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todayinmagicalgirlhistory · 2 years

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The Magical Girl Guide to: Selkies

So I made my kitsune guide and now I’m finally remaking one of my original posts on my old blog: my selkie guide. Whether you’re a sea witch or a practicing fae worker or even a casual folklorist, you’ve likely heard of selkies.

My hopes with this post is to give those interested in selkies a place to start their research on folklore and someone else’s UPG. So I’ll provide a mixture of the history surrounding selkies and then dive (pun intended) into my own personal experience working with selkies. As always, however, just use this post as a way to get your foot in the door, not the full extent of your research.

This is not an all-knowing expert article on selkies nor is my UPG the end all be all of knowledge on selkies, just my personal experiences.

what is a selkie?

By definition selkies (also called silkies, sylkies, selchies, or seal folk) are “ are mythological beings capable of changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin.” Their mythology itself originates from the Northern Isles of Scotland but there are equivalents in Faroese and Icelandic folklore as well.

selkies in folklore

Selkies probably have a really well-known folklore to anyone interested in ocean-based folktales and their stories tend to follow a specific plotline.

One day, a seal comes to comes to land and sheds it’s skin much to the surprise of a fisherman hiding near by. But the surprise to behold is the fact that the seal is a beautiful woman. Enraptured by the beauty of the seal woman, he steals her coat forcing her to stay on land, marry him, and bear his children. Years later usually because of the children or because the husband was caught slipping, the selkie gets her coat back and immediately books it to the sea and returns to her watery home.

There are several stories you can find that detail these forced spousal situations. Make no mistake, these are not consent-based relationships no matter how ‘good’ the human treats the selkie while they are together. In these stories, there are even cases where the selkie already has a selkie husband and children in the sea. She might resurface as a seal from a distance to see her human children from afar, but she never returns to the life she was forced to lead. (As a side note: half selkie children were said to have webbed hands according to the stories.)

As far as selkie men, their legends differ slightly. Their stories don’t usually include coat theft. Selkie men and stories involving them describe them as more seductive, whisking away women on land to have their children. Stories would even say that if a woman cried and seven of her tears landed in the sea, a selkie man would appear to ease her grief for seven years before returning back to the sea himself. But even stories with selkie men can end in tragedy, such as a story where a woman’s human husband killed her selkie lover and selkie child while they were in their seal forms.

However, not all stories involving selkies are cruel. There are some stories, no matter how few they are, that detail positive exchanges between selkies. One Spared to the Sea is a story about a boy who spared the life of a seal pup not knowing it was a selkie. Years later, that same pup’s mother saved his life. You can read a modern wlw retelling of said story [here].

selkies in media

In stark contrast to how many folktales one may find about selkies, I haven’t found nearly as many in pop culture.

Song of the Sea

Ondine

A Stranger Came Ashore by Mollie Hunter

Selkie (made for tv Australian movie)

UPG

If you’re new to fae work and faerie witchcraft as a whole, I find that selkies can be great for beginners. They tend to be easier to get along with and most I’ve encountered are of the ‘wild fae’ category, meaning they tend to not be involved in Court politics. (Fae Work Tip: please don’t involve yourself in the politics of faeries.)

Like in the folklore, selkies are beings that are able to transform into seals with the help of their coats. As such, the variety of seal forms a selkie can take are varied. Leopard seal selkies, spotted seal selkies, harbor seal selkies, monk seal selkies, elephant seals, and so on and so forth.

I usually find that the type of seal they are influences what region they hail from, the culture and cuisine of a pod. This is a generalization, of course. Not every pod of, say, harbor seal selkies are 100% alike or unified in thought. One pod of harbor seal selkies can have their own traditions that another pod of harbor seal selkies have never even heard of. Personally, I work mostly with harbor seal selkies, as I’ve bonded with a pod of them a while back.

In my personal experience, you don’t need to be of Scottish, Irish, Icelandic or Faroese descent to work with selkies, nor do you need to be geographically close to these countries as selkies can be found just about anywhere. Scotland, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and I’ve personally found a pod of selkies near Puerto Vallarta. Hawaiian monk seal selkies can be found throughout the Hawaiian Islands with extensions into other areas of Polynesia. So location and ethnicity are definite non-issues when it comes to seal folk.

The passing of leadership depends on the pod.

As to how much time they spend in their seal forms, that’s really up to the individual. Some selkies may prefer their fae form and indulging in the coat-based fashion trends of their pod (a more recently developed trend among selkies to better make their their coats look less like selkie coats). I know a selkie who spends most of their time in their seal form during the warm seasons. And there are instances of selkies who spend years in their seal form before slipping off their coat. Usually in those circumstances, they may struggle with talking and walking for a bit from what I’ve been told. Some selkies might not even live with their pod and are solo travelers or living on land in astral cities.

There are even pods that don’t even live together most of the year, opting to only have the occasional gathering for a few months at a time before setting off on their own adventures until the next designated meeting. In this case, if a selkie has a spouse and children they will travel together as a small family unit. And yet, once they’ve all gathered in one place again, it’s like the pod was never separated to begin and the atmosphere is one filled with laughter and song as they share updates about their lives and the places they might have been.

Like the mythos, selkies are connected to their coat. Every selkie is born with their coat and from that moment, they’re lives are intertwined with it. As they grow from pup to fully grown selkie, their coats grow and change with them. What happens to the selkie, happens to the coat. You could see a selkie coat with scratches on it from fights they got in their seal form plenty of times. As such, if their coat is stolen by someone they have no choice but to go with whoever took it. They can’t just go ‘oh that sucks, I guess I’ll find a new one’. They can only transform and return to the sea with their own coat.

As to what their coats look like, I find that selkie coats I’ve seen look mostly similar to the coats in these illustrations:

https://owlyjules.tumblr.com/post/188643189962/inktober-day-27-coat-one-day-your-brother-brings

https://erysium.tumblr.com/post/615764004311269376/my-selchie-comic-for-boom-sudios-storyteller

(And no, they aren’t all pure white as they are in Song of the Sea. Unless they’re a harp seal selkie pup but as they get older, the white pup fur will fade and it will look like the typical coat of a harp seal.)

So understandably, selkies can be very suspicious of new people they meet who aren’t selkies. Hearing a story about a selkie coat being sold in the black market is not a rare one and you will have to prove that you’re trustworthy. Best way to do that is slowly overtime of course. I would recommend talking to whoever is in charge of the pod and asking for a chance to prove your loyalty and wishes for friendship. Respect whatever decision and conditions they give.

Brief Run Through on Pod dynamics (remember each one is different):

Leader: some pod has one specific leader and how leadership is passed down depends on the pod. Some pods do it by challenging the current leader and the winner is the one who will lead (or continue leading) the pod. Some pods pass it down between family members and other pods will vote on who they believe will be most capable to lead them. May rely on the elders of the pod for advice but if there is no specific leader of a pod, they might just have a bunch of elders running the show.

Elders: some pods don’t have a specific leader and instead have a group of the pod’s eldest members who decide their actions. But even in the case where there are elders are consulted for their opinion on decisions and matters that will greatly affect the pod.

Scouts: the ones who patrol around their home and the waters surrounding it for prospective enemies and threats.

Hunters: kinda self explanatory. Selkies do their best not to heavily impact their ecosystems and avoid taking too much. This is especially true if they are not the only entities calling the place home, for instance if there are merfolk or sea elves and such living close by they have to make sure those around them can still eat as well.

As for children, while they are ultimately brought up by their own parents selkies tend to look after the youngest members of their pod as a community. As you might expect, they’re job is to be cute and learn from the older selkies how to swim and fend for themselves as they get older. They’re the next generation so they’re important to every pod.

But hunter and scout is just a broad overview of two common roles you’ll find in pods, there are of course selkies who do other things in their pods. Healers (I knew of a selkie interested in starting her own apothecary a long while back), sea silk weavers, teachers, pearl cultivators or even jewelers.

