WEACinPrint April2011

April 2011

volume 3 | issue 5weac.org Bringing attention to attacks on workers Page 2

Leading the charge

sTAnding uniTed. FighTing bAck.

You are everyday heroes raising your voice for Wisconsin’s future.

WEAC in Print (ISSN#1531-6831)

is published by the Wisconsin Education

Association Council, an affiliate of the

National Education Association, as a service

to members of its affiliates. WEAC in Print is

published in September, October, November,

December, April and May. Copyrighted 2011

by WEAC, 33 Nob Hill Rd., PO Box 8003,

Madison, WI, 53708-8003, 608-276-7711 or

800-362-8034.

All materials in this periodical may be

reproduced by members for distribution to

students or by WEAC affiliate associations

for their own publications. WEAC dues

include $6.27 for a subscription to WEAC

In Print. Periodical postage paid at

Madison WI and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address corrections

to WEAC In Print, P.O. Box 8003,

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Mary Bell, PresidentBetsy Kippers, Vice PresidentDavid Harswick, Secretary-TreasurerDan Burkhalter, Executive DirectorKim Haas, Communications DirectorBill Hurley, EditorMatthew Call, Assistant EditorLaura DeVries, Graphic Design Specialist

Contributing writer: Bob Moeller e-mail: [email protected]

April 2011 | WEACinPrint2

As WEAC officers travelled the state to work with our members to respond to the attacks on public education, we have

been awed yet not surprised by the strength and solidarity of our members. In joining with you to stand up for our values, I have had a lot of conversations about the impact of this loss of meaningful collective bargaining and what it means for the future of our union.

In response, I offer the following observations:

There is no time to mourn our losses right now. We continue to fight in the state budget battle, representing our profession and public education. The budget repair bill that stripped away our rights was only step one in an agenda to undermine public schools through underfunding and privatization. Governor Walker’s biennial budget proposal will devastate Wisconsin’s public schools with a billion dollars in budget cuts. As educators, we know our schools cannot absorb further cuts – reductions in funding that the DPI has said would be the most severe cuts to public education since the Great Depression. With so much at stake, we can’t afford to sit back on the sidelines. The engagement we have seen in the defense of workers’ rights must continue as we explain to our fellow Wisconsinites the impact such cuts will have on our students, schools and communities.

Our union continues to support our members – this commitment remains unchanged. Many districts have contracts settled through this year, through 2012 or through 2013. With these contracts intact, members have their same rights for union representation. Efforts continue wherever possible to work with

districts to enable them to reach a settlement or extension that would ensure some stability in our schools and give members some basic protections while we sort through the state of chaos Governor Walker and the Republicans in the Legislature have created.

We’re partnering with other unions to broaden the base of Wisconsinites working together to oppose the governor’s power grab and extreme budget proposals. We need to realize that in the midst of the pain and anger that have come to us with the events of the last month, hundreds of thousands of people have become engaged in this debate to voice their support. There’s a movement building in our state over the kind of values we hold as Wisconsinites. Resolving these questions about specific policy and overall direction for our state will require community organizing, spirited yet informed debate and open forums for public input. We’ll be at hearings and town hall forums to discuss the impact

this budget will have, and sitting next to us will be the local firefighters, nurses, police, parents and other concerned citizens who have been united through a newly created We Are Wisconsin coalition.

We’re continuing to reach out to our own, WEAC members. It’s clear our union will evolve in

response to new legislation, but our commitment to advocate on behalf of our members and public education won’t change. In fact, we must seize this opportunity born of crisis to strengthen our union by deepening the engagement of our members in their own organization. Over the last few weeks, I have heard so many comments from members who said “I haven’t always been active in the union – but now I realize why it’s so important for me to be involved. We can’t allow this to happen to our profession.” I couldn’t agree more. Member engagement has been a priority of our organization – and it assumes additional importance as this work continues, because it is in the power of our collective voice that we will move forward. ■

Staying strong. Staying united.

