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It’s true. Believe it or not, I finally found an insurance agent who has secretly confided in me that he’s not a big believer in insurance. Very bizarre, don’t you think?

Why a Guy Who Hates Insurance Decided to Sell Insurance

Some of you already know Walt Ptashnik, he’s the long term care insurance specialist we refer all of our clients to who need long term care insurance or have questions about their long term care insurance policies.

Walt’s Mom Loses Almost Everything

Several years ago Walt watched his mother become financially devastated because his father needed care for about a year before he passed away. His expenses in just that short period of time added up to almost $100,000.

After Dad passed away Mom lost almost half the Social Security, a big chunk of their savings were used to pay for Dad’s care, and with the late nineties stock market drop a large part of her remaining investments were gone. For Walt, having to watch his mother in her mid-eighties watch her pennies was pretty sad, which is why he’s become so passionate about long term care insurance. He wants to save people from having happen to them what he’s seen happen to his mother. After having gone through that experience that’s all it took for Walt to become an advocate for long term care insurance, making sure people have the coverage they need based on their own unique situation.

Rather than work for a single company Walt is an independent agent able to represent virtually any company. The companies he recommends typically have to meet at least three criteria:

1. Be A rated or better.
2. Been selling long term care insurance for at least ten years, twenty is preferred.
3. Have never raised rates to existing policy holders.

When I asked Walt the best age to purchase long term care insurance he said there is no reason to wait, as rates are based on age and health. For example, if you need care at age 80 and you’re age 50 today you’d pay on your policy for 30 years. If you waited until you were age 60 to purchase a policy and still needed care at age 80 you’re going to pay the same amount of money for the policy but now you only have 20 years to make those payments. So your payments (premiums) will be higher.

A Shocking Statistic

Most people think that long term care expenses come at the end of their life, from things like stroke or Alzheimer’s. What shocked me was when I learned from Walt that today 40% of all people receiving long term care are under age 65. These people are usually recovering from accidents, mostly car accidents, but he also knows of a fellow who fell out of a
tree in his early 40’s and needed a year and a half of care.

In the Orlando area the current cost of care runs about $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

So if you talk to Walt he’ll tell you to buy long term care insurance when you’re as young as you’re going to be. More importantly, get it before your health changes and since you never know when that’s going to happen the best time is probably now.

Here’s Walt enjoying time on his boat the
All That Jaz

Walt told me another story about his father-in-law to illustrate his point.

Walt’s father-in-law retired at age 65 and just wanted to play golf. Then shortly thereafter he ended up having a hip replacement, got out of the hospital, developed pneumonia, goes back into the hospital, eventually comes back home, falls, ends up back in the hospital, kind of like the domino effect. So, since you never know when your health is going to change you should make sure you have a plan in place to pay for these kind of expenses. If you don’t have enough money to pay out of pocket, what’s going to be your plan? Shoot, even if you do have enough money to pay out of pocket, you may find that insurance is a cheaper alternative.

Walt Is Living a Worry-Free Retirement

My definition of a worry-free retirement is, as this newsletter suggests, being able to do what you want when you want where you want. If you think about Walt then he’s
essentially retired because the majority of his time he’s doing exactly what he wants when he wants where he wants. Walt has three passions in life. One we’ve just been discussing, long term care insurance. The other two are boating and cooking.

Ever since Walt was a kid he wanted to crew on a boat. Now in his early 50’s he finally has that opportunity. He doubles as the first mate and cook on a 76’ motorboat called Sailsmanship.

Walt tells me Sailsmanship is available for charter, probably starting at $17,000 per week, depending on where you want to go.

Walt’s been around boats all his life. He has his own boat. His reputation as a cook usually has friends talking him into catering their parties, which he ends up doing about once a month.

So, if you have questions about long term care insurance I highly recommend you contact our long term care insurance specialist, Walt Ptashnik. You can reach him at 407-886-2023.

You can also get a special FREE REPORT from Walt, Avoid the Three Biggest Mistakes in Buying Long Term Care Insurance, by calling his toll-free recorded hotline, 1-877-409-3500, 24/7, for a toll-free recorded message. I highly recommend you get his FREE REPORT.

“The Secret to Unbridled Joy Is Going to Work Every Day Knowing Your Business Partner Happens to be Your Daughter.”

How many times in your life have you been alone, closed your eyes and made a wish? What did you wish for…a new car, a lovely home, or maybe a healthy, prosperous life for your family?

Several years ago, I had a different wish. Like so many people I have made my share of wishes that, unfortunately, never came true, but I did have one major wish fall right into
my lap. No, it wasn’t the Florida Lotto or a Super Bowl pool. However, it was exciting, and it did come true!

