Top Level Category

Table of Contents

  1. Contents of Top Level Category
    1. User Manual
      1. Assets (Liquid assets comprises assets that are quickly...)
      2. Family
      3. Income (Income includes all sources of income brought...)
      4. Life Insurance (Medical Insurance)
      5. Medical Insurance
      6. Real Estate
      7. Vehicles
    2. Frequently Asked Questions
    3. System Requirements
    4. Affiliates

Top Level Category

Parent category to all other categories

0% Credit Cards

We never recommend the "usage" of these or any other credit cards unless one has the proven discipline to pay them off "TO ZERO" at the end of each month.  However, if there is absolutely, 1. "NO room" left in reducing other expenses, 2. "No way" to change lifestyle, 3. No Options for refinancing in a favorable way, then:
transferring present balances to zero percent credit cards to make pay-offs easier and reduce the effect of high interest rates and fees for the short term is a viable planning option.  However, for a great majority of people, this is simply a trap laid out for you and the credit card companies know it.  Think about it, why else and how else could they offer the "0% rate?"
 
The below information should be considered before proceeding to make use of any "0 percent" offers are as follows:
  1. Most 0% rates are issued only to "very good" credit borrowers.  Here is one area where low credit borrowers actually subsidize high credit borrowers.  Good credit will pay you in the long term.  Low credit will cost you money.
  2. Most of these offers claim a "0% APR," but actually there is usually an upfront balance transfer fee of 3%.  The better offers have a max transfer fee of $50.  In our view, such offers are misleading, illegal and not a true "0% APR" as claimed.  However, this is typically as low as it gets.
  3. For credit card management purposes, it is probably best to get the largest credit line possible on each 0% card you can qualify for and transfer as many balances as possible to that card.  Then go on to the next card.
  4. DO NOT USE THIS CARD OR THE CARD FROM WHICH BALANCES WILL BE TRANSFERRED.  This KILLS the whole plan and purpose and will send you backwards financially at light speed.  Credit cards are like financial cigarrettes.  They are similarly target marketed and the largest (most "respected" - can you believe it?) financial institutions in America want us to get hooked.  That is their advantage over the consumer.  They know our weaknesses.  They know it causes an early financial death, but they will still profit plenty along the way.  These institutions serve the shareholders, not their customers.  Credit cards are a HUGE source of financial services revenue and they feed into many other areas of financial revenues for financial institutions.  If you are going to win the financial game, you need to know, understand and live this. 
  5. Probably all these offers are for a limited time.  The best tend to be for 15 months, the less favorable (but still good offers) tend to be for 8 months.   Plan on making new decisions or rolling these to new cards in 12 months or so.  Hopefully all at lower balances at that time.
  6. At that point, if balances still remain, you will need to roll balances into new offers.  Keep in mind the following: 1) Good credit and a perfect payment history are the main things that will ensure your ability NOT to go up in rate and to make such changes a year from now,  2) You will probably NOT be allowed to roll same balances into new cards with same banks.  They PROBABLY will tell you, "call us (in the future) and we will let you know if we have a special offer at that time," but at that time, they will PROBABLY tell you "sorry, but now is the time for us to profit on your credit card.  Your new rate will be _____." 
  7. Qualifying...  Unless you have a high, stable (long-term) income (usually they do not verify income), you may not qualify now or in the future.  Plan on needing to find new sources in 12 months.  That is another reason why you want to get maximum approval for minimum amount of new credit cards.  That leaves the door more open in the future.
  8. Don't cancel old cards.  This is more likely to lower your credit score than to increase it.  The reason is that old credit is better for your credit record, than new credit because it shows a longer history of credit management.   Again, don't use old cards.  Chop them up or put them in water in the freezer, but don't cancel them unless you are concerned about the risk of fraud or identity theft. 
Understand and follow the above guidelines prior to calling or accepting any "0 Percent" Credit Card offers.
Mark Harvey

FAQ's

Q - What makes Money Decoder better or different than any other financial software?