From President Mary Bell

It’s clear our union will evolve in response to new legislation, but our commitment

to advocate on behalf of our members and public education won’t change.

weac.org | April 2011 3

The numbers grew in Madison, from a few thousand to more than a hundred thousand. On highway overpasses, on town squares,

at forum gatherings – all over Wisconsin the everyday heroes who fill classrooms and schools raised their voices. And those actions continue to oppose the unprecedented attacks on educators and continue to build solidarity with people across the state.

Educators are raising their voices because they know the state is traveling backward under Governor Scott Walker and most of the Republicans in the state Legislature. Raising your voice and sharing your story is crucial to countering the attacks on your profession.

Take it from WEAC President Mary Bell, who led the charge not only in fighting back against Walker’s attacks, but also in starting the discussion of what Walker’s agenda will do to schools and the state. The emotion Bell and other members put forth in front of rally crowds, to the media, in letters to the editor and to their neighbors, put a face on the devastating effects Walker is having on workers and their families.

“We deserve to be treated fairly,” Bell said. “The people of Wisconsin did not elect Governor Walker to undermine public education. But that’s exactly what this attack on worker rights does. He’s about to hurt really good people – kids and their families. His attacks on educators and the union that supports them directly harm the quality of our schools and the education that children receive. Taking away the union’s role in support of teachers will mean teachers no longer have a voice in issues like curriculum, school quality and class size.

“Governor Walker is taking aim at teachers and the teachers union, but in fact his direct hit is on children and schools,” Bell added.

Bell wasn’t the only Wisconsin educator sounding the alarm. Across the state teachers and support professionals were bringing attention to an agenda against workers and their say in their professions. Many members, such as Kim Hoffman, a middle school band director in Oconomowoc, raised their voices against attacks on education and those in the education profession. Hoffman, a 17-year veteran of the Wisconsin National Guard who joined the Army to pay for school, told people gathering at the state Capitol that Walker’s agenda “stands to take away” her dream of teaching.

“I will no longer be able to teach,” Hoffman said, adding that educators like her are discouraged that they have sacrificed to become a teacher “only to be told that my efforts are no longer worth rewarding.”

Those stories and that action played out across the state, with rallies, forums, pickets and other events to build solidarity and show the opposition to Walker’s agenda. And that work will continue.

Through more local events (listed at weac.org/activities), through the We Are Wisconsin coalition (see page 5 or wearewisconsin.org) and through your union, our collective strength will restore the rights of everyday heroes. ■

Make sure we have your home email for our e-newsletters and action drives. Update yours at weac.org/profile.

Educators raise their voices against attacks

To watch Mary Bell, Kim Hoffman and others share their stories, visit youtube.com/weacvideo.

WEAC President Mary Bell leads the charge in Madison.

Kim Hoffman shares her story at a rally in Madison.

Join the discussionTo keep up to date with

the latest news on the state budget and action to take back your rights – as well as the chance to be part of the discussion – follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

FacebookLike us on

Facebook at facebook.com/myweac to share your story and event details with members across the state. You can also find and share videos, pictures, news stories and more.

TwitterFor up-to-the-minute

coverage, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/weac. We share news tips, event details and links to articles and blog entries.

In our fight to counter the attacks on

worker rights, our social media outlets will be a key component to keep you connected to your colleagues across the state.

For more ways to interact with your union online, visit weac.org/multimedia. ■

‘The greatest cut to education since the Great Depression’

What does a billion dollars in cuts to education look like? You can see for yourself that what Governor Walker is

proposing for public schools will have severe, lasting effects. In fact, State Superintendent Tony Evers said that a recent economic expert’s analysis of Walker’s budget “exposes that public school children will suffer the greatest state cut to education since the Great Depression.”

Think about it: at a time when our state and national economies are beginning to show signs of growth the governor’s office is proposing to take resources away from programs used to get young people to college or started on their careers.

