Economics

What to know about credit repair companies Credit repair companies can review your credit report for inaccuracies and dispute them with the reporting agencies. Although you can repair your credit yourself, hiring a credit repair service can be helpful if your reports have multiple mistakes. Some credit repair companies offer ongoing credit consultations and additional financial tools like credit and identity theft monitoring. Fixing your credit can be time-consuming. It can often last up to a year, even with the help of a repair company. How we chose our top picks With more than a decade of experience on the subject, our editorial staff reviews credit repair companies independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. We consulted 100+ sources and reviewed 22 companies based on 10+ data points, including pricing, services, and customer support. Read our full methodology to learn more. Our Top Picks for Best Credit Repair Companies Credit Saint – Best for Comprehensive Plans MSI Credit Solutions – Best for Customized Pricing Safeport Law – Best for Legal Support The Credit People – Best for Low Setup Fees Sky Blue Credit – Best Value Best Credit Repair Companies Reviews Pros 90-day money-back guarantee Clear pricing policies Online sign-up available Online chat available weekdays from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cons Service not available in South Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Maine and Washington, D.C. First work fee of up to $195 HIGHLIGHTS Monthly fee: $79.99 – $139.99 Set-up fee: $99 – $195 Money-back guarantee: 90 days Why we chose this company: Credit Saint is best for clear pricing policies and comprehensive package options. It offers three credit repair packages: Credit Polish, Credit Remodel and Clean Slate. The packages range from $79.99 to $139.99 per month and differ in the number of claims they’ll dispute a month, from five claims with the basic “Credit Polish” plan to an unlimited amount with the premium “Clean Slate” plan. Each package also features a different suite of financial tools. The basic plan, for instance, includes a credit score tracker. The highest tier plan adds credit reports and scores from all three reporting bureaus. Credit Saint offers a free consultation to evaluate your particular situation and identify the next steps you should take. Once you sign up, you’re assigned an advisory team that schedules calls to keep you informed. Credit Saint also provides a credit score analysis and educational content to help customers better understand their credit. Some plans also include a personalized guide to building credit. Additionally, the company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you don’t see any changes in your credit history after three months. Read full review>> Pros Customizable pricing based on individual credit needs Free initial consultation to assess your credit situation No upfront fees; first payment due after services start Access to a dedicated credit consultant for personalized guidance Unlimited dispute letters sent to all three major credit bureaus Cons Service not available in South Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Maine, and Washington, D.C. Initial setup fee varies based on individual credit situation HIGHLIGHTS Monthly Fee: $98 for individual accounts; $69 per person for joint (couples) accounts Setup Fee: Customized based on credit assessment; typically starts at $30 Money-Back Guarantee: Offers a money-back guarantee if your credit score doesn’t improve by 50 points Why we chose this company: MSI provides customized plans based on each person’s unique credit challenges. A dedicated credit consultant guides you through the entire process, which gives MSI an edge over other credit repair companies that may not offer the same level of customization. MSI’s services are not limited to simply sending dispute letters to credit bureaus; they include comprehensive credit monitoring, expert advice, educational resources and, in the premium packages, personalized credit building guides. The company’s fee structure ensures you only pay for the services you need. Additionally, MSI offers a money-back guarantee if your score doesn’t improve, adding another layer of security if you’re unsure about credit repair. Pros 90-day money-back guarantee Legal expertise from licensed attorneys Transparent pricing Online sign-up and 24/7 account access Cons Service not available in South Carolina Only one service plan offered No credit monitoring tools included HIGHLIGHTS Monthly fee: $129.99 Set-up fee: $129 Money-back guarantee: 90 days Why we chose this company: Safeport Law stands out in the credit repair industry because of its unique legal expertise. Unlike many competitors, Safeport Law’s licensed attorneys handle each case, providing a higher level of expertise and a more personalized approach to credit repair. This legal team disputes inaccurate or outdated information on credit reports and provides legal intervention if necessary, a rare feature in the credit repair world. Safeport Law’s clear and transparent pricing helps eliminate any confusion regarding what you’ll pay. The company provides a single service package with a monthly fee that covers everything, including all disputes, consultations and legal support. With a 90-day money-back guarantee, Safeport Law also assures you that if there are no significant improvements in your credit history, you’ll receive a full refund. Additionally, Safeport Law provides access to 24/7 online account tracking and a dedicated team to handle your case. Pros Simple pricing structure Low one-time first work fee ($19) Unlimited challenges with all three bureaus Cons No credit monitoring No financial management tools HIGHLIGHTS Monthly fee: $99, $119 or $599 six-month flat rate Set-up fee: $19 (No setup fees with six-month plan) Money-back guarantee: Cancel at any time and you won’t be charged for that month of service. If you choose the flat-fee plan, you have a full six-month satisfaction guarantee Why we chose this company: The Credit People is the best option for low startup fees because the company only charges $19 for an initial trial. This sets it apart from competitors that usually charge around $79 or more to set up your account and pull your credit report. Additionally, The Credit People offers an excellent money-back guarantee. You can cancel your subscription whenever you want and receive refunds of the last and previous month’s

Most of its components were in the red, but the S&P 500 Index still managed to hit a new intraday all-time high.

