Search found 1537 matches

by bluemarlin08
Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Slate Article: Dream on Babyboomers-Semiretirement is a Myth
Replies: 53
Views: 10429

Re: Slate Article: Dream on Babyboomers-Semiretirement is a

My dad is 87, an insurance broker, earns more now part time than he did 20 years ago full time, as do I.
by bluemarlin08
Sat Feb 28, 2015 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have I made a terrible mistake? - whole life
Replies: 59
Views: 11018

Re: Have I made a terrible mistake? - whole life

The Va has a tax penalty if withdrawn before 591/2 , I would cash the policy in and move on.
by bluemarlin08
Wed Feb 25, 2015 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exit Strategy VUL policy
Replies: 15
Views: 2878

Re: Exit Strategy VUL policy

If you want to stagger the taxes you could roll into an immediate annuity and choose a short period certain payout.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Feb 24, 2015 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guns for hunting/defense
Replies: 159
Views: 53450

Re: Guns for hunting/defense

Bersa 45 but recoil may be too much post shoulder surgery
Remington 1187 12 gauge for doves, quail, ducks an home defense
9mm carbine, fun gun to shoot Hi Point
Ruger 22 revolver
by bluemarlin08
Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Variable Annunity ??
Replies: 20
Views: 2639

Re: Variable Annunity ??

Certainly file a grievance, these types of cases can be reversed. The insurance company does not want this type of press and a big charge back to the agent might get his attention.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Experience with Vanguard Annuities?
Replies: 46
Views: 4957

Re: Experience with Vanguard Annuities?

Not saying it isn't done, but agents are prevented from using the state guarantee as a selling advantage. I have been involved with 2 companies in the past that went bankrupt, one companies annuities were taken over by Metropolitan and all rate guarantees continued, the other the courts required the annuity holders to be paid the guaranteed rates.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Feb 22, 2015 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Term-Like" Universal Life Policy
Replies: 8
Views: 1197

Re: "Term-Like" Universal Life Policy

These type policies are often a little less expensive than similar term policies. They perform exactly like a similar twenty year term policy, premium guaranteed for the period and death benefit guaranteed for the period. Commissions are almost identical to term policies. The company doesn't have to reserve as much for these policies so they can price them slightly less. The expenses that have been stated don't apply to the guaranteed part of the policy.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to buy nice men's dress shirts?
Replies: 94
Views: 30010

Re: Where to buy nice men's dress shirts?

I love wearing custom made shirts, been using these folks for years, they have a 50% off with free shipping now:

http://www.bestcustomshirt.com/Fabrics.php?Pr=2
by bluemarlin08
Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: obamacare policy recommendation request [TX]
Replies: 8
Views: 1083

Re: obamacare policy recommendation request

I correct myself, I meant you can't get a subsidy, certainly can buy a policy off the exchange, sorry for the confusion.
by bluemarlin08
Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: obamacare policy recommendation request [TX]
Replies: 8
Views: 1083

Re: obamacare policy recommendation request

If your expected income is less than 16,000, you will not be able to acquire coverage in Texas through the exchange.
by bluemarlin08
Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Assurant Health Insurance
Replies: 13
Views: 1616

Re: Assurant Health Insurance

They are heavily marketing a partial self funded health plan for small groups. Talked with their rep yesterday and scheduled an appointment to discuss the plans.
by bluemarlin08
Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [partially retired, need help choosing health insurance]
Replies: 13
Views: 1608

Re: [partially retired, need help choosing health insurance]

I am in Tennessee and Blue Cross dominates the market with over 80% of the business. Their rates are the most competitive and most everyone accepts their preferred network. I have personally been with them over 35 years. But, they can and do vary from state to state. One issue I have tried to determine is how much are charges I have to pay for services below the deductible compared with what one pays for services with other carriers? I t would seem logical that a carrier that has over 80% of the business can negotiate better discounts than a carrier that only has 5% of the business. Be very careful about the advice the folks at healthcare.gov provides regarding choosing plans
by bluemarlin08
Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [partially retired, need help choosing health insurance]
Replies: 13
Views: 1608

