Supplemental & Financial
Protect your income, plan for long-term care, and secure your retirement. Guides on disability insurance, long-term care, annuities, critical illness coverage, and more.
The Peak 65 Retirement Wave: A Complete Insurance Planning Guide
Record numbers of Americans are turning 65 each year through 2027. Learn what the Peak 65 retirement wave means for insurance markets and use this complete checklist to plan your Medicare, Medigap, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term care, and supplemental coverage.
Retirement Income Strategies: How to Turn Savings into a Paycheck
Learn proven retirement income strategies including the bucket approach, Social Security optimization, annuity income floors, tax-efficient withdrawals, and how insurance products protect your retirement paycheck.
What Is Health Gap Insurance? Coverage for What Your Plan Misses
Health gap insurance is a supplemental policy that helps cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance your primary plan leaves behind. Learn how it works, what it costs, and whether it is worth buying.
Disability Insurance for Doctors and High-Income Professionals
Doctors, surgeons, dentists, lawyers, and pilots need specialty disability insurance with true own-occupation coverage. Learn about medical specialty riders, top carriers, residency discounts, and how to protect a high income from career-ending disability.
FMLA and Disability Insurance: How They Work Together
FMLA protects your job but does not pay your bills. Disability insurance replaces your income while you recover. Learn how to use both together to keep your job and your paycheck during a serious illness or injury.
Long-Term Care Insurance Cost by Age: What You'll Pay at 40, 50, and 60
Long-term care insurance premiums vary dramatically by age. See average annual costs at ages 40 through 65, plus how benefit amount, inflation riders, and gender affect your rates.
Why Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums Increase and What to Do
Learn why long-term care insurance premiums increase — from actuarial miscalculations to low interest rates — and discover your options when facing a rate hike, including benefit reductions, hybrid policies, and more.
Annuity Income Calculator: How Much Will Your Annuity Pay?
Learn how annuity income is calculated, review SPIA payout examples by age and investment amount, compare payout options, and estimate your monthly retirement income.
Best Fixed Annuity Rates in 2026: Compare Current Offers
Compare the best fixed annuity rates in 2026. See current MYGA rates by term length, top carriers, how rates are set, and strategies to lock in the highest guaranteed returns.
What Is a RILA? Registered Index-Linked Annuities Explained
Learn how registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) work, including buffer protection, cap rates, pros and cons, and whether a RILA fits your retirement plan.
Accident Insurance vs. Health Insurance: What's the Difference?
Understand the key differences between accident insurance and health insurance, how they work together, and why accident insurance alone is not enough.
5 Alternatives to Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
Traditional LTC insurance is not your only option. Explore 5 alternatives including hybrid policies, short-term care insurance, and self-insuring strategies.
Using Annuities to Pay for Long-Term Care
Learn how annuity-LTC hybrids, 1035 exchanges, and Medicaid-compliant annuities can help cover long-term care costs while protecting your savings.
What Is a 1035 Exchange? Tax-Free Annuity Transfers Explained
Learn how IRS Section 1035 lets you transfer annuities tax-free. Understand eligible exchanges, rules, benefits, and pitfalls to avoid.
Can You Exchange an Annuity for LTC Insurance? The 1035 Option
Learn how IRS Section 1035 lets you exchange an annuity for long-term care insurance tax-free. Understand the rules, benefits, and qualifications.
Annuity Fees Explained: Surrender Charges, M&E, and Hidden Costs
Understand annuity fees including surrender charges, mortality and expense fees, fund expenses, and rider costs. Learn how to compare the true cost of annuities.
How to Use Your 401(k) to Buy an Annuity: Treasury Rules Explained
Learn how Treasury and IRS rules let you buy an annuity inside your 401(k). Understand safe harbor protections, rollover options, and payout rules.
Annuity Surrender Periods: What They Are and How to Avoid Penalties
Learn what annuity surrender periods are, how charges work, free withdrawal rules, and strategies to avoid penalties when accessing your money.
Annuity vs. 401(k) vs. IRA: Comparing Retirement Income Options
Compare annuities, 401(k)s, and IRAs side by side. Learn contribution limits, tax rules, withdrawal penalties, and when to combine strategies.
Are Annuities Worth It? An Honest Analysis for Retirees
Are annuities worth the cost? Review a balanced analysis of when annuities make sense, when they do not, break-even timelines, and alternatives for retirees.
Best Annuities for Guaranteed Retirement Income (2026)
Explore the best annuity types for guaranteed retirement income in 2026, including SPIAs, MYGAs, and fixed indexed annuities. Compare rates and strategies.
Best Disability Insurance Companies (2026)
Compare disability insurance companies by financial strength, policy features, pricing, and claims process. Learn what to look for when shopping for coverage in 2026.
Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies (2026)
Compare the best long-term care insurance companies in 2026. Learn how to evaluate policies, key features to compare, and what to expect on cost.
Critical Illness Insurance Cost: What to Expect by Age
Understand critical illness insurance costs by age, coverage amount, and key factors that affect your premium. Includes typical pricing for 2026.
Critical Illness vs. Disability Insurance: Which Do You Need?
Critical illness and disability insurance both protect your finances when health problems strike, but they work very differently. Compare the two side by side.
Critical Illness vs. Hospital Indemnity vs. Accident Insurance: Side-by-Side
Compare critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance side by side. Learn what each covers, how each pays, and when to buy one or all three.
Disability Insurance After 50: Is It Still Worth Buying?
Disability risk rises after 50, but so do premiums. Learn when buying disability insurance at 50+ still makes sense and when self-insuring may be smarter.
Disability Insurance for Self-Employed: Your Income Protection Guide
Self-employed workers have no employer disability coverage. Learn how to buy individual disability insurance, document income, and protect your business.
Disability Insurance vs. Workers' Compensation: What's the Difference?
Workers' comp covers work injuries only. Disability insurance covers any cause. Learn the key differences, when you need both, and how they work together.
Do I Need Disability Insurance? Who Should Buy It
SSDI replaces less than 40% of average income. Learn who needs private disability insurance, who can skip it, and how to decide if the cost is worth it.
Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care? What Seniors Need to Know
Medicare covers only limited skilled nursing care, not long-term custodial care. Learn what Medicare pays for, the gaps, and how to fill them.
Fixed Annuity vs. CD: Which Pays More in 2026?
Fixed annuities currently offer 6-7%+ rates versus CDs at roughly 4%. Compare tax treatment, safety guarantees, and liquidity before choosing.
Fixed vs. Variable vs. Indexed Annuities: Which Is Right for You?
Compare fixed, variable, and indexed annuities side by side. Learn the differences in risk, fees, regulation, and returns to find the right annuity for you.
How Are Annuities Taxed? IRS Rules You Need to Know
Learn how the IRS taxes annuity withdrawals, the exclusion ratio, 1035 exchanges, early withdrawal penalties, and inherited annuity rules.
How Much Disability Insurance Do I Need? Calculating Your Coverage
Most experts recommend replacing 60-70% of gross income. Learn how to calculate your disability insurance gap by factoring in SSDI, employer coverage, and expenses.
How Much Does Disability Insurance Cost?
Disability insurance typically costs 1 to 3 percent of annual income. Learn what drives pricing and how to lower your premium without sacrificing coverage.
How Much Does Long-Term Care Cost in 2026?
Long-term care costs in 2026 range from $71K for assisted living to $131K+ for nursing homes. See costs by care type and plan ahead.
How to Protect Your Retirement Savings from Healthcare Costs
Learn how to protect your retirement savings from rising healthcare costs using LTC insurance, Medigap, HSAs, annuities, and smart Medicare optimization strategies.
How Veterans Can Pay for Long-Term Care: VA Benefits, Medicaid, and Insurance
Veterans have multiple options to pay for long-term care, including VA benefits, Aid and Attendance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LTC insurance.
Hybrid Life Insurance + Long-Term Care Policies: How They Work
Hybrid policies combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. Learn how they work, the pros and cons, costs, and how they compare to traditional LTC.
Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities: When to Use Each
Compare immediate and deferred annuities. Learn how SPIAs, MYGAs, and FIAs work, when to use each, and how to choose the right one for retirement.
Income Protection at Every Age: What Coverage You Need and When
Discover the right income protection coverage for every life stage, from disability insurance in your 20s to Medicare supplements and LTC planning in your 60s.
Is Cancer Insurance Worth It? What It Covers and Who Benefits
Cancer insurance pays a benefit if you are diagnosed with cancer. Learn what it covers, what it costs, who benefits most, and whether it is worth the premium.
Is Critical Illness Insurance Worth It? Who Needs It (and Who Doesn't)
Find out whether critical illness insurance is worth the cost based on your health, finances, and coverage. A practical cost-benefit analysis.
Is Employer Disability Insurance Enough? Why You May Need More
Employer group LTD replaces 60 percent of base salary, but after taxes and caps you may take home only 40 percent. Learn where the gaps are and how to fix them.
Is Long-Term Care Insurance Worth It? A Financial Analysis
Is LTC insurance worth the cost? We break down the math, comparing premiums paid vs. potential benefits, and show who benefits most from coverage.
Long-Term Care Costs by State in 2026
Long-term care costs vary dramatically by state. Compare 2026 nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs to plan your coverage needs.
Long-Term Care Insurance for Couples: Shared Benefit Plans Explained
Shared benefit LTC insurance lets couples pool their coverage. Learn how shared care plans work, couples discounts, costs by age, and strategies for planning.
Is Long-Term Care Insurance Tax Deductible? IRS Rules Explained
Long-term care insurance premiums may be tax deductible based on your age and policy type. Learn the 2026 IRS limits, SECURE 2.0 changes, and state incentives.
Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Medicaid: Protecting Your Assets
Compare long-term care insurance and Medicaid for covering nursing home costs. Learn about spend-down rules, asset protection, and planning strategies.
