Category: Retirement

Overspending in the first few years of retirement can leave seniors struggling to meet even the most fundamental necessities later in life. Take a look at some of the top costs that seniors struggle with…

Construction of a Large Residence

If you’ve always lived in larger houses, you may assume retirement is the perfect time to buy the biggest one yet. That’s the worst time to do it. Your children are likely grown and gone, leaving you and your spouse to care for a large property. Taxes, energy expenses, and maintenance will all rise. When you lose your major source of income, you shouldn’t drastically adjust your outgoing expenses.

Major Adventures Abroad

Many retirees in the United States want to take advantage of their free time by seeing the world. However, your future financial security may be jeopardized if you spend a large portion of your retirement savings on a trip around the world. That cash will be lost forever, and you may never see any of the investment returns that may have been earned on it over the next thirty years or more. It’s perfectly alright to take a trip once you retire, but you shouldn’t get carried away and spend five or ten years’ worth of your savings on a single excursion.

Presents of Extravagance for Peers and Colleagues

Generous retirees may utilize their newfound cash to gift friends and co-workers. Appreciation gifts are always wonderful, but it’s important to combine generosity with financial security. If you retire with $1 million, you could buy your family trips or new cars. At tens of thousands every shot, a million dollars won’t go far in retirement, especially if you expect to enjoy your senior years for 30 years or more. Donating is wonderful, but don’t go overboard.

Early Presents Given to Children

Early gifts to children can be important in inheritance planning, but you may regret excessively supporting your older children. You might be depriving them of financial independence, and you may need that money in your old age.

Luxury Automobiles

The retiree “earned” the money and “deserves” a nice car. Expect to have more spare cash after retirement, but watch your spending. Luxury car maintenance isn’t a one-time expense. Luxury automobiles require premium gasoline, which raises maintenance and insurance costs. Most luxury cars depreciate soon after purchase. Consider all of these criteria when determining if buying a premium vehicle would lower your standard of living.

Retail Therapy in Front of the Computer or the TV

Retirement wishes often include more free time. Being fiscally irresponsible may make free time expensive. If you’re prone to late-night TV advertisements for “only available on TV” items or if you spend a lot of time on the web perusing shopping sites like Amazon, you may spend more money as a retiree. Boredom-driven impulsive buys are typically regrettable and needless. In retirement, your income won’t be as predictable as it was while you worked.

Additional Coverage

As a retiree, you should make sure you have adequate insurance. However, spending too much on insurance coverage that isn’t required might be a waste of money. Consider the case of life insurance. Life insurance is something most working individuals get to make sure their families are taken care of in case the main earner in the family dies unexpectedly. However, by the time you reach retirement age, your children may have graduated from college and moved away. You probably won’t need the $1 million or more insurance that younger employees typically take out, but you might want to carry a small policy to support your spouse in the event of your passing.

An Overseas Retreat

After retiring, many people look back on their decision to purchase a vacation home with regret. To begin with, you will increase your costs while simultaneously diminishing your primary source of finance. It is important to include mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance costs in retirement budgets. As a result of the increased flexibility in your schedule, it is possible that you may not spend as much time as you had planned at your holiday property.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].

For a long time, age 65 has been considered the ideal retirement age. According to a Gallup survey, the average age at which non-retired Americans anticipate entering retirement is widening. A full 25% of respondents questioned intend to retire at age 65, while 39% believe they will retire beyond the so-called magic retirement age.

Not Enough Savings

It’s a common misconception that if you put money away in an IRA or 401(k), you’ll be able to retire comfortably. Despite our best efforts, certain things just can’t be avoided. You may believe you’ve contributed enough to your 401(k) to obtain the business match, but that’s not always the case.

No Savings

About one-third of Americans have no retirement savings, and more than half have less than $10,000 in the bank.

Start Immediately

If you find a place in your budget to save a few dollars each week or month, do so. Don’t forget to keep whatever money you get as a raise or bonus. As time goes on, you’ll be able to build your nest egg.

65 – Not the Full Retirement Age

We’re living longer, which means we can receive Social Security benefits for longer. Anyone born after 1937 must wait until age 65 to get their total retirement income from the Social Security Administration.

You Don’t Want Your Money to Slip Away

At age 62, you may begin receiving Social Security benefits, but the monthly benefit amount will be reduced. You’ll earn your entire pension if you wait until retirement age. If you start at age 70, you may expect an additional 8% yearly, depending on your birth year.

You Have No Idea How Much You’ll Use

Knowing precisely how much money you’ll need in retirement is impossible since no one has a crystal ball. Despite this, it is still a good idea to estimate. Knowing how much money you’ll need to retire will be much easier if you speak with a professional financial counselor.

