Does insulin make you fat?

When we debut with diabetes and start treatment with insulin, the usual thing is that we regain weight. This does not mean that insulin makes us fat, but rather that this is a normal process since our body is finally acting correctly on insulin. Before the debut, a drastic weight loss is usually produced, precisely because our pancreas is not producing the necessary insulin to transfer blood glucose to the cells. If the latter is not nourished, there is a logical loss of weight. Once we begin to administer insulin, this function is carried out correctly, being able to redirect blood glucose to the cells so that we will recover the lost weight, but BEWARE! this does not mean that insulin makes you fat.

On the other hand, if we do not have well-controlled diabetes. And we are prone to hyperglycemia regularly, that excessive concentration of glucose in the blood will be eliminated through the kidneys. Through the urine (because it is not being redirected to the cells to feed due to lack of insulin). When this happens, it means that this urine, through which it eliminates the glucose that our body does not consume, is full of calories that are discarded without us having used them so that with blood glucose figures above 300mg/dl, the loss of glucose in the urine can be higher than 1000 Kcal; hence, in cases of poorly controlled diabetes with high blood glucose levels, weight loss may occur, not because less insulin is used).

What usually happens in cases of poorly controlled diabetes is similar to the symptoms that appear when When we start with diabetes, blood glucose is not properly transported to the cells, so to counteract this loss of energy, our body makes us eat more to compensate.

What happens is that when we adjust the doses of insulin that we need, or after the start of treatment with insulin, it is that glucose levels are regulated (it is no longer high) so that it is no longer eliminated through the urine and is redirected correctly to the cells, so if we continue to eat the extra calories that we previously needed to counteract the caloric loss through the urine, we will gain weight, but not as a result of insulin, but because we are consuming the same number of calories as when we suffered a significant loss of these calories through urine so that the excess will accumulate, and lead to weight gain.

So, if we adjust the insulin doses to what we eat, avoid spikes in glucose (both constant hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia), and also include sports in our daily treatment (something essential in people with diabetes mellitus), we will not know we will have more problems, when it comes to gaining or losing weight, than anyone else.

Therefore, if the doses of insulin that we inject throughout the day are insufficient, what will happen, as we mentioned before, is that all the blood glucose will not be able to be redirected to the cells, which will cause hyperglycemia, and there will be a tendency to lose weight if this situation is maintained over time continuously; on the contrary, if the doses that we inject daily are higher than what we need, we will have to consume more carbohydrates to overcome the hypoglycemia that we are going to suffer due to that excess insulin, redirecting all that glucose to the cells, and gaining weight (which, as we have already said, is a weight gain that has nothing to do with insulin itself, but rather that due to the excess of insulin we suffer hypoglycemia that we must compensate with the consumption of more carbohydrates), which will also happen if we offset the extra consumption of carbohydrates or, let’s say, cravings with boluses of excess insulin.

In short, what causes us to gain weight or lose weight is not insulin, but a matter of overwhelming logic, applicable to any human being, with diabetes or without diabetes: if we eat more calories than our body needs and we do not consume them, Obviously we will gain weight, but if there is a deficit in its consumption or we compensate that excess with sports activity; then we will lose weight, therefore, if we exceed the intake of recommended carbohydrates based on the metabolism of each one, even if we inject the insulin necessary for those rations, and our blood glucose levels are perfect, we will gain weight like any neighbor’s son, and I repeat NO, it is the insulin that makes you fat, but the fact that you have robbed half the fridge and part of the pantry with a knife in your hand.

To conclude, I have to add to alert those who may have the brilliant idea of  “oh, that’s it, I don’t take insulin, or I take less than I need per serving of carbohydrates and thus lose weight and eat what you want,” once again, as Jack Slater would say, a big mistake, because the continuous loss of glucose through the urine seriously deteriorates the kidneys, in addition to the damage that is caused to our blood vessels… and All of this can lead to the appearance of other pathologies as a direct consequence of poorly controlled diabetes and high blood glucose levels, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, etc.

Is it reliable to buy life insurance? Look here to buy the right life insurance

The road of life is long, and there may be some setbacks and bumps. Although risks cannot be completely shut out, the protection function of life insurance and other insurance products cannot be ignored. There is a user consultation: Is it reliable to buy life insurance? Judging from the functions and functions of life insurance products, life insurance has great uses. Although the responsibilities are simple, the protection function it brings and the role of helping the insured to inherit wealth cannot be ignored. There are various types of life insurance, including whole life insurance and term life insurance. Users are advised to choose the appropriate insurance amount, protection period, and payment period when applying for insurance. After applying for insurance, it is recommended to keep the policy, and if the insured dies, unfortunately, it is necessary to file a claim with the insurance company in time.

Is it safe to buy life insurance?

Is it reliable to buy life insurance? What are the functions of insurance?

The road of life is long, and you may encounter some setbacks and bumps. Although you cannot completely shut out risks, you can make plans in advance and arrange insurance products that are suitable for you. Life insurance is a type of insurance product for life protection. Many users ask: Is life insurance reliable and what are the functions of insurance?

