Category: Life

Secure your family’s future with expert advice on life insurance coverage and planning.

Road Trip Prep

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and explore new places. Before you set off on your spring road trip, make sure your car is ready for the journey. Here’s a handy checklist for essential car maintenance tips and insurance considerations to ensure your vehicle is in top shape for all your spring adventures!

  1. Check Your Tires:

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and check the tread for wear. Properly maintained tires are crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Rotate them if needed to promote even wear, extend their life, and improve vehicle performance. 

  1. Inspect Fluid Levels:

Check all essential fluids, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Refresh or top them off as needed to keep your engine running smoothly.

  1. Test Your Battery:

Cold winter weather can be tough on car batteries. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and clean any corrosion from the terminals.

  1. Check Brakes and Suspension:

Ensure that your brakes and suspension are in good working order. Listen for any unusual noises, and get them checked if you notice anything off.

  1. Clean and Replace Air Filters:

Check your engine and cabin air filters. Clean or replace them as necessary to improve ventilation and efficiency.

  1. Update Your Insurance Policy:

Review your auto insurance policy to ensure it covers potential incidents on your road trip. Consider adding roadside assistance for peace of mind during long drives.

By following these maintenance tips, you can hit the road with confidence this spring. For any insurance questions or to ensure your coverage meets your needs, reach out to your local OKFB agent today. Safe travels!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

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When Should You Get Life Insurance

Life insurance is a crucial tool that provides a safety net for your loved ones in case something were to ever happen to you. However, deciding when to get coverage can be unclear. In this blog, we’ll explore four key milestones in life when obtaining life insurance becomes particularly important.

When You’re Single

Contrary to popular belief, life insurance is not just for families. Even if you’re single, having coverage can be a smart financial move. Why? Because it ensures that your debts, such as student loans or credit card balances, don’t become a burden on your family if something were to happen to you. Additionally, obtaining coverage while you’re young and healthy can result in more affordable premiums.

When You Get Married

Marriage is a significant life event that often marks the beginning of shared financial responsibilities. When you tie the knot, it’s essential to reassess your financial plans. Life insurance can also provide financial support to your spouse in case of your passing, helping them cover shared debts, funeral expenses or mortgage payments.

When You Have Kids

One of the most critical times to consider life insurance is when you become a parent. Your children depend on you for financial support, and having coverage ensures that they are taken care of even if you’re no longer there to provide for them. For example, it can be used to cover education expenses, childcare costs and other financial needs your family may face.

Before You Turn 75

While there is not typically a specific age limit for a policy, securing coverage can become more challenging and expensive as you age. Insurance companies consider factors such as health conditions and life expectancy when determining premiums. By getting life insurance before you turn 75, you may have more options and better rates. Waiting too long could result in limited choices and higher costs.

Life insurance is a valuable financial tool that evolves with the different milestones in your journey. By being proactive and addressing this important aspect of financial planning, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and financial security for your loved ones. So, when should you get life insurance? As soon as you are able.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

How to Plan for Retirement in Your 20s

For some people, planning for retirement in your 20s seems like a distant goal, something for your future self to deal with. Your 20s tend to be about building your career and having memorable experiences. The future may appear far off, but it’s never too early to start planning for retirement. In fact, your 20s are the perfect time to begin!

1. Build an Emergency Fund First

Before diving into retirement savings, it’s important to build up your emergency fund. This fund serves as a safety net for unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Having an emergency fund ensures that you won’t have to dip into your retirement savings prematurely in case of financial setbacks.

2. Pay Off Any High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can be a significant barrier to saving for retirement. The interest on these debts can quickly accumulate and erode your financial stability. Focus on paying off high-interest debts as a priority. Once they’re under control, you’ll have more disposable income to allocate to retirement savings!

