Increase and Protect Your Income With Life Insurance

Use Life Insurance to Increase and Protect Your Income

Ten Ways Life Insurance Can Boost Income and Improve Retirement. These can include using life insurance for tax-free income, long-term care, guranteed income, freeing up cash for retirees who want to leave their home to their children, says money expert Paul j. Mauro, CLU, ChFC, founder of Legacy Financial Advisors, a wealth management firm in Milford, MA.

Milford, MA (PRWEB) September 22, 2007 -- Life insurance should be called "death insurance" since it pays the beneficiaries when the policyholder dies.

"However, life insurance can be used to increase and protect your retirement income -- while you are living," says, Paul J. Mauro, CLU, ChFC, founder of Legacy Financial Advisors in Milford, MA (www.lfsadvisors.com).

"For a young family with a big mortgage and children's education expenses looming, term life insurance is the least expensive and simplest way to protect ones family if the breadwinner dies. Older Americans -- age 50-plus -- who are planning retirement or are retired can use life insurance to increase income while they are still alive," explains Mauro, a 30-year wealth management veteran.

Here are Paul J. Mauro's top 10 ways life insurance can both increase income and protect retirement security:

1. Leverage -- borrowing to invest in ones own business or opportunities to produce additional income is okay at any age -- especially if the proceeds from the loan are covered by life insurance to protect family security.

2. Tax-free income is the holy grail of the affluent. For those who have maxed out their traditional pension plan contributions, a life insurance policy can increase tax-deferred savings -- as long as it meets IRS qualifications.

3. Long term care -- Do not pay for both life- and long-term care insurance. Cut the cost in half by using modern life insurance policies that pay out whether one dies or enters a nursing home.

4. Traditional pension plan -- Those with a traditional or defined-benefit pension plan have to make a choice at retirement -- take full-benefits for their lifetime or cut benefits so that payments will continue to their spouse after they die. "A less costly alternative is to take the full pension benefits and buy life insurance to guarantee that his or her spouse has enough income after the retiree dies," says Mauro.

5. 401(k) plans and personal savings have become a primary source of retirement income. Most studies show that to guarantee lifetime income, only 4% per-year can be withdrawn from the fund. However, life insurance products such as immediate annuities can both increase and guarantee lifetime payouts according to Yale economist Roger Ibbotson, Ph.D. in the August 2006 issue of Investment Advisor.

6. Those who bought "Whole Life" or "Universal Life" insurance policies a decade ago, may borrow from the cash build-up at favorable rates. "Often, there is no requirement to pay back the loan until death. Life insurance loans are tax-free, while canceling the policy and taking out cash can result in a tax on the proceeds." according to Mauro.

7. Business-owners -- IRS tax rules allow business owners to save substantially more money in a Defined Benefit pension plan on a tax-deferred basis if life insurance is included in the plan. The tax-deferred amount can be can be substantial --- some $50,000 per year.

8. Annuities -- those who have a life annuity may be tempted to take the maximum payout from the account but these payments stop at death. Insurance products called "reversionary annuities" provide income for life plus a death benefit. Annuities can be purchased with funds from IRAs and other retirement savings.

9. "Couples of modest means who do without so that they can leave a home or money to their children need to rethink this strategy. Instead of scrimping, purchase a joint, or second-to-die, life insurance policy. The insurance proceeds provide for a generous inheritance and leave the couple with more money to spend on themselves and no worries over spending their kids inheritance"

10. Reverse mortgages get a lot of press, but homeowners fear the fees and interest build up. "Buy a life insurance policy to cover the amount of the reverse mortgage plus accumulated interest for several years. This gives the heirs the option of paying off the loan to keep the home, or simply keeping the proceeds from the life insurance policy and letting the bank dispose of the home."

"Everyone's situation is different. Consumers should seek advice from their own qualified financial adviser before adopting any of these insurance strategies," concludes Mauro. Those qualified to advise on these matters include life insurance professionals who hold either the CLU designation or the LUTCF Designation. These individuals have completed eight postgraduate level courses on sophisticated uses of life insurance.

This information is not a suggestion or an offer to sell or buy any security. Life insurance companies vary, and benefits are based upon the claims-paying ability of the insurance carrier. Legacy Financial Advisors does not give tax or legal advice. Meet with your own CPA or lawyer.

The examples discussed above are hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Tax laws are subject to change and individual situations vary.

Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc., member NASD SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. Legacy Financial Advisors and SII Investments, Inc. are separate and unrelated companies

Press Contact: DICK PIROZZOLO
Company Name: Legacy Financial Advisors
Phone: 781-235-9911
Website: www.lfsadvisors.com

Homeland Security and Security Management Specializations

Capella University Announces New Homeland Security and Security Management Specializations

Online university offers specializations through its BS in Public Safety online degree program

October 26, 2007 - MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited(a), fully online university based in Minneapolis, announced today that it is offering two new specializations within its Bachelor of Science in Public Safety online degree program - Homeland Security and Security Management. The specializations are designed to help meet employment needs within these growing fields. The Homeland Security specialization focuses on managing public security in relation to federal resources, while the Security Management specialization focuses on preparing individuals for leadership within the private security field.

"Since the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2001, it has grown into one of the largest federal agencies, and there are also many homeland security employment opportunities within other federal agencies and state and local governments. Our new Homeland Security specialization is designed to help prepare students to succeed in these important positions," said John Sullivan, Jr., PhD, Public Safety faculty chair in Capella's School of Undergraduate Studies. The National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security have designated Capella University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Capella is also one of few schools to have an educational alliance with the FBI.

"Our other new specialization, Security Management, focuses on the needs of private industry, where security has also increased in importance," said Dr. Sullivan. "Much of the nation's infrastructure is privately owned and there's a growing recognition that this needs to be protected, for both business and national security reasons."

Dr. Sullivan exemplifies Capella's philosophy of recruiting highly experienced scholar-practitioners for faculty and program leadership positions. Prior to beginning his academic career, which included service as academic dean and founding director of graduate studies in criminal justice for Lynn University, Sullivan had an extensive career with the U.S. Customs Service. He was a U.S. Treasury agent specializing in criminal investigations of fraud, internal security, money laundering, and child sexual exploitation before becoming an agent-in-charge of two large field offices. He also served as U.S. Customs headquarters section chief for general smuggling, during which time he authored some of the earliest threat assessments on terrorism in the 1980s. He has been a guest instructor at both the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the FBI Academy, has testified before Congress on crimes against children, and has served on the executive protection details of U.S. presidents and their families, presidential candidates, and heads of state. His professional certifications include Certified Homeland Security Practitioner (CHS-V), Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Business Manager, among others.

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its BS in Public Safety, Homeland Security and Security Management specializations. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu. Review of these specializations is pending in AZ, FL, KY, SC, and WA. Contact an enrollment counselor for additional information.

About Capella University

Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited(a), fully online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, public health, human services, public safety, and psychology, and bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, health, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella offers 104 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs, as of October 23, 2007. The online university currently serves more than 19,000 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ:CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

(a)Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org.

Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.

Contacts

Capella University
Irene Silber, 612-977-4132
Irene.Silber@capella.edu

Recent Flooding Exposes Asbestos Danger

Legalview Provides up to Date Mesothelioma Information as Recent Flooding Exposes Asbestos Danger

Asbestos discovered after flooding of Redlands City Hall; LegalView offers wealth of asbestos and Mesothelioma guidance.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) October 25, 2007 -- When City Hall in Redlands City, California was flooded last week with gray water backed up from the city's sewage system, the initial concern was e coli bacteria. Another danger, however, was quickly identified by city workers; hazardous levels of asbestos. An asbestos remediation company has been brought in and workers have been relocated as cleanup efforts are delayed due to this dangerous discovery.

Asbestos was widely used in building insulation in the first half of the 20th century. We now know that exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a crippling type of lung cancer that attacks the lining of the lung. Unlike most lung cancers, mesothelioma is not caused by smoking, according to the National Cancer Institute; the Institute reports that 80 percent of mesothelioma patients had known asbestos exposure earlier in life. Mesothelioma can kill quickly; on average, doctors give patients six months to a year to live after their diagnosis. With this in mind, LegalView.com continues to provide factual information, news and links to more information for mesothelioma patients and their families through its mesothelioma information internet portal.

LegalView.com strives to bring its readers complete, up-to-date information on legal issues that affect ordinary Americans. In addition to the mesothelioma resources, LegalView.com offers comprehensive sites with information concerning brain injury litigation, auto accident lawsuits, or construction accident attorneys. These are in addition to general resources LegalView.com maintains on possible unsafe drugs, medical malpractice cases, and defective consumer products and foods. All of these sites, and others at LegalView.com, combine easy-to-understand information facts with the latest news, government information, jury verdicts and settlements, as well as links to more information specific to each legal issue. And for those who are ready to seek out a mesothelioma attorney or other type of experienced lawyer can find one in their areas using LegalView.com's free attorney search service.