My wish was this – I wished that one day I would know what it felt like to work with one of my children. I had heard about some people having this unique opportunity and I wanted to experience it first hand…and bingo, it happened! It turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I wouldn’t have traded it for an ocean full of money.

Business Partners With Brian Fricke And FMC For 10 Years!

My name is Rod Harter and my daughter’s name is Christina. Chances are, you already know us. Over the past 10 years, we have helped a high percentage of Brian Fricke’s clients. In
business, when you find someone you trust and respect…the rules are simple – you stick with them! Brian has always referred his clients to us whenever they needed assistance with mortgage financing.

Orlando’s Most Unique Mortgage Partnership Goes Public

As my business began to grow, I began to see the need for a partner. The answer was right under my nose. At the time, my daughter, Christina was in college at The University of Central Florida. Christina always excelled in math and felt ready for the opportunity to work for a “real company.”

Was the Partnership Reality?

Here I am with Christina reviewing a few mortgage options for one of Brian’s clients.

We partnered up about seven years ago and haven’t looked back since. It turned out to be a great opportunity for both of us. Christina’s talent and personality instantly improved our business.

The mortgage industry is no cakewalk. Nor is it for the faint of heart. The atmosphere is often quite intense. We managed to adjust to the rapid pace of the business. We quickly earned the respect of our peers. It did not take long before everyone noticed something very special about our relationship.

According to others, we were much more than just a father and daughter working together. We were buddies, with the utmost respect and appreciation for each other.

We share the same sense of humor and other characteristics. Our peers could not believe how well we worked together and all the fun we had interacting with our clients, often under very stressful conditions. Christina quickly gained the respect and adminaration of our fellow employees and friends.

At first, we didn’t tell our clients we were related. We thought it was best to keep it our little secret. Some of my business colleagues like Brian Fricke thought otherwise. He felt like our business relationship is what made us stand out. It’s the one thing that separates us from everyone else in the mortgage business. ‘Why not “honk your horn” and
tell others about your unique relationship,” said Brian. So, we decided to do just that. No more secrets.

“Stop The World, I Want To Get Off”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, you know how incredibly turbulent the mortgage industry has become over the last couple of years. The meltdown of the sub-prime mortgage market has literally turned our business and the economy upside down.

I doubt any business, with the possible exception of the airline industry, has experienced such dramatic, almost overwhelming, change as what we have endured in the mortgage industry. It has been very painful for homeowners, lenders, and borrowers alike. Everyone has been impacted by this terrible crisis. Fear Not, The Sky Is Not Falling While the industry has gone through major changes, homes are still being bought and sold. Families are still refinancing their properties. Rates continue to be very attractive and, while home values have dropped in some areas, there are still some good opportunities out there.

A perfect day on the water with my kids: My son, Rod Jr. (with the shirt off); my son-inlaw, John; and my lovely daughter Christina.

Do You Have Needs Or Questions?

Christina and I are here to help you. Do you have a situation you would like to discuss with us?

FHA loans are more popular than ever before, making this market very attractive for first-time borrowers with good credit and job stability. The days of stated income loans
with marginal credit history are over. Give us a call. We’ll treat you like family, because you are. You’re a part of FMC’s family…and so are we!

We’ll give you sound advice in this complex market. We know where to shop your loans. We utilize the most advanced mortgage analyzer system in the mortgage industry. Call 407 599–6888 x 129 or e-mail us at Christina@HTEChampions.com or RHarter1@cfl.rr.com

Simple Precautions on Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Can $ave You Plenty of Money & Misery…

It is the most agonizing part of her job. Worse yet, she knows it is going to happen – sooner than later.

The anxiety comes from the inevitable call she will take from a distressed homeowner, seeking her assistance when they’ve been dropped or cancelled by their insurance company or have an emergency insurance claim.

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

Meet Kimberly Mett. We are proud to say that Kimberly and her husband are clients of ours. Plus, Kimberly is one of FMC’s strategic alliances. (No, we aren’t paid to recommend Kimberly)

Kimberly is part owner of Insurance Group of Central Florida. She has been helping Central Floridians with their homeowner’s (and auto) insurance for more than 20 years. She’s proven herself to us as being very knowledgeable and results oriented. Already having help several of our client/members get better coverage than they thought possible.

Kimberly has great passion for her job. Says Kimberly, “The only part of my job I dread is when I have to tell someone their claim was not covered.”
This is a scenario I would like to see
go away -forever!

You can easily avoid this problem if you take a little time to go over your policy with your agent ahead of time. You only need to do this every year or so” says Kimberly. Unfortunately, most people don’t do it.

Ways You Can Avoid a Potential Nightmare

As an independent agency, Kimberly’s primary obligation is to find you the absolute best rate and coverage, regardless of the company providing the coverage.

On the other hand, someone working for a big insurance company would have to recommend coverage offered by their own company. According to Kimberly, “As an independent agency, we don’t have that problem; we simply take you wherever you can get the best deal – in essence, you receive the best of both worlds.”

Kimberly says, “We can avoid the horror of finding out the hard way if your coverage is wrong.

A Changing Face of Insurance in Florida

The insurance business in Florida has been hit hard over the last few years
by an unusually high number of hurricanes. As a result, claims have increased. Companies have experienced huge losses, forcing some of the tradional insurance companies to discontinue writing policies in Florida.

It is a constantly changing landscape for companies and policyholders. Many homeowners are receiving letters from their providers with the intent to discontinue coverage. If this happens (or has happened) to you, I urge you to call Kimberly, and have her research your best options.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It! If You Have Good Insurance Leave It Alone –

If you have a homeowner’s policy and you are satisfied with the coverage – stay where you are. Leave it alone. Also, it’s never a good idea to base your decision for insurance on rate alone. Having the right coverage is every bit as important as your premium. Be careful. Do your homework. Things like hurricane deductible, which in the past was a flat deductible, is now a high priority for most policyholders’. Sinkhole coverage
is another area that may require your policy to be updated if you live in an area affected by a high number of sinkholes.

One of the most important things about homeowners insurance is having an agent that will go to bat for you when you make a claim. There’s a big difference in an agent writing a policy verses a true “agent”, representing you. Sometimes an agent can make a big difference to the coverage or claim by making just one phone call for you.

Kimberly’s Top 5 Policy Holder Reminders (a must do list!)

1. Call your agent if you make any changes to your home, such as adding a pool or remodeling the interior of your house.
2. Call your agent periodically to make sure you have enough coverage. Most of the time people do not have enough coverage, and their policy needs to be updated. At the time of a loss, it’s too late to do anything about it.
3. Take pictures of your home when you update your insurance. If you have a house fire, you are not likely to remember everything in your home.
4. Do not keep the pictures in your home. Put them in a safety deposit box or the case of our clients, we keep their pictures on hand here at our office.
5. Check your smoke alarms on a regular basis to make sure the batteries are in good shape.

Follow these simple tips and save yourself some major headaches with your insurance policy. Don’t find out the hard way your policy did not cover your claim.

To contact Kimberly if you need help with your Homeowner or Auto insurance call (407)677-7300 or e-mail kimberly@igcfonline.com

If you’re like me, the car buying experience is worse than getting a root canal without novacaine! Who wants to spend a whole day (or nite) held captive at some car lot? Why can’t you just get what you want without all the hassles? And without having to worry about being taken advantage of?

The “Auto Guru” Takes the Hassle Out of Buying a Car and on Average Saves You $3,000

Gary Luedeck, owner of Bavarian Motorsport, specializes in finding late model, low mileage vehicles. And because he doesn’t have any inventory, his overhead is super low, which means he can pass on the savings to you (and me)!

He’s been doing this for 20 years! Before that he was a BMW factory-trained technician. He finds precisely the car (motorcycle, boat or motorhome) you’re looking for. You just tell him the year, make, model, color, mileage & ’stuff’ you want. He can even ship it to your front door, even if that door is hundreds of miles away!

100% Money Back Guarantee

Gary makes sure you’re happy. If there is any issue with your car in the first few months, he will gladly buy back the car! Try and find anyone else with such a bold guarantee!

Is It Under Warranty?

Gary normally buys low mileage, late model vehicles still under warranty. Any local dealer is glad to do your service work since the factory/manufacturer will still honor their warranty even if you aren’t the original buyer! This is a common myth most people aren’t aware of.

He even checks the in-service date of the vehicle (the date it was originally purchased) to make sure the warranty is still valid.

Time to get rid of the old Denali…

We all know it’s a better deal to buy a slightly used car than a new one. Shoot, you probably lose 20% the minute you drive off the dealer’s lot. But, if you’ve got your heart set on a brand spanking new vehicle, Gary can still take care of you. At prices lower than what you’re probably able to negotiate on your own, or over the internet.

I’m A Very Satisfied Customer. Here’s My Story:

Recently I wanted to get rid of my oversized SUV (a GMC Denali). I already knew what I wanted and had test driven several vehicles. So I called Gary and told him exactly what I was looking for (a Sequoia, Tahoe or Yukon). After about two months of looking, Gary told me I’d either have to consider an older (more mileage) vehicle or a brand new one to get what I wanted.

So Gary started looking for a new one. In the meantime (Gary didn’t know this) I shopped every dealer in Florida over the internet and got what I thought was a pretty good price. About 20% off sticker!

When Gary called I was shocked! He had found exactly what I was looking for and—get this… it was the same vehicle from the same dealer who offered me 20% off sticker …..except the price was $5,065 lower!

Gary Saved Me $7,361!!!

