Most individuals go on Medicare when they turn 65, and their health insurance then becomes government regulated.

Medicare is confusing, and the idea of moving to an entirely different form of health insurance on top of thinking about things like retirement can certainly be stressful. As various companies begin to bombard you with information about their health plans, the most important thing is to take a step back to understand the system. An independent insurance agent—like Elise at Daniel Insurance—can share with you their experience and know-how gained from helping individuals navigate the system for years. Once you understand the Medicare system, an agent can then also help you narrow down the choice you have in plans.

Health insurance is a critical piece of your financial planning. The already stressful nature of a health crisis or injury can become an extreme financial burden quite quickly without the safety net of health insurance. It is important to have adequate coverage to protect your greatest asset: yourself. In today’s confusing atmosphere of individual health insurance options, it is important to have an advocate helping you determine the best plan for your circumstances.

If you qualify for a subsidy you must apply through Your Health Idaho to receive both the Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and the Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR). Elise can help you through the process and then select the best plan for your individual needs.

With the rising cost of healthcare, it is essential to review options each year.  Feel free to call Elise to schedule an appointment for a review whether you are a current client or not.

Elise has experience managing small group health insurance with employers as well.

Life insurance may be one of the most important purchases you will ever make.  In the event of a tragedy, life insurance proceeds can help to pay off your debt, pay your bills, and protect your spouse’s retirement plans.   All of the future needs of your family can be paid for with a well thought out life insurance plan.

It is critical to plan while you are still young and in good health.  Whole life insurance not only protects your family but is a great investment tool to be used in your retirement planning.  Most people combine a whole life policy with term insurance to create the best protection for their family.   Rates for term insurance are at an all-time low. Elise is contracted to offer term insurance (20 to 30-year terms) with full return of premium at the end of the term and can help you form a plan to fit your needs.

Here are some additional tools and documents that might help you understand the need for life insurance:

In this document, you can see more of the many uses for life insurance: Why Life Insurance Now

In this document, you can create a rough estimate of the amount of life insurance you might need: Detailed Needs Analysis

Contact us for more information.

Good dental health is a very important part of your overall health and well-being.  There are several good dental plans available that provide routine preventive care as well as coverage for more major dental needs.  These plans start as low as $35.00 per month.

Elise can help you determine whether Dental Insurance would make sense for you and help you pick the best plan for your needs.

Elise offers disability insurance which can be used to protect your income. This type of insurance can provide you with 60% of your income tax-free during the time that you are unable to work. The chance of an individual becoming disabled during their working lifetime is significantly higher than the chance of death, meaning that this is a form of insurance that should not be overlooked. Being unable to work and maintain a steady income could cause you and your family to fall into financial crisis—a situation that disability insurance can help prevent.

Annuities can play a critical role in your retirement planning and assure that you leave your money to your beneficiaries when you pass on.  While Annuities are not right for everyone, these unique investment products can play a critical role in your retirement planning.   One of the biggest advantages that buying a fixed annuity can provide is protection from another bear market. Even though the long-term performance of the stock market is very impressive, bear markets do happen, and depending on the timing, they can devastate even the most carefully constructed retirement plan.

Fixed Indexed Annuities are a fantastic tool for participating in the stock market while guaranteeing your money is 100% safe.   Fixed-Indexed Annuities offer advantages over mutual funds in terms of both safety and costs.  Most of these products have no loads, fees, or charges, and they keep your money safe, preventing you from experiencing losses in your retirement savings. Fixed-Indexed annuities are savings vehicles, with guarantees of principal and interest that behave differently from securities. Fixed-Indexed Annuities allow savers to participate in the positive movement stock market index and lock-in annual market gains but never participate in losses.

Immediate Annuities can be a great tool for retirees who want to create a steady and predictable income that they cannot outlive.   These products are best suited for individuals that expect to live for a long time and are in good health.

Variable Annuities are another investment tool available that give you, the investor, more control over your investment portfolio.   There is more risk associated with Variable Annuity products, but they do offer some important advantages over regular investment accounts.   They provide a death benefit for your survivors, and they allow you to compound your gains on the account on a tax deferred basis.

One of Elise’s main passions is helping individuals plan a successful retirement. As you approach your retirement years, you want to make sure that you are going to have sufficient income to cover your necessary expenses as well as some money to “play”, too!!  You have worked hard your entire life for this, so make sure you can enjoy your retirement years.

There are many factors affecting your retirement, and medical expenses and Long Term Care expenses are often the largest expenses that can tip over your apple cart!   On average, Social Security income will represent 40% or more of your retirement income.  The remainder comes from your planning in the form of earnings, qualified retirement accounts, or other assets that you have obtained during your active working years.  It is key to position all of your available assets so that they are safe and provide income for you during your retirement years. Asset allocation should shift dramatically as you near your retirement.

Insurance products including life, long term care, health, and annuities are all critical in retirement planning.   Elise has an incredible team of dedicated professionals behind her to put a complete retirement plan together for you and your family.  If you want help planning your retirement or even just another perspective on what you are already planning, schedule a free consultation with us.

Elise Daniel is an Accredited Financial Counselor ® who works to empower individuals and couples to achieve lasting financial well-being through the highest standards of financial counseling, coaching, and education, regardless of income or background. While various insurance products can help you achieve stability as well, things like your spending and investment habits also make up the core of your financial well-being. An AFC can educate you in financial principles, help you plan to overcome debt, assess and help you change your spending habits and relationship with money, and more.