Befriending an entire pod can seem daunting, but take everything one day at a time and remember each pod is full of individuals. Each individual is different and so are their friendliness, so there are bound to friendlier selkies in a pod. Once you’ve befriended a selkie, or even an entire pod, then just know you’re with them for life. Selkies tend to be very family-oriented and once you’re in, you’re in. You’re part of the family, congratulations.

Disclaimer: thinking of selkies as kind and fun-loving folk who will never do you any harm is a fine way to get yourself clapped. There are selkies who don’t like humans and some of them will let that dislike be known through aggression. Every selkie is different the way every human is different and they shouldn’t all be lumped together. Some selkies and pods are really open and welcoming, others like to keep to themselves. Each decision is valid, especially when selkies themselves have suffered the short end of the stick.

suitable offerings

The disclaimer here is that these are general offerings that most selkies should like. Should you ever find yourself working frequently with a selkie or find yourself the companion of one, there could be other things that they specifically like or dislike. But you usually can’t go wrong with:

Seashells or Coral (ethnically sourced of course)

Pearls

Sea Glass

Ocean-related candles and incense

how to gain the attention of a selkie

1) old fashioned offerings

2) astral travel

3) spirit attraction spell

I’m not a promoter of conjuring or otherwise, forcefully bringing a spirit to your vicinity. Think about it like this: you’re at a wedding. You’re best friend in the entire world is getting hitched to the love of their life, and you’re among the audience. You’re welling up with emotion and pride for your friend to have made such an important milestone in their life when... Suddenly, you’re not at their wedding anymore.

No, instead you’re looking at some random stranger who summoned you to their home who say it’s because they’re interested in working with those of your kind. You wouldn’t be too happy about this, would you?

Not only is conjuring or summoning bad for the entity, it can be bad for you if this entity isn’t easily forgiving of being torn away from their personal life to your home and you can end up paying the consequences for it. Instead, I recommend a spell that attracts entities to your home or if you’re sufficiently prepared, astral travel it up.

#magical girl guide #witchcraft #faerie witchcraft #faerie witch #fae work #spiritwork #selkies #sea witchcraft #sea witch #spirit work #spirit companion #spirit companionship #faeries #fair folk #wild fae #black witches of tumblr

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sizofcrows · 7 years

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#upedit #up edit #upgif #disneydailly #perksofbeingafanboy #itsdisney #disneyedit #mine #walls*#gifss

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businessguide12-blog · 5 years

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The Ultimate Business Guide to Skyrocketing Social Media Followers | UpGifs.com

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The Ultimate Business Guide to Skyrocketing Social Media Followers | UpGifs.com

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A recent study showed that 77% of Americans have a social media profile. This statistic highlights the idea pretty clearly: social media matters.

This is especially true for businesses. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn offer the perfect places for businesses to engage with their customers. These sites act as superb marketing tools . . . as long as they’re being used correctly.

Curious as to how you can reach potential customers through social media? Need help developing your social media presence? If so, you’re in the right place.

This is the ultimate business guide to skyrocketing social media followers.

Gaining More Social Media Followers

Below, we will discuss not only how to get social media followers, but how to engage with the followers that you already have. Let’s get into it!

Post Frequently

One of the keys to retaining and attracting followers on social media platforms is to post frequently. Doing so reminds your followers that you exist, and legitimizes your social media accounts to all who communicate through social media.

This isn’t to say that you should post 15 times a day. However, it’s generally a good idea to post at least once a day.

You should max out at around 3 posts a day. Posting any more than this can make you too familiar to your followers, causing some of them to ignore you.

Keep it Relevant

When posting on social media as a business, you need to represent your business. You should not be posting about your daily routine, your family, your friends, or your favorite football team. You need to post about things that are relevant to your business.

If you own a pizza place, post about pizza. If you own an auto repair shop, post about vehicles. If you own a tech company, post about relevant tech topics.

Generally, photographs and infographics go over very well on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. However, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some status updates every now and then.

Leave Links Everywhere

Many of the followers who you have not yet nabbed on social media quite simply don’t know that your social media accounts exist. Your responsibility is to let these people know.

How can you achieve this? By leaving the necessary links in as many places as possible.

