comes to your future plans. According to Bankrate, “54% of Americans had life insurance coverage in 2020.” As we’ve seen over the past year, anything can happen, and it is always better to be prepared and not need, than to need and not be prepared.

What does Term Life Insurance mean?

Term life insurance refers to a type of life insurance policy that offers coverage in the event of a tragedy for a specific amount of time, or a "term". Depending on how long you need coverage for, and the amount of coverage you need, term policies can protect your loved ones from 5-30 years with a death benefit anywhere from $100,000, to possibly as much as 25 times your salary.

Why Term Life Insurance over Whole Life Insurance?

There are essentially two basic options when it comes to life insurance:

• Term Life, also known as temporary life insurance.
• Whole Life, also known as permanent life insurance.

Term life insurance may benefit you from several standpoints. Most importantly, it is more affordable than whole life insurance, given an equal coverage amount. That is because the coverage is only for a limited time, rather than for the rest of your life, so there is no guaranteed payout which means less risk for the insurance company. The additional money left in your pocket can be used to invest and build assets for when your term is completed.

When to buy Term Life Insurance?

As you now know, term life insurance covers you for a temporary amount of time. One of the biggest factors in determining when to buy a term life policy and is anticipating when and how long others may be dependent on your income.

• Did you just have a child?
• Did you recently get married?
• Do you have a mortgage?

These are 3 of the most common reason people elect to purchase a term life insurance policy. Coverage until your child is grown, to cover your spouse until sufficient assets are acquired, or until your debt is paid off.

Do you want to leave more to loved ones? Cover potential loss of income to the household? Then you will need to account for your debts and add more coverage beyond them in order to leave a legacy. Our experts can help you formulate what amount would be best for you in your situation and budget in this case, or any case for that matter. Have further questions about life insurance? Give us a call! Contact us today at 954 828 1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for a quick and easy quote!

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year, tax season! Filing taxes can be a real pain, but if you are one of the lucky ones who are due to receive a nice check from the IRS, this can be a rewarding time. While having the latest iPad is great, you may come to regret that decision later. Instead of spending your tax return on a new gadget or vacation, try paying yourself. Sometimes bills seem like they are never ending, but one bill that you may come to enjoy paying are those that will pay you down the road. Catch my drift?

Be Forward Thinking

Whether you are established in your career or you are just starting out, you should be thinking about your retirement. Sometimes it can be difficult to put yourself in situations later in life, partly because life can be so unexpected. It just happens. But what some people don’t consider is that when you retire, you won’t have the same income to support your lifestyle. One way to fix that is by saving your money! If you are forward thinking and sacrifice the right amount of money now, what you enjoy now you can enjoy later too!

Get a Jump Start

Is it me or do paychecks seem like they are never enough? While there is a lot more to life than earning a wage, the amount you earn is still important because it determines what you can afford. Having a family is important to a lot of people, however a family can be very expensive. Also waiting until you have a family can feel like it is too late to start, or that you missed your chance to begin planning for retirement. While there is a prime age to begin saving for retirement, don’t ever think it is too late to start if you haven’t. Remember, better late than never.

So if you don’t think you have the funds to save for your future and your retirement, using your tax return to do so may be a smart idea! Another thing to note, once you save your tax return, you may feel more motivated and inclined to continue to do so throughout the year.

What Should I Buy?

· Life Insurance – There are several types of life insurance policies that can set you up nicely later in life. Policies such as Whole Life and Universal Life are ones you should consider.

· Annuity – Depending on the person, an annuity may make more sense than a life insurance policy.

· Combination – The best way may be to do a combination of life insurance and an annuity. Ever hear the saying, “Never put all your eggs in one basket”?

Benefits

The obvious benefit of investing in your future is that you will have income later in life when you decide to “hang them up”. But one benefit that should be considered is one that may be provided by purchasing life insurance. Did you know that if you develop a serious or terminal illness, you could have some of the death benefit value available to you to use while you are still alive for medical bills or whatever you choose. Also, you may have the opportunity to take loans from yourself. Wouldn’t you rather owe yourself money than owe the bank?