A - Specifically - our yellow-light indicators, knowledge guide, full financial integration, simple to use calculators, retirement and college target planning, and cockpit full of auto-calculated formulas and summaries are all unique to Money Decoder.  Money Decoder was created in collaboration with the full myriad of financial professionals AND consumers.  And, where most financial programs are built as money tracking and counting devices, Money Decoder was engineered specifically for the purpose of helping consumers UNDERSTAND their money so that they would be equipped to deal with the financial challenges and giant institutions they are up against in this complex, market machine otherwise know as "the modern economy."  In addition, our personal financial tutorials were built from a financial "tips" perspective which coincides with usage of the program itself.  And, if you sign up for our mailing list of financial articles Money Decoder becomes even more interactive and valuable as a calculator, a guide, and an organizional tool than any other program on the market today.  In addition, there is no other software such as this which offers live tutorials and demonstrations from real financial professionals in order to maximize usage. 

Money Decoder is the only financial software that organizes, educates, calculates and integrates your COMPLETE financial portfolio together in a simple and easy to use format.  Money Decoder was built in order to help people see the big picture financially so they could succeed long-term and over-all.  Almost every other financial program was either built as a "short-term" daily check register or budget manager or as a way to view just a couple or a few elements of a financial plan.  We believe at Money Decoder that you cannot be successful at anything (health, career, relationships, etc.) without a long-term, big picture vision.  Our program is engineered to make the complex simple and to make the big picture understandable through complete integration and long-term thinking design - in the same fasion as a quality financial planner. 

Q - What is the best way to make use of the yellow indicator lights?

A - see article entitled, "Yellow Lights." - or click here.

Q - Why is my net cash flow yellow when I am in the "positive?"

A - Most likely because you are not saving the required amount to secure a retirement income comparable to your present expenses.  Based on Money Decoder's calculations, most people need to invest more than 15% of their spendable income into long-term financial planning for at least 25-30 years to actually maintain long-term standard of living into their elder years.  If you are not doing this, Money Decoder will let you khow.  Then, it's up to you to decide whether you should take action or not.

Q - What is your refund policy?

A - Instead of offering refunds, we have made a conscious decision to offer a free and complete trial version  to every customer prior to purchasing.  That way, you will have a great opportunity to decide whether Money Decoder can help you financially prior to making a purchasing decision.  We and our customers, many of which are CPA's and Financial Advisors (in a variety of financial disciplines) believe it is worth far more than the price and recommend it to everyone-  see our testimonials- click here).  We also have multi-millionaires who manage their affairs with Money Decoder and we know it can work for you, but we still want you to have a full sample so you can see for yourself.  In addition, it is part of our mission to price and design our product in a way where every consumer can afford (rich or poor) and make good, high-quality usage of Money Decoder.  At this low of a price it is more than worth it for anyone in the industrialized world who cares enough about stewardship of their resources to at least organize themselves.  And. you get a full sample up front.  Lastly, unlike many programs and web-sites today which offer a small monthly fee that goes on forever, we offer a lifetime license to our product.  Therefore, once you buy the key, you own it forever.  You will not get "sucked-in" with a low monthly fee which in reality winds up costing you hundreds or thousands over your lifetime.  You will own it for one, inexpensive price for life! 

 Q - Where do I do my college planning?

 A - Go to the assets page, where all of your liquid assets (including all of your college savings) should be listed.  Click on the far right button labeled "Financial Goals."  Then simply follow the tutorial for financial goals.  Shouldn't take you more than3-5 minutes to create a complete plan for targeting college amounts and investments.  Here is the link to the tutorial - Financial Goals.- or, click here.

 Q- When, exactly, should I be using Money Decoder and how often???

A - We have 3 answers for you:

Mark Harvey

Financial Goals - Building them one by one

When it comes to Financial Organization and Calculation –
 
If you have a Financial Goal: College, Wedding, New home?
Let us work the numbers for you!
 
As always, please print this page for reference and set it next to you. 
 
MONEY DECODER is going to set some Financial goals with you in about 5 minutes.
 