Not only should you post links to your social media accounts on your website, but on your other social media accounts as well. If you send emails to your regular customers, it’s also a good idea to include account links in those. Where there’s a link, there’s a way.

Communicate With Followers

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make with their social media accounts is neglecting communication with their followers. Followers might leave comments on posts, but the creator’s of these posts are not responding. This is a massive turn-off for both the person who originally commented and any other person who sees said comment.

By not responding to comments on your social media accounts, you show to your current followers and potential followers that you are not invested in what they have to say. Even if you take their comments into consideration, by not responding, you create an image of not caring.

Responding to comments on your accounts doesn’t take all that long. Put the effort in, and reap the rewards.

Make Sharing Easy

One of the best ways to attract new followers to your accounts is by making your content as easy to share as possible. The easier your content is to share, the more people that will share it. The more people that share it, the more people that will see it, like it, and start following you.

Don’t force people to copy and paste your website URLs. Make sure that there are designated share buttons next to your online content, allowing it to be shared to all major social media platforms with ease.

Utilize Hashtags

As you probably already know, Twitter thrives on hashtags. Attaching popular hashtags to tweets is one of the best ways to get them seen by mass amounts of people.

If you can, try to work trending hashtags into your tweets. However, don’t do it unless you can absolutely tie said hashtags to your business in some way. Forcing hashtags into all of your tweets is a great way to annoy, and ultimately lose followers.

Also, make sure that you’re keeping hashtags to a minimum per tweet. A single tweet should contain no more than two hashtags. Using any more than this causes your tweets to look spammy.

Arrange Competitions

A fun way to draw in new followers is by arranging competitions on your different social media accounts. Make the competition something easy that’s not hard to get involved in.

For instance, you could enter each contestant into a drawing on the condition that he or she shares one of your posts. After a specified amount of time has passed, you can choose a random contestant, rewarding him or her with one of your products or services.

Doing this will reach a lot of people. Every time that someone shares your post, that person’s friends and followers will see it as well. This should cause the follows to come rolling in.

Check the Statistics

Digital marketing gurus such as Chris DeBlasio know that businesses who are successful on social media don’t just reach the top by sheer dumb luck. These businesses work hard to gain their followers, constantly adjusting their outreach campaigns to meet the desires of those on social media platforms.

What informs these adjustments? Statistics, of course.

Utilizing website and social media statistics, you can get a good feel for what does and what doesn’t work online. Over time, you can make variations to your content, optimizing it to attract as many people as possible.

Find More Business Information

As long as you abide by the tips discussed above, you should snag a bevy of additional social media followers. These methods are proven, having worked for thousands upon thousands of businesses throughout the world.

Are you on the search for more business-related information? If so, you can find it right here at UpGifs.com.

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The Ultimate Business Guide to Skyrocketing Social Media Followers

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viraltnteam · 5 years

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What Types of Insurance Plans Do Seniors Need? on upgifs

The golden years of retirement bring about much change in a person’s life, from more opportunities for relaxation to a changing insurance plan.

As you reach 65 years of age, it’s time to reassess your coverage options.

Most people are only able to save 12% of the recommended retirement savings. This makes it more important than ever to put a proper insurance plan in place. It will help to protect yourself, your assets, and your loved ones.

Let’s take a look at the types of insurance plans you’ll need to consider.

Medical Insurance

The costs of health insurance after retirement tend to increase. So it’s smart to have extra medical insurance coverage to protect your health.

The Affordable Care Act ensures that each person carries a type of medical insurance. The act also protects seniors with pre-existing health concerns. It does not allow them to get turned down by insurance companies.

A private medical insurance plan can help with doctor’s appointments to assisted living. Those recently retired from work may even qualify for insurance through their employer. An example of this is the COBRA program.

If private insurance is not an option, you can qualify for Medicare at the age of 65.

What You Need to Know About Medicare

For those who are no longer working or receiving private insurance, they may qualify for Medicare. It’s funded by the government, with over 49 million people in America relying on it. It’s important to note that Medicare covers much less than other forms of insurance after retirement.