What to know about life insurance State Farm is the best choice for customer satisfaction and financial stability Ethos is our top pick for same-day coverage Lantern is our choice for instant online term life quotes Policygenius is the best online life insurance broker to compare rates How we chose our top picks Since 2017, Money’s editorial team has researched and analyzed life insurance providers and their policy options. Our ongoing assessment focuses on insurers’ offerings, customer satisfaction ratings and financial stability. For our complete methodology, click here. 30+ insurers evaluated 6 categories scored 1,000+ hours of research Our Top Picks for the Best Life Insurance Companies of 2025 Ethos – Best for Same-Day Coverage Lantern – Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online Ladder – Best for Flexible Coverage Nationwide – Best for Bundling Discounts New York Life – Best Whole Life Insurance Northwestern Mutual – Best for Policy Customization Policygenius – Best Online Life Insurance Broker State Farm – Best for Customer Satisfaction and Stability Pros Same-day coverage for most approved applicants No exams — the process is entirely online Get a free will with your policy Policy purchase includes free will, estate planning tools and AI-driven financial planning Cons Little information publicly available about optional riders Term life eligibility starts at age 20 Not available in New York HIGHLIGHTS AM BEST RATING A (Excellent) and higher – Mutual of Omaha, Ameritas and TruStage, Legal & General POLICY TYPES Term – simplified issue and fully underwritten (ages 20 to 65), guaranteed issue (ages 65 to 85) RIDERS AVAILABLE Accidental Death Benefit Why we chose it: Ethos is our top choice for same-day life insurance coverage due to its ability to accommodate a diverse range of applicants. The agency partners with established carriers including John Hancock Life Insurance and Ameritas Life Insurance. Ethos offers a streamlined life insurance application and underwriting processes to provide same-day coverage to most applicants. Individuals aged 20 to 65 can secure term life coverage for 10 to 30 years, with coverage amounts ranging from $20,000 to $2 million. Most applicants can skip the medical exam. Meanwhile, those aged 65 to 85 qualify for guaranteed issue whole life policies, which offer coverage from $10,000 to $25,000 without a medical exam. These policies offer graded benefits for the first two years, providing beneficiaries with 100% of premiums paid plus 30% in case of death within this period, excluding accidental deaths. Read our full Ethos Life Insurance review See rates on Ethos’s Secure Website Pros Ages 18 to 60 are eligible to apply Term life policies $100,000 – $1.5 million in coverage Company offers 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms Monthly premiums as low as $10 Cons No riders available Only sells term life insurance Policies not available to residents of New York and Maine HIGHLIGHTS AM BEST RATING A+ Rating (Superior) – North American Company for Life and Health Insurance POLICY TYPES Term life insurance RIDERS AVAILABLE None Why we chose it: Lantern stands out for its fast and seamless online application process, making it easy to get term life insurance quotes instantly. It offers a high coverage amount with a straightforward purchasing experience, helping individuals secure a policy in minutes. Lantern provides a quick and convenient way to compare term life insurance options online. Using your information — including medical history, hobbies, and lifestyle — it determines eligibility and rates efficiently. You can purchase up to $1.5 million in term life coverage within minutes. Policies are issued by Lantern Life Insurance Company directly through the company’s website. Read our full Lantern Life Insurance review See rates on Lantern’s Secure Website Pros Term coverage can be adjusted over time $100,000 to $8 million in term coverage available 30-day free look period, rather than the 10-day norm Up to $3 million in coverage with no medical exam Cons Plans are limited to people aged 20 to 60 Only offers term coverage No optional riders HIGHLIGHTS AM BEST RATING A (Excellent) to A+ (Superior) – Amica, Allianz, Fidelity Security Life Insurance, S.USA Life POLICY TYPES Term Life, No-Exam RIDERS AVAILABLE None Why we chose it: We picked Ladder as the best life insurance company for flexible coverage because it allows you to increase or decrease the amount of coverage on your policy as your needs change. While Ladder exclusively offers term life insurance if you’re 20-60 years old, we’ve found it to be the best insurer for those seeking flexible, affordable coverage. By completing a simple three-step online application, policyholders can access up to $3 million in coverage. Ladder doesn’t charge cancellation fees, so you can cancel your coverage at any time, with no strings attached. Read our full Ladder Life Insurance review See rates on Ladder’s Secure Website Pros Discounts for bundling life with homeowners or auto insurance Multiple insurance plans and optional riders Cons Most policies require medical exams Most policies must be purchased through agents HIGHLIGHTS AM BEST RATING A (Excellent) POLICY TYPES Term, Whole, Universal, Variable RIDERS AVAILABLE Long-term Care, Chronic Illness, Critical Illness, Terminal Illness, Children’s Term Insurance, Premium Waiver, Waiver of Monthly Deductions Rider, Accidental Death Benefit, Extended No-Lapse Guarantee, Estate Protection, Guaranteed Insurability, Overloan Lapse Protection Why we chose it: Nationwide is our pick for the best life insurance company for bundling discounts because, unlike other companies, it allows policyholders to save on life insurance by combining this coverage with auto and homeowners insurance policies. Nationwide writes term, whole life, variable and universal policies, and has several optional riders you can use to adjust your policy to your needs. Additionally, the company offers discounted pricing for bundling life insurance policies with other types of insurance, such as long-term care insurance, renters insurance or pet insurance. Read our full Nationwide Life Insurance review See rates on Nationwide’s Secure Website Pros Multiple term, whole and universal life policies available Highly rated company Potential to earn dividends Cons Must work with an agent Can’t get an online quote HIGHLIGHTS AM BEST RATING

From benefit checks to IRS delays, here’s what could affect your wallet if the government shuts down.

A guide to what stays open and what’s at risk — and how to plan your park trips when federal funding stalls.

Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz.

Blockchain technology has made digital currency transactions increasingly accessible. However, as the number of crypto traders has gone up, so have the rates of theft and fraud related to cryptocurrencies. That’s why it’s important to understand how crypto works, how it’s stored and what to look for in a crypto wallet — whether it’s digital or physical. What to know about crypto wallets A 2025 Gemini survey across six major markets found that 24% of adults now hold crypto — up from 21% in 2024. That’s tens of millions more people needing wallets than even a year ago. Crypto wallets come in two versions: hot, which are available as software or web-based apps, and cold, most of which are physical devices. Active stablecoin wallets jumped 53% year over year, from nearly 19.6 million in February 2024 to 30 million by February 2025. This shows a major shift toward using wallets for payments and savings, not just speculation. Modern crypto wallets are becoming “superapps,” with an increasing number of features that include bundle swaps, staking, bridging, quests and decentralized app discovery. Some people searching for crypto wallets are actually looking for a crypto exchange. If you’re more interested in learning where to buy and sell cryptocurrency without a crypto wallet — as well as the difference between centralized and decentralized exchanges — read our piece on the Best Crypto Exchanges. How we chose our top picks Our team of writers and editors has spent years researching crypto wallets. After reaching out to experts and gathering information from authoritative sources, we identified over 30 key data points for evaluating crypto wallets, including security ratings and audits, Web3 compatibility, crypto staking options and supported coins. Read our full methodology to learn more. Our top picks for the best crypto wallets Exodus – Best Crypto Wallet Overall Zengo – Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners Sparrow – Best Crypto Wallet for Bitcoin BlueWallet – Best Mobile Bitcoin Wallet Trust Wallet – Best Mobile Crypto Wallet MetaMask – Best Web3 Wallet Trezor Model One – Best Entry-Level Hardware Wallet Ledger Nano Flex – Best High-End Hardware Wallet Pros Supports assets across 50+ blockchain networks Native integration with Trezor hardware wallets Allows swapping crypto directly in the app High security marks across the board Cons No control over exact transaction fees Lacks third-party audits HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Android, Brave, Chrome, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows CER Security Rating AAA CertiK Skynet Score 86.87 (AA) Why we chose it: Exodus is an excellent option for a variety of investors — particularly for those managing diverse portfolios — thanks to its broad asset support, thousands of trading pairs and built-in crypto swapping. The wallet’s ease of use across platforms and consistently high marks for security add to this, making it a reliable choice regardless of your goals. Learn more by reading our full Exodus review. Pros No seed phrases or private keys Round-the-clock customer support Intuitive, user-friendly interface Straightforward setup process Cons Low number of supported crypto networks High fees on in-app exchange HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows CER Security Rating AAA CertiK Skynet Score 86.36 (A) Why we chose it: Zengo removes much of the complexity that typically comes with crypto wallets by eliminating complex seed phrases and private keys, replacing them with multi-party computational (MPC) cryptography, a keyless security model. The platform’s appealing design further adds to its beginner-friendly appeal, as does its 24/7 live customer support and streamlined setup