LegalView.com is a free public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez Hodes; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's respected sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView.com attorneys, visit LegalView.com at http://www.legalview.com/.

Press Contact: Alan Haburchak
Company Name: LegalView.com
Phone: 720 771-3246
Website: www.legalview.com

Record Home Foreclosure Calls

National Foreclosure Hotline Reaches Record High Call Volume

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has received more than 100,000 calls from concerned homeowners since beginning of the year, shattering call records set in 2006

October 18, 2007 - MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The upward trend of calls to the Homeownership Preservation Foundation's Homeowner's HOPE Hotline continues, with counselors fielding almost 60,000 calls in the third quarter of 2007. This doubles the call volume from the previous quarter and represents a more than ten-fold increase from the same quarter in 2006.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Americans avoid foreclosure, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) operates a national 24/7 helpline - 888-995-HOPE - that offers homeowners personalized assistance to help manage mortgage payment concerns. According to HPF, almost 25,000 homeowners received mortgage counseling during the third quarter - up from 15,000 completed counseling sessions in the second quarter.

"Troubled homeowners are more aware of our services because of the intense media coverage surrounding the foreclosure crisis," says Colleen Hernandez, president and executive director of HPF. "It's encouraging to know we've been able to reach out to so many homeowners. With more than a million Americans facing possible foreclosure, we are working hard to expand our counseling capacity and continue our commitment to preserving homeownership through our services."

Foreclosure filings skyrocketed to 240,000 in August 2007, a 110 percent increase from the same month a year ago, according to reports by RealtyTrac, a company that tracks home foreclosures. This increase equates to one foreclosure filing for every 510 households. August's total represents the highest number of foreclosure filings reported in a single month since RealtyTrac began recording monthly filings two years ago.

Struggling homeowners are being more proactive in asking for help. HPF data shows that calling during the early signs of trouble increases the likelihood of positive post-counseling outcomes, as more options remain open to the homeowner. Among the homeowners who called 888-995-HOPE, 24 percent were less than one month behind in mortgage payments, which is up from 21 percent during second quarter 2007.

"The sooner a struggling homeowner asks for help, the easier it is to formulate a plan," said Hernandez. "But, no matter the situation, HPF can provide options and information to help."

Key Statistics - Third Quarter 2007

Foreclosure can happen to anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, demographic or type of mortgage. Current trends observed by hotline counselors include the following:

    * California accounted for the highest percentage of homeowners receiving counseling (14%); Ohio ranked second (12%) and Illinois third (6%).
    * Fixed-rate mortgages represented 33 percent of callers while adjustable-rate callers accounted for 44 percent.
    * Sixty-four percent of callers reported annual household incomes of less than $42,000; 13 percent of callers' annual incomes exceeded $60,000.

HPF Adds Key Staff

HPF announces the addition of Barb Wendt, Vice President of Operations, and Josh Fuhrman, Director of Counseling to the organization. "We are pleased to have these two important hires completed," said Hernandez. "As we continue to expand our 888-995-HOPE Hotline capacity, the roles that Barb and Josh play are vital. They each bring exceptional knowledge and experience to the organization and we are thrilled to have them on board."

About the Homeownership Preservation Foundation

Founded in 2004, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing foreclosures and preserving homeownership for American homeowners. The Foundation partners with city, county and state governments; federal government agencies; community-based nonprofit organizations; and mortgage companies to offer creative solutions to preserve homeownership. HPF's cornerstone service is the Homeowner's HOPET Hotline, a foreclosure prevention counseling service available free to American homeowners by calling 888-995-HOPE. For more information about the Homeownership Preservation Foundation or the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline, visit www.995hope.org.

Contacts
Homeownership Preservation Foundation
Tracy Morgan, 952-857-6822
tmorgan@995hope.org

E. coli Lawsuit Against Cargill

Marler Clark files E. coli Lawsuit Against Cargill

October 15, 2007 - SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An E. coli lawsuit was filed today in Minnesota against Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, the meat company whose frozen ground beef products were identified as the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in September and October. The lawsuit was filed in Dakota County District Court on behalf of Dakota County residents Eric and Jennifer Gustafson and their two children, Callie and Carson, who both suffered E. coli infections after eating Cargill ground beef patties at a barbecue in September. Callie's E. coli infection led to hemolytic uremic syndrome, and she was hospitalized for seven days.