When considering Medicare, you’ll want to apply as soon as eligible. Or you may be subject to a late fee. To avoid this, you’ll need to enroll 3 months prior or 3 months after your 65th birthday.

Medicare insurance for retirees offers different coverage, for doctors appointments, hospitalization, and prescriptions. You can also combine coverage for doctor and hospital visits.

Insurance companies also offer supplemental plans for health insurance. Medigap is an example and offers over 10 different levels of plan coverage. It can help with deductibles and co-payments that Medicare does not cover.

Medicaid is another option for those with lower incomes or disabilities. It can sometimes get combined with Medicare coverage as well.

Homeowner’s Insurance

This type of insurance is essential for protecting your property and your possessions.

Homeowners and renters should have some type of liability coverage plan in place. Here’s more on tips for selecting the right renter’s insurance policy.

Those who have many valuable possessions may want to add extra coverage to their policy. This includes expensive artwork, fine jewelry, and priceless family heirlooms.

Some people use their property to help pay for senior care. It works through home equity, selling the home, or applying for a reversed mortgage.

Bundling insurance plans with the same provider can save you more money. Seniors are able to combine life, medical, home, and auto insurance.

Car Insurance

This is a must for anyone who owns a motor vehicle. It protects seniors that drive from accidents and vehicle damage.

Expect big changes in costs of car insurance after retirement. Prices fluctuate a great deal from your 60’s into your 70’s.

Those who are 55 to 65 pay the lowest rates. A 60-year-old pays an average of 59% less for auto coverage than a 20-year-old. Then rates increase due to statistics in accidents for this age group.

Be sure to check with your car insurance company about discounts for seniors. Lowered rates also get offered for those who take driving safety courses. Drivers with low mileage records can also save more on auto insurance plans.

Many retirees also own an RV and should consider RV insurance. You’ll want extra coverage if the RV doubles as your home and holds all your personal belongings.

Long-Term Care Insurance

These plans can get expensive, as they cover assisted living, home care, or nursing home costs. It provides extra coverage needs that Medicare doesn’t meet.

Premiums have seen a dramatic increase in these types of insurance plans. This can make it unaffordable by the time the individual is ready to retire.

Short-term care policies are often recommended as an alternative. Most plans won’t provide coverage after a year. Yet this is a less expensive option for older seniors.

You can also create a savings account for your health plan. This is a great way to set aside money for health care without getting taxed on your savings.

Veterans benefits also apply to those who have disabilities from their time in the service. This type of disability insurance after age 65 can get used for long-term care. It can even help out family caregivers supporting senior veterans with disabilities.

Life Insurance

This type of insurance ensures that your family gets provided for in the event you pass on. It’s something to consider for helping the family cover loans, the mortgage, and high funeral costs. Life insurance also works to pass along an inheritance.

Some people choose to start their life insurance policy at a younger age, as they become more expensive after you retire.

Plans fall into three categories: term, permanent, and guaranteed universal.

Term policies are the most affordable but subject to fluctuating premiums. Yet they only account for a set amount of years. You’ll need to renew your plan once the term passes.

Permanent or whole policies consist of coverage for your full life. They cost more but guarantee your benefits.

Guaranteed universal policies will cover you until you reach a certain age. This insurance for retirees is often preferred as rates are more stable.

Some life insurance policies will also help with long-term care. Of all the types of insurance plans, look for those that help most to protect those with dependents like Lifenetinsurance.com. Expect rates to vary depending on your plan type, current health, and lifestyle activities.

Umbrella Insurance

You may way to consider umbrella insurance for extra liability coverage. It protects you from costs that fall outside of your standard insurance policies. These types of insurance plans can protect you and your assets in the event you get sued.

To qualify, you need to already have a homeowner or auto insurance policy in place. Most plans provide protection starting at around $1 million in coverage.

It’s a good idea to calculate your net worth when considering how much umbrella insurance you need. You’ll want to take into account your assets, current and potential income, and savings.

How to Choose the Best Types of Insurance Plans

As a senior, you want to select the best types of insurance plans for your budget and lifestyle. It’s key to shop around and do your research to find the best rates. You’ll want to reassess your current plans, and also ask about senior discounts.

