With the economy in such a stressed state and many preoccupied with tracking their own dwindling accounts, is it harder to be generous with others? What did you give last year? Is your “giving pot” less this year? I know ours is. Does that mean we cut back on what we give to others, or do we find other creative ways to help those in need?
I don’t have an answer to these questions but here is what my family has done so far this year. Maybe it will help foster your giving this Holiday Season?
One thing we decided to participate in was a program that engaged both the kids and adults. The charity is called, The International Missions of Templo Santo, in Sonora, Mexico. A business associate of my husband has been involved with this particular charity for many years.
The program is very simple: fill a shoe box with toys, educational materials and games for a child, and on Christmas day, a child in Sonora, Mexico, will receive their gift box.
We have three children and so we filled three shoe boxes for three children the same sex and age as our own. Each box was personalized with the giving of at least one item from their own toy collection.
Another program I personally participate in throughout the holidays is giving my spare change to the Salvation Army every time I can. The sound of their bells ringing outside of our local shopping center never fail to remind me of how fortunate I am, regardless of my currently dwindling investment accounts – at least I have investment accounts.
My point is giving does not have to be a long drawn out, arduous, process. To be truly effective or transformational, it does not have to be a huge sum of money. There are people and organizations around you every day asking for your help and that help could be a small amount of your loose change, a few hours of your time, or the donation of items you no longer use.
Just the very act of dropping loose change in a bucket and hearing it ring out as it joins the coins of others brings a smile to my face. As I look up at the individual standing there ringing his or her bell, I see the genuine gratitude in their eyes and the blessing I receive from them humbles me. As I walk to my car, the glow of this small act continues with me and I smile to all those I pass along the way.
How much money do these small gestures cost my family? I truly don’t know but I do know the gifts we receive far out way any cost. I can also tell you that each time I act without self-interest to help others; I have no room for thoughts of sinking 401K’s or rollercoaster stocks.
So, if you would like to break out of the trap of thinking about things you can’t control, go out do something you do have control over - giving to another. Whether it’s your loose change, a warm coat to someone without, sending toys to children who have none, or simply passing on a smile, I guarantee you’ll feel better about yourself and the world around you. The idea is to keep it simple but meaningful by truly giving from the heart.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Kahlil Gibran (Lebanese born American philosophical Essayist, Novelist and Poet. 1883-1931)
I look forward to hearing your stories of holiday giving and remember that those in need need you all year and not just once a year.
To learn more about The International Missions of Templo Santo, in Sonora, Mexico please call 925-408-3165.
Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
6 Questions You Should Ask Yourself About Your Life Insurance Plan
I'm sure most of us have a story about a loved one who passed on suddenly and the hole that it left in our heart. The pain of such a loss is enormous; but couple that with not having life insurance and you may be faced with overwhelming odds for recovery both emotionally and financially.
This is exactly what happened to some very dear friends of mine when unexpectedly their mother passed away. The family was of course heartbroken but their greatest immediate challenge was the management of their family business. You see- Their mother was the backbone of the business, working day and night to keep it afloat. Without her the business failed within one year and the family has never fully recovered even some twenty years later.
It took me a long time to fully grasp the depth of my friends troubles. However, it took me only moments to understand what would have helped them financially- the proper life insurance coverage.
The friends I mentioned above are some of the most wonderful and giving people I have ever met. I did not get the chance to meet their mother but I know she was every bit as kind and generous as her children. I can say without a doubt that if she knew her future, she would have done everything within her power to ensure her children didn't suffer financially after her passing.
My friends' experience prompted my husband and I to start asking ourselves some questions about how to guard against such a catasrophic loss. Over time I've developed six core questions that we review about ever two years. Your ability to answer these questions, without hesitation, will absolutely guard your family against the financial upheaval of losing you. Consequently, you may learn some new ways you can add to the creation of your own family's financial legacy.
Starting from the bottom up:
6. Has Your Debt Increased?
How different is your debt today compared to the day you first put your life insurance into place?
5. Has Your Family Expanded?
Have you had any children or did you take on caring for an older loved one or two, like your parents? Do you worry about how to pay for your children's higher education?
4. If Your Term Policy is Nearing Maturity Don't You Still Have a Need for Life Insurance?
If you own a term policy that is getting near maturity, it may be time to evaluate whether you'll still have a life insurance need at the end of the term. Odds are you will! Is your home paid off or have you taken out any equity for home repairs or other expenses (here is where your mortgage comes back in)? Often we can forget to adjust our life insurance when we increase the amount or extend the life of our mortgage. Don’t forget about any rental properties. Have any of those lying around?
3. Are You on Track for Meeting Your Retirement Needs?
Are you absolutely certain that your long term financial needs are covered? Can you say without a doubt that you will be financially independent through retirement, even if you live to be past 85!? Cash value life insurance plans are the ONLY financial tools that will allow you to fund at almost any level, build equity in a tax deferred account, and to withdraw these funds tax free with little or no loan fees. Your cash value is your money tax free! Now, ask yourself the following question- Will income tax rates be higher or lower when you retire? The answer to that question should make my point crystal clear.
2. Will You Leave Behind a Financial Legacy That Will Continue to do Good in the World?
Do you want to leave a financial legacy for your children, grandchildren, other loved ones, charities and/or other philanthropic endeavors? If so, life insurance is a perfect tool!
1. Are you 100 Percent Confident in Your Ability to Answer Questions 6 through 2?
The number one reason why you should review your life insurance at least every two years is to ensure that you continually explore and are able to answer, without hesitation, questions 2 through 6! If you can answer without hesitation, then A) Pat yourself on the back and I’ll see you again in 2 years, or B) Pat yourself on the back for taking a look at what your needs really are, and make sure you start to build a financial legacy that ensures you will not have to wonder again if you have enough life insurance!
That should be enough to get you all thinking. I look forward to your questions, comments, suggestions, feedback and to the possibility of having the privilege of sitting down with you to ponder these questions face-to-face.
This is exactly what happened to some very dear friends of mine when unexpectedly their mother passed away. The family was of course heartbroken but their greatest immediate challenge was the management of their family business. You see- Their mother was the backbone of the business, working day and night to keep it afloat. Without her the business failed within one year and the family has never fully recovered even some twenty years later.
It took me a long time to fully grasp the depth of my friends troubles. However, it took me only moments to understand what would have helped them financially- the proper life insurance coverage.
The friends I mentioned above are some of the most wonderful and giving people I have ever met. I did not get the chance to meet their mother but I know she was every bit as kind and generous as her children. I can say without a doubt that if she knew her future, she would have done everything within her power to ensure her children didn't suffer financially after her passing.
My friends' experience prompted my husband and I to start asking ourselves some questions about how to guard against such a catasrophic loss. Over time I've developed six core questions that we review about ever two years. Your ability to answer these questions, without hesitation, will absolutely guard your family against the financial upheaval of losing you. Consequently, you may learn some new ways you can add to the creation of your own family's financial legacy.
Starting from the bottom up:
6. Has Your Debt Increased?
How different is your debt today compared to the day you first put your life insurance into place?
5. Has Your Family Expanded?
Have you had any children or did you take on caring for an older loved one or two, like your parents? Do you worry about how to pay for your children's higher education?
4. If Your Term Policy is Nearing Maturity Don't You Still Have a Need for Life Insurance?
If you own a term policy that is getting near maturity, it may be time to evaluate whether you'll still have a life insurance need at the end of the term. Odds are you will! Is your home paid off or have you taken out any equity for home repairs or other expenses (here is where your mortgage comes back in)? Often we can forget to adjust our life insurance when we increase the amount or extend the life of our mortgage. Don’t forget about any rental properties. Have any of those lying around?
3. Are You on Track for Meeting Your Retirement Needs?
Are you absolutely certain that your long term financial needs are covered? Can you say without a doubt that you will be financially independent through retirement, even if you live to be past 85!? Cash value life insurance plans are the ONLY financial tools that will allow you to fund at almost any level, build equity in a tax deferred account, and to withdraw these funds tax free with little or no loan fees. Your cash value is your money tax free! Now, ask yourself the following question- Will income tax rates be higher or lower when you retire? The answer to that question should make my point crystal clear.
2. Will You Leave Behind a Financial Legacy That Will Continue to do Good in the World?
Do you want to leave a financial legacy for your children, grandchildren, other loved ones, charities and/or other philanthropic endeavors? If so, life insurance is a perfect tool!
1. Are you 100 Percent Confident in Your Ability to Answer Questions 6 through 2?
The number one reason why you should review your life insurance at least every two years is to ensure that you continually explore and are able to answer, without hesitation, questions 2 through 6! If you can answer without hesitation, then A) Pat yourself on the back and I’ll see you again in 2 years, or B) Pat yourself on the back for taking a look at what your needs really are, and make sure you start to build a financial legacy that ensures you will not have to wonder again if you have enough life insurance!
That should be enough to get you all thinking. I look forward to your questions, comments, suggestions, feedback and to the possibility of having the privilege of sitting down with you to ponder these questions face-to-face.
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