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Life Insurance Without a Life Insurance Agent

4/7/2019

2 Comments

 
Although Life Insurance Companies are behind the technology curve, they are finally starting to implement programs that reduce the need for long drawn out meetings with a life insurance agent.  This allows you to pick up the life insurance coverage you need on your own time.  Over the past few years, there have a been a number of insurance companies that have marketed various programs but the underwriting department couldn't live up to what the marketing department was publishing.  This created frustration as clients were asked to complete extra steps for approval when they clearly qualified for automated underwriting.  
Finally, through trial and error, we have identified  a handful of programs with insurance companies that can deliver on their promises.  The program below outlines the steps of the "No Life Insurance Agent" program and the information needed to get the process started. No agent, no up-sell, no meetings,  no problem.

Information you enter online to start the process:
1. First & Last Name
2. Phone number
3. Email address
4. Date of Birth
5. Address (street, city, state, zip)
6. Last 4 digits of Social Security Number
7. Amount of coverage
8. Term Length (10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years)
9. Are you replacing existing individual life insurance coverage
10. Submit and wait to be called for the phone interview


5 steps to approval
1. Submit basic information directly to the insurance company.
2. Complete phone interview (additional personal info, beneficiary information, and medical questionnaire)
3. Initial review completed by insurance company. It will be determined if an exam will be required or if the policy will go to final underwriting review (*see no exam guidelines below)
4. Final underwriting review and approval.
5. E-delivery of policy once approved

*Based on your age and face amount applied for, an exam may not be required based on the following:
1. Ages 20 to 40 up to $1,000,000
2. Ages 41 to 45 up to $750,000
3. Ages 46-50 up to $500,000
*All term lengths available 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years

Click below to apply now:
Run a preliminary quote by clicking the quote button.​
Apply Now
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Author

​​Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
SymFinancialGroup.com

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Using Life Insurance for Tax Deferral

4/13/2016

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Instead of receiving a 1099 for investment earnings each year, tax deferred savings accounts such as cash value insurance can be used to reduce your tax obligations and allow your investment earnings to continue to work for you.  Contact us at [email protected] for a free consultation on how a tax deferred account can increase your earnings with no additional risk.

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
SymFinancialGroup.com
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3 Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Life Insurance

2/9/2016

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Did you know that your lifestyle can affect life insurance premiums? Age is by far the biggest determinant, but there are a number of other factors that can affect how much you pay. Here are 3 common lifestyle factors that can boost the cost of your life insurance:

Smoking Habit
Not only is smoking bad for your health, it’s also bad for your wallet. Most insurance companies charge much more to insure smokers – nearly four times more than what non-smokers pay in some states.[i] Fortunately, many insurance companies will lower rates after you quit smoking, so you might eventually qualify for non-smoker rates. Keep in mind that switching to a different source of nicotine, like patches or gums, usually won’t help since nicotine users typically still pay smoker rates. It’s also unwise to lie about a smoking habit. Not only is it going to turn up in a medical exam, but lying on an insurance application could be grounds to deny or challenge a claim.

Bad Driving Record
Tickets, DUIs, and DWIs (Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated) can have a serious effect on your ability to qualify for life insurance and may deny you the best rates. Speeding and drunk driving are high-risk behaviors that can make insurance companies wary of doing business with you. If you have a problematic driving record, be prepared to shop around and answer questions about your history.

High-Risk Hobby or Profession
Do you enjoy skydiving or climbing high-altitude mountains? You could end up paying more for life insurance. Insurance companies worry that participants in high-risk activities might come to an early end and want to be compensated for the extra risk. If you work in a dangerous profession like logging, mining, fishing, or construction, you may also fall into a high-risk category.

If you’re concerned about how lifestyle risk factors may affect your ability to qualify for life insurance or get affordable premiums, we can shop the insurance market to find a policy that offers the best rates. If you have any questions about life insurance or risk factors, please give our office a call at 954-290-5142 or email [email protected]

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
SymFinancialGroup.com
​
[i] https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/life/life-insurance-savings-quitting-smoking/
​​

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4 Life Insurance Tips for New Parents

1/25/2016

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     For many people, having a new baby triggers the thought: I really ought to get some life insurance. One estimate put the lifetime cost of raising a child to age 18 at over $300,000 for a middle-income couple – not including the cost of higher education.[i] Is your family ready for that burden if a parent dies? Life insurance can help you protect your young family from the financial aftermath of an unexpected death. If you’re considering buying a life insurance policy or expanding your current coverage, there are a few things you should consider.

1. Identify your family’s financial goals
     Life insurance is about helping your family live comfortably and accomplish their goals after the death of a parent. Understanding what your family wants to do over the next decades and identifying financial priorities will help you determine the type and amount of insurance you will need. Consider these questions:
  •        Do we want to pay off the mortgage?
  •        Cover childcare?
  •        Take time off from work to grieve?
  •        Take family vacations?
  •        Pay for private school or lessons?
  •        Cover college tuition?
     Once you understand the costs that you would like life insurance to cover, you should also think about how your family’s income will increase over time with raises and promotions. Consider your lifetime earning potential and how the absence of that income will affect your family. A professional can help you run the calculations needed to determine how much coverage you should buy.

2. Buy a policy early
     Since the premium you will pay on an insurance policy depends on factors like your age and health status, you’ll pay less when you’re young and healthy. Delaying could end up costing you more as premiums increase – not to mention the risk of leaving your family unprotected.

3. Don’t forget about your spouse 
     While many families only buy life insurance on the primary earner, it’s very important to consider the contributions both parents make to the household. Even if one parent quit working to care for the family that parent provides valuable work that would have to be replaced in the event of death. Ask questions like:
  •        How would we cover childcare?
  •        Who would provide transportation for the child?
  •        Who would handle the housework?
  •        Would the surviving parent have to take time off of work?

4. Consult a professional
     Life insurance is a valuable tool to protect your family from the unexpected. It’s also a critical part of an overall financial strategy. Working with a qualified insurance expert who understands your overall financial situation can help ensure that you are getting the right insurance for your personal needs. Contact us at [email protected] or at 954-290-5142.

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
SymFinancialGroup.com

[i] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/average-cost-of-raising-a-child-over-245000-2015-05-28
​​

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How To Evaluate an Insurance Company

10/20/2015

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You buy insurance to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your finances from risk. However, all insurance policies aren’t created equal and you want to be careful to choose policies from companies that will be able to pay claims when you need them. While no one wants to pay more than they need to in premiums, it’s wise to do some research before opting for the cheapest insurance.

Before you purchase a policy, it’s very important to assess the strength and quality of the insurance company that holds the policy. With most insurance policies, payouts depend on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company – meaning the company must be financially stable enough to pay insurance claims. If an insurance company goes belly-up, state insurance regulators will step in to protect policy-holders. However, their protection may be limited.

One way to gauge the stability of insurance companies is through ratings. Four major independent agencies rate insurance companies according to their financial strength:

1. A.M .Best
2. Fitch
3. Moody's
4. Standard & Poor's


Companies are classified within “secure” or “vulnerable” categories with many minor grades in between. Since each agency uses its own rating system, it’s a good idea to check with at least two before judging whether to buy or keep a policy from a given company. Remember:

1. Don’t just trust the rating that an insurance company advertises in its materials. Do your own research.

2. Check ratings annually to make sure that there hasn’t been a material change in your insurance company’s situation.

3. It’s also a good idea to do an internet search for any issues or events that may affect a company’s stability but may not be reflected in its rating.

4. Check for customer service ratings and reviews to make sure that the company treats its customers well. You don’t want to be fighting your insurance company when it’s time to make a claim.

5. Be sure to work with a professional who understands your personal situation and can recommend high-quality policies from stable companies.

For more information on evaluating insurance companies and for help finding insurance solutions that work for your needs, please give our office a call at 954-290-5142 to set up a complimentary insurance review.  We can provide company ratings and how they compare against other insurance providers in the same market.

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
954-290-5142
[email protected]

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Life Insurance for Small Business Owners: Buy-Sell Agreements

9/28/2015

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If you own a business, what would happen to your business and your family if you were to die unexpectedly? Life insurance can help give your business and your family some breathing room to recover from the financial, emotional, and operational issues stemming from an unexpected death.

If you have a partner or others with an equity stake in your business, a buy-sell agreement is vital to ensuring the continuity of your business in the event of a partner’s death. Because life insurance proceeds are usually paid quickly, the payout can make it possible to keep a business running instead of being forced into a distressed sale to cover a partner’s debts or satisfy a family’s financial needs. 

For example, let’s imagine that two business partners, Janet and Tom, own a thriving company. One day, Janet gets the terrible news that Tom passed away unexpectedly the night before. After weeks of hard work keeping the business running after the sudden death, Janet meets with Tom’s wife to discuss the future of the business. To her surprise, she finds out that Tom had run up hundreds of thousands of dollars of personal debt that his wife is now responsible for. She wants Janet to sell the business to settle the debts. Unfortunately, because the wife inherited Tom’s share of the business, she now has the right to make these kind of business demands of Janet. If Janet and Tom had a buy-sell agreement funded with life insurance policies, Janet could have bought Tom’s equity stake and avoided the situation. Tom’s family would have the cash they need and the business would survive.

Term life insurance is a good option for business partners who are planning to retire at a set date in the future and just need coverage for those intervening years. The obvious downside is that term policies will expire; if you or your partner does not end up retiring, your business could be left without coverage or you could be forced to purchase new policies at substantially higher rates. If you or your partners plan to remain active in the business until late in life, a permanent life insurance policy may make more sense.

There are also some disadvantages to consider. One or more of your business partners may be uninsurable because of age or illness. Ownership percentages can also make premium calculations more complex and result in higher premium expenses for those with smaller equity stakes. You should also consider how the value of your business will change over time and discuss different scenarios in your buy-sell agreement. It is a very good idea to consult a qualified business specialist or attorney to help you understand all of your options.

If you own a business and have questions about how life insurance can help protect your business and your family’s future, give our office a call at 954-290-5142 or email to [email protected]

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328

[email protected]

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Life Insurance Costs Less Than You Think

9/24/2015

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Picture2015 Life Insurance Study
I recently came across the study below from LifeHappens.org.  The site regularly accesses the Insurance Industry and provides statistics and changes that are taking place.  The study below is about consumers' perceptions of the cost of Life Insurance.  As I have said to my clients in the past, "It costs less than you think."

2015 Insurance Barometer Study 
For the fifth year, Life Happens partnered with LIMRA to produce the Insurance Barometer Study, which looks at consumer trends and consumers’ perceptions regarding life insurance, retirement and their financial well-being.

Among the findings, cost is the reason most Americans give for not owning life insurance, yet 80% of consumers misjudge the price for term life insurance, with Millennials overestimating the cost by 213%, and Gen Xers overestimating the cost by 119%.

“We’ve consistently seen over the last five years that consumers think life insurance is more expensive than it really is,” says Marvin Feldman, CLU, ChFC, RFC, President and CEO of Life Happens. “We need to help educate the public about how affordable life insurance can be.”

The study also found that nearly one-third (30%) of Americans believe they need more life insurance and more than 2 in 5 (43%) say they would feel a financial impact within 6 months if the primary wage-earner died. However, the majority of Americans (54%) say it is unlikely they will purchase life insurance within the next 12 months.

In addition, most Americans continue to put other financial priorities ahead of purchasing life insurance:

  • 29% of Millennials cited saving for vacation
  • 23% Gen Xers said paying for recreational activities such as going out to eat, movies or shopping
  • 49% of those 65 and older cited paying for expenses such as Internet, cable and cell phones

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Suite 475
Davie, FL 33328
954-290-5142
[email protected]

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Could You Get More Out Of Your Life Insurance Policy?

9/13/2015

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Life insurance can do some pretty amazing things for people. It can buy loved ones time to grieve. It can pay off debts and loans, providing surviving family members with the chance to move on with a clean slate. It can keep families in their homes and pre-fund a child’s college education. It can keep a family business in the family. It can provide a stream of income for a family to live on for a period of time. First things first, though: does your policy offer coverage for all your unseen needs?

September is Insurance Awareness Month and a great time to take a deeper look at your current policy. At Symmetry Financial, we offer a comprehensive analysis that assess your goals with your current insurance coverage to evaluate whether it is matches your objectives and needs.

Just like today’s cell phones provide a better value than those in previous years, a newer life insurance policy can do the same. 

If you have not reviewed your life insurance policy in the last two years or are looking for coverage, give us a call today to review your goals against your existing policy. Our team will help you find the most value in your policy!

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Ste 475

Davie, FL 33328
954-290-5142

[email protected]

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Term Life Vs. Whole Life Vs. Universal Life

8/25/2015

1 Comment

 
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Have you ever wondered about the differences between term and permanent life insurance options? Though every type of life insurance is designed to provide a death benefit, policies can differ in length of coverage, flexibility and timing of premiums, accumulation of cash value, and other factors. While specific details vary by company and policy, there are some basic differences between term, whole, and universal life insurance you should know:

Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is designed to cover you for a stated number of years, transferring the risk of your death during that period to the insurance company. Term policies do not accumulate cash value and premiums are typically level or fixed for an initial period. Many people choose to purchase term policies to pay off a mortgage or provide for their family in the event of their unexpected death. Because term life insurance doesn’t accrue any value over time, the policy will expire at the end of the term. Generally, term policies have much lower premiums than whole or universal life, though premiums and benefits depend on factors like age, employment, and health status.

Whole Life Insurance
A whole life policy is intended to provide coverage for your entire lifetime – even if you should live to be over 100 years old. During your life, it accrues a cash value at a specified rate and provides a benefit at your death. The obvious advantage of a whole life policy is that it does not expire at the end of a term, and can help you protect and provide for your family at every stage of life. The main drawback is that these policies require more cash flow to fund.

Universal Life Insurance
Universal life, also known as flexible premium or adjustable life insurance, is a variation of whole life insurance. Like whole life, universal life is a permanent policy intended to provide a death benefit at any point in your life and build cash value during your lifetime. The major difference is that universal life policies are eminently flexible: Premiums, cash value, and death benefits can all be scaled up or down (within limits) based on your needs. However, this flexibility also comes with additional risks and you must be mindful to manage your premiums carefully to avoid letting the policy lapse and losing your coverage. This can be done by reviewing an in-force illustration prepared by the customer service department of the company the policy is with.  Because of the complexity of this type of insurance, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified insurance expert who understands your overall financial situation before making changes to your policy.

Still have questions about different life insurance options? Give our office a call at 954-290-5142 or email to [email protected] to speak with myself or one of our licensed agents who can provide personalized advice.  Personalized Life Insurance Quotes can be run from our website by clicking the button at the top of this post.

Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Suite 475
Davie, FL 33328
954-290-5142

[email protected]

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The Life Insurance Process Explained

8/17/2015

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What is Term Life Insurance?
Term insurance policies provide affordable, temporary coverage. This product is good for a certain term that you determine up front. The premiums are level for the time frame of your policy, for example 10, 15, 20, 30 years and will remain in effect for the duration of that period.

What is Return of Premium (ROP) Term Life Insurance?
You'll pay extra for a regular Term Life Insurance policy, but if you don't die after the guaranteed term period is over, you'll get back the money you paid in for the policy (the Insurance company invests your extra premium for capital growth, enabling them to return your premiums to you at the end of the premium period).

What is Permanent Life Insurance?
Permanent insurance, also known as Whole Life insurance, combines a term policy with an investment component (this option is more expensive than term life). The coverage lasts for the length of your life, requires yearly payments and can be borrowed against under certain circumstances.

How do I request a Life Insurance Application?
After running a Life Insurance Quote, select a company that meets your needs and request an application online.  One of our licensed representatives will call to help complete the application via phone or online.  You're always welcome to contact us
 to request an application as well.

Is a Medical Exam Required?
Yes. Most life insurance companies require a short medical exam, which can be completed in your home or another convenient location, by a licensed paramedical examiner at no cost to you. The medical exam generally includes the following:
    • Blood and urine specimen
    • Blood pressure reading
    • Height and weight measurement
    • Questions regarding your medical history, including medications, surgeries or other medical conditions.
    • Requests for physicians or hospitals that have treated you
(You may request a copy of the lab results from the insurance company)

