November 17, 2008

“The Perfect Gift!!!”

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)

It’s CHRISTMAS time and you are looking for “The Perfect Gift” to give those that you love. Here are a couple of suggestions.

“The Perfect Gift” for those that you love. - You might remember that in September, articles were written in the NAROD, advertised on television and other places that the month of September was Life Insurance Awareness Month. Maybe you even thought about doing something about protecting those that you care about. Perhaps you learned that your estate has to be cleared up and all bills and Final Expenses must be paid within a limited time frame even though you are no longer here to pay them. Areas to consider are Burial plot, Cemetery marker, Funeral Director and Chapel expenses, Florists fees, Attorney’s fees, Debts, Federal and state death taxes, Executor’s fees, Expenses of final illness, Probate costs, etc.

Unless properly planned for ahead of time, all such costs can create a liquidity crunch (the need cash) for that can occur at the time of death. One way that can help solve the liquidity crunch and have cash at the time of death, while creating liquidity, is to pass your legacy by some means such as a Life Insurance Contract. Life Insurance death proceeds paid to a designated beneficiary will avoid Probate.

You have worked hard all of your life making a living to get the things that you have and to provide for those that you love. Now is the time to provide for a life for those that remain by giving them the protection to help solve the liquidity crunch that will happen when you die. Think about the unpaid expenses mentioned above. Think about the future expenses of those you care about such as tuition, household, medical, vacations, wedding and many others that will have to be covered without the aid of your income or support. Who will be there to help fill the vacuum left by your not being there?

Having enough Life Insurance to help cover the liquidity crunch would certainly help – don’t you think? How much is enough is different for each individual. You must be the one to make this decision, but you don’t have to make this decision on your own. Below is information about helping you form a Team to help make this decision.

At this time of year, give the “Christmas Gift” that will keep giving today and for years to come. Give yourself “The Perfect Gift” that will give you the confidence in knowing that you have provided for the liquidity crunch that will occur when your final day comes. Give “The Perfect Gift” to others (spouse, children, grand children, etc.) to start or continue them on their road to Financial responsibility with the benefits of being a member of the PRCUA through a life insurance certificate.

Remember, a partial list of benefits from being a Fraternal Member of PRCUA such as: HISTORY – This year we are celebrating our 135th Year Anniversary. We are the Oldest Polish Fraternal Insurance Company. MEMBERSHIP- Individual members are encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in Fraternal activities while maintaining our motto “for God and country”. FINANCIAL – low cost life insurance, annuity programs and single family home mortgage loans. EDUCATION – financial aid in the form of educational loans, scholarship grants and education fund scholarships. CULTURAL – Adult and children groups; such as folk dancing, singing and language classes, crafts, and youth festivals. ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES – Bowling, basketball, softball and golf - local and national tournaments. PUBLICATION – The Narod Polski, the official publication of the PRCUA.

Call your local PRCUA agent/deputy to work together as a Team to make a PLAN that will help provide for the future for you and those you love. Your local agent/deputy will assist you in customizing a PLAN that will work for you. GIVE YOURSELF “The Perfect Gift” that will assure you that you have shared the gifts given to you with those that you love. Remember life insurance can help those that remain to cope with and eliminate some of the financial pressures that occur in life.

“The Perfect Gift” - for you and your retirement. Perhaps you have been anxious over the recent turn of economic events that we all have been witnessing over the past several months. I don’t have to remind you about how the events have affected each of us. We all know the impact. The thing to keep in mind is how and what each of us will do to protect our retirement years.

In the October 29, 2008 issue of The Wall Street Journal an article “Are Annuities At Risk Now? Some Answers” appeared. Excerpts follow:

Many owners of variable annuities have endured a double whammy lately: their investment account balances have taken a hit, as have the financial-strength ratings on the insurers that issued their annuities.

The key is variable annuities. They are linked with the stock market and fluctuate with the ups and downs of the stock market. The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America offers fixed annuities. Based on the most recent Independent Comparative Report performed by Standard Analytical Service, Inc. “…the analysis made of PRCUA is favorable in comparison with the aggregate averages of 25 of the LARGEST LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES.”

The article continues:

Q: What’s the difference between fixed and variable annuities?
A: Fixed annuities earn a guaranteed interest rate during a certain period. They are backed by assets in an insurance company’s general account, usually bonds. Fixed annuities depend entirely on the financial soundness of insurers, which are regulated primarily by state insurance departments.

Variable annuities can also come with guaranteed benefits, such as a death benefit and a minimum return, riders for which the buyers generally pay extra. In other ways, though, they’re quite different: A portion of deposits go to the insurance company to cover administrative costs and guaranteed benefits; the rest is invested in a portfolio of mutual fund-like investments. These accounts are separate from the rest of the insurance contract and belong to the annuity owner, so they’re not as vulnerable to the insurer’s fate.

Variable annuities, however, are more exposed to market risks. If annuity owners’ investments perform well, there’s the potential upside of a bigger payout. But if they do poorly, as many have recently, income falls, too. Investors can shift their fund holdings, however, to lower-volatility choices such as bond funds.

So give “The Perfect Gift” - for yourself and your retirement a PRCUA Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity that provides a guaranteed retirement income. We have multiple Plans to choose from.

NOW while you are thinking about it, CALL so we may either refer you to your deputy or directly assist you with your Annuity and Life Insurance Certificate needs from the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America.

PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK FOR YOU!

Contact your local PRCUA Agent/Deputy or one of the PRCUA Satellite Offices in OH (800) 318-8234, PA (800) 558-8792 or WI (877) 690-5827 or the Home Office Membership Department toll-free at (800) 772-8632 or (773) 782-2600.  We will answer your questions and help you determine what type of Annuity or Life Insurance is best suited for your needs.  We are here to help you Today and in the Future.