From establishing the nation’s first kindergarten, to extending the university system to the borders of the state, to a first-class technical college system, Wisconsin has tied its economic growth and future to education. But Governor Walker is moving in the wrong direction. By disinvesting in our future, he is harming the ability of our children to get jobs and succeed, and harming the ability of our state to compete in the global economy.

Here are just some of the impacts public education will see if Walker’s budget is successful:

Other impacts » Eliminates 180-day school year mandate (hour requirement

maintained). » Allows non-licensed individuals to teach in independent (2r)

charters. » Repeals the cap on virtual charter school open enrollment.

Cuts » $1.68 billion loss in allowable revenue to school districts

statewide over the two-year budget. Per-pupil revenue is dramatically reduced by 5.5 percent, generating an average loss of $551 per pupil. Kenosha, for instance, would lose nearly $19 million in year one of the budget and more than $25 million in the second year, adding up to about $44 million in reduced funding.

» $72 million cut to technical colleges. A 30 percent reduction in state aid for technical colleges is proposed, equaling a cut of more than $35 million per year.

» Repeals revenue control exemptions for nurses, school safety, transportation and security officers – meaning these essential costs will cut into educational programs.

» Repeals the guarantee that district revenues not go below prior year amount, lowering the floor for per-pupil expenditures.

» Eliminates aid for advanced placement classes and cuts aid for gifted and talented programs.

» Eliminates aid for at-risk children. » Eliminates grants to advance science, technology, engineering

and math (STEM).


State biennium budget

Visit weac.org/budget for information on local forums, hearings and more ways to let everyone know: The proposed state budget will devastate your schools and your communities.

By staying united through your union, WEAC members continue to be organized against the proposed state budget and its unprecedented cuts to

public education. And through the We Are Wisconsin coalition, groups across the state are gathering to oppose Governor Walker’s attacks on public schools and other services.

What you can do

Staying strong. Fighting back.

RECALL

Educators are outraged: Your rights have been taken away and you want

to know what you can do to respond. Did you know that recall efforts have started across the state for eight Senate Republicans who voted to strip away your rights?

Per state law, an elected official must be in office for at least a year before he or she can be subject to a recall action. These are the senators eligible for recall who voted, in a rushed meeting with virtually no public notice, to take away your voice on working conditions and professional benefits:

> Robert Cowles > Alberta Darling

> Glenn Grothman > Sheila Harsdorf > Randy Hopper > Dan Kapanke > Mary Lazich > Luther Olsen

All recall petitions for the eight Republican senators are due May 2. The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board has authority over petition legitimacy and election timelines. For more information on recall efforts, visit weac.org/recall.

This is an 11.29 communication with WEAC members. ■

Recall those who took away your rights

We Are WisconsinThe opposition to Governor

Scott Walker’s poor policy decisions for Wisconsin is growing, and a network is shaping to oppose his misguided direction for our state.

In mid-March, representatives from many groups came together in Madison to talk about how badly Walker’s budget proposal will hurt Wisconsin and to seek common ways to fight back.

The inaugural meeting of the We Are Wisconsin network included representatives from faith organizations, community advocates, health coalitions, environmental groups, parent organizations, labor and more.

WEAC President Mary Bell said We Are Wisconsin represents the solidarity of Wisconsinites who resist dismantling the traditions the state has built. WEAC is one of the groups standing with We Are Wisconsin.

“The people of Wisconsin stand united against Governor Walker’s attempts to erode the middle class and destroy the public services all of us depend on each day,” Bell said. “Governor Walker wanted to silence the voice of workers across the state and diminish the success of schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other public entities. But we won’t back down, and we will continue to fight for Wisconsin’s values.”

The historic outpouring of opposition to Walker’s attack on the rights of workers has mobilized the state and the nation. But Walker’s massive cuts to education, health care and state aid to communities have made it clear that individuals or single organizations acting on their own will not be enough to turn the tide.

