Life Insurance Leads

Life Insurance Leads

Selling life insurance policies can be an extremely rewarding and lucrative profession. But has to have proficiency and know the tricks of the trade. There is no dearth of people who are in actual need of life insurance. Yet generating and then translating a lead into a closed deal is one of the most challenging tasks in this industry.

Earlier, leads had to be generated primarily by individual agents through cold calls or door-to-door selling. These resulted in lower rates of sale, as there were greater chances of the having a bogus lead, or a lead becoming unresponsive as the emphasis is more or quantity rather than quality. This had become a stupendous task, given people's aversion towards uninvited salesmen giving cold calls and barging into people's private spaces, making a dig for their time and money. Insurance agents and companies had to multi-task themselves and their employees, ensuing in loss of efficiency and direction.

Newer, more advanced techno-savvy and people-friendly techniques have been devised in recent times. Generating a life insurance lead and working on it has never been as easy as this before, what with online and off-line vendors supplying qualified and actual leads through newer technological approaches and research methods.

While these too intrude upon the people's spaces sometime, they are less invasive and aggressive than cold calls and door-to-door selling. Many online and offline vendors offer highly authentic leads which they generate through their networking with various search engines like Yahoo, Google and AOL, direct marketing and advertising about insurance policies, educating the people about the benefits of insurance, etc.

Most people who are in actual need of insurance sign up and fill out forms that ask for personal details like bio-data, age, name, number of dependents, kind of insurance (investment or purely protection) desired, kind of need (short term or long term), etc. Companies and independent agents can buy leads and specific information regarding the potential customers. There are various techniques to generate a lead independently.

The Internet opens up newer avenues for independent agents and companies, generating leads with novel forms of advertisement like emails, pop-ups and free newsletters. Joining a lead club, lead exchanging with local business professionals, free reports and booklets, and conducting seminars are some of the other techniques for lead generation. Actual sales, however, depend solely on one's marketing and sale capabilities.

Life Insurance Sales Leads

Life Insurance Sales Leads

Generating and transforming a life insurance sales lead into actual sales has never been an easy task. It involves a lot of strategic planning, time and energy. Producing a life insurance sales lead through infinite cold calls and door-to-door approaches is not a good solution to the problem. Devising industrious techniques of turning authentic quality leads into actual sales calls for tactical planning, not unidirectional mulish effort. A truly new era of life has ushered in life insurance sales leads with the advent of modern techniques and tools of research, data generation, advertising and marketing.

Generating leads independently is the best option where money is a concern. Most insurance companies have their own in-house data generation teams who pass on the information to the indoor or outdoor agents to work on the leads. In recent times, many telemarketing companies have cashed in by offering their services for lead generation. Their trained staff of telemarketers go on to field questions from gatekeepers, get information and details about the contact, his/her specific life insurance needs, set a particular rapport and tempo with the potential leads, and help in converting them into actual customers.

These fresh, hot leads are passed on to the specialized agents who can concentrate their skills and efforts in actual marketing and product demonstration. For independent agents there are various avenues and techniques to hunt down actual leads without adopting an overly aggressive marketing and sales technique, which is a big turn-off.

Pop-ups on the Internet, mailers and free newsletters with catchy, informative and emotional headlines and content can not just grab the attention of the potential customer, but actually motivate them to approach the agent for a deal or information. Apart from these, one can join lead-exchanging clubs. Once the leads have been tracked, one should garner command over communication tools and marketing skills to gain leverage on these leads.

When time is a constraining factor one can look for good lead brokers to buy leads. One can test the quality of the leads by buying small quantities of leads and working on them. Some online and offline brokers even offer discounts and free leads as a promotional and introductory offer. Some vendors offer genuine leads, while others deliver on their promises. Genuine leads are generated through actual searches or queries logged in the vendors' website, through the vendors' tie-ups with search engines like Yahoo or Google, direct telemarketing or tie-ups with telemarketing companies, and other sophisticated and novel data -generation techniques.

Globe Life Insurance

Globe Life Insurance

Globe Life Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of the S&P 500 traded Torchmark Corporation, a company with nearly $15 billion in assets under management. Torchmark's investment portfolio does not invest in subprime loan-backed securities or products, thereby enhancing the quality of its holdings. Torchmark specializes in getting affordable life and supplemental health insurance into the financial lives of working middle-class Americans.

Glob Life Insurance has over $52 billion of life insurance in force, comprising an estimated 4 million placed and active policies. The health and life insurance company has been in existence since it was formed in rural Oklahoma in 1951 by two men with $60,000 in borrowed capital. Globe's great claim to fame among life insurers is that they have been successful at cutting out the middle man--in other words, customers can search for and buy life insurance online without having to talk to an agent. Globe life also provides health insurance. Their unique product portfolio includes both adult and child term life insurance, accidental death insurance, and their Medicare supplement insurance. But what's more, the company has a child safe kit product, a tool which records information (picture, physical description, and fingerprints) about a child which can be used if that child goes missing.

Since Globe Life enables anyone to get life, accidental death, and health insurance by way of the Internet without an agent, it can pass on the savings it enjoys (by not needing to finance agents) in its premiums to customers. In addition, there aren't any medical examinations that prospective clients need to pass, either. Insurance applicants need only answer a handful of health-related questions, although they are expected to answer them honestly and accurately. Their answers can be checked against the national bureau of health and medical records, and if a claim is made against the company and an investigation uncovers inaccuracy or fraudulent answers on the part of the insured the benefits may be reduced or not paid out at all.

Globe Life also offers a special incentive whereby the first month's premiums on a life insurance policy is only $1.00. And, their life insurance coverage begins immediately and comes with a full 30-day money back guarantee.

There are limitations with such kinds of insurance, of course. Globe Life policies are limited to no more than $50,000 of death benefit. What's more, the policy expires at the age of 80 regardless of how much was paid into it in premiums. Globe does not offer cash-building policies. But, they are highly touted for their superior customer service.

The AM Best Corporation, which has been an independent ratings agency analyzing insurance companies since 1899, has recently given Globe Life its highest rating of A+ based on the company's financial asset strength, corporate management, and integrity.

Some of the advice about its products and services that Glob Life offers to prospective customers is: "There is a good chance [additional insurance] might be [necessary]. Inflation has weakened many insurance policies. Life insurance is the ideal way to supplement your existing insurance. It can be used to cover funeral expenses or other miscellaneous debts that are left behind....[You don't need to sit through a sales call or meet with an agent]. Globe Life insurance is handled conveniently online and through the mail. You can review the materials in the privacy of your home and purchase your policy directly online and through the mail without any outside pressure."