Click on the “Assets” page.
  1. Click in an open box in the 1st column labeled “Goal” on the far left of the screen and type the following in each column of this row:
    1. Goal – type: “Suzy College” then hit “Tab” or “enter”
    2. Account – type: “Main Bank” then hit “Tab” or “enter”
    3. Current- type: “5,000” then hit “Tab” or “enter”
    4. Additions – type: “200” – this is your monthly savings toward this goal
    5. Interest % – type: 8 (this is the annual interest rate you expect to earn).
    6. Date Req’d – type “09-01-2025” (this is the day your hypothetical baby will reach the age of 18 and need college funds).
    7. Actual Value at Date Required CALCULATES FOR YOU! (this is the estimated amount you will have on the date you entered).
  2. Click the button on the very far right labeled “Financial Goals” This is set next to the buttoms labled “Retirement” & “Other”
  3. In Goal Analysis, “Suzy College” should now be listed as a Financial Goal
    1. In Desired Amount– type: “60000” (This is the amount you are estimate you will need to pay for college at that date in the future- change it if you like).
    2. Actual Projection - MONEY DECODER CALCULATES the est. amount you will have for all “Suzy College” accounts at the time you need the money.
    3. Deficit / Surplus – MONEY DECODER calculates the Estimated Deficit / Surplus AND keeps it in view in the Cockpit (above) under “Future Planning.”
 
Now you now know how to implement your own personal financial goals. Whether it is a boat, a vacation, a wedding or an education, repeat these steps and create your own financial goals to help keep you on track to your own, personal financial success.  A snap-shot view of all goals are always available in the "cockpit" area above under "Future Planning."
Mark Harvey

Life Insurance - Term vs. Perm (permanent)

Life Insurance: Term vs. Perm (permanent)

Is permanent life insurance a rip off?  Should you buy term and invest the difference?  Is term cheap, inadvisable and tantamount to "renting?"  Is your "life insurance" company being straight with you?  Is your agent trying to get paid too much?  Here's the scoop on life insurance, specifically- "Perm vs. Term."

Primarily, you should know and understand that there is no one size fits all.  Money Decoder, believes that purchasing any product in most any industry is a matter of "fitting" the right product to the right "need"- not the right "person" ...but the right NEED.  Whether food, clothing, shelter, or financial products most of them (NOT all) are useful, valuable and appropriate based on how they relate to a specific situation and person's individual and family needs.  Money Decoder is built to "yellow-light" your situation so that you can catch yourself if you are spending or not spending in a way that is not beneficial to you.  This is true in our life insurance module.  Spending in all categories, from Real Estate, to insurance, investments, etc. are ALL a matter of matching appropriate products to appropriate needs - ...we are talking about the needs of the consumer (YOU) not the needs of the salesman (THEM).  However, for more exacting assistance on the age-old question of Perm vs. Term, here are some more specific thoughts on how to determine whether permanent or term insurance is correct for you. 

To start, we have listed below the primary definitions, advantages and disadvantages to both. 

Term – Term Insurance is defined by its name.  It provides for a specific “term” during which your policy and the cost of its premiums are guaranteed; usually, 5, 10, 20, or 30 years.  After that time, these policies tend to expire as a result of high costs typically associateed with age or an insured’s inability to “requalify medically” for a new policy.  As a general rule, we all tend to become less healthy as we get into our older ages. Here are some reasons to consider Term Insurance: 1)  Need and want full coverage, but can’t afford permanent/cash value insurance, 2) Financial need is only for a short “term,” (i.e.- "til the kids get past college" or "until retirement" or "until the house is paid off") 3)  Don’t need additional tax advantages  4) Retirement plan sufficiently accommodates for future “self-insurance”  5)  Not worried about estate taxes  6) Not worried about insurance needs after a certain age because assets more than cover the need.

Permanent – Premiums invested into permanent life insurance policies retain "cash value" AND come in a variety of different

options, including; variable, universal, whole life, indexed, and fixed.  This affords one the ability to earn market rates similar to

what is earned in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or various asset allocation models offered by the insurance company.  It can also 

provide diversification to your account holdings based on your investment preferences.  In addition, they tend to offer tax

advantages and are “permanent” in nature which means that they do not expire after a certain “TERM.  Here are some reasons to

consider Permanent Life policies: 1)  Investment oriented person and like investment options, 2) Want to make sure Insurance

needs are met for life (long term), 3) Want or need additional tax advantages for investments (perhaps 401k or other long-term tax

advantaged savings are maxed-out and want more money to grow without the impact of taxes), 4) May have forseeable future

estate planning/estate taxation needs, 5) Can afford guarantee and full insurance coverage.  6)  May have or want to avoid the

potential for increase in insurance rates that could be caused by age or health concerns.

