Life Insurance...and the hard questions

On May 25, 2008 my father, Edward Allen Merkel, passed away. As many 30 something’s face the loss of a parent, we enter into a “club” of sorts…the lost parent club. While the final days of my father’s life were difficult for me to digest, the pain, love and anger bubble up to the surface once in a while. Hence this blog. I have to get the words and emotions off my chest and tell you what I have told only my closest of friends-it is time to plan for your final days.

My father died with no life insurance. Now, you probably think that this is odd, considering I sell insurance everyday…and trust me; I think it is a little odd too. But frankly, the final days and finality of death is often something family members don’t speak of. The last time I tried to talk to my dad about final planning he clammed up and didn’t speak to me for a year. But now is the time to have the hard conversations with your parents, your spouse and your adult children.
I am no expert when it comes to life insurance and final expense plans but I can tell you, from my heart, some critical questions to ask.

What are your burial wishes? Do you want to be cremated, buried, donate your body to science? How will you pay for your final wishes? I found out, the hard way, that each option you choose has a seriously different price tag. A burial can cost between $3,000 and $20,000, not including the burial plot and headstone. If you are going to be buried, where? Does your loved one have any military assistance with the plot or burial ceremony? Do you know where to find critical papers? Where are the life insurance papers?

Some more critical questions, and often more difficult – Do you want life support…if so, how much and to what extent? What is your definition of quality of life? Would you like to die at home, in hospice care, or in a hospital?

There are several options to turn to for planning your funeral, life insurance and final wishes. Obviously, your insurance agent, an independent agent, can help you with the plethora of life insurance options. Your broker can help with financial planning and your attorney with the the will. I started here: www.leagalzoom.com to find out what questions would be asked of me, so when I go to my attorney, I will be a little more prepared to answer the hard questions. I highly recommend using an attorney for this planning.

I hope that you find the courage to plan for your death, after all the only two things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.

God bless you daddy, I miss you,

Misty B.

Sit back and smile....I dare you!

I am late to the party...I know. But when you need a smile on your face, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY It is G rated, and suitable for everyone.

As a matter of fact, I am gonna shake my booty right now. Enjoy!

Loving life,

Misty B.

Confessions of an Award Winner….

On July 1, 2008 I was awarded the NAHU Spirit of Freedom award. This award is the highest legislative honor that NAHU gives to its members. While I was completely in shock when they called my name, I was also completely humbled by the experience. When NAHU gives awards they usually try to keep people in suspense as long as possible, only revealing tidbits of information at a time. This was no exception. I heard things like “the insurance department has her on speed dial, attends NCOIL conferences, and writes a monthly publication titled Postcards from the Ledge”. By the time they called my name, I was shaking and on the verge of tears. As the crowd rose to their feet, I couldn’t believe that this was happening to me. For a fleeting moment, I was really proud of myself –then remembered “who brug me to the party” (as Beth Ashmore would say).

The list of people that helped me achieve my dreams is long but there are a few people that believed in me enough to let me try out for the job. And with each person that pushed me or believed in me, there was an expectation that I would treat this project like a precious gift. The list of people that I would like to thank would be longer than an Oscar acceptance speech-so I will just say this: the people who know how special they are in my life, know. There are so many and when I see you, my face lights up and my smile is sincere. I could not have done this without your help, love, guidance, wisdom and support. You planted a seed and I am growing.

I have considered my experience with NAHU, TAHU and AAHU as a blessing to me personally. I am a better agent, a better speaker, more confident, and push myself and others around me to strive for their full potential. My mission is crystal clear-keep agents and the free market system intact. I do not waiver and rarely compromise. I provide facts, education, and most of all a full debate of the issues at hand. My passion for insurance has only been realized through the nurturing and guidance provided to me by the people I trust and my own gut reaction to obstacles I am faced with. My clients benefit and our industry benefits.

I write this not only to thank you but also to tell you that I am just getting started; I feel like I am at a NASCAR race and have just been told to start my engine. With more support, more information, great team members working with me and anyone that will listen to my message-I will continue this quest. I will stand up for our industry that has given us so many blessing.
So, thank you for joining me in the battle. I hope you are doing your part. I hope that if you don’t know where to start, you will pick up the phone and talk to me about it.

Humbly,
Your certified (or is that certifiable)Legislative junkie

Misty Baker