Online Financial Counseling

To Help Beneficiaries Plan Ahead

Eligible beneficiaries in the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Program can now take advantage of two new online financial services that can help with financial planning and also provide the ability to create a will. Eligible beneficiaries include those who have received a payment from SGLI, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), or Family SGLI (FSGLI). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes these services available to all eligible beneficiaries at no cost.

Beneficiaries are often unprepared for the loss they’ve endured. Normal feelings of grief and confusion may be compounded if they are also recipients of a large benefit payment. Money never replaces a loved one—some even may wish that they didn’t have the money at all. Making financial decisions is far from being a priority while coping with a major loss. However, if you are a SGLI, VGLI, or FSGLI beneficiary, you can access the financial planning services as often as you like for help with any of the immediate financial decisions you may be facing during your time of difficulty. When you’re ready, you can also request a detailed financial plan that can assist you with short and long term financial goals.

Online Financial Planning

With online financial planning, you simply enter your information into a secure website. A financial professional will then review the information you provided and prepare a customized financial plan designed to assist you with your financial goals. You will receive an e-mail letting you know when your plan is ready for review. If you have any questions, just call. Financial planners are always available to speak to you by phone.

Whether you use the online service or call, please know that these services are provided by an independent company whose team of financial professionals are experts in handling a wide range of financial matters. You will receive objective guidance in a pressure free atmosphere from individuals who have your best interests at heart. And you can rest assured that your information will remain completely confidential.

Online Will Preparation

A will may be the most important legal document you ever sign. Having a will is especially important if you have young children because it gives you the opportunity to designate their guardian. But if you’re like most Americans you don’t have one because the common belief is that wills are complicated, expensive, and must involve an attorney. The online will preparation service enables you to quickly and easily prepare your own will at no cost in the comfort of your own home without an attorney.

Simply access the website and you’ll be taken step-by-step through a series of straightforward questions. At the end of the will-creation process, you’ll receive a legal will, valid in all 50 states. All you’ll need to do is print and sign. With this document in hand you can have peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

Learn More

Remember, if you are a SGLI, VGLI, or FSGLI beneficiary, then you are eligible to take advantage of these services that can provide you with the guidance you need to gain a sense of security about your financial future.

To learn how to access the online financial planning and online will preparation services, please visit the Veterans Affairs website. If you prefer to speak to a financial professional, please call FinancialPoint® at 888-243-7351.

By Fran Hackett, Vice President of Administration and OSGLI, Prudential’s Group Insurance