Here are some additional thoughts.  Get the "COVERAGE" you need.  Don't skimp on coverage so that you will have "better"

insurance.  Avoid a "one-size fits all" sales pitch (ie. "permanent is better," or "buy term and invest the difference").  In general,

more highly compensated people with greater assets and greater life insurance needs tend to fit better into and more greatly

appreciate the benefits that permanent, cash-value life insurance policies can offer.  Young families who are tighter on income and

disposable cash tend to require coverage amounts that are hard to afford through permanent policies.  Also, the "cash" in "cash

value" (permanent) policies work better as "investment vehicles" when the insurance element is as small as possible in relation to the

insurance benefit.  This is called "over-funding" and it means that you are putting as much cash as you can into a policy in order to

max-out the tax priveledges of life insurance. 

Money Decoder determines for you some basic needs guidelines in the life insurance module.  From that point, simply use this article as an outline and seek the type of policy that fits into the benefits that best fit your situation in life.  Remember, term is for someone who is on a tighter budget, has a shorter-term need, lower income, and does not need additional tax shelters.  Permanent is for someone who can afford a choice and still cover the need, has use for additional tax shelters, may have additional future needs or desires for coverage (i.e. estate planning), or may want the permanent coverage due to family of personal health concerns now.

There is no size fits all, but this article should help you determine what fits best for you.

Mark Harvey

Live Tutorials

FREE LIVE TUTORIALS just for you!

simply click here.

In our live tutorial you will learn:

  1. Step-by-step entry/input of information
  2. Advanced usage and other financial techniques
    1. Debt Consolidation
    2. Quick-links
    3. Simple budgeting techniques
    4. Retirement Planning
    5. College Planning
    6. ...and more!
  3. Quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Keys to success
  5. Simple and effective, low maintenance usage

Our tutorials are run by licensed financial professionals and they are designed to help you succeed financially!

Money Decoder is here to assist you completely!  To sign up for a complete, live tutorial on how to make Money Decoder work best for you,

simply click here 

Mark Harvey

Yellow lights

Follow the Yellow-lit road
 
Use the yellow - a Simple 2-STEP Action Plan!
 
 
  1. GO to the top section (the cockpit) of the program(top half of MONEY DECODER)
    1. HOVER your Mouse on a yellow item(if you have any).
    2. READ the “KNOWLEDGE” section of the cockpit (top section) of the program. 
    3. Decide whether you want to TAKE ACTION on this concern.
  2. CLICK “NOTES” (Just below the “Knowledge” section in the cockpit)
    1. List the topic of interest (ie. Life Ins, Assets, Retirement, Deductibles, etc.)
    2. Enter your specific steps of action you will take, such as;
                                                               i.      Call Insurance agent about Life Insurance rates.
                                                             ii.      Look for lower rate mortgage loan
                                                            iii.      Consolidate Credit cards
                                                           iv.      Call investment advisor to set up college fund…
    1. “NOTES” are unlimited use this area to set goals, record financial thoughts, decisions, conversations, information, etc. 
                                                               i.      No more bouncing from one program to the next to have all the information at your fingertips-
                                                             ii.      From now on, all your money matters are in one place.
 
CRITICAL - Move boldly and purposefully forward –
Mark Harvey

User Manual

Seek "Knowledge"

Understand your money, your resources and your options.
 
Print this page out and set it next to you while we take you through this 1-2 minute training to help you maximize your personal financial goals.
 
  1. Open MONEY DECODER – KEEP YOUR EYES ON“Knowledge” (top center)
  2. Click on Life Insurance button - picture of the umbrella-
  3. Hover your Mouse in “Policy Type” column (below).
  4. A second window should pop-up. Move your mouse over “Term”  (1st listed in the new window)  The “Knowledge” (Education) section above should reads: "Term insurance is defined by its name....." 
  5. Now, Click on the word “Term” for a complete definition. A new box should pop up with a complete definition and guidance on why term insurance would or would not be advantageous for you.  This works elsewhere in Money Decoder as well.
  6. HOVER your mouse over almost any and every label in the program: yellow highlight, result, entry box, term or calculation and the “Knowledge” area will display helpful, educational and instructional information based on your specific need and position in your planning and learning process.
 
