As the Baby Boomer generation has reached retirement age they have propelled many others to question their preparedness for their own retirements. No matter your age, the time is right to consider the Arizona Retirement Services available to secure your future. 

Consider these 10 helpful hints to bring financial security to your retirement:

1. Start now if you haven't already.  Even if you are already close to retiring, you can still set aside some funds for this next stage in your life.  If you think you are too young to begin, think again.  Life is fast-paced, and the more you wait, the more likely you are to further postpone its beginnings. 
2. Treat your retirement savings as if they are an expense.  If you wait to put aside whatever is left over every month, you are not likely to save anything. Instead, put it in a separate account, or better yet have your employer deduct the funds prior.  If you never receive the money in your hands, you will not feel as though you should be spending it on something that seems more pressing at the time. 
3. Take advantage of the tax-deferred accounts as much as possible.  Put as much into that account as you can afford, but keep in mind that early withdrawal, prior to 59.5 will result in large penalties, some as much as 10%.
4. Diversify your portfolio so it will maximize its growth for your age, risk tolerance, and whether you need your account to grow or produce income.  Special attention to these elements will help you control your future. 
5. Consider your retirement expenses when you plan your future's monetary needs.  Take both big expenditures (vacations, car purchases, etc.) along with your daily needs.
6. Plan and live within a budget so you are not nullifying your percentage gained through investment via overspending.   
7. Periodically reassess your portfolio's success.  Talk to experts to make certain that your returns on investment are holding steady or improving.  If not, change things around.
8. Reassess your current fiscal needs and reassess to make certain that your goals today are your realities tomorrow.  When will you pay off the mortgage?  Are you likely to acquire a car payment in the next years?   
9. Consider your spouse.  Do they have their own plan, or will they rely on yours?  The answer to this question will substantially impact the amount you must save. 
10. Work with a planner who is familiar with all of the new, constantly evolving retirement planning industry.  Your future is far too important to take a chance by throwing the cards into the wind.  

Retirement has a way of sneaking up on everyone.  It shouldn't be that way, however, as there is the financial retirement services that are at your disposal. With a planner's expertise and you dream of the future, you are certain to support a retirement plan that serve your needs in the future. 

Please contact someone at Omni Insurance Services.  We have the retirement knowledge you need with the unparalleled customer service you desire.  We look forward to guiding you to the secure retirement of your dreams.

Arizona Financial Planning-Guidance to the Retirement You Deserve

Retirement is supposed to be the time in your life when you have finally achieved the financial independence to do precisely what you want, when you want. More importantly, retirement is supposed to afford you the time to do live out your own dreams. Arizona financial planning services and expertise work diligently to help you obtain a relaxing, stress-free retirement. With thoughtful planning, retirement funds will work for you, not you for them.

Many advisors look to build expertise in retirement income to better serve their clients' needs. In their most recent quarterly survey, Russell Investments discovered that 98% of advisors are working committedly to hone their understanding of the retirement market. In their desire to find the best investment strategies for their clients, advisors are looking to "online materials and books (68%), industry peers (52%), fund companies (49%) and accredited courses (45%)." With such differentiated sources, advisors are certain to offer their customers a much diversified base of knowledge. Considering the individual needs of every retiree, this variety of information is crucial to matching the best retirement plan to each client.

Deciding upon the realistic amounts you will need for a comfortable retirement is another area of expertise of the financial advisor. 61% of advisors report that their clients incorrectly estimate the amount of funds they will need to carry them through retirement. Many retirees rely upon the media, family, or friends to gather data about retirement patterns, but often times these sources unknowingly and unintentionally mislead. The investment markets are so complex and ever-changing that the knowledge and training of an expert will provide you with a more accurate representation of the practices that will best serve your needs.

Along with your skilled advisor, The United States Department of Labor has created a helpful list of the top 10 ways to prepare for retirement.

1. Start saving, keep saving, and stick to your goals.

2. Know your retirement needs.

3. Contribute to your employer's retirement savings plan.

4. Learn about your employer's pension plan.

5. Consider basic investment principles.

6. Don't touch your retirement savings.

7. Ask your employer to start a plan.

8. Put money into an Individual Retirement Account.

9. Find out about your social security benefits.

10. Ask questions of your financial advisor.

The only one who can begin your retirement planning is you. Most American, in fact more than 50%, are woefully unprepared for the financial needs of retirement. It is startling, but in 2010 more than 30% of employees did not even participate in their companies' defined contribution plans, like a 401k or 403b. Since the average retirement spans 20 years, that is a lengthy amount of time to struggle with cash concerns. Sadly, many Americans don't realize that they saved insufficiently until they are in their retirement years. Then, it is too late to do anything, but reenter the work force. You certainly recognize that as a worst case scenario.

With a bit of forethought on your behalf, you can enact measures now to provide yourself with the retirement you deserve. Examine the United States Department of Labor's retirement tips and then contact a qualified and trustworthy financial advisor whose expertise will flawlessly guide you to the financial security you deserve. We at Country Financial are eager to help you plan your future financial goals today.

If you have questions about financial planning contact:

Country Financial - Mark Derrico Insurance
2470 W. Ray Rd Bldg G Ste 3

Chandler, AZ 85224

(480) 219-1828

http://www.markderricoinsurance.com

Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Auto Insurance Chandler AZ

Selecting auto insurance in Chandler AZ or any other state for that matter can be an overwhelming process. There are literally thousands of companies throughout the United States offering to insure, with various pricing structures and coverage options. The good news is, according to www.fatwallet.com, Chandler Arizona's average auto insurance rate is $1,447, one of the lowest states in the nation. How can you avoid high rates, while ensuring you have adequate auto insurance coverage? Consider the following common mistakes to avoid when shopping for car insurance.

1. Buying only the minimum. States require a certain amount of coverage. In an effort to save as much cash as possible, many drivers select the minimum option. However, if an accident occurs, you could be left paying quite a bit out-of-pocket. For example, consider if you purchase liability coverage only that covers $15,000 in damages. What would happen if you hit another vehicle valued at $20,000, totaling it? You would be responsible for the $5,000 your insurance does not cover plus you'd have to pay for the repairs to your own car. Know your policy and make sure you are protected. Often times, a larger policy only costs a few more dollars a month. Save yourself the hassle and financial burden of inadequate coverage.
2. Not being honest. It is in your best interest to reveal all accidents or driving infractions up front. Eventually, insurance companies will do their own investigation and find out you were not honest. Your rates will increase because of the previous marks on your record plus now you are considered dishonest and higher risk. It's not worth the gamble.
3. Drinking while driving. In addition to the mountain of legal troubles, a DUI on your driving record lasts a very long time and can increase your rates up to 40 percent, if you are able to find coverage at all.
4. Not researching discounts. Insurance companies have various ways of providing discounts. Ask about multiple-vehicle rates if you have more than one car. If you have renter's or Chandler AZ homeowner's insurance, ask about a discount for using the same provider. Don't forget to mention all the safety features in your vehicle, such as air bags and anti-lock brakes, as well as anti-theft devices. Many insurance companies offer discounts for alumni from certain universities or members of specific organizations and associations. Additionally, ask about mileage discounts. Insurers offer lower rates for vehicles that are not driven great distances.
5. Not saving via payment option. If you can afford it, deep discounts are often provided for drivers who pay for an entire year up front. If paying a lump sum is not financially feasible, ask about discounts for automatic drafts. Most importantly, make sure your payments are on time. A lapse in your coverage may result in an increase in your rate when you try to reinstate it. 

While auto insurance provider's rates can vary, at the end of the day the most significant factor in your insurance rate is you. Tarnishing your record, not doing your research or simply choosing the wrong policy can have major financial implications.  

If you have questions and would like to speak with any one of our Arizona Insurance Agents we recommend that you try:

Should You Drop Comprehensive and Collision from Your Auto Insurance? Chandler AZ Agent Weighs In

Comprehensive and collision are usually the two most expensive coverages you carry on your Chandler AZ auto insurance policy, so removing them from your policy might sound like a good idea. Before you decide to drop these physical damage coverages completely, take a look at a few factors and decide if it is the right decision for you.

Do you have a teenage driver on your policy?

One of the reasons auto insurance in Chandler AZ is more expensive for young drivers is because they have less experience behind the wheel. If you have a teenage driver in your household, you might want to keep your comprehensive and collision coverages in case your young driver’s inexperience causes damage to your vehicle. The peace of mind of knowing that the damage is covered is worth the price of having the insurance in place.

Are you making payments on your car?

If you are making payments to a bank or other financial institution for your vehicle, they will probably require that you keep comprehensive and collision insurance on your policy so their interest in the vehicle is protected. Although you will need to keep the coverage, you might be able to raise your deductible to reduce the cost of your policy. Contact your bank and ask them what the highest deductible is that they allow. There are several deductible amounts available, so as long as you have a lower deductible than your bank requires they should be satisfied.

What is your car worth?

Owners of older vehicles with lower values don’t see as much benefit from physical damage coverage as do owners of vehicles with higher values. This is because minor damages can cost just as much to fix as it would to replace your car. If your vehicle has a low value, now might be the time to consider removing these coverages from your policy.

Do you rent vehicles on vacation?

If you rent a car while you are away on vacation, your comprehensive and collision insurance coverages may cover any damage to your rental vehicle. If you do a lot of traveling, having these coverages on your policy can save you quite a bit of money since you wouldn’t need to purchase the rental car company’s physical damage insurance. Car rental companies usually charge around $20 per day for physical damage insurance, but if you have this covered on your auto insurance policy you might be able to say no to this extra expense. Make sure it is covered under your policy before you decline the coverage, because there are some situations when your policy won’t be able to cover rental vehicles.

It can be a difficult decision to make when you are deciding whether to carry specific coverages on your insurance policy. If you have any questions about whether you should carry comprehensive and collision coverages on your auto policy, please contact any one of our AZ insurance agents and let them help you figure out what is in your best interest or stop by my office anytime and I will be happy to help you in any way that I can. Be sure to ask about getting a discount on your auto insurance by packaging it with a Home Insurance policy.

Prepare for Fire Season by Evaluation your Chandler AZ Home Insurance Policy

The 2012 Arizona wildfire season has already started, and the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the 2012 season could be as bad as the historic 2011 fire season.  The 2012 National Seasonal Assessment predicts an "above normal significant fire potential" for the Arizona mountains, with a normal significant fire potential predicted for other parts of Arizona.  As of May 16, the Gladiator Fire had already destroyed four structures and threatened almost 400 more. 

There are several steps homeowners can take to prevent fire damage to their property, including using fire resistant materials, providing a firebreak, and creating a defensible space around structures.  If the worst does happen, homeowners also need to be sure that they are adequately insured to cover a catastrophic loss of their homes.  The Insurance Information Institute lists four key questions homeowners should ask to insure adequate coverage in case of a disaster:

1. Is my insurance coverage enough to rebuild my home at today's costs?
Insuring your home for its value may not be enough to rebuild your home at the price of current construction. Adequate coverage should include a replacement cost policy that will pay for the replacement of damaged property with comparable materials. Arizona homeowners might also want to consider an extended replacement policy that will pay an additional 20% above policy limits if a disaster--such as a widespread wildfire--raises the cost of materials and labor. Other options include inflation or ordinance riders which help cover the impact of inflation or new ordinances on construction costs.
2. Is my insurance coverage enough to replace all of my possessions?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover possessions at a rate of 50-70% of the amount of insurance on the structure of this home. A home inventory is the best way to determine if this is enough coverage to replace your personal possessions if they are lost to a fire or other disaster. You can ensure your personal possessions by either a cash value or replacement cost policy. Cash value policies cover the cost of replacing your property after depreciation. Replacement cost policies cover the replacement cost of your possessions at today's prices.  Your insurance agent can help you determine whether a cash or replacement policy is the best option for you. 
3. Will my insurance cover my extra expenses if my home is destroyed?
If your home is destroyed in a wildfire or other disaster, there will be additional expenses beyond replacing your home and possessions. Coverage for additional living expenses would pay for the extra cost of living away from home and includes expenses such as hotel bills and restaurant meals.  It could also cover lost rental income if you rent out a portion of your property. 
4. Will my homeowners insurance adequately protect my assets?
This question isn't directly related to disaster planning but it is still an important factor in evaluating your homeowners insurance needs.  Liability damage protects you against claims made for bodily injury or property damage caused by you, a family member, or a pet.  Liability damage covers court costs as well as any costs incurred in a court judgment up to the limits of your policy. Additional coverage beyond your policy limits is available in the form of an excess liability or umbrella policy.

Wise preparation for fire season should include making sure your home is adequately insured. Your insurance agent can help you evaluate your Chandler home insurance needs.

Have questions about your Insurance Policy, contact any one of our great Arizona insurance agents.

Not All Insurances Policies are Created Equal: Chandler AZ Homeowners Insurance Is Different

We have a tendency to buy our insurance policy as we buy most things in life, and that is by shopping around for the lowest price or best deal. After all, half of what the policy says is a mystery to us, and we just want to make sure that we are”covered.” We also want to make sure that we do not look too ignorant in the presence of the insurance company representatives. But, how covered are we? The insurance policies are written for a reason; it is to protect the company and the people who have put their faith in that company. You would be shocked by the number of people who are denied assistance because it is not spelled out in their policy.

A woman once explained her flood insurance. With a straight face and very seriously, the woman said that if the water came into the house from above, she was not covered. However if the water came in from the ground things were different; she was covered. There was a flood that year, and her house was flooded, Thank goodness the water falling from above (the rain) entered the house through the garage door making her covered. Now suppose this same person had a water heater in the attic and it went bad. Let's make it worse and have the water fall on her new computer. Where does she go for help? Nowhere. She has to figure out how to deal with it.

No one wants to be caught off guard, that is why Arizona Homeowners Insurance is the best place to start when you want real protection. Chandler Arizona Homeowners Insurance works for your best interests. They allow you to speak with them, ask questions, and then they go to work for you to find the best package and most complete coverage possible. Yes, they try to save you some money by bundling, but more importantly they help to make sure that you are fully covered no matter what happens.

This is very important for people living in Arizona where a multi-year drought has made cities like Tucson and Phoenix , hotbeds for wildfires. Just last year the Wallow fire in Arizona destroyed hundreds of business and homes. Some people were fully covered and, while they were saddened by their loss, they still had hope. Some people, on the other hand, found out that they were under-insured which meant that they had to find other means to cover what their insurance did not.

How do you really know how insured you are? Ask the Arizona Homeowners Insurance agents, they will be able to tell you. The truth might be shocking, but there is an old saying that is quoted quite often and that is, “You get what you pay for;” it is so true. If you are going to pay insurance why not go to the pros and have them help you, so that, in case of a disaster, you know there is a silver lining no matter how black the cloud.

We all make mistakes along the road of life, however, one of the worst mistakes we can make is to fall for insurance companies that look like they offer the world and then are only too happy to point out the clause in the policy that states “it is not covered.”

If you have questions about what is covered on your Chandler AZ Home Insurance policy please give our insurance agents in Chandler Arizona a call!

Create a Home Inventory to Determine Your Chandler AZ Homeowner's Insurance

Chandler AZ Home Insurance Inventory

Does your Chandler AZ homeowners Insurance adequately cover your personal possessions?  Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover between 50 and 70% of the replacement value of your home.  However, this may not be enough to replace your prized possessions after a disaster, particularly priceless items such as art or jewelry. Performing a home inventory can help you determine your homeowner’s insurance needs.  Here are some tips on how to get started:

• List. Begin by making a list of all your possessions.  Record serial numbers of electronics such as televisions or computers.  List clothing items by category: shoes, pants, purses, shirts, etc.  Store any receipts or appraisals you have with the list.
• Tools.  A simple computer spreadsheet might be all you need, but there are also programs that will assist you in making a complete home inventory. The New York Times has reviewed some of the better home inventory programs and apps available.  Many insurance companies also offer online tools or home inventory checklists for their customers.  Your insurance agent can tell you what tools are available.
• Valuables.  High-value items such as art, jewelry, furs or collectibles may need separate coverage. List these items and discuss them with your insurance agent to evaluate your needs.
• Outside.  Don’t forget to list items outside your home such as patio furniture, tools or vehicles.  Also remember to include items in your basement, attic, garage, or tool shed.
• Record.  Take photos of each room and note important items such as furs, artwork, antiques, or collectibles. Also include high-dollar items such as tools or electronics. Store the photos with the list either as hard copies or on a flash drive.  Alternatively, use a video camera to take a video tour of your home and narrate the contents of each room as you go.
• Store.  Be sure to keep a copy of your list and documentation off-site.  You could keep a copy of your inventory at the home of a friend or relative, or in a safety deposit box at your bank.  This insures that you have a copy of your information if your home is destroyed.
• Persevere.  The idea of listing all your possessions might be overwhelming, especially if you have lived in your home for years.  Begin by listing your most recent purchases, then take the rest of your home room by room.  Creating a thorough home inventory can be a time-consuming task, but it will be worth the investment if the information is needed.  Once the initial list is created it should be a fairly simple task to keep it current.

Don't Wait to Get your Chandler AZ Homeowners Inventory

A complete home inventory ensures that you have the documentation needed to replace your property and verify your claim in case of property loss or damage.  According to the I.I.I., “Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.”  Contact any one of our Arizona insurance agents for assistance in creating a home inventory and to make sure your personal possessions are adequately insured.