Given today's economy, cultural need for speed, and people's exceptional concern about individual privacy, Global Life insurance company is filling an important market niche.

The Basics of Life Insurance

The Basics of Life Insurance

No one likes thinking about insurance. It can be depressing trying to account for all of the potential unpleasant eventualities in life and most of us are trying hard just to carve out a little slice of happiness for ourselves. Moreover, I can't think of very many things more boring than sitting through a bunch of sales pitches from insurance agents just trying to get us to write a check every month for something I hope I never have to use.

Sure, insurance is a burden-until we need it. All the depressing issues aside, insurance is an essential and vital financial planning tool that everyone should take advantage of. A certified financial planner can help you to evaluate your insurance needs and will recommend policies that suit your lifestyle. When considering any kind of insurance, from term life to mortgage life insurance, several issues need to be addressed

Do I even need life insurance?

If you have no dependents or loved ones that will be affected by the loss of your income, you may not need life coverage. However, if there are people that depend on you, life insurance is not something you should consider optional. Most people won't really perceive the value of life insurance until they have children. I remember when this first occurred to me. I had always wanted to go skydiving and finally I had my opportunity in all of the excitement, it hit me. What if I don't come home from this trip? My newlywed wife is 7 months pregnant, we are barely making the bills month-to-month as it is and I know there is no way she can do it alone. Needless to say, I cancelled my trip for the greater good of my new family, but I also took a long hard look at my insurance situation.

How much life insurance do I need?

If you are still reading at this point then you have probably recognized how much your loved ones depend on you for financial support. In order to keep supporting them as well as you currently are, even after you pass away, you should choose a life insurance policy that covers at least the full amount of your income for as long as you expect to be working. It is also important to include any substantial debts that will need to be taken care of. For example, let's say you owe 10,000.00 on a car, 70,000.00 on a mortgage, you make 40,000.00 per year, and are 30 years old, planning to retire at age 59. You should select enough insurance coverage to pay off your 70,000.00 in major debt, as well as 29 years worth of your annual income.

What type of life insurance policy is best for me?

All of the various types of life policies have their benefits and drawbacks, however, as a general rule you cannot go wrong with term life. If you purchase term life coverage early, it can be very affordable. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to get a term life policy, especially if you wait until you have developed significant health problems-which tend to occur in old age, the cost can become overwhelming. If you are starting out late in life, it may be a benefit to get a variety of policies. For example, you may want a personally owned mortgage life insurance policy to cover the outstanding balance of your mortgage, along with a modest sum of term life to aid your family with their other financial needs.

What type of life insurance should I avoid?

Whatever you do, stay away from the mortgage life policies offered by your lender bank when you are purchasing your home. The policies they offer are designed to protect themselves and not your family. There are a multitude of mortgage life insurance options available from independent parties that will protect your loved ones. In addition, if you are young and healthy, you probably do not need a mortgage life policy. It would be best to simply purchase enough term life. to cover all of your family's needs.

Whole life policies are often pitched as an investment, however they often have a high price tag and do not provide enough return to justify their cost. Most people are much better off buying term life and then finding a good mutual fund to invest in.

Where should I buy my life insurance policy?

It is always a good idea to investigate various companies before settling on something that is such an important safety net for your family. Ideally, you should talk to a certified financial planner before making any decisions, however, don't underestimate the value of your friends and family's opinions. Talk to the people around you and find out what experiences they have had. Sometimes financial planners will get caught up in the numbers and forget about the people involved. Do some research on the various life insurance company ratings and choose one that is consistently rated high with a stable longterm outlook. Moreover, there are several places online that will allow you to compare rates from all of the top rated U.S. insurance companies.

Primerica Life Insurance

Primerica Life Insurance

Primerica financial services company has its roots back in 1977, when its founders spearheaded the "buy term and invest the difference" movement that had already taken root in the minds of some Americans as the public was slowly growing disgruntled with the then-trend of being sold whole life insurance.
Primerica specializes in term life insurance products. The company does not deal in any other kind of life insurance. However, the company also offers investment services including stock brokerage services and mutual funds. Like most of the big life insurance and financial services companies, Primerica offers people a free Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) to help them get a better understanding of their own personal financial situation, money management habits (good or bad), and financial product needs. The idea with FNA is to help make sales, but it's also about showing people exactly what they need and then matching those needs up with the most appropriate products offered by Primerica.
Primerica has grown into a very large life insurance and financial services company and has become part of Citigroup (the latter, which is the world's largest financial services company, manages over $2 trillion in assets and is one of the 30 member companies that create the Dow Jones Industrial Average).
The salient facts on Primerica listed by the company are:
*Primerica serves six million clients in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Spain
*The company has over 100,000 licensed representatives, including 25,000 licensed to sell mutual funds, and to them paid over $682 million in compensation in 2007, making theirs the single largest sales force in North America
*Primerica placed over $90 billion in life insurance in 2007 alone, and the company's securities clients have $40 billion in assets invested in the care of Primerica
*Primerica pays out an average of $2 million a day in death benefits
*Independent insurance company rating institution A.M. Best in the Spring of 2008 gave Primerica a financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa" in recognition of "its continued strong profitability, leading position in the U.S. term life insurance marketplace, strong risk-adjusted capitalization, and favorable liquidity profile."
Primerica also actively encourages the general public to live within its means and stop the consumption habits that have the average American household owing 20% more in debt than it brings in in annual pay. The company says Americans need to learn to stop habitually using revolving lines of credit (credit cards), to get on a fixed debt program and get debts paid down and paid off, and if need be to make lifestyle changes with these ends in mind. "Wants" must be separated from "needs", says the company in its ongoing efforts to make people's financial lives more safe and sound.
However, despite these good qualities of the company, its name continues to be tainted by much of its sales practice. Primerica has many licensed agents who only work part time for the company, hoping to make a little extra money on the side. The company also has many more licensed agents who can only sell life insurance than it has those who can do a full FNA and sell the full range of investment products to enable people to "buy term and invest the difference".
Since Primerica's term life premiums are far from being the cheapest, and since it encourages a very aggressive sales methodology to be carried out by many agents who, since they are just part time, lack experience and expertise, a methodology that actively encourages writing replacement policies (kicking out a household's current life insurance and replacing it with Primerica), if a Primerica client does not in fact "buy term and invest the difference", that client is getting a raw deal. Much of Primerica's placed insurance gets replaced by other companies who offer better premiums and better client service by better trained agents.

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Life Insurances

Life Insurances

Getting a life insurance is very important for anyone who desires to safeguard the future of his family. Since life is very unpredictable, it is essential to make sure that in case of your unforeseen demise your dependents do not have to suffer financially. People have kids or other family members who do not earn. When they pass away there is no one to look after them. Those who get an insurance can provide their family with financial security in case of such a scenario.

