Cardinal Gibbons Council #2521 Knights of Columbus

• 2521 •

Cardinal Gibbons Council #2521
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• 4301 Klosterman Avenue	• Baltimore, MD 21236	• 410-256-2737

Our Benefits Page

Our Advisor
Ed O'Keefe
Office: 410-569-6141
okeefefinancialplanning.com

Recent articles

October 2020
Estate Planning
Recently, the adult children of an older couple lamented that their parents had not established a will before their death. With a blended family that included children, stepchildren and grandchildren including one with special needs, the situation became murky.

The following thoughts may prove beneficial in an estate planning process.

Consider who and what is important to you. Decide on guardianships for minor children, care for special-needs individuals, gifts to a special charity, and distribution of family heirlooms and assets.

Establish a Last Will and Testament. Likely completed with the help of a lawyer or online services, these are the legal directions of your above decisions. You may want to name an executor at this step. An executor is the person who will be responsible for ensuring that the people named in your will receive their inheritance.

Consider whether you need a trust. Not everyone needs one, but trusts are one way to potentially minimize estate taxes.

Establish health care decisions/concerns.

A living will outlines the manner in which your health care will be handled in the event you are incapacitated.

A health care proxy gives legal authority to someone to make health care decisions if you are not able to; a health care power of attorney is someone who will need to pay for the health care. The easiest way to handle this is to have the same person do both jobs, but you can choose two people.

Write a personal letter. Some things of importance need not be a part of your will – but might be helpful for the family. Perhaps your letter gives directions for funeral arrangements, some family history or lets those left behind know how much you love them.

Organize your files. Make sure your “inner circle” (including the executor) has a copy of the will or knows where to find it and how to access it (i.e., combination lock, password or key). If you provide a copy, remember to update all copies should you make changes in the future.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

July 2020
What Happens to them if you cannot Care for Yourself?
Raising a family is costly. For many of us, there's not much left over for long-term goals...such as saving for our children's education or for retirement.

Ideally, caring for a sick parent wouldn't have to be part of that equation. Yet as with so many things in life, the reality is quite different. Today, many people start families in their 30s and 40s - while their parents live well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.

If one day you require nursing care, you might have to ask your children for help just when they're ready to send their own sons or daughters off to college. This is, in fact, a common dilemma among middle-aged people today. Experts have even coined a term - "the sandwich generation" – to describe those who are squeezed between these conflicting financial obligations.

Knights of Columbus Care - a long-term care insurance plan - is the newest addition to the Knights' portfolio of insurance plans. It is available to members and their spouses ages 40 through 85, subject to underwriting requirements. You have a choice of nursing-home-only coverage, or comprehensive coverage - which also covers at-home and hospice care. In addition, you choose your daily benefit amount, benefit duration, and elimination period. This flexibility allows you to determine both your coverage and the premium you will pay. I can furnish details.

Nursing-home care can cost upwards of $50,000 per year . That could easily force you to deplete assets or to rely on your family for help. Contact me to find out how long-term care insurance can give you peace of mind.

June 2020
3 Pillars of Retirement Happiness
Money. It’s simple. People with money in retirement tend to be happier than those without. It’s never too late to make saving a priority. Sooner is better than later.

Health. If you’re not healthy, money likely won’t help you enjoy your retirement. If you’re not exercising four or five times a week; if you’re carrying more weight than you know you should; if you’re consuming more calories than your exercise is burning, change now or realize that you won’t like the outcome later.

Social well-being. Your relationship with your spouse, your significant other and your network of friends is one of the strongest predictors of your retirement happiness.

All three pillars require putting effort in today to get something of greater value in the future. You may easily understand that concept with saving money, but it’s the same with health and social relationships. Eating right, monitoring your weight and exercising may likely deliver great rewards for your future. Quality time and finding common interests with a spouse or friends doesn’t just happen without thoughtful intention. If all your social interaction is at your place of employment, it’s not enough. Nurture some outside relationships that you will continue to embrace past employment.

If you want to maximize your happiness, decide now to start making an effort into each of the three pillars. The payoff is likely to be significant.

May 2020

My Brothers

As many of you are going through the struggles of being cooped up at home and not knowing what comes next, I wanted to let you know that the Knights are considered an essential business and that we are still here for you. Although we have gone to a virtual environment, we are still "meeting" with our members via Skype.

Just to give you some ideas on how we may be able to help in this unknown market, the Knights are still maintaining our secure retirement plan, earning a guaranteed minimum interest of at least 1.5% with no maintenance or transfer fees. If you have money you would like to put in a real secure place earning a modest income (pretty good these days), we have that place.

These are scary times and they sure make me think. I have asked myself a question that I am sure many of you have asked. If something were to happen to me, would my wife and children be ok? Would the mortgage be paid? Would the kid’s college be paid? Would my wife be taken care of through her retirement?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions and would like to, I can help. With the help of a very detailed financial program, I have helped many members answer these questions and protect their families, providing them with their own custom binder and providing a plan into retirement. This is not meant to be a “scare tactic”. My full-time job is to protect my members and their families and if I don’t ask this question, I am not doing my job.

I would be happy to speak with you on the phone or meet with you virtually to discuss your individual situation and see if you are in a good spot.

Many of you get an annual physical at the doctors. Consider this a “financial physical’. Isn’t it just as important?

Some top areas of recent interest are:
-Long Term Care
-Insurance for a funeral or final expenses
-Disability Income insurance
-Retirement savings

Please give me a few minutes of your time to do a financial review and see where you stand. It does not cost a penny but could save you some serious money.

Let me know if I can provide additional details to you. We will navigate this crisis together. Most importantly, stay healthy and safe.

March 2020
Tax-Deferred Annuities
Expecting a tax refund? Even if you’re not, you certainly wouldn’t want to pay more in taxes than you have to, would you?

Yet, that’s what you can expect if you have savings that aren’t in a tax-deferred account. Examples include bank savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

I can help you to find a good place to put your income-tax refund. The Knights of Columbus offers a highly competitive tax-deferred annuity. You don’t pay income tax on the earnings until you withdraw them – which most likely will occur after you retire. And these tax-deferred earnings compound at a faster rate than money saved in a taxable account.

