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Articles by Maxime Croll
4 Ways to Maximize Your HSA in Retirement
Health savings accounts, or HSAs, are often misunderstood. Around 40% of employees feel like they don’t fully understand how to utilize their account, according to a survey by national health savings administrator Further. For those in retirement, the advantages of an HSA may be even more confusing — but the benefits are worth taking advantage of. What is a health savings account?
7 Important Financial To-Do’s for First-Year College Students
Before you know it, you’ll be taking your first steps on a college campus as a newly enrolled student. But before you start decorating your dorm room or shopping for shower caddies, it’s important to spend some time getting your finances in order. It may not sound as exciting as picking out the perfect laptop or tablet, but it will help you manage your money wisely throughout your years in college. Here are seven financial tasks you should tackle before your first day of classes. 1.
"Robinsons" retention could become a major issue for P&C insurers
Insurers who set themselves apart from the pack by offering easy-to-use digital tools that allow customers to apply for coverage, make claims, update accounts and renew policies while proactively communicating with their users stand the best chance of holding on to them. (Photo: REDPIXEL/Adobe Stock) After a year of record-breaking price increases, many Americans are searching for ways to protect their bank accounts.
When Should a Small Business Hire an Executive Team?
When starting a new business, you’ll likely wear many hats. It isn’t unusual to act as CEO while also tackling marketing tasks and coordinating operations. As you find your footing and begin to scale, you might feel ready to hire a formal executive team. The right C-suite positions for your business will depend on your unique needs, budget, and long-term goals.
When Should a Small Business Hire an Executive Team?
When starting a new business, you’ll likely wear many hats. It isn’t unusual to act as CEO while also tackling marketing tasks and coordinating operations. As you find your footing and begin to scale, you might feel ready to hire a formal executive team. The right C-suite positions for your business will depend on your unique needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Tips to Not Stress Over Holiday Spending This Season
If you find yourself welcoming the holiday season by anxiously checking your bank account, consider these 6 approaches to spending this year. By Maxime Croll, Product Manager, ValuePenguin What causes the holiday blues? Those who suffer from holiday-related depression and stress do so based on different aspects associated with the holidays.
How Much Life Insurance Do You Actually Need?
While life insurance is rarely required, it often becomes a consideration when you begin a family or have loved ones that depend on you financially. In these cases, how much life insurance you need is directly tied to your reason for purchasing a policy. If you have a mortgage and are the primary earner for your family, you would need a much larger life insurance policy than if you just wanted to cover your end-of-life costs.
How to Feel Empowered to Take a Job in Another State
Imagine this: You’ve received an attractive job offer with a company that feels like a great fit. There’s just one small snag — the position’s in another state. Moving can be stressful, especially if it’s across state lines, but it’s also one of life’s most transformative events. Of course, a big move also has the potential to shake up your finances. Considering an out-of-state move? Here’s how to prep so you can focus on settling into your new town (and gig) without the money stress.
5 Tips to Stay Healthy When Starting Your Own Business
If you’re already running your own business, you know how demanding it can be — 41% of small business owners surveyed by Bank of America said that managing their business was their No. 1 stressor. In fact, entrepreneurship was found to be four times more stressful than raising children. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. The lion’s share of entrepreneurs — 94% — are happy despite the stress, according to a 2017 American Express survey.
What is the Driving Force Behind Car Companies Offering Insurance?
From online shopping to DIY cable subscriptions, consumers are looking for ways to streamline their shopping experience — and luxury car dealers are taking note. This year alone, Porsche and Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) have announced plans to offer insurance to car buyers directly through their brand, essentially skipping the independent auto insurer. Right now it’s a trend among niche, high-end brands, but it’s one that technology is making easier for other car manufacturers to adopt.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Allstate Corporation (The) (NYSE:ALL) - What is the Driving Force Behind Car Companies Offering Insurance?
callie@valuepenguin.com , Benzinga Contributor August 09, 2019 1:59pm 950 Comments From online shopping to DIY cable subscriptions, consumers are looking for ways to streamline their shopping experience — and luxury car dealers are taking note. This year alone, Porsche and Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) have announced plans to offer insurance to car buyers directly through their brand, essentially skipping the independent auto insurer.