3. Create a Plan

Now that you’ve built up an emergency fund, you can start planning! The sooner you start planning for retirement, the better. Figure out your retirement goals by considering factors like when you want to retire, your desired lifestyle in retirement, and estimated expenses. Having a clear plan will keep you motivated and on track. Once you’ve decided on your goals, you can determine how you’re going to set up your retirement fund.

4. Do Not Pass Up an Employer Match

If your employer offers a 401(k) plan with a matching contribution, take full advantage of it. Think of it as free money for your retirement! Contribute enough to maximize the employer match. If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) matching benefit, consider opening a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs allow your contributions to grow tax-free, and you can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) penalty-free in case of emergencies.

5. Consider Investing

Once you’ve established your retirement account, consider investing your contributions. Investing allows your money to grow over time, thanks to the power of compound interest. While investing carries some risk, it has historically provided higher returns compared to a traditional savings account, especially long term. By diversifying your investments across different account types, you can reduce risk and potentially maximize returns.

6. Consider Life Insurance

Life insurance is often overlooked when planning for retirement, but it can play a crucial role in ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your life insurance coverage. Premiums are typically lower the younger you are and you may have more accumulated cash value the longer you keep your policy. Remember, life insurance isn’t one-size-fits all; there’s several options to choose from, like Whole Life, Term Life and Universal. Talk to your local OKFB agent to determine which option is right for you.

Remember that the key to planning for retirement in your 20s is consistency. Even small, regular contributions can grow significantly over time. The power of compounding can turn modest savings into a substantial retirement plan. Starting early will give you a significant advantage, allowing you to enjoy a financially secure retirement when the time comes. Your future self will thank you!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

How to Plan for Retirement in Your 40s

When you’re in your 40s, you probably have potential to save more for your retirement. Your financial goals may shift, with saving for retirement taking precedence over building an emergency fund. The Federal Reserve averages savings for the middle age group at $27,900, with the median savings at $4,710. If you feel behind on your retirement planning, don’t worry! Keep reading for more tips for saving for retirement in your 40s.

1. Assess Your Retirement Goals

As you approach retirement planning, it’s crucial to think about what life will look like when you’re retired. Your retirement intentions can significantly influence how you approach the last decade or so before retirement. Consider questions like: Where do you want to live? What hobbies and activities do you want to pursue? Are you thinking of downsizing your home?

By figuring out your retirement goals, you can better tailor your savings strategy to meet your unique aspirations.

2. Estimate Your Retirement Income

Take a comprehensive look at all your potential sources of retirement income, including your 401(k), IRAs, and any other investments. Ensure that these income streams align with your anticipated retirement expenses. If there’s a gap between what you have and what you need, consider making adjustments. If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out our financial services!

3. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions

The government encourages retirement savings by offering tax advantages. Contributing to a traditional IRA, for example, allows you to defer tax deductions, reducing your taxable income for the year. Keep in mind that this income will be taxed when you withdraw it in retirement, but the tax benefits can be substantial in the short term.

(If you’re 50+, you may be able to use catch-up contributions on your 401(k)!)

4. Invest in Non-Retirement Accounts

While retirement accounts offer tax advantages, they come with contribution limits. Once you’ve maximized your tax-advantaged retirement savings, consider investing in non-retirement accounts. Diversify your investments to mitigate risk and potentially earn higher returns. Non-retirement accounts offer more flexibility, allowing you to access funds before retirement without penalties.

5. Consider Life Insurance

Life insurance is often overlooked when planning for retirement, but it can play a crucial role in ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your life insurance coverage. Ensure that it’s sufficient to protect your spouse or partner’s quality of life through retirement if either of you were to pass away. Life insurance isn’t one-size-fits all; there’s several options to choose from, like Whole Life, Term Life and Universal. Talk to your local OKFB agent to determine which option is right for you.

Saving for retirement may feel like a daunting task, but with careful planning, you can take significant steps toward securing a comfortable and financially stable retirement. Remember that it’s never too late to start, and by following these steps, you can build a stronger financial foundation for your future!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.