Didn’t Save Early Enough

Retirement feels like a long time away when you start your first career. Contributing to your retirement plan might be put off for various reasons. All these things require money, so most people don’t have much left over after getting married, buying a home, and having a few kids. There are several advantages to starting early. Once you get into the habit of saving, you will no longer consider it a chore. Compound interest also works in your favor, increasing the value of your investments over time.

Social Security Benefits – Cashed Early

Security retirement benefits could be taken when you are age 65, which many individuals do, even though you’ll earn 30% less at the time of your full retirement age if you claim at the age of 62 if you were born after 1959.

Delaying until you’re 70 years old is preferable. In addition to any cost-of-living adjustments, you’ll get the same amount as when you initially filed your claim. Overall, claiming early will result in a lower monthly benefit for the rest of your life.

401(k) Cashed

Suppose you withdraw money from an IRA, 401(k), or another qualifying retirement plan before age 59 1/2. In that case, your retirement savings will be significantly reduced. Taxes and a 10% penalty are almost certainly due to the money you receive unless you utilize it for certain qualified costs.

Additionally, you’ll have to pay more taxes and penalties, making it even more challenging to accomplish your objectives. Don’t touch your retirement funds until you’ve reached retirement age.

No One to Spend Time With

If your spouse dies before you retire, postponing your retirement may seem more enticing for various reasons. It is difficult and coming to work every day may be just what you need.

The two Social Security payments that would have been yours had you been married when you first started receiving them will be reduced to just one. There will be only one gain for you, even if it is the greater of the two: yours or your spouse’s.

Men and women now have an average life expectancy of 84.3 years and 86.6 years, respectively, when they reach the age of 65. Many individuals will miss the stimulus and socializing of working after they retire. (this ending feels incomplete)

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].

Key Takeaways:

1. Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance offers both death benefits and potential cash value growth tied to market indices, appealing to those seeking a blend of security and investment.
2. Top IUL companies are renowned for customer satisfaction due to their competitive rates, robust policy options, and excellent customer service.

Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance is a popular choice for individuals looking to combine life insurance coverage with the potential for cash value growth linked to market indices. Choosing the right IUL company is crucial for ensuring satisfaction with policy performance, customer service, and overall value. This article explores some of the best IUL companies renowned for their high levels of customer satisfaction.

Nationwide

Nationwide stands out as a top IUL company due to its strong customer service and comprehensive policy options. Policyholders appreciate the company’s transparent communication and the variety of riders available to customize their coverage. Nationwide’s IUL policies offer flexible premium payments and the ability to access cash value, which can be a significant benefit for those seeking financial flexibility. Additionally, the company’s long-standing reputation and financial stability provide policyholders with confidence in their investment.

One key feature of Nationwide’s IUL policies is the option to choose between different index crediting strategies, which can enhance the growth potential of the policy’s cash value. This flexibility allows policyholders to tailor their investment approach based on their risk tolerance and financial goals. Furthermore, Nationwide’s commitment to customer service is reflected in its user-friendly online platform, which provides easy access to policy information and management tools.

Prudential

Prudential is another leading IUL provider, recognized for its customer-focused approach. The company’s IUL policies are designed to offer both protection and growth potential, appealing to a wide range of clients. Prudential’s robust online tools and resources help customers manage their policies effectively, contributing to high levels of satisfaction. Moreover, the company’s competitive interest crediting strategies enhance the potential for cash value accumulation, making it a preferred choice for those looking to maximize their investment.

Prudential’s IUL policies also feature a variety of living benefits, such as critical illness and chronic illness riders, which provide additional financial support in times of need. This comprehensive approach to coverage ensures that policyholders are protected against a wide range of risks, contributing to overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, Prudential’s strong financial ratings and reputation for reliability make it a trusted choice for long-term financial planning.

Pacific Life

Pacific Life is highly regarded for its commitment to policyholder education and satisfaction. The company offers a variety of IUL products tailored to different financial goals and risk tolerances. Customers appreciate Pacific Life’s proactive customer service and the availability of personalized financial advice. The company’s IUL policies also feature competitive cap rates and participation rates, which can significantly boost cash value growth. Pacific Life’s emphasis on transparency and customer education ensures that policyholders fully understand their coverage and benefits.

A standout feature of Pacific Life’s IUL policies is the no-lapse guarantee, which ensures that the policy remains in force even if the cash value is insufficient to cover the cost of insurance. This feature provides policyholders with peace of mind, knowing that their coverage will not lapse unexpectedly. Moreover, Pacific Life’s strong financial stability and history of reliable performance make it a trusted partner for long-term financial planning.