You can make one payment and select the age at which you begin receiving benefits. Or, make periodic payments of as much as you want for as long as you want. Either way, an annuity with the Knights can provide you with a retirement income you can’t outlive.

In a financial world characterized by uncertainty, a Knights of Columbus tax-deferred annuity gives you peace of mind. Your principal is guaranteed, and so is a minimum return. What other kinds of investment vehicles give you those guarantees?

I can provide you with a customized illustration of how an annuity would work for you. Just give me a call.

February 2020
New hybrid life and nursing home rider product for those age 50 to 80
Great News! On January 21 the Knights of Columbus are coming out with a brand-new product. Those of you that have term life insurance know that this kind of policy will eventually "time-out". Typical choices are a 10-year, 15-year, or 20-year policy. After that "term" of time, the premium increases so much that virtually everyone lapses the policy.

Well, the Knights have a new benefit that will address this. What if you could have a "term" policy for life, where the premium is guaranteed to never increase? Some may say- "That sounds like your whole life insurance". There are some similarities, in that the premium never changes and the policy stays until the end of life. The main difference is that this policy is not meant to be for cash value, and it is only available to apply if you are ages 50-80.

To make this product even better, if you already have a term policy with the Knights, there's a good chance that you can convert it to this "permanent" plan with no medical questions! Also, this policy includes a nursing facility benefit. How nice is that? Guaranteed issue.

I'm contacting clients that have a term policy with the Knights to talk to them about this conversion feature. This policy is also available for those that do not have a term policy with us.

If you would like to know more about this outstanding new benefit please give me a call, text, or email. There really is no obligation. I am just happy to give you more information about it.

January 2020
Seven Resolutions for the New Year
1. Schedule a visit with your Knights of Columbus field agent. First things first: Life insurance can protect your family if something should happen to you. Before you do anything else, be sure that your family will be protected – come what may. As your field agent I can provide you with a no-obligation family needs analysis. Just give me a call!

2. Don't spend more than you earn. We all expect our government to balance the budget, but what about our own personal finances? Living within your means is actually more important than earning a big income to gaining a sense of security and personal satisfaction.

3. Save more by avoiding unnecessary expenditures. Unless you achieve self-discipline, you'll never be able to save for the future. If it's a mystery just where your money goes, try saving the receipts for every purchase you make during a month.

4. Take advantage of all savings options available to you. Everybody likes ways to cut taxes - and you probably have one or more savings options that can cut your taxes for you. (P.S. Ask your Knights of Columbus agent about tax-deferred annuities, IRAs and Roth IRAs in the U.S. and RRSPs in Canada.)

5. Adopt a long-term perspective. Beware of get-rich-quick schemes -few of them work for ordinary people. Instead, patience is the more productive approach - and it requires less of your daily energy as well. A long-term outlook is even more crucial if your financial goals (higher education for children, retirement) are well in the future.

6. Trim down your high interest debt as fast as possible. Would you have bought that $1,000 big-screen TV if the price were $1,180? That's what you'd pay if you added the 18 percent annual interest typically charged by a store credit card. Even if you're loath to tap your savings account, you'll come out ahead by using it to liquidate a high-interest debt that's been hanging around for months...if not years.

7 .Be prepared for unexpected expenditures. When these occur, it certainly helps to have some money in reserve. Some examples of these expenses might include a tax bill, vehicle repairs or purchases, moving costs, unanticipated home repairs - maybe even a discretionary purchase, such as a big-screen television.

December 2019
Is Cheaper Better? Not Always
The effects of some life decisions don’t appear until years later, when the time to correct a bad decision has passed. Such can be the case when comparing term insurance to other options. Term insurance may be one of the cheaper life insurance options, but cheaper is not always better.

If you need life insurance protection for a limited period, such as covering a 10-year loan, term life insurance may be perfect. Term insurance is a strategy many younger individuals and families utilize. It offers protection against the loss of income of a primary earner for a stated period of time, perhaps until the children turn 18.

Many choose permanent insurance as their life insurance strategy. Varieties include whole life, universal life, index- universal life, variable life and variable-universal life. The initial premium for permanent insurance may typically be higher than term insurance with a comparable death benefit, but the premium remains level instead of increasing as it does for term insurance – meaning that a policy bought at a healthy age 40 would remain the same cost to you when you’re 80.

Here are some things to consider when deciding between term or permanent insurance:

•It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Some contracts offer a term/permanent hybrid.

•Permanent insurance allows a buildup of cash value that can be “borrowed’ against and used to provide additional monies for college, retirement, major purchases, etc.

•Term policies can renew at the end of the term (subject to eligibility limitations).

?Each renewal usually carries an increased cost for the new term.
?If you choose to renew, you likely will have to requalify medically. At some point, you may be declined, resulting in a total loss of coverage.

Don’t live with regrets. When was the last time you compared your options? Should you consider life insurance with more longevity than a 20-year term plan? Ask for the facts, then you can decide. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding any insurance issues. Please feel free to contact me.

November 2019
For Brother Knights, by Brother Knights
We all know and appreciate the good work the Knights of Columbus does for the Church and charitable causes. But did you know that our insurance program is an essential part of the Order?

Protecting families from economic adversity has been a key part of the Knights of Columbus mission since its founding in 1882. Our founders passed the hat to support the widows and children of Brother Knights who had died. We’ve grown into one of the largest individual life insurers in North America – with more than $38 billion of individual life insurance in force. Moreover, contrary to some misconceptions, our insurance program is not directed in any way by a “separate company” and never has been.

Our insurance is available exclusively to members, their wives, and their dependent children. All field agents – including me – are themselves Brother Knights. We all work full-time for the K of C, serving the needs of you and your family and answering any questions you have.

