The Susman Insurance Podcast is back! This return of the show is a fun, easy way to save money today… for tomorrow.

Hosted by Karl Susman and joined by Deborah Bremner, so join us for this 15 minute set of “Tips and Tricks”

http://traffic.libsyn.com/susmaninsuranceagency/SIS_001PCfinal.mp3

The good people up at the Not LA Ranch rescued this beautiful German Shepard last night.  Thank goodness they got to her before the Coyotes had a chance to have an early supper.  After trying all of the neighbors and the Vet to see if she has a Chip, the good people at the Linda Blair Foundation have taken her under their wing until we can find a home for her.  She has long brown and tan hair, about a year and a half old and smart.  She is housebroken, barking to go out when she has to go.  She knows come, stay, sit, and responds very well to everyone that has been around her.  Here are some photos of her:

Please pass along to friends and family.  You can contact any of the staff at Susman Insurance Agency if you are interested.  Thanks again!

The office will be closed on Monday, however you can still call our main number 3108205200 for customer service or claims

Pioneering institutions across the country are emphasizing the “living” in assisted living/residential care facilities and focusing on personalized accommodations and services as they pursue the goal of greater client satisfaction. Common assisted living/residential care services may include such amenities as 24-hour emergency response services, three daily meals, personal care, transportation, housekeeping, and laundry services. However, an increasing number of assisted living/residential care facilities also aim to provide seniors with a living situation that caters to their active lifestyles. Adopting the motto “no two people are exactly alike,” they are offering an ever-increasing variety of choices in accommodations, activities, and personalized services.

Residential Options

Although assisted living/residential care facilities originated in private organization-based homes, today, the emergence of chain companies allows clients to choose a facility from a range of locations while being offered a consistent level of service. These facilities offer prospective residents the choice of buying or renting apartments or villas, with extra options of reserving guest suites and seasonal rentals. In addition, clients may select the type and size of accommodation—some offer spacious layouts that may include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining room, den, and deck.

Diverse Services

Apart from the individualized choice of residence, assisted living/residential care communities are focusing on independence and freedom by offering a diverse roster of activities and services. Residents are encouraged to remain physically active through swimming, yoga, and other fitness classes, and they are also offered a range of educational programs that may include courses in computers, investing, nutrition, or bird watching. Entertainment is often provided on-site with movies, concerts, and even concierge services.

In terms of health care, many facilities offer assistance with daily activities, as required, in order to enhance independence as much as possible. The resident can choose the level of care that he or she may need, with the option of adding more services. An increasing number of institutions embrace the concept of “aging in place,” providing additional medical services as the client ages and requires. As an example, basic help with medications and dressing are common services; however, if the client discovers he or she needs more skilled and personalized attention due to a medical condition, he or she may have the option of moving to the nursing wing of the residence. Some facilities even offer medical and check-in services through “at home” assisted living/residential care.

Today’s seniors are more active and healthier than ever before. As our population ages, the need and desire for more personalized services will increase. Changes in assisted living/residential care facilities that promote an active and independent lifestyle are a positive indicator of the future of senior health care.

Copies of Choosing An Assisted Living Facility is one of a series of Since You Care guides for caregivers produced by the MetLife Mature Market Institute in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving. Single copies are available free to the public.

Copyright © 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

L0910131577(exp1211)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Most everyone has, at some point in their lives, accumulated personal debt—some more than others. Whether debt is a cause for concern depends upon a number of factors, including how the economy is functioning, your particular earning and economic prospects for the short and long term, and the type of debt you incur. By being conscious of your spending habits, including credit card use and large purchase habits, you can better understand ways to control debt—before it starts to control you.

To gain a perspective on personal debt, it is useful to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy debt. Healthy debt refers to borrowing in order to purchase assets that are likely to appreciate in value, such as a home or business. Healthy debt is especially worthwhile to assume if you are able to itemize certain repayments (e.g., home mortgage interest) on your tax return and, as a result, qualify for certain tax deductions.

Unhealthy debt, on the other hand, refers to borrowing in order to purchase consumables or assets that are likely to depreciate in value, such as a vacation or an automobile. Unhealthy debt has taken an even more negative turn since the government stopped allowing tax deductions for most consumer debts, such as personal loans and credit cards.

Debt Management Basics

For most people, managing debt effectively is a learned skill. The following pointers may help you get your debt under control:

Categorize debts. To gain control of personal debt, you might start by developing an overall picture of your current debt situation. Debts should be categorized as healthy or unhealthy. Then, they should be scheduled according to whether they are short-term (e.g., credit cards), intermediate-term (e.g., auto loans), or long-term (e.g., mortgages and home equity lines of credit). The interest rate for each type of debt should be noted.