Although many people take an insurance as a burden but they do not know how useful it is in case if they die. It serves as a very important financial tool that helps you in the long run. Those who do not have dependents can do without life insurance. On the other hand, if you have family members whom you support financially, you ought to benefit from insurance. If your kids are studying or if you have a wife who doesn't work, you must get an insurance so that in case if you pass away the life of your family members is not disturbed. Those who have to pay back their loans should also get an insurance.

You can find many different types of insurance policies. Some are more cost effective than others. Getting term life coverage early can help you to buy policies in an affordable way. The best way to settle for a life insurance is to do thorough research. You should check out all the options available and get the one that best suits your budget and need. You should get multiple insurance quotes and compare them so that you have a clear idea about the cost and the cover of your life insurance.

You can use the internet to explore and buy an insurance. Other than your own research, it is always good to talk to friends or others who have already for some policies and get their consent about the best options available. However, your need, financial status as well as the number of your dependents some other factors that you need to consider while looking for an insurance.

Remember that bearing the burden of an insurance is better than ruining the future of your family. So do not hesitate and get a life insurance if you have not got one so far.

Off post OCONUS Housing Rentals can be found online

I already posted this on my Twitter page, but I know many of my readers don't use that....so....I have found in the past, that some OCONUS duty locations managed their own housing websites, with rental listings for their area.  Now, I see more and more are putting up their listings on AHRN.  If you are moving to a new overseas location, be sure to stop by and get a jump on what's available for housing off post.  Of course, you won't be able to bid for homes, but at least you know what will be awaiting you:-)

Imagine renting a horse caravan through Ireland...

I've been meaning to write about a book recently written by a fellow military wife I knew while stationed in Germany.  She used to come and see us where I worked with these amazing stories of where she went....all accomplished with three kids under the age of eight at the time!  She had the most brazen and interesting travel ideas, most initiated right after her husband got home from work for the weekend....piling all the kiddos and their gear into their faithful minivan.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to others who have young children especially.  Here are some adventures she gives her itineraries for.

Enjoy some of these ideas:

• a caravan through the beautiful countryside of Southern Ireland for a week, with you navigating the route, caring for your horse (you get a class first of course) and sleeping in the caravan.  Some of the author's favorite moments included reading the kids' bedtime stories by gaslight with the soft sounds of nature and the horse munching on his hay and oats!  Here is a family that blogged about their experience.  And if you are already hooked, book your next trip with Clissman's Farm or check the Wicklow County Tourist Bureau in Ireland.
• A weekend trip through France's Loire Valley with all the chateaus and castles doting the countryside.  Stay in an honest-to-goodness chateau and visit a local chocolate factory to see their production (and of course to taste), not to mention all the quaint villages along the way.
• Exploring Naples and the Amalfi Coast, staying in a military campground situated in an extinct volcano crater, visiting Pompeii and discovering some ancient temples and hidden grottoes.

She includes many more itineraries, as well as points of interest with notes and their websites/contact information.  This is not your typical travel book, and we are all thankful that Dorothy finally listened to everyone's prodding and wrote this book to share.  Be sure to check it out as it is well worth it!

Dorothy, I haven't seen you since we moved of course, but if you stop by this blog, be sure to drop me a line!  Order her book, "All Aboard...Europe" by Dorothy MacKenzie, here.

Things that make Belgium "different"

I know before you arrive in Belgium, you're probably telling yourself not to compare it to the US or its citizens....your family and how you do things....as for me....I had in my mind that I wasn't going to compare it to Germany.  Now, seven months later....I have to laugh at these differences, because if I don't....I'm just gonna cry!  Read below and tell me what you think and keep in mind that I am talking about the Wallonian region and not Flanders...which might as well be a different country, but we're all not supposed to NOT talk about it....like the elephant in the room....but a bit of trivia, we are now the European country that holds the record for the MOST DAYS without an elected government!

In no particular order or sense of organization:

• Belgian bureaucrats love the words "possible" and "not possible" and will use them interchangeably!  Customer service Belgian-style is not as customer friendly as American-style.  In fact, I was told by a Belgian that the product or service is supposed to speak for itself, so no customer service is needed (I must say the Germans feel this way too).
• Belgium truly is the land of great French fries (frites), and I have NEVER in my life seen so many different toppings (at least 10 at the last friterie I went to)...the favorite topping still being mayo:-)
• Priority from the right while driving...always, unless specially marked...even if the road coming from the right is a little goatpath.  If it's deemed "a road", it has priority.
• High percentage of windshield dings and other road mishaps.  Lots of turnip trailers and tractors in Wallonia and potholes as big as kingsized beds, especially now that winter has taken hold.  Not sure where all these road taxes are going that everyone must pay (although Shapians are exempt from paying this tax for their first vehicle).
• The customer is NOT king....although, I must say, Wallonians are some of the friendliest Europeans I have ever met.  Go back to my comment on customer service.
• Grown men, not just little boys, peeing along the side of the road.  I've also noticed that public toilets aren't so easy to find and many stores just don't have toilets.
• Some cars so small, they can fit SIDEWAYS into the smallest parking space.
• McDonald's serving beer (all over Europe actually).
• Grown men hugging and kissing each other (ditto in many other areas..mostly down South).
• The hundreds, maybe thousands....of different Belgian beer varieties to choose from.  My DH is continuing his beer label collection here in Belgium.
• That if you buy a hunk of cheese or bottle of beer or whatever food item that says it comes from a monastery, it'll be at least twice as expensive as the normal brands.
• People buy baguettes around here like Americans buy donuts.
• The small serving sizes for anything you'd like to drink....unless you are going to Starbucks, you can forget a big glass or mug of anything (except maybe beer in some cases).  And forget asking for ice.
• The small serving sizes in restaurants and the resistance I have found in Chinese restaurants to refill the darn plain white rice dish!
• Bringing your grocery bags with you shopping, or being prepared to buy some.
• Your vehicle MUST have a fire extinguisher and if it is older than 5 years, you'd better have that rear foglight installed.
• My surprise at how little people speak English language around SHAPE (in Wallonia)....must be a Wallonian thing as NATO Brussels and Brussels in general is mostly bilingual...must be a Flemish thing.
• Almost everything shuts down on a Sunday.
• The slowness of getting anything done.  It took us about seven months to get our day/night electric meter installed...which was part of our home rental contract....it's like work is drawn out, because you don't want to finish everything at once.  You'll see this a lot with your landlord too....again, most are supernice, but you gotta give them time and lots of it.
• Don't mess with a Wallonian's vacation or time off or give him a more efficient way to do his job....work ends promptly at whatever time it is scheduled to end.....vacation time is sacred here....I've heard bureaucrats who have lived and worked in other European countries tell me they had to actually slow down at work or else they'd finish all their work in two days and twiddle their fingers the rest of the week.....pacing yourself apparently is the idea here.
• Relaxed rules.  I had a Dutch farmer in Wallonia tell me that they moved the whole family, cows and everything down here from their family farm in the Netherlands....not to Flanders where they also speak Dutch....but down here, the land of the French-speaking Belgians...here land was cheap when they came and the rules can be interpreted a dozen different ways...which is why in the same day you can get the "possible" and "not possible" answer referring back to the first item on my list.
What Wallonian or Belgian-isms do you have to add?

Ask VMW: We are moving & our child is EFMP

I get this question or a variant of it about every few months.  I know it weighs heavily, especially on moms.  I don't know if I can help but here goes.

The question:

"My husband got orders for Germany.  They are for 36 months which I understand includes dependents. We are very happy because we wanted to go to Germany. On the other hand, once I started reading about the command sponsorship I became very concerned with the idea of us not being able to go. Our oldest son is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). My first concern was if they have the special need resources at the school over there.  My question is, do you have a self-contained room for special ed? Do you know what happens if you don't have the services my son requires? Do they just cancel the orders, change them or they just send my husband alone for those 36 months?"

My response:

Please take a deep breath....and step back a bit.  I applaud you for taking the time to research your new duty station! I wish more wives would take the time to do this.

Now....the EFMP screening which you and your family will do, will determine if there are services for your son available at your husband's projected new duty station.  Right now, your husband only has assignment instructions....orders for his actual duty station will be cut (made) locally, once he and his family meets all the requirements, the most important being EFMP screening.

I can obviously not tell you what the doctors and administrators at this screening will say...you'll be in a room with a few doctors and administrators with your health records...they will also ask you questions.  I personally do not know if your projected duty station in Germany is equipped to handle your son's disability, and the American Disabilities Act requires that disabled students be integrated into the classroom as much as possible...this is not just military-wide but US wide.  There are some students with dedicated para-educators who are with them at EVERY moment of the school day.  They may take some small group or individualized instruction in the special education room/facilities and as their disability allows, be integrated throughout the day in the mainstream classrooms with a para-educator by their side, if needed.

If for some reason, the staff at the EFMP screening determines there will not be sufficient services for your son in this duty location (I have no way of knowing), then your husband's assignment instructions will be rescinded and others will be issued for another location.  I don't know if he'll be given the opportunity for an unaccompanied tour (2 years) either.  This will in no way hurt his career.  That is one of the reasons why the EFMP system was developed.

Please don't worry too much about this, as right now, there is really nothing you can do about this process that all overseas bound families must go through.  You can try to see if there are other wives on the Army Wives Forum and ask if anyone is in EFMP in your projected area.  There are many wives on that forum who are overseas. 

Unfortunately, many of the Army hospitals and posts have closed in Germany. The only REAL hospital is up in Landstuhl...the closest Army base or collection of bases would be in Kaiserslautern, still a very big military community. Ramstein Air Base is also nearby. The rest of the bases and posts, both AF and Army rely on US military health clinics and off-post care on the economy.  German healthcare is very comparable to ours and in many ways more advanced, so no worries there.  Yes, sometimes there are language barriers, but for the most part, many doctors and some staff do speak some English.

Good luck to you!

Let's help a Chaotic Mom out!

I wanted to take the time to share a project to and from military wives....all of us, that a fellow blogger, Chaotic Mom, is working on.  Wouldn't it be awesome to be a part of this project?  She is looking for wives across the services (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines), regardless of your husband's rank.

I've already joined her in her ambition here, and if you want to be a part of military wives helping other military wives, read below.

Here's the gist of what she needs:

If you are interested in sharing your military spouse experiences, please prepare and submit your essay to her by March 15, 2011 to be considered for inclusion into her book. Please include a personal biography (up to 90 words) and any photographs you would like to be considered for publication. The photographs could include a personal headshot, creative gift ideas, etc. For more information, send an email to: milspousebooks@gmail.com. Information is also being posted on the Facebook page “Military Spouse Books”.  Please share this essay call-out with as many spouses as possible. We all have something special to share with other spouses. Don’t worry about what to write, just WRITE. All accepted essays will be edited with the submitters’ approval before publication.

The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2011.

About the Best Term Life Insurance Policy

Do you want the best term life insurance policy you can get for your money? Are you in the market for term insurance? Are you in the market for term insurance? Do You Want to eliminate the hassle of doing all the research yourself? Do you want to eliminate the hassle of doing all the research yourself? Of course you do. Of course you do. Information on life insurance companies is a public record as well as information on Their policies. Information on life insurance companies are public data and information on their policies. The days of overcharging the buyers of life insurance are over. The days of overcharging buyers of life insurance has expired. You can get the best term insurance by doing a little research or by subscribing to companies like The AM Best Company ... You can get the best long-insurance by doing a little research or to subscribe to companies such as The AM Best Company ...

Your family's security is probably most Important to you? security of your family is probably the most important to you? Be perform certain They are provided for in the event of your premature death. Compare Quality Life Insurance Quotes From Quality Carriers And Save. Make sure they are provided for in the event of your premature death. Compare Quality Life Insurance Quotes From Quality Carriers And Save.

These people have made it Their Mission, Their no duty, to keep on top of the activities and performance of life insurance companies. These people have made their mission, no duty to them, to keep on top of activities and performance of life insurance companies. Organizations like those I send you to from my site Heavily depend on AM Best and similar organizations to keep Them in the right track. Organization as I send you from my site is highly dependent on AM Best and similar organizations to keep them on track. They are all rated A + or better. They are all rated A + or better.

There you cans find detailed information on term life insurance policies as well as permanent. There you can find detailed information about life insurance and permanent policy. Let us look at Some of the best term insurance policies. Let's look at some of the best policies term insurance.

There are three basic types of term policies ... all but one have no cash values. The three types are yearly renewable term life insurance premium or Increasing, decreasing term and level term life insurance. There are three basic types of term policies ... all except one has no cash value. The three types of annual renewable term or increase the premiums of life insurance, term life insurance rate reduction and term. EACH policy was Designed to fit a particular need and Should Be examined thoroughly before you make a purchase ... Each policy is designed to meet the specific needs and should be checked carefully before you make a purchase ...

