For Whatever Life Throws Your Way We Have Solutions
We help families achieve financial security for the important phases of life
True North Legacy Group Services
Estate Planning
Estate planning is all about making sure your assets and affairs are in order for the future, ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are taken care of. It’s like creating a roadmap for what happens to your belongings and responsibilities when you’re no longer around. Here’s a quick overview:
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Wills: A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your passing. It can also designate guardians for minor children and specify your final wishes.
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Trusts: Trusts are arrangements that allow a third party, known as a trustee, to manage your assets on behalf of beneficiaries. They can help avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and provide more control over asset distribution.
- Probate:This court process can freeze your family’s assets for months, cost thousands in legal fees (3-7% of your estate), and make your private finances public record. The good news? We can help you skip probate entirely, keeping your legacy private and protected.
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Power of Attorney: This legal document allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. It can cover financial, legal, and healthcare decisions.
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Healthcare Directives: These documents, like a living will or healthcare proxy, outline your medical preferences and designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.
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Beneficiary Designations: Ensuring your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial assets have up-to-date beneficiary designations is crucial for smooth asset transfer.
Estate planning is about peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are protected. It’s a thoughtful way to ensure your legacy is handled according to your wishes.
401k/IRA Rollovers
Remember that 401k from your last job? You know, the one that’s been sitting there like that gym membership you forgot to cancel? It might be time for a heart-to-heart with your retirement funds!
Think of a 401k rollover like giving your money a much-needed vacation home. Instead of letting it gather dust in your ex-employer’s account (awkward!), you can move it to an IRA where it has more room to grow and better investment options to choose from.
Here’s why rolling over makes sense:
- Your money stays organized (because who needs another forgotten account to track?)
- You get more investment choices (it’s like upgrading from a hotel room to a beach house)
- You maintain better control (no more calling your old HR department!)
- Potentially lower fees (because every penny counts when you’re planning your future margaritas-on-the-beach fund)
Don’t let your hard-earned money sit in retirement limbo. Give it the attention it deserves – after all, it’s been working as hard as you have!
Ready to give your retirement savings the glow-up it deserves? Let’s chat about making your money work smarter, not harder.
Tax Advantaged Retirement
Tax advantaged retirement refers to strategies and financial products that allow you to withdraw money during retirement without having to pay taxes on it. This approach can help maximize your retirement income and provide more financial flexibility. Here’s an overview:
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Roth IRAs: Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, but the money grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals during retirement are also tax-free. This can be a great way to ensure tax-free income in retirement.
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Roth 401(k)s: Similar to Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s allow you to contribute after-tax dollars, with tax-free growth and withdrawals. They combine the benefits of a Roth IRA with the higher contribution limits of a 401(k).
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Municipal Bonds: Interest earned from municipal bonds is often exempt from federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local taxes as well. This can provide a source of tax-free income in retirement.
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Cash Value Life Insurance: Certain life insurance policies, like Indexed Universal Life (IUL), can accumulate cash value over time. You can borrow against this cash value tax-free, providing a potential source of tax-free income.
Tax advantaged retirement strategies can be an effective way to manage your tax liability and increase your retirement income. It’s important to plan carefully and consider how these options fit into your overall retirement strategy.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is like a financial safety net for your family. It’s there to catch them if life takes an unexpected turn. You pay a bit regularly, and in return, the insurance company promises to provide your loved ones with financial support when you’re not around. Here’s a rundown of the different types:
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Term Life Insurance: Think of it as a temporary safety net for a specific period, like 10, 20, or 30 years. If something happens to you during that time, your family gets the support they need. It’s straightforward and easy on the wallet!
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Whole Life Insurance: This one’s a lifelong safety net that also comes with a savings account that grows over time. You get coverage for life and a little nest egg on the side.
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Final Expense Insurance: It’s a smaller safety net, just enough to cover the costs of a farewell gathering (funeral expenses). Small but essential!
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Indexed Universal Life Insurance: This is a flexible safety net that can grow with the stock market. It offers a chance for your savings to grow while keeping your family protected.
Life insurance is all about ensuring your family can continue to enjoy life’s moments, even when you’re not there to share them.
Final Expense Insurance
Final Expense Insurance, often referred to as burial or funeral insurance, is a type of life insurance designed to cover end-of-life expenses. It’s a straightforward and accessible option for those looking to ensure their loved ones aren’t burdened with the costs associated with funerals and other final arrangements. Here’s a summary:
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Purpose: The primary goal is to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, and any other end-of-life expenses. It provides peace of mind knowing that these costs won’t fall on your family.
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Coverage Amount: Typically, the coverage amounts are smaller compared to other life insurance policies, usually ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, which is generally sufficient to cover funeral expenses.
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Eligibility: It’s often easier to qualify for final expense insurance, even for those with health issues, as many policies don’t require a medical exam. Instead, they may ask a few health-related questions.