More than 90 organizations sent 140 representatives to the meeting

at Madison’s Monona Terrace. Participants shared their interpretations of Walker’s proposal, detailing the impact Walker’s massive cuts will have on education, health care, environmental protection and other core Wisconsin concerns.

Organizers will work together to create a structure that builds on shared concerns and helps participants have a more effective voice in the budget battle and beyond. For more information and updates, go to wearewisconsin.org. ■

To learn more and get involved, visit wearewisconsin.org.


February 13, Marinette

February 14, Neenah

February 18, Sevastopol


Raising your voices

Hundreds of thousands of people mobilized across the state to demand Governor Scott Walker stop his attacks on workers. The movement has been inspiring, reaching to all corners of the state. And you were heard: polls show voters overwhelmingly disagree with Walker’s agenda and instead side with public workers. You raised your voice. You brought attention to Walker’s attacks. You made a difference.

March 7, Mount Horeb: Teacher John Mutschler takes part in a community forum

March 12, Madison

March 12, Madison: NEA President Dennis Van Roekel joins a rally and march.


Below are two amendments to the WEAC Constitution and Bylaws for

consideration by the 2011 Representative Assembly:

Constitution/Bylaw Amendments

Amendment #1: CONSTITUTION ARTICLE V, ALTERNATE NEA DIRECTOR - SECTION 5

SECTION 5 Vacancies

A vacancy in the position of alternate NEA Director may be filled only through the regular election procedure. The vacant Alternate NEA Director position shall be filled within sixty (60) days by a majority vote of the total membership of the Board of Directors.

Submitted by: President Mary Bell

Purpose/What It Does: Clarifies procedure to enable us to fill a vacancy in the alternate position.

Rationale: Allows Board of Directors to fill this vacancy like other officers.

Board Recommendation: Support

Vote Required: Two-thirds

Amendment #2: BYLAW 7 - COMMITTEES

7-1 Standing Committees

The Standing Committees are: Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules; Credentials and Elections; Education Support Professional; Exceptional Education; Human Relations Human and Civil Rights; Instructional and Professional Development; Legislative; Minority Affairs; Political Action; Public Relations; Resolutions; and Wisconsin Technical College System/Vocational, Technical and Adult Education.

Submitted by: President Mary Bell

Purpose/What It Does: Combines Human Relations and Minority Affairs standing committees into one Human and Civil Rights Committee.

Rationale: This important mission of this committee should not be divided, but unified to provide the strongest possible support in a challenging environment.

Board Recommendation: Support

Vote Required: Majority ■

Four officer seats are up for election at this year’s Representative Assembly. The

following is candidate information for each race, in their own words:

WEAC Secretary-Treasurer David Harswick

We live in unprecedented times. I’m running for re-election as WEAC Secretary-Treasurer because I’m passionate about saving public education and our union. I believe my experience uniquely qualifies me for the position. I’m a high school social studies teacher and for six years, served as president of the Green Bay Education Association (GBEA). As president and WEAC Secretary-Treasurer, I created budgets and educated members on complicated tax and audit implications. However, the position of Secretary-Treasurer is more than minutes and budgets. It’s about linking the financial end of the organization to our mission and vision and then connecting the dots for members.

We are in the fight of our lives. I’ve traveled to many parts of the state during the past months attending rallies, organizing members and most importantly, listening to members’ stories. Our members are hurting. We need to serve as counselors to and advocates for their rights and futures as we continue to move forward. It’s through relationship building, member organizing, member engagement, and utilizing our collective might and will, that we will prevail! As Secretary-Treasurer I will work tirelessly to keep our union alive and move WEAC members forward!

NEA Director, Seat #4 Ronald E. “Duff” Martin

I bring to this position leadership that works. I am a 20 year veteran teacher of social studies and am currently serving in my third year as president for ECAE. I am also on the WEAC Board of Directors, on the Budget & Finance Committee and on the WEA Academy Board. I am completing my 6th and final year on the NEA Resolutions Committee.

