Le Blanc Insurance Agency

How can we live lightly on the Earth and save money at the same time?

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:19:28 +0000

Go green and save green

Many of us are trying to find ways to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact and save money:

Save energy, save money

Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer.
Install compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) when your incandescent bulbs burn out.
Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and use a drying rack or clothesline.

Save water, save money

Take shorter showers to reduce water use.
Install a low-flow showerhead.
Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet.
Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.

Less gas = more money

Walk or bike to work, if possible. This is good for your wallet and good for your health.
Consider telecommuting, if possible.
Consider using public transportation, if available.
Consider car-pooling.

Think before you buy

Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products and buy in bulk whenever possible.
Make your own cleaning supplies; all you need is baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap.

Stay informed about going green. For more information, contact me or visit Worldwatch Institute. Go Green and Save Green.

Should you consider purchasing a fixed annuity?

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:15:11 +0000

We hear it often — Americans are living longer and healthier lives and the population of retired people is about to explode thanks to aging Baby Boomers. The question then becomes: Will my retirement income be enough? Fixed annuities may help address that concern.

Deferred or immediate?
There are two basic types of fixed annuities: deferred or immediate. A deferred annuity allows you to accumulate money over time on a tax-deferred basis, and then allows a choice of several payout options you can take advantage of during your retirement years. Immediate income annuities allow you to use a one-time contribution to immediately produce a regular income stream. Which type may be appropriate for you depends on your individual circumstances, such as how many years until you retire and the like.

Click here for more information on deferred annuities.
Click here for information on immediate annuities.

Deferred annuities
Deferred annuities are intended to be long-term investments, so if you’re still working, a deferred annuity can provide:

Tax-deferred growth. The earnings on your annuity will not be taxed until they are withdrawn.* That means funds that might ordinarily go to pay taxes may instead accumulate earnings. Over time, tax deferral has the potential to make a significant difference in your accumulation.
Competitive current interest rate. Current interest rates are generally competitive when compared with other fixed-interest vehicles such as money market funds and CDs.
Lifetime income option. When you are ready to annuitize, you can choose from several payout options, ranging from a single lump-sum payout to periodic payments over a specific time period to a guaranteed income for life. For those who anticipate a lengthy retirement, lifetime income may be an attractive choice. Remember, it could be many years before you “take delivery” of your annuity income, so be sure you are depending on a financially strong and well-managed company like Farmers. Call me and I’ll provide you with current information on the strength and stability of Farmers.
Death benefit. If you die before the annuity payout begins, your beneficiaries will receive the contributions paid in, plus any accumulated earnings.
No contributions limits. Contributions to many retirement savings vehicles, such as 401(k) plans and IRAs, are limited by the Internal Revenue Service. Annuities, however, offer flexibility and allow you to contribute as much as you want, up to the limits imposed by the insurer.

If you’re looking for strategies that may help grow your assets, you might want to consider a fixed deferred annuity. Call me and I can provide you with the information that may help you make an informed decision.

*Generally, surrender charges apply if withdrawals are made in the early years of the policy. Withdrawals generally are subject to ordinary income taxes, and withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal tax penalty. This document is for informational purposes only. You should consult your attorney, accountant or tax adviser for legal or tax advice.

Immediate annuities
As we know, Americans are living longer than ever. A single-premium immediate annuity, also known as an income annuity, may help provide an income stream that you won’t outlive. An income annuity converts a portion of your retirement savings into a regular stream of retirement income. In exchange for your one-time contribution, the issuing insurance company guarantees that it will pay you (or you and your spouse) a stream of income payments, typically monthly, for a specified period of time. These guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Cost of doing business
Fees and expenses generally cover the insurance company’s administrative expenses, the cost of offering the guarantees and the like, and are typically factored into the current interest rate. Call me for more information on fees and expenses.

If you are interested in reducing the possibility of outliving your assets, you may wish to consider an immediate annuity. Call me and I can provide you with the information that can help you make an informed decision.

This document is for informational purposes only. You should consult your attorney, accountant or tax adviser for legal or tax advice.

Life insurance and annuities issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Mercer Island, WA 98040
1010-A

Are your business vehicles insured?

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:06:43 +0000

If you’re a small-business owner, you know that your company vehicles can provide convenience, a consistently professional image and even effective mobile marketing. But do you know that they also require a commercial insurance policy? It’s true! Personal auto policies generally exclude coverage for vehicles used in your business, so if you use vehicles to provide mobility to your employees, equipment and products, you probably need commercial coverage.

Farmers’ customizable business vehicle coverage generally includes:

Bodily Injury: Covers bodily injuries (or death) to another for which you are legally responsible.
Property Damage: Covers damages to someone else’s property for which you are legally responsible.
Collision: Covers your vehicle when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle.
Comprehensive: Covers your vehicle for losses resulting from incidents other than collision.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: Covers you for bodily injuries, damages or death caused by an at-fault uninsured or underinsured driver.
Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers injured in an accident.

Flexible coverage

Whether you manage just a few pickups or a full fleet of box trucks, you work hard for the things you have. To learn more about our comprehensive commercial auto policy provisions and our Claims and Loss Control professionals, or to review your personal auto coverage, please call me.

Note: These are general descriptions of coverage and in all instances the language and terms in the auto policy control.

Do You Have An Umbrella?