What is life insurance

Life insurance, with the life and death of a person as the object of protection, mainly refers to the insured person’s unfortunate death or total disability during the insurance period, the insurance company is responsible for indemnifying the insurance money according to the agreement. In addition to the insurance protection responsibility, it also has a saving function. Therefore, it can be passed on as an asset.

Divided according to the scope of business, including life insurance, death insurance, and endowment insurance; according to the period of protection, it can be divided into term life insurance and whole life insurance.

Share the precautions for buying life insurance

Is it reliable to buy life insurance?

The purpose of buying insurance is to bring a guarantee to yourself. The act of buying insurance is also to be responsible for yourself and your family and to make your protection more adequate. There are four main types of insurance in the market, namely life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and medical insurance. Although the responsibility of life insurance is simple, many users have disputes about this type of insurance because of the protection of death. So, is it reliable to buy life insurance, and what should you pay attention to?

Life insurance is suitable for people who bear the financial responsibility of the family. As the economic backbone of the whole family, there are old people and small people. If the head of the family unfortunately dies, the fate of a family may be changed, and the meaning of life insurance is to preserve this Family responsibility, buying life insurance is also buying protection for the family. The benefits paid out can be used to make up for the stagnant income caused by death to help the family get through the hardship and prevent financial hardship due to the interruption of income. Therefore, life insurance is suitable for families with mortgages, car loans, parenting responsibilities, support.

Premium Life Insurance Recommendations

Nowadays, more and more users are paying attention to insurance, and many young people have configured life insurance products for themselves for their families. There are various types of life insurance, including term and lifetime, and different products have different protection responsibilities and functions. Some users don’t know much about life insurance and want to know whether it is reliable to buy life insurance, and what high-quality life insurance is recommended.

Life insurance takes the life and death of a person as the insurance object. To understand it simply, life insurance is the love and responsibility bought for the family. As the pillars of the family, middle-aged people now have four big mountains: supporting parents, children’s education, mortgages and car loans, and expenses necessary for family life. With life insurance.

What are the skills of life insurance claims?

Although the protection liability of life insurance is simple, it has many uses. As one of the four basic types of insurance, life insurance is more popular. Because life insurance involves many professional terms, ordinary users may not have a complete understanding of life insurance terms. So, is it reliable to buy life insurance? If there is an accident, how to apply for a claim will make it easier to get the insurance company’s compensation?

Life insurance, to put it simply, pays for death or total disability. Some people think that such insurance is unlucky and cursed, so they are more resistant to this type of insurance. In fact, among many types of insurance, life insurance is more able to reflect love and responsibility. For everyone, old age, disease, disability, death, etc. are all dangers in life, and all kinds of dangers are at any time.

General Loan Disbursement

This window allows you to disburse loans that have been approved. After a loan has been approved and the other installments (if any) have been paid, the loan is then ready to “Disburse”.

• Loan Amount to Disburse: By default, the requested amount will appear here. You can change this if you want to make a Partial Payout, eg pay out less money than you applied but not more than requested. This is usually for loans that are disbursed in phases, for example, an agricultural loan for planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Note that in the event of a partial disbursement, in which the loan is disbursed in two installments, in two different phases, the major loan card will keep the same loan number and amount. original of the loan.
• Disbursement date: Enter the disbursement date here: example: “01/01/2016”. Loan Performer verifies t makes sure that the dates entered are not after the loan approval date or loan commission payment date.

 

• Installments: Enter the installment to be paid upon loan disbursement. These can be stationery fees, development fees, or loan processing. Fees will be deducted from the loan amount to be disbursed.
• Loan Fee: Enter the fee amount here if you charge a fee on disbursement. These amounts can be predefined as obligatory Fees will be deducted from the loan amount upon disbursement.
• Disbursed Balance: The loan amount to be disbursed minus fees and commissions if any are charged here. On this screen these options are read-only. In case there are no stationery charges or loan commissions, the total will be disbursed.
• Loan Cycle: The loan cycle is updated automatically, according to the customer’s loan history. It can be made modifiable in the System/Settings/Loans menu. 
• Several jobs expected: Enter the number of jobs that will be created by the client in the process of using the loan. This will be useful in beneficiary poverty assessment studies under the Support Files/Poverty Indicators menu.
• Disbursement Mode: Select the disbursement mode from the available options of “cash”, “check”, “transfer to client savings account” or “transfer to client bank account “. 
• By Cash: Select this option and choose the MFI’s cash account from the drop-down list menu if the disbursement will be made in cash. Cash accounts must have been defined under System/Settings/Cash Accounts.
• By Check: Select this option to disburse loans by check. The following screen is displayed.
• Bank account: From the menu that appears, select the bank of the MFI from which the disbursements will be made, for example: “BCR”.
• Check number: Enter the check number here, for example: “100”. You must also ensure that the institution’s bank accounts have been defined under the System/Settings/Banks menu.