In this day and age, personal attention has become rare – but in the K of C, we specialize in it. In fact, it’s our job to get to know you and your family, and to make ourselves available to you for assistance. We are different from other insurers – and that difference greatly benefits our members. Give me a call to find out more about how the K of C has been "Protecting Families for Generations.”

September/October 2019
Quick Personal Finance Tips
1.Choose to keep your finances organized. Make it a priority to track every facet of your finances. Record all of your financial information in one place so you can refer to it and keep track of your progress.

2.Check your credit. Do you know your credit score? If so, when was the last time you checked it? Credit scores are used across the board, from getting car and home loans to renting an apartment to signing a cell phone contract. Your credit scores are essential to financial well-being.

3.Save where you can. Very small expenses can add up to a significant amount. For example, if you’re spending $8 on going out for lunch every day, that’s $40 a week or close to $200 a month. Try to create a habit of bringing lunch from home and let your bank account reap the rewards.

4.Set long- and short-term goals. Goals usually take time. Make financial goals that are specific, measurable, attainable and most important, based on your chosen time frame. Accomplishing your short-term goals will motivate you to continue striving to achieve your long-term goals.

5.Be ready to learn from others. Listen to family members who appear to have some financial success, read a book on money management, and most importantly don’t feel like this is a do-it- yourself project. A trusted financial professional may be a great resource to help you meet your financial objectives.

August 2019
What You Should Know About Mortgage Insurance
Did you purchase a new house recently? Congratulations! On a more sobering note, this is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make – and probably came with a sizable mortgage. There’s no question that such a large obligation should be factored into your life insurance planning. The real question is which type of policy would best meet your needs.

“Mortgage insurance” is actually a form of decreasing- term insurance. The face amount decreases as your principal balance decreases. If you die, the balance of your mortgage will be paid off.

You can also purchase individual term life insurance with a decreasing benefit, and the K of C offers this type of policy. Your beneficiaries could choose not to pay off the mortgage balance, and instead use the death benefit for some other purpose (education, retirement savings, etc.) Don’t rule out permanent life insurance for mortgage protection. The fact is, many people move frequently during their adult years, often to more expensive housing. Owing a mortgage becomes a permanent obligation that doesn’t diminish - and, in fact, may increase. A permanent policy would be a wise buy in such situation.

Buying a house is a hectic time. I can help make it a little bit less stressful by outlining your mortgage insurance options for you. Call me anytime.

July 2019
What Happens to Them if You Can’t Care for Yourself?
Raising a family is costly. For many of us, there's not much left over for long-term goals...such as saving for our children's education or for retirement.

Ideally, caring for a sick parent wouldn't have to be part of that equation. Yet as with so many things in life, the reality is quite different. Today, many people start families in their 30s and 40s - while their parents live well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.

If one day you require nursing care, you might have to ask your children for help just when they're ready to send their own sons or daughters off to college. This is, in fact, a common dilemma among middle-aged people today. Experts have even coined a term - "the sandwich generation" – to describe those who are squeezed between these conflicting financial obligations.

Knights of Columbus Care - a long-term care insurance plan - is the newest addition to the Knights' portfolio of insurance plans. It is available to members and their spouses ages 40 through 85, subject to underwriting requirements. You have a choice of nursing-home-only coverage, or comprehensive coverage - which also covers at-home and hospice care.

In addition, you choose your daily benefit amount, benefit duration, and elimination period. This flexibility allows you to determine both your coverage and the premium you will pay. I can furnish details.

Nursing-home care can cost upwards of $45,000 per year (Source: HCIA Inc./Arthur Andersen LLP, The Guide to the Nursing Home Industry, c. 1998.) That could easily force you to deplete assets or to rely on your family for help.

To learn more about This and any of our products, contact me today.

June 2019
We stand strong on ethical ground
Some people believe that ethics in business is a contradiction in terms. They think that in order to be profitable, a company and its leaders must abandon morality and embrace the dark, greedy side of capitalism.

At the Knights of Columbus, we know this business model is incorrect. As a Catholic organization, we understand the value and importance of our core beliefs and the original mission of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. In fact, much of the strength and financial security we provide to members and their families can be attributed to our ethical, moral standards.

More than 96 percent of Knights who buy our life insurance keep it, year in and year out. The Order takes this commitment to our members very highly. This means carefully planning when it comes time to invest. Our professional staff researches all transactions to insure that they fall in line with Catholic values. If a transaction makes them uncomfortable, they don’t make it.

“We exclude any company engaged in activity that conflicts with Catholic moral teaching: companies directly involved in abortion, contraception, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, for-profit health care that pays for any of these, or pornography,” said the Supreme Knight. “There are many companies in the pharmaceutical and communications industries that would undoubtedly provide excellent returns for us, but which are not in our portfolio because they engage in research and development or programming in ways that violate the sanctity or dignity of human life.”

In the end, the Knights of Columbus investment strategy is motivated by morality and not money-making. Yet, each year we remain profitable, increase our assets and stay dedicated to this vision that will keep the Order sound financially for generations to come.

To learn more about our products, contact me today.

May 2019
Don't assume you can't afford Disability Income Insurance
One of the biggest mistakes you can make regarding disability insurance is to assume you can't afford it or you won't qualify. Before you make that assumption, do some basic research and apply for coverage through the Knights of Columbus. The Order’s Income Armor product gives you options that can help you fit this critical protection into your risk management budget.

For example, here are two ways you can reduce your premium:

1. Choose a two-year or five-year maximum benefit period. Depending on your age, the best option is probably a policy that pays benefits until you reach age 67. But a two-year or five-year maximum benefit period would cover many types of partial or total disabilities you might encounter in your working life.

2. Choose a longer elimination period.

An elimination period is the number of days a total disability must exist before benefits begin to accrue. Typical elimination periods are 30, 90, or 180 days. Choosing a longer elimination period lowers the policy’s premium. But be sure you have enough set aside in your business's contingency fund to account for the longer gap.

As your professional insurance agent, running a small business and the challenges of risk management are two of my specialties. Let’s talk about how to protect your business income, your retirement needs, and your family's financial future.

April 2019
Two Incomes Equals Two Insurance Needs
In the days of “Ozzie and Harriet,” most families fit one description. Fathers worked full-time, while mothers remained home, raising the kids and taking care of the house. Nowadays, some families do still fall into the traditional, one-paycheck category. Yet others must rely on two incomes to make ends meet – even if one parent works part-time or from home.

As much as things change, they remain the same. This maxim certainly holds true with life insurance planning. If someone earns an income to support a family, family-income protection through life insurance is of utmost importance. As your agent, I can do a needs analysis for both of you. I’ll take into consideration the amount and the sources of your income, and suggest different ways to provide sufficient life insurance coverage for you and your family. You take it for granted that you and your family should get an annual checkup from your doctor. But you’d also benefit from a financial checkup. Now’s the time, because chances are, your life and your financial obligations become more complicated each year.

Here’s good news for married people: If a husband and wife purchase permanent insurance policies at the same time, they can get our Spousal Waiver of Premium rider added to each policy at no cost. You have to apply for insurance on or before your 45th birthday, and you both must qualify for insurance at standard rates.

The Spousal Waiver of Premium Rider is an excellent feature for both dual-income and one-income families... and everybody in between. Call me. I’ll be glad to meet with you and your spouse.

March 2019
Tax-Deferred Annuities
Expecting a tax refund? Even if you’re not, you certainly wouldn’t want to pay more in taxes than you have to, would you?

Yet, that’s what you can expect if you have savings that aren’t in a tax-deferred account. Examples include bank savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

I can help you to find a good place to put your income- tax refund. The Knights of Columbus offers a highly competitive tax-deferred annuity. You don’t pay income tax on the earnings until you withdraw them – which most likely will occur after you retire. And these tax- deferred earnings compound at a faster rate than money saved in a taxable account. You can make one payment and select the age at which you begin receiving benefits. Or, make periodic payments of as much as you want for as long as you want. Either way, an annuity with the Knights can provide you with a retirement income you can’t outlive. In a financial world characterized by uncertainty, a Knights of Columbus tax-deferred annuity gives you peace of mind. Your principal is guaranteed, and so is a minimum return. What other kinds of investment vehicles give you those guarantees?

I can provide you with a customized illustration of how an annuity would work for you. Just give me a call.

February 2019
Beneficiaries...Who Do You Love?
It will soon be Valentine’s Day. Do you know who the beneficiary is on your life insurance policy? It would be a wise idea to find out – and update your beneficiary if necessary. As your K of C agent, I can help you do that. Why is this important? A life insurance policy protects the financial status of another person – or people - in the event of your death. Through a beneficiary designation, you determine just who that should be.

When you purchase a K of C insurance policy, you must select a primary beneficiary - at a minimum. You don’t have to name a contingent beneficiary – also known as a “secondary beneficiary.” However, it’s always a wise move because you might outlive your primary beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary (also known as a “secondary” beneficiary) is the person designated to receive life insurance policy proceeds if the primary beneficiary dies. You should be as specific as possible in wording your beneficiary designation. By naming your wife, daughter, son, etc., as beneficiary, you make sure that the life insurance proceeds will be available in a timely manner to them.

Your life situation will undoubtedly change over time. Plan to update your declared beneficiaries periodically. Otherwise, the K of C will have no way of knowing what your intentions are at each stage of your life.

Changing your beneficiary is fairly simple. You just need to fill out a change of beneficiary form (#113A) for each policy you want to change. I can provide you with these forms – and I will help you to fill them out. I can also help you with beneficiary designations for any life insurance policy you hold – regardless of the company that issued it.

Give me a call. I’m at your service. Ed O'Keefe Insurance agent - edward.okeefe@kofc.org 410-569-6141

January 2019
Six Resolutions for the New Year
1. Schedule a visit with your Knights of Columbus field agent. First things first: Life insurance can protect your family if something should happen to you. Before you do anything else, be sure that your family will be protected –come what may. As your field agent I can provide you with a no- obligation family needs analysis. Just give me a call!

2. Don't spend more than you earn. We all expect our government to balance the budget, but what about our own personal finances? Living within your means is actually more important than earning a big income to gaining a sense of security and personal satisfaction.

3. Save more by avoiding unnecessary expenditures. Unless you achieve self-discipline, you'll never be able to save for the future. If it's a mystery just where your money goes, try saving the receipts for every purchase you make during a month.

4. Take advantage of all savings options available to you. Everybody likes ways to cut taxes - and you probably have one or more savings options that can cut your taxes for you. (P.S. Ask your Knights of Columbus agent about tax- deferred annuities, IRAs and Roth IRAs in the U.S. and RRSPs in Canada.)

5. Adopt a long-term perspective. Beware of get-rich- quick schemes -few of them work for ordinary people. Instead, patience is the more productive approach - and it requires less of your daily energy as well. A long-term outlook is even more crucial if your financial goals (higher education for children, retirement) are well in the future.

6. Be prepared for unexpected expenditures. When these occur, it certainly helps to have some money in reserve. Some examples of these expenses might include a tax bill, vehicle repairs or purchases, moving costs, unanticipated home repairs - maybe even a discretionary purchase, such as a big-screen television.

Ed O'Keefe Insurance agent - edward.okeefe@kofc.org 410-569-6141

December 2018
Now that the holidays are approaching, this is a good time to sit down with a Knights of Columbus agent and discuss your family's current financial circumstances - and your future plans. Life insurance is truly one of the best gifts a member can buy for his family. Think about it: What else can you put under the Christmas tree that can:

o - Guarantee that the mortgage on your home would be paid off if you die?

o - Provide a way for you to ensure money is available for your children to attend college, whether you live or die?

o - Ensure your family's financial survival if you, your spouse, or both of you met an untimely death?

Start early on some new resolutions for the new year. Save more. Allocate expenditures more wisely. Above all, ensure your family's financial protection - come what may. With a K of C life insurance program, your family will have the benefit of financial security for the years ahead... and be better able to celebrate future Christmases. Financial hardship is something that you can prevent. By taking steps now, you protect your loved ones against the possibility of your death. What’s more, the sooner you act, the greater the benefits will be for your family – and, possibly, for you as well.

