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Tarra Jackson

Sep 03
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10 Everyday Things That Cost More Than Term Life Insurance

By Insurance, Saving No Comments
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Adults and parents worry. We worry about our family’s health, safety, financial security and future. But more families need to put their money where their heart is by buyingterm life insurance. (This is the most affordable type when initially purchased and provides protection for a specific period of time or the “term”.) However, the issue isn’t a matter of hypocrisy, but a lack of research and financial literacy. According to a Life Happens and LIMRA study from this year, 65% of households have not purchased life insurance because they think it’s too costly.

To show that this is a common misconception, the study asked Americans to estimate the cost of a 20-year, $250,000 level term life insurance policy for a healthy 30-year-old male. Eight in 10 people overestimated the cost, saying it would be $400 a year, which is more than double its actual cost of about $160 a year or about $13 a month. Astonishingly, one in four thought it would cost more than $1,000 a year.

And just know that unless you have serious health issues, pre-existing conditions or high-risk hobbies that would likely necessitate high-risk insurance, getting affordable coverage is really straightforward.

How Much Is Life Insurance?
To put the true cost of term life insurance in perspective, here are 10 products or services that people regularly spend money on that cost more than a term life insurance premium would for a healthy 30-year-old at $13 a month.

  1. Food – According to the National Resource Defense Council, Americans waste about $529 per year, or $44 per month, on unwanted snacks and meals.
  2. Alcohol – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American consumer spends 1% of their discretionary income on alcohol.
  3. Tobacco – For households with smokers, 14% of Americans’ incomes are spent on cigarettes.
  4. Gym Membership – The $30 per month you spend on a 24 Hour Fitness membership that goes unused could be better spent funding your life policy.
  5. Electronics – That new 55” LED TV that costs … (continue reading 10 Everyday Things that Cost More Than Term Life Insurance)
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Sep 02
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7 Smart Financial Moves for New (and Experienced) Parents

By Debt Management, Estate Planning, Insurance, Money Management, Saving No Comments
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It is important to plan for many of the important events in our lives, like marriage, children, as well as retirement and leaving a legacy for our family. As you plan for your significant life events, Matt Hoesley of LifeHappens.org shares some financial steps to help secure your financial future of your family.

Create a will and contingent trust. This is one of the most important first steps. Choosing a guardian for your children helps make sure they are raised by someone who you think will share the same values. A contingent trust helps ensure that the money your child receives from all of your hard work and planning is distributed according to your wishes instead of giving them complete control over everything the minute they turn 18.

Update beneficiary forms. Make sure you double check all of your retirement plans and insurance policies so something doesn’t fall through the cracks. Many accounts with beneficiary designations never pass through your will, so it is important that these are also updated.

Begin saving for college. There are various options available. You should consult a tax advisor and financial advisor to help determine what is best suited for your family’s financial situation. I opened a 529 plan for our daughter. The money in this plan can be used at almost any accredited higher education institute in the world.

Purchase life insurance. My wife and I both increased the amount of life insurance we have. We did a combination of term and permanent insurance to make sure we have the total amount we need at a price we can afford.

Buy disability insurance. When you are young, your future earning potential is your biggest asset. Get as much … (continue reading … 7 Smart Financial Moves for New (and Experienced) Parents)

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Sep 01
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Infographic: Why People Don’t Buy Life Insurance

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Did you know that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month? To kick LIAM off, the infographic below by LifeHappens.org show the reasons why most people do not get Life Insurance.

None of us likes to think about death. But it happens, even to young people. What happens to your loved ones after your death (whenever that may be) depends on what you do today with your money: spend a few hundred dollars on an upgrade to a perfectly fine smartphone, or put a portion of that into life insurance to protect your family.

If you were to die, will your family remember that phone? Or that they didn’t have to move from your home, your neighborhood or school? You have a choice. How do you want to be remembered?

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Aug 24
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How America Pays for College

By College, Money Management, Student Loans No Comments
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Figuring out how to pay for college can be a challenge. You know other families accomplish it, but how?

How America Pays for CollegeThat’s the question asked — and answered — in the annual study, How America Pays for College. For eight years, Sallie Mae® and Ipsos have interviewed undergraduate students and parents of undergraduate students to uncover how they’re funding higher education, the choices they’re making, the value they place on education, and more. The 2015 study reveals that:

  • College spending is up. Families spent an average of $24,164 on college — including tuition, room and board, and other direct and indirect expenses. That’s 16 percent more than last year and the most significant increase in five years.
  • Mom and Dad are #1. Parent income and savings were the top source of funding, surpassing scholarships and grants for the first time since 2010.
  • Not everyone borrows. Sixty-two percent of families reported they did not borrow for college in academic year 2014-15.
  • Students are doing their part. Working students are now the norm — 74 percent of students worked at some point to help cover costs.