 

• Transfer From Savings Account: Select this option to transfer the loan to the client’s savings account. When this option has selected a screen like the following is displayed:
• Savings Product Select from the menu that is displayed the customer savings product where you want to transfer the loan amounts. Make sure savings accounts.
• Transfer to client’s bank account: Select this option to transfer the loan to the client’s bank account. When this option is selected the following screen appears:
• From A/c: From the drop-down menu, select the MFI’s bank account from which the amount will be withdrawn, for example: “BCR” and in A/c, select the client’s bank account to which it is going transfer example: “Barclays”. The client’s bank account should be registered under Clients/Individual Clients/Personal Data.
• Disbursement to a supplier: Select this option and a screen like the following will be displayed:
• Select the supplier, for example: “Gerald Kagimu” and click on the choose button. The vendor or creditor selected must have been set in Accounting/Purchases and Sales. You will return to the disbursement screen that will be shown as follows:

 

• Disbursement to client’s mobile money: Select this option for loan disbursements to the client’s mobile phone. When this option has selected a screen as the following appears:
• Print Receipt: Select this option to print the receipt before loan disbursement. You can make printing of receipts mandatory after loan disbursement by activating the ” Print receipt on disbursement ” option under System/Settings/Loans. In this case, the option is read-only.
• Print Loan Agreement: Check this option to print a ” Loan Agreement “. You can print a mandatory loan contract after loan disbursement by activating the option ” Print loan contract on disbursement ” under System/Settings/Loans. In this case, the option can be read-only. The configuration concerning loan contracts must have been defined under.
• Simulation: This button allows you to update the loan due dates if the disbursement date is different from the requested date. When you click on this button the following window is displayed:
• Do not modify the due dates: In this case, the due dates will not be modified. The original due dates on the application will be noted.
• Update the due dates with the difference between the requested date and the disbursement date: The due dates will be presented by the difference mentioned in the number of days. A suitable option for loans with short terms, for example: daily, weekly, bi-weekly, four weeks.

 

What Is a Private Student Loan?

A private student loan is a financing option for American Higher Education that can complement but not replace federal loans such as Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and Loans. Much advertised private loans do not have the forbearance and deferral options that federal loans (which are never advertised) offer. In contrast to federally funded loans, students accrue interest while in college, although repayments may not begin until after graduation. While unsubsidized federal loans do incur interest charges while students are studying, private student loan interest rates are often higher, and sometimes even higher. Fees vary widely, with legal cases reporting collection fees up to 50% of the loan amount. Since 2011, most private student loans have had zero fees, effectively factoring the fees into the interest rate.

The interest rate and loan term are usually determined by the financial institution based on the perceived risk that the borrower may be in default or default repaying the loan. Most lenders assign interest rates based on a 4-6 grade credit score. This underwriting decision is complicated by the fact that students often do not have a credit history that would indicate creditworthiness. Therefore, interest rates can vary widely between lenders, and interest rates will vary for some loans. Over 90% of private student loans to undergraduates and over 75% of private student loans to graduate students require a signatory in good standing.

Unlike other consumer loans, Congress provides federal and private student loans to students, exempt from liquidation (cancellation) of personal bankruptcy, but will cause the borrower and the borrower’s dependents to repay the student loan. Unnecessarily difficult. This is a serious limitation that students rarely appreciate when taking out student loans.

Parallel to mortgage

 The use of private student loans emerged around 2001, once increases in the cost of education began to outpace increases in the amount of aid available to federal students. 

The history of student loans was recently compared to the history of the mortgage industry. Similar to the way mortgages are securitized and sold by lenders to investors, student loans are also sold to investors, thereby eliminating the risk of actual lender losses.

Another similarity between the student loan industry and the mortgage industry is the flood of subprime loans over the past few years. With very little documentation, you can take out a subprime mortgage loan, and it takes even less money to get a subprime or “non-traditional” student loan.

Criticize

 After the passage of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005, even private student loans could not be paid off during bankruptcy. This provides lenders with credit risk-free loans at an average of 7% per annum. 

In 2007, then-New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo led an investigation into lending practices and anti-competitive relationships between student lenders and colleges. Specifically, many colleges direct student borrowers to “preferred lenders,” which results in higher interest rates for those borrowers. Some of these “preferred lenders” allegedly offered ” rebates,” which led to changes in lending policies at many major U.S. universities. Many colleges also returned millions of dollars in fees to affected borrowers. 

The biggest lenders Sallie Mae and Nelnet have been criticized by borrowers. They often find themselves embroiled in lawsuits, the most serious of which was filed in 2007. The false claims lawsuit was brought by former Department of Education researcher Jon Oberg on behalf of the federal government against Sallie Mae, Nelnet and others. lender. Oberg argued that lenders overcharged the U.S. government and defrauded taxpayers of millions of dollars. In August 2010, Nelnet settled the lawsuit and paid $55 million. 

Before 2009, most private student loans did not offer death and disability payments. After the Boston Globe published an article criticizing Sallie Mae’s inability to discharge the private student loans of Marines killed in action, Sallie Mae has launched a new ‘s student loan program with death and disability benefits similar to those in federal student loans. Since then, about half of private student loans have provided death and disability payments.

In 2011, the New York Times published an editorial in favor of restoring bankruptcy protection for private student loans in response to the economic downturn and general tuition increases at all colleges and graduate schools. 

A 2014 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), suggests that such loans are a growing problem. When the co-signer dies or becomes bankrupt, the borrower faces an “automatic default.” The report shows that some lenders require full repayment immediately after the death or bankruptcy of their loan principal, even if the loan is current and repaid on time.

