• AARP
    4 features AARP car insurance advantage plus package

    AARP car insurance is ideal for most car users as it has different plans that can provide benefits in multiple ways. The advantage plus package is one of the highest-rated of the different plans offered by the AARP. The basic AARP car insurance has a variety of benefits itself, but with the advantage plus package, you just add a new range of benefits to the existing ones. The basic AARP car insurance gives you a new car replacement coverage, lifetime car repair assistance, 24/7 hotline, RecoverCare, 12-month fixed rate and lifetime renewability. Following are some benefits of the advantage plus package.

    First accident forgiveness
    The AARP car insurance understands that everyone is entitled to make a mistake, once in a while, and they are willing to forgive that mistake. If you are entitled to the first accident forgiveness, then you will not be affected by the first accident. You will not see any changes in the premium of your car insurance. To qualify for this benefit, the car driver must have a clean driving record for five consecutive years.

    Disappearing deductible for auto insurance
    A clean driving record can impress your car insurance company significantly, and you will be awarded for it. The disappearing deductible benefit of the advantage plus package brings your collision deductible down a certain amount every year. If you have a clean record for a long time it can also come down to as much as $0.

    One deductible
    With the “one deductible” feature of the advantage plus package, you will be paying only for one deductible if two of your vehicles, covered under the AARP car insurance, are damaged in the accident. You will pay the deductible among that is higher. This benefit is also applied to the combination of a car and home insurance. If you witness damages to your home and car, you will only have to pay one deductible; again, whichever is higher.

    Waiver of deductible
    This is one of the most engaging features of the advantage plus package. In some accidents, it is not your fault. If you are involved in an accident, and you are not at fault, your deductible will be waived off. However, this is only after an inspection by the AARP car insurance company, and it is not available in all states.

  • IRA
    Financial implications of Rollover IRAs

    Rollover IRAs allow for the transfer of assets from your old employer-sponsored retirement account to a new plan. A combination of your 401(k), 403(b), and profit sharing assets are eligible for transfer into a new retirement plan account.

    In comparison to a 401(k) account, there are many potential avenues for investment with a rollover IRA plan. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows for only one rollover IRA option in a financial year.

    Rules that govern the process of a rollover IRA

    Moving funds
    You must contact the plan sponsor to find out if a rollover IRA is possible during your employment. The process is commonly referred to as an in-service distribution. The transfer is possible only for a handful of employer-sponsored plans.

    Tax implications of a rollover IRA
    In case of a direct payment distribution, 20% of the transfer amount must be withheld for Federal taxes. For a direct rollover, there are no tax implications.

    Tax-free distribution
    Taxes will not be applicable to transfers where there is no distribution. There are no charges on the transaction that moves funds from one IRA account into another.

    No tax on redeposits
    Any amount previously withdrawn and redeposited into the same IRA account within 60 days is not subject to tax. However, there are exceptions as the rule is not applicable for different modes of transfer.

    Partial withdrawal
    You can move funds partially in case there is a need for an early withdrawal. Note that taxes will be applicable when a withdrawal is made.

    IRA inheritance
    A rollover IRA is possible if you inherit retirement funds from your spouse. On the other hand, there is a need for a mandatory withdrawal in case you inherit funds from anyone other than your spouse. In such cases, a rollover is not possible for the contribution.

    Reporting requirements
    Rollover IRAs are not taxable. However, the IRS requires you to report the transaction correctly in income tax returns to be filed with the authorities. Form 1099-R is used to report the transaction to avoid taxation.

    Roth IRA over a Traditional IRA
    It is beneficial to transfer funds into a Roth IRA to ensure the accumulation of tax-free funds for the foreseeable future.

  • IRA
    Understanding your Rollover IRA options

    An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a portfolio of financial products like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement savings accounts. IRA is an investing tool for retirement that is used to save and earmark funds for various investment purposes to financially secure your future. Contributions can be made to four popular types of IRA’s including traditional, Roth, Simple, and SEP IRAs.

    Rollover IRA accounts, on the other hand, allow you to transfer assets from your old individual retirement account. In case you change your job or retire, a rollover IRA makes it possible for you to transfer your retirement funds from an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) to any traditional account.

    Tax saving on deferred income is one of the main benefits of a rollover retirement plan distribution. The tax is applicable only on withdrawals and not on the amount accumulated.

    Three modes of rollover

    Direct Rollover
    An administrator initiates the rollover option from your old employer-sponsored account to any retirement plan of IRA you nominate. Generally, assets are transferred into a traditional IRA account, and there will be no taxes withheld from the transfer.

    Trustee transfer
    The trustee-to-trustee rollover IRA transfer is very much similar in operation to that of a direct rollover. The financial institution responsible for your accumulated funds initiates the transfer to any account you nominate to build your future nest egg. There will be no taxes withheld from the amount of transfer.

    60-day rollover
    For direct payments, you can deposit the lump sum or part of the receipts from your old account into a new retirement plan within 60 days. Taxes will be withheld from the transfer.

    The Internal Revenue Service allows a single rollover IRA per year from the same account. Exceptions include rollover IRA from a traditional account to a Roth IRA, trustee transfer to other IRA, IRA to plan rollovers, plan to IRA rollovers, and plan to plan rollover IRAs.

    You must evaluate your choices wisely and decide between two favorable options that include traditional and Roth IRAs for a complete rollover. If you plan on managing investments by yourself, hire an online broker to facilitate the same. The alternative is to hire a robo-advisor for account management. Robo advisor is a computer software that uses algorithms and prediction patterns to determine the best investment choices for your portfolio.

  • Mortgage
    Points to consider before availing cash out refinance

    A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new loan. You can pay off your current debt obligation and use the balance amount to gain additional funds that can be used for home renovations. The balance amount is made available from the home equity.

    It is not usual for people to opt for a cash-out refinance as there are many drawbacks to taking one. It is, however, beneficial if the interest rates have significantly reduced. You must also continue staying in the same house for the foreseeable future to make the most of the cash-out refinance.

    The cash-out option is possible only if you have sufficient home equity to support the refinance in the first place. One of the main benefits of a high-value cash-out refinance is a shorter duration with better repayment options available for the home mortgage.

    As a homeowner, you can take advantage of lower mortgage payments, reduced interest rate, and a shorter tenure of repayment with a cash-out refinance option. You can also remove additional borrowers of the current debt obligation and free up sufficient cash against the home equity.

    For taking a cash-out refinance, the applicant must meet certain requirements. Factors like your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), credit score, and property appraisal will play a key role in getting refinance options.

    The LTV ratio is the outstanding mortgage debt calculated as a percentage of the property’s current market value. An 80% LTV is considered favorable to apply for a cash-out refinance. A high credit score will allow you to negotiate favorable interest terms for the new debt obligation. The most important factor that will influence and dictate the terms and conditions of the refinance will be the property appraisal.

    It is advisable to get minor repairs and maintenance done to prepare the property for an inspection. The appraisal will determine the value of the house that will directly affect your current home equity. The equity will determine if a cash-out refinance is possible.

    A cash-out refinance is beneficial in the long run. It is advisable to pay for home renovations or even save up for purchasing a second property with the lump sum amount.

  • Auto Insurance
    Types of classic car insurance and coverage provided

    A classic car insurance usually covers your collectible vehicle for a guaranteed price that is mutually agreed by you and the auto insurance company. The value of the automobile is based on the collectible car valuation guidelines. Collectible car insurance generally has an increased value of insurance if the vehicles are very well preserved.

    Most automobile insurance companies categorize classic car insurance on the basis of the type of the collectible car. The definition of a classic car is subjective for different auto insurance companies. This subjectiveness is mainly because some insurance companies consider a car to be termed as classic if they were manufactured before a certain year that is specified by the insurance company itself. The terms “classic” and “collector” are used interchangeably with car insurance. Some of the most common types of classic (or collector) car insurance are mentioned below:

    Classic car insurance
    This type of insurance is given by most insurance companies for cars that are 20 to 25 years old. These cars should be restored and must be in good condition with all their parts intact. However, there are some classic cars that strictly consider cars manufactured between 1925 and 1950 to be “classic.”

    Antique car insurance
    Some auto insurance requires cars to be strictly older than 25 years and in good working condition. Different states have different rules that require a car to be considered “antique.” The Antique Automobile Club of America regards a car to be antique only if its 45 years old.

    Modified car insurance
    Modifying a car’s engine, body, chassis or interiors from its original setting might change the value of the car positively or negatively. For instance, most of the auto insurance will not provide collectible coverage for those vehicles whose transmission line and powertrain have been modified.

    Collectible car insurance
    Collectible car insurance is very much like conventional auto insurance. It has a policy term of 12 months and provides coverage for liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured and underinsured motorists, and medical payments.

    Following are some coverages offered in classic car insurance.

    Roadside Assistance
    This type of coverage only includes towing only with a flatbed tow truck. This is to prevent wear and tear while transporting a damaged car to a servicing garage or back home.

    Auto show medical reimbursement
    It is used to cover expenses in case someone sustains an injury while exhibiting or featuring your car in an event. This coverage is unlike the medical payments offered in a homeowner’s insurance policy, wherein medical expenses are covered regardless of the fault.

    Coverage of spare parts
    This type of coverage provided in a classic car insurance covers for backup parts of your classic car. They would provide coverage for these parts for an agreed value in case these spare parts are stolen or destroyed.

    It is important for you to know the types of classic car insurance and the coverage provided before you select the type of insurance for your classic or antique car from a renowned auto insurance agency.

  • Auto Insurance
    Classic car insurance – eligibility criteria and finding the best insurance plan

    Classic car insurance provides coverage for your antique or vintage cars in case of an accident, damage, or theft. Many auto insurance companies require that a collectible car should not be used primarily for the daily commute. They also consider maximum annual mileage restrictions, the ceiling of which depends on the state of the car. The total mileage should not usually exceed 7500 miles per year.

    The eligibility criteria for owning a classic car insurance is as follows:

    • The applicant must be 25 years old
    • They should have a good driving record and should have 10 years of driving experience
    • The applicants should not have more than one negligent driving ticket and moving violation within the previous three years
    • They should have fully enclosed garage, carport, or some type of storage facility to safeguard their classic vehicle from elements that might damage their vehicle
    • Most classic car insurance providers offer insurance only to applicants who reside in the same state
    • The collectible or classic car should be in a good condition and should not be used for racing events or even daily driving

    A good place to begin your search for the right classic car insurance is to contact your current auto insurance provider. They might be able to direct you to the best classic insurance providers in your state or find a way around to offer you an insurance discounted price for your collectible car. Some popular classic car insurance providers include Hagerty, J.C Taylor, Condon Skelly, American National, and Grundy.

    The following pointers will help you select the best insurance plan for your classic car:

    • Look for an agent or an insurance provider who specializes in providing classic car insurance.
    • Look for a company that has an in-house claims department. This ensures an easier and a satisfying experience when you are filing a claim.
    • Check whether your insurance has a clause that mentions the limited use. The limited use provision allows the classic car owner to use their car only for car exhibition and auto club meets.
    • Look for insurance providers that provide you the flexibility to bring your classic or collectible car to a specialized or restoration shop of your choice.
    • Make sure that you don’t lapse the coverage of classic car insurance. This is because although your car might be nestled away safely in a garage, it doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be damaged due to natural calamities. Review your coverage annually
    • Read the fine print of the insurance and understand exactly which features are covered and what are the restrictions.
  • Mortgage
    Pros and cons of cash out refinance

    Refinance is a mortgage taken to replace the existing home loan. A cash-out refinance gives you the option to replace your current debt obligation with a high value on the existing mortgage. The difference in amount is available for withdrawal in cash.

    A cash-out refinance is generally taken to pay for home improvements or can be used for debt consolidation using the equity built up on the house. It is a better option in comparison to taking a traditional refinance. A cash-out refinance also has a slightly higher interest rate. The option allows you to take out a maximum of 90% of the home equity for expenses and debt consolidation.

    Pros and cons
    A cash-out refinance, or any refinance for that matter, helps lower the interest rate on your debt obligation. While you might be able to save on the interest component, paying for the closing costs after the tenure of the loan is still an inevitable expense.

    When it comes to borrowing, a cash-out refinance is a better option for debt consolidation as you will pay a lower rate of interest. However, you may find it difficult to get used to the new terms and conditions of the loan for revised repayment.

    You can use the difference in the amount to pay off your credit card bills. A cash-out refinance will also improve your credit score as a full payout tends to reduce the credit utilization ratio that directly affects the rating. In case you are unable to meet the new repayment terms and conditions, you run the risk of foreclosure of the property put up against the mortgage.

    Taking a cash-out refinance significantly reduces your taxable income as the mortgage interest is exempt from taxation. You can expect a better tax refund in the process. However, you will have to pay for private mortgage insurance if the borrowing exceeds 80% of the total home equity. The tax implications will affect your taxable income and your refund.

    A cash-out refinance may seem like an easy way of paying off your mortgage and your credit card bills. The refinance allows you to free up your credit limit significantly. However, taking out refinances over and over to pay off your debts is not advisable as you may end up racking huge amounts of credit card debt.