Re: [partially retired, need help choosing health insurance]

If you qualify for cost sharing you will have to use a silver plan. I am an agent and advise my clients to pay close attention to the network you choose. The cheaper plans often have narrow provide networks. If you could find an independent agent to help you that would be my recommendation but many agents refuse to work the subsidy market.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital/medical bill - need advice
Replies: 54
Views: 5282

Re: Hospital/medical bill - need advice

I had an additional situation last year when I visited my cardiologist for an exam, located in the same building of a large out of network hospital but he is in network. He performed an EKG and discovered I was in Atrial Fib. He insisted on admitting me to the hospital. I told him the hospital was out of network and would need to go to another facility. He excused himself for a moment then returned and told me he spoke with the hospital administrator's office and they would accept me and only charge in network rates. After the stay I received a huge bill and contacted the facility and they said they had no record of this arrangement. Had to get the doctors office to work it out. I could go on and on about these episodes.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Feb 05, 2015 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital/medical bill - need advice
Replies: 54
Views: 5282

Re: Hospital/medical bill - need advice

I had something similar happen 2 years ago. I scheduled a meeting with the manager of customer relations at the hospital. They reduced the bill to my max out of pocket in network and they went after the insurance company.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Feb 03, 2015 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Group Universal Life - Worth keeping after retirement?
Replies: 21
Views: 2539

Re: Group Universal Life - Worth keeping after retirement?

You really need to determine what type on Universal Life you have, does it have a rider that guarantees the premium to some age or is it a current assumption policy? If it is a current assumption what interest crediting rate are they using? Asking for an illustration showing future projection using the current rate and lowering the rate to see the impact on premiums.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance Dilemma
Replies: 28
Views: 3693

Re: Term Life Insurance Dilemma

My posts were directed for RMD trying to give him a less expensive option than WL. I am an agent and haven't recommended a WL product in 25 years, too expensive.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance Dilemma
Replies: 28
Views: 3693

Re: Term Life Insurance Dilemma

The difference in premiums of WL and GUL are substantial, dividends are projections that are always wrong, sometimes higher sometimes lower. Most WL dividends are trending down and are projected to continue as long as we are in these low interest rate periods. Have an agent explain the differences.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance Dilemma
Replies: 28
Views: 3693

Re: Term Life Insurance Dilemma

If you are looking for a policy that will be in force forever, whole life is the most expensive choice. You can buy a policy that has little if any cash value, guranteed level premium and guranteed level death benefit much less expensive than WL. Northwestern doesn't offer a policy like this.
by bluemarlin08
Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plexus products
Replies: 2
Views: 700

Plexus products

Has anyone tried these diet supplements?
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 29, 2015 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New career as Financial Planner late in Life?
Replies: 29
Views: 4167

Re: New career as Financial Planner late in Life?

Many of the older financial planners I know don't want to retire, many work half the time and earn more than they ever earned.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 29, 2015 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New career as Financial Planner late in Life?
Replies: 29
Views: 4167

Re: New career as Financial Planner late in Life?

I think you might have a great idea, especially if you are financially independent. Determine how you want to get paid for your advice and I would also suggest getting licensed to broker life, disability and health insurance.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 29, 2015 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066738

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Rob the Mob, interesting true story.
by bluemarlin08
Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hawaii Visit (Maui). Need advice
Replies: 31
Views: 5209

Re: Hawaii Visit (Maui). Need advice

We extended our business meeting a few years ago and rented a house in Hana, very cool place. Loved the seven pools.
by bluemarlin08
Sat Jan 24, 2015 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is my term life policy quote too high?
Replies: 39
Views: 5012

Re: Is my term life policy quote too high?