Participant

The largest student loan lender, Sallie Mae, formerly a government-funded entity, was privatized between 1997 and 2004. Some financial institutions offer private student loans, including companies like Wells Fargo and specialty firms. There are also state-owned nonprofit student loan lenders, which account for about 10 percent of the private student loan market. This segment includes the organizations VSAC and Mohalla, Student loan search and comparison sites allow visitors to evaluate loan terms from a variety of partner lenders, and financial aid offices in colleges often have preferred sellers list, but borrowers are free to get loans wherever they can find the best terms.

With the economic collapse of 2008-2011, many players exited the world of private student loan lending. The remaining lenders have tightened credit standards, making it more difficult to obtain loans. Most people now need a reputable issuer. After the 2008 economic collapse, peer-to-peer lending led to the emergence of alternative loan platforms to help students find private student loans. For example, LendKey, an American online marketplace lending platform, allows consumers to book loans directly from community lenders such as credit unions and community banks.

Requirements to be a loan shark

If you are starting in this new world of loans, read these tips or requirements to be a good loan shark:

1. Study the companies or projects that are published in the sector, so that you have a broad and clear vision of the options that most interest you: Comparison of profitability, the minimum amount to invest, term of the operation, method of return, risks…

2. How much capital do you have to be a loan shark?

Do not lend all the money you have, but consider making your saved money grow by diversifying your investments. Then make the decision that gives you the most confidence.

3. Is your time unlimited to dedicate yourself to this professionally or do you prefer to outsource the task?

Unless you have a passion for this world of loans and want to start a business adventure leading a project, we recommend that you leave this work in the hands of a professional. You will save time and money.

4. Are you worried about claiming your money?

In case of non-payment, loan sharks are somewhat embarrassed to claim their money from a third party. Therefore, we always recommend evaluating the risk of each investment. You already know the theory, the higher the risk, the higher the return. With Vanilla you will not have this problem because we meet the objectives set monthly, your profitability is our trusted portfolio.

5. Invest in platforms with risk assessment

Invest in platforms that you know have previously evaluated the risks that exist or that have 100% transparency.

6. Vary the investment portfolio

It is advisable to invest a small amount in various projects so that you diversify your risk against possible losses. The amount invested varies, as well as the profitability, the risk, and the terms.

7. Reinvest the amounts that you recover

It is not good to have money saved in a bank account since due to inflation, it will lose value over the months. So the monthly fee you receive, take advantage of it or reinvest it. In this way, the profitability obtained will be multiplied.

• In Vanilla you can, once the term is over, continue with an equal or greater investment and keep what has been received as a monthly benefit. You can also reinvest that amount that you keep in other sectors or trust us by adding it to the initial capital invested in a new operation.

8. Keep in mind how the interest rate is calculated

Regardless of when you collect the interest, what interests you is to know what is the annual return that it reports to you, as well as if it is a fixed or variable interest. If you want to be a loan shark, it is best to always look for fixed-rate interest, since it will allow you to have greater confidence in the borrower and you will know in advance the profitability you will obtain.

• At Vanilla, we offer a 7% fixed annual return and we also pay interest monthly.

Is it legal to be a private loan Shark?

A loan between individuals is proof that being a loan shark is legal between two individuals, companies, or self-employed without the intervention of a bank involved. This type of contract is carried out very commonly between individuals and even between companies and individuals. They are regulated by Law 16/2011 of June 24 if it is personal, where consumer credits are regulated and obligations are established by both parties.

To know how to become a loan shark legally, the operation is simple:

• A creditor lends money to a debtor who agrees to pay it back to you within a specified period.
• An interest rate, fixed or variable, is set, which will have an annual impact on all the money borrowed.
• The interest payment method is established, whether they are payable monthly or annually, and it can even be agreed to deliver them together with the borrowed capital at the end of the contract.

To formalize a loan between individuals and make it 100% legal, it must be done by signing a loan contract, where each condition is reflected.

• Payments: interest will be paid monthly and the capital will be returned at the end of the term.

For your peace of mind and confidence, we carry out the loan contract attending to all your concerns, reflecting it before a notary in a public deed if necessary. After the signing of this contract, its legality is fulfilled.

If your dreams are clear and the phrase: I want to be a loan shark is on your mind. You are in the right place. You can simulate your investment here so that you can automatically calculate how much profit you will get monthly based on the amount borrowed.

In addition, we offer you free advice, clarifying how the interest we pay you is taxed, as well as the capital invested. In fact, within our business group, we have an agency, which can facilitate this work if you wish.

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Types of health insurance coverage

Health insurance coverage

Whether you’re looking for insurance for yourself or your entire family, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) offers a variety of health insurance coverage options for individuals and families.

Medical expense insurance for individuals and families

We offer a variety of individual health insurance plans, also known as superior or comprehensive medical coverage. These coverages include a wide range of services and meet the following requirements:

• They can usually be renewed.
• They last a year or more.
• They include the following services required by the Affordable Care Act:
  • Maternity, neonatal and pediatric care
  • Emergency services, hospitalization, and preventive care
  • Laboratory services, prescription drugs, and disease management
  • Mental health care and controlled substance abuse treatment
  • Rehabilitation services and devices

You may be eligible for help paying for your individual and family coverage. 

