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Considering Exchanging Your Life Insurance for LTC Insurance?

Considering Exchanging Your Life Insurance for LTC Insurance?

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Considering Exchanging Your Life Insurance for LTC Insurance?

 

Life insurance and long-term care (LTC) insurance are two essential financial tools that can provide valuable protection and security for individuals and their families. While both types of insurance serve distinct purposes, there may be instances where individuals consider exchanging their life insurance policy for LTC insurance. Let’s explore the factors to consider when making this decision and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice.

 

Understanding Life Insurance and LTC Insurance

 

Life insurance is a crucial component of a comprehensive financial plan. It can provide a financial safety net for your loved ones in the event of your passing. With a life insurance policy, you can ensure that your family members are protected and have the necessary funds to cover various expenses such as funeral costs, mortgage payments, outstanding debts, and future financial needs. There are different types of life insurance policies available, including term life insurance and permanent life insurance, each with its own unique features and benefits.

 

On the other hand, LTC insurance is specifically designed to cover the costs associated with long-term care services. As people are living longer, the need for long-term care is becoming increasingly important. LTC insurance can provide financial support and protect your assets in the face of expensive long-term care expenses, such as nursing home care, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare.

 

Factors to Consider when Exchanging Life Insurance for LTC Insurance

 

When contemplating whether to exchange your life insurance policy for LTC insurance, several factors should be considered. These factors include:

 

  • Current Life Insurance Policy Evaluation: It is vital to evaluate the terms and coverage of your existing life insurance policy. Consider the death benefit, premiums, and any potential cash value accumulated. Understanding the financial implications of surrendering your life insurance policy is crucial for making an informed decision.

 

  • Health and Age Considerations: Your health and age play a significant role in determining your eligibility and premiums for LTC insurance. As you age, the cost of LTC insurance tends to increase, and certain health conditions may limit your options or result in higher premiums. It is important to assess your current health status and consider potential future care needs.

 

  • Long-Term Care Needs Assessment: Analyzing your long-term care needs is essential in determining the appropriate coverage level for LTC insurance. Factors to consider include your lifestyle, family history, and personal preferences. Consider the availability of informal care, family support, and the cost of long-term care services in your area.

 

  • Financial Considerations: Exchanging your life insurance for LTC insurance may have financial implications. It is crucial to evaluate your overall financial situation, including retirement savings, other insurance coverage, and potential alternatives to fund long-term care expenses. Seeking advice from a financial advisor can help you assess the impact on your financial goals and objectives.

 

The Benefits of LTC Insurance

 

LTC insurance offers several benefits that make it a valuable option for individuals seeking long-term care coverage:

 

  • Asset Protection: Long-term care services can be costly, and without insurance, the expenses can quickly deplete your savings and assets. LTC insurance provides coverage for various long-term care expenses, offering asset protection and helping you maintain your financial security.

 

  • Flexibility and Choice: LTC insurance provides flexibility and choice when it comes to selecting the type of care you desire. Whether you prefer nursing home care, assisted living facilities, or receiving care in the comfort of your own home, LTC insurance allows you to make choices based on your individual needs and preferences.

 

  • Relieving the Burden on Loved Ones: By having LTC insurance, you can alleviate the burden on your loved ones when it comes to your long-term care needs. It provides you with financial resources and ensures that your family members can focus on providing emotional support rather than worrying about the cost of care.

 

  • Self-Assurance: Knowing that you have a plan in place for potential long-term care needs brings confidence and self-assurance. LTC insurance offers security and reassurance, allowing you to enjoy your retirement years without the constant worry of how you will manage if you require long-term care.

 

When considering whether to exchange your life insurance policy for LTC insurance, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate your current policy, assess your health and long-term care needs, and consider the financial implications. LTC insurance offers valuable benefits such as asset protection, flexibility, and peace of mind. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that you have the appropriate coverage to meet your long-term care needs for your financial future.

 

The opinions voiced in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

 

For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your insurance agent. This article is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service. They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional. You may also visit your state’s insurance department for more information.

 

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When should I take Social Security?

How Much Social Security Can You Expect?

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How Much Social Security Can You Expect?

One of the first steps in planning for retirement is to get an accurate read on just how much income you can expect to receive from Social Security. The exact amount of your Social Security benefit will depend upon your earnings history and retirement timing. Although Social Security provides only about a third of a typical retiree’s income, it often serves as the foundation for calculating how much other income you’ll need and how much you’ll need to save.

The best and most accurate estimate of your future Social Security benefits comes from the Social Security    Administration (SSA). If you are age 60 or older, you should be automatically sent an annual statement showing exactly how much you can expect when you retire. If you are under age 60, you can access current estimates through the SSA’s My Social Security site. You can also access SSA’s online calculators.

Here is a summary of the different ways you can get accurate estimates of your Social Security:

  • Social Security Statements are mailed annually to anyone age 60 or older who has paid into Social Security. The statements include an estimate of your monthly benefit at full retirement age, based on your earnings history. They also show your earnings history – a year-by-year breakdown of earnings on which benefits are based. You can also request a statement by creating a personal my Social Security account. Once it’s set up, you can easily access updates and view your earnings history. You can also request a statement at any time by calling 1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local SSA office.
  • Retirement Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. The calculator shows results for early (age 62), full (ages 65-67 depending upon your year of birth), and delayed (age 70) retirement. The Retirement Estimator also lets you create additional “what if” retirement scenarios based on current law.
  • Other SSA benefit calculators help you estimate your Social Security benefits if you do not have an earnings record with Social Security or cannot access it. The calculators will show your retirement benefits as well as disability and survivor benefit amounts if you should become disabled or die. A variety of calculators are available that address different circumstances.

 

A recent report by the SSA suggests that a lot of Americans are not taking advantage of the free statements available to anyone who has paid into Social Security. According to the report, only 43% of registered my Social Security users accessed their accounts online in 2018, down from 96% in 2012.1

 

How much also depends on when you start collecting

If you want, you can sign up for Social Security benefits at age 62. However, you’ll receive less than your full benefit — somewhere between 70% and 75% — depending on when you were born. What’s more, if you are still working and make more than the yearly earnings limit ($17,640 in 2019), your benefit will be reduced by one dollar for every two dollars earned beyond that limit.

Wait until full retirement age (from 66 to 67 for those born after 1942) and you’ll receive your full benefit and face no earnings penalty. Sign up for benefits beyond full retirement age and your benefit will increase 8% a year until you reach age 70.

When you decide to collect will depend in part on how much you can expect to receive. So make a point of checking out one of the resources above.

 

 

1Source: Social Security Administration OIG, Issuance of Social Security Statements, February, 2019.

 

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.  This article was prepared by DST Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.

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