I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

November 2018
For Brother Knights, by Brother Knights
We all know and appreciate the good work the Knights of Columbus does for the Church and charitable causes. But did you know that our insurance program is an essential part of the Order?

Protecting families from economic adversity has been a key part of the Knights of Columbus mission since its founding in 1882. Our founders passed the hat to support the widows and children of Brother Knights who had died. We’ve grown into one of the largest individual life insurers in North America – with more than $38 billion of individual life insurance in force. Moreover, contrary to some misconceptions, our insurance program is not directed in any way by a “separate company” and never has been.

Our insurance is available exclusively to members, their wives, and their dependent children. All field agents – including me – are themselves Brother Knights. We all work full-time for the K of C, serving the needs of you and your family and answering any questions you have.

In this day and age, personal attention has become rare – but in the K of C, we specialize in it. In fact, it’s our job to get to know you and your family, and to make ourselves available to you for assistance. We are different from other insurers – and that difference greatly benefits our members. Give me a call to find out more about how the K of C has been "Protecting Families for Generations.”

October 2018
Roth IRAs: A Less Taxing Way to Save
Did you know that you can establish a Roth IRA through the Knights of Columbus? If you haven’t set up a Roth IRA for this year, there’s still time to take advantage of this great way to save for retirement.

You can now save up to $3,000 per year, minus the amounts contributed to other IRAs. The limit is $3,500 for people over 50. The total you can contribute also depends on your income, but you can do so regardless of whether you participate in a pension plan.

Although your contributions aren’t deductible, the long-range benefits of a Roth IRA should be compared to those of a traditional IRA. For starters, many people earn too much for a traditional IRA to be a tax deduction. And with a Roth IRA you avoid the age-70 1?2 minimum distribution requirements that come with a traditional IRA.

You can establish a Roth IRA, and make your yearly contribution, up to the date you file your tax return for that year (excluding extensions). But annual contributions to a Roth IRA aren’t required. All interest you earn is federal income tax-free, provided you withdraw your funds under certain “qualified distribution” rules.

If you’d like more information about Roth IRAs – or traditional IRAs - I can help. But do it soon. Saving as much as you can for retirement is always a wise move, and the earlier you start, the better. Call me today.

September 2018
It’s quiet at home, now that the kids have gone back to school. If you and your spouse have sufficient life insurance for yourselves, you may want to investigate policies for your children.

There are a variety of reasons why the K of C encourages members to consider purchasing policies for their children. The most important one is that someday, your children will go off to college, start careers, buy homes, get married, and have families of their own. By starting low-cost children’s policies now, you can help them meet this future need.

A guaranteed purchase option rider lets your child purchase additional coverage on six future occasions without evidence of insurability. Doing so will cost much less than if they have to purchase their own policies as adults.

Moreover, what if your child develops a medical condition later on? If you’ve already started the policy, this won’t be an obstacle to obtaining coverage – nor will your child be placed in a prohibitive rate class.

Last but not least, the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy is one more source of funds for meeting your child’s future financial needs. What’s more, the cash value increases over time and any dividend declared will increase these values.

Helping to secure a more financially stable adulthood tomorrow for a member’s child today is a worthwhile endeavor for a fraternal benefit society such as the K of C. It’s also a logical extension of our Order’s mission to “protect families for generations.” Talk to me to find out more.

August 2018
Have you insured your most valuable asset
Is your income protected if you become sick or injured and cannot work? Your ability to work and earn an income is your most valuable asset. Yet a disability could prevent you from earning that income. Just one year of a disability could eliminate your savings.

I would like to show you that Income Armor, an individual disability income insurance product from the Knights of Columbus, should be a key part of your overall financial plan and family's protection.

If you are ill or injured, Income Armor provides monthly benefits to help you meet living expenses and maintain your standard of living. Your monthly benefits help you pay your mortgage and other monthly bills, while your savings and retirement assets remain intact.

In short, if you have a job and don't have a way to protect that paycheck, you should seriously consider Income Armor today. I look forward to meeting with you.

July 2018
The pitfalls of replacing coverage
We all know the old adage, “the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence.” When it comes to replacing your existing Knights of Columbus life insurance with coverage offered by another company, the adage holds true. Perceptions are deceiving. A move to the other side of the fence might seem like a good one, but it can leave you with less green in your wallet — in some cases, a lot less. That’s why it pays to remember another old saying, “Read the fine print.”

There are many reasons to keep your existing coverage in force, whether that coverage is with the Knights of Columbus or with another company. I’ll focus on the potential pitfalls of replacing coverage here — pitfalls that an agent trying to convince you that the grass actually is greener might neglect to mention.

First, all life insurance contracts contain a contestability period, which allows the insurer to contest claims made for a period — typically two years — after the contract is issued. Chances are this is no longer an issue with your current coverage.

Second, it’s unlikely that you can obtain the same amount of coverage, for the same premium, that you were able to obtain with your existing contract. The two factors that determine how much you’ll need to pay for life insurance coverage are age and health. Certainly, you’re older now than you were when you took out your current coverage. There’s no way around that one. And you have to ask yourself, has your health changed during that time? Is your blood pressure the same? Your cholesterol? Have you gained weight? All these can factors affect the amount of coverage you’ll get for your premium dollar.

If someone encourages you to replace — or worse, drop — your existing coverage, please call me. I’ll show you how your existing coverage is working for you and why replacement is rarely in your best interest.

June 2018
Our guarantees set us apart
Knights of Columbus life insurance offers something precious few other financial products can – guarantees. As long as you pay your premiums, the policy proceeds will be there for your beneficiaries should something happen to you. We call that peace of mind, and that’s what we offer with our every product in our portfolio.

We guarantee the cash value in your whole life policies will be there.

We guarantee the rates on your term insurance.

We guarantee our retirement products will provide a stream of income when you need it.