Moneydecoder’s mission is to ORGANIZE, EDUCATE and CALCULATE personal finances for the consumer. We aim to help you get the absolute most out of your financial resources, whatever they may be.  Our aim is to produce and provide "financial software YOU CAN USE!"
Mark Harvey

Simple and Automated Budget

The best way to keep a budget is to make it simple, automated and KEEP Temptation OUT!
 
MONEY DECODER has organized your budget items so that only one area in your budget requires regular attention, which is minimal! This is the column marked, DISCRETONARY.” Discretionary spending is where most people lose control of their spending or have an immediate opportunity to make a change that will not significantly affect life-style. If this does not “clear the yellow” you may need to consider making more “serious” changes to your financial life, such as considering where you live, what you drive or what you do for a living.
 
This is simple, fast and efficient. All you need is just a little bit of discipline and prep work. 
Here's how simple it can be:
  1. Auto-pay Everything, except Discretionary, Clothing, Groceries and Gasoline

Go to expenses page:  – far right column includes all “Discretionary” items

  1. CLOTHING, GROCERIES and GASOLINE– use one dedicated credit card (use this one card for NOTHING ELSE!). This should be your best, perfect, absolutely flawless credit card account.  It will make it simple to track spending on groceries and gasoline alone and should always be perfectly paid, on time.
  2. USE CASH FOR ALL DISCRETIONARY SPENDING- (see Expenses page).  
    1. Go to the discretionary items and you will see that this topic comprises mostly entertainment and personal pleasures.  You will also notice that (aside from clothing) these are the items that get most of us "off-'track" when it comes to hitting our budget.  That's because these tend to be things we want... and not necessarily things we need.  Our human desires get the best of us when we make it easy to "give-in" to these areas of temptation.  There are plenty of proverbs, quotes, sayings, etc. commenting on how those who are not slaves to "good" habits and "self-descipline" will be slave to bad ones.  Using cash instead of credit is the only way to "really know" when your fun is over.  Credit cards offer the illusion of more resources.  When in fact, they bury you into an insecure future and a grave of remorse.  Don't go there!  Here's what you do instead....
    2. Withdraw your discretionary cash budget at the beginning of the month. NOTE: If you have no cash at the start of the month, you need this system! … NOW! That means you need to go on a one month diet of NO SPENDING on discretionary items! Instead, save one month’s worth of discretionary spending for next month. You can do it! If it takes two months, do it. If it takes a second job, get one. But, stop going in the hole – NOW!
    3. Next, put your monthly discretionary cash in your pocket, wallet or purse.
    4. When it’s gone, it’s gone. No more discretionary spending. Do without for a few days or weeks. You still can eat and get where you need to get. You just have no more money for “discretionary” items. Don’t cheat. Be strong, have heart, and you will succeed!
 
This system offers many benefits, such as;
  1. Makes us more conscious and knowledgeable of where we spend our money. 
  2. Forces us to think twice before spending … cash.is hard to part with.
  3. Adds to the character and discipline in our financial lives. 
  4. Moves us to the next step financially
  5. Saves time, money and energy
  6. Enhances your credit, savings, investments, and overall financial security.
 
This system is easy, it saves time, it is simple to understand and it is REALITY! 
To get started simply go to the “Expenses” page  on MONEY DECODER
 
 
Mark Harvey

Assets

Liquid assets comprises assets that are quickly or easily converted to cash

Calculate Retirement Options

NOTE- your must input a retirement plan in Retirement Analysis

prior to making use of Retirement Options Calculator

see- build a retirement plan in 5 minutes - http://moneydecoder.com/help/index.php?article=5

Click onto the Assets Page and then click the “Options” button on the right.

- See “NOTES” at bottom for explanation of discrepancies and assumptions used.