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:21:08 +0000

Ah, the joys of home. So many comforts — and so many risks. The dog, the teenage driver, the pool, the house parties, the monster tree that overhangs your neighbor’s yard — any of these could be the stuff from which lawsuits arise. And many homeowners and auto insurance policies may not offer enough coverage for major personal-liability claims. What would you do if you accidentally caused damage or injuries which went beyond the coverage limits of your homeowners or auto insurance? What would you do if you found yourself on the wrong end of a multi-million dollar lawsuit? Naturally, most people don’t expect the unthinkable to happen — but sometimes it does.

Caveat: Don’t assume that your homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage in the event you’re sued for your negligence which results in injury or damages.

The Personal Liability policy

Umbrella policies, as they are also known, supplement the liability coverage you already have which is provided by your underlying homeowners and auto insurance, and provide an extra layer of coverage up to the limits you purchase. Of equal importance, an Umbrella policy extends liability coverage to encompass certain coverage gaps left by exclusions on the basic underlying policies.

You may want to consider purchasing a Personal Umbrella policy if any of the following apply:

	Your total assets exceed your underlying liability limits.
	You have assets over $1 million, including property and vehicles.
	You have the potential to have assets over $1 million in the future.
	You earn or have the potential to earn significant income.
	You are financially responsible for a young or inexperienced driver.
	You frequently carpool young children.
	You own or operate an aircraft or boat.
	You own a swimming pool, trampoline or dog.
	You own waterfront property, a farm or ranch.
	You employ one or more people in your home.
	You want to make sure your current assets and future earnings are protected.

Life is uncertain: Plan for it
You probably work very hard for the things you own — don’t forget to protect them. You never know when the unexpected can ruin not just your day but also your well-laid financial plans for the future. Make sure you’re prepared — don’t forget your umbrella. Call me for more information.

Precious Cargo On Board

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:22:38 +0000

If you have children, you know how important it is that they’re secured when you’re driving with them. But did you know incorrect usage of a car seat is common — and that even a minor mistake in usage can cause serious injury?¹ Here are some tips that may help you use your child’s car seat correctly:

	Never put an infant in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag — even if you think it’s been disabled.
	Route harness straps in lower slots at or below shoulder level.
	Keep harness straps snug and fasten the clip at armpit level.
	Make sure the straps lie flat and aren’t twisted.
	Dress your baby in clothes that allow the straps to go between the legs. Adjust the straps to allow for the thickness of your child’s clothes. Don’t use bulky clothes that could increase slack.
	To keep your newborn from slouching, pad the sides of the seat and between the child’s legs with rolled up diapers or blankets.
	When in the car, put the car seat carrying handle down.
	For the best neck protection, infants should ride in the backseat facing the rear of the vehicle until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds. Then they can ride in forward-facing child car seats (still in the backseat). Recline the rear-facing seat to a 45-degree angle. If your child’s head flops forward, the seat may not be reclined enough. Tilt the seat back until it is level by wedging firm padding, such as a rolled towel, under the front of the base of the seat.

To keep the car seat from being thrown forward in a crash, all new seats are required to be equipped with top tether straps — a belt that’s attached to the car seat and bolted to the window ledge or the floor of the car. Tether kits are also available for most older car seats — check with the manufacturer.

For more information about infant or toddler car seats, go to the Web site of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also check out the National SafeKids Campaign which offers a free Child Car Seat Locator. Enter your child’s age and weight, and you can view a list of recommended car seats.

Is your child ready for a regular seat belt?
Children should be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they’re about 8 years old, unless they are already 4 feet and 9 inches or taller.² After that, they should be properly seated with a lap and shoulder belt. Children age 12 and under should remain in the rear seat. All passengers should wear lap AND shoulder belts at all times. Laws can vary by state and municipality. See the IIHS List of State Laws for Vehicle Restraints or the Inventive Parent Car Seat Laws page.

Secure your precious cargo
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children from ages 1 to 14 and many of these deaths involve children that are unrestrained.³ Many are also avoidable with the proper use of the proper car seat. Give me a call: I can give you more information so that you can secure your precious cargo and enjoy your travels.

¹Source: http://www.iii.org/Articles/Child-Safety-Seats.html
²Source: http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q3
³Source: http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q1

I’m single. Do I need life insurance?

admin — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:25:08 +0000

Single people often think they don’t need life insurance and they’re often right. But there are many factors to consider beyond marital status when deciding whether you want life insurance. Answer the following questions and see where you stand:

Do you have any dependents? If you have children, or provide support for a parent or grandparent, your death could create a serious financial hardship for these dependents. Life insurance can help provide a continued stream of income for your loved ones if you die prematurely.
Do you have a mortgage or loans held jointly with a cosigner? If so, your death would leave the cosigner responsible for the entire debt. You might want to consider purchasing life insurance to help cover these debts in the event of your death. If you have other personal debts, your creditors can make a claim for payment against any assets in your estate.
Are you at risk for any serious medical conditions? For example, if your family medical history includes certain genetic conditions, such as diabetes or certain types of cancer, you may want to consider purchasing life insurance while you’re young and healthy. Should you develop such a condition, purchasing life insurance later could be difficult, or even impossible.
If you died tomorrow, who would pay for your final expenses? For many families, even a relatively simple funeral can create a major financial burden. Life insurance can help offset these expenses.

Give me a call. We can discuss your individual situation so that you can decide if life insurance is appropriate for you. And if you feel it’s not necessary at this time, we can review your other insurance policies so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Mercer Island, WA 98040
0910-A