Nearly Half of Homeowners Don't Know What Their Insurance Policy Covers
While 85% of homeowners in the U.S. have home insurance, ValuePenguin's survey of 2,000 homeowners found that just half know what their home insurance policies cover. Even fewer compared prices when shopping for coverage, just 1 in 10, and 34% believe their policies cover flooding, though that's not typically the case. This research indicates many homeowners could be overpaying for insurance and inadequately covered.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in South Dakota 2019
Residents can purchase cheap health insurance in South Dakota on the federally run state insurance exchange. South Dakota currently has two insurers that provide coverage for the state: Avera Health Plans Inc. and Sanford Health Plan. We conducted research and found that the Sanford Simplicity $4,750 was the cheapest Silver health plan available in the majority of counties in South Dakota.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in New Hampshire 2019
In New Hampshire, residents can find affordable health insurance that fits their needs on the state health insurance exchange. We analyzed all individual health insurance plans on the New Hampshire marketplace and found that the Anthem Silver Pathway X Enhanced HMO 6300 30 was the cheapest Silver plan available in every county. Although this was the cheapest Silver plan, the most cost-effective plan for you will depend on your health and financial situation.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in North Dakota
North Dakotans can find affordable health insurance on the state exchange or through Medicaid, if your income qualifies. We analyzed all health insurance policies available on the state marketplace and found that either the BlueDirect 80 Silver or Sanford TRUE $4,750 was the cheapest Silver plan in every county. Although these are the lowest cost plans in the state, the rates and availability of health plans will change depending on which county you live in.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Wyoming 2019
Wyoming has one of the highest average monthly health insurance premiums in America, but residents can find affordable health insurance plans on the state health insurance exchange. However, the best insurance plan for you will depend on your needs and financial situation. To help you get started on your search, we analyzed all health insurance plans on the Wyoming marketplace and found that the BlueSelect Silver Classic was the cheapest Silver plan available in every county.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Missouri 2019
On the Missouri health insurance exchange there are four tiers of coverage to choose from based on your financial and medical needs—the Silver metal tier stands out for offering subsidized plans depending on your income level. In Missouri, the cheapest Silver health plan was either the Anthem Silver Pathway X 6000, Ambetter Balanced Care 4 or Cigna Connect 4500, depending on where you live.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Quartzsite, Arizona
To find cheap car insurance, Quartzsite drivers should consider Freedom National, which we found to be the most affordable insurer in the state. Freedom National's car insurance rates cost 47% less than the Arizona average. The price of auto insurance varies based on where the policyholder lives and their driving history, so we recommend reviewing quotes from multiple insurers before buying coverage.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Pioneer, Michigan
Pioneer, Michigan, drivers that are looking for affordable auto insurance should consider MetLife, the insurer we found to have the cheapest rates in the state. MetLife's average quote for Michigan drivers of $1,159 per year was 62% lower cost than the statewide average.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Montana 2019
Affordable health coverage is available to Montana residents through the state health insurance marketplace, which offers health plans from three insurance companies. We researched all the health insurance plans on the state exchange and found that the Connected Care Silver Option 2 was the cheapest Silver policy in every county in Montana.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Gaffney, South Carolina
In our analysis of auto insurance quotes from the top car insurance companies in Gaffney, we found that the cheapest rates were offered by Southern Farm Bureau and State Auto. These insurance companies provided quotes of $1,140 per year for our sample driver, which is 27% cheaper than the citywide average.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Kentucky 2019
Adair Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 5300 $490 $980 $1,273 Allen Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 5300 $490 $980 $1,273 Anderson CareSource Low Premium Silver $374 $748 $972 Ballard Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 5300 $458 $916 $1,190 Barren Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 5300 $490 $980 $1,273 Bath CareSource Low Premium Silver $360 $721 $936 Bell Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 5300 $507 $1,015 $1,319 Boone CareSource Low Premium Silver $411 $822 $1,068 Bourbon CareSource Low Premium Silver $374 $748 $972...
Cheap Auto Insurance in Hermiston, Oregon
Based on our analysis of car insurance quotes from the top insurers in Hermiston, we found that Country Insurance offered the cheapest car insurance. The average cost of coverage from Country was $708 per year or 58% lower than the average rate in Hermiston.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Darlington, South Carolina
We analyzed auto insurance quotes from the top companies in the region and found that the cheapest car insurance near Darlington is offered by Southern Farm Bureau. The average rate quoted by Southern Farm Bureau of $1,164 per year for auto insurance coverage was 33% less than the Darlington region's average.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Elko, Nevada
We compared auto insurance quotes from the top companies in the state and found that Allied offered the cheapest car insurance in Elko. Allied's auto insurance rate of $780 per year cost 44% less than the citywide average in Elko: $1,395 per year. The cost of an auto insurance policy is based on a wide variety of factors, including your age, vehicle and driving history, so we recommend you compare prices from multiple insurers before purchasing a policy.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Kokomo, Indiana
We researched prices at the top insurance companies in Kokomo and found that The Cincinnati offers the cheapest car insurance rates for residents, with an average cost of $756 per year. This quote was 43% lower than the city average in Kokomo. However, since auto insurance rates are determined based on a wide variety of factors, including your age and driving history, the price you receive from an insurer may be significantly different from another person in your city.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Hamtramck, Michigan
We compared rates from the top insurers and found that MetLife offers the cheapest car insurance quotes in the Hamtramck area. MetLife's rate of $2,136 per year for auto insurance was 30% cheaper than the city average. The cost of a policy will vary based on your driving history, age and other factors in addition to your location, so we recommend that you compare prices from multiple insurers in order to find the best rates.