It is important to note that MHG Insurance Brokers does not provide tax advice. Speak with a tax advisor if you have any questions regarding your tax filings. Whether you are purchasing life insurance for the first time, looking for better coverage or are interested in learning more about other types of insurance available to you, we can help! Visit our website at mhginsurance.com or speak with an Insurance Specialist at 954 828 1819.

Many people don’t consider buying a life insurance policy until a major life event such as getting married, buying a house, having a kid. While all of those are great reasons to purchase a life insurance policy, you should actually have a policy before any of those things happen. Yes, even if you’re single, with no dependents or assets to your name. 

1. Investment

One reason to get a life insurance policy when you are single is because it can be used as a long-term investment. Purchasing a Whole Life insurance policy can give you many options on what to do, such as being able to withdraw from the cash value of your policy much like a bank loan. Also, depending on the whole life policy you purchase, it can act as a savings vehicle. So, after a certain amount of time, your cash value will be higher than the amount you have paid, depending on where it has been invested. 

2. Funeral

Here’s a question that many may not want to ask or try to answer. Who is going to pay for your funeral? Funerals are expensive, and unfortunately, it is an expense that many don’t prepare for. Having life insurance that will include your funeral costs into the amount of your policy is a very smart thing to do. Caskets themselves can be thousands of dollars, and funeral total costs can easily exceed $20,000. 

3. Personal debts

If you should pass, who is going to pay for your debts? When you die, if you have any co-signed loans, the full responsibility of paying off the loan will be left to the person who co-signed that loan with you. Which in many cases could be your parents, spouse, kids, etc. It may be tough on them to worry about their debts and in the event of a tragedy all of a sudden have to worry about your debts as well, all while still mourning your loss. Having a life insurance policy can be used to pay off your medical bills, mortgage, credit cards, etc. 

4. Leave a legacy

It can be a good idea to purchase life insurance in order to leave a legacy. For example, if you are passionate about a charity, church, or group, you can leave them as the beneficiary of your policy, which I’m sure they will greatly appreciate and never forget. Also, you can do this if there is someone close to you that you would like to help out. Maybe a friend who is struggling and would refuse to accept any help from you. 

5. Cheaper to get a policy when you are young

If you plan on getting life insurance later in life or waiting until a life event such as the ones stated before, it may make more sense to go ahead and purchase a policy now. Waiting for one of these events can take years and years, and by the time you go to purchase a policy, the premium could be as much as two times as high as if you would purchase it now. That is because the younger you are, the less expensive the premium is, because you are not viewed as a high risk. Also, another great thing is that your premium should be locked in at that price for the length of the term or for your life depending on the type of policy you get. So, in essence, you could be saving yourself money in the long run, by spending a little extra now. 

If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions about your policy, or which policy would be best for you and your family, contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.

Let’s face it, traveling for business can be stressful. From packing and putting the final touches on your presentation, to worrying if you’ll make your meeting on time, there is a list a mile long of different scenarios, to-dos, and unexpected events that are sure to raise anyone’s blood pressure! Travelling internationally can add an additional layer of stress as well! With so many things on your mind, the last thing you need to worry about is uncertain travel details and what-ifs. Having a proper travel insurance plan can help ease that stress and let you focus on having a successful meeting.

The Unknown

People traveling abroad for business should have a good travel insurance plan for many reasons, especially for the unknown. Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime, and most of the time there is no way to prepare for them, especially when you’re out of the country. Suppose you get into an accident and need emergency medical attention? Maybe second nature made you drive on the wrong side of the road, not being used to the driving laws of another country.

There are many other scenarios that can happen requiring emergency medical attention. Obviously, this is just one reason to get travel insurance no matter if you are traveling for business or leisure. Another unknown factor that you cannot prepare for, yet is very common when traveling abroad, is food poisoning. Food poisoning, unclean water, parasites, and changes in diet make gastrointestinal issues one of the most common medical threats that travelers face. Without travel insurance in place, expenses for treatment can be costly.