Money Decoder’s Retirement Options performs 3 valuable benefits for you:

  1. Makes Complex Calculations into simple and easy to understand.
  2. Offers hypothetical Options for Retirement Ages, Income and Contributions:
    1. Based on all of YOUR present, existing accounts
    2. Without interrupting input & changing amounts on your present accounts -this way you don’t make accidental changes that affect your existing plan.
  3. Helps Fine Tune Your personal retirement plan:
    1. In ways that are most meaningful to you
    2. So you can quickly make goals and fine-tune your present thoughts and plans without having to play trial and error all day long.

 

 

 

Here are the basic modules available in the Retirement Options Calculator:

 

 

 

  1. Change your retirement age and MONEY DECODER will tell you:
    1. What will be your new estimated retirement income based on your new retirement age?
    2. How much do you need to contribute on a monthly basis to keep the same retirement income at the new age?
  2. Change your retirement income needs (from your retirement assets) and find out:
    1. What age can you retire based on your new retirement income amount?
    2. How much do you need to contribute on a monthly basis to retire at the new income, but at the same age as before?
  3. Change your Monthly Retirement Additions/Contributions and MONEYDECODER tells you:
    1. What age you can now retire, based on the same retirement income?
    2. What will your income be at that age based on the change in present monthly retirement additions/contributions?
  4. Add a lump sum amount (trust fund, inheritance, pension pay-out, sale of a home, etc.) and MONEY DECODER will calculate for you:
    1. How that lump sum investment will change your total income based on your present investing and retirement scenarios.

 

 

 

NOTE: In order to perform some of these calculations MONEY DECODER uses weighted averages and blended investment rates which are calculated from YOUR input for estimated interest rates, present account values, monthly contributions, inflation expectations, retirement age, etc.  You may notice some small discrepancies in figures because as asset allocation percentages change through time, it is otherwise impossible to calculate exact amounts from month to month and year to year.  Therefore, be aware that these numbers are based on closest estimates and should be utilized for illustrative, or “best-guess” purposes.

 

Mark Harvey

5 Minute Retirement Plan

To Retire "Comfortably" - 

YOU NEED TO DO THE MATH!  We’ll make it simple!

 
As always, please print this page for reference and set it next to you.
 
We are going to put a complete retirement plan
together for you in about 5 minutes.
 
 Part A - Click on the “Assets” button (picture of the vault) .
  1. Click on the “Retirement” button in the top right area of “ASSETS.”
  2. In the far left column labeled “Goal,” in an open row, select “retirement.”
  3. Column 2, labeled “Account” type – “Main Bank”
  4. Column 3, labeled “Value” type – “10,000”
  5. Column 4, labeled “Additions” type – “500”
  6. Column 5, labeled “Date Req’d,” MONEY DECODERcalculates this based on:
    1. The AGE entered for retirement age in the Retirement Analysis to the right.
    2. The Date of Birth entered in the “Family” page .
    3. NOTE: You can change the “age’ of retirement to the right if you so desire.
 
Part B - Go to the “Retirement Analysis” (module to the right)
  1. Enter any “fixed retirement income” you expect to receive at age of retirement in the top 3 rows (white areas). This could be social security, pension income, annuity income, etc. 
  2. Go Down to “(your name)’s” Desired Retirement Age” and enter your desired age.
  3. Enter an amount for estimated inflation % at time of retirement
  4. Enter Estimated % Return After Retirement. This is the amount you expect to earn on ALL of your retirement investments at the time you retire. You may notice that your current estimated “weighted/blended average” is calculated for you based on your retirement entries in the area on the left.
 
MONEY DECODER will produce the following information for you:
    1. Net Real Estate Income from entries in Real Estate page .
    2. Total Estimated income from liquid assets from “Retirement” investments.
    3. Total Fixed Income from “Other Retirement Income” from entries above.
    4. TOTAL RETIREMENT INCOME at the age you have selected

For extra credit and extra options you can use the "Options" button to make considerations for alternative retirement plans and options based on changing your hypothetical situation.

Mark Harvey

Family

There are no articles in this category.

Income

Income includes all sources of income brought into the family budget on a MONTHLY basis. Real Estate income is included based on the information input on the "Real Estate" page. Income taxes must be estimated here in order to get a resulting "Net" spendable monthly inflow.
There are no articles in this category.

