Do you ever think of customer service as a marketing effort? If not, you should. Word of mouth is one of the most effective, reliable forms of business referrals. If you don’t have excellent customer service, customers and clients will be less likely to talk positively about you, in turn, hurting business. In the age […]
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My wife and I have been married 15 years, and dated for six years prior to marriage. During that time, we’ve had three kids, lived through moves and career changes and great moments and tragedies, and yet we’d still rather spend time with each other than anyone else. I love her in more ways than I can possibly subscribe – best friend, romantic partner, mother to my children, participant and leader in the community… I could go on and on and on.
A big part of that feeling of continued love and closeness after all of these years is that we’ve managed to figure out how to show each other that we love each other in a variety of simple ways. She knows how to make me feel loved, I know how to make her feel loved, and we both do it regularly. Over time, we’ve figured out how to do it without buying gifts for each other or performing huge romantic gestures for each other.
So, why am I posting this almost at the opposite end of the year from Valentine’s Day, the “romantic” holiday? The simple truth is that being romantic and showing someone you love them is a tremendous “everyday” thing to do. There are few things that will solidify a relationship more than simple romantic gestures done unexpectedly but not infrequently.
Here are 30 of these free (or highly inexpensive) gestures that we’ve used throughout the years. I strongly encourage you to try several of these and see how your partner responds to them, as some types of gestures of love work better for some than for others.
Write your partner a note describing things you appreciate about them, then stick it in a place where they will find it soon. Just think of two or three things you really value about your partner and write a note listing those things, in your own handwriting. End it with a simple statement of love, sign it, and then put that note in their backpack or in their car or some other place where they’ll find it.
Hold your partner’s hand when you’re sitting near each other or walking somewhere together. Just reach over and interlace your finger with that person that you love and hold on for a little while. Not only is the handholding itself a nice thing to do, it also requires some general physical closeness.
Make your partner’s favorite dinner and then clean up everything, leaving the kitchen and dining area nicer than when you started. For me, that usually means making some kind of curry with rice or naan bread. I’ll often write something bland and generic on the meal plan and then prepare it so that the house smells like curry and is just about finished when she walks in the door from a day of teaching.
Look for the little things your partner likes, buy them (or even stock up on them) when they’re cheap, and give them out over time. What little things does your partner buy as little treats for themselves? What’s their favorite kind of candy or gum? Maybe your partner likes to buy a pack of Magic cards every once in a while, or maybe they’re into craft beer and you can buy a bomber of something unusual that they’ll like. Just get that little item spontaneously. Even better, if you see an opportunity, stock up on that item and hide the extras somewhere, and then slip one into your partner’s bag for the day every once in a while.
Block out a chunk of time that the two of you can spend together regularly, even if that means shouldering some extra tasks for a while, and alternate those chunks between things you each enjoy. The key is to wall off that time and make sure that other tasks aren’t interfering or distracting from it, which might mean taking a task or two you don’t otherwise want to do. My wife and I try to wall off a couple evenings a week for either binge-watching a series on Netflix together (her thing) or playing a board game together (my thing). Sometimes, we’ll mix that up – she’ll pick the board game, or I’ll pick the series to binge watch.
Look your partner straight in the eyes and say, “I love you.” It’s so simple, but it’s sometimes harder to do than you expect. Yet, when it’s done from the heart, it can really connect the two of you.
Lay close to your partner when falling asleep. Just cuddle up close for a little while as you’re drifting off. Yeah, sometimes it can get kind of warm, especially in the summer, but you don’t have to stay tightly cuddled for the whole night, just for a little while with your arm around your partner.
Handle your partner’s least favorite chore without asking. What does your partner do regularly around the house that they hate doing? Just do it for them. Take out that trash. Wash those dishes. Clean out the grease trap. Change that light bulb. Whatever the task is that your partner hates, do it for them without being asked.
Pick a bundle of wildflowers and give them to your partner. It’s generally legal to pick true wildflowers in open public areas such as roadsides, as indicated here. Just go pick some wildflowers with long stems and bring them home and put them in a vase for your partner. Just make sure the flowers are truly wild and that you’re not trespassing or violating traffic laws to do so.