The Gustafson children's cases were two of three E. coli cases that triggered an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture which eventually led to Cargill's recall of 845,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties for E. coli contamination on October 6, 2007. The Cargill products were sold at retail establishments, including Sam's Club, and to restaurants and other institutions throughout the United States. Since the investigation began in Minnesota, E. coli illnesses tied to Cargill ground beef products have been identified in Minnesota (5), Wisconsin (5), North Carolina (2) and Tennessee (3). Many of the E. coli cases involve children or young adults with HUS. According to news reports, children in Minnesota and Tennessee still remain hospitalized in critical condition.

"This is not the first time that Cargill or one of its many subsidiaries has had E. coli-related problems that led to illness," said William Marler of Marler Clark, the Gustafsons' attorney, who pointed out that he has represented victims of prior E. coli outbreaks traced to Cargill products. "In 2000, Cargill was implicated as the seller of E. coli-contaminated meat during the Milwaukee Sizzler E. coli outbreak that sickened 60 and killed one young girl. In July 2001, Cargill recalled 200,000 pounds of ground beef after being linked to an illness in Georgia. And again in 2002, Cargill sickened 57 in Wisconsin and Minnesota and recalled over 500,000 pounds of contaminated ground beef."

Since spring of 2007, nearly 30 million pounds of ground beef has been recalled in the United States. Marler added, "It seems like the wheels are coming off the beef industry. With millions of pounds of meat pulled from shelves and hundreds sickened, there must be a through investigation of an industry clearly out of control."

BACKGROUND: William Marler has been involved in E. coli cases since the Jack in the Box outbreak of 1993, when he won a settlement of $15.6 million for nine-year-old Brianne Kiner. His firm, Marler Clark, has prosecuted dozens of E. coli cases in Minnesota, including those related to the 2007 ground beef E. coli outbreak traced to PM Beef Holdings and Lunds Food Holdings; the 2006 E. coli outbreak stemming from consumption of E. coli-contaminated ground beef produced by Nebraska Beef and sold at Supervalu, then served at a church supper in Longville, Minnesota; the 2006 E. coli outbreak traced to the consumption of Dole brand baby spinach; a 2006 E. coli outbreak at Taco John's restaurants that was ultimately traced back to E. coli-contaminated lettuce; an E. coli outbreak in 2001 that was traced to a China Buffet restaurant; and an E. coli outbreak in 2000 linked to ground beef produced by AFG and sold by Supervalu and Cub Foods.

Marler comments on food safety and E. coli outbreaks on his blog, www.marlerblog.com. More about Marler Clark can be found at www.marlerclark.com.

Contacts
Marler Clark
Suzanne Schreck, 206-346-1879
sschreck@marlerclark.com

Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

Bankruptcy Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Provider Information

Important Information for Bankruptcy Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Agencies and Bankruptcy Pre-Discharge Debtor Education Providers.

(PRWEB) October 15, 2007 -- The American Association of Debt Management Organizations (AADMO), the largest trade association for the credit counseling industry, will feature program sessions important to bankruptcy pre-filing credit counseling agencies and bankruptcy pre-discharge debtor education providers at the AADMO Fall Conference in Austin, TX on October 22 and 23, 2007.

According to Mark Guimond, Executive Director of the AADMO, "Agencies that are providing bankruptcy reform pre-filing credit counseling need to know what's happening in their sector of the industry. Now they have a source for timely and important information. AADMO offers the best program designed to help them and keep them informed."

"The states are starting to take notice of pre-filing counseling and requiring compliance with the applicable state laws. Providing this service pursuant to a federally mandated program does not exempt these agencies from other laws. We have state regulators and others who will make this crystal clear and explain what's happening in the law", said Guimond.

"Do you know if you are required to propose "60/60" plans? Are there specific fee limitations on "60/60" plans? May "60/60" plan payments be disbursed through or outside of the credit counseling agency? Can "60/60" plans subject an agency to new legal compliance requirements under state or federal law? If you want to know the answers to any of these questions, this program will help you learn the law of less than full balance payments and "60/60" plans above and beyond those laws governing traditional credit counseling functions", added Guimond.