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

Life Insurance - Term vs. Perm (permanent)

Life Insurance: Term vs. Perm (permanent)

Is permanent life insurance a rip off?  Should you buy term and invest the difference?  Is term cheap, inadvisable and tantamount to "renting?"  Is your "life insurance" company being straight with you?  Is your agent trying to get paid too much?  Here's the scoop on life insurance, specifically- "Perm vs. Term."

Primarily, you should know and understand that there is no one size fits all.  Money Decoder, believes that purchasing any product in most any industry is a matter of "fitting" the right product to the right "need"- not the right "person" ...but the right NEED.  Whether food, clothing, shelter, or financial products most of them (NOT all) are useful, valuable and appropriate based on how they relate to a specific situation and person's individual and family needs.  Money Decoder is built to "yellow-light" your situation so that you can catch yourself if you are spending or not spending in a way that is not beneficial to you.  This is true in our life insurance module.  Spending in all categories, from Real Estate, to insurance, investments, etc. are ALL a matter of matching appropriate products to appropriate needs - ...we are talking about the needs of the consumer (YOU) not the needs of the salesman (THEM).  However, for more exacting assistance on the age-old question of Perm vs. Term, here are some more specific thoughts on how to determine whether permanent or term insurance is correct for you. 

To start, we have listed below the primary definitions, advantages and disadvantages to both. 

Term – Term Insurance is defined by its name.  It provides for a specific “term” during which your policy and the cost of its premiums are guaranteed; usually, 5, 10, 20, or 30 years.  After that time, these policies tend to expire as a result of high costs typically associateed with age or an insured’s inability to “requalify medically” for a new policy.  As a general rule, we all tend to become less healthy as we get into our older ages. Here are some reasons to consider Term Insurance: 1)  Need and want full coverage, but can’t afford permanent/cash value insurance, 2) Financial need is only for a short “term,” (i.e.- "til the kids get past college" or "until retirement" or "until the house is paid off") 3)  Don’t need additional tax advantages  4) Retirement plan sufficiently accommodates for future “self-insurance”  5)  Not worried about estate taxes  6) Not worried about insurance needs after a certain age because assets more than cover the need.

Permanent – Premiums invested into permanent life insurance policies retain "cash value" AND come in a variety of different

options, including; variable, universal, whole life, indexed, and fixed.  This affords one the ability to earn market rates similar to

what is earned in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or various asset allocation models offered by the insurance company.  It can also 

provide diversification to your account holdings based on your investment preferences.  In addition, they tend to offer tax

advantages and are “permanent” in nature which means that they do not expire after a certain “TERM.  Here are some reasons to

consider Permanent Life policies: 1)  Investment oriented person and like investment options, 2) Want to make sure Insurance

needs are met for life (long term), 3) Want or need additional tax advantages for investments (perhaps 401k or other long-term tax

advantaged savings are maxed-out and want more money to grow without the impact of taxes), 4) May have forseeable future

estate planning/estate taxation needs, 5) Can afford guarantee and full insurance coverage.  6)  May have or want to avoid the

potential for increase in insurance rates that could be caused by age or health concerns.

Here are some additional thoughts.  Get the "COVERAGE" you need.  Don't skimp on coverage so that you will have "better"

insurance.  Avoid a "one-size fits all" sales pitch (ie. "permanent is better," or "buy term and invest the difference").  In general,

more highly compensated people with greater assets and greater life insurance needs tend to fit better into and more greatly

appreciate the benefits that permanent, cash-value life insurance policies can offer.  Young families who are tighter on income and

disposable cash tend to require coverage amounts that are hard to afford through permanent policies.  Also, the "cash" in "cash

value" (permanent) policies work better as "investment vehicles" when the insurance element is as small as possible in relation to the

insurance benefit.  This is called "over-funding" and it means that you are putting as much cash as you can into a policy in order to

max-out the tax priveledges of life insurance. 