Quietly trade some service for an evening of babysitting and plan an evening together without your partner expecting it. Find someone who would be willing to watch your kids for an evening (or overnight), and then work out some kind of swapping arrangement for a night of babysitting with them. Hold that night of free babysitting in your pocket and then plan a “date night” of some kind, all without your partner knowing about it at all.
Write a thoughtful appreciation of your partner and share it publicly, perhaps on social media. Think about the things you wish the whole world knew about your partner, put those things down in words, and share it with the world. Social media is a convenient place to do it, but be creative – maybe there’s another opportunity in your life for a public showing of this kind of appreciation. When I was in grade school, the spouse of one of my teachers did such an appreciation on an empty bulletin board near the teacher’s classroom.
Put your arms around your partner at unexpected moments, especially at home. Just walk up behind your partner, put your arms around your partner, and rest your head on their shoulder or back. It’s such a simple gesture, but it’s a deeply romantic one that just signifies pure love, especially for people who long for the human touch. My wife and I do this regularly and it always feels good for both of us.
Warm up your partner’s car on a cold winter morning. If it’s cold outside, just walk outside fifteen minutes or so before your partner is about to leave and start their car for them, turning on the heat so that it’s nice and toasty when they get inside. If there’s been snow or ice, clear it off for them. It’s a little gesture, but it’s one that shows a great deal of love because it saves them from getting cold and dealing with frosty windows.
Write your wedding vows carefully in marker or a thick pen on card stock, put them in an inexpensive frame, and hang it in your bedroom. Put it over your bed if there’s a spot on the wall. Those words will remind you every day of the commitment you made and they’ll remind your partner every day of the commitment you made to them.
Plan a “lunch date,” then pack a picnic and meet in a park. It can be really hard for two working adults, particularly parents, to find time for a “date,” so instead of searching through your evenings for a date night, look in the middle of your day. Pick a day to have lunch together, then pack a picnic lunch and share it together in a park before going back to work.
Think of something that you really appreciate about your partner, and then just say, “You know, you’re really amazing at…” and tell your partner about that thing you find amazing about them. It can be something small, like how amazing the meal they made was, or it can be something big, like how good they are at parenting. Just find something that your partner does well that you really appreciate, then voice that appreciation in sincere words.
Kiss your partner when your partner arrives home from work or from any extended period when they’re out of the house. Pull your partner close and just give them a quick kiss when you haven’t seen them for several hours or for longer. It’s a simple gesture that takes just a second, but it keeps those romantic fires burning in a marriage.
Take care of a responsibility for your partner and encourage your partner to use that suddenly-free time to enjoy one of their hobbies. If your partner has a responsibility or a task ahead of them, simply take care of it for them and encourage them to spend some time just relaxing or doing something fun that they value. Take care of the list of errands and let your partner spend s few hours curled up reading or doing something else they enjoy.
Make your partner a batch of their favorite cookies (or other snack) and handle all of the prep and cleanup yourself. Does your partner flip for your chocolate chip cookies? Does your partner go on and on about the breakfast burritos that you make? Maybe your partner absolutely loves from-scratch marshmallows. Whatever it is, make a big batch of that thing yourself and handle all of the prep work on your own.
Establish a regular frequent routine where it’s just the two of you together, even if it’s something as simple as a shared beverage on the back porch after the kids are in bed. Make this something that occurs every day or at least multiple times a week, just a simple moment that’s shared between the two of you. For us, when the weather is nice, it’s usually some time sitting on the porch together after the kids are in bed, or on the couch together if the weather is colder, with no real distractions around us, talking about whatever comes to mind.
Kiss your partner’s ear and whisper in it that you find your partner unbelievably attractive right now. This is another one of those five second bursts of romance and passion that you can slip into almost any moment quite easily. Just lean in to your partner, whisper in their ear a bit, and give them a kiss on their earlobe. Since the words are quiet and private, use your imagination regarding what you say, but make it exciting and flattering.
Pack a lunch that they can take to work tomorrow (and maybe leave a little positive note or other trinket in there). Just assemble a lunch for your partner to take to work the next day so that they can just grab it and go when they leave in the morning. In that lunch, slip in something surprising, like perhaps one of their favorite small treats or a positive and loving note for your partner to discover.
If you have children, plan days or blocks of quality family time where you’re all engaged in the same activity that inherently allows for conversation and direct interaction. This can be surprisingly romantic if you have children. Just find a project that everyone in the family can do together and work on it in a focused way, with lots of socializing and communication and conversation built in. A board game can be good, as can yard work or gardening. Fill it with some glances at your partner with a little smile on your face.