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group is known for its innovative IUL products and strong customer service. The company’s policies offer a range of features, including multiple index options and the potential for tax-advantaged cash value growth. Lincoln Financial’s commitment to technological advancements provides customers with easy access to policy information and management tools, enhancing overall satisfaction. Additionally, the company’s strong financial ratings and history of reliable performance make it a trusted choice for those seeking long-term security and growth.

Lincoln Financial’s IUL policies also offer a variety of living benefits, such as accelerated death benefits and long-term care riders, which provide additional financial protection in case of illness or injury. This comprehensive approach to coverage ensures that policyholders are well-protected against a wide range of risks. Furthermore, Lincoln Financial’s user-friendly online platform and mobile app make it easy for policyholders to manage their coverage and access important information on the go.

John Hancock

John Hancock’s IUL offerings are designed to provide both protection and growth, catering to a diverse clientele. The company’s customer-centric approach is evident in its flexible policy options and responsive service. John Hancock’s IUL policies come with a variety of riders, allowing customers to tailor their coverage to meet specific needs. The company’s emphasis on wellness and healthy living, through its Vitality program, also sets it apart, offering additional benefits and rewards to policyholders who maintain a healthy lifestyle. This unique approach contributes to high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The Vitality program offers policyholders the opportunity to earn discounts on their premiums and receive rewards for engaging in healthy activities, such as exercising regularly and getting annual health check-ups. This focus on wellness not only encourages a healthier lifestyle but also helps to reduce the overall cost of insurance. Additionally, John Hancock’s strong financial ratings and reputation for reliability make it a trusted choice for long-term financial planning.

Allianz Life

Allianz Life is a leading IUL provider, known for its robust policy features and customer satisfaction. The company’s IUL policies are designed to offer strong cash value growth potential, with various index options and competitive cap rates. Allianz’s commitment to customer service is reflected in its comprehensive support and educational resources, helping policyholders make informed decisions. The company’s financial strength and innovative product design make it a popular choice for those looking to balance protection and growth.

Allianz’s IUL policies also feature a variety of living benefits, such as terminal illness and critical illness riders, which provide additional financial support in times of need. This comprehensive approach to coverage ensures that policyholders are well-protected against a wide range of risks. Furthermore, Allianz’s user-friendly online platform and mobile app make it easy for policyholders to manage their coverage and access important information on the go.

Transamerica

Transamerica is a well-regarded IUL provider, recognized for its customer service and policy flexibility. The company’s IUL policies offer a range of features, including index options and the ability to adjust premium payments and death benefits. Transamerica’s focus on customer education and support ensures that policyholders understand their options and can make the best choices for their financial future. The company’s strong financial ratings and long history in the insurance industry provide policyholders with confidence in their investment.

Transamerica’s IUL policies also offer a variety of living benefits, such as accelerated death benefits and long-term care riders, which provide additional financial protection in case of illness or injury. This comprehensive approach to coverage ensures that policyholders are well-protected against a wide range of risks. Additionally, Transamerica’s user-friendly online platform and mobile app make it easy for policyholders to manage their coverage and access important information on the go.

Securian Financial

Securian Financial is known for its strong customer service and innovative IUL products. The company offers a variety of IUL policies designed to meet different financial goals and risk preferences. Securian’s commitment to policyholder education and transparency is evident in its comprehensive resources and support. The company’s IUL policies feature competitive interest crediting strategies and flexible options, making it a preferred choice for those seeking growth and protection. Securian’s financial strength and stability further enhance customer confidence and satisfaction.

Securian Financial’s IUL policies also offer a variety of living benefits, such as terminal illness and critical illness riders, which provide additional financial support in times of need. This comprehensive approach to coverage ensures that policyholders are well-protected against a wide range of risks. Additionally, Securian’s user-friendly online platform and mobile app make it easy for policyholders to manage their coverage and access important information on the go.

Top Choices for Customer Satisfaction

Choosing the best IUL company for customer satisfaction involves considering various factors, including policy options, customer service, and financial stability. Companies like Nationwide, Prudential, Pacific Life, Lincoln Financial Group, John Hancock, Allianz Life, Transamerica, and Securian Financial are renowned for their commitment to customer satisfaction and robust IUL offerings. By evaluating these companies’ strengths and features, individuals can make informed decisions to secure their financial future and maximize the benefits of their IUL policies.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].

Some government workers appear to assume there’s a time for retirement. You should and can start getting ready to retire well ahead of it.

We’ll keep this simple. Whenever you can retire willingly, look into how payments are determined and how inflationary adjustments operate. Since 9/10 of people are under the FERS, it makes sense to begin there.

First, we study retirement on an immediate annuity under early or standard retirement criteria, then at scenarios where payments wouldn’t start soon. Next, we will examine the more intricate components of retirement service time, and credits for active military participation, before finishing with survivor payments.

It’s great if you’re acquainted with this fact. The moment to learn is now.

FERS Eligibility for Retirement

Years of reputable service and age determine eligibility for an instant unreduced annuity. FERS permutations include:

• Age 62 with 5 years of service

• Age 60 with 20 years of service 

• At your MRA with 30 years of service 

The MRA is between 55 to 57 years, depending on your birth year.

Years	MRA
Before 1948	55
1948	55 and two months
1949	55 and four months
1950	55 and six months
1951	55 and eight months
1952	55 and ten months
1953-1964	56
1965	56 and two months
1966	56 and four months
1967	56 and six months
1968	56 and eight months
1969	56 and ten months
1970 and beyond	57

Retirement at MRAs is possible with a minimum of 10 but less than 35 years of service. Still, annuities will be lowered by 5% per year if you’re under age 62. Postponing annuities might eliminate or decrease the penalty. Quitting the government and opting for the private market stands to reason.

It is possible to retire on instant unreduced annuities at 50 with 20 years of service or at any time with 25 years of service if your organization is undertaking a function transfer, reorganization, or reduction-in-force.

FERS Standard Retirement Formula

The annuity formula is straightforward:

0.01 × with your top 3 consecutive years of base payment (“high-3”) × creditable service years, with whole months past the final year awarded proportionally.

For individuals aged 62 with 20 years of service, the calculation is:

0.01 multiplied by “high-3” multiplied by creditable service years, with whole months beyond the final year credited proportionally.

Excess time won’t be counted in the service years until you’re ready for retirement.

The high-3 is the mean of your top 3 base pay years, balanced by the duration of service. This 3-year span begins and concludes on high-paying days. You’ll earn the most in the 36 months (78 pay times) before retirement if you are a government worker.

FERS Retirement Calculation Special Categorization

Law enforcement agents and firefighters have distinct regulations from other government workers. You could retire:

• At age 50 with 20 years of covered service 

• At any particular age with 25 service years

An upgraded formula to calculate the annuity: 20 years × high-3 × 0.17 + 0.01 × any extra years and full-service months.

FERS Special Retirement Supplement (SRS)

The SRS is a supplement to your Social Security income while working for FERS. It’ll stay the same until you reach the age of 62, when you’d be qualified for a typical Social Security income. You have the option of applying for Social Security benefits during this period. Please note that your SRS would be lowered or terminated if you earn more than the Social Security limit.

NB: If your retirement is due before attaining your MRA as an employee in a particular class, you will not be subjected to Social Security payment restrictions until you meet your MRA. To put it differently, you have unlimited earning potential throughout that period.

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are distributed to:

• Retirees who are 62 years old or beyond;

• Officials of the law, air traffic controllers, and firefighters;

• Retirees with disabilities;

• Military reserve specialists over age 50 with 25 years of service and discharged from the military for health concerns;

• Special CIA personnel.

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are provided for people retiring from required retirement jobs, such as police officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers. Regardless of whether the individual stayed at the job up to the necessary age of retirement or retired before.

If you retired before turning 62, your annuity would be enhanced by the entire FERS cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) remitted in the following year’s January, irrespective of the month you reach 62.

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for CSRS and FERS aren’t often identical. The latter will be similar to the amount paid to CSRS pensioners if the yearly rate rises by less than 2%. It’ll grow by not over 2% if it rises by 2-3%. And if it increases by 3% or above, it’ll be equivalent to the CSRS rise minus 1%.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].

Key Takeaways:

1. Financial goals are crucial in choosing the right Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) policy as they guide the selection process to ensure the policy aligns with long-term objectives.
2. Understanding your financial goals helps you maximize the benefits of an IUL policy, ensuring it meets your needs for wealth accumulation, retirement planning, and legacy building.

Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) policies offer a combination of life insurance protection and the potential for cash value growth linked to a market index. While IUL policies provide flexibility and growth potential, choosing the right policy depends significantly on your financial goals. This article explores why financial goals are crucial in selecting an IUL policy and how they influence various aspects of the policy to ensure it meets your long-term financial objectives.

Linking Financial Goals to IUL Benefits

The benefits of an IUL policy can vary widely based on its structure and features. Therefore, aligning the policy’s benefits with your financial goals is essential to maximize its effectiveness.

