I think everyone dreams of a retirement where they can live a long and happy life. This has been researched by PhDs around the world, and the answers may surprise you. Research shows that people with a guaranteed lifetime income source tend to be happier and live longer. I still remember The Wall Street Journal headline that read, “The Secret to a Happier Retirement is Friends, Neighbors and a Fixed Annuity". The article went on to say that the happiest people in retirement were those who were surrounded by friends and had sources of guaranteed lifetime income. Let me ask you a question: Who are the happiest people you know in retirement? I’ll bet it’s those who are retired from the military, the government, teachers, and firefighters. It’s people with pensions! Happiness in retirement is based almost 100% on guaranteed lifetime income, not assets.

If you have children or are planning to start a family in the future, you must be aware of higher education costs. If you have not yet adopted a saving plan, you might get yourself caught up in limbo. But do you know life insurance can be used as a funding source for your children's college fees? Yes, other than funds from your spouse's premature death, life insurance has a saving component known as cash value. This feature of life insurance gives an allowance of portions of your premiums to be invested.

The thought of financing college for your child can be overwhelming. The cost for a state university is prohibitive for the average family. Private universities' annual costs can rival your salary. Most families with young children probably haven't even begun to consider these costs -- they are too busy putting food on the table and paying for their home. But the early years are a great time to begin planning for future educational expenses.

The countless choices can be mind boggling while researching your retirement investing options. However, there are certain decisions that should not be either/or.

Ah, life. It continues whether we are prepared or not. But preparation is key to navigating life events that affect our finances. 

Marriage

Two become one, and that means shared responsibilities and incomes. Let's face it -- life insurance may not be top-of-mind for couples embarking on a lifetime together, but perhaps it should be. If one of you was unable to work, could you afford your mortgage or your day-to-day bills? 

If you start your financial planning early in your marriage, you'll have a better chance for financial success, and you'll increase your future options. 

Life insurance is not one-size fits all. Term policies tend to be less expensive and provide crucial protection for many families, but permanent life carries benefits you may not have considered. An insurance and financial advisor, such as a NAIFA member, can help you determine what type of coverage best meets your goals and fits your financial plan.

Premiums Never Change

One of the best benefits of permanent life insurance is that premiums are locked in on the policy's start date. Premiums don't change as long as they are paid, regardless of what might happen to your health as you get older. Buying early and when rates are good can provide a substantial long-term benefit for young people who get permanent life insurance. 

When you retire, do you plan on doing one or more of the following?

Surveys indicate that many Americans lack basic financial literacy. Yet, simple money-management skills can help prevent a person from getting themselves into financial trouble and help them lead a better life in general. This article covers a few basic money-management concepts. Insurance and financial services professionals, such as a NAIFA members, can give you much more information and help develop strategies to boost financial literacy and get your money management on the right track.

Establishing An Emergency Fund 

The very first thing that anyone should do if they want to insulate themselves from potential financial harm is create an emergency fund. The amount to set aside for emergencies varies based on individual circumstances, but most experts recommend between $500 and $1,000 to get started. For many, that is enough money to help allay an unexpected expense. No matter who you are, a vehicle can break down, an unexpected medical expense can arise, or any number of other unexpected expenses may come about and cause problems for someone who does not have the shelter of an emergency fund. As your finances grow more complex, a larger emergency fund may be appropriate. 

Many individuals take out a life insurance policy to provide for their family's financial wellness in the event that something happens to them. Two popular life insurance options are term life insurance and permanent life insurance. What are the differences between these two selections?