Pays a death benefit for a specific term with no cash value accumulation. The least expensive option if life insurance coverage is no longer needed after the term expires.

Permanent insurance that offers a death benefit guaranteed to a specified age that can also accrue cash value through products such as Indexed Universal Life which could keep the policy in force for longer. This is the most flexible type of life insurance that can also have riders such as Chronic Illness added to assist in covering long term care expenses.

Permanent life insurance that offers coverage for the duration of the insured’s life and usually includes a cash value. Whole life is typically the most expensive type of life insurance, but guarantees a death benefit will be paid as long as premiums are paid to keep the policy in force.

This coverage is best viewed as paycheck insurance. In the event you are unable to work due to an illness or injury a covered claim would pay a portion (e.g. 60%) of your pre-disability earnings until you recover or at a time specified in the policy (e.g. social security normal retirement age) allowing the insured to continue to meet their financial obligations.

Insurance contracts that provide fixed monthly income for life or a specific period of time after an initial lump sum or series of payments to the insurance company. Annuities can be a great tool as part of a diverse portfolio to fund retirement. Annuities have the ability to pay out immediately or be deferred to a future date with the potential to grow. There are several types of annuities to consider from low to high risk:

• Fixed Annuity – Offers a fixed amount of income based on predetermined rates.
• Indexed Annuity – Provides a minimum guaranteed interest rate along with a rate tied to a market index (e.g. S&P 500) that may out perform fixed rates.
• Variable Annuity – Returns are tied to an underlying investment portfolio and can gain or lose value depending on investment performance.