Trip Cancellation

It could be a waste of money if you don’t have travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage. For those that think it doesn’t happen, what if there was an unexpected storm that cancelled your flight? There are a plethora of reasons that a trip can be cancelled, and not many reasons why you shouldn’t have coverage for it, even for business trips.

24 Hour Assistance

Being in a foreign country can bring a lot of questions. Not knowing where to go, who to talk to, how to talk to them, etc. Having a 24/7 assistance line can give you peace of mind, once again letting you focus on your work, which is the most important part of a business trip. Also, many times when people travel for business, they are traveling alone. Knowing that you have someone to back you up and be there for you when in a foreign place can make things much easier on your mind as well.

Having proper travel insurance can help to limit your distractions and help you to have an efficient and successful business trip. Maybe having an eased mind will allow you to enjoy some of the sites while you are there! If you have any questions about your travel insurance plan, or are interested in purchasing a travel insurance plan for your next business or leisure trip please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. MHG has the insurance specialists to assist and advise you, your loved ones, group, or business, on all of your insurance needs. Safe travels!

Are you in the market for a new home? If so, there are some important things you should be doing to prepare yourself, before and after your purchase. First and foremost, buying a home is one of life’s greatest financial accomplishments. Getting approved for a mortgage is a daunting task, and those 30-40 days of the approval process can feel like a lifetime. However, once you sign those closing documents, you feel a sense of pride and joy that you were able to whether the storm, and now you can start this next chapter of your life as a homeowner! Now, just because you are done with the paper work, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking of steps you need to take in order to protect your investment. Life insurance can do just that and provide all of the coverage you need given your newly acquired asset.

Before Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is a major life decision, one that comes with an enormous amount of planning, budgeting, saving, and often forcing one to make lifestyle changes in order to be able to complete the action. If you aren’t required to have a lump sum of money to use as a down payment, count your blessings. However, no matter what route you go, it will be a challenge if you don’t have a good credit score.

Once you have your strategy in place in terms of the type of loan you are going to use, the down payment amount, and a good enough credit score, the fun part will begin. Ask anyone who has gone through the process of getting approved, and many will agree it is one of the more stressful experiences someone can experience.

After Buying a Home

So, you’ve made it to the finish line, you are officially a homeowner! Now what to do? Before you start to think about investing into your property, fixing the kitchen or adding a pool, you need to think about investing in yourself and your loved ones. You’ve just gone through an extensive process and have probably taken on an extreme amount of debt. What happens to that debt or the responsibility of paying it off if something happens to you?

A life insurance policy is a critical necessity for anyone who has debts they do not want to leave to their loved ones. Do yourself and your family a favor and protect your new investment. For example, if you just bought a house with a 30-year mortgage that was $250,000, for starters you may want to consider a 30-year term life insurance policy with a $250,000 benefit.

Preparing for the Future

The strategy of protecting your investments and assets with life insurance is something that you should be using in every facet of your life, not just when buying a home. Especially if you have a family or dependents. If you are not sure the amount you need, the type of policy to get, or what you can afford, our insurance specialists are here to help!

MHG is here to assist you and offer any advice and help we can in this exciting time in your life. If you are interested in purchasing health insurance, life insurance, or have any questions please contact us today at 954 828 1819 or visit mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to guide and assist you in finding the best insurance options for you, your family, and loved ones.

It’s getting to be that time of the year! That time where everyone looks back on the past year and makes changes for the upcoming one. Whether it is taxes, budgets, even weight loss, the motto is “out with the old, in with the new!” However, you may have not originally thought to review your life insurance policy. It’s always a good idea to review any insurance policy periodically, but the end of the year brings a perfect time to look at your current policy and see if it still offers the coverage you need.

Do You Have New Dependents or Family Members?

A lot can change over the course of a year, especially when it comes to relationships and families. Did you get married? Did you have children? Do you have new dependents in your life that may need to be made a beneficiary of your life insurance policy? These are all questions you should ask yourself when reviewing your policy. Also, maybe you need to increase the overall value of the policy to account for new dependents.