Increasing premium term life is a one-year term policy. Increasing premium term life policy term is one year. The insurance company Gives You the option of renewing it EACH year. Decreasing Term is Used as mortgage life insurance and is Also Quite Inexpensive. The insurance company gives you the option to renew it every year. Decrease the term is used as mortgage insurance and also quite cheap. The level term policies cans be Bought for periods of time from 5 years to 30 years. The term-level policy can be purchased for a period of 5 years to 30 years. Some companies have Them going up to age 65, age 80 or even age 90. There is, however, the increase is in the premium for these policies as you get older. Some companies have them going up to age 65, age 80 or even age 90. There are, however, increase the premium for this policy with age.

Which policy is the best term insurance policy? That policy is the best insurance policy term? This Depends on your particular need. This depends on your particular needs. A Person Who is the breadwinner for a family ... or at least one of the breadwinners May Either find the 20 year term policy, the 25 year policy term or the term "the best 30 year term insurance policy for his or her situation. A person who is the breadwinner for the family ... or at least one breadwinner can find a good 20-year term policy, with policy term of 25 years or 30 years of insurance or term policy is best for her situation. A person with short term needs Would probably find the five-year term or 10 year term Would best fit his or her situation. Someone with short-term needs will probably find a term of 5 years or 10 years time or she will best fit the situation.

Fairly new A level term life insurance policy is the return of premium term life policy. The difference Between this and the other policy-level term policies Is That at the end of the term period you get back all the money you have paid in.. This May sound good but bear in mind That this policy costs More Than the regular level premium term policies. A new sufficient level term life insurance policy is the return of life premium term policy. The difference between level term policy and other policies is that at the end of the period of time you get back all the money you have paid in. This may sound good but bear in mind that these policies cost more than regular premium term policy rate. Unlike permanent policies you can not take a loan from your policy if you are in need of cash. Unlike the permanent policy you can not take loans from your policy if you need cash.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

The number and type of life insurance can cause confusion many new life insurance agent and in some cases to life insurance buyers. You will from here get a brief overview of most types of life insurance and how EACH one cans be applied to your particular needs. You'll get a quick overview here most types of life insurance and how each can be applied to your specific needs.

What Happens to your family will from Pls you die - They Have been provided for? What will happen to your family when you die - Whether they have been provided for? Life Insurance is the solution and We Can Help. Life Insurance solutions and we can help. Compare Multiple Quotes from Highly Ranked Carriers and Save up to 70%! Compare Multiple Quotes from Highly Rated Operators and Save up to 70%! Getting your quote is easy and FREE. Click Here. Getting your quote is easy and FREE. Click Here.

    * Decreasing Term Life Insurance Policy Term Life Insurance Policy Decrease

      That policy sets one apart from all other Itself types of life insurance policies is decreasing term life insurance. As the name implies the face amount of the policy gradually decreases over the years. One policy that sets itself apart from all types of life insurance policies is the decline in life insurance. As the name suggests the policy's face amount is gradually decreased over the years. The most common areas of Nowhere your need for life insurance decreases Pls is a policy is Used to erase a debt Pls mortgage the homeowner dies. The most common area where you need will decrease when the policy of life insurance is used to clear the mortgage loan when the homeowner dies. This policy fits perfectly That type of situation. This policy is suitable types of situations. The Remains of premium levels for the duration. Premiums remain level for the duration.

      All other life insurance policies are level death benefit policies but EACH of Them have unique twists That May policy buyers find useful. All other life insurance policy death benefit is the policy level but each of them has a unique bend that policy purchasers may find useful.

    * Yearly Renewable Term Yearly Renewable Term Policy Policy

      This type of policy has a level death benefit as mentioned before, however, the premium increases every year if you choose to keep the policy. Types of policies have the benefits of mortality rates as mentioned previously, however, the premiums increase every year if you choose to keep the policy. Here you have a one-year term policy with the option of renewing it every year. Here you have a one year term policy with an option to renew each year. Because you are older you pay the premium for the older age. Since you are older you pay the premiums for older age. This is life insurance in it's purest form. This is the life insurance in its purest form's. Would you use this to pay off outstanding debt in the event of your death. You will use this to pay off debt in the case of your death.

    * 5 Year And 10 Year Term Policies 5 Year And 10 Year Term Policy

      These types of life insurance policies maintained a level death benefit for 5 or 10 years ... depending on the which policy you choose. Types of life insurance policies to maintain the benefits of the death rate for 5 or 10 years ... depending on the policy you choose. These policies are Also Used to take care of Fairly short term life insurance needs. This policy is also used to treat short enough life insurance needs. You will of find these levels of premiums to be Quite Inexpensive. You'll find a level of premium should be reasonably priced.

    * 15 Year, 20 Year, 25 Year And 30 Year Term Policies 15 Year, 20 Year, 25 Year And 30 Year Term Policy

      A Greater number of these types of life insurance policies That We Are about to discuss are sold Than any other. A large number of types of life insurance policies which we will discuss the sale of another. These are level premium term policies Designed to take care of long term life insurance needs. This is a level term policy premiums are designed to take care of the old life insurance needs. Your choice Would depend on how many years you need to be Covered ... Your choice will depend on how many years you have to be covered ...

      Let us assume you are using this policy for family protection. You have a child 3 or 4 years old. Let us assume you are using this policy for family protection. You have a child 3 or 4 years. You need to be assured That the child and surviving parent cans attain all desired goals in the event of the death of the insured. You must be sure that children and parents who still live to achieve all desired goals in the event of death of the insured. Because You Want to Provide sufficient cash or income of at least Until the child graduates college, a 20 or a 25 year term policy Would fit the bill. Because you want to provide sufficient cash or income at least until the child graduates college 20 or 25 year term policy would fit the bill. Had the child been older Could you use the 15 year term policy. Whether the child is old you can use the term 15-year policy.

    * Whole Life, Universal Life, Variable Universal Life And Variable Life Policies Whole Life, Universal Life, Variable Universal Life and Variable Life Policy

      The premiums for these types of policies are much higher Than those of the term policies ... but They fulfill an Important cans need. Premiums for this type of policy that is much higher than term policies ... but they can meet important needs. If you have a desire to accumulate Some cash through your life insurance policy these are the policies Designed for that. If you have the desire to collect cash from your life insurance policy is a policy designed for it. You can use the whole life policy and the universal life policies as vehicles through the which you cans save money. You can use the policy of whole life and universal life policies as a vehicle where you can save money. The returns are not very high on these types of life insurance policies though ... Back not so high on the type of life insurance policies even though ...

      You have a better chance getting a high return on your money if you invested in a variable universal life insurance policy or a variable life policy. These types of life insurance policies are sold by Prospectus only and the agent needs an NASD license before he cans Discus Them with you. You have a better chance of getting a high return on your money if you invest in a variable universal life insurance policy or a variable life policy. This type of life insurance policies are sold by prospectus only and require NASD licensing agent before he can discus them with you.

Who told you about the lightbulbs?

Don't you absolutely hate it when you move somewhere, and everyone else knows some simple little helpful thing, except you?  It's not something you talk about or even discuss...just expected to know.  Here's a tip to know before moving to Europe that can save you from buying new light fixtures and lamps.

Most people moving over here, get the information that electricity is different over here than in the US...not just the plugs but also the power with which that stuff shoots thru the walls.  Plug in your 110 volt US appliance and scare yourself as it literally blows smoke (and typically a spark) along with tripping the breakers.....and then kills your appliance....forever!  Even I fried a computer after we arrived....not because I didn't know, but because desktops have a SWITCH in the back that you must switch from 110 volt to 220 volt (unlike the laptops I had been using all summer that switch automatically between the two voltages....ooops).

Anyway, when you go into the PX or commissary over here, they will have TONS of light bulbs that are meant for 110 volts (they say 120 volt on them)....why?  I don't know....not every post in Europe has on post housing with dual voltages where you could actually use these bulbs...and as far as I know, none in Belgium do...go figure.  I never figured out why they would sell all these 110 volt appliances either, especially when I noticed my Chi dryer and straightening iron I bought in the US can be used in EITHER voltage....come on AAFES....sell something USEFUL!  There I go getting off on a tangent again...don't get me started on AAFES overseas..

If you are bringing your nice lamps from the US, all you have to do is purchase a 220 volt lightbulb (they do have some at AAFES and the commissary, just check that it says 240 volt on the box somewhere).  Then use a round European prong adapter so it'll connect in the wall, and you're done.  You are now using your US lamp....in Europe....no need to rewire or do anything else with it...and yes, you can buy those lamps at the PX, even if they say 120 volt.

Can you think of anything else like this, that everyone just expected you to know coming over here?

Join Household6Diva's Blizzard Bloghop with Me!

I'm actually not sure what a Blizzard Bloghop is, but I guess I am going to find out!  Since Household6Diva, another military wife blogger, can't make it to the big blogger conference in the US (and I can't either), she thought we would do one online, so here I am!

I live and breathe Army because I know nothing else.  I was born into an Army family, served in it myself as an Engineer officer and then married into it, because I just couldn't stay away.  I am dating myself here, but I have over 40 years now of military life lessons.....I love to share things so you don't have to trip up and make the mistakes yourself.  Since I am not an expert in everything, I also repeat lessons that other wives have shared with me....one big happy military family!

Please come by and visit my blog, as I write about my experiences (which are very close to your experiences I think or at least I hope)...being a mother, military wife and just good citizen!  I am currently located in Belgium, my husband's latest duty assignment.  Before that, we were in Germany and then all points in the US and in between.  As you can see from my blog, I love to travel and try new things....and share.  Looking forward to meeting some of you, and feel free to ask me any question you can think of on my "Ask Veteran Military Wife" link on my blog's homepage...I also welcome all comments (both positive and negative) on my blogposts.  I do moderate them first, so you won't see them immediately but still very soon!

Hope to see you soon and thanks for YOUR service, as our military men (or women) would not be where they are today without your strong backbone and character...thank you for that!

What is the deal with tipping in Europe!

Europeans LOVE Americans when it comes to tipping!  If you are planning on coming over to Europe, here's how to blend in and do the tipping thing right....it may surprise you.

I can mostly speak for Belgium and Germany, as I have lived in both places...the rest of Europe, I can only comment on as a visitor and observer:-)

Believe it or not, as a whole, Americans OVER-TIP on this side of the big pond!  FYI, if you are a European, please don't spam me....I am just being honest here....although bottom line, for extraordinary service, throw all guidelines out the window and tip away as you see fit, regardless of what country you are from!

On the flipside, why do American waiters and waitresses HATE serving Europeans?  Cause they tip poorly and in fact, sometimes leaving nothing extra on the table....so, why is there a disconnect here?

I think to answer that, you have to understand that in Europe, being a waiter or waitress is actually considered a career.  Yes, you go to school and get certificates and degrees in waitressing....even salesmanship (working in a store, or in a bakery) and you can't just hang out a shingle and be a butcher, as an example.  There are strict guidelines and rules and people take their training seriously....very seriously for the most part!  I am not kidding!

AND, their salaries....yes, I said SALARIES reflect that.  Unlike in the US, where our waitstaff works BELOW minimum wage and is expected to live off their tips....the waitstaff in Europe is paid a salary they CAN survive on.  That's why sometimes you have to seriously take off your shirt and wave it to get the waiter's attention....they are not particularly concerned with serving you.....except for the ones who know you are American and hope you don't know about this tipping thing.  I have a few Italian waiter friends down in Italy, and they will fight over who serves the American.

In Germany, as an example, it is recommended to "round up" your bill.  My German grandfather used to "round down" believe it or not...but always got the evil eye, so please don't be like him.  For example, if the bill is 33,40 euro (so 33 euro and 40 cents), when you hand over the money, say 35 euro (although some Germans will say 34....but I like to go a euro higher...that's just me).  Or you can say "das stimmt"....which means, "that is so".  You usually don't leave the money on the table.

To see what a typical tip should consist of, check Rick Steve's guide which is spot on.  Also know who you tip.  Here in Belgium, my hairdresser looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to give her a 10 euro bill as a tip....so I just rounded up the cents.  You'd be hard pressed here also to give money to your hotel shuttle driver, as they don't hold out their hand for tips, and I've never seen anyone tip them.

Does anyone have any European tipping tales to share?

Ask VMW: When exactly do I get my ID card as a new military spouse?

I thought I would answer this question today:

My husband just enlisted in the air force and we are currently waiting on his job assignment and the date he leaves for BMT. I do have a question and was hoping maybe you would know because my husbands recruiter has never dealt with a married recruit before. But do you know when I will be eliglble to get my dependent id card and be able to get on base? Will it be after BMT, or AIT or during one of those? Thanks so much for any help!!

And my answer:

Congrats to you!  Yes, you have a lot going on, don't you?  Once your hubby ships off to basic, he will go through a multitude of paperwork....life insurance, will, power of attorney, military stuff and a host of other inprocessing items...all in the first few weeks.  He'll enroll you in a computer system called DEERS....send you some paperwork, and then you with the paperwork and your documentation you provide, go to your nearest military base to get your ID card.  Once you are in DEERS, you can access the post/base, shop there, get healthcare, access to dental thru Tricare/Concordia Dental, etc...without it, you can do nothing, which I am sure you have figured out!

You can help by gathering all your important documents such as certified copies of your marriage certificate and birth certificate.






You can also find some pertinent information in this blogpost.

Good luck and welcome to the club!

Free French Lessons (and other languages)....ABSOLUTELY, yes, free!

So I've been here in the French-speaking part of Belgium for 6 MONTHS and still can't speak the French fluently...I say speak, cause I can muddle my way through something in writing and if I listen ever so closely, I can at least catch the gist of the conversation.  As soon as someone parles though....I freeze up like a deer in the headlights!  Maybe I should start drinking, because I read once that when you drink, all inhibitions go out the window and regardless of what garble comes out, at least you are trying to speak the language.  With all that in mind, I've collected some FREE French lessons from a variety of sources.  It would help if I studied every day (I do not)...and also not to compare my French to my German, which I learned as a small child and can speak fluently (Note to parents:  Start YOUNG with WHATEVER other language you speak or the grandparents speak...it is invaluable, will help their brains ....GROW and will make your children seem incredibly smart when they are adults).  Let me know if you progress faster than me, so I have someone to compare myself with.

If you or your spouse is in the Army, you know that Rosetta Stone language training online is available to you for free...in something like 30 different languages.  You can sign in only with the active duty member's AKO account information.

If you don't have access to that or want to try something else (or in addition), try these below.  Many of these sites also have opportunities to learn other languages as well.

• Life Mocha is the poor person's language program and site, because it tries to mimic what Rosetta Stone is trying to do.  Their very basic lessons are free.  You can also connect with other learners, and they really try to foster a sense of community.  I have fun with it every now and again still.
• Coffee Break French is great, because you can download each lesson to your MP3 player or Ipod.  I like that the lessons are short, hence the name "coffee break".  They are already into their third season of lessons!  No need to purchase them if you don't mind clicking on each set of lessons, then on each individual lesson to download.
• The University of Texas first year French program is online and is FREE too, regardless if you are a student or not.  You can download the individual chapters and exercises, wordlists and videos directly to your computer.  I am a third of the way through the program, and I am astounded at the quality of the materials.  I printed all the chapters, and put them in a binder.  I even make myself do some homework.  
• This site recommended by my French teacher at the Language Center on SHAPE has been a big help, especially in my listening skills.  It is very interactive and allows you to take a test as well.  Try it out!
• "My" French Language Course on Wikimedia Commons is just as good as any other French learning coursebook.  It's a PDF file, and you can download it for free.....all 222 pages of it!
• Your local library also has DVDs and may even have old cassette tapes lying around.  Ours here in SHAPE must have at least 15 different French programs to choose from.  While I am using the program, I download the lessons to my computer and MP3 player for ease of us.  A few of the programs I noticed cost hundreds of dollars online, so it's worth it to check them out.  If your local library does not have the resources, you can try inter-library loan (ILL).  Almost all libraries do this now...just get the CDs or DVDs from another library:-)

 As a sidenote, in addition to the language courses on SHAPE, which cost about 100 euro for newcomers (in the first 6 months after arrival), you can also check your local Belgian commune, where night courses cost about 50 euro for learning French.  

You know, I bet there are many more sites out there...hidden under all the outward fluff.  We just have to find them!  If anyone has come across any free language sites, please post them here for all to enjoy!

A checked bag mistake on the airplane

I just recently traveled from Belgium to the US and almost made a big boo-boo with my carry-on, which quickly became a valet-checked bag at the gate right before I boarded.  Why?  Cause I was getting ready to get on a commuter jet for my second leg and anything larger than a doughnut had to get checked gateside.  It turned out alright for me....not so good for "the other lady".  Here's what happened.

You know that when you buy a ticket on an airline, you are in effect signing your life away?  You are basically giving your consent to all their quirky baggage rules and regulations among other things as soon as you hit the purchase button.

Did you know that if the airline loses your luggage, there is a cap, or maximum amount you MAY get back that might not cover your collection of UGG boots you had packed in there?  Did you know that if there is pretty much anything but clothing in there....so a camera, jewelry, anything electronic or whatever, you can kiss it good-bye just about when it leaves your sight?

Here's what United says on their "Contract of Carriage" as it is called.  All airlines have similar statements.

United will not be liable for loss of money, jewelry, cameras, negotiable papers/securities, electronic/video/photographic equipment, heirlooms, antiques, artifacts, works of art, silverware, irreplaceable books/publications/manuscripts/business documents, precious metals and other similar valuable and commercial effects. United prohibits the foregoing items being placed in checked baggage for travel wholly between points in the U.S. as well as for international transportation.

Most if not all airlines will only reimburse you for the value or perceived value of clothing that was in your suitcase.  It looks like most carriers only give about $3,000 at most back, and you'd better be ready to prove the value of what was in there to squeeze that out of them.  Again, it probably wouldn't cover those Chanel dresses you just bought in Paris.  I know I've blogged before about taking a photo of what's in your suitcase.  Also along with that, keep receipts of higher priced clothing items too....easier to do if you just bought them.

Back to the other lady....she had to gate-check her bag too and momentarily had a brain fart at the gate.  You know how they hustle you thru there right before boarding.  She left her very expensive camera inside its case in her, what was supposed to be, carry-on bag.  The commuter jet didn't have the room for larger carry-on bags.  After she got to her location, she did not open the bag right away (in hindsight, she should have).  When she got home and unpacked everything, she opened up her camera case and saw that her camera was missing.  She surmised it only could have gone missing between that gate check and when she got it back immediately after the flight, as she had the camera out at the security checkpoint at her departure location.  She tried to fight the airline to get her money back for that pricey camera...unfortunately, no luck.  She was out thousands of dollars:-(

I, not thinking either, had a larger size carry-on bag too, but quickly stepped off to the side and took out my Flip video camera, a digital camera, an MP3 player, a netbook and a case with an external drive in it.  Since I didn't have another smaller bag, I was lucky that each item had its own small case....obviously embarrassing, walking on the plane with wriststraps and loops hanging off every appendage, but I didn't want that stuff out of my sight and rightly so after hearing her story.  My hands were so full, I could not even bring all my reading material and was just thankful it was only an hour long flight.

I know one of these bags would have come in SO handy....

I usually have one in my purse, but I cleaned it out before traveling....never again not prepared!

Do you have any tips that others could use to prep themselves before getting on that flight?

Gypsy-robbed

I know most of us have been schooled in keeping our good stuff, ie valuables, out of sight and know how to not look like an obvious tourist.....BUT, I thought I'd share two stories of two friends who were robbed last year in broad daylight in Brussels.  And to leave you with a smile, I'll tell you what a former coworker did in Rome to thwart thieves there, one of the most high-powered theft areas in Europe!

