SPJ Offers Members One-Stop Shopping for Insurance

Newcomers to the freelance writing business quickly discover that it can be time-consuming to line up all of the business insurance they may need to qualify for some higher-paying freelