You don’t need me to tell you that this country is upside down right now. There has never been a more important time to think clearly and adapt to the current situation. With 40 million unemployed and another 10 million not seeking work, many are in a “financial” survival mode. One in three Americans have yet to receive their unemployment checks! Most advisors suggest keeping an “emergency fund” of 6 months income. Even for those who have heeded the advice, the six-month fund is dwindling as New York City has been slow to reopen.
The way unemployment is structured, with the Federal Government adding $600/week in addition to the state unemployment benefits, can be a deterrent to employees returning to work. In New York State, the maximum is $504/week plus the $600= $1,104/week. This could represent a raise for many, so why go back to work when you can stay home and possibly earn more money? New Jersey caps out at $681/week, Connecticut at $649. Florida has the lowest cap at $275; however, they have no city or state income tax. The highest cap is Massachusetts, which has a range of $769-$1,220 depending upon the eligibility. These numbers don’t mesh well with the Paycheck Protection Program (The Triple P), because business owners have to spend the money now over the next 8 weeks when their employees refuse to return to work.
The public knows this “generosity” won’t last forever, so many are tightening up on their spending. If you’re on a salary, you can’t increase revenues, only decrease expenses. Here are a few tips to reduce expenses:
- Whole Life Insurance: If you have a traditional dividend-paying life insurance policy (the older the better), consider changing your dividend option to “reduce premiums.” For example, you have an old $50,000 policy, the premium is $1,000/year and your dividend is currently $600. You can change the $600 dividend to “reduce the premium” and now you would only have to pay the $400 difference, saving you 60%.
- Auto Insurance: Since many are self-quarantining, auto insurers are reducing prices. Some are giving credits. It’s a good time to shop the auto insurance market.
- Life Insurance Settlements: During the Covid-19 pandemic, “Life Insurance Settlements” can be a lifeline for seniors who could be struggling financially, and who own a life insurance policy in danger of lapsing. These policies can hold significant re-sale value. We have been able to sell policies with zero cash value for 20%-30% of the death benefit. It’s important for seniors to realize they can sell their policy for a lump-sum of cash, instead of having to continue to pay premiums. We have 23 Funders who bid against each other in an auction, which ensures our clients will get the maximum lump-sum offer.
Feel free to reach out to me to continue these conversations at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us or www.InsuranceDoctor.us and complete our simple contact e-form.
Be Safe and Wash those Hands!