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All Posts By James Shiver, DBA

James Shiver is the founder of ChoiceLifeQuote.com and a multi-state licensed independent life insurance agent serving the individual family and small-business markets. Dr. Shiver also serves as a university business professor, as well as being an Accredited Financial Counselor®.

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Life Insurance Accelerated Benefits

In considering the purchase of life insurance, the policy death benefit is routinely a primary consideration. The death benefit provides a tax-free payment to beneficiaries in the event of an insured's passing. However, families often experience unexpected circumstances that may not necessarily involve the death of a loved one, but present financial challenges none the less. As a…

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Annuities | Principal Protection & Lifetime Income

In working with consumers related to insurance and financial services, conversations often turn to planning for retirement. Whether you are just starting to save for the future or transitioning into retirement, this can be a complicated and confusing topic. This confusion around planning for retirement is completely understandable given the sheer amount of information available.Common…

Cheap Life Insurance: 13 Tips for Getting the Best Rates

In considering life insurance to protect the ones you love, it is important to get the best rates possible. However, finding cheap life insurance can sometimes be easier said than done for consumers navigating the complicated and ever-changing world of financial services.These challenges are completely understandable given the complexity of different policy options and the…

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Life Insurance for Stay-at-Home Parents (Value of a SAHM)

In many instances, families make the decision for one parent to stay home to care for young children while the other works to provide financially for the household. Given that the stay-at-home parent makes significant contributions to the family but may not have a source of income, the need for life insurance can be somewhat…

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Life Insurance for Marijuana Users (420 Friendly Insurers)

The use of marijuana has become somewhat more mainstream in recent years, with trends in medical marijuana prescriptions and an increasing number of states legalizing the drug’s recreational use. As a result, our team occasionally receives questions related to life insurance for marijuana users. Common questions include…Can someone who smokes marijuana get life insurance? Do…

Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance (Including Key Steps)

In the world of personal finance, bank loans of one type or another are a routine occurrence. It is also common for business owners to borrow money in starting a new venture and/or funding the expansion of an existing enterprise. In securing such loans, lenders often require a life insurance policy on the borrower. Many…

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How much life insurance do I need? “Rules of Thumb”

Most Americans agree that life insurance is an important part of their overall financial plan. However, determining an appropriate amount of coverage can be a challenge for many consumers. In working with clients, we are often asked questions such as: How much life insurance do I need? What should be considered in selecting coverage? Or, should I…

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Banner Life Insurance Company Review (Recommended)

Banner Life Insurance Company has a well-earned reputation for financial strength and affordable life insurance products. But, how competitive are the company’s products and services in today’s ever-changing marketplace? What types of life insurance does Banner Life offer? And, does the quality of customer service match the company’s ratings? Banner Life Insurance Company (800) 638-8428 Account Sign-in…

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Life Insurance for Smokers and Tobacco Users (Including Insider Tips)

The number of smokers has decreased in recent decades, but many Americans continue to use tobacco products in one form or another. As a result, we frequently receive questions related to life insurance for smokers or the use of other forms of tobacco. Common consumer questions include… Is life insurance for smokers more expensive?If I quit smoking,…