Take a deck of inexpensive playing cards and write a romantic appreciation on the face of each one, then play a two player card game with it. If you can’t think of romantic appreciations, riff on this idea a little and find things to write on each card that draw you together in some other fashion. Perhaps the deck of cards could contain nothing but the dates of important moments in your shared lives.
Apologize, from the heart, for something you did wrong in your relationship that still bothers you, and put the blame squarely on yourself and ask for forgiveness. We’ve all made mistakes, and we’ve all made them without adequately apologizing for them. Some of those mistakes wind up held in our heart, eating away at us over time, and they can sometimes eat away at the people we love, too. The best way to fix that and to truly show love is to genuinely apologize and put the fault on yourself. No excuses, no blame on anyone but you. It’s hard, but it’s incredibly worthwhile to actually do this.
Listen to their problems and concerns without interruption, and just give words of empathy and encouragement at the end, not solutions (unless you’re asked). If your partner has something on their mind, sit and listen to their problems. This doesn’t mean being distracted by your phone or not listening while thinking of the next thing to say. Listen. Ask questions only for clarification. Instead of offering solutions, offer words of empathy and encouragement.
If you’re in a long distance relationship, make an “overnight kit” for your partner in your bathroom so that they have the toiletries and other items that they need when visiting. Find out what your partner’s preferred toiletries are and stock up on them. Have them easily available, too, and don’t just hide them away. Having those things in hand makes them feel more comfortable where you live and, by extension, more loved.
Give your partner a lengthy, slow, and patient massage. Take your time with it and focus on the pleasure that your partner is getting out of the massage above all else. Pay attention to their tense and sore places and massage them gently to take away the discomfort and pain. Let them get completely relaxed. If they drift off to sleep, that’s completely fine, because it’s a sleep of comfort and peace and love.
When your partner is doing some task that’s helpful for both of you (such as mowing the lawn), bring your partner a refreshment in the middle of that task, like a cold drink. A simple gesture like this shows strong appreciation for the fact that they’re taking on a hard task, plus love and concern for the effort they’re putting in. Something as simple as a cold washcloth or a cold drink on a hot day in the middle of a hot task can have a huge impact and mean so much.
Set aside some time each day to “check in” with your partner, ideally face to face, but by phone if necessary. This is just a moment to check in and make sure the other person is doing all right and ensuring that things are going okay in their life and that you’re in touch with what’s happening in their life. That kind of constant awareness of your partner – and encouraging that kind of awareness in your partner – can bring people incredibly close. My wife and I do this face to face each evening, usually as we’re preparing dinner or right after the kids are in bed. We do it when either of us are traveling without the other as well.
These are all simple ways to show your partner that you love them without resorting to extravagance. Depending on how your partner feels love – touch, word, action, time, gifts – the strategies on this list will help them feel that love from you.
It is that constant sense of love in a romantic relationship that can keep the fires going for years and years. It’s all about finding ways to show that love and figuring out how your partner feels that love from you. When you figure it out, the romance sticks around forever, and it doesn’t have to involve going broke for expensive gifts or experiences.
Good luck!
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The post 30 Ways to Show Your Love and Still Be Frugal appeared first on The Simple Dollar.
I mean, who needs LTE when all you use your phone for are emoji conversations with your BFFs? (And even that is on Wi-Fi.)
But in reality, most of us are probably just looking for the cheapest plan because we want to spend all our money on the most expensive iPhone.
If that sounds familiar, Sprint’s got a deal for you.
New and existing Sprint customers who add a new line through Aug. 9 can get a 64GB iPhone 8 for $8 per month plus tax with a Sprint Flex lease and $21.17 credit applied within two bills. The offer is available online or by phone, but not in stores.
The Sprint Flex lease is essentially financing your phone over 18 months. At the end, you can return it or buy it out in a lump sum, or through six additional payments. An 18-month lease and approved credit are required.
This doesn’t include your wireless service. Per the Sprint Flex lease, if you want to keep the phone, the remaining balance will be due in 18 to 24 months.
Or if you want to return it in 18 months and get the next new device Apple convinces us we need, you’ll have only paid around $144 plus tax for use of the phone, currently priced at $699.99.
