Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a comprehensive range of life insurance products including Term Life Insurance (10, 20, 30-year terms), Whole Life Insurance, and Universal Life Insurance. Each type serves different needs and budgets, and I can help you determine which is best for your situation.

The amount of coverage you need depends on several factors including your income, debts, number of dependents, and future financial obligations. A common rule of thumb is 10-12 times your annual income, but I provide personalized assessments to determine the right coverage amount for your specific situation.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (term) at lower premiums but has no cash value. Whole life insurance provides lifetime coverage, builds cash value over time, and has fixed premiums. Term is ideal for temporary needs, while whole life is better for permanent protection and wealth building.

Yes! Many term policies are convertible to permanent insurance without a medical exam. You can also adjust coverage amounts, add riders, or switch policies as your needs change. I recommend reviewing your coverage every 3-5 years or after major life events.

To file a claim, beneficiaries need to contact the insurance company with the policy number and a certified death certificate. I assist families through this process, helping gather required documents and ensuring claims are processed smoothly and quickly.

Tax-efficient retirement planning involves strategically withdrawing from different account types (401k, IRA, Roth IRA, taxable accounts) to minimize your tax liability while maximizing spendable income. This includes timing Social Security benefits, managing RMDs, and potentially doing Roth conversions.

The best time to start is now! However, critical planning periods include: your 50s (catch-up contributions), 5-10 years before retirement (transition planning), and at retirement (distribution strategy). Even if you're already retired, optimization opportunities exist.

Traditional IRAs/401(k)s: Tax-deductible contributions, taxed on withdrawal. Roth IRAs/401(k)s: After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals. Taxable accounts: Taxed on gains/dividends annually but more flexible. Each has unique benefits depending on your current and future tax situation.

Strategies include: diversifying account types, strategic Roth conversions, managing taxable income to stay in lower brackets, timing Social Security benefits, qualified charitable distributions, and tax-loss harvesting. A comprehensive plan can save thousands in taxes annually.

RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts starting at age 73 (as of 2024). The amount is calculated based on your account balance and life expectancy. Failing to take RMDs results in a 25% penalty. Strategic planning can minimize the tax impact of RMDs.

Most people need at least a will. A trust is beneficial if you want to avoid probate, have significant assets, own property in multiple states, have minor children, or want more control over asset distribution. I can help assess which is right for your situation.

A will takes effect after death and goes through probate (court process). A trust can be effective immediately, avoids probate, provides privacy, and offers more control over asset distribution. Trusts are more complex but offer significant advantages for many families.

Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, death of beneficiary, significant asset changes, or moving to a new state. Laws also change, so periodic reviews ensure your plan remains effective.

Dying "intestate" means state law determines asset distribution, which may not match your wishes. The process is longer, more expensive, and can create family conflicts. Court-appointed guardians may be assigned for minor children. A will ensures your wishes are followed.

Yes! Many estate planning documents require notarization including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. As a licensed notary, I can notarize these documents, ensuring they're legally valid. However, I recommend working with an attorney to draft complex estate plans.

I can notarize most documents including: powers of attorney, wills, trusts, deeds, affidavits, loan documents, health care directives, contracts, and more. I cannot notarize vital records (birth/death certificates) or documents where I have a financial interest.

Yes! I provide mobile notary services throughout the Orange County, East Los Angeles County, and surrounding communities. I come to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or any convenient location. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Mobile service fees vary by location and distance.

You need: (1) Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID), (2) The unsigned document(s) to be notarized, (3) All signers must be present. Do not sign the document before the notary appointment.

California statutory fee is $15 per signature notarized. Mobile services have an additional travel fee starting at $15, varying by location and distance. I provide transparent pricing upfront with no hidden fees.

An acknowledgment verifies the signer's identity and that they signed willingly. A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm the document's truthfulness under oath. The document type determines which is needed. I'll guide you through the correct process.