Insurance, explained plainly
Short guides to the questions people ask before they buy, with the official sources listed at the bottom of each one.
General
What Does an Insurance Agent Do?
A licensed insurance agent explains your options clearly, compares them to your situation, and handles the paperwork. Here is how that works.
General
How to Prepare for a Call With an Insurance Agent
A few minutes of prep make your first call faster and more useful. Here is what to have ready by coverage type, and what to expect.
Medicare
When Can I Sign Up for Medicare? Enrollment Periods
The Medicare enrollment windows explained: Initial Enrollment, fall Open Enrollment, Medicare Advantage OEP, General Enrollment, and Special Enrollment.
Health
Questions to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance
Network type, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, drug formulary, prior authorization. The questions worth asking before you pick a health plan.
Life
Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: What Is the Difference?
Term life insurance covers you for a set period at a lower cost. Whole life lasts your entire life and builds cash value. Here is how to think about each.
Final Expense
What Is Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy meant to cover funeral costs. Here is how it works and how it differs from a prepaid funeral plan.
Mortgage Protection
What Is Mortgage Protection Insurance?
Mortgage protection insurance, PMI, and credit life insurance sound similar but protect different people. Here is who each one actually pays.
Annuities
Fixed vs. Fixed Indexed Annuities: How They Work
Fixed and fixed indexed annuities earn interest differently and carry different rules on caps, surrender charges, and free-look periods. An overview.