PAYMENT PITFALLS AND DEBT DOWNFALLS - PART 2

Last week we discussed a lack of financial management, signing surety, sudden expenses and worrying about social status. This week we compound on that list with some more points to consider to prevent you from being put in a position that is vulnerable to accumulating debt:

PAYMENT PITFALLS AND DEBT DOWNFALLS - PART 1

No one ever plans to fall into a spiral of debt, but sometimes challenges arise that cause the debt to build up around you before you have even realised how bad it is. This puts you in a debilitating position that can be difficult to emerge from. So, here are some points to consider to prevent you from being put in that position in the first place:

COMMON FINANCIAL PLANNING MISTAKES | PART THREE

HINDSIGHT IS ALWAYS 20:20

If a person has perfect vision is both eyes, they are considered to have 20:20 vision. Whilst we can not always predict what will happen in the future, it’s always seems to easy to see the things that have happened with great clarity. Hence, when we look back, events seem so much clearer than prior to their happening.

As part three of our articles on common mistakes in financial planning, (catch up on part two too) we will cover the final three of 7 common pitfalls in the financial journey. These three concerns cover policies that help us plan for unforeseen events that we hope will never happen, but in wisdom realise that they might. Remember, you must never create a portfolio out of fear of the unknown, but out of the power to plan for the future!

Here are points five through seven:

COMMON FINANCIAL PLANNING MISTAKES | PART TWO

 

DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

Whilst you may not be investing in eggs, this centuries-old wisdom applies wholeheartedly to modern day investments.

As part two of last week’s article, let me quickly remind you that whatever your goals, unless you win the lotto, you will not move passed average unless you fully understand the elements that contribute to wealth and abundance. I have a list of 7 common pitfalls in the financial journey and today we will address the third and fourth point.

COMMON FINANCIAL PLANNING MISTAKES | PART ONE

 

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.

It’s a phrase spoken often to the young and exuberant, but one that we forget still applies as we get older…

It is reasonable to assume that you desire financial success for yourself and your family and you may even have your sights set on becoming fabulously wealthy. Some of us dive right in and others keep dreaming.

REVIEWING YOUR POLICY (2)

A WISE CHOICE NOW PAYS OFF LATER

In my previous article I looked at the old-school approach to risk assurance policies and highlighted some areas of concern that the latest policies are trying to avoid.

The reason for this is because most life cover premiums are higher than necessary because you are sold an indiscriminate lump sum of assurance to cover many different needs with different values at different times of your life. Not only is this costing you too much, it is also probably inappropriate for your needs.

BrightRock, a comparatively new kid on the risk life assurance block, has made this claim.

It says that, as a result of the traditional “lump-sum” structure, your cover becomes increasingly unaffordable, resulting in your reducing or cancelling it in later years. Having paid from day one for the cover, you then sacrifice it at the very time you need it most.

The BrightRock claim follows the publication last year of research undertaken by True South Actuaries & Consultants, on behalf of BrightRock, which showed that many people who bought seemingly “cheap” life assurance when they were younger faced losing their cover as their premiums escalated above the inflation rate and became increasing unaffordable. So, if you missed last week’s article, just click on the older posts link below, otherwise, read on for some more information on the kind of features you should be looking out for in your policies.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The overview principle is that a wisely chosen policy is one that can adapt with your needs.

Each component of cover within your risk assurance policy should exactly match the behaviour and trajectory of each specific financial need you want to protect, Schalk Malan, executive director at BrightRock, says.

REVIEWING YOUR POLICY (1)

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH?

You could save as much as 30% of the premiums you pay on risk life assurance – against early death, for example – by, in effect, changing your policy from one paying out a single large lump sum and priced for the maximum term, such as “whole of life”, to one covering each of your financial needs with a precisely matched duration of cover.

BrightRock, a comparatively new kid on the risk life assurance block, has made this claim.

It says that, as a result of the traditional “lump-sum” structure, your cover becomes increasingly unaffordable, resulting in your reducing or cancelling it in later years. Having paid from day one for the cover, you then sacrifice it at the very time you need it most.

And when you reach the stage where your cover becomes unaffordable, you may not be able to obtain more affordable cover, because you may have developed a health condition that makes you either uninsurable or that necessitates exclusions and/or premium loadings on your policy.

The BrightRock claim follows the publication last year of research undertaken by True South Actuaries & Consultants, on behalf of BrightRock, which showed that many people who bought seemingly “cheap” life assurance when they were younger faced losing their cover as their premiums escalated above the inflation rate and became increasing unaffordable.

WHAT TO AVOID

Schalk Malan, executive director at BrightRock, says there is a triple whammy for policyholders in the way most risk assurance premiums are calculated. The three big drawbacks are:

1. Low initial premiums: To attract new business in an increasingly competitive market, life assurance companies offer seemingly cheap premiums when you are young and unlikely to claim. But as you grow older and become more likely to claim, your premiums escalate rapidly.