process, which help quickly onboard new users. Learn more by reading our full Zengo wallet review. Pros Lightweight, multi-platform desktop wallet Support for all common hardware wallets Comprehensive transaction editor Several server connection options Cons Requires understanding of bitcoin fundamentals No native token swaps or fiat onramps HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Linux, Mac, Windows CER Security Rating Not applicable CertiK Skynet Score Not applicable Why we chose it: Sparrow offers complete control over your bitcoin and trading fees, letting you choose between public, private or Bitcoin Core servers for trades. It also comes with a transaction editor that functions as a blockchain explorer and has reduced storage requirements due to its light client. Lastly, the wallet supports the Lightning Network — a payment protocol built on bitcoin that enables faster transactions. Pros Modern design with an accessible user interface Lightning, multi-signature, watch-only and HD wallets Push notification service for bitcoin wallets Wide variety of transaction options Cons Lack of educational resources Highly technical features HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Android, iOS, Mac CER Security Rating Not applicable CertiK Skynet Score Not applicable Why we chose it: BlueWallet brings a number of advanced trading features to mobile wallets with a highly intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and makes managing your bitcoin much less demanding. Said features include Lightning Network wallets for faster, cheaper trades; batch, broadcast and partially signed transactions; and push notifications to keep users updated on their wallets’ activity. Learn more by reading our full BlueWallet review. Pros Native NFT viewing for ethereum and BNB Chain NFTs Designed for mobile with a simple, clean interface One of the largest number of supported coins Swap tokens directly inside the wallet Cons Limited customization for gas fees No live customer support HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, iOS CER Security Rating AAA CertiK Skynet Score 92.22 (AA) Why we chose it: Trust Wallet is an excellent generalist wallet for mobile users, boasting extensive support for NFTs and other Web3 projects. It receives high scores on security assessment platforms and features the highest number of supported assets and chains of any wallet on our list. It’s also one of the easiest wallets to use on mobile thanks to its in-app token swaps and accessible interface. Learn more by reading our full Trust Wallet review. Pros Works seamlessly with thousands of dApps Additional functionality through third-party plugins Frequent updates and security patches 99.99% transaction success rate Cons No native bitcoin support Complex network configuration HIGHLIGHTS Platform(s) Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iOS, web CER Security Rating AA-AAA CertiK Skynet Score 92.94 (AA)

For the first time in years, the U.S. government has partially shut down. Congress and President Donald Trump failed to come to an agreement to keep the government funded and fully operational by the Tuesday deadline. Several federal agencies and programs not critical to national security are now closed or running on a skeleton staff. The sticking point in negotiations is expiring health care benefits for millions of Americans receiving coverage through the health insurance marketplace, aka Obamacare. By the end of the year, enhanced subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for many low-income Americans are set to expire unless Congress extends them or makes them permanent. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated in May that the expiration of these subsidies could result in over 4 million people losing their health coverage. Democratic lawmakers said they won’t let that happen — even if it means a government shutdown. “We have made clear that under no circumstances will we support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to rip away health care from the American people,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, said in a speech on the House floor last month. Trump suggested Tuesday that he could use the government shutdown to further his plans to slash federal bureaucracy. “We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible,” the president said, “like cutting programs [Democrats] like.” Meanwhile, Congress is working on a stopgap measure that would keep funding flowing for several weeks while a broader deal is negotiated. Even if the shutdown is short, experts warn that the financial consequences can be disastrous. “Any shutdown is a bad shutdown,” Andrew Lautz, a director of federal tax policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, previously told Money. “Even if it’s a one-day shutdown.” That’s because many government operations and agencies rely on discretionary appropriations, which is money that Congress must approve ahead of each fiscal year. About 30% of all government spending is authorized by this appropriations process, according to the center, including federal workers’ salaries, some benefits, certain lending programs and more. Here are several ways a shutdown could affect your money. 1. Federal workers are furloughed and paid late Perhaps the most directly impacted group of people during a government shutdown are federal workers and contractors who have nothing to do with the political negotiations over spending. (Lawmakers still get paid during government shutdowns.) According to the Department of Labor, the federal government employs almost 3 million non-military workers. On top of that are “hundreds of thousands of federal contractors whose businesses in large part depend on the federal government,” Lautz says. So far, the government has furloughed about 750,000 federal workers — which means they must stay home without pay. Many others are forced to work without pay because they are classified as essential workers. A 2019 law guarantees back pay for these workers when the shutdown ends, but they are forced to make do in the meantime with no clear timeline for their next payday. “One missed paycheck can be a missed payment on your car, a missed payment on your mortgage,” Lautz says. “It can mean going into credit card debt.” Given the size of the federal workforce, Lautz also notes that the missed paychecks could also have a ripple effect on the local economies with a high concentration of federal workers, given that they will likely have to curtail spending throughout the shutdown. 2. Travelers could see flight delays and closed attractions For travelers, the good news is that air traffic control and airport security continue during the shutdown, so wide-scale cancellations and delays should largely be avoided. “But that’s not to say there aren’t potential interruptions,” Lautz says. According to the nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), some TSA agents and air traffic controllers did not report to work unpaid — even though they were supposed to — during the last government shutdown in 2019. That did cause some air travel delays, the CRFB says. Travelers should also note that there could be unstaffed or fully closed national parks during a shutdown. Open-air sites should remain open, but visitor centers and attractions will be closed. Museums, galleries and zoos run by the federal government may also be closed. The Smithsonian, for example, will remain open until Monday. Lautz recommends calling to confirm in advance. 3. Government benefits might be disrupted (but not Social Security payments) Many federal benefits programs are affected during a government shutdown, but Lautz wants to make one thing clear: “Social Security benefits will continue to flow.” However, the actual administration of the program, including customer service and verification of eligibility, could be halted. The Social Security Administration’s latest shutdown plan says about 45,000 employees will stay on while 6,200 are furloughed. Social Security benefits are one example of “mandatory” government spending, meaning the government is obligated to pay out these benefits even during a shutdown. Medicare and Medicaid benefits are also mandatory. However, the agency’s shutdown plan says benefits verification and Medicare card replacement services will be put on hold. SNAP food benefits and Section 8 housing benefits should continue through October but may be disrupted in November under an prolonged shutdown. 4. The release of economic data may be held up Among the long list of agencies that are hobbled by a government shutdown are ones that monitor and report on the economy, namely the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. These agencies regularly release data related to the nation’s gross domestic product, unemployment rates, inflation and more. Economists, businesspeople and policymakers — especially the Federal Reserve — rely heavily on this data to make decisions. On Friday, the Labor Department is supposed to release the closely-watched employment report for September, at a crucial time for the labor market. The shutdown threatens to delay the release — adding uncertainty to a delicate economy. Gregory Daco, chief economist at the consulting firm EY-Parthenon, told the New

Planning for long-term care is a smart way to prepare for the realities of aging. And as Americans live longer, more of us will need support later in life. In fact, nearly 70% of adults over age 65 will require some form of long-term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). But that care can be costly: The HHS estimates that the average cost for adults 65 and older is about $121,000 for just under a year of paid long-term care. Long-term care insurance helps cover these costs, but the policies themselves can also be expensive. Before buying, it’s worth reviewing your finances and evaluating whether coverage makes sense for you. For those shopping for long-term care insurance, we’ve reviewed the top providers based on key factors such as coverage, cost, flexibility and customer satisfaction. Here’s what you need to know before choosing long-term care insurance. What to Know About Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care services in the U.S. cost an average of about $121,000 for just under a year of care, according to the HHS. Long-term care insurance can help you cover LTC costs without depleting your savings. The best time to buy LTC insurance is in your mid-50s to early 60s, while you’re healthy. The two main long-term care insurance options are traditional and hybrid policies. Our list features both traditional and hybrid policies with different disbursement options. How We Chose Our Top Picks Our editors and writers evaluate insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. We reviewed 11 insurers, scored them across five categories and consulted 25 authoritative sources. Read the full methodology to learn more. Our Top Picks for the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies Mutual of Omaha: Best for Stand-Alone LTC Insurance Nationwide: Best for Policy Customization New York Life: Best for Financial Stability Northwestern Mutual: Best for Couples GoldenCare Insurance: Best for Comparing Multiple Providers Best Long-Term Care Insurance Reviews Pros Offers three types of discounts to policyholders LTC policies include care coordination services Option to change your preferred benefit payment method Several optional benefits available, including return of premium and inflation protection Cons Couples discount is only available if married or living together for 3 years Premiums are likely to increase over time HIGHLIGHTS Issue Ages 25-79 for traditional policies; 30-79 (75 in NY) for Asset Flex Benefit Amount $1,500-$10,000 per month Benefit Period 2-5 years Elimination Period 0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365 calendar days Why we chose it: Mutual of Omaha is our choice for the best long-term care insurer for stand-alone LTC policies because it’s one of just six companies currently offering stand-alone long-term care plans. Moreover, its higher-tiered policy is highly customizable and even allows policyholders to choose between cash benefits and reimbursement. Mutual of Omaha offers two long-term care plans: MutualCare Custom Solution and MutualCare Secure Solution. These plans offer monthly benefits from $1,500 to $10,000, home care benefits, and international coverage for up to 12 months. They also provide stackable discounts: 15% for insured couples, 5% for married customers, and 15% for good health. MutualCare Secure Solution allows policyholders to choose between cash benefits or a reimbursement-based structure, offers 24, 36, 48 or 60 months of coverage and three elimination period options (90, 180 and 365 calendar days). Mutual Care Custom Solution provides a pool of dollars between $50,000 and $500,000 (in $500 increments), more elimination period options (0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365) and can be customized with survivorship and joint waiver of premium add-ons. Optional benefits include inflation protection, return of premium, shared care, waiver of elimination period and a nonforfeiture option. Read Mutual of Omaha Long-Term Care Insurance Review Pros Offers universal and variable universal life insurance policies with an LTC rider Provides inflation protection riders and flexible payment schedules Hybrid policies pay cash benefits Unlicensed caregivers permitted Cons No stand-alone long-term care policies Policy with shared pool of benefits not available in NY or CA LTC rider isn’t available in Montana or U.S. territories HIGHLIGHTS Issue Ages 40-75 (as of last birthday) Benefit Amount $2,500 to $20,833 per month Benefit Period 2-7 years Elimination Period 90 calendar days Why we chose it: We chose Nationwide as the best long-term care insurer for policy customization because its CareMatters® II plan is one of the best hybrid policies available. Its numerous terms and customizable design make it stand out from its competitors. Nationwide offers two hybrid (also called linked-benefit) policies that cater to the needs of both individuals and couples. These policies are tied to a fixed-premium universal life insurance plan that will pay out a guaranteed minimum death benefit — even if you receive long-term care. CareMatters® II pays cash benefits, so you can avoid the hassle of having to file for reimbursement every month. CareMatters Together℠ is a plan for couples that provides a shared pool of benefits that can be used by either partner. Both policies can be funded through a one-time payment or monthly or annual payment for five years, 10 years or up to a specified age. Benefit period options range from two to seven years. Nationwide also offers an LTC rider that can be added to some of its life insurance policies. Read Nationwide Long-term Care Insurance Review Pros Some policies can cover 100% of care costs Premiums on stand-alone policies are guaranteed for the first three years Offers a return of premium on linked-benefit policies New York Life Secure Care and New York Life My Care are eligible for dividends Cons Benefit period options and covered benefits may vary by state No online quotes are available at this time Asset Flex is not eligible for dividends HIGHLIGHTS Issue Ages 25-79 Benefit Amount $1,500-$20,833 per month Elimination Period 90 calendar days (0 for home care under Asset Flex) Why we chose it: We chose New York Life as the best long-term care insurance company for financial stability because it has superior financial strength ratings from