5 Facts About Cervical Cancer

Throughout the year, we mark different months in tribute to certain types of cancer—remembering those lost to the disease and the ongoing efforts to fight its spread, as well as raising awareness about risk factors and preventative measures. In January, attention turns to cervical cancer, a serious form of the disease that affects women of all ages around the world. In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important not to just learn about the condition but to use that information to take actionable steps to reduce your own risk or share what you’ve learned to educate others. So, here are five facts to raise your own cervical cancer awareness and help you and your loved ones stay protected and proactive: Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer for women across all age groups, though it is most frequently seen in women over 30. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are connected to untreated human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease. It’s estimated that nearly half of sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lives. Mortality rates of cervical cancer are on the decline, thanks in large part to the emergence of an HPV vaccine and more advanced Pap screening tests. Cervical cancer often causes no symptoms in its earliest stages, which is why it’s referred to as the “silent killer.” Later-stage symptoms include vaginal bleeding. In addition to HPV, there are a number of risk factors for cervical cancer, including longtime use of birth control pills, smoking, having given birth more than three times, having many sexual partners, and being positive for...

What is an Accelerated Death Benefit Rider?

An accelerated death benefit generally enables policyholders who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to draw cash advances against the value of the death benefit. There are several common types of death benefit riders. The purpose of death benefit riders is to give an individual access to the cash value of his or her insurance plan while he or she is still alive. Another option is the enhanced death benefit, which pays out the highest investment gain the policy attained, even if the market value is less. Those with a variable annuity death benefit may be able to attach riders to enable cash advances and a payout that is higher than the minimum.  Pros and Cons of Death Benefit Riders Life insurance is traditionally understood as helping people plan and prepare for the end of their lives. Many policyholders aim to use the amount of their plan to help beneficiaries pay for things like funeral costs, to settle final arrangements or to help reduce debt once they have passed. However, after a lifelong investment, they should be able to use the value whenever they need it and, that’s where a death benefit rider may come in. People with a terminal illness may be able to convert their life insurance policy to cash. Death benefit riders can help policyholders customize a plan that makes sense for them; however, there are some factors to consider. Riders do increase the cost of a plan, which could be a serious consideration for some individuals. Plans that enable policyholders to draw on the value while they’re still alive also come with some drawbacks,...

5 Reasons to Buy Life Insurance

Should I buy life insurance? That may be a question you have asked yourself over the years as you have worked to get your financial future in order. There are plenty of reasons to buy life insurance, yet some people may be hesitant to make the investment, as they envision it primarily as a way to prepare for their passing, which can be challenging to envision. While life insurance is indeed a smart option to help your family manage finances after your death, there are also plenty of advantages that you can reap today. Here are a few of the top reasons to buy life insurance: Financial emergencies: In certain cases, you may be able to take payouts from or borrow against your life insurance to deal with financial emergencies. For instance, with a Life Credit Living Benefit Loan, you can borrow against the value of your policy’s death benefit to cover financial emergencies such as cancer care. Few people budget for medical crises, but with a life insurance policy, it’s possible to save yourself from going into debt and instead focus on your health. Final arrangements: While it can be uncomfortable to think about, funeral and burial costs are high, and assisting loved ones with making your final arrangements is one of the most common reasons to buy life insurance. No one wants to burden their family with financial responsibilities while they’re alive, and life insurance helps you to continue that commitment after your death. Affordable coverage: Despite what some may think, life insurance can be extremely affordable. The wide range of options when it comes to life...

Top Items Cancer Patients Want in a Care Package

When someone is battling cancer, his or her loved ones may feel helpless, as they want to guide their family member or friend through the ordeal but often don’t quite know exactly what the person needs. Lending a listening ear, providing day-to-day help with household chores and cooking meals are all good ways for supporters to step up to the plate. Care packages for cancer patients are another means of showing your love and support. Assembling an assortment of day-to-day items patients may need—plus some extras just to make them smile!—shows them you understand how much their daily routine has been transformed by the diagnosis. And since care packages for cancer patients can be delivered in person, brought to a healthcare facility or shipped anywhere in the world, you can be there for your loved one, whether the patient lives next door or several states away. Here are a few of the most common items that supporters incorporate into care packages for cancer patients: Water and snacks: Chemotherapy and other treatments can dehydrate the body, so it’s important for patients to stay hydrated during their sessions. Such treatments can be time-consuming, so loading them up with healthy snacks can help pass the time and satisfy cravings. Warm blankets: Hospitals are notoriously chilly, so gift your loved one a warm blanket, fuzzy socks or a comfy sweatshirt for their visits. Headgear: Hair loss is an unfortunate side effect of treatments like chemo, so care packages for cancer patients undergoing this therapy may include an assortment of hats and scarves. Pick colors the patient likes and opt for caps that show...

How is my Death Benefit Calculated?

While each policyholder will have individual circumstances — such as varying numbers of dependents or unique health concerns — there are some common ways to determine what your life insurance death benefit payout should be before you finalize a policy. One strategy is to add together the policy holder’s annual income, the cumulative amount that would be lost if he or she died today (presuming he or she would work through average retirement age) and burial costs. Even though this total may seem high, it allows for a worst-case scenario that would enable the person’s family to continue receiving the financial support this person had provided during life if he or she was to pass away at an early age. Life Insurance Death Benefit Payout Once the desired amount of the life insurance death benefit payout is calculated, you can then shop around to find a plan at that level with affordable premiums and that offers all of the other provisions you’re looking for in a policy. In the event of someone’s passing, the funds can be used to cover final expenses, as well as to address income gaps left by the loss. Once the contract is signed and sealed, if the insured does die, all that his or her beneficiaries have to do is submit a death certificate and some other accompanying paperwork to kickstart the process of receiving the pre-set payout. The funds are almost always non-taxable and paid quickly, giving beneficiaries easy access to vital financial assistance needed to lay their loved one to rest and maintain their financial health. A life insurance policy’s death benefit...