Pay off the “right” debt first. It usually makes the most sense to pay off high interest rate debt first, especially if the interest is not tax deductible (e.g., credit cards). Ideally, you should have enough in savings to pay off short-term debt, if needed. Because credit cards are typically used to purchase consumables, rather than assets that appreciate, they can easily tempt consumers to live beyond their means. Thus, it is best to develop the habit of paying off this type of debt on a monthly basis.

Avoid the minimum payment trap. Interest that accumulates by stretching out payments can make even a “bargain” costly in the long run. To understand the impact of making only minimum monthly payments, you may want to ask your credit card company how long it would take to pay off your current balance at that rate, and how much total interest you will ultimately pay. This information prompts many individuals to adopt a “pay-as-they-go” strategy.

Curb impulse spending. If you are prone to impulse spending, you may find it best to avoid shopping when you don’t have a specific purpose in mind. Or, you could try to delay impulse purchases for 24 hours. Once you have had a chance to “sleep on it,” you may discover the impulse has passed.

Benefits in Good Times and Bad

If you are like many people, spending may not be based solely on financial considerations. Emotional factors may sometimes cause confusion between what you think you need, and what you actually do need. Still, the reality of living in the twenty-first century may leave you with little choice but to amass at least some debt. However, with discipline and planned spending, you can most likely manage your debt and live within your means.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this article is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This article does not support the promotion and marketing of any particular product. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

MetLife [New England Financial] representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for such guidance.

Copyright © 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

L0510106050(exp0511)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Like most people, you may have life insurance to help protect your family against the financial impact of your unexpected death. You may also insure your home, car, and other personal possessions against financial loss resulting from fire, theft, or damage. However, you may have overlooked insuring one of the more important aspects of your financial life—the ability to earn an income.

Thinking the Unthinkable

Have you ever contemplated how long the combined resources of you and your spouse might last if you were suddenly out of work due to a disability? What long-term impact would exhausting your savings during a disability have on your ability to provide for your family and even yourself during your retirement years? If those resources provide less than your monthly expenses, including taxes and regular savings, or if exhausting them would significantly impact your ability to provide for yourself and your family on a long-term basis, you may need disability income insurance. Whether you need an individually owned policy depends on the extent of your liquid assets, your spouse’s income, and other potential sources of disability income, such as employer-sponsored group disability insurance, Social Security, and veterans or union benefits.

Depending on your income and the risk level of your occupation, the maximum coverage you can buy will generally replace 45% to 75% of your pre-disability earnings. The higher your income, the lower the percentage of replacement benefit may be. Typically, premiums will depend on your age, your health, the risk level of your occupation, and the type of coverage.

Examine Policy Provisions

To make sure your disability income insurance offers the protection that you and your family need, your policy should include the following:

• A definition of total disability that is consistent with the risk of your occupation. You may also want to look for a policy that pays some benefits in the event you are not totally disabled, but you suffer a “loss of income” due to a disability. Often these provisions are called partial or residual disability provisions.

• A non-cancelable clause that states the insurance company cannot cancel the policy or increase the premium until a certain age (as specified in the policy).

• Benefits that are payable for the maximum amount of time for which you are eligible based on your occupation and health. Most often, you can find policies that provide benefit eligibility for two years, five years, or all the way until you reach age 65, or even payments beyond 65 for the rest of your life.

• A waiting period that is consistent with your overall financial resources. The waiting period is the amount of time you must be disabled before becoming eligible for disability benefits. The longer the waiting period you choose, the lower the premium on your policy will be. Typically, you may purchase coverage that provides eligibility for benefits after 30 days of disability or for as long as after two years of disability.

Act Now

Now is the time to investigate the relative benefits and costs of disability income insurance to determine how much you need to spend to attain adequate protection. In addition, it is important to review the particular details and provisions of the policy you are considering with a qualified professional to help ensure your financial needs will be met.

Copyright ã 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

L0910130926(exp0911)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

How secure will Social Security help you be if you are unable to work? It is emotionally difficult to prepare for the possibility that you may suffer a disability as a result of an accident or illness, but it is financially imperative to plan. Your quality of life tomorrow may depend on your efforts today.

The Latest Figures

The Social Security Administration (SSA, 2010) estimates that three in ten of today’s 20-year-olds will suffer a disability before reaching age 67.¹ In another sobering statistic, the SSA reports that 69% of the private sector workforce has no long-term disability insurance.² Essentially, seven out of ten workers would have to rely on their own personal savings, limited state-run insurance, and Social Security for replacement income in the event they could not work because of a disability. In 2009, the estimated average monthly Social Security benefit for all disabled workers was $1,006.³ Over the course of a year, that totals approximately $12,072, and for many workers and their families, that is significantly less than their annual expenses.