On top of those product guarantees, I guarantee that I will offer professional, high-quality service that you would expect from our organization.

Our Order is among the highest rated life insurers in North America. AM Best has rated the Knights of Columbus “A++, Superior” for 42 consecutive years. This shows our track record for excellence and security.

I would suggest that a principal reason that we were able to achieve those accolades is because we remain steadfastly committed to the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney by providing life insurance by brother Knights for brother Knights.

That commitment is an essential core value of the Knights of Columbus, and our core values permeate all levels of our organization. These principles for marketing are summed up by our Golden Rule: “In all my professional relationships, I pledge myself to the following rule of conduct: I shall, in light of all conditions surrounding those I serve, render that service which, under the same circumstances, I would apply to myself.”

Let’s talk soon to discuss how our products can bring that peace of mind to you and your family.

May 2018
We stand strong on ethical ground
Some people believe that ethics in business is a contradiction in terms. They think that in order to be profitable, a company and its leaders must abandon morality and embrace the dark, greedy side of capitalism.

At the Knights of Columbus, we know this business model is incorrect. As a Catholic organization, we understand the value and importance of our core beliefs and the original mission of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. In fact, much of the strength and financial security we provide to members and their families can be attributed to our ethical, moral standards.

More than 96 percent of Knights who buy our life insurance keep it, year in and year out. The Order takes this commitment to our members very highly. This means carefully planning when it comes time to invest. Our professional staff researches all transactions to insure that they fall in line with Catholic values. If a transaction makes them uncomfortable, they don’t make it.

“We exclude any company engaged in activity that conflicts with Catholic moral teaching: companies directly involved in abortion, contraception, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, for-profit health care that pays for any of these, or pornography,” said the Supreme Knight. “There are many companies in the pharmaceutical and communications industries that would undoubtedly provide excellent returns for us, but which are not in our portfolio because they engage in research and development or programming in ways that violate the sanctity or dignity of human life.”

In the end, the Knights of Columbus investment strategy is motivated by morality and not money-making. Yet, each year we remain profitable, increase our assets and stay dedicated to this vision that will keep the Order sound financially for generations to come.

“Faithful Catholics have choices when buying life insurance,” said the Supreme Knight. “But they know that at the Knights of Columbus their policy is supplied by an insurer that shares their moral and ethical values and is guided in all of its investment and sales practices by those values.”

To learn more about our products, contact me today.

April 2018
Update your beneficiaries
Sometimes it is easy to overlook the simplest of things.

Take the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies. If your policy was applied for and issued several years ago, it could very well be that the person you originally selected as the beneficiary is no longer the person you would want to receive the policy proceeds. If you bought the policy when you were single, for example, you may have named your parents as beneficiaries. If you have since married, your policies should be updated to reflect your spouse as beneficiary. Maybe you’ve had children who are not named on the policies.

Most people list a primary beneficiary, who is specifically designated as the first in priority to receive policy proceeds. We also encourage the naming of a contingent beneficiary, an alternate person designated to receive policy proceeds, usually in the event that the original beneficiary pre-deceases the insured.

I routinely call all of my policyholders for annual review appointments, usually near the anniversary date of your policy – the date it was originally issued. One of the matters that I’ll discuss during this review is the status of your beneficiary designations. If they need updating, and they often do, I can complete the paperwork during that appointment.

I look forward to meeting with each of you to discuss your family’s needs.

March 2018
The pitfalls of replacing coverage
We all know the old adage, “the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence.” When it comes to replacing your existing Knights of Columbus life insurance with coverage offered by another company, the adage holds true. Perceptions are deceiving. A move to the other side of the fence might seem like a good one, but it can leave you with less green in your wallet — in some cases, a lot less. That’s why it pays to remember another old saying, “Read the fine print.”

There are many reasons to keep your existing coverage in force, whether that coverage is with the Knights of Columbus or with another company. I’ll focus on the potential pitfalls of replacing coverage here — pitfalls that an agent trying to convince you that the grass actually is greener might neglect to mention.

First, all life insurance contracts contain a contestability period, which allows the insurer to contest claims made for a period — typically two years — after the contract is issued. Chances are this is no longer an issue with your current coverage.

Second, it’s unlikely that you can obtain the same amount of coverage, for the same premium, that you were able to obtain with your existing contract. The two factors that determine how much you’ll need to pay for life insurance coverage are age and health. Certainly, you’re older now than you were when you took out your current coverage. There’s no way around that one. And you have to ask yourself, has your health changed during that time? Is your blood pressure the same? Your cholesterol? Have you gained weight? All these can factors affect the amount of coverage you’ll get for your premium dollar.

If someone encourages you to replace — or worse, drop — your existing coverage, please call me. I’ll show you how your existing coverage is working for you and why replacement is rarely in your best interest.

February 2018
LTC is an important piece of the puzzle
There are many financial consultants and retirement authorities who emphasize the need for a long-term care (LTC) product for estate preservation and family protection as you near or attain the age of 60.

While many commercial life insurance companies have gotten out of the long-term care business, the Knights of Columbus considers LTC a very important piece of the family protection puzzle. The Order has been actively offering our members this product for nearly 15 years without a single premium increase on current policyholders. Members who wisely purchased an LTC plan from the Knights in 2000 are still paying the same premiums today. Even better, our LTC coverage is backed by the full strength of the Order, which remains rooted in our strong Catholic values. Talk about stability when it counts.

If we have not spoken about your need for LTC coverage in your family portfolio, please take some time out of your schedule to meet with me.

Remember, long-term care policies are purchased with your health, and you most likely will never be any healthier than you are today.

January 2018
Only Having Insurance "Through Work" Doesn't Work
Do you know anyone whose life or career has drastically changed during these years of economic downturn? It's very likely that someone in your immediate or extended family or group of friends is facing financial uncertainty. Maybe there's a possibility that you (or your spouse) could change employers, or even lose your job.

Too many people have often relied on group term life insurance as their only safety net. Often, this insurance is an employee benefit provided at low or no cost. The existence of this coverage might convince someone that personally-owned life insurance is not necessary.

