Dave Ramsey: You’re self-insured - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

Document text

2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation  |  Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED   » NEWS NOW   Medford swim fans ask urban renewal board for indoor pool       ...       World Changers to help homeowners in need       ...       Shady Cove amputee guides other amputees in wheelchair-accessible driftboat       ...       Medford swim fans ask urban renewal board for indoor pool       ...       World Changers to help homeowners in need       ...       Shady Cove amputee guides other amputees in wheelchair-accessible driftboat       ...           Dave Ramsey: You're self-insured Comment By Dave Ramsey More Content Now MailTribune.com By Dave Ramsey More Content Now Posted Jun. 14, 2016 at 8:52 AM By Dave Ramsey More Content Now Posted Jun. 14, 2016 at 8:52 AM »  Social News Dear Dave, My husband and I are retired, we both receive nice pensions, and we owe $46,000 on our home. This is our only debt. I’m 65, he is 82, and we have more than $800,000 in variable annuities, along with substantial cash in savings. We also have $200,000 combined in life insurance coverage. If we cancel these two policies we can pay down an extra $10,000 a year on the house. Should we cancel the life insurance policies? — Anna Dear Anna, At 82 and 65, you probably won’t be able to get any more insurance at a decent price. If you get rid of it, you’re going to be without it. The good news is that you have enough money through your pensions, investments, and savings to be what is known as “self-insured.” If I’m in your situation, I’d drop the life insurance policies and pay off the house as quickly as possible. Make sure you keep a good health insurance policy in place, because a hospital stay can eat your savings alive. I hope you have long-term care insurance, too. Good question, Anna. You guys have done a great job with your money. —Dave Becoming a holder Dear Dave, In 15 months I’ll be able to buy in as a shareholder of my firm, about 1.5 percent of the company. I make $100,000 annually, and it will cost me three times my income, but it could increase my income by as much as $40,000 a year. I know that you discourage single-stock investing, but do you think this is a good idea? — Mark Dear Mark, This sounds more akin to a partnership than a stock. Basically, you’d be a minority shareholder in the business. That means zero power. Whatever money you put up could be lost, because the people running this business could decide to close up shop and you’d be powerless to stop it. To me, this is way too scary. You’d be making a $300,000 investment that has no liquidity and that you can’t sell on the open market. I’d want to see at least 30-percent return on my capital in a situation like this, so I wouldn’t risk my money. Keep your good job, but politely decline this shareholder offer. That’s my advice. —Dave — Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com . By Dave Ramsey More Content Now MailTribune.com By Dave Ramsey More Content Now Posted Jun. 14, 2016 at 8:52 AM » Comment or view comments   Reader Reaction »  STAY INFORMED   Email NewsLetter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed   Email newsletter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.    Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service  |  Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501