About

over 15 years of experience

With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Eduardo (Eddy) Lopez and Assured Life Insurance and Annuities, specializes in helping individuals and businesses secure their futures through tailored life insurance solutions. We work closely with clients to navigate a variety of plans, including term life and whole life insurance, with a focus on living benefits to ensure comprehensive protection. This protection is very flexible and can be used for a variety of circumstances including mortgage protection, retirement savings for kids, educational savings for college funds, as part of a special needs trust, and retirement savings and income.

Assured Life Insurance and Annuities, expertise extends beyond basic life insurance, offering valuable insights into how these products can complement other retirement vehicles, creating a holistic financial plan. Whether you are an individual seeking personal security or a business owner looking to protect your team or business, we take pride in offering personalized guidance to match each client’s unique needs.

Our dedication to building long-term relationships and providing strategic solutions makes us a trusted advisor in the insurance field.

Eddy Lopez

Employer Life Insurance

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime...

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime...

Death Benefits?

Death benefits are the core feature of a life insurance policy. They are the amount of money that is paid...

Policy Loan

Policy loans life insurance are loans that are taken out against the cash value of a life insurance policy...

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents and trusts to protect your assets and ensure your...

Employer Life Insurance

What You Need to Know and Consider
Understanding Employer Life Insurance

Employer life insurance is a type of life insurance coverage that is provided by an employer to its employees. It is typically offered as part of a benefits package and is designed to provide financial protection to the employee's beneficiaries in the event of their death. How ever, it's important to understand that employer life insurance may not always provide enough coverage for your needs. It's important to carefully evaluate the terms and conditions of the policy, including the amount of coverage and any limitations or exclusions. Additionally, it's worth considering whether it's better to get life insurance through your employer or to purchase a separate policy outside of your workplace. When it comes to life insurance, many people wonder if the coverage provided by their employer is enough or if they should consider purchasing an individual policy. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your financial situation, the needs of your loved ones, and your long-term goals.

Whole Life Insurance

What is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured individual. Unlike term life insurance, which only provides coverage for a specific period of time, whole life insurance offers lifelong protection as long as the premiums are paid. It also includes a cash value component that grows over time, allowing policyholders to build up savings that can be accessed or borrowed against. Whole life insurance offers a combination of death benefit protection and a savings or investment component, making it a popular choice for those looking for long-term financial security.

HOW DOES WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE WORK?

Whole life insurance works by providing coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured individual. When you purchase a whole life insurance policy, you pay regular premiums, which are used to fund the death benefit and the cash value component of the policy. The death benefit is the amount of money that will be paid out to your beneficiaries upon your death. The cash value component is a savings or investment account that grows over time. This cash value can be accessed or borrowed against, providing you with a source of funds that can be used for various purposes, such as paying for education expenses or supplementing retirement income.

THE BENEFITS OF WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE.

Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage, meaning that as long as you continue to pay your premiums, your policy will remain in effect. This ensures that your loved ones will receive a death benefit upon your passing, providing them with financial support during a difficult time. Additionally, whole life insurance policies have a cash value component that grows over time. This means that not only are you protecting your loved ones, but you are also building wealth for yourself. The cash value can be accessed or borrowed against, giving you flexibility and options for using the funds. Whether you need to pay for education expenses, supplement your retirement income, or handle unexpected expenses, the cash value can provide a valuable source of funds. Overall, whole life insurance offers comprehensive coverage and financial benefits.

Not sure what you need? Learn in seconds which types of insurance match your business.

What are Death Benefits?

Death benefits are the core feature of a life insurance policy. They are the amount of money that is paid out to the beneficiaries upon the death of the insured individual. This payment is typically made in a lump sum, although there are other payout options available, which we will discuss later in this guide. The purpose of life insurance with death benefit is to provide financial support to the policyholder's family or loved ones after their passing. This money can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, replace lost income, or ensure the financial stability of the beneficiaries.

In general, death benefits from a life insurance policy are received tax-free by the beneficiaries. This means that the money they receive is not subject to income tax. However, there are some exceptions and special circumstances where taxes may apply. For example, if the death benefit is paid out in installments or used to purchase an annuity, the interest or investment gains earned on those payments may be subject to taxation. Additionally, if the policy was transferred for valuable consideration (e.g., sold), a portion of the death benefit may be taxable. 

Policy Loan

What are policy loans life insurance?

Policy loans life insurance are loans that are taken out against the cash value of a life insurance policy. When you pay your premiums for a life insurance policy, a portion of that money goes towards building up the cash value of the policy. This cash value can be accessed through a policy loan, allowing you to borrow against the value of your policy. The loan is secured by the policy itself, so there is no need for a credit check or collateral. Policy loans typically have lower interest rates compared to traditional loans, making them an attractive option for those in need of cash.

HOW DOES THE POLICY LOAN PROVISION WORK?