I picked up my new Sequoia the very next day. Actually, Gary had it delivered to my office. Not only that, Gary sold my Denali for me too. So I only paid sales tax on the difference, just like the car dealers do! This saved me another $696 in sales tax!
What I didn’t tell Gary, was that I had already gotten the Denali appraised by CarMax, who had given me a written offer to buy my Denali. Gary sold my old Denali for $1,600 more than what CarMax had offered me!

No Hassles, No Haggling

Best of all, I eliminated the hassles and haggling of buying a car. The paperwork process took all of 10 minutes. None of this “I’ll have to check with my manager garbage!” Nope, I just got a great price (and service) on a vehicle without any of the “hassle.”

CarFax.com Not Always The Best Tool!

Gary says if you’re considering a used car, it’s critical to have a professional look at it.
While many car sellers use Carfax.com, Gary says it’s not always the best tool to knowing your car’s history. Only issues (accidents, floods) that are reported to insurance companies are reported on Carfax. It is possible a car has had damage that was not reported, which could be costly to you.

My new Sequoia!!!

Gary tells of a friend who bought a truck, only to have major problems with it, despite it having checked out on Carfax. After having the state trooper’s office (Gary has connections) run the VIN number, the friend found out the car had been totaled, but never reported to an insurance company. Gary’s advice is not to rely on Carfax solely.

What’s The Cost??

Here’s the best part about working with Gary “Auto-Guru” Luedeck. He charges a fixed fee for his services … $300!!!
Yep, that’s right, it’s not a misprint ….$300! He even shows you all the paperwork detailing what he paid for the car.

How much simpler can it be?

Call Gary Luedeck Right Now While this Article Is Still in Your Hands

If you (or someone you know) are seriously considering purchasing a new vehicle… it’s time to give Gary a call immediately. He’ll save you a ton of money!
Gary’s personal cell phone number is (407) 592-7245. If he doesn’t answer, leave a detailed voice mail message.

PS — Make Sure You Let Gary Know How You Heard About Him. No, we don’t get a ‘kickback’, but Gary does like to fish. Maybe he’ll take me some day!?

Who Doesn’t Always Have His Hand in My Back Pocket

Years ago I got fed up with the typical large downtown law firm – you know the kind: high-rise office building, carpet up to your kneecaps, every time you walk in you immediately know the fees going to be high, to pay for all this fancy stuff.

I Finally Found an Honest, Ethical Attorney, Someone Who Doesn’t Always Have His Hand in My Back Pocket

Since ‘91 or ‘92, I can’t remember exactly, I’ve been sending all my clients to Chuck Stark. Chuck focuses on estate planning and business law. You know, things like wills, trusts, business agreements, that kind of stuff.

One of my pet peeves with attorneys is when it comes to creating a trust. Seems like they insist on mailing you 20lbs. of paperwork. With instructions for you to review all this mess and then call them if you have any questions.!?

Let’s face it, who wakes up in the morning excited about reading through 20lbs. of legal documents?

Two Meetings and You’re Done!

Over the years Chuck and I have developed a system which allows you to get your estate planning work done in two meetings, usually in the span of 1 or 2 weeks. The first meeting, Chuck finds out all the information and details he needs and you decide whether or not to hire him. (He’ll quote you a flat fee, so there won’t be any “money surprises”).

Whenever I’ve heard from someone being unhappy with their attorney it’s usually because they really didn’t have a clear understanding up front as to what the attorney was going to do for them and what the cost would be to get the work done

At your second meeting he personally reviews and summarizes each document with you. So you understand what each document accomplishes. (Chuck calls this the “painful” meeting.) And then……. bing, bang, you’re done.!

That’s It, It’s as Simple as That

After your second meeting with Chuck you usually have signed legal documents. Either his office or my office will put the wheels in motion to do all the necessary retitling of assets to make sure you have your estate plan in effect.

“See? I’ve finally found an attorney who doesn’t always have his hand in my pocket.”

He’s Done All My Family’s Estate Planning Work

In case you’re wondering, Chuck, has done all the estate planning documents for my wife and I, and all our other family members as well!

He’s worked on estates over $100 million spread across several generations, all the way to basic estate planning for young couples with minor children needing to avoid probate and guardianship issues as well as potential incapacity issues.

If you need an estate planning attorney, know someone who needs legal work done for a business (By the way did I mention Chuck has done all of my corporate legal work, too?) then I highly recommend, as I have to all of our clients, that you give Chuck a call. You can reach him at 407-788-0250 or email him at chstark@bellsouth.net

Chuck has agreed to provide you with a FREE 15-minute phone consultation. All you have to do is call Donna in Chuck’s office and
mention my name. 407-788-0250

PS – I also made Chuck agree to meet with you in his office for up to an hour at no cost or obligation!