I’m an individual who advocates for change. Many issues that are important to our union are in play right now. It is a busy time, and we’re seeing and hearing things that make us a little uncomfortable and some that offer a glimmer of hope. Our union’s priorities include many reforms. Reform means change. Change is

not easy, the process to make change is many times uncomfortable, but doing the same isn’t an option. If we believe we are champions of a reform agenda, we can’t be afraid of change. We need to embrace it, if we want to help shape the future. I’m not afraid of the hard work that will come with this change!!

I believe my experiences as a leader will help bring about a positive change. My slogan is “CREATE CHANGE.”

NEA Director, Seat #5 Marie T. Knutson

I am seeking the position of NEA Director, seat 5, representing WEAC members on the national level. I have held numerous positions on the local, UniServ, state, and national levels and am currently serving as the Vice President of NUE and as an NEA Director ESP At-large.

As I write this I am returning home after the 13th day of the rallies opposing the Governor’s budget relief bill. I, like so many members have some fear, fear of the uncertainty of what the future will be for public education. But it is passion that is driving me to use my voice and leadership skills to stand up for what I believe is right. To stand united with others for the children and citizens of our state.

As we work together through these tough times, I believe my experience as an NEA Director At-large will be a valuable asset. I want to use my energy and focus on Wisconsin, ensuring the ESP, Higher Ed., PK –12 teachers, and our retired members are represented.

It would be my privilege to represent you and our organization. I believe I will be instrumental as we prevail through these difficult times becoming stronger than ever.

Alternate NEA Director Scott Ellingson

Despite these dire times, I have never been prouder to be a union member as I am now. The energy out of Madison due to Governor Walker’s budget and budget repair bill has revitalized our union like never before. The relationships and networks that I am building now at the local, UniServ, and state levels will only strengthen my ability to lead. Proven leadership, proven courage – that is what I will bring to the table as your next alternate NEA Director. Thank you for giving me the honor to help lead our organization in these critical times. ■


2011 Representative Assembly

The 2011 WEAC Representative Assembly will be held April 29-May 1 in Madison. Printed here is information on officer candidates and suggested Constitution/Bylaw changes. For Resolutions changes and more, visit weac.org/ra.

Delivering math in De Pere

(working collaboratively) + (Δ in teaching) = success

Mathematics is no longer synonymous with memorization. The emphasis today in De Pere School’s math curriculum is on problem-solving and

critical thinking. A new way of delivering math subjects, devised by the district’s math faculty, has been in play since the 2010-2011 school year began.

Approaches to subjects such as algebra and calculus have changed and so have the roles of the students and teachers. Brett Wetzel, a second-year high school math teacher, believes in these new teaching methods and the De Pere team that helped create them.

“Our challenge has been to develop a curriculum that capitalizes on students’ existing math skills and integrating that knowledge into all kinds of problem-solving situations,” explained Wetzel, a member of WEAC and the De Pere Education Association.

In Wetzel’s Algebra 1 class, students are expected to spend time outside of class pre-reading the material and performing activities suggested in each section.

“It took us all a few weeks to bring about changes in our classroom,” Wetzel said. “It’s interesting that young people do not necessarily embrace change. They were used to ‘sit and git’ models in the past. Now they have to work and perform in each class. That was daunting at first.” ■

To read more about Wetzel's math class in De Pere,

visit weac.org/classroom.

Brett Wetzel, a second-year high school math teacher, uses a new teaching method in his De Pere classes.


What you'll find on weac.org

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6, a time communities honor their local educators and acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in making sure every student receives a quality education. For more information on Teacher Appreciation Week, visit weac.org/taw. ■

celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

June 14: BrookfieldJune 16: BrookfieldJune 22: MenomonieJune 23: La CrosseJuly 12: RacineJuly 14: MosineeJuly 20: Appleton

July 21: KenoshaJuly 27: Fond du LacJuly 28: West BendAugust 3: SheboyganAugust 10: Green Bay August 11: Green BayAugust 17: Brookfield

WEAC Member Benefits Specialist Bob Moeller will be provid-ing personal financial planning appointments for members this sum-mer. To schedule an appointment, contact Diana Buchholz at 1-800-362-8034, extension 253. ■

sign up for summer financial sessions

Appointments also available all summer in Madison

O U R P A R T N E R S


Should I retire early?