Health insurance through employment (group)

If you have health insurance through your job, this is called group health insurance. It is also known as group coverage or coverage as an employment benefit.

Dental services

Dental health insurance can cover everything from basic care to a wide variety of dental services. You can purchase dental coverage as part of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas individual and family health plan or as stand-alone dental coverage. Some individual and family medical coverage include coverage for dental services for people up to age 21, as part of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Medicare

Medicare is a government program designed to provide health insurance for people age 65 and older, as well as people under age 65 with certain disabilities or illnesses. When a person applies for Medicare coverage through the government, you access coverage under Parts A (Hospitals) and B (Medical) of the Original Medicare Program. But you can also purchase additional insurance coverage through Medicare-approved insurance companies, such as BCBSTX, to strengthen your health insurance support network. Additional insurance includes the following:

• Part C – Medicare Advantage coverage is considered all-in-one coverage, and some include prescription drugs.
• Part D – This part of the Medicare Program includes coverage for the costs of approved prescription drugs.
• Medicare Supplement Health Plans – These coverages can help you pay for health care costs that aren’t included in Original Medicare.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are two types of free or low-cost health insurance offered by the government. The government determines eligibility based on family size and income. You can apply for this coverage at any time of the year. You can apply online and if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, the appropriate government office will contact you.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are two types of free or low-cost health insurance offered by the government. The government determines eligibility based on family size and income. You can apply for this coverage at any time of the year. You can apply online and if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, the appropriate government office will contact you.

Please note that if you apply for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you will not be able to use the premium tax credit or cost-sharing discount. If you are currently covered by the Medicaid Program, you are considered covered under the health care law and do not have to purchase coverage in the online Marketplace.

Please note that if you apply for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you will not be able to use the premium tax credit or cost-sharing discount. If you are currently covered by the Medicaid Program, you are considered covered under the health care law and do not have to purchase coverage in the online Marketplace.

What is State Farm Insurance: Everything you need to know

Allstate and State Farm are well-known car insurance companies in the United States. Each of them insures millions of people across the country. In addition to auto insurance, you can also get a variety of other policies, such as home, renters, business, pets, and life insurance.

State Farm and Allstate are some of the best insurance companies, but they each have their unique characteristics. In this article, we’ll review both carriers comprehensively, highlighting everything you need to know about them.

About Allstate Insurance

The Allstate Corporation protects people against life’s uncertainties with more than 113 million exclusive policies. They offer a wide range of protection products across multiple brands and various distribution channels, including auto, home, life, and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass, SquareTrade and Answer Financial brands.

Since its inception in 1931, Allstate has been a pioneer in the insurance industry. Americans have relied on Allstate to help protect their families and assets for more than 80 years.

Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Allstate is the nation’s largest publicly traded personal lines insurer. Its officers, employees, and agency owners are an integral part of Allstate’s heritage.

About State Farm Insurance

State Farm was founded in June 1922 as a mutual auto insurance company owned by its policyholders by retired farmer George J. Mecherle. Farmer auto insurance was the company’s specialty, but it later expanded its services to include other types of insurance, such as home and life insurance, as well as banking and financial services.

State Farm is the largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States, as well as the largest automobile insurance company. In the 2019 Fortune 500, which ranks U.S. companies by revenue, State Farm is ranked 36th.

Exclusive agents (also called captive agents) are used by State Farm to sell insurance. Only State Farm agents may sell State Farm insurance, and only State Farm products may be sold by their agents.

Allstate Vs State Farm Insurance: Pros and Cons

State Farm and Allstate are two of the best insurance companies, but they each have their pros and cons. We compared the two carriers and found that Allstate is the better option overall. Allstate offers more policy options and discounts than State Farm. State Farm, on the other hand, has a much larger agent network, which is advantageous if you prefer to work with a live agent.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Allstate Insurance

Here is an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of Allstate Insurance:

Benefits

• Allstate offers a wide variety of endorsements for most policies, including commercial insurance.
• They have great discounts for home insurance
• Useful online tools, resources, and calculators

Disadvantages

• Only offers insurance discounts to two renters
• Fewer agents than State Farm, with a network of around 10,800
• Does not sell individual health or disability insurance

Advantages and Disadvantages of State Farm Insurance

Benefits

• Customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings are well above average.
• State Farm agents are readily available nationwide.
• They have a diverse range of customizable coverage options.
• Auto insurance rates are lower than the industry average.
• Customers can access services – including quotes, paying bills, and filing complaints – through a user-friendly mobile app and website.

Disadvantages

• Home insurance premiums can be higher than the industry average.
• State Farm does not always offer specialized protection for auto insurance customers with unique coverage needs.
• Customers can only access products and services directly from the company or through its network of agents.

State Farm vs. Allstate: Coverage Options

Standard coverages such as liability, personal injury or medical payment protection, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage are available from all car insurance companies. Both State Farm and Allstate offer basic coverage plus a few extras, but Allstate comes out on top with a wider range of coverage options.

Both auto insurance companies offer ride-sharing insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement. Allstate, for its part, offers coverage options such as new car replacement, deficiency insurance, audio system coverage, portable electronics and media coverage, custom parts coverage, and a change in deductible. For drivers with high deductibles, new cars financed, upgraded electronics, or custom parts installed, these extra features may be worth the extra cost.