But only having "through work" insurance can leave you and your family vulnerable. Most group life insurance policies are limited in amount, which may be tied to salary or some other benchmark. These numbers are often capped, and this cap may be dangerously low when compared to your family's actual needs. In fact, a detailed needs analysis that evaluates your specific situation, will likely show that any employer- provided coverage falls short.

In addition, the amount of group insurance offered is almost always reduced, sometimes dramatically, when you retire. You could one day find yourself without coverage, and if your health has changed (which it will as you age), you might also find yourself unable to secure individual protection. At the very least, it will definitely be more expensive.

While group life insurance can help, it does not replace the need for individually owned life insurance. I'll be happy to meet with you and provide a no-cost needs analysis, so you'll know exactly where you stand.

December 2017
Annuities: More flexible than you might think
Annuities are easily misunderstood, in part because of their name. When you "annuitize" the money you've paid into an annuity (plus the interest it has earned), you've chosen to receive monthly payments for life or for a fixed period.

However, annuitizing this money isn't your only option. You may also treat an annuity like a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). That is, you use the annuity as a way to accumulate savings and earn a steady interest rate. You can make withdrawals from the annuity for any reason, although you may then owe income tax on some or all of the withdrawal amount. If you do choose to annuitize, you also have several payout options. The point is, these products are flexible enough to serve a variety of needs.

Contact me if you're interested in setting up an annuity as an RRSP, spousal RRSP, RRIF, a non-registered account, or a TFSA account.

November 2017
Annuities: More flexible than you might think
Annuities are easily misunderstood, in part because of their name. When you "annuitize" the money you've paid into an annuity (plus the interest it has earned), you've chosen to receive monthly payments for life or for a fixed period.

However, annuitizing this money isn't your only option. You may also treat an annuity like a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). That is, you use the annuity as a way to accumulate savings and earn a steady interest rate. You can make withdrawals from the annuity for any reason, although you may then owe income tax on some or all of the withdrawal amount. If you do choose to annuitize, you also have several payout options. The point is, these products are flexible enough to serve a variety of needs.

Contact me if you're interested in setting up an annuity as an RRSP, spousal RRSP, RRIF, a non-registered account, or a TFSA account.

September 2017
Annuities: More flexible than you might think
Annuities are easily misunderstood, in part because of their name. When you "annuitize" the money you've paid into an annuity (plus the interest it has earned), you've chosen to receive monthly payments for life or for a fixed period.

However, annuitizing this money isn't your only option. You may also treat an annuity like a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). That is, you use the annuity as a way to accumulate savings and earn a steady interest rate. You can make withdrawals from the annuity for any reason, although you may then owe income tax on some or all of the withdrawal amount. If you do choose to annuitize, you also have several payout options. The point is, these products are flexible enough to serve a variety of needs.

Contact me if you're interested in setting up an annuity as an RRSP, spousal RRSP, RRIF, a non-registered account, or a TFSA account.

August 2017
Have you insured your most valuable asset?
Is your income protected if you become sick or injured and cannot work? Your ability to work and earn an income is your most valuable asset. Yet a disability could prevent you from earning that income. Just one year of a disability could eliminate your savings.

I would like to show you that Income Armor, an individual disability income insurance product from the Knights of Columbus, should be a key part of your overall financial plan and family's protection.

If you are ill or injured, Income Armor provides monthly benefits to help you meet living expenses and maintain your standard of living. Your monthly benefits help you pay your mortgage and other monthly bills, while your savings and retirement assets remain intact.

In short, if you have a job and don't have a way to protect that paycheck, you should seriously consider Income Armor today. I look forward to meeting with you.

July 2017
Ask eligible men to join
Today, I want to address the growth of the Order. Membership growth is the fuel that keeps this great fraternal engine running. All of our charitable works in the council, state, national and international level are thanks to our hard working members.

We also recognize that the membership blitz is a tried and true way for councils to increase their numbers. We see these pushes often in March, in celebration of Founder's Day, and again in October. These drives are successful because brother Knights are more visible than normal, during and after Masses and at special events. We must remember to ask each and every Catholic gentleman to join our ranks for the good of the Church, the community and the Order.

During the rest of the year, we often "forget" to ask men to join our ranks and bring their families into the Knights of Columbus family. You probably know an eligible Catholic man you could ask today. Chances are that the only reason he hasn't joined already is because no one asked him.

When telling a prospect about the strengths of the Order, don't forget our greatest fraternal benefit: our insurance program. This is often an interesting "selling point" to a potential member who is on the fence. Many members come into the Knighthood simply to be able to buy coverage for their family. Soon after, they realize the good our charitable works do for their community and they are proud to be members.

As your professional Knights of Columbus insurance agent, I look forward to helping us grow in fraternity in any way that I can.

June 2017
The value of life insurance for children
As a father, you worry about your children and do many things to protect them. We try to raise them right and make sure they are prepared to become adults. But have you ever thought about buying life insurance on your child?

When you insure a child, you are protecting his or her future. Did you know that one out of every six adults get rated, postponed, or denied for insurance coverage? If you purchase a policy for your child from the Knights of Columbus, it guarantees that more insurance can be purchased for that child without proving insurability.

Unfortunately, as fathers we don't have a crystal ball to tell us the future of our children. Your child could eventually have a rare disease, cancer, or be overweight. Did you know you can purchase a child's policy, in many cases, for less than $10 a month?

I've heard it said that people don't want to "profit" from the death of a child, so they won't purchase coverage on their children. God forbid something tragic happens, those funds can come in handy at a time when finances will be the last thing on a parent's mind. I have never heard a story about someone who regretted buying coverage on a child.

Contact me today to discuss the many policy options for children's plans, including 10- and 20- pay life insurance.