According to How America Pays for College 2015, families overwhelmingly agree college is a worthwhile investment and they’re willing to stretch financially to meet the cost.

See the full report and related infographic at SallieMae.com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege and join the conversation on social media at #HowAmericaPays.

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Aug 11
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5 things every Woman should know about … their Finances!

By Credit, Debt Management, Estate Planning, Insurance, Investments, Money Management, Retirement, Saving, Taxes No Comments
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Three in four adults agree that they could benefit from guidance and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional, do you agree with them too?1

Since women control or influence the handling of the household finances, here are five things every woman should know about their finances, including a few tips from New York Life to get you started on the path to Financial Freedom.

#1 Maximize your tax credits 2:

Each year the deductible amount you can contribute to a retirement account is increased for inflation, and there are catch-up contributions for those 50 or over.

  • You can receive a $1000 tax credit for each of your qualifying children, in addition to each dependent’s personal exemption. Don’t forget to take this credit-it’s like receiving $1000 tax-free in your pocket, as long as your income doesn’t exceed the limitations.
  • The child and dependent care credit will cover up to $3,000 of qualifying expenses if you pay a babysitter or day care center so you can work or go to school.
#2 Become a S.M.A.R.T. spender:

Set S.M.A.R.T. financial goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound) and create a spending plan in 4 steps3:

1. List your income

2. Compare your income and expenses

3. List your expenses

4. List your resources and set priorities

#3 Develop a savvy investment strategy:

Finding the right mix of investments depends on your available assets, your financial goals, your time horizon, and your tolerance for risk. It is important to ensure a balance between three things: liquidity, return, and risk. Start systematically investing as soon as you are able so that a reasonable amount is saved, even after just a few years. The compounding effect can help to speed up your savings4.

#4 Know your credit score:

Based on the factors below you are assigned a credit score between 300 (low) and 850 (outstanding). Here are the main areas in which you are graded and given credit scores, and the approximate weight that each area is given5:

  • Payment history: 35%
  • Outstanding debt: 30%
  • Credit history: 15%
  • New credit and types of credit: 20%
#5 You are your most important asset:

For most people, human capital is the missing piece of their portfolio. You insure your car, in the event you get into an accident. You insure your belongings, in case they’re lost or stolen. Your biggest asset is your ability to get up every day and provide for your family, whether by working or being the primary care giver. How do you insure your biggest asset? Through life insurance products.

A financial professional is trained to help you select and recommend vehicles that are suited to your protect your specific needs. You might find that working with a trained financial professional can help you to make well-informed decisions and stick with your financial plan — it is important that this is someone you are comfortable working with.

Click here to learn more about how New York Life can help you educate yourself on financial matters and set you on the path to a secure future.

Article by New York Life Insurance Company:

1 The 2014 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, The National Foundation for Credit Counseling, http://www.nfcc.org/NewsRoom/FinancialLiteracy/files2013/NFCC_2014FinancialLiteracySurvey_datasheet_and_key_findings_031314%20FINAL.pdf

2 http://www.wife.org/taxstrategiesforwomen.htm

3 http://www.pacer.org/publications/possibilities/make-a-spending-plan/68-make-a-spendingplan.html

4 Systematic investment techniques do not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

5 http://www.wife.org/features_bottomline_creditscores.htm

Jul 21
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Upscale Magazine’s “Atlanta Female Entrepreneur” Video Series Featuring Tarra Jackson

By Events, Money Management No Comments

I’m so excited!!! And I just can’t hide it!

I am so honored to be featured in Upscale Magazine‘s “Atlanta Female Entrepreneur” Video Series.

The experience was scary and liberating at the same time.

Scary because of the transparency I exposed, but liberating because of the transparency I shared.

Below is a sneak peak of my response to the question … “How do you know if you are REALLY an Entrepreneur.” 

Click the link below for the full video of my journey as an entrepreneur. Share your Comments below and tell me what you think.

FULL VIDEO -> UPSCALE MAGAZINE’S “ATLANTA FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR” VIDEO SERIES FEATURING TARRA JACKSON.

 

Previously published June 2015.