US$28.5MILLION BUSINESS PROPOSAL

It is my profound intention to make this mutually benefiting but
confidential business proposal to you. My name is Engr. Philip Ezoma the
Contract Award Committee Chairman in the Nigerian National Petroleum
Cooperation (NNPC). I know that this proposal may come to you as a
surprise, but I would like to appeal for your co-operation to enable us
secure an approval for a total sum of US$28.5Million being the over
invoiced contract amount for a wire transfer to your nominated bank
account.
Early last year there was a major oil spillage in the Niger Delta Region
of Nigeria which rendered over 70% of the communities homeless. So the
federal government decided to lease the three existing petroleum
refineries to private individuals and companies to make the refineries
more viable, resourceful and to eliminate undue wastage and fraud. So
contracts were awarded to a foreign firm for the repair and construction
of new refineries, but because of the huge monetary profit we envisaged we
decided to over-invoice the contract sum. The real contract value was
US$91.5Million, but it was over estimated to the tune of US$120Million.
Now the contract has been completed and the original contractor has since
been paid, but the contract balance of US$28.5Million, which resulted from
the over invoiced contract sum is been left in a suspense account with the
CENTRAL BANK corresponding paying bank in Europe.
I have been assigned by my other colleagues to seek for assistance of a
reliable foreigner through whom we can transfer this sum of US$28.5Million
which arose from the deliberate over-inflated contract value. It does not
matter whether you or your company does contract project of the nature
described here, but the assumption is that you won a major contract and
subcontracted it to another company, more often non big trading companies
or individuals of unrelated field win major contracts here and
subcontracts same to more specialized firms for execution. So the nature
of your business is not particularly relevant for the success of this
transaction. All we require is your willingness as a foreigner to
co-operate with us and assurance that our own share will be given to us
when this money is transferred into your account. Then we shall use our
position to secure all the government approvals in your favor to enable
the transfer to your nominated bank account.
We have agreed that you will be entitled to 25% of the entire funds, 70%
will be for us, while 5% will be set aside to cover any unforeseen
expenses that may be incurred by both parties during this transaction,
both local and international.
Please I enjoin you to handle this transaction with utmost degree of
maturity and confidentiality because I am still in active government
service with the NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION. All necessary
precautions have been taken to ensure a no risk situation on the sides of
both parties and it is believed that the conclusion of this transaction
will not last more than 8 working days, since the money is already in
transit account with the corresponding paying bank in Europe. However, we
are going to retrieve the whole documents that will relate to this
transaction after the transfer of the money into your account to avoid any
trace of the money.
I will call you when I receive your direct telephone number to discuss
this more with you and also send you all the details immediately as I
receive your reply.
Please treat as very confidential matter.
Much Regards,
Engr. Philip Ezoma
Reply me only to: nnpc.contractaward@ibibo.com

Cancer History Is Insurable

If you are looking for an answer to the question "is cancer history insurable" in regards to Life insurance, you've found the right article.  Although many people who are enduring chemotherapy or radiation treatment at present are not presently insurable, they may be in the future.  Those of us (yes, I'm a survivor) who have seen the days of cancer treatment come and go in their lives have a great chance at qualifying for a life insurance policy.  There are three points of importance that would be reviewed when a life insurance company underwriter makes the decision to take you on as a risk: level or stage of cancer, type of cancer, time since remission.

The stage of cancer basically refers to the invasiveness or malignancy level of the cancer.  Did it spread or was it contained to one area?  If it was skin cancer, how deep into the skin did it reach?  Many cancers, even the most severe such as lung cancer or brain cancer are insurable depending upon the stage and the severity.  If caught early, not only is there a higher survival rate, but also a higher chance of qualifying for a life insurance policy.

The type of cancer is very important as well.  Basal cell carcinoma, for instance, is a very mild issue where life insurance underwriters are concerned.  Alternately, something like prostate cancer would be insurable, but with a more indepth probe into the medical history of the survivor.