By comparison, if you bought a 32GB iPhone 7 for $649 when it came out in September 2016 and tried to sell it now, you’d only get about $185 for it. Which means it cost you $464 to use your iPhone 7.
Remember, the deal is only available for 10 days — July 31 to Aug. 9 — and can only be redeemed online or by calling 1-800-SPRINT-1.
If you’re the type of person who gets a new phone every 12 to 18 months, this is actually a pretty good deal. But if you really want to save money, you can just buy an inexpensive phone and keep it until it dies.
Jen Smith is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s had her Sprint iPhone for 17 months and gets mostly shoddy service. She gives money-saving and debt-payoff tips on Instagram at @savingwithspunk.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Health conditions, along with age, are the main factors determining your eligibility for life insurance.
Even more specifically, they’ll determine the premium rate you’ll pay for a policy.
In the grand scheme of things, sleep apnea is often relatively low on the risk level scale.
But it mostly depends on the degree of sleep apnea you have.
More serious levels of sleep apnea can result in higher premiums.
And at the extreme, a severe case may result in a decline.
But in many cases, it is possible to get an affordable life insurance policy with sleep apnea, even with preferred rates.
Sleep apnea was once mostly associated with snoring, but that’s hardly the only reason for concern.
Sleep apnea is actually a medical condition that can affect overall health and longevity.
Since it refers to difficulty breathing while sleeping, sleep apnea can cause a reduction in oxygen in the bloodstream.
Sleep apnea leads to drowsiness during the daytime hours.
That drowsiness could cause car accidents, which in and of itself is a risk factor for life insurance.
But of greater concern is the likelihood that sleep apnea can cause lung damage, cardiovascular issues, and hypertension, stroke, or heart failure – if left untreated, all high-risk factors for life insurance.
There’s also evidence sleep apnea increases the chance of depression.
Various studies have indicated sleep apnea causes a significant increase in the incidence of cancer.
Sleep apnea can be caused by an obstruction of the upper airway, but it can also be the result of the brain’s inability to properly regulate breathing.
Obesity and cigarette smoking are also common causes.
Sleep apnea is more common in men, and the incidence increases with age.
And though it is more common in people over the age of 40, it can also affect children.
There’s also some indication sleep apnea may be genetic.
There are two types of sleep apnea:
The first is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It’s caused by a blockage of the airway.
The soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
OSA is the more common form of sleep apnea.
The second is central sleep apnea.
It’s not caused by a blocked airway, but by the brain failing to signal to the muscles to breathe.
This failure is due to instability in the respiratory control center of the brain.
Central sleep apnea is generally the more serious of the two.
If obesity is a contributing factor, the most obvious treatment is weight loss.
Sleep apnea can also be alleviated by proper sleeping position.
For example, if you have the condition, it’s best to avoid sleeping on your back.
Smoking is also a factor since it has a negative impact on the respiratory system in general.
Eliminating smoking can improve overall breathing function, reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea, and can also lower your rates as life insurance for smokers can be costly.
Excess alcohol consumption has also been linked to sleep apnea, and a reduction in consumption is strongly recommended.
With obstructive sleep apnea, there are a variety of causes for a blockage.
These can include having large tonsils, a large tongue, a small jawbone, or even a large neck size.
It could also be the result of a nasal obstruction, sinus problems, allergies, or a deviated septum.
It’s possible that sinus problems or allergies can be treated medically.
And of course, tonsils and a deviated septum can be surgically repaired.
The most specific treatment for sleep apnea is a machine known as a continuous positive airway pressure machine, better known as a CPAP.
The system uses an air pump connected to a mask worn over the face.
It provides airflow during inhalation to prevent the airway from collapsing.
A CPAP not only relieves the symptoms of sleep apnea, like difficulty breathing and snoring, but it enables the user to get a deep and restful sleep.
It is this absence of sleep that causes health conditions, including drowsiness and hypertension.
The unit takes some getting used to but generally produces very positive results in dealing with the condition.
For some, use of a CPAP may be a temporary measure until other efforts, like quitting smoking and losing weight, take effect.
But for others, use can become permanent.
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea and you apply for life insurance, you’ll need to disclose the condition and all the details on your application.
It’s necessary to be absolutely truthful with this process.
The insurance company will not only get information from your application, but they’ll also check your medical records, even with a no exam life insurance policy.
Be as specific as possible.
And never try to omit a condition like sleep apnea, or any other health condition for that matter.
Specific questions regarding your condition will include:
Your answer to the last question will be particularly important.
Sleep apnea is considered a health condition all its own.
But the insurance underwriting decision becomes more challenging if there are other conditions, such as obesity, heart arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, depression, or other respiratory-related conditions.
In applying for life insurance with sleep apnea, you should be proactive in dealing with the condition.
You should be working with the appropriate medical professionals on a regular basis and faithfully participating in any prescribed treatment regimes.
You should also stay on top of your overall health.
This will mean eating a balanced diet and maintaining your body weight, getting regular exercise, and dealing with any other health issues you have, like hypertension.
Sleep apnea can be indicated by loud snoring, waking repeatedly, drowsiness, lack of energy during the day, morning headaches, or a sore throat.
The final determination is made by a specific medical test.
If you show symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll be given a polysomnogram, more commonly known as a sleep study.
At one time, sleep studies were done at sleep disorder centers.
But as technology has improved, a sleep apnea test can now be done at home!
You wear an electronic device – generally on your hip – that’s connected to your face.
It electronically transmits and records your physical activity while you sleep.
The results are then analyzed by a sleep specialist.
This test will determine not only the existence of sleep apnea, but also the degree of the condition.
If you have a mild level of sleep apnea with no related health conditions, you may get only a slight increase in your insurance premium.
With certain insurance companies, it’s even possible that you’ll get a preferred rate.
Naturally, you’ll need to be a non-smoker with no other health-related conditions.
If the condition is more serious, you may still get an approval, but it will come with a much higher premium.
It’s even possible the amount of your death benefit will be approved at less than the amount requested.
The type of sleep apnea you have is also a factor.
OSA is not only the more common form, but it’s also more treatable.
You’re more likely to be approved and at better rates than if you have central sleep apnea.
There are literally scores of life insurance companies, and many of them advertise very low premium rates.
If you have sleep apnea – or virtually any other type of health condition – don’t be drawn to those companies.
They’re offering lowball rates aimed squarely at those with the very best life insurance profiles.
Those are usually people who are young, non-smokers in excellent health, and with no major health conditions.
In short, you won’t qualify for those rates.
At the same time, don’t make the mistaken assumption that companies that have the lowest premiums for the best case customers will also be the lowest for people with health conditions.
Most are specifically targeting the healthiest segment of the population and may specifically exclude those with health conditions.
Applying with such companies doesn’t come without risk.
If you apply and get turned down, the decline will be part of your permanent insurance record.
That record can have a negative impact on an application with other companies.
Anytime you have any type of health condition, including sleep apnea, it’s important to apply to life insurance companies that take the most favorable view of your condition.
And there are such companies out there – you just need to know where to look to find the best life insurance companies.
The best course of action when you have a health condition is always to apply for life insurance through a qualified insurance broker.
We know exactly who the insurance companies are who are most likely to approve your application, and at the best possible premium.
Next to taking care of your health, having a good insurance broker in your corner is the single best strategy for getting an affordable life insurance policy when you have any type of health condition.
The post Simpler Life Insurance for People with Sleep Apnea appeared first on Good Financial Cents.
In previous generations, struggles with depression and anxiety were rarely discussed.
But today, more and more people are opening up about their mental health.
Every day, a new celebrity discusses their mental health issues.
And businesses and organizations are beginning to build programs and benefits to help their employees’ mental and emotional stability.
Because there’s a lot of conversation surrounding depression now, you might be wondering about the relationship between your depression and life insurance options.
Read on to learn about how your depression might impact your life insurance options and get information on the best life insurance coverage on the market.
Here’s where to start:
Let’s look at the numbers.
The fact of the matter is, depression is more common than most Americans realize.
With more than 16 million people suffering from depression, life insurance companies are now faced with making decisions on how a diagnosis of depression might change their plans and premiums.
Not every depression is the same.
With depression, like any other illness, there are different forms and varying degrees of severity.
The specific type of depression you have and the severity of it could change how much your premiums are and your ability to get approved.
Let’s take a look at some of those different types:
Major depression is what most people probably think of when they hear the word depression.
