Melissa Harter Associate Director Transamerica

01/27/2023

Did you know life insurance is tax free? Protect your loved ones. Message me for a no obligation free consultation and quote.

09/28/2022

As you count your blessings today, say a prayer ... 🙏

09/27/2022

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-cost-medicare-supplemental-insurance-130056700.html

Call me for a free "Needs approach" analysis.

When you reach retirement age, Medicare insurance offers basic medical insurance protection for your health needs. However, this coverage is basic and does not cover all of the costs for covered medical services and supplies. Medicare supplemental insurance policies are … Continue reading → The ...

09/20/2022

When is the last time you met with your agent to review your policy? If you don't have an agent message me for a free needs base analysis. When you pass away your income stops, however your bills or outstanding obligations do not.

06/29/2022

Great read

Transamerica Asset Management, Inc., CIO Tom Wald looks at increased fears of a recession amidst rising inflation and continuing volatility in markets. https://bit.ly/3xVUtl6

06/08/2022

https://youtu.be/64hDQg5YQHM

Life insurance provides for your loved ones and empowers their dreams. Ask me just how affordable it really is.

You would do anything to protect your family and ensure they have a bright future.But have you considered how your loved ones would continue on financially i...

06/04/2022

I know preparing for our final destination is not a fun exercise, however if we don't it leaves our family and friends with the clean up
I see more and more Go Fund Me accounts set up for final expenses when a life insurance policy cost less than a cup of coffee a day.

Spreading this information for those of you that don’t have your affairs in order.

- Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only go to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.

- TOD = Transfer On Death deed if you own a home. Completing this document and filing it with your county saves your heirs THOUSANDS. This document allows you to transfer ownership of your home to your designee. All they need to do is take their ID and your death certificate to the county building and the deed is signed over. Doing this will avoid the home having to go through probate.

- Living Will: Allows one to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself when it comes to healthcare decisions

- Durable Power of Attorney: Allows one to designate a person to make legal decisions if one is no longer competent to do so.

- Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows one to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for their person.

- Last Will and Testament: Designates to whom personal belongings will go too.

- Funeral Planning Declaration: allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services.

- If the above documents are done, you can AVOID probate. If all the above is not done, you have to open an estate account at the bank. All money that doesn’t have direct beneficiaries goes into this account. You have to have an attorney to open the estate account. The attorney also has to publicize your passing in the newspaper or post publication at the county courthouse, to allow anyone to make a claim on your property. - It’s a complete PAIN.

- Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid. Make sure heirs knows where life insurance policies are located.

- Make 100% sure SOMEONE knows your Apple ID, bank ID account logins and passwords!

- Make sure you have titles for all vehicles, campers, etc!

- MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! - Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN. Talk to those whom you’ve designated, as well as those close to you whom you did not designate. - Do this to explain why your decisions were made and to avoid any lingering questions or hurt feelings.

Hope this helps! Hope this lights a spark to encourage all your friends and family to take care of these things to make it easier for those we all leave behind!

My hope is that the above list at least helps you start an important conversation with your loved ones.

I would also add if you want a specific person to have something give it to them before you are gone!

03/01/2022

Still have questions or need advice, message me

Are markets and the economy entering a period of transition? Tom Wald, CIO of Transamerica Asset Management, Inc., looks at the data in a new Market Pulse...

02/22/2022

In support of National Caregivers, we celebrate all the caregivers who bear the financial and emotional burdens of taking care of a loved one. We strive to help employees who may someday need full-time care, providing benefits to help relieve the stress and pay for caregiving services, including life insurance policies with living benefit riders.

02/17/2022

Planning our for our final destination is never easy but oh so necessary. Message me with questions or assistance.

- Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only go to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.

- TOD = Transfer On Death deed if you own a home. Completing this document and filing it with your county saves your heirs THOUSANDS. This document allows you to transfer ownership of your home to your designee. All they need to do is take their ID and your death certificate to the county building and the deed is signed over. Doing this will avoid the home having to go through probate.

- Living Will: Allows one to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself when it comes to healthcare decisions

- Durable Power of Attorney: Allows one to designate a person to make legal decisions if one is no longer competent to do so.

- Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows one to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for their person.

- Last Will and Testament: Designates to whom personal belongings will go too.

- Funeral Planning Declaration: allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services.

- Life Insurance policies and Annuity paperwork: make a list of company information including beneficiary names and contact information.

- Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid. Make sure heirs knows where life insurance policies are located.

- Make 100% sure SOMEONE knows your Apple ID, bank ID account logins and passwords!!!!

- Make sure you have titles for all vehicles, campers, etc!

- MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! - Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN. Talk to those whom you’ve designated, as well as those close to you whom you did not designate.

Hope this helps!

*** I am NOT an attorney. ***

01/18/2022

Did you know Living Benefits of a Life Insurance policy let you access the proceeds before you die? This is typically reserved for Chronic, Critical and Terminal illness. It gives you the needed cash to help cover expenses, debt or to make memories with family. Ask me how to get this benefit.