Steps to Financial Fitness

1. Life Insurance: Calculate the level of protection you need now or at any
other time in your life with our Life Insurance Needs Calculator.

2. Disability Income: Protect your most valuable asset, your earning power,
with a quality income continuation plan. Can you and your family afford to live
on half a paycheck? A woman in her prime earning years is much more likely
to become disabled – permanently or temporarily -- than a man. Both genders
are more likely to be disabled than die in the same time period.

3. College Funding: College entrance planning steps and funding sources
are outlined. FAFSA and private college supplement forms are available on
this website.

4. Long Term Care: Costs of medical care and non-medical care for the frailty
that goes with advanced age or infirmity can be the greatest threat to your
retirement assets. The right plan design can guarantee independence and a
choice of where the care is provided and by whom when you get to the point
where you need assistance with Activities of Daily living (bathing, eating,
transferring, toileting, dressing) or suffer from severe cognitive impairment.
When you are sick or have worked your whole life to reach retirement, freedom
from financial worry is an insurable risk with tax incentives and nontaxed
benefits.

5. Financial Planning: Keep up with the new rules and regulations and the
catch up provisions for those over the age of 50. Learn the differences between
ROTH IRAs, Traditional IRAs and your company sponsored plans.

6. Budgeting: Take the steps to reduce debt, increase savings and lower your
tax burden.

7. Tax Planning begins anew January 1^st of every year. Know what to look for
and how to position your expenses to take advantage of changes in the tax law
before you file your taxes.

8. Retirement Planning: Saving more for retirement can be more important
than where you save. Tax advantages can lower your tax payment and increase
your security.

9. Longevity Planning means knowing you could live until age 100 and planning
now to make sure you do not run out of money. Caregivers need help in finding
resources when a loved one requires care – learn more about where these resources
are located and what is available.

10. Estate Planning needs change with family dynamics and Acts of Congress.
It is important when you have a significant change in assets or dependents to
discuss with competent advisors.