People with major depression have feelings of sadness, less energy, extreme irritability, problems sleeping, changes in eating patterns, and more.
Depending on the severity of major depression, it can prevent people from going about their lives.
This is a less severe kind of depression.
Most people classify dysthymia as a “functional depression,” meaning patients will feel “off,” but it doesn’t stop them from their day to day activities.
Symptoms can range from sadness to problems sleeping.
With a diagnosis of dysthymia, most professionals suggest talking to a therapist before trying medication.
Here’s a statistic you might find shocking:
85% of new mothers feel “down” or “blue” after having their baby.
Around 16% of those new mothers are diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Much like other kinds of depression, postpartum depression has the same symptoms: sadness, anxiety, tiredness, etc.
With this kind of disorder, mothers might feel an extreme disconnection from their child or fear of harming the baby.
This depression typically develops in the first year after giving birth.
As you can probably figure out from the name, SAD impacts people during the winter months.
Lack of sunlight is primarily to blame for SAD, making people more irritable, tired, and anxious during winter.
While some depressive diagnoses might require little treatment or may pass with time, others like psychotic depression require more attention.
This kind of depression is characterized by bouts of psychosis, which involves hearing sounds or seeing sights which aren’t there, or having delusions.
Psychotic depression can create serious problems if not managed correctly.
Everyone has heard of bipolar disorder, but few people understand what it actually is.
One of the most stigmatized types of depression, bipolar disorder, occurs when a patient suffers from drastic lows and then extreme highs.
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive because the moods fluctuate between mania and depression.
Mania is classified as having more excitement than usual, high-energy, racing thoughts, and excessive confidence.
Like the other types of depression on the list, bipolar disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.
Also called adjustment disorder, situational depression is caused by a big life-changing event or a stretch of high-stress.
This is one of the most common types of depression because everyone experiences times in their lives which are very stressful.
Usually, situational depression doesn’t need medication, but it can be treated with a short-term prescription if your doctor sees the need.
With a general idea of the most common types of depression, let’s review which life insurance companies provide the most beneficial coverage for clients with mental health issues.
With some high-risk applicants, like smokers, there is a consensus among insurance providers on how their premiums will be rated (with life insurance for smokers being much higher).
Here are who we consider to be the top five:
With conditions like depression or anxiety, there is far less agreement across the board.
In fact, there is no standard rating class for depression, making the time you spend shopping for your life insurance even more important.
With a little research, you can determine how much term life insurance you need, or maybe land on a whole life policy to meet your needs at an affordable rate.
Since some companies have harsher guidelines than others, you need to pinpoint a carrier who is lenient and still awards the best rates possible.
I’ve done a bit of that research for you, comparing and compiling the best life insurance companies for individuals with depression.
Through the years, Lincoln Financial has excelled at selling insurance to higher risk clients.
They have carved a niche for applicants with higher cholesterol scores, older clients, clients who use tobacco, and more.
One of the categories where Lincoln excels is with applicants with depression or anxiety problems.
Every time I’ve talked to a client with depression who has gotten quotes from several companies, they relay that Lincoln is one of the cheapest options.
Not only are they one of the more affordable choices for individuals with depression, but they also have several plans to choose from.
Lincoln sells traditional level term plans (Lincoln Life Elements Level Term), no exam policies, permanent life insurance, and guaranteed issue plans.
Another solid choice for individuals with depression, Prudential is known for their recognizable logo, “The Rock.”
While you’ve probably seen their mountainous logo, you may not know about their rates for people diagnosed with depression.
Prudential is also excellent for any client who is considered overweight, as their weight charts are looser than other companies.
Compared to other carriers, Prudential is more willing to take on higher-risk life insurance clients in general.
Another unique factor of Prudential is their “non-smoker plus” rate class for people who are in great health otherwise, but smoke.
Hancock is one of the oldest life insurance companies in America, having been in operation for more than 150 years.
And there’s a reason they’ve been around for so long.
Hancock is an extremely stable company who has perfected their customer service and their life insurance products.
They’ve thrived for a long time, and professionals expect them to continue to for an even longer time.
Not to mention they have some of the best grades from all of the insurer rating companies (A.M. Best, Moody’s, Fitch).
To be honest, AIG is not going to be the fastest company, but if you’re willing to wait, they can be a great pick.
AIG has plenty of options and rates to rival most of the competition.