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Premiums: Premiums are generally affordable and can be fixed, meaning they won’t increase over time. This makes it a predictable and manageable expense.
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Beneficiaries: The policy pays out a lump sum to the designated beneficiary, who can use the funds to cover funeral costs, medical bills, or any other expenses as needed.
Final Expense Insurance is a practical choice for those who want to ensure their final arrangements are taken care of without placing a financial burden on their loved ones.
Mortgage Protection
Let’s talk about something we all love – keeping our dream home exactly where it belongs: with our family. Think of Mortgage Protection Insurance as your home’s personal bodyguard, minus the sunglasses and earpiece.
Why Your Home Needs This VIP Treatment:
The Ultimate IOU Eraser: If life throws a major plot twist your way, this insurance steps in like a financial superhero and takes care of your remaining mortgage. No cape required!
Worry-Free Zone Creator: Because your family should be picking paint colors and arranging furniture, not stressing about mortgage payments during tough times.
The “Keep Your Keys” Guarantee: Your home is where your heart is – and where your family’s memories live. This protection makes sure they stay right where they belong.
No Medical Exam Required*: Less paperwork, more protection. Because nobody likes paperwork. Nobody.
Think of it as bubble wrap for your biggest investment – except you don’t get to pop it for fun. It’s serious protection wrapped in peace of mind, ensuring your family keeps their cornerstone of stability, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Medicare
Medicare is like a trusty sidekick for your health as you age, stepping in to help cover medical costs when you hit 65 or if you have certain health conditions. Here’s the scoop:
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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Think of it as your hospital buddy, covering stays, skilled nursing, and even some home health care. Most folks get this without a premium, thanks to their working years.
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This is your go-to for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. It comes with a monthly premium, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
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Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): These are like the all-in-one packages, offered by private companies. They bundle Part A and B, and often throw in extras like vision, dental, and even gym memberships!
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Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Your prescription pal, helping cover the cost of medications. It’s offered by private companies, so you can pick the plan that fits your needs.
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Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): This is your backup plan, filling in the gaps that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments and deductibles. It’s like having a little extra cushion for those unexpected costs.
Medicare is all about keeping you healthy and happy in your golden years, without breaking the bank. And when you work with us we make sure you get the most bang for your buck!
Critical Illness
When facing a critical illness diagnosis, your focus should be solely on recovery – not on financial concerns. Critical Illness insurance provides essential financial protection that helps safeguard your future during challenging times.
Key Benefits of Critical Illness Coverage:
Immediate Financial Support: Receive a tax-free, lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of covered conditions, providing immediate access to funds when you need them most.
Medical Expense Coverage: Bridge the gap between your existing health insurance and actual medical costs, including experimental treatments and out-of-network specialists.
Income Protection: Maintain your standard of living and protect your savings while you’re unable to work, ensuring your family’s financial stability remains intact.
Flexibility in Recovery: Choose the best treatment options without financial constraints, and focus on what truly matters – your recovery and well-being.
Comprehensive Coverage: Protection against a wide range of serious conditions including cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other specified illnesses.
Consider Critical Illness insurance as an essential component of your financial protection strategy. It’s not just insurance – it’s assurance that you’ll have the financial resources to face health challenges head-on.
Hospital Coverage
Hospital coverage is like having a trusty sidekick ready to jump in and help with those unexpected hospital visits. It’s there to make sure you can focus on getting better without worrying about the bills piling up. Here’s a breakdown:
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Purpose: It’s your financial safety net for hospital stays, covering things like room charges, nursing care, and even some meals—so you can rest easy.
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Coverage: Whether it’s a planned surgery or an unexpected trip to the ER, hospital coverage steps in to handle the costs, so you don’t have to.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve got hospital coverage is like having a comforting blanket, letting you focus on recovery instead of expenses.
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Flexibility: Many plans offer options to suit your needs, whether you want basic coverage or something more comprehensive.
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Affordability: With various plans available, you can find one that fits your budget, ensuring you’re covered without breaking the bank.
Hospital coverage is all about keeping you protected and stress-free when life throws a curveball.
Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage is like having a trio of friendly helpers to keep your smile bright, your vision clear, and your ears tuned in.
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Dental Coverage: Think of it as your smile’s best friend, covering routine check-ups, cleanings, and even those pesky cavities. It’s all about keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape without the hefty bills.
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Vision Coverage: This one’s your go-to for keeping everything in focus. It helps with eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, ensuring you can see the world clearly and stylishly.
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Hearing Coverage: Your ears’ trusty companion, stepping in to cover hearing tests and hearing aids. It’s all about making sure you don’t miss a beat, whether it’s a whisper or your favorite tunes.
Together, these coverages are like a wellness package for your senses, making sure you can smile, see, and hear with confidence.