Cheap Auto Insurance in South Heart, North Dakota
We analyzed quotes from the top auto insurers and found that the cheapest car insurance in the South Heart area is offered by State Farm, whose rate of $960 per year for auto insurance coverage was 41% less than the citywide average. Since auto insurance rates will vary based based on your age, vehicle and driving history, in addition to where you live, we recommend that you compare quotes to find the best quotes for coverage.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Oregon 2019
Oregon residents can find affordable health insurance on the state's health insurance marketplace, which offers a variety of plans from five different insurance companies. Finding the right plan can be difficult, so we researched all the health insurance policies on the state exchange and found that in most parts of the state, either the Providence Oregon Standard Silver Signature Network, Providence Oregon Standard Silver Choice Network or KP OR Silver 3500/30 was the cheapest Silver plan.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Indiana 2019
Residents of Indiana can find cheap health insurance on their state exchange, but the best plan depends on your medical condition, financial situation and the region in which you live. We analyzed all health insurance plans in Indiana and found that either the CareSource Low Premium Silver or **Ambetter Balanced Care 5 ** was the cheapest Silver policy in every county. However, the monthly rates may differ by county.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Hawaii 2018
Hawaii residents can find affordable coverage options on the health insurance exchange or if your income qualifies, through Medicaid. We researched all the health insurance policies in the state and found that the KP Silver III $40 - Fit was the cheapest Silver health plan in every county. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan also offered the lowest cost Bronze, Gold and Platinum health plans in Hawaii, making it the most affordable insurer whether you want a basic or comprehensive policy.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Nebraska 2018
Nebraskans can find affordable health insurance on the state exchange or through Medicaid, although the state has not yet expanded the Medicaid program. We researched all health plans available on the state exchange and found that, depending on where you live, either the Medica Insure Silver Copay or Medica with CHI Health Silver Copay was the cheapest Silver plan.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in New Mexico 2018
New Mexico residents can find cheap health insurance on the state exchange or through Medicaid if your income qualifies. Finding the best health coverage may be difficult, as health plans and rates change by county. To help you with your search, we analyzed all health insurance plans in the state and found that in all but two counties the Care Connect Silver was the cheapest Silver policy in New Mexico.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Maine 2018
Maine residents can find cheap health insurance options on the state exchange, or through Medicaid if they qualify based on income. We researched all health insurance plans available on the state marketplace and found that either Maine's Choice Pemaquid Silver HMO or Community Value HMO was the cheapest Silver health plan in every county.
Life Insurance for Overweight and Obese People: How Your BMI Affects Life Insurance Rates
Life insurance rates are typically higher if you're overweight or obese, since insurers take into account your weight and height when setting premiums. However, unless you have severe weight-related health issues, such as limited mobility due to being morbidly obese, you're unlikely to be rejected for life insurance coverage.
Most and Least Affordable Cities in Florida for Homeowners & Renters
We analyzed housing costs across major Florida cities and found that costs for homeowners varied by 161%, ranging from $7,992 per year in Lakeland to $20,868 per year in Coral Springs. However, all cities in the state are affordable for homeowners, as housing costs don't exceed 30% of the median income, a standard metric of affordability, for this group. In the least affordable city, Miami Gardens, homeowners only spent 28.82% of their income on housing costs.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Louisiana 2018
Louisiana residents can find affordable health insurance plans on the federally run state health insurance exchange or through Medicaid. But the best health insurance policy for you depends on where you live and the coverage you choose to fit your needs.