AIG believes in tailoring plans to meet YOUR needs, not forcing you into a pre-planned policy.
One of their most unique strengths is their term policy’s flexibility.
For example, you don’t have to buy a 20-year term plan if you only want 16 years.
It’s your plan, and you can customize it to meet your exact needs.
If you’re interested in buying insurance for your children as well as yourself, Protective has products designed for you.
One of their greatest plans is the “Protect My Child” whole life policy.
If your child is between the ages of 2 weeks old to 17, you can buy this plan and it will give up to $100,000, which will double when they turn 18.
The best part, for sufferers of depression, is that there is no medical exam required. Period.
Maybe you don’t want to go through all the hassle of a traditional policy.
If so, then you’re the ideal candidate for a no exam life insurance plan.
Just about every company on the market sells a version of life insurance without the health exam portion.
The company will still look at your medical records and prescription history, and you’ll still need to complete the health questionnaire.
No exam is quicker and easier, but it’s also more expensive and restricting.
Every carry puts a lower limit on the amount of life insurance you can buy with a no exam policy as well.
If you’re considering buying a no exam option, you need to decide what’s more important to you: a lower premium or convenience.
Do your research, compare rates, and see how your depression will impact your premiums, with and without an exam.
Here’s some good news: people with depression can still get Preferred or Preferred Plus rates!
During the series of health questions most insurers require, you’ll be asked about your depression diagnosis, the severity, the timeframe, and how it was or is treated.
If it’s been several years since you were treated with depression and you no longer take medication, then it won’t jack your rates up.
As long as you’re managing your depression carefully, you can end up in the best possible class.
The most common rate class is Standard.
Having depression does put a red mark on your application.
If you have any other health problems or other red marks, then you’re probably going to be put down a peg when it comes to your rate class.
Standard rates are not the lowest, but they are still extremely affordable with most companies.
If you’re in exceedingly poor health, there is always a chance you’ll get sub-standard rates.
So if you have depression or anxiety paired with other major health complications, the carrier might be more wary of awarding your coverage.
Just as people are different, each depression and anxiety diagnosis is different.
Some are more severe than others, some need prescription treatments, others need therapy to heal.
Some complications are long-lasting, while others may be a short chapter in your history.
When it comes to applying for life insurance with depression, there is no “ultimate guide.”
But if you’re diagnosed with depression or you’ve suffered from an anxiety in the past, take heart knowing there are policies on the market you can afford.
Get started with our easy to use life insurance quoting tool on the side of the screen.
With this form, you’ll get almost instant quotes from the dozens of carriers we’ve partnered with.
Ease your mind, ease your insurance shopping process, and pick up a great life insurance policy today.
The post Affordable Life Insurance for People With Depression appeared first on Good Financial Cents.
Deciding whether to take out a personal loan is a “personal” decision, but it’s also one that’s rife with risk. If you borrow money you cannot pay back, you can end up with all sorts of consequences that make your life more difficult. This could include ruined credit, additional fees and interest charges, and even bankruptcy.
But, that doesn’t mean personal loans are a bad deal all the time. Really, any loan can be a valuable financial tool if used wisely and responsibly — and with a plan in mind.
Still, it’s wise to consider when a personal loan would benefit you, when you should avoid borrowing money, and when a different financial product may just be a better deal.
Before you pull the trigger on a personal loan, you should make sure you understand how a loan could benefit you or hurt you. Here are some signs this financial product may be perfect for your needs:
One of the biggest benefits of personal loans is the fact they offer a fixed repayment schedule and a fixed interest rate. This means you’ll be able to agree to a set monthly payment ahead of time, and you’ll never be surprised by a larger-than-usual bill.
If you need to borrow money but don’t want any surprises along the way, a personal loan may be exactly what you need.
While you can use the funds from a personal loan to cover any expense you want, these loans are best for people who have a big expense they need time to pay off. This could include surprise medical bills, a new motor for your car, or a roof you had no idea you would need to replace this year.
With a personal loan, you can borrow a set amount of money then pay it back over several years. Most personal loans are offered in amounts up to $35,000, and your interest rate could be as low as 3%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Just because you qualify for a personal loan, that doesn’t mean you can afford it. Before you take out a personal loan, you should use a loan calculator to find out your future monthly payment based on how much you want to borrow and the interest rate you can qualify for.