Did You Have Any New Major Purchases or New Debts?

Many times, people decide on the value of their life insurance policy based on their outstanding debt. For example, if you have a mortgage of $200,000, it would be smart to include $200,000 in your calculation for your life insurance to cover the cost of the house if something were to happen to you. Purchases such as buying a house, buying a car, starting a business are all ways to increase your debt, and should be taken into consideration when deciding the value of your policy.

Did Something Change at Your Job?

There are scenarios of changes at the workplace that should give you a reason to review your life insurance policy. One is if you were to start a new job. There is a chance that your job offers employee sponsored life insurance based on your salary. This is a great benefit to have, so take the amount of coverage provided into consideration if you are purchasing a policy.

If you didn't start a new job, there are still changes that may have occurred over the past year that warrant a policy review. Getting a raise may give you more expendable income to increase your policy value. Also, if you received a promotion, there may be changes to the benefits provided to you such as the value of your life insurance policy.

Did You Move?Moving always seems to bring more changes to someone's life than they originally expected. If you moved to a foreign country, there is a strong possibility that your life insurance coverage didn't follow you to your new home. Many life insurance policies are only covered in the country of purchase. However, it should be noted that there are several options for international life insurance coverage.

There are many things to take into consideration when making the decision of which type of policy is best for you, your family, or loved ones. Are you interested in purchasing Life Insurance or International Life Insurance? Would you like some more information regarding Life Insurance options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to a Life Insurance expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact us 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com and talk to one of our insurance specialists for help in selecting Life Insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.

Did you know that taking at least one trip a year, reduces your risk of heart disease by 30%? With a statistic like that, how can you not already have your bags packed?! Before you rush out to book your next trip, be sure to use our checklist below when making any decisions about travel insurance, as well as traveling abroad. Traveling abroad can create some of life’s greatest experiences. Seeing other countries, cultures, and people can create memories that can be shared for a lifetime. In order to ensure that those memories are happy ones, travel insurance should be on the top of your list before you book that flight.

Having an emergency while you’re abroad can be a scary experience for many reasons. You are far from home, in a country that you do not know much about, and may not know where to go in the event of an emergency. Maybe you don’t speak the language which could make it impossible to try and get assistance from a local. You don’t have the family/ friend support that you do at home. Travel Insurance should provide you with the proper coverage to protect from an array of unplanned events that can really ruin a trip.

Travel Insurance Checklist

A good travel insurance policy should include the following:

· Maximum plan limit of at least $1,000,000.

· Provide coverage in most countries around the world.

· Provide coverage for accidents, illness and the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

· Emergency air/ground transportation to the nearest qualified hospital.

· 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance.

· Pre-trip health and safety advisories on your destination such as required vaccinations, health risks and travel restrictions, medical monitoring, provider referrals for Western-style medical facilities, medical and dental practices and pharmacies. Other useful services include travel document replacement, lost luggage assistance, emergency travel arrangements and translation services.

· Simple online enrollment.

· Easy claim submission.

Travel Insurance benefits can vary based on policy or company, so it’s best to review a few different options from a reputable company to see which plan is best for you. Also, using an Insurance Broker can provide with you benefits that you may truly value. An insurance broker will typically work for you, the client, and offer you advice and assistant to getting the best l plan possible according to your budget. One reason they may be able to get you better coverage is because they represent several companies as opposed to just one. So their best interest is in the customer rather than the company. They can also assist you in with any claims you make and work on your behalf.

What should I Bring?

Once you purchase your travel insurance, you can begin fully to enjoying yourself and look forward to your adventure without having to worry about the unknown. Packing is very important, , be sure to include the following to make it as hassle free as possible:

1. Travel insurance card

2. Passport and visa

· Make sure the expiration date is not during your trip, also bring a copy of your passport for back up purposes

3. Flight itinerary

4. Immunization documents

5. A Full list of all accommodations

· Including addresses and phone numbers from all the locations you will be staying. Also be sure to include this information with a friend or family member who will be staying home.

7. Contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in your destination

8. Emergency contacts

· It is smart to keep in touch with loved ones during your trip, checking in every so often.

9. Money

· Never have all of your cash in one place. Cash, cards, checks, passport, if you include them all in your day bag, and it happens to be misplaced or stolen, you may be stranded.

10. Map of where you will be going, along with a translation dictionary.

Once you have completed these checklists, you can officially kick back and enjoy your time. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

MHG Insurance Brokers wishes you safe travels along your journey. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, or have any questions or concerns, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance brokers are experienced and can assist you in selecting the right plan for you, with the best value.

Purchasing a Life Insurance policy isn’t something you do every day. The benefits and coverage it can provide for you and your loved ones in the event of a loss is irreplaceable, but with that being said, who wants to plan their “death.” We know this is a very sensitive subject, so we took the time to clear the air of some myths that we have heard about whole life insurance. Since purchasing life insurance can be a little unsettling, we wanted to make sure you are prepared and know exactly what you are getting yourself into, in order for you to make the best decision for you. So here are 5 myths that are associated with Whole Life Insurance.

1. Whole Life is too expensive!

Yes, a whole life premium is considerably more money than that of a term life insurance premium, depending on the value of the policy. However, there are some things to take into account. With term life insurance, you will not accumulate any value, once the term ends, you own nothing. As opposed to a whole life insurance policy, where your premiums will build a cash value that will belong to you at the end of the policy.
Also, another thing to consider is the total cost of a policy over your lifetime. Term is not designed to cover you for life, so when your term expires and you would like to purchase more coverage, the cost will increase. When putting the two types of policies together to compare, whole life is substantially less costly than a life time of premiums for term life insurance.

2. Only your beneficiaries will benefit!

While having life insurance helps protect your family in the event that something happens to you, your beneficiaries aren’t the only ones who benefit. A whole life policy can also be used as an investment option. Many times, you will have access to the policies’ cash value for withdrawals and loans which can be tax free. Also, certain companies will generally pay dividends to policy owners after the first policy year. Many times these dividends can be used to help pay premiums or purchase more permanent increments.

3. It’s a money pit!

One of the things that makes a whole life policy differ from a term policy is the fact that at the end of your policy, many times you will receive the value of your policy. Which can be a great investment decision for your financial portfolio, given the fact that it isn’t correlated to the stock market and mostly guaranteed by the insurer so death benefits and cash values aren’t affected by declining markets.

4. Cash in your policy once you retire!

Back in the day, many people would cash in their life insurance policy when they retired. However, today that is the time when many start to realize the importance of it. Having a whole life policy in your financial strategy could provide you security, financial freedom, as well as a legacy for loved ones.

5. Once you buy Life Insurance, you don’t have to think about it ever again!

Performing maintenance on your policy can save you money. Health changes can sometimes lead to lower premiums. Also, policies with loans and withdrawals, if not managed correctly can hinder some long term provisions and guarantees. Performing regular maintenance may also link your advisors together, which can help build a team around you with strengthened relationships, putting everyone on the same page for your investments, taxes, and your estate.

MHG Insurance Brokers is dedicated to making your Insurance experience as stress free and informative as possible. We have insurance specialists with the experience and knowledge to get the best coverage to fit you, your family, and loved ones. If you are interested in purchasing Life Insurance, have any questions, or need advice, please contact us at 954 828 1819 or visit our website at mhginsurance.com.

Have you ever needed to borrow money? Chances are that you have. At some point in life, everyone finds themselves in a situation where they may need to take out a loan, borrow money from their parents, dip into their savings, etc. It’s part of helping yourself get squared away, or getting to the next level, or maybe even just to stay afloat. Many don’t want to put themselves into debt, and sometimes there is no other option. But what if I told you that you can borrow money from your Life Insurance policy? Now do I have your attention?

Well, Can I?

Yes, you can borrow money against your life insurance policy. It is a quick and easy way to get cash when you need it most, with no explanation needed of how the money will be used. Also, unlike bank loans, a policy loan has no effect on your credit, and if you can believe it, you don’t have to go through a credit approval process or credit check. This is because you are essentially borrowing money from yourself. However there are some specifics to note before you make the decision to contact your insurance agent.

The Specifics

For those of you who are thinking about borrowing money from your life insurance policy, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, you need to know that this can only be done with a permanent or whole life policy, not a term policy. A whole life policy typically has a higher monthly premium than a term policy, partly because it lasts for life. Part of those monthly premiums will collect as cash value that you can have access to. Keep in mind it can take quite a few years to build any cash value, so it may be significantly lower than the total of your premiums payments.

Once you have enough of a cash value built up, then you can borrow money. Unfortunately, you can’t go and purchase a life insurance policy right now and take out a loan tomorrow. However, this may be the little push you needed to get life insurance if it was something you have been putting off. It should be said that it isn’t a good idea to get life insurance coverage just for loan purposes, or trying to beat the system. This is just one of many benefits for those who make the decision to get coverage.

The Fine Print

It should also be noted that depending on your loan, it will still be expected to be paid back with interest, much like a bank loan. Typically the loan can be paid back with lower interest rates and a more flexible schedule, however it should still be paid in a timely manner. Some loans won’t require you to payback, however the loan amount will be deducted from your death benefit. There will also be interest to pay in this case. Even better news, the loan is not recognized by the IRS, so it will be tax free. The only way you will have to pay taxes on the loan is if the policy lapses, then you must pay taxes on the full amount of the cash value.

If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions about your policy, or which policy would be best for you and your family, contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.

As we grow older, there are many of us who think back and regret not doing certain things while we were young. There are activities or decisions that we can’t make now because it’s too late, or we don’t have the time or energy. I’m sure many of you are thinking about skydiving or some other thrill seeking adventure, but I’m talking about purchasing life insurance!

While the benefits of having life insurance in your 20’s may not be obvious to all, they are enough for you to consider buying a policy. So if you find yourself asking the question, “Should I Buy Life Insurance in My 20’s?” The answer is YES!

Cost

Similar to health insurance, life insurance premiums are less costly when you are younger, typically because you are less of a “risk.” When in your 20’s, you may be thinking that you don’t need life insurance now, you’ll wait until you get married, or start a family, or buy a house. While all of those are great reasons to get life insurance, you could be costing yourself a few hundred dollars or more per year in premium by waiting. The older you are when buying a policy, the more costly the premiums. Something important to note, many times you lock in that price for the rest of your life.

Health

Most consider younger people to be healthier. While that may not always be the case, insurance companies tend to reflect that outlook in price and requirements. Depending on the face amount, you may not have to go through the extensive physical in order to get insured. Many older people have to go through a full physical and sometimes can be denied coverage. However, if you apply for it early enough, there is a chance that you won’t have to be examined at all and still attain coverage.

Investment

When most people think of life insurance, I doubt they are thinking about it as a financial investment opportunity. But depending on the type of policy, that is exactly one of the benefits it can offer. Whole Life and Universal Life insurance policies are much like savings accounts that you can withdraw money from, essentially taking a loan from yourself.

Also, after a certain amount of time, you can withdraw all of the money without having to pay a penalty. Usually your money will earn an ROI after a certain amount of time. So unlike some life insurance policies, you won’t be putting your money into a “black hole.”

Situational

Every person’s situation is different. Which is why you should evaluate your life when making a decision to purchase life insurance. Being a young person in your 20’s, there is a chance that you don’t have as much disposable income as someone who is a bit more established in their career. Keep in mind that once you become more established, you may wish your younger self had purchased a policy so that you would be paying a lower premium later in life.

Maybe, you could be starting a family, in which case you definitely need life insurance. If you are having trouble deciding which route to go or how much coverage you need, call us. We are here to help!

If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions, we’re here to help! Please contact us today at 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.