How to get the best results from your Insurance Medical Exam?
    • Wear a short sleeve garment or one with sleeves that easily roll up for blood pressure measurements, etc.
    • Fast for at least 4 hours before your screening (8 hours is preferred). Drink lots of water the day before and the day of the screening to ensure the best lab results, best rating class and greatest savings to you.
    • Schedule a morning screening. If a weekday is not convenient, check with the screener to arrange an appointment for the weekend. The screening can take place at your home or work, whichever is most convenient for you.
    • Gather information regarding medical conditions, surgeries, medications or other treatments you may have had, as well as contact information for physicians and hospitals, to have on hand at your screening.
    • Avoid coffee, soda, tea or other products that contain caffeine for several hours before screening. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco for at least 24 hours prior to the screening.
    • Avoid alcoholic beverages and nasal decongestants at least 24 hours prior to the screening.
    • Get a good night's rest before the screening. Schedule the screening at the least stressful time of the day for you, and refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your screening appointment.

When does my life insurance coverage begin?
For online applications, most companies will provide a temporary and conditional coverage at the completion of the medical exam provided a premium payment is made when the application is submitted for review (underwriting). 

This coverage is subject to the conditions outlined in the conditional receipt (temporary coverage). Most companies issue up to 250,000 while the application is in underwriting, if the first premium payment is included with the application. The coverage is only binding if the applicant is deemed insurable at the end of the underwriting process.

Replacing an existing policy? It’s very important to continue coverage until a new policy is approved at a satisfactory premium.

While you have the option to include payment with the application to receive the temporary and conditional coverage, it is not required.

Should I have coverage on my spouse, dependents, and / or children?
You may want to consider spouse coverage, even if they're not currently employed. The emotional and financial burden due to the premature death of a spouse can be significant, and you may find it necessary to cover medical or burial expenses associated with the loss of a spouse. 

Generally, you'll want to estimate that a non-working spouse or homemaker should be insured at a typical income replacement of at least $35,000. Insurance coverage for children is available through most companies and will require a small additional premium that will cover children in the family up to age 18.

**Note: It is recommended that a separate application be filled out for spousal insurance. 

Will your price quote always match the rate of the carrier I apply to?
No. While we strive to provide you the most accurate and realistic proposal based on your personal circumstances, each company has their own underwriting guidelines. Areas reviewed may include: medical history, height, weight, cholesterol, driving record, family history of heart disease/cancer, hazardous sports, etc. If you don't receive the rate quoted, the company may offer an alternative, which you may choose to accept or decline.

How will my "Health Class" and rate be determined?
Companies differ in the criteria they use to determine applicant health class and insurance rates. For instance, a person who rates as a standard health rate with one company, may rate as preferred with another.  Here are some general health class rating statistics:
    • Preferred Plus rates, the cheapest, typically go to 21% of applicants in the best health
    • 48% of applicants fit into the second highest health rate
    • About 27% of applicants will be assigned to the Standard Plus and Standard health class
    • Only about 3 to 4% of applicants will be denied coverage
Will my policy ever by canceled because of health or other reasons?
No! After the policy is issued, the insurance company CANNOT cancel it during the policy period for any reason, provided the applicant does not misrepresent their information on the application and continues to pay the required premiums.

How will my life insurance cost change after the guaranteed period?
Renewable insurance policies have a guaranteed maximum renewal premium as explained within the policy. At the end of your initial guarantee period, you can reapply for new coverage with the same company (or another company if you choose). Provided you quality, you'll begin a new period of guaranteed rates. This "re-entry" is not guaranteed, however, as the future of your health is also not guaranteed. Conversion privileges may apply for should you not qualify for re-entry, allowing you to convert your term life policy to permanent insurance coverage. Keep in mind that conversion terms and periods may very from company to company.


Getting Started
You can start by running your own Life Insurance Quotes by clicking 
here.  You may also contact us and we can run the Life Quotes for you.  Once you have an idea of the type of coverage you would like to put in place, one of our licensed agents can help you with starting the approval process.


Brian Symanski - President
Symmetry Financial
4611 S. University Dr.
Suite 475
Davie, FL 33328
954-290-5142
[email protected]



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    ​Life Insurance Blog

    Author

    Brian Symanski - President
    Symmetry Financial
    4611 S. University Dr.
    Ste 475

    Davie, FL 33328
    SymFinancialGroup.com

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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4611 S. University Dr.
Suite 475
Davie, FL 33328
(954) 290-5142