From there, you can take a look at your budget and expenses to see if the loan payment stretches you too thin. If it does, you should probably hold off on getting a personal loan — at least for now.
While it’s possible to qualify for a personal loan if you have poor credit or a thin credit profile, you’ll pay a much higher interest rate for the privilege of borrowing. How much? Some personal loans for people with bad credit come with an APR of over 35%!
If you have bad credit, you may want to put off your personal loan until you can take steps to boost your credit score. Start by getting any late bills you have up to date and make sure you make all your other monthly payments on time. Paying down debt and credit card balances can also have a marked effect on your credit, since your utilization makes up 30% of your FICO score.
If you need access to credit to improve your credit score, you can also consider a secured credit card or a credit builder loan.
One of the best uses of a personal loan comes into play when you have a lot of high-interest debt. Of course, this is mostly just true if your credit is good enough to qualify for a personal loan with a great APR.
If you consolidate high-interest debt into a new personal loan with a lower, fixed interest rate, you’ll start saving money right off the bat. Going from several payments to just one each month can also simplify your finances and make debt repayment that much easier to bear.
While any of the reasons above are good ones if you want to take out a personal loan, there are plenty of reasons to skip personal loans — or any other type of loan — altogether. There are also scenarios where a different financial product would be more beneficial.
Some of the reasons a personal loan may not be for you include:
If you’re struggling to make payments on credit cards, student loans, or other bills, chances are good borrowing more money will not help. In fact, borrowing more cash just to stay on top of your expenses could lead to a debt spiral in a hurry. After all, adding one more monthly payment to your life is probably a bad idea when you can’t keep up with the payments you already have.
If you’re truly struggling to keep the lights on as it is, it’s probably wise to take a holistic look at your finances before you borrow money. Consider where you could cut to improve your cash flow and whether you need to switch to a bare bones budget for a while.
If you can cut your spending in any way, you may be able to improve your financial situation without borrowing more.
While there’s nothing wrong with borrowing money for college, a personal loan is rarely the best deal. Most borrowers would be a lot better off taking out federal student loans to pay for school since they offer lower fixed interest rates and federal protections like deferment and forbearance.
Federal student loans also qualify for income-driven repayment plans that come with low monthly payments and, in some cases, eventual forgiveness of your loans after 20 to 25 years.
If you want to splurge for something expensive, borrowing money could leave you in a world of hurt. A vacation to Hawaii may sound like something you won’t regret borrowing for. However, paying off that trip for the next several years would surely change your tune three or four years afterward.
There’s nothing wrong with splurging, but you should try to save up the money to pay in cash if you want to treat yourself. Trust us; buying something you truly want is a lot more fun when you pay with money you already have.
We already mentioned how a personal loan can be used to consolidate high-interest debts into a better financial product. However, this is mainly true when you have a lot of debt to refinance and need several years to pay it down.
If you only owe a small amount of debt you could pay down in a few years or less, you may be a lot better off with a balance transfer card. Balance transfer cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for up to 21 months. Some even come without any balance transfer fees, which can help you pay down debt without any additional costs.
If you want to remodel your home, a personal loan can absolutely work. Still, you should also consider a home equity loan. These loans work similarly to personal loans in that they offer a fixed interest rate and a fixed monthly payment for a specific set of time. The difference is, home equity loans are secured — meaning your home acts as collateral, making it less risky for the lender — so they usually offer lower interest rates than you can get elsewhere.
Another option is a HELOC, or home equity line of credit. These loans work as a line of credit you can borrow against, and they tend to come with variable rates. Once again, rates on these loans tend to be lower since you’re using your home as collateral.
Fees for both home equity loans and HELOCs tend to be low, but you should watch out for origination fees and closing costs. Also keep in mind that some home equity loans and HELOCs are offered with no fees and extremely low rates.
A personal loan could help you achieve myriad financial goals, but it could also cause as many problems as it solves. Before you apply for a personal loan, take stock of your financial position and make sure you know what you’re getting into. Personal loans can be valuable financial tools, but they can also lead to years of stress and debt.
Holly Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer and the author of Zero Down Your Debt. Johnson shares her obsession with frugality, budgeting, and travel at ClubThrifty.com.
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The post When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a Personal Loan appeared first on The Simple Dollar.