Most and Least Affordable Cities in Texas for Homeowners & Renters
We analyzed housing costs in major cities across the state and found median housing costs for homeowners vary by 202% depending on location—ranging from $8,112 per year in Brownsville up to $24,516 in Frisco. Renters faced less drastic differences in absolute costs, as housing expenses only varied by 104% between cities. But only 18 of the 29 largest cities in Texas are affordable for renters, as housing costs in the other 11 cities exceed 30% of the median income for this group.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Arkansas 2018
Arkansas residents can purchase affordable health coverage through the state health insurance exchange or through Medicaid if your income qualifies. We analyzed all the health insurance policies in the state and found that the Ambetter Balanced Care 4 was the cheapest Silver plan in every county. Although this may be the lowest-cost Silver health plan, the best health insurance policy for you may differ depending on your medical and financial situation.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Tennessee 2018
Tennessee residents can find affordable health insurance on the state health insurance marketplace. We analyzed all health insurance plans in Tennessee and found that in the majority of the state, the Silver S04S Network S or Cigna Connect 4750 were the cheapest Silver health insurance policies on the exchange. The best plan for you depends on both your coverage needs and where you live, as plans and rates change by county.
Will New Jersey be the 13th State to License Undocumented Immigrants?
New Jersey is considering legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state. An estimated 466,000 of this population in New Jersey are old enough to drive. Although similar policies have recently been considered in other states, they have been rejected or delayed significantly. New York, for instance, also considered a bill to license undocumented immigrants, but it wasn't addressed during the 2018 legislative session.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Oklahoma 2018
Affordable health insurance plans in Oklahoma can be found on the state exchange, but the best plan for you will depend on the county you live in and the tier of coverage that fits your needs. To help you find the best health insurance plan, we analyzed all Silver policies in Oklahoma and found that either the Blue Advantage Silver PPO 204 or Blue Preferred Silver PPO 201 was the cheapest in every county.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Wisconsin 2018
Affordable health insurance is available in Wisconsin through the state's marketplace. Finding the best health insurance can be difficult, so to help you get started we analyzed all Silver policies available on the state exchange. We found that in the majority of Wisconsin, either the Select $6,000 - 30%, Dean Silver Copay Plus 3250X or Envision Aurora Bellin ThedaCare CHHS - Silver 5500/80 was the cheapest health plan.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Alabama 2018
In Alabama, affordable health insurance can be found on the state marketplace. We examined all the health insurance plans in Alabama and discovered that in every county of the state, the Blue Cross Select Silver was the cheapest Silver health plan. Although there are two insurers available on the state exchange, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama consistently provided the best prices on plans across all coverage tiers.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Ohio 2018
Residents of Ohio can find affordable health insurance on the state exchange or through Medicaid, depending on income, although the best health plan will depend on your budget and expected costs. We compared all the policies in the Ohio marketplace and found that, in the majority of counties, either the CareSource Low Premium Silver or Ambetter Balanced Care 5 was the cheapest Silver tier health plan offered.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Iowa 2018
People who live in Iowa can find cheap health insurance through their state exchange, but the best plan for you depends on where you live and your needs. We researched all health insurance plans in Iowa and found that in the majority of the state, either the Medica Insure Silver Copay or Inspire by Medica Silver Copay was the cheapest Silver health insurance policy.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Georgia 2018
The state exchange provides access to cheap health insurance plans in Georgia, or you may qualify for Medicaid depending on your household income. To help you get started in your search for the best health plan, we analyzed all Silver plans in Georgia and found that, in the majority of counties, the cheapest policy was either the BCBSHP Silver Pathway X HMO 6000, Ambetter Balanced Care 4 or SoloCare Silver PPO 40017.
Cheap Life Insurance for Smokers: How Tobacco Use Affects Rates
Smokers can get life insurance, but the same person will pay much higher rates if they use tobacco products. We analyzed life insurance quotes from five national insurers and found that smokers paid an average of 215% more for coverage than nonsmokers. Depending on how frequently you smoke and your method, the best life insurance company for you will vary, as some insurers offer cheaper rates for occasional smokers or those that don't smoke cigarettes specifically.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in South Carolina 2018
South Carolinians can go to their state exchange to find affordable health insurance, but the best plans available depends on the coverage you choose to fit your budget and needs. We analyzed all health insurance plans in South Carolina and found that the BlueEssentials Silver 10 was the cheapest Silver health insurance policy in every county. Although this is the cheapest option, depending on your budget and coverage needs, there may be better options for you.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Kansas 2018
In Kansas, cheap health insurance plans are purchasable through the state's marketplace or through Medicaid if your household income qualifies. We researched all Kansas health insurance plans to help you find the best health insurance coverage. In the majority of the state, either the BlueCare EPO Simple Silver HDHP or Ambetter Balanced Care 4 (2018) was the cheapest Silver plan available. However, depending on the county you live in, these plans may not be available for purchase.
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