May 2017
LTC is an important piece of the puzzle
There are many financial consultants and retirement authorities who emphasize the need for a long-term care (LTC) product for estate preservation and family protection as you near or attain the age of 60.
While many commercial life insurance companies have gotten out of the long-term care business, the Knights of Columbus considers LTC a very important piece of the family protection puzzle. The Order has been actively offering our members this product for nearly 15 years without a single premium increase on current policyholders. Members who wisely purchased an LTC plan from the Knights in 2000 are still paying the same premiums today. Even better, our LTC coverage is backed by the full strength of the Order, which remains rooted in our strong Catholic values. Talk about stability when it counts.
If we have not spoken about your need for LTC coverage in your family portfolio, please take some time out of your schedule to meet with me.
Remember, long-term care policies are purchased with your health, and you most likely will never be any healthier than you are today.

April 2017
Ask eligible men to join
Today, I want to address the growth of the Order. Membership growth is the fuel that keeps this great fraternal engine running. All of our charitable works in the council, state, national and international level are thanks to our hard working members.

We also recognize that the membership blitz is a tried and true way for councils to increase their numbers. We see these pushes often in March, in celebration of Founder's Day, and again in October. These drives are successful because brother Knights are more visible than normal, during and after Masses and at special events. We must remember to ask each and every Catholic gentleman to join our ranks for the good of the Church, the community and the Order.

During the rest of the year, we often "forget" to ask men to join our ranks and bring their families into the Knights of Columbus family. You probably know an eligible Catholic man you could ask today. Chances are that the only reason he hasn't joined already is because no one asked him.

When telling a prospect about the strengths of the Order, don't forget our greatest fraternal benefit: our insurance program. This is often an interesting "selling point" to a potential member who is on the fence. Many members come into the Knighthood simply to be able to buy coverage for their family. Soon after, they realize the good our charitable works do for their community and they are proud to be members.

As your professional Knights of Columbus insurance agent, I look forward to helping us grow in fraternity in any way that I can.

March 2017
Annuities: More flexible than you might think
Annuities are easily misunderstood, in part because of their name. When you "annuitize" the money you've paid into an annuity (plus the interest it has earned), you've chosen to receive monthly payments for life or for a fixed period.

However, annuitizing this money isn't your only option. You may also treat an annuity like a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). That is, you use the annuity as a way to accumulate savings and earn a steady interest rate. You can make withdrawals from the annuity for any reason, although you may then owe income tax on some or all of the withdrawal amount. If you do choose to annuitize, you also have several payout options. The point is, these products are flexible enough to serve a variety of needs.

Contact me if you're interested in setting up an annuity as an RRSP, spousal RRSP, RRIF, a non-registered account, or a TFSA account.

February 2017
Income Armor
Have you insured your most valuable asset? Is your income protected if you become sick or injured and cannot work? Your ability to work and earn an income is your most valuable asset. Yet a disability could prevent you from earning that income. Just one year of a disability could eliminate your savings.

I would like to show you that Income Armor, an individual disability income insurance product from the Knights of Columbus, should be a key part of your overall financial plan and family's protection.

If you are ill or injured, Income Armor provides monthly benefits to help you meet living expenses and maintain your standard of living. our monthly benefits help you pay your mortgage and other monthly bills, while your savings and retirement assets remain intact.

In short, if you have a job and don't have a way to protect that paycheck, you should seriously consider Income Armor today. I look forward to meeting with you.

December 2016-January 2017
Only Having Insurance "Through Work" Doesn't Work
Do you know anyone whose life or career has drastically changed during these years of economic downturn? It's very likely that someone in your immediate or extended family or group of friends is facing financial uncertainty. Maybe there's a possibility that you (or your spouse) could change employers, or even lose your job.

Too many people have often relied on group term life insurance as their only safety net. Often, this insurance is an employee benefit provided at low or no cost. The existence of this coverage might convince someone that personally-owned life insurance is not necessary.

But only having "through work" insurance can leave you and your family vulnerable. Most group life insurance policies are limited in amount, which may be tied to salary or some other benchmark. These numbers are often capped, and this cap may be dangerously low when compared to your family's actual needs. In fact, a detailed needs analysis that evaluates your specific situation, will likely show that any employer- provided coverage falls short.

In addition, the amount of group insurance offered is almost always reduced, sometimes dramatically, when you retire. You could one day find yourself without coverage, and if your health has changed (which it will as you age), you might also find yourself unable to secure individual protection. At the very least, it will definitely be more expensive.

While group life insurance can help, it does not replace the need for individually owned life insurance. I'll be happy to meet with you and provide a no-cost needs analysis, so you'll know exactly where you stand.

Sept-Oct 2016
The Knights of Columbus offers a complete portfolio of top-quality products to our members and their eligible family members.

Permanent Life Insurance - Insure Your Life for Life

Term Life Insurance - Affordable Protection for Temporary Needs

Retirement Annuities - Give Yourself a Paycheck for the Rest of Your Life. Guaranteed.

Long-Term Care Insurance - Protect Your Assets. Prepare for the Future.

Disability Income Insurance - Shield Your Income from Illness and Injury

Jul-Aug 2016
A founding notion: protecting the breadwinner's income
While jobs are safer in 2016, accidents, injuries, and illnesses that can impact your ability to work still happen. Most, in fact, do not happen on the job site or place of employment. Did you know that a recent study revealed that more than 95 percent of the long-term disability claims on file were not work related?

The "loss" of the breadwinner does not have to mean that person's death it can also mean the loss of the breadwinner's income. Consider that loss for a moment. How would your family fare if a source of income suddenly stopped? Could a dual-income family manage on one income stream? What about young families with a working father and a mother who cares for the children? What if his income halted due to an accident or illness?

I've heard some people say they have coverage at work, but too many aren't sure what this coverage entails, how much income it would provide or for how long. Having this protection counts for something, certainly, but it isn't "yours" it's provided by the company for which you work at their discretion. It could be eliminated tomorrow. That's where a personally-owned disability income insurance product, like Income Armor, comes into play. It can offer valuable income replacement in the event of an injury or illness. While Father McGivney likely never imagined such a product in 1882, I'm sure he would wholeheartedly endorse the protection it can provide to a family. If you have a job, you must know about this coverage.