Men vs. Women

Throughout history, men have generally earned more than women. The SSA reports (2010) that as of the year 2007, the average salary for women was 78% of the average for men.⁴ This disparity affects women in two ways. Because disability benefits are based on earnings, the benefits for disabled male workers are typically higher than those of disabled female workers. However, the spousal benefit for widows is generally higher than that of widowers for the same reason—the median income of men is higher than that of women. These demographic trends are important to consider for families planning their financial security.

Supplemental Income Sources

In addition to Social Security and personal savings, there are additional options for workers and their families. Personal disability income insurance is a viable option for workers looking to manage the risk of losing their income. It offers coverage beyond workers compensation, which is state-run insurance that replaces a percentage of an employee’s income only for injuries that occur on the job or illnesses that are work-related.

Disability income insurance policies vary, but here are some key questions to ask:

• Are you covered for both accidents and illness?

• Does the policy define disability as the inability to perform your own job or any gainful employment?

• How long must you wait before benefits begin?

• How long will benefits last?

• Does the policy offer cost-of-living adjustments?

• Are benefits available for total and/or partial disability?

• What percentage of income will the policy replace?

Disability income insurance policies contain, exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force.  Speak with your representative for costs and complete details.

If you lack insurance against disability, or are underinsured, you are possibly exposing yourself to serious financial risk. Avoid becoming another statistic—plan your future today.

¹The Social Security Administration, “Social Security Protection If You Become Disabled,”

www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm.

²The Social Security Administration, “Social Security Basic Facts,” www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/basicfact.htm.

³The Social Security Administration, “2009 Social Security Changes,” www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2009.htm.

⁴The Social Security Administration, “Social Security Is Important to Women,” www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/women.htm.

Copyright ã 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

L0410101948(exp0511)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Is it normal memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease? Is it depression or dementia? The early symptoms of cognitive changes are often subtle and far more difficult to assess than those associated with a physical illness or disability. As a result, it can be difficult to determine whether a friend or family member can live independently or whether it’s time to seek long-term care services.

Your answers to the following questions may help you assess whether your loved one can continue to live independently or whether immediate intervention is needed.

Independent Living Test¹

Medications

• Are prescriptions not being refilled, resulting in failure to take medication when scheduled?

• Has taking medication become difficult due to poor memory or confusion? Evidence may include problems taking pills on time, different pills mixed together in a pillbox, or an oversupply or undersupply of pills.

• Have conditions previously under control become acute because medication is not being taken correctly?

Food and Groceries

• Based on past food habits, are the cupboards frequently empty or being filled with unusual foods?

• Is the food in the refrigerator often spoiled or kept long beyond the “use by” date?

Daily Business

• Is the mail being picked up and opened regularly, or does it remain uncollected and/or unopened?

• Are credit cards or checkbooks being misused or not balanced as well as in the past?

Social Contact

• Has the amount of social contact changed dramatically, so that there are few public outings or limited social visits with close friends?

• Has the ability to drive deteriorated? Is there a fear of driving or a recent history of multiple minor accidents that is leading to isolation?

Living Habits

• Has there been a change in dress or appearance or a decline in personal hygiene that is not related to physical disability? Is dress appropriate for the weather?

• Have housekeeping habits changed so that a normally neat and orderly home is now cluttered and not cleaned regularly?

• Are pets that were normally well cared for suddenly not being fed or cared for as they had been in the past?

Solicitations

• Is there a sudden increase in ordering unnecessary items through mail or televised advertisements?

Calls to Family Members or Health Care Providers

• Has there been a marked increase in panic calls to family or medical providers without apparent need?

• Have unnecessary calls been made to 911?

According to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), among people age 65 today, 69% will need some form of long-term care, and by 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term health care.² Consider protecting yourself and your loved ones with the security that Long-Term Care Insurance coverage can provide.

¹Source: Long- Term Care Partners, LLC

²Source: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, “Aging Services: The Facts,” www.aahsa.org (accessed February 2010).

Long-term care insurance issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166.

Like most long-term care insurance policies, MetLife policies contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force. I’ll be glad to provide you with costs and complete details.

Copyright © 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

L0410101541(exp0411)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Young adults today face a variety of challenges in their quest for financial security. Some of these obstacles are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times. If you are a young adult, here are five financial tips to help you manage your money and prepare for your future.

1) Invest in your future. Ongoing technological changes in various fields may require continuing education. You may wish to make ongoing career education a priority to enhance your skills and increase your professional potential. The more varied and flexible your skills, the more attractive you may be to prospective employers.

2) Open an emergency savings account. The uncertainty of the workplace may mean that your professional life will be interrupted by career changes. If you need to return to school full-time to change career paths, you may face periods of time without stable income. Creating an emergency fund to cover several months’ worth of living expenses can help you manage work-related transitions. This savings fund can also be used for opportunities, such as starting your own business.