The policy loan provision allows policyholders to borrow against the cash value of their life insurance policy. When you take out a policy loan, you are essentially borrowing money from the insurance company using your policy as collateral. The amount you can borrow is typically a percentage of the cash value of your policy, and the interest rate is usually lower than what you would find with traditional loans. The loan is repaid over time, either through regular payments or by deducting the loan amount from the death benefit when the policyholder passes away. It's important to note that if the loan is not repaid, it will be deducted from the death benefit, potentially reducing the amount that is paid out to beneficiaries.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING A POLICY LOAN?

There are several benefits to taking a policy loan in life insurance. Firstly, it provides a convenient and accessible source of cash when you need it. Unlike traditional loans, there is no need for a credit check or lengthy approval process. Furthermore, policy loans present the advantage of having typically lower interest rates compared to alternative loan options, ensuring a cost-efficient choice. Moreover, these loans are backed by the cash value of your policy, eliminating the necessity for additional collateral. Lastly, policy loans provide flexibility in repayment methods, enabling you to opt for regular payments or deducting the loan amount from the death benefit. Overall, policy loans can provide financial flexibility and peace of mind for policyholders.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU BORROW WITH A POLICY LOAN?

The amount you can borrow with a policy loan in life insurance depends on the cash value of your policy. Typically, you can borrow up to a certain percentage of the cash value, such as 90% or 95%. However, it's important to note that borrowing too much can deplete the cash value and potentially affect the death benefit of your policy. It's recommended to consult with your insurance provider to determine the specific borrowing limits and understand the potential impact on your policy.

WHAT ARE THE REPAYMENT TERMS FOR POLICY LOANS?

The repayment terms for policy loans in life insurance can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy. Generally, policy loans have flexible repayment options. You can choose to repay the loan in regular installments, similar to a traditional loan, or you can opt to pay back the loan through the surrender of the policy's cash value. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy loan, including any interest rates or fees associated with the loan, to ensure you understand the repayment requirements. Consulting with your insurance provider can provide further clarification on the repayment terms specific to your policy.

Hello everyone Mett here!

Since 1914, the New York Mutual Insurance Company has been serving policyholders – protecting businesses, mitigating losses, defending claims.

Leo Alexander
Marketing Ex.
Levi hudson
Marketing Ex.
Charlie Harrison
Marketing Ex.
Max Harvey
Marketing Ex.

Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning and Why is it Important?

Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents and trusts to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out after you pass away. It is important because it allows you to have control over what happens to your assets and property, and can help minimize taxes and other expenses for your loved ones. Without proper estate planning, your assets may be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes. Additionally, estate planning can also include important healthcare directives and appointing guardians for minor children.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WILL AND A TRUST

While both a will and a trust are important components of estate planning, they serve different purposes. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. It can also include important information such as appointing guardians for minor children and naming an executor to manage your estate. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds your assets and is managed by a trustee. Trusts can be used to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and provide for the ongoing care of loved ones. It is important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine which documents and trusts are best for your individual needs.

TYPES OF TRUSTS AND THEIR BENEFITS

There are several types of trusts that can be used in estate planning, each with their own unique benefits. A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime and avoid probate after your death. An irrevocable trust can be used to minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors. A special needs trust can provide for the ongoing care of a loved one with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. It is important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine which type of trust is best for your individual needs and goals.

CHOOSING AN EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE

When creating an estate plan, it is important to choose an executor and trustee who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you pass away. An executor is responsible for managing your estate, paying off debts, and distributing assets according to your will. A trustee, on the other hand, is responsible for managing any trusts you have established and ensuring that the assets are distributed according to your wishes. It is important to choose individuals who are trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling the responsibilities of these roles. You may also want to consider naming alternate executors and trustees in case your first choices are unable or unwilling to serve.

THE ROLE OF LIFE INSURANCE IN ESTATE PLANNING

Life insurance plays a pivotal role in estate planning, offering a range of strategies to help secure financial stability for beneficiaries. At its core, life insurance provides a tax-free death benefit that can cover immediate expenses, such as funeral costs, outstanding debts, or taxes, thus relieving families from immediate financial stress.

Beyond this immediate advantage, life insurance also provides valuable tools for long-term estate planning. It's a versatile asset that can be used to equalize inheritances among beneficiaries, particularly in instances where illiquid assets like businesses or properties are involved. If an estate consists of a family business, for example, a life insurance policy could provide cash to one heir while the other inherits the business, ensuring fair distribution.

Moreover, life insurance plays a crucial role in planning for estates subject to estate taxes. The proceeds from a policy can be used to pay these taxes and prevent the need for a hurried sale of assets.

Life insurance trusts offer another planning tool, allowing policy owners to exclude insurance proceeds from their taxable estate and gain more control over policy disbursement. In essence, life insurance is not merely about providing for immediate needs upon death; it's a comprehensive tool for effective estate management, ensuring the future financial security of loved ones.

UPDATING YOUR ESTATE PLAN REGULARLY

It is important to update your estate plan regularly to ensure that it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets can all impact your estate plan. It is recommended that you review your estate plan every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. Additionally, changes in tax laws or other legal regulations may also require updates to your estate plan. By keeping your estate plan up to date, you can ensure that your assets are protected and your wishes are carried out after you pass away.

ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST