We’ve gone ahead and broken it up into five simple categories: Relationships/Love, Service/Faith, Health, Work/Money, and Future Purpose.

Relationships/Love

This category can encompass a wide variety of relationships, like romantic or spousal, friendships, and just your general attitude toward people as a whole. Ask yourself, “Do those that I love and care for actually know that I care about them? How?” If you feel like you haven’t entirely carved out enough time to let them know it, you might consider taking more time to share those feelings. It doesn’t have to be all chocolates and roses and gifts for friends. Plenty of relationships are grown by spending quality time together or just acknowledging that person and their range of needs.

Service/Faith

This category includes serving the important communities to you, whether that be a religious community or perhaps a local charitable community. Ask yourself, “Who do I wish I had resources from when I was in a tough spot?” Consider volunteering for a nonprofit or doing a community-wide clean-up session. Throughout the year, we can get busy and push off any “extra” activities we planned for, but while you reflect, realize that part of your mental health is contributed to by how you give back. Do it in a way that works for you. More and more charitable communities are accepting virtual volunteering now, so you can complete your life duties while also having a chance to help out the community.

Health

We know this might be a hard one to think about during the season of holiday sweets and treats, but you’re only in the reflection and planning phase right now, so don’t get too worried about having to miss out on the tamales. Think about your physical health, and ask yourself, “Do I feel healthy?” That definition will vary widely from person to person, so answer honestly and know that the answer is fluid. It would be best to consider your mental health during your reflection time. This has been a tough year because COVID-19 issues are still running rampant, so check in with yourself and see if you need to partake in some counseling or more walks around the block to clear some headspace and raise that heartbeat. 

Work/Money

Everyone wants more money, correct? Especially during the gift-giving season. But it’s more than just the here and now. Ask yourself, “Am I prepared for a financial hiccup?” Losing a job, a death of a loved one, or even a flat tire can change the course of your financial situation, so take some time to reflect and plan for those changes. 

Future Purpose 

Setting goals can be overwhelming, but after you’ve taken some time for reflection, you’ll have a better understanding of what you want for your future and how to get there. First, write out the changes you’d like to make, and make a vision board if it’s helpful. Then, put your goals in an easy-to-access spot so you can refer to them all year. 

While you’re planning for the future, don’t forget to call SOGO Insurance and let us help you prepare for the unexpected. We are here to discuss life insurance options that are affordable and helpful to you and your family. We’re here for you every step of the way. 

In case you missed it, check out our “Long-Term Disability: Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected” blog to learn more about how SOGO can help you in case the unexpected happens.

The post The Holidays are Here… Let’s Reflect! appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

There are two main types of life insurance that you’ll hear most insurance companies talk about: term life insurance, and whole life insurance. Luckily, the names themselves help us identify pretty easily what means what, but we’ll break it down for you to make it even easier to understand. 

Term Life Insurance: This type of insurance is set up so that you make regular, fixed payments for a specific amount of time. The upside to this type of insurance is that you’ve covered, and some coverage is better than no coverage. The downside to this type of insurance is that it only pays out if you pass away during the period in which your policy is specified.

Whole Life Insurance: This type of insurance is set up so that you make regular payments as well, but there is no set period coverage, meaning you just keep paying until you pass away, and then the policy will pay out to your beneficiaries. The downside to this coverage is that premiums can end up being higher, and the upside is that you don’t lose pay-out after a certain period of time, so you won’t have to worry about losing anything when a term dries up. 

One type you might not hear about so often is universal life insurance. This type is similar to whole life insurance, but you have more flexibility to take out money early (before you die), which is nice for a back-up nest egg, but doing this can affect long term payout significantly. 

No matter what type of policy you decide is best for you at this time in your life, SOGO agents are ready and waiting to assist you with securing that policy. We realize these conversations may be overwhelming, but we can help sort through the confusing details and loads of information available to you. Don’t attempt to sit down at the kitchen table alone to figure out one of life’s most important decisions. Our office is open so that you can come in person, or we are happy to schedule a virtual meeting if you prefer to remain socially-distant during this time. However we see you next, we’ll greet you like family that you can count on. 

In case you missed it: Check out “Tax Returns Have Arrived: You’re Rich!” and see if you’re living your life to the fullest but not completely protected. High net worth insurance can cover your precious, hard-earned assets if life happens.

The post National Life Insurance Day appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

What are some of the costs you can expect when something like this happens to you? Well, the plan could help cover the cost of your home, a nursing home or assisted living facility, or an adult daycare center. These costs are not included under your normal health insurance policies, so getting the appropriate coverage is essential. If you don’t have insurance to cover these expenses, you or your family could wind up having to pay out-of-pocket for these services, and we don’t have to tell you how expensive this can be. Your savings can disappear and your family’s financial future could be devastated. It’s best to prepare for this situation and avoid putting your children or close family in an awkward position. 

Costs of long-term care insurance in Texas can depend on several factors, including your age, your state of health, your gender (yes, women generally pay more because they live longer), marital status, and the amount of coverage that you elect to get. According to the American Council on Aging, the average cost of a private room at a nursing home in the San Antonio area is $81,030, a tad higher than the statewide average of $76,650. If you do the math, you can see how getting insurance coverage is way smarter than counting on personal savings, because that can run out FAST. 

All of this talk about disability and long-term care may seem like a problem not close enough to your near-future timeline, but planning for this is actually a critical step and dependent on timing because you won’t qualify for most policies once you already have your debilitating condition. After your 50th birthday, purchasing long-term care is definitely on your to-do list. You also want to be sure you are covered the appropriate amount for now, and for inflation in the coming years. Meaning, the coverage that will work for you now won’t likely work for you after 10 years of your debilitating condition, so it’s important to check back in and refresh your policy as needed. Finding the balance of too early/too late is something our agents can help you with when it comes to planning your future and securing long-term care. This type of insurance can be confusing, but we are there to help you with every detail and decision. 

In case you missed it: Check out “Protecting Your Business with General Liability Insurance” to read about General Liability Insurance for Contractors and learn about coverage options for the unexpected. 

The post Battling Disability with Long-Term Care Insurance appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

Don’t Be a Superhero – Listen, we know you’re an all-star at work and at home, but diving too deep into the waters of healthy eating can be dangerous too. Don’t set your expectations so high that you expect to go from eating carelessly to eating organic parsnips in one day. Take baby steps and take some time to really plan out how to pace yourself for what goes in the meal prep containers. If you load up on bland broccoli and unseasoned chicken breast too hard and fast, you’re going to burn out and will be more likely to find solace in an enchilada plate with extra cheese. 

Stock Up Ahead of Time – All that being said, find the correct balance of taking it easy on the change but also being prepared for the actual prepping portion of healthy meal prep. Have a jar of almond butter on standby for a last-minute apple slice addition. Grab some whole grains like quinoa and keep them in a glass jar for a quick quinoa + veggie salad addition. Keep healthy options nearby so you don’t end up reaching for the Oreos you have secretly stashed away from the kids. The more healthy options you have at your fingertips, the more likely you are to reach for them when you’re prepping in a pinch. 

Get and Stay Organized – Picture yourself on a Sunday afternoon, mentally prepared to get your meal prep on, when you realize all the meal prep containers are dirty or missing or broken. You panic a bit, and attempt to figure out how many glass bowls you can scrounge up for the job, but now your mojo is messed up and you’re ready to throw in the towel. If you get organized and stay organized, you’ll be ready to run at any moment, setting yourself up for a more successful situation. Keep your containers in an easy-to-access place in your kitchen, along with lids or plastic wrap nearby. Make it a point to wash your containers as soon as you are finished with them so you don’t find yourself with a pile in the sink. 

Keep Track of What You Like – There’s just no sense in continuing to torture yourself with meals you didn’t really care for, is there? Maybe the turkey taco salad you thought would taste just like your childhood favorite recipe didn’t quite hit the nail on the head. Crumple up that recipe and move on to something you did like, and keep that recipe at hand somewhere portable like your phone so that you can quickly grab ingredients while at the store without missing anything. The more you like the food you eat, the better your chances are that meal prepping will be your new favorite hobby. 

While you’re in the thick of taking care of your health, take some time to discuss life insurance policy options with our qualified agents. We know you have years upon years to go before it’s your time to cruise in the clouds, but now is the perfect time to prepare your life (like preparing your food!) and loved ones for anything that could happen. 

In case you missed it: Check out “Inside the HERO Program: TXDOT’s safety program for San Antonians” to find out how our streets are that much safer with a rescue team all for you in the unfortunate event of an accident or stalling situation. Find out how you can keep your checkbook protected with our auto insurance policy options too. 

The post How to Meal Prep 101: A Beginners Guide appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

Joining a gym during the coronavirus pandemic is a tricky situation, but there are plenty of other alternative ways to make healthier decisions to prolong your life. 

Consider Meeting a Nutritionist – You’ve likely heard conflicting advice on every diet imaginable, and maybe you’ve tried all of them. One way to get that cloud of confusion cleared up a bit is by scheduling an appointment with a nutritionist to share your goals. Maybe you hope to lose (or gain) a few pounds, or maybe you’re just hoping to feel more energetic. Your body is made differently than everyone else’s body, so it’s important that you get the advice of a professional to help narrow down your game plan. For example, the keto diet may work for most people, but for someone with existing high cholesterol or heart conditions might not want to have all-you-can-eat bacon and cheese until they can get their existing condition managed. Some health insurance plans will cover a visit with the nutritionist, so make a plan in the new year to get some clarity. 

Write It All Down – This may sound like a no-brainer, and even downright silly, but writing down everything you eat in a day can be extremely eye-opening. For some weight loss programs like Weight Watchers, writing down what you consume is a key factor, because it forces you to acknowledge the small little treats you may pick up along the way. One Hershey Kiss is just one little chocolate, but when you start to add up all the little candy breaks or cheat meals you have throughout the week, it can seriously add up. Purchase a small lined notebook, write the date at the top, and write down everything you eat, even if it’s just one bite of something with a high caloric value. Even if you don’t calculate down the exact calories you consume, you might just be surprised yourself with all the little extras you ate here and there, inspiring you to think hard about the next time you pick up a bite of something and if you really want to partake. 

Take Baby Steps – Small changes can help in a big way. Park a little bit further away from the grocery store entrance and walk at a bit of a faster pace. If you’re working remotely, take a brisk walk or bike ride in the neighborhood during your lunch break. The next time a fun holiday tune comes on your speaker, do an energetic holiday dance like no one’s watching and get a little bit out of breath. Just like food, even the little things count, so do what you can, when you can, and you’ll feel better about balancing everything out. 

Each of you is so important to us, and we know your family is important to you. Do what you can to protect them now while you’re here by securing a life insurance policy that makes sense for your family. We specialize in getting you maximum coverage for a reasonable price, so let us help you get fit and get insured this new year. Stay safe and healthy and we’ll see you in 2021! 

In case you missed it: Our “Last Minute Gift Ideas” post has got plenty of ideas for holiday and new year gifts for any last-minute trips you’re making to drop off well wishes. Remember to wear your mask, wave from a distance, and be careful wherever you go and whatever you give this season. 

The post A New Year means a New Healthy Life appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

The different types of Life Insurance

All types of life insurance fall under two categories: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. The titles make it easy for us to remember the difference. Term life insurance policies last for a specific and set number of years. If you don’t die within the time frame outlined in your policy, it expires and you receive no payout – short and sweet. Permanent life insurance lasts your entire life and often entails a cash value that you can either borrow against or withdraw during your lifetime if needed. Let’s dive in a little deeper, shall we? 

Term Life Insurance

Studies show that 54% of Americans have some type of life insurance policy, and the term life insurance option is the more popular choice. Why is this? Pro: This type of life insurance policy is often one of the cheaper options, giving you coverage during a certain time period. Con: When that time period runs out, you’ve outlived your policy and your family won’t receive any cash. Some folks opt to have an annual policy if they have short-term debts, so it’s still a viable and good option for most. Don’t rule out term life insurance until you’ve gone through the details. Just because it’s often a less expensive policy doesn’t mean it wouldn’t suit your needs. 

Permanent Life 

Obviously, permanent life insurance is…well, permanent, which works out if you plan to have a long and happy life. Pro: Have you ever heard of “whole life insurance?” It’s a type of permanent life insurance that lasts your entire life and has a guaranteed return on the cash value you built up in your lifetime, so you can’t “outlive” your policy. Con: Of course, with the guaranteed payout comes a higher premium, so be sure to hash out the details of this type of policy before you sign up. 

Our agents are happy to explain the differences between these types of policies and will help you move forward with the plan that best suits your needs and wishes. You can’t be sure about when or how you might die, but you can be sure that you and your loved ones are covered if it were to happen during your policy length. 

In case you missed it: “4 Labor Day Quarantine Plans to Safely Enjoy the Holiday” has some sweet summer chill-out ideas for you. Just because Labor Day passed doesn’t mean you can’t throw a party for one any weekend in these last warm summer days. While you’re chilling out, consider how SOGO Insurance can help protect your assets. Give us a call, and tell us about what you did for Labor Day. 

The post Life Insurance Awareness Month is Here appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

While the dreaded words “you’re grounded!” might still ring in many of our ears, we’ve most likely stopped spending several frustrating moments swearing we’re never going to end up like our parents. Whether you have children or not, you know that being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs on earth, based on experiences you’ve heard from your own, or even friends and family. Of course, life throws curveballs and hands us tricky situations, making parenting even more difficult. Parents divorce, move away, or spend their spare time at work, providing for their families but missing out on fun memories. Part of growing up means dealing with these tricky situations, and coming out stronger and better because of them. One thing remains the same: you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family, and protecting them is a priority. 

Parents’ Day has the SOGO team thinking of our own parents, and our own children. We have a philosophy that our business is like family, and that means a lot because family is everything. Protecting your family is imperative, especially in today’s unsteady world, and we have smart solutions for coverage that will help you sleep soundly (at least until they wake you up for breakfast early tomorrow morning). If you haven’t considered life insurance, now’s the time to sit down and talk with one of our well-versed agents about your options. Whether it’s term life insurance, whole life insurance, or universal life insurance, we’re able to go over potential premiums and extra coverages depending on your lifestyle, medical history, and age. 

Another item worth discussing is child life insurance. As difficult a conversation it can be for some, having a child life insurance policy protects your loved ones in many aspects, and not just in the tragic event your child passes. Many policies can act as a savings account for college, or a cash reserve that you can withdraw for a fee. A child’s life insurance policy can also reduce the risk of your kiddo being denied a life insurance policy later in life, especially if your child has developed a medical condition in the meantime. The sooner you protect your child on a life insurance policy, the sooner you secure an insured future for them. 

We hope your Parents’ Day is a day of joyous memories of parent-figures in your life, and we hope your kids catch wind of this special day and express their gratitude for all that you do for them. Being a parent is a difficult job, but SOGO is here to help you make decisions that protect your family more easily. 

In case you missed it: “How to Protect Your Business From Forgery, Theft, and Fraud” has several tips on how to protect one of your most prized assets: your business. You’ve worked tirelessly to create your own empire, so why risk losing everything over a small mistake that’s easily prevented? Our team has got even more sage advice for your business needs, so reach out to us and let us help you solidify the future of your business. 

The post The Potential Struggles and Victories of Parenting in 2020 appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

The last thing we want to think about is death and dying. We have countless more vacations to take, career accomplishments to tackle, and maybe even settle down and start a family someday. But the truth is, death is imminent, and not necessarily guaranteed to affect elderly folks. Like us, you’ve probably seen one too many sad stories on social media about a millennial whose life was cut too short for one reason or another. It’s tempting to take a laissez-faire attitude toward death because it’s unlikely at our age, but here are four reasons you need to consider life insurance seriously:

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON YOU, EMOTIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY

Whether you’re a worry-free traveler, a career-driven college grad, or the parent you always wanted to be, we’ve got people depending on us. On top of losing an incredibly important person like you, your death will be adding a more complicated layer of grief for your spouse, children, or parents who have lost your income contribution. Financial stress includes a mortgage, medical bills, outstanding credit card payments, and even that unreal pile of student loan debt you’ve had weighing on your shoulders if you had cosigners help you along the way.  Don’t leave your loved one unprotected.

YOUR FUNERAL WILL STILL COST MONEY

Let’s just pretend for a minute that you don’t have any issues with bills, loans, or financial obligations. A funeral in Texas is averaging a cost of between $5,000 and $15,000, and that’s not even the #extra version you deserve. That’s the Plain-Jane model, and your family doesn’t deserve to get stuck with that bill. The last thing you want to do to your spouse, or even your parents, is to have them feeling guilty over how fancy of a funeral they can plan for you, while trying to work through other financial obligations of their own. 

YOUR CURRENT INSURANCE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH

Look, if you have a job that covers life insurance in the event of your death, we’re genuinely happy for you. But what if you don’t work there in a few weeks? Coverage only counts if you’re employed, and just like death, you can’t really plan for things like layoffs, being let go, or being sick for an extended amount of time before your untimely death. Having a backup plan in a personal life insurance policy is best. 

IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET MORE EXPENSIVE

In the life insurance world, you’re young, healthy, and considered “low risk,” and low risk means lower rates. Life insurance can even be inexpensive when you are in shape and remain a non-smoker. The longer you wait, the more prone you will be too serious medical conditions and hereditary issues like heart disease and diabetes, which are likely to drive insurance premiums up, leaving you to pay more down the road. 

We know you have a lot of social media browsing to do today, but carve out a few minutes of your time to get in touch with one of our qualified agents who can help you determine which life insurance policy is best for you. Not to mention – the holidays are coming up, and your Abuelita is going to ask you (again) what your plans are for the future. Impress her with the details of your life insurance policy you recently planned for with a SOGO agent. She might even lay off a condescending comment, or two.

In case you missed it: “Life Insurance Awareness Month” breaks down why you need to contact a SOGO agent today for a quote on life insurance policies. We get that planning for death is weird, and even a little uncomfortable, but planning ahead will save your family a huge headache down the road. Call or email us today. 

The post You’re a Millennial — But You Still Need Life Insurance appeared first on SOGO Insurance.

September

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you gain some basic understanding of the benefits of putting a life insurance policy in place. According to a 2017 LIMRA study, “one in three families might not be able to meet their day-to-day expenses within a month of the primary breadwinner’s death.” This shocking statistic points to the necessity of having a policy in place, especially for local San Antonio community members that work in dangerous industries, including manufacturing, construction, and building. The last thing you’d want for your family is to worry about paying the bills, on top of the emotional weight of your death. 

Monthly Expenses

Monthly expenses are not the only thing you’d leave behind. Many purchase life insurance policies as a back-up plan to pay off a mortgage, credit card, and student loan debts, and estate taxes. Some even take it one step further by implementing a plan that is meant for an inheritance to their family, or as a fund for future educational needs (think college) of their family members. While some are overprepared, others are relying on unstable sources of income after death, including crowdfunding for funeral expenses and family bills. While we’re sure your friends and family would pull through for your loved ones, it’s also leaving an immense amount of pressure on those you love. 

If you’re already insured, great! Call us anyway, because one in five life insurance policy-holders are unsure if they have the correct amount of coverage for their particular situation. We are experts at deciphering your current policy, and if/where it’s lacking. Don’t assume you’re good to go just because you have a current policy in place, either through a private company or through your employer. If you’re not covered at all because you’re worried about cost, it’s also worth checking in with us. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that 44% of millennials are overestimating the cost of life insurance at five times the actual amount. Since end-of-life is not necessarily on the mind of a 30-something, it comes off as an unnecessary and frivolous cost that can be pushed off, but there’s no such thing as planning for a life insurance policy too early. 

SOGO is here to talk openly with you about all types of insurance, even when it’s about hard-to-discuss subjects like personal life insurance. Our agents value our clients like family, so take a minute to call us and keep us in the loop on your needs. We are anxious to help you create the perfect plan for your future and family. Contact us today.

In case you missed it: “5 Things to Do in SA This September” has got a sweet lineup of fall events you’ll be anxious to attend! 

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Buy it now

Buy it now to check an important financial milestone off your list. Plus it’s one less thing you’ll procrastinate about over the next two or three decades. Besides the feeling of having accomplished something important, consider these other great reasons why you should buy life insurance early.

• It doesn’t get any cheaper. Life insurance premiums increase by an average of 8-10% every year you put off buying and, unless you’re unhealthy, life insurance will never be cheaper for you than it is at this moment.
• Funerals are costly. The average funeral costs between $6,000 and $10,000. Even if you plan for a more non-traditional funeral, like an end-of-life party, someone will have to foot the bill. A relatively small life insurance policy can help do that.
• Not having it is a risk. Some people don’t want life insurance because there’s a chance it won’t pay out and they see that as throwing away money. But the truth is, you never know if something or nothing will happen to you. When you’re younger, you have many more uncertain years ahead of you. Life insurance is a logical choice.
• Don’t stick your family with debt. If something were to happen to you, all of your debt could fall entirely on your parents or spouse. Buying enough life insurance can take care of all these financial issues so your loved ones can have a little less stress to deal with in the event you pass away.
• You have kids. If you’ve got an early start, you have to make sure your little ones will be taken care of in the worst-case scenario. This is particularly important if your spouse is a stay-at-home parent since they’d need money to replace your income stream at least temporarily. Even if both of you work, life insurance could still come in handy when it’s time to pay for higher costs down the road.

Bottom Line

Managing your money in your twenties usually involves a ton of trial and error. But learning as much as you can about the basics can give you an even greater advantage. Life Insurance may be the last thing on your mind, however, it’s definitely something that all millennials should consider as part of your larger financial plan.

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