It’s best to start saving early on. This will make insurance changes less stressful when you’re ready to retire. You may also want to consider a financial advisor to help you keep track of assets and the best ways to protect them.

Here’s more retirement planning advice on how to care for all the property and possessions you have worked your life for.

affordable life insurance

#Lifenetinsurance.com #life #insurance #seniors #baby #boomers #babyboomers #affordable #lifenet #solutions #quotes #policy #policies #company #low #cost #price #click #here #go #visit #us

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lifenetinsurance · 5 years

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What Types of Insurance Plans Do Seniors Need? on upgifs

The golden years of retirement bring about much change in a person’s life, from more opportunities for relaxation to a changing insurance plan.

As you reach 65 years of age, it’s time to reassess your coverage options.

Let’s take a look at the types of insurance plans you’ll need to consider.

Medical Insurance

The costs of health insurance after retirement tend to increase. So it’s smart to have extra medical insurance coverage to protect your health.

If private insurance is not an option, you can qualify for Medicare at the age of 65.

What You Need to Know About Medicare

When considering Medicare, you’ll want to apply as soon as eligible. Or you may be subject to a late fee. To avoid this, you’ll need to enroll 3 months prior or 3 months after your 65th birthday.

Medicare insurance for retirees offers different coverage, for doctors appointments, hospitalization, and prescriptions. You can also combine coverage for doctor and hospital visits.

Medicaid is another option for those with lower incomes or disabilities. It can sometimes get combined with Medicare coverage as well.

Homeowner’s Insurance

This type of insurance is essential for protecting your property and your possessions.

Homeowners and renters should have some type of liability coverage plan in place. Here’s more on tips for selecting the right renter’s insurance policy.

Those who have many valuable possessions may want to add extra coverage to their policy. This includes expensive artwork, fine jewelry, and priceless family heirlooms.

Some people use their property to help pay for senior care. It works through home equity, selling the home, or applying for a reversed mortgage.

Bundling insurance plans with the same provider can save you more money. Seniors are able to combine life, medical, home, and auto insurance.

Car Insurance

This is a must for anyone who owns a motor vehicle. It protects seniors that drive from accidents and vehicle damage.

Expect big changes in costs of car insurance after retirement. Prices fluctuate a great deal from your 60’s into your 70’s.

Those who are 55 to 65 pay the lowest rates. A 60-year-old pays an average of 59% less for auto coverage than a 20-year-old. Then rates increase due to statistics in accidents for this age group.

Many retirees also own an RV and should consider RV insurance. You’ll want extra coverage if the RV doubles as your home and holds all your personal belongings.

Long-Term Care Insurance

These plans can get expensive, as they cover assisted living, home care, or nursing home costs. It provides extra coverage needs that Medicare doesn’t meet.

Premiums have seen a dramatic increase in these types of insurance plans. This can make it unaffordable by the time the individual is ready to retire.

Short-term care policies are often recommended as an alternative. Most plans won’t provide coverage after a year. Yet this is a less expensive option for older seniors.

You can also create a savings account for your health plan. This is a great way to set aside money for health care without getting taxed on your savings.

Life Insurance

Some people choose to start their life insurance policy at a younger age, as they become more expensive after you retire.

Plans fall into three categories: term, permanent, and guaranteed universal.

Term policies are the most affordable but subject to fluctuating premiums. Yet they only account for a set amount of years. You’ll need to renew your plan once the term passes.

Permanent or whole policies consist of coverage for your full life. They cost more but guarantee your benefits.

Guaranteed universal policies will cover you until you reach a certain age. This insurance for retirees is often preferred as rates are more stable.

Umbrella Insurance

To qualify, you need to already have a homeowner or auto insurance policy in place. Most plans provide protection starting at around $1 million in coverage.

It’s a good idea to calculate your net worth when considering how much umbrella insurance you need. You’ll want to take into account your assets, current and potential income, and savings.

How to Choose the Best Types of Insurance Plans

Here’s more retirement planning advice on how to care for all the property and possessions you have worked your life for.

life insurance company