3) Save early and continuously for retirement. Saving for your retirement is your responsibility—so apply discipline and diligence to this ongoing objective. You cannot necessarily depend on the government to provide future Social Security benefits. With employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, the responsibility of saving rests on your shoulders. Although you may be years away from retirement, the key is to make time and compound interest your allies.

4) Let retirement funds accumulate. If you change jobs early or often in your working years, consider rolling over your account into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or new company retirement plan. It may be tempting to cash in the account, especially if you have accumulated only a small amount, but doing so would make it immediately taxable and you may also incur an early withdrawal penalty. Perhaps a greater concern, however, is that you may be unable to make up for time already spent to accrue these savings.

5) Use credit wisely. Credit card companies frequently target young adults with the lure of “easy money.” While credit cards offer convenience (it’s virtually impossible to conduct some transactions, such as reserving airline tickets, without one), they also have the potential to create debt problems. Because payments can be stretched far into the future, overspending on credit can create an illusion of wealth. Paying off the full balance each month is the best way to control your use of credit.

Plan Now for the Future

Remember, the funds you accumulate during your working years may be your primary source of retirement income. Although inflation may threaten your nest egg, a little discipline and common sense over time may help you better manage your current and future financial affairs.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this brochure is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties.You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

MetLife and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for such guidance.

Copyright © 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

L0910131096(exp1211)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better than in the past? The truth often is that the “old-fashioned” practices, such as periodic financial reviews, lead to greater success in the long run. Why not spend a few hours reviewing your finances? The changes you make today could result in increased savings. Consider these seven steps:

Analyze your cash flow. When your income is greater than your expenses, the excess is called a positive cash flow. When your expenses exceed your income, the shortfall is termed a negative cash flow. A positive cash flow means that you may have funds you can set aside as savings. A negative cash flow can indicate that it may be a good idea to reorganize your budget to minimize any unnecessary expenses.

Develop a program for special goals. For every financial and retirement goal you establish, identify a projected cost, a time horizon (how long it will take to reach the goal), and a funding method (such as through savings, liquidating assets, or taking a loan). Consider your goals in terms of a “hierarchy of importance.” The bottom—or “foundation” tier—should include emergency funds to cover at least three months’ worth of living expenses. The middle tier should include such essentials as your children’s education. On the top tier, place the “nice-to-haves,” such as a new car, home renovation, or vacation.

Boost your retirement savings. Employer-sponsored pensions and Social Security may not provide sufficient income to maintain your existing lifestyle when you retire. Thus, it is essential to identify your retirement needs and plan a disciplined savings program for the future. Maximize your contributions to retirement accounts, and if possible, make “catch-up” contributions.

Taxpayers, who are 50 years old, or older, are allowed to make additional contributions to their retirement plans. Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and eligible Roth IRA holders can save an extra $1,000 a year in 2010. Those with eligible 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plans can save an additional $5,500 in 2010.

Minimize income taxes. Why give Uncle Sam any more of your money than is necessary? It is in your interest to take advantage of all income tax deductions to which you are entitled. Consider exploring any possible ways of reducing your income taxes. For instance, under appropriate circumstances, losses or expenses from prior years may be carried over to the next tax year. A qualified tax professional can help you implement a tax strategy that meets your needs.

Beat inflation. Your income and retirement savings must keep pace with inflation in order to maintain your buying power. This means that if the inflation rate is currently 3%, you need to achieve at least a 3% annual increase in income just to break even. If your long-term savings plan fails to keep pace with inflation, you may be unable to maintain your current standard of living.

Manage unexpected risks. As you undoubtedly know, life can sometimes throw you a “curve ball.” Without warning, a disability or untimely death can cause financial hardship for your family. Adequate insurance is an important foundation for your financial program—it offers the protection you need to help cover potential risks and liabilities.

Consult a financial professional. In today’s complex financial world, everyone needs help in making informed decisions. A qualified financial professional can help ensure that your financial affairs are consistent with your current needs and long-term goals.

Reviews can help bring focus to your overall financial picture. In the future, you will have the opportunity to alter your programs due to changing goals and circumstances. By faithfully tracking your progress, you will be in a better position to build financial security and realize the retirement of your dreams.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this article is not intended to—and cannot—be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This article supports the promotion and marketing of insurance and/or other financial products and services. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

MetLife, its affiliates, agents, and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change. Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary depending on the facts and circumstances. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisers regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances.

Copyright © 2010 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

L0910131535(exp1211)(All States)(DC)

This article appears courtesy of Karl Susman. Karl Susman is a representative of the New England Life Insurance Company. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people on the West Coast. You can reach Karl at the office at (424) 785-4337. New England Life Insurance Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116