Allstate vs. State Farm: Get a Quote

Obtaining quotes is an important part of the process when comparing insurance providers. Fortunately, both State Farm and Allstate offer online quotes for the majority of the insurance products they sell. If you prefer, you can get a quote by calling an agent.

To get a quote from both companies, all you need to do is provide information about yourself, such as your date of birth, social security number, and address, as well as specific information about the policy you’re buying.

Since Allstate and State Farm both work with independent agents, you must work with an agent. If you don’t establish a rapport with the first agent you speak with, you might consider finding another one in your area.

The process should only take a few minutes whether you get a quote online or over the phone. And, if you get a quote online, you can save it and come back to it later, so there’s no pressure to buy a policy right away.

Allstate Insurance Vs State Farm Insurance: Rates and Discounts

Commercial insurance policies are based on factors unique to your business, including the number of employees you have, the risk your employees face, and where your business operates. Based on our findings, Allstate and State Farm do not offer any discounts for commercial insurance. However, you may be eligible for a multi-policy discount if you purchase two or more professional insurance policies from the same company.

State Farm vs. Allstate: Which is better for discounts?

Most insurance companies offer the same discounts for car safety features, safe driving habits, and fully paid premiums. However, what makes the difference in your car insurance premium is not the number of discounts, but the absolute cost of the quoted coverage. Does this seem surprising to you? I hope not.

Typically, the two largest discounts offered are bundled auto and home discounts and usage-based programs, which look at your driving habits and mileage. State Farm offers one of the highest discounts for home and auto insurance bundling at 25%, which puts it at the top of this category. Allstate’s multi-policy discount is 17%, which puts it in the national average of bundled discounts for major insurers. If you own a house and a car, it almost always makes sense to combine the two to get the biggest discount available.

All States DRIVE programs based on judicious use can lead to 40% or more in savings. It monitors speed, braking habits, and the time you drive to check for potential reductions to make smart driving choices. They also have a mileage program called By the Mile, which provides car insurance rates based on miles driven.

State Farm Drive Safely and Save The program tracks driving habits and mileage and can generate up to 50% savings.

Allstate v. State Farm: Claims

State Farm and Allstate have online and mobile claims systems, but only for auto, home, and renters insurance claims, as well as windshield repair claims. If you need to file a claim for any other type of policy, you must call the company directly. 

Whether you choose to file your claim online or by phone, you will be asked to provide your policy number, then give a description of the claim and submit photos if you have proof of damage. Additionally, you will be assigned a claims adjuster who will contact you and explain the claims process and what your policy will cover.

Final Thoughts

State Farm and Allstate offer several options to users. They also have mobile apps with similar options that lead the way in ease and accessibility. Still, if you’re looking for an insurance company with broader coverage options, Allstate comes first.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an insurance company that offers the highest discount for home and auto insurance bundling, State Farm offers a 25% discount.

State Farm has the most affordable coverage, but Allstate has better customer service and more unique coverages. For drivers with bad credit and young drivers, Allstate has lower rates, while State Farm is better for those with traffic violations. Allstate offers coverage that State Farm does not, such as custom parts and electronic equipment coverage for car owners who choose to modify their vehicles.

To get started with either, we recommend speaking with each of the company’s agents or simply visiting their website for more details.

Insurance sector: growth draws attention mainly in the North and Northeast regions.

The results that were released by(Superintendence of Private Insurance) in relation to the insurance sector reveal very encouraging numbers. From January to June this year, the Brazilian insurance industry grew by 21.82%.

This demonstrates that, with the faster pace of vaccination, as well as the greater flexibility of social isolation and the increase in GDP in this first semester, they are translating into positive effects for the entire country.

In addition, some locations stood out in relation to the growth of the auto insurance sector. Follow the content to learn more about the current market situation!

Growth of the insurance sector

In a scenario where the sector’s growth is being positive, regions such as the North and Northeast have their due prominence. In studies in the North of the country, an increase in the collection of 70.18% was recorded, compared to the same period last year.

In the first six semesters of 2021 alone, the insurance sector raised more than BRL 4 billion in the region. However, in the Northeast, the growth was 31.98%, with a collection that exceeded more than R$ 13 billion.

Ronaldo Dalcin, president of Sindseg N/NE (Sindicato das Seguradoras Norte e Nordeste), said: “When we look at the performances of our union region, we obtained a growth above the national average. In fact, more than R$ 48 billion were returned to society in the form of indemnities, benefits, refunds, and redemptions”.

According to the executive, these numbers represent the essence of the insurance sector. “We have made significant contributions to the country’s development. Whether they are for tax collection, job and income generation, as well as a financial guarantee to families, business continuity and what we call broad protection”, adds Ronaldo.

Among the products that had the best performances in the two most outstanding regions in the country during the last semester are:

• VGBL pension plan with an increase of 54%;
• Life insurance with an increase of 41.5%;
• Massified insurance (business, condominium, and residential) with an increase of 32.5%.

“The sense of need for protection has increased significantly, and we know how much our activity can provide this support to the population. Building the development of countries depends on the contributions and strength of the insurance market. In fact, these positivist expectations give me the confidence to say that the pace of growth will continue,” says Ronaldo Dalcin.

