Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating events one can experience in a lifetime. Along with the emotional trauma, there are often financial considerations that can affect those left behind for years to come.
At AFBA we understand that after the death of a loved one, handling financial concerns may be difficult. Review our comprehensive Financial Planning Guide for information regarding finances and benefits you may be eligible.
Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survivor College Scholarship Program
The financial hardships of surviving a loss are challenging enough without worrying about how your spouse or your children pay for college.
We are proud to offer the Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survivor College Scholarship. The scholarship is offered to the surviving spouse or children of an insured AFBA member who dies in a combat zone, as a result of combat action or whose life was lost as a result of acts of foreign or domestic terrorism.
Families of Emergency Service Providers are also eligible to benefit from the Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survior College Scholarship - The surviving spouse and children of Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service providers who are AFBA members and die while involved in operations at the scene of an "incident"* are eligible for this scholarship.
The scholarship provides an educational scholarship to candidates for an undergraduate degree of up to $10,000 per family, per year for a maximum benefit of $40,000 for tuition and fees. (Not available in VA.)
Life Insurance
The primary goal of life insurance is to protect against loss and at AFBA we have more than 70 years of helping people manage their loss with our convenient, competitive life insurance products.
We understand that you have other worries during a time of loss, so our products are designed to help you pay the costs associated with loss of life as well as those that may arise in the near future. Within 24 hours after receiving notice of an insured's death, AFBA will mail an Emergency Death Benefit of up to $15,000 to the insured's beneficiary (subject to contestabliliy).
Our AFBA life insurance products carry no combat or terrorism restrictions so you'll feel comforted knowing you and your loved ones are protected.
Investing for the First Time
No matter your age, now is always the right time to begin investing. Money earns interest over time, and the longer time you have to invest, the more financially secure you and your family will be.
Deciding how and where to invest your money for the first time can seem daunting.
The first steps are to identify your financial goals and develop a plan to reach them.
Review our comprehensive Financial Planning Guide, which offers step-by-step guidelines to help you get your current finances in order. Our guide will help you understand your options and plan for your financial goals and objectives.
Mutual Funds
If you want a potentially higher rate of return, and are comfortable with a higher level of risk, mutual funds offer the option for managed investments to help you meet your financial goals and objectives.
Individual Retirement Accounts
An IRA is a quality investment choice for long-term planning, providing you with options for periodic contributions of money that best fit your goals.
With long-term planning and consistent contributions to the fund, your IRA can provide financial security for you and your family upon retirement.
Banking
Savings Accounts
A secure, accessible location to earn interest on your money is a key part of any investment program.
Money Market Accounts
A money market account is a good option for saving if you want to receive a higher interest rate than a checking account, with limited check writing privileges, but still want to receive all the benefits of a savings account.
Certificates of Deposit
If you prefer saving your money long term with a guaranteed return, CDs offer increasingly better interest rates based on the best term for you. Your CD interest is guaranteed for the term of the CD regardless of changing market conditions so you know your money will grow without constant supervision.