The state budget repair bill and other recent legislative actions have many

members asking, “should I retire early?” Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. According to Michelle Slawny, Sr. Financial Planner, CFP® for WEA Trust Member Benefits, “Every situation is different. There is much to consider, including the district contract, the member’s life situation, how much the member has saved on their own, years of service, etc.” Additionally, there are non-monetary considerations that each member will need to weigh into their decision.

Michelle provides financial planning services for members. She has completed more than 400 retirement income analyses over the last three years. “Emotions are running high right now. Members are very concerned about their future, but it’s never a good idea to make important decisions based on emotions.” She advises members to take a deep breath and slow down.

“Make sure you are getting accurate information and make sure you understand what retiring even a year early will mean to your finances for the rest of your life.”

Here are six ways an early retirement may affect your financial future. Retiring early can mean:

•A decrease in your Wisconsin Retirement System pension benefit each year, every year for the rest of your life. Result: Reduces retirement income.

•A decrease in your Social Security payment for your lifetime. Result: Reduces retirement income.

•You won’t be able to contribute to your 403(b) account. Result: Reduces retirement income.

•You won’t be able to contribute to an IRA unless you have earned income from a job. Result: Reduces retirement income.

•An increase in the number of years you need to cover regular expenses with your retirement savings. Result: Increases the cost of your retirement.

•An increase in the number of years you may need to pay for health insurance premiums before reaching Medicare age. Result: Increases the cost of your retirement.

Of course there are other considerations. Many members close to retirement are tempted by a health insurance benefits or cash incentive. In general, Michelle has found that these incentives being offered to members can be of less value than the additional year(s) of service that will increase your WRS pension benefit over your lifetime.

This is not to say you should not retire. For some members, retiring now may be a good choice, especially if they have concerns that budget cuts may result in a layoff or job loss.

The important thing is to make sure you get accurate information and look at the whole picture. You may want to consider getting professional, unbiased guidance as you decide what is best for you.

WEA Trust Member Benefits offers two fee-based services to help retirement planning for Wisconsin public school employees – the retirement income projection and the retirement income analysis. For descriptions of each go to weabenefits.com/fps or call 1-800-279-4030, press 1 then 4 at the prompt and extension 6730 or 2753.

Go to our Retirement Resources page at weabenefits.com/resource to find links to useful articles, videos, calculators, and seminars relevant to this topic.

All investment advisory services are offered through WEA Financial Advisors, Inc. ■

Wea trust proves its value with top survey scores

A recent independent national survey shows there is a difference between the WEA Trust and other health plans. For the third year in a row, the Trust earned the top score in Wisconsin for health plan rating and the top scores for customer service and claims processing in the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems, or CAHPS.

“We value customer service and put our members’ health and well-being first,” says WEA Trust President Mark Moody. “Public school employees can focus on education and not waste time with customer service problems or claims hassles.”

For more information on the Trust’s scores and how they compare with other insurers, visit weatrust.com/cahps. ■

StrongDependable Competitive

We are proud to serve you.800.279.4000

Financial Planning Services. For every stage of your life.

All investment advisory services are offered through WEA Financial Advisors, Inc.

Now scheduling appointments for summer.

Call 1-800-279-4030, Ext. 2753

It seems like whenever I make a purchase the store wants to offer some kind of

product insurance. There are a lot of insurance products that are usually not beneficial. Some samples:

Mortgage insurance Pays off your mortgage if you die. Frequently sold by the bank giving you the mortgage. Pays the bank, not your heirs. It is overpriced term insurance. Just buy plain term if you feel you need this type of insurance.