I had a friend who traveled around Brussels by car.  You feel pretty safe in a car, don't you?  I know I did til I talked to her.  She was in the passenger seat of an average-looking European vehicle, digging through her purse, looking for some gum.  Before she even knew what was happening at that red light, some thief had ripped open her door and took off with her purse.  It was so shocking and brazen, that by the time her husband pulled over and gave chase, the thief was long gone.  She lost all her ID and of course all their money, as she was carrying ALL of it (Tip #1 & 2:  Split up your money and keep cars doors locked from the moment you get into your car).

The other theft happened over the holidays.  The victim boarded a city bus with her two young daughters, only to be separated from her girls as they got on first.  Two ladies were physically blocking her way, and she was so focused about being separated from her children and trying to get to the back of the bus to them, she ignored the jostling at the door.  As the bus driver prodded them all on (they were blocking the aisle), the two ladies suddenly jumped off the bus right before it left the stop.  As the victim made it to the back of the bus, she noticed that her wallet was missing from her purse.  Her purse had snaps and not a zipper.  She chose this purse earlier in the day, because it looked cute with her boots.  It was not so cute after she lost her wallet (Tip #3:  Never use a purse that doesn't zip smartly shut;  keep your purse close to your body with the zipper facing the front).

Even though the police were called in both instances, no stolen items were recovered.  The police were very kind up there in Brussels and helped as best they could, so that was nice to hear.  The police actually told my one friend that the ladies on the bus were probably gypsies, who are experts in this type of scam....but don't get lured into thinking that only people who look like thieves are the ones doing the robbing.  I saw a stylishly dressed man in a business suit try to reach into another man's pocket once on a bus but quickly pretended he was scratching his crotch when I made eye contact with him.  Many of these thieves also work in two and three person teams, so the chips area already stacked against you to begin with!

The last story involves a co-worker who went to Rome.  Now Rome I think is known as the pickpocket capital of the world!  You could probably write a book on the methods crooks use there to separate you from your valuables!  Well, my friend thought he would be funny (I don't recommend this) and purchased 10, yes 10 wallets at the dollar store.  He loaded them all up with paper to make them look like they contained the motherload.  He placed them at various points in his jacket, pants, shirt...wherever there was a pocket or crevice, there was a wallet....he even had one in his sock!  He spent a few hours riding public transportation and moving through crowds.  At the end of the day, he ONLY HAD TWO WALLETS LEFT!  That's right.....if you can do basic math like I think I can, that means eight were stolen!  He tried to think back and remember when it could've happened, and he could only seriously think of two instances where he actually "felt something".....all he could say was, boy, were they good.  He wanted to try it again with the two remaining wallets, with his teenage son providing overwatch, so they could "catch someone in the act".  Of course his wife put a stop to that game, and that was the end of that experiment.  Of course, around the same time, acquaintances of ours were driving in Rome and left an Ipod on the backseat of their vehicle (blame it on the teenager in the family)....they woke up to a broken-in car window and no Ipod or anything else of value left in the car  (Tips #4 & 5:  Don't try to go head-to-head with professional crooks, as things can go wrong AND don't leave valuables visibly out, or better yet, secure them in a safer location).

Do you have any anti-pickpocket tips to share?

And here are the goodies we eat

I know each country sometimes makes its mark by what foods are their national dishes....or what everyone likes to eat.  Well, Belgium is no different!  After someone finally convinced me that Belgium and not the French invented the French fries....actually, all it took was me trying a bite with one of the two dozen sauces each "frite" (fry) stand offers.....mmmmm....and then to see Belgians in a frenzied rush to eat mussels and fries two times a year....with signs and posters all over the countryside announcing their arrival, like they were the king and his entourage or something.  Anyway....enjoy the video.

Here are plenty of reasons to come visit!

My man Mike Rowe and the letter

I got a crush on this guy when I first saw Dirty Jobs.  My whole family used to watch the show, cause this Mike Rowe is such a character, and the stuff they did was just...dirty...and gross.  You know, like boy stuff.  My boys also used to be in Scouting....I like some of the things scouting teaches young boys about being responsible for yourself and life lessons.  What do the two have to do with each other and why is it so important?  If you have kids, read on.

To understand "the letter", you have to know a little bit about Mike Rowe.  I thought he was just some wise-cracking actor at first...quick-witted, but there are other quick-witted actors out there, right?  Well, come to find out that this six foot something actor....stop the drooling.... is also a classically trained opera singer, among other things.........and a father of a scout asked him to send words of encouragement to his son to continue with Scouting, specifically, becoming an Eagle Scout.  Below is Mike's response...even if you are not into Scouting, it'll give you something to think about, and we've kept the letter and when the chips are down....as they will be at one time or another, we'll get it out and read it again....take what you want from it for your own situation.

Kelby, 

Your Dad asked me to drop you a line and say something inspirational that might persuade you to dig down deep and find the determination to make the rank of Eagle Scout. It's a reasonable request, from a father who obviously wants to see his son succeed. But here’s the thing - The Eagle Award is not really meant for people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It’s meant for a select few, and I have no idea if you have the guts to see it through. Statistically, I suspect you do not. Only one out of a hundred Scouts make Eagle, so if you fail, there will be lots of other people with whom you can share excuses. Quitting now might disappoint your Dad, but I doubt that he or anyone else will be overly surprised. Anytime 99 out of 100 people do the same thing, it’s not exactly a shock. I’m not trying to be cute with a bunch of reverse psychology. When I was 15, there was nothing that anyone could have said to me that would have inspired me to do something I didn't want to do, especially a stranger with a TV show. So I’m not going to assume you’re any different, or pretend that I have some influence or insight that you haven’t already heard from a dozen other people who actually know and care about you. I’ll just tell you straight up, that doing something extraordinary can be very lonely, and most people simply aren’t cut out for it. Being an Eagle Scout requires you to be different than most everyone around you, and being different is really, really hard. That’s why the award is called “an accomplishment.” Personally, and for whatever it’s worth, the best decisions I've made in my own life, are those decisions that put me on the outside of being cool. Singing in the Opera, working in home shopping, staring in the school play when the entire football team laughed at me, and especially earning my Eagle, were all choices that required sacrifice, hard work, and delayed gratification. I have no idea if you possess those qualities, or even envy them. But I can tell you for certain, that NOT getting your Eagle, will be one of the easiest things you’ve ever done. Anyway, I have no idea if you would prefer an easy life of predictability and mediocrity, or if have [you] the passion to follow the road less traveled. Only you get to decide that. 


Good luck,
Mike

What do you think?