Search Results

Life Insurance 101 No one really wants to think about life insurance. But if someone depends on you financially, it’s a topic you can’t avoid. Getting life insurance doesn’t have to be hard (or boring). We have some answers to common questions about life insurance so that you can make informed decisions about protecting your loved ones financially. Why is life insurance worth it? Life insurance is important because it’s a simple answer to a very difficult question: How will my loved ones manage financially if something were to happen to me? What are the different types of life insurance? Life insurance generally falls into two categories: Term Life Insurance provides protection for a specific period of time (the term), often 10, 20 or 30 years. Permanent Life Insurance provides lifelong protection, as long as you pay the premiums. What are living benefits of life insurance? Living benefits of a life insurance policy let you access your life insurance proceeds before you die. This is typically reserved for situations in which someone faces a terminal illness or injury. Many people use cash from living benefits to get their family’s finances in order or to take a special trip. Living benefits, which are also known as accelerated death benefits, are typically available as a rider (or endorsement) to your life insurance policy. What is the average life insurance cost? The price of life insurance depends on four main factors: your age, your health, the type of policy and how much coverage you buy. In general, you’ll pay less the younger and healthier you are. You also typically pay less for a term life policy than a permanent life policy. That said, don’t let your age or health status discourage you from considering life insurance. There are policies available for people of any age as well as those with high blood pressure, diabetes and a smoking habit. (Just know that you’ll generally pay more for your policy if you’re in poor health and/or smoke.) Still wondering the answer to the question of how much does life insurance cost? If so, here’s a working idea: A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month. That means that if you purchase that policy and pay the $13 a month without fail, your loved ones would get $250,000 if you were to die at any point during those 20 years. Do I need life insurance? That’s a great question. And the truth is not everyone does. But ask yourself, “Would someone suffer financially if I died?” If you answered, “Yes,” then chances are you need life insurance. As an easy rule of thumb, experts recommend having life insurance that equals between 10 to 15 times your gross income. But many people need even more than that. Myth-Busters According to a recent survey, about a quarter of people accepted five common myths and misconceptions about life insurance. Some of the top reasons they have for not owning life insurance (they can choose more than one) 81% – It’s too expensive 75% – Have other financial priorities 65% – Not sure how or what type to buy 62% – Haven’t gotten around to it 51% – Don’t like thinking about death One of the biggest myths around life insurance is that it’s expensive, but the majority of people overestimate the true cost of life insurance by 3x or more and 44% of Millennials thought the cost of term life insurance policy was more than $1,000 a year when it’s closer to $160. A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month. Life Insurance Facts and Needs While many American’s recognize the importance of Life Insurance as providing both peace of mind and security to families that are confronted with the passing of a loved one, statistics still show the need for greater awareness of life insurance and its benefits: Four in 10 adult Americans have no life insurance at all. Insured Americans, on average, have only about three-and-a-half times their annual income in life insurance coverage. Many insurance experts believe that people's true need for coverage is 10 times their gross annual income, and sometimes more. Only 35 percent of adult Americans have individual life insurance. Many rely on insurance provided by their employers, leaving many employees without coverage if they were to lose their job or change jobs. Each year, a significant number of Americans (600,000) die prematurely. In fact, the chances a 25-year-old male will die before reaching the retirement age of 65 is nearly 1 in 5; for a female, the odds are 1 in 9. When death occurs, lack of life insurance coverage results in 75 percent of surviving family members having to take measures to meet financial obligations, such as work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money, withdraw money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many cases, move to smaller, less expensive housing. Many Americans recognize the importance of life insurance. It provides both peace of mind and security to families that are confronted with the death of a loved one. The life insurance industry provides protection to 75 million American families. Even so, 95 million adults have no life insurance, while insured Americans have, on average, far less than most experts recommend. The approximately $865 billion life insurers have paid out since the year 2000 have helped families pay their rent or mortgage, auto expenses, medical expenses, food expenses and school tuition bills, among many other things. Protection California residents have $3.6 trillion in total life insurance coverage. State residents own 10 million individual life insurance policies, with coverage averaging $238,000 per policyholder. Group life insurance coverage amounts to $1.2 trillion. Individual life insurance coverage purchased in 2015 in California totaled $208 billion. $39 billion was paid to California residents in the form of death benefits, matured endowments, policy dividends, surrender values, and other payments in 2015. Annuity benefits paid in the state in 2015 totaled $8 billion. About $558 billion of this investment is in stocks and bonds that help finance business development, job creation, and services in the state. Life insurers provide $89 billion in mortgage loans on farm, residential, and commercial properties, and own $11 billion in real estate in California Life insurance companies invest approximately $725 billion in California's economy

Payment Portal Click below to access our secure payment portal.

Phishing, Ransomware, and Social Engineering Cybersecurity is more critical than ever. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. From phishing emails that look more convincing than ever to ransomware attacks that can cripple entire organizations, staying informed is the first step to staying secure. This article explores the top cyber threats in 2025 and how to stay protected , providing practical tips you can use at home and in the workplace. 1. Phishing Attacks: Smarter and Harder to Detect Phishing emails and messages are no longer just riddled with spelling mistakes. In 2025, attackers use AI tools to craft convincing, personalized messages that look like they’re from trusted colleagues or companies. How to stay protected: Double-check sender addresses, even if the message looks authentic. Avoid clicking on links directly; hover to preview the URL. Use email filtering tools and multi-factor authentication (MFA). 2. Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage Ransomware attacks continue to rise, targeting individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure. Hackers encrypt files and demand payment in cryptocurrency for their release. How to stay protected: Back up important files regularly to an external or cloud-based source. Keep your operating systems and security software updated. Train employees on recognizing suspicious attachments and downloads. 3. Social Engineering: Exploiting Human Trust Instead of attacking systems directly, cybercriminals often target the human element. In 2025, social engineering has become more sophisticated, with attackers using phone calls, fake websites, or impersonation on social media to steal sensitive data. How to stay protected: Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Verify requests for sensitive data, especially if they seem urgent. Encourage a “trust but verify” culture in workplaces. 4. Emerging Threats: Deepfakes and AI-Driven Scams Cybercriminals are now using AI to create deepfake videos or voice messages that mimic real people. These can be used to authorize fraudulent transactions or spread misinformation. How to stay protected: Establish verification protocols that go beyond voice or video. Stay informed on the latest digital fraud tactics. Use security software with AI-detection capabilities. The top cyber threats in 2025 and how to stay protected  all come down to one thing: awareness. By staying vigilant, updating your defenses, and practicing good cyber hygiene, you can reduce your risk and protect both personal and professional data. Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a human responsibility. Continue Reading: Cybersecurity Awareness Want to learn more about building strong online defenses and promoting safe digital habits? 👉 Read our Cybersecurity Awareness article here »

Practical and Emotional Tips When someone close to you is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. You want to be supportive, but you may also feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help. Providing thoughtful, compassionate support can make a meaningful difference in their journey. 1. Listen First, Speak Second Allow them to share their feelings without interruption. Avoid jumping straight into solutions—sometimes, they just need a listening ear. Phrases like “I’m here for you”  or “That sounds really tough”  can mean more than advice. 2. Practical Ways to Support a Friend or Family Member with Breast Cancer Treatment can be exhausting, and daily responsibilities often become overwhelming. Consider offering: Rides to and from medical appointments. Preparing meals or organizing a meal train with friends. Helping with childcare, pet care, or household chores. Running errands or grocery shopping. 💡 Tip: Be specific. Instead of asking, “What can I do?” , try, “I’m free Thursday—can I take you to your appointment or drop off dinner?” 3. Be Mindful of Their Energy Treatment often causes fatigue, so don’t take it personally if they decline visits or cancel plans. Short, uplifting check-ins (texts, cards, or calls) can show you care without overwhelming them. 4. Respect Their Journey Every person experiences breast cancer differently. Avoid comparing them to others who’ve been through it. Support their choices about treatment, lifestyle, or even how much they want to share publicly. 5. Provide Emotional Encouragement Celebrate milestones, even small ones—finishing a round of treatment, or simply getting through a tough week. Remind them they are more than their diagnosis by engaging in normal activities when possible (watching a movie, chatting about non-cancer topics). 6. Encourage Professional and Peer Support Suggest (without pressuring) resources like support groups, therapists, or wellness programs for cancer patients. Share local or national organizations that offer emotional and practical help. Supporting a loved one with breast cancer means offering both practical assistance  and emotional understanding . By listening, showing up in concrete ways, and respecting their journey, you can help ease their burden and remind them they are not alone. Continue Reading: Breast Cancer Awareness Want to learn more about prevention, early detection, and the latest in breast cancer research?👉 Read our Breast Cancer Awareness article here

Life insurance is one of the most important financial tools for protecting your loved ones, yet it’s often misunderstood. Misconceptions prevent many people from taking the steps they need to secure their family’s future. This Life Insurance Awareness Month , let’s clear up the confusion by debunking the Top 5 Life Insurance Myths . Myth #1: “Life insurance is too expensive.” Fact:  For most people, life insurance is more affordable than they think. Term life insurance, for example, can often cost less than a daily cup of coffee. Premiums are based on age, health, and coverage needs, which means the sooner you purchase, the more affordable it usually is. 💡 Tip: Shop around and compare policies—you may be surprised by how accessible coverage can be. Myth #2: “I’m too young to need life insurance.” Fact:  Life insurance isn’t just for older adults. In fact, purchasing coverage at a younger age can lock in lower premiums  and protect your loved ones if the unexpected happens. It’s also a great way to plan ahead for milestones like buying a home, starting a family, or launching a business. Myth #3: “I don’t need life insurance because I’m healthy.” Fact:  While good health may lower your risk, it doesn’t eliminate life’s uncertainties. Accidents and unforeseen medical conditions can happen to anyone. Being healthy actually makes it the best time to buy —you’ll qualify for better rates and more coverage options. Myth #4: “My employer-provided coverage is enough.” Fact:  Many employer plans only cover 1–2 times your annual salary. That’s rarely enough to cover long-term expenses like mortgages, college tuition, or family living costs. Plus, if you leave your job, you often lose that coverage. Having a personal policy ensures continuity and adequate protection . Myth #5: “Life insurance is only for when you die.” Fact:  Modern life insurance offers much more than a death benefit. Certain policies provide living benefits , like access to cash value, critical illness riders, or supplemental retirement income. Life insurance can be a powerful tool while you’re alive, not just afterward. ✅ Why Understanding Life Insurance Matters Life insurance doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or something you put off until later. By debunking these common myths, we hope you see it as an essential part of protecting your family and building financial security . 👉 This Life Insurance Awareness Month, take a moment to review your coverage or start exploring your options—it’s one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.