Any cancer that is being treated currently is a "postpone" where regular life insurance is concerned (life insurance that is underwritten).  My cancer was over 30 years ago and was a "non hodgkins lymphoma".  Even though my chances of survival back then were 1 in 5, at this point in time I am a "preferred" risk.  Generally, the amount of time since remission should be about 2 years or so - enough time for the underwriters at whatever company you apply to evaluate whether your condition presents a risk.  Before the 2 year mark with most cancers is a "postpone".

No matter what your cancer, when you had it, or what the level of it was, it is an issue that should be evaluated by a professional LIFE insurance agent who has connections with various underwriters.  Some companies might make an offer where other companies would not make an offer.  In that regard, it is well worth it to look into your various options, shop around, or have a professional broker shop around for you.

By: Ashley Brooks, CLTC
Life Insurance, Columbia S.C.

The future of Term Life Insurance

The writing is on the wall.  The future of Term Life Insurance is becoming more and more clear.  With the reincarnation of a hybrid term/universal life product (by Genworth Life Insurance Division), and the eventual phasing out of their traditional non cash value term, we see the culmination of the events of the past several years.

As I was sifting through the blizzard of daily bulletins that come at me from a myriad of life insurance carriers throughout the week, one in particular caught my eye - Genworth announcing new term/ul hybrid product.  As I read on, the announcement goes on to say that they will be phasing out their regular term product as each State approves the new hybrid product.  I found this shocking almost, but a welcome change.

Term Life Insurance has become a price battle.  As soon as one company lowers its rate, other companies who compete for the same market segment are sure to follow.  Prices had been driven down to rock bottom lows.  When prices of a product are driven down too low, the product ceases to be an attractive investment for both the company and the agents who work to educate the clients about the product.  The policyholder who purchases a regular term policy while they exist will enjoy a product that is becoming extinct.

The news of this shift is not bad news in the least.  As a matter of fact it is a welcome change as, in my opinion, policies that build some cash value are of much greater benefit to the policyholder.

So what lies ahead for Term?  I think that many companies will hold on to their straight term product for a while, then follow suit as they slowly determine that regular term is not as profitable in the long run for anyone involved.

As soon as the product launches in South Carolina, I'll be glad to give you a quote on this exciting new product.  For more information about me, visit my website, AshleyBrooks.com

What is Universal Life Insurance?

Universal Life Insurance or "UL" offers much more flexibility than whole life insurance or term. With Flexible Premium Universal Life Insurance, after your initial payment, you can pay premiums at any time, in almost any amount as long as the premium meets your policy specific minimum requirements and is not in excess of the MEC Limit (Modified Endowment Contract). Most new UL policies have an extended guarantee which basically means that it will cover your life, guaranteed, for as long as you live. UL is more expensive than term LIfe insurance in the short run, but less expensive in the long run. Universal life is like a savings account in many ways; often guaranteeing interest on the money you put in with a projection of what interest you could get. Universal Life builds cash value on two levels: on a guaranteed basis as well as a current interest rate basis whereby the current interest rate assumptions are illustrated when you buy the policy. With UL or any Life Insurance Policy, ask yourself why you are getting the coverage. If you are getting life insurance for IF you die, a term policy might be best suited for you. If you are looking at getting life insurance for WHEN you die at some point in the distant future, you should look at a Universal Life or Whole Life Policy.  If you currently have a term policy and eventually want a permanent policy, your term life insurance may be convertible to permanent with no new underwriting requirements.  I personally would not recommend a "variable" life policy - you know the pitfalls of the stock market in this point in time. I advocate and sell guarantees, not "what if scenarios".

For more great tips on current life insurance topics or to get a free Universal Life Insurance Quote, visit my website, AshleyBrooks.com

How Much Does AIG Really Owe the Government?

See this communication from Mary Jane Fortin, President & CEO of American General Life Companies for clarification on the assistance AIG has received from the government.

Launching - Ashley Brooks Blogger Blog

This is the first post on the Ashley Brooks Blogger Blog. I'm tying together all of the elements: Facebook, Blogger, RSS, Twitter, and more. Stay Tuned for some really cool tips on social networking...it'll be worth it!