Private mortgage insurance Usually required if you put down less than 20% of the home’s value. You want to pay the mortgage down as quickly as possible to a level low enough to cancel this insurance requirement.

Flight insurance You already probably have life insurance. This is unnecessary.

Accidental death insurance Often difficult to collect on. Unless you are regularly engaged in activities that might result in serious injury or death, don’t buy. It is frequently inexpensive but that is because there are rarely instances that cost the insurance company money. I normally wouldn’t recommend the NEA $19-a-year policy.

Credit card payment insurance You are buying protection in case you can’t pay. Yes, they will check your credit history before setting their price. Far better to just not run up high balances. You’ll save both the insurance cost and the interest costs.

Credit card loss insurance By law, your liability for unauthorized use of a lost or stolen

credit card is limited to $50, and most cards don’t even charge that to you. Debit cards are another matter. I personally would not use debit cards because you do have much more liability.

Life insurance for children I see lots of members who have an insurance policy purchased by their relatives or parents when they were 1 year old. While seemingly inexpensive, that is only because the chance of death is very small. Further, the “inexpensive” cost is actually far out of line for the amount of insurance being purchased. If the child is in good health, don’t buy this stuff. Start a college fund like Ed Vest instead.

Flood insurance Unless you are in a floodplain, don’t buy it.

Extended warranties It may make you feel better to buy an extended warranty on an expensive computer or appliance, but usually you won’t have occasion to collect on it. Buying extended warranties on less expensive items is generally a waste of money. Self-insure them.

Rental car insurance This area can be tricky. First, check out what your own car insurance covers. Next, see if any of your credit cards insure for you. Platinum cards frequently do if you use one to rent the car.

Individual disease insurance I once spent two hours in a meeting listening to a salesperson from AFLAC (the company with the loud quacking duck you see on TV ads all the time). He was trying to convince me that WEAC should

Don't make these insurance mistakes

sponsor his company selling cancer insurance. The company has had great success (and huge profits, stock up about 300% since the 2008 crash) selling to the Japanese population. The chances of collecting are fairly remote. You probably already have health insurance coverage. I didn’t buy the sales pitch but I should have bought the stock. Don’t waste your money on individual disease insurance.

Auto collision insurance My wife drives a 1999 auto. It’s probably worth $3,000 or so and it runs great. About two years ago I realized I should just self-insure any damage to this car. It resulted in a nice reduction in my total auto insurance premium.

And the wedding present possibility…

Divorce insurance Divorce is prevalent in the U.S. So, naturally, an insurance company has developed divorce insurance. Anyone can buy it, but only a spouse can collect. Sorry, mothers-in-law, you can buy it for a gift for one or both of the spouses, but only they can collect. For $15.99 per month, you can buy one unit of $1,250 coverage. Maximum purchase is $1,250,000 for $15,990 per month. You cannot collect until four years of marriage is completed after purchase. If you divorce before four years, you just get your money back less premium taxes (but only if you buy an extra cost rider). After four years, your coverage increases $250 per year but the premiums don’t increase. Before buying, make sure you check the “Divorce Probability Calculator.” Read more at wedlockdivorceinsurance.com. My advice? Have a good pre-nuptial agreement. (Which in itself will be the subject of a future post on my blog, weac.org/dollars.)

Many insurance policies are sold by striking fear in the buyers. If you regularly buy these types of insurances it can get expensive.

This article is for informational purposes. ■

Leave a comment at theDollars & Sense

blog at weac.org/dollars.


By Bob Moeller – WEAC Member [email protected]

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The amazing display of supporT for public employees shows wisconsiniTes are deTermined To have Their voices heard.

wisconsin’s educaTors will conTinue moving forward To voice supporT for our sTudenTs, schools and communiTies.

our quesT To mainTain wisconsin’s TradiTion of qualiTy public educaTion is sTronger Than ever.

we will noT lower our voices – because The sTakes are Too high for The fuTure of wisconsin.

Documents

WEACinPrint April2011