Wealth Accumulation

If your primary goal is wealth accumulation, an IUL policy with favorable participation rates and caps is crucial. The cash value growth potential depends on the performance of the chosen market index, and selecting a policy with higher caps and participation rates can enhance this growth. Additionally, understanding the policy’s fees and charges is important, as they can impact the net growth of your cash value.

Retirement Planning

For retirement planning, the flexibility of an IUL policy to provide tax-free loans and withdrawals can be highly beneficial. If you aim to use the policy as a supplementary income source during retirement, choose a policy that allows easy access to the cash value without significant penalties or charges. The tax-deferred growth of the cash value also ensures that your savings grow more efficiently, providing a robust financial resource during your retirement years.

Legacy Planning

If legacy planning is a primary goal, the death benefit feature of an IUL policy becomes a critical factor. Ensuring that the policy provides a substantial death benefit to your heirs can help cover estate taxes and provide a financial safety net for your family. Policies with guaranteed death benefits and options to increase the coverage amount can be advantageous in this context.

How Financial Objectives Shape IUL Choice

Your financial objectives guide the selection process, ensuring that the chosen IUL policy aligns with your long-term plans.

Risk Tolerance

Understanding your risk tolerance is vital in choosing the right IUL policy. If you are more risk-averse, a policy with a lower cap but a strong floor can provide the security you need, ensuring that your cash value does not decrease during market downturns. Conversely, if you are comfortable with higher risk for greater rewards, a policy with higher caps and participation rates might be more suitable.

Time Horizon

Your investment time horizon significantly impacts the type of IUL policy you should choose. If you have a long time horizon, you can take advantage of the compounding growth of the cash value. Policies with features that enhance long-term growth, such as higher participation rates and lower fees, are ideal. For shorter time horizons, focusing on policies with minimal charges and easy access to cash value might be more appropriate.

Financial Flexibility

Financial flexibility is another critical factor shaped by your financial objectives. An IUL policy that allows for flexible premium payments and easy access to the cash value can provide the financial agility needed to adapt to changing circumstances. This flexibility ensures that the policy remains sustainable and continues to meet your financial needs over time.

The Role of Financial Goals in IUL Selection

Financial goals are the foundation for choosing the right IUL policy, guiding the evaluation of different policy features and benefits.

Customizing Policy Features

Customizing an IUL policy to match your financial goals involves selecting specific features that align with your needs. For instance, if your goal is to maximize retirement income, you might prioritize policies that offer higher cash value growth potential and favorable loan provisions. On the other hand, if your goal is legacy planning, you might focus on policies with robust death benefits and options to increase coverage.

Evaluating Insurance Providers

Your financial goals also influence the choice of insurance providers. Different providers offer varying policy features, fees, and performance histories. Evaluating these factors in the context of your financial goals helps ensure that you select a provider with a strong track record and policies that align with your objectives. Comparing different providers and their offerings can provide a clearer picture of which IUL policy best meets your needs.

Long-Term Planning

Financial goals are inherently tied to long-term planning. Whether it’s saving for retirement, building wealth, or ensuring financial security for your family, your long-term goals determine the most suitable IUL policy features. For instance, long-term planning for retirement might involve selecting a policy with a strong growth potential for the cash value and flexible loan options to provide a steady income stream.

Aligning IUL Features with Financial Goals

To maximize the benefits of an IUL policy, it’s crucial to align its features with your financial goals. This alignment ensures that the policy not only meets your immediate needs but also supports your long-term financial objectives.

Cash Value Growth

For those focused on cash value growth, selecting an IUL policy with high participation rates and favorable caps is essential. Additionally, understanding the impact of policy fees and charges on the net growth of the cash value can help you choose a policy that maximizes your investment returns.

Policy Loans and Withdrawals

If liquidity is a priority, consider the policy’s provisions for loans and withdrawals. Policies that offer easy access to the cash value through tax-free loans or withdrawals up to the cost basis can provide the financial flexibility needed to address unexpected expenses or opportunities without incurring significant tax liabilities.

Death Benefit

For those prioritizing legacy planning, the death benefit is a critical feature. Policies with guaranteed death benefits and options to increase coverage ensure that your beneficiaries receive the financial support they need. Additionally, understanding the impact of policy loans and withdrawals on the death benefit can help you manage the policy to balance your current financial needs with your legacy goals.

Conclusion: The Importance of Financial Goals in IUL Policy Selection

Choosing the right Indexed Universal Life Insurance policy is a complex decision that requires a clear understanding of your financial goals. These goals guide the selection process, ensuring that the chosen policy aligns with your long-term objectives and provides the benefits you need. Whether your focus is on wealth accumulation, retirement planning, or legacy building, aligning your financial goals with the features of an IUL policy can maximize its effectiveness and help you achieve financial security and success.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].