Money Decoder determines for you some basic needs guidelines in the life insurance module.  From that point, simply use this article as an outline and seek the type of policy that fits into the benefits that best fit your situation in life.  Remember, term is for someone who is on a tighter budget, has a shorter-term need, lower income, and does not need additional tax shelters.  Permanent is for someone who can afford a choice and still cover the need, has use for additional tax shelters, may have additional future needs or desires for coverage (i.e. estate planning), or may want the permanent coverage due to family of personal health concerns now.

There is no size fits all, but this article should help you determine what fits best for you.

Mark Harvey

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

Q - What makes Money Decoder better or different than any other financial software?

A - Specifically - our yellow-light indicators, knowledge guide, full financial integration, simple to use calculators, retirement and college target planning, and cockpit full of auto-calculated formulas and summaries are all unique to Money Decoder.  Money Decoder was created in collaboration with the full myriad of financial professionals AND consumers.  And, where most financial programs are built as money tracking and counting devices, Money Decoder was engineered specifically for the purpose of helping consumers UNDERSTAND their money so that they would be equipped to deal with the financial challenges and giant institutions they are up against in this complex, market machine otherwise know as "the modern economy."  In addition, our personal financial tutorials were built from a financial "tips" perspective which coincides with usage of the program itself.  And, if you sign up for our mailing list of financial articles Money Decoder becomes even more interactive and valuable as a calculator, a guide, and an organizional tool than any other program on the market today.  In addition, there is no other software such as this which offers live tutorials and demonstrations from real financial professionals in order to maximize usage. 

Money Decoder is the only financial software that organizes, educates, calculates and integrates your COMPLETE financial portfolio together in a simple and easy to use format.  Money Decoder was built in order to help people see the big picture financially so they could succeed long-term and over-all.  Almost every other financial program was either built as a "short-term" daily check register or budget manager or as a way to view just a couple or a few elements of a financial plan.  We believe at Money Decoder that you cannot be successful at anything (health, career, relationships, etc.) without a long-term, big picture vision.  Our program is engineered to make the complex simple and to make the big picture understandable through complete integration and long-term thinking design - in the same fasion as a quality financial planner. 

Q - What is the best way to make use of the yellow indicator lights?

A - see article entitled, "Yellow Lights." - or click here.

Q - Why is my net cash flow yellow when I am in the "positive?"

A - Most likely because you are not saving the required amount to secure a retirement income comparable to your present expenses.  Based on Money Decoder's calculations, most people need to invest more than 15% of their spendable income into long-term financial planning for at least 25-30 years to actually maintain long-term standard of living into their elder years.  If you are not doing this, Money Decoder will let you khow.  Then, it's up to you to decide whether you should take action or not.

Q - What is your refund policy?

A - Instead of offering refunds, we have made a conscious decision to offer a free and complete trial version  to every customer prior to purchasing.  That way, you will have a great opportunity to decide whether Money Decoder can help you financially prior to making a purchasing decision.  We and our customers, many of which are CPA's and Financial Advisors (in a variety of financial disciplines) believe it is worth far more than the price and recommend it to everyone-  see our testimonials- click here).  We also have multi-millionaires who manage their affairs with Money Decoder and we know it can work for you, but we still want you to have a full sample so you can see for yourself.  In addition, it is part of our mission to price and design our product in a way where every consumer can afford (rich or poor) and make good, high-quality usage of Money Decoder.  At this low of a price it is more than worth it for anyone in the industrialized world who cares enough about stewardship of their resources to at least organize themselves.  And. you get a full sample up front.  Lastly, unlike many programs and web-sites today which offer a small monthly fee that goes on forever, we offer a lifetime license to our product.  Therefore, once you buy the key, you own it forever.  You will not get "sucked-in" with a low monthly fee which in reality winds up costing you hundreds or thousands over your lifetime.  You will own it for one, inexpensive price for life! 

 Q - Where do I do my college planning?

 A - Go to the assets page, where all of your liquid assets (including all of your college savings) should be listed.  Click on the far right button labeled "Financial Goals."  Then simply follow the tutorial for financial goals.  Shouldn't take you more than3-5 minutes to create a complete plan for targeting college amounts and investments.  Here is the link to the tutorial - Financial Goals.- or, click here.

 Q- When, exactly, should I be using Money Decoder and how often???

A - We have 3 answers for you:

Mark Harvey

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