For insurance industry executives, the worst is over!

Some executives say that the worst of the pandemic is over, so the increase and strengthening of the expectation of closing this year with a percentage of collection in the order of double digits. In fact, in the wake of economic indicators, this is a great advance.

“However, it is important to be attentive and vigilant in relation to some essential points to enhance our performance: fiscal and tax reforms, improvement in income distribution, and a strong policy for the development of the worrying indicators related to the unemployment rate in the country, which reached the record of 14.7%”, concludes Ronaldo.

Because of this, it is not possible to set a correct expectation for the rest of the year. In other words, the scenario may change and will crucially depend on the size of the GDP growth rate to make room for the recovery of lines of insurance that fall short in industrial, agricultural, and commercial production, which are cases of large property risks.

In addition, it will also depend on the increase in personal income and employment, fueling the demand for basic equity and social security products, life coverage, supplementary health care, and capitalization.

As much as the worst of the pandemic has passed, it is still necessary to keep an eye on market fluctuations.

Asset-Backed Securities (abs) vs Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS)

Asset-Backed Securities (abs) vs Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): An Overview

Asset-backed securities (ABS) and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are the two most important asset classes in the fixed income industry. Mortgage-backed securities are made up of mortgage loans issued to interested investors, while asset-backed securities are made up of non-collateralized assets. These securities are typically backed by credit card receivables, home equity loans, student loans, and auto loans. The asset-backed securities market developed in the 1980s and has grown in importance to the US debt market. While these two asset classes have obvious similarities, they have key differences.

The structure of these securities is based on three parties: the seller, the issuer, and the investor. A seller is a company that provides a sale loan to an issuer, acting as a service, collecting principal and interest from the borrower. Asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities are good for sellers because they can be removed from the balance sheet, allowing the seller to access additional funds.

Issuers buy loans from sellers and pool those loans to issue asset-backed securities (ABS) or mortgage-backed securities (MBS) to investors, which can be third-party companies or special purpose vehicles (SPVs). Investors in ABS and MBS are typically institutional investors who use ABS and MBS in an attempt to obtain higher yields than ** bonds and provide diversification.

key takeaways

• Asset-backed securities (ABS) are created by pooling together non-collateralized assets such as student loans. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are a collection of mortgage loans. 
• Asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities are good for sellers because they can be removed from the balance sheet, allowing the seller to access additional funds.
• Both asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities have prepayment risks, although these risks are especially pronounced in mortgage-backed securities. 
• Asset-backed securities companies also have credit risk, and they use advanced sub-structures (called credit tranches) to deal with the risk.
• Valuation of ABS and MBS can be done through a variety of methods, including zero volatility and option-adjusted spreads. 

Asset-backed securities

There are many types of asset-backed securities, each with different characteristics, cash flows, and valuations. Below are some of the most common types. 

Home Equity Asset-Backed Securities

Home equity loans are very similar to mortgages, which in turn makes home equity asset-backed securities similar to mortgage-backed securities. The main difference between a home equity loan and a mortgage is that home equity loan borrowers usually don’t have a good mortgage credit rating, which is why they can’t get a mortgage. Therefore, investors need to review the credit rating of the borrower when analyzing asset-backed securities backed by home equity loans.

car loan abs

Auto loans are a type of amortizing asset, so auto loan ABS cash flows include monthly interest, principal payments, and prepayments. Auto loan ABS has a much lower prepayment risk than home equity loan ABS or mortgage-backed securities. Early repayments are only possible if the borrower has additional funds to pay the loan.

Refinancing is rare when interest rates are falling because the value of the car is depreciating faster than the balance loan, causing the car’s mortgage value to fall below the outstanding balance. The balances on these loans are often small, and borrowers can’t save a lot of money from lower-rate refinancing, so there’s little incentive to refinance.

Credit card receivable

Credit card receivables are non-amortizing asset ABS. They have no planned payment amounts, and new loans and changes can be added to the composition of the pool. Cash flow from credit card receivables includes interest, principal, and annual fees.

Credit card receivables usually have a lock-in period with no principal payment. If the principal is paid during the lock-up period, a new loan will be added to the ABS with the principal paid, leaving the pool of credit card receivables unchanged. After the lock-up period, the principal will be transferred to the ABS investor.

Mortgage-backed securities

Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by Ginny Mae (**National Mortgage Association), Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association), or Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), which are sponsored by US** enterprise. 

Kinney’s mortgage-backed securities are backed by the full trust and credit of the U.S. government, which guarantees that investors will receive full principal and interest promptly. By contrast, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage securitizations are not fully trusted and backed by the U.S. government, but both companies have special authority to borrow from the U.S. Treasury when necessary.

Mortgage-backed securities can be purchased at most full-service brokerages and some discount brokerages. The minimum investment is usually $10,000; however, there are some variations on mortgage securities, such as mortgage-backed obligations (CMOS), that can be purchased for less than $5,000. Investors who do not want to invest directly in mortgage-backed securities, but would like to invest in the mortgage market, can consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest in mortgage-backed securities.