Not a good rate. Some companies won't penalize for cancer family history. Find a new agent.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 22, 2015 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cosign or write loan
Replies: 40
Views: 3187

Re: Cosign or write loan

From experience I would never recommend loaning the money, having a lender relationship with children can have a devastating impact on all involved. I would give the money or pass altogether. Help find a rental in a better area.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Jan 20, 2015 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance when single
Replies: 15
Views: 1921

Re: Term Life Insurance when single

No term insurance seems to be needed but make sure you have disability insurance.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I stop paying into my IUL policy?
Replies: 7
Views: 1247

Re: Should I stop paying into my IUL policy?

You should have a good independent agent review this. I can tell you the IUL was a bad recommendation, way to many different variables. If one needs a long term death benefit it is hard to beat Guaranteed Universal Life.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instant coffee
Replies: 34
Views: 5895

Instant coffee

Best instant coffee when that is your only option?
by bluemarlin08
Thu Jan 15, 2015 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $10k deductible on health ins. should i file outpatient
Replies: 29
Views: 3656

Re: $10k deductible on health ins. should i file outpatient

CubedBee, assuming one is purchasing a HDHP, assume on carrier has 80% of business in the state, and another has one has 5%. Is it reasonable to assume the negotiated rates with providers for the large carrier are going to be less than the other. If the smaller carrier has similar networks and their premium is less, how would you factor in your decision the negotiated rates? I have attempted to gather information on negotiated rates.
by bluemarlin08
Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Michael Kitces on long-term care insurance
Replies: 17
Views: 3545

Re: Michael Kitces on long-term care insurance

Of course someone has to make a claim, companies don't pay life or health or any claim without notification.
by bluemarlin08
Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Michael Kitces on long-term care insurance
Replies: 17
Views: 3545

Re: Michael Kitces on long-term care insurance

If I were to purchase one, id be sure to make sure my family member were very aware of the policy and its details, otherwise there is little to no chance that the insurance company will pay when the time comes since you likely can't defend for yourself at that point. Its not like they will be looking to hand out money.

What do you base the assertion "little to no chance that the insurance company will pay"?
by bluemarlin08
Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Games
Replies: 38
Views: 6302

Games

Any recommendations for games for a couple? So tired of TV
by bluemarlin08
Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski questions from a Southerner
Replies: 42
Views: 7137

Re: Ski questions from a Southerner

Take the lessons, what you learn you can bring home and continue in NC at Sugar Mtn, much better place for beginners than Gatlinburg, have a blast.
by bluemarlin08
Mon Dec 15, 2014 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift to Yourself
Replies: 37
Views: 6871

Re: Gift to Yourself

New pistol
by bluemarlin08
Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Favorite Cookbook?
Replies: 68
Views: 9161

Re: Your Favorite Cookbook?

Our church cook book from 1973. Used many of those recipes when we owned a catering firm.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Dec 04, 2014 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for post shoulder surgery
Replies: 9
Views: 1184

Re: Tips for post shoulder surgery

Not looking for medical advice at all, and of course I will follow Physician advice. A friend suggested a special type of pillow helped them, looking for things that make life a little easier, I am right handed and it is my right shoulder.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Dec 04, 2014 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for post shoulder surgery
Replies: 9
Views: 1184

Tips for post shoulder surgery

Having torn rotator surgery tomorrow. Any suggestions that made life easier during recovery?
by bluemarlin08
Sun Nov 23, 2014 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Health care monthly premiums doubled after ACA
Replies: 46
Views: 7410

Re: My Health care monthly premiums doubled after ACA

The plan I purchased that became effective 1/1/14 cost $971 per month.

The same plan increased 32% to $1280 effective 1/1/15.