Sessions for bankruptcy pre-filing credit counseling agencies and bankruptcy pre-discharge debtor education providers:
* "60/60" Plans and Less Than Full Balance Payments - Understanding the Applicable Laws
Speaker:         Robby Birnbaum, Greenspoon Marder
* The Law of Illinois - Credit Counseling and the Law as it Applies to "60/60" Plans and Less Than Full Balance Payments
Speaker:    Susan Gold, Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
* The Law of Kansas - Credit Counseling and the Law as it Applies to "60/60" Plans and Less Than Full Balance Payments
Speaker:    Adrian Serene, Kansas Banking Department
* The Law of Alabama - Credit Counseling and the Law as it Applies to "60/60" Plans and Less Than Full Balance Payments
Speaker:    Jane Brannan, Alabama Securities Commission
* Bankruptcy Reform:     Value of Credit Counseling Requirement is Not Clear
Speaker:         Jason Bromberg, U.S. General Accountability Office
* Credit Counseling, Debtor Education and Bankruptcy Reform at the 2 Year Mark
Speaker:     Henry Hobbs, Executive Office for United States Trustees

Other sessions will include:
* The actual Experience of Audit and Revocation - One Credit Counseling Agency Shares it All!
* Leads and Referrals: Not the Same Old Ballgame
Speaker:         Jeffrey Tenenbaum, Venable
* Credit Counseling Industry Legislative Update
Speaker:         Mark Guimond, AADMO Executive Director
* Valuing Account Portfolios - Results and Analysis of the Industry Survey
Speakers:         Paul A. Baumann, Leslie Moreau
* 143 Audits - Why This Exact Number is Significant!
* State Regulators
* NCCUSL Uniform Debt Management Services Act - "Stand-By Committee" Recommendations

The AADMO Fall Conference program and registration information can be found at www.AADMO.org.

About AADMO:
AADMO is the largest trade association for the credit counseling and debt management industry. Nationwide, the majority of licensed and legally operating credit counseling agencies are members of AADMO.

AADMO is working diligently to ensure the continued operation and viability of credit counseling and debt management organizations. AADMO provides important education and information for the entire industry.

AADMO is an industry education and advocacy organization whose mission is to promote and ensure the continued operation and viability of credit counseling and debt management organizations. AADMO provides its members and the consumer public with information about the credit and debt counseling industry.

AADMO members are consumer credit counseling agencies, debt management organizations, credit counselors, personal finance educators, credit and debt information educators, consumer lawyers and many others.

AADMO is the only trade association to have held state law compliance workshops with the New York State Banking Department and the California Department of Corporations upon enactment of their respective laws governing credit counseling. AADMO is also the only trade association for the industry to publish a formal summary of state laws that has been reviewed by state regulators.

Press Contact: MARK GUIMOND
Company Name: AADMO
Phone: 281-361-2325
Website: www.AADMO.org

Mesothelioma Attorney Joins Lawyer Network

Nationally Recognized Mesothelioma Attorney Christopher Placitella Joins Lawyer Central Network (LawyerCentral.com)

LawyerCentral.com announced the addition of nationally recognized mesothelioma trial lawyer Christopher Placitella to their exclusive legal network. Mr. Placitella has accepted exclusive membership within the Lawyer Central New Jersey Network providing information and assistance for victims of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure.

Red Bank, NJ (PRWEB) October 5, 2007 -- LawyerCentral.com announced the addition of nationally recognized mesothelioma lawyer Christopher Placitella to their exclusive legal network. Mr. Placitella has accepted exclusive membership within the Lawyer Central New Jersey Network providing information and assistance for victims of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Mr. Placitella is well-known for his landmark participation in multi-billion dollar tobacco and Phen-Fen settlements as well as being a nationally recognized authority on mesothelioma trial law. Mr. Placitella is also the author "The History of Asbestos" and anchor of the popular video series "Mass Tort Update".

Christopher Placitella is a Past President, New Jersey Trial Lawyers (ATLA-NJ); Member, Occupational Health & Safety Board of NJ AFL-CIO; Vice President, New Jersey Public Interest Law Center; Adviser, Workplace Environmental Counsel; Adviser, Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning; Lead counsel or Steering Committee member for numerous national class actions, including asbestos and diet drugs.

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of local attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of legal marketing media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and new media management.

For more information on Christopher Placitella or Lawyer Central please call 800-449-1970 or visit http://www.lawyercentral.com/


Press Contact: Christina Trischetti
Company Name: Lawyer Central
Phone: 800-449-1970
Website: www.lawyercentral.com