Notable ETFs that invest in MBS include the iShares MBS ETF (MBB) and the Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index ETF (VMBS). ETFs trade like stocks on regulated exchanges and can be sold short or bought on margin. Like stocks, ETF prices fluctuate each trading day with market events and investor activity.

special attention items

Both asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities have prepayment risks, although these risks are especially pronounced in mortgage-backed securities. Prepayment risk means borrowers make more monthly payments than required, reducing interest on the loan. Prepayment risk can be determined by the difference between current and outstanding mortgage rates, housing turnover, and mortgage rates.

For example, if a mortgage rate starts at 9%, drops to 4%, rises to 10%, and then drops to 5%, homeowners may refinance their mortgage the first time the rate drops. Therefore, to address prepayment risk, asset securitization and mortgage securitization use a tranche structure to help distribute prepayment risk. Investors can choose shares according to their preferences and risk tolerance.

Another risk involved in asset securitization is credit risk. ABS has a high-level-subordinate structure that deals with credit risk, called credit tranches. Before the senior tranche begins to suffer losses, the secondary tranche or sub-tranches will absorb all losses up to their value. Subordinated bonds typically have higher yields than senior bonds due to their higher risk. 

The structure, characteristics, and valuation of asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities can be quite complex. Investors can access these securities through indices such as the US ABS Index. For those who want to invest directly in ABS or MBS, it is imperative to do thorough research and weigh your risk tolerance before making any investment.

ABS and MBS example

It is important to measure the spread and pricing of bond securities and to understand the types of spreads that should be used for different types of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. A zero volatility spread (Z-spread) can be used as a measure of the security that has no embedded options, such as calls, puts, or certain prepayment options. The Z-spread is a constant spread that makes the price of a security equal to the present value of its cash flows, plus the spot exchange rate for each Treasury bill. 

For example, we can use Z-spread to measure credit card ABS and auto loan ABS. Credit card ABS does not have any options to make Z-spread a proper measure. While auto loan ABS do have prepayment options, they are generally not exercised, making it possible to measure using the Z-spread.

If the security has embedded options, the option-adjusted spread (OAS) should be used. OAS is the spread adjusted for the embedded option. If the cash flow depends on the current interest rate rather than the path leading to the current interest rate, the binomial model can be used to derive the OAS. 

Another way to derive OAS is through a Monte Carlo model, which is needed when a security’s cash flows are related to the path of interest rates. Mortgage loan securitization and home equity securitization are interest rate path-dependent securities, and the OA in the Monte Carlo model will be used for valuation. However, this model can be quite complex and its accuracy needs to be checked throughout its use.

After-sales: how to improve your broker’s average ticket the right way!

When a sale of a product is made, the relationship with the customer is just beginning, so don’t leave him aside and without attention. In fact, just as important as executing a sale is keeping customers close through after-sales. 

Thinking about it, we brought a complete content that explains why to maintain a post-sale with the customer. No matter what the size of the broker, the truth is that to increase the average ticket, the relationship with the customer after the sale must be one of the priorities of your business. 

Continue reading to find out more!

What is after-sales?

After-sales service refers to all the practices that an insurance salesperson, or any other segment, does to maintain a consistent and satisfactory relationship, with a focus on customer loyalty. 

This is a strategy that requires a lot of attention, mainly because it is a critical part of many companies and especially in the insurance sector. When we say that this sector is more delicate, it is because the broker needs to maintain a relationship of trust with the insured. 

For example, the broker uses all its arguments to offer the products, and the customer is satisfied. But it doesn’t just end there; it is very likely that the same customer will indicate the service in their circle of friends if the broker is present after the sale.

So this is a process where you need to stay active. Working after sales is a way to ensure even more customer satisfaction, especially in a loyalty strategy.

How to improve your broker’s after-sales?

Post-sales follow-up is one of the main practices for the company to increase the average ticket. If, by chance, the brokerage firm has already gone through moments in which the customer base has been reduced, one of the reasons may have been the low use of customers with the product.

However, as for everything, there is a solution; this can also be solved with some important steps. Below, we list some strategies that make after-sales become increasingly relevant at your brokerage.

Keep in touch with customers.

It may seem like something relevant in everyday life, and many people believe that they don’t need to keep in touch with the customer after the sale is made. However, consumers value the experiences that each company contributes, leaving the customer satisfied and willing to feel part of that system.

So don’t be afraid to start a conversation with your customer, but be prepared for possible complaints. The right way is to understand this and try to help you in some way. Since he may have a new problem and you may come up with a solution.

Conduct satisfaction surveys

After-sales is a great tool for executing a satisfaction survey-based strategy, which is great for measuring brand engagement. That is, understand what pleases him and what he does not like within the brokerage, to provide him with the best.

Dissatisfied customers are those who will actually reveal your company’s flaws and areas for improvement. With that, in the next service, you can be better and solve any problem that he may have faster.

Become a subject matter expert

Even before closing a contract with your insurance broker, you can be sure that the customer has already sought all possible information in the market. Because of this, you need to be an expert in what you offer him because he can ask questions that he didn’t find around, and that’s what he needs to close a deal.

As you gain more and more customer trust and loyalty, you can suggest new products to them. This causes your company’s average ticket to rise in a short time, just working on the after-sales.