BC/BS of TN plan S16P.
I do most of my health business in Tennessee and the new rates are shocking. Two things one can consider, go to a higher deductible, probably save 200 per month. You could save about 10% going to the S network. The only difference I found with the S network was non emergency hospital stays in HCA hospitals were considered out of network. I wouldn't choose this network because I think the best hospital by far in Nashville is Centennial.
by bluemarlin08
Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance options
Replies: 7
Views: 1778

Re: Life Insurance options

Some companies are more competitive with family history of cancer than others.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Nov 18, 2014 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 20 Year Term Life Policies
Replies: 14
Views: 2711

Re: 20 Year Term Life Policies

Everycompany I know of, regardless of the fraud or lying, after 2 years it is irrelevant.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Nov 18, 2014 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 20 Year Term Life Policies
Replies: 14
Views: 2711

Re: 20 Year Term Life Policies

Our family has been in the insurance business for over 65 years and never heard of a company denying a claim with the exception of fraud or misrepresentation.
by bluemarlin08
Sun Nov 16, 2014 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice Needed: Unique Situation At workplace
Replies: 28
Views: 5180

Re: Advise Needed: Unique Situation At workplace

I determined 30 years ago that bosses weren't for me, never regretted.
by bluemarlin08
Sat Nov 15, 2014 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Replies: 111
Views: 15515

Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.

Just bought a new 9mm carbine, sweet gun to shoot andwife likes it for low recoil. Being well armed may become very important.
by bluemarlin08
Fri Nov 14, 2014 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Replies: 111
Views: 15515

Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.

I buy mtself gifts occasionally during the year, rarely spending over $500. I really enjoy buying guns and shooting.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investing Advice on the Radio - Wish they would go away
Replies: 22
Views: 3544

Re: Investing Advice on the Radio - Wish they would go away

What burns me up more than anything is some of the adds run on the radio regarding a "guaranteed" 6% return and no market risk. I station that did some advertising on ran these adds and I called the station manager and informed him regarding the very deceptive adds running. Money talks and BS walks. I dropped my ads. Recently heard a similar ad a very popular talk host (non financial) whom I happened to have met recently. I called him and informed of the ad and what was being advertised and how lots of folks will believe it because they trust the host. he got back to me and said nothing he could do.
by bluemarlin08
Tue Nov 11, 2014 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA 2015 Policies Available
Replies: 12
Views: 2128

Re: ACA 2015 Policies Available

My charges for that visit was 97,000, 2 months later went back to the same ER with recurring Pneumonia, again too critical to transfer, again transferred to ICU, during testing discovered some artery blockage, ended up with one stent, that visit was around 125,000. Pneumonia nearly killed me. All claims are being lumped into a class action suit against the carrier. I just went on Medicare a couple of months ago and decided to go with Medicare Aand B drug plan and part G. Monthly premium 265. Had heard if I went on a Med Advantage plan their networks were very narrow and if I wanted to go outside to say Mayo they would be out of network. Talked with BCBS this morning and my fear was unfounded, their PPO plans were accepted in any state that ...
by bluemarlin08
Tue Nov 11, 2014 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA 2015 Policies Available
Replies: 12
Views: 2128

Re: ACA 2015 Policies Available

Unfortunately, the closest hospital to me is out of network. Had to be taken to their ER with severe pneumonia. We told the staff that if I needed to be admitted I needed to be transferred to an in network facility. The doctors said I was to critical to be transferred and I would be covered. Transferred to ICU for 4 days, told billing about being out of network and they assured me not to worry. A few weeks later received a large bill from the provider. Called and they said don't worry. They were suing BCBS for the claim. Make sure you have witnesses that confirm you tell the providers you are out of network.
by bluemarlin08
Mon Nov 10, 2014 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "The dangers of long-term care insurance"
Replies: 132
Views: 21221

Re: "The dangers of long-term care insurance"

From an agents perspective, this recent financial announcement from the largest player in the industry is very disturbing. It seems their earnings projections, length of claims projections and lapse projections just might be too much to overcome without large rate increases. Rates are pricing many folks out of the market so revenues will decline and a death spiral could happen. Without insurance as an option there will be more pressure on an unhealthy entity like medicaid.
by bluemarlin08
Thu Nov 06, 2014 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cobra - might you be an expert
Replies: 13
Views: 1586

Re: Cobra - might you be an expert

COBRA is for groups with over 20 employees. Sign up for ACA but, make sure the company you choose covers your providers as in network. Blue Cross usually only covers providers in state as in network.