Medicaid Partnership Long-Term Care Programs by State
Medicaid Partnership programs let you protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid. Learn how dollar-for-dollar asset protection works in your state.
Medicaid Spend-Down Rules for Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know
Medicaid requires you to spend down assets to about $2,000 before covering long-term care. Learn the rules, spousal protections, look-back period, and more.
New State Paid Leave Programs in 2026 (Minnesota, Delaware, Maine)
Minnesota, Delaware, and Maine launch paid leave programs in 2026. Learn benefit amounts, who qualifies, and how these programs interact with disability insurance.
Own-Occupation vs. Any-Occupation Disability Insurance: Key Differences
Own-occupation disability covers you if you cannot do your specific job. Any-occupation requires you cannot do any job. Learn how definitions affect your benefits.
QLACs Explained: The Treasury's Solution to Outliving Your Money
Learn how Qualifying Longevity Annuity Contracts protect against outliving your savings. Understand Treasury rules, RMD benefits, and QLAC limits.
Retirement Insurance Gaps: A Checklist for Coverage You May Be Missing
Use this 10-point checklist to identify common insurance gaps in retirement, from dental and vision to long-term care, travel coverage, and Medicare cost-sharing.
New 2026 Rule: Use Your 401(k) for Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums
The SECURE 2.0 Act lets you withdraw up to $2,500/year from retirement accounts for LTC insurance premiums without early withdrawal penalties.
Which States Require Short-Term Disability Insurance?
Five states plus DC mandate short-term disability insurance. Learn how each program works, what they pay, and where new 2026 programs are launching.
Should You Buy an Annuity in 2026?
Annuity rates are near 15-year highs in 2026. Learn who should buy now, who should wait, and which annuity types offer the best value this year.
SSDI Benefits in 2026: Payment Amounts, COLA Increase, and Eligibility
The average SSDI benefit in 2026 is $1,630 per month with a 2.8 percent COLA increase. Learn about payment amounts, eligibility, and how to apply.
Social Security Disability (SSDI) vs. Private Disability Insurance
SSDI covers only total disability and averages $1,630/mo. Learn how private disability insurance differs, why SSDI often falls short, and how they work together.
Supplemental Insurance Options for Family Caregivers
Explore supplemental insurance options that protect family caregivers and care recipients, including LTC insurance, disability, respite care, VA benefits, and tax breaks.
Best Supplemental Insurance for Medicare Beneficiaries (2026)
Explore supplemental insurance options for Medicare beneficiaries in 2026, including hospital indemnity, critical illness, accident, and dental coverage.
Supplemental Insurance for Retirees: Building Your Safety Net
Learn how supplemental insurance fills Medicare gaps. Explore LTC, Medigap, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and more to build a retirement safety net.
Tax Benefits of Supplemental Insurance: What the IRS Says
Learn how the IRS treats supplemental insurance benefits and premiums, including critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity tax rules.
VA Aid & Attendance Pension: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
The VA Aid and Attendance pension adds monthly payments for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or are in a nursing home.
VA Nursing Homes vs. Private Nursing Homes: What Veterans Should Know
VA Community Living Centers and private nursing homes differ in cost, eligibility, and focus. Compare the two options to make the best choice.
VA Long-Term Care Benefits: A Complete Guide for Veterans
The VA offers nursing homes, home health, adult day care, and assisted living for eligible veterans. Learn about programs, eligibility, and costs.
VA Respite Care: How Veteran Caregivers Can Get a Break
The VA offers up to 30 days of respite care per year so veteran caregivers can get relief. Learn about in-home, adult day, and facility-based respite.
What Is Accident Insurance? Coverage, Cost & Benefits
Accident insurance pays cash for injuries like broken bones, dislocations, and ER visits. Learn how it works, what it costs, and who benefits most.
AD&D Insurance Explained: What It Covers and What It Doesn't
Learn what AD&D insurance covers, how it differs from life insurance, its limitations, costs, and who benefits most from this affordable coverage.
What Is an Annuity? Types, Pros, Cons Explained Simply
An annuity is an insurance contract that provides guaranteed income in retirement. Learn about fixed, variable, and indexed annuities, plus the pros and cons.
What Is Critical Illness Insurance? Coverage, Cost & Who Needs It
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious condition. Learn what it covers, how payouts work, and who benefits most.
What Is Disability Insurance? Short-Term vs. Long-Term Explained
Disability insurance replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury. Learn how short-term and long-term policies differ and who needs coverage.
What Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance? How It Works with Medicare
Hospital indemnity insurance pays a fixed cash benefit for hospital stays. Learn how it works, what it costs, and how it complements Medicare and other plans.
What Is Long-Term Care Insurance? A Complete Guide
Long-term care insurance helps pay for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care. Learn who needs it, what it covers, and how to choose a policy.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
Age is the biggest factor in long-term care insurance costs. Learn the ideal age to buy, how premiums rise with age, and why planning early saves thousands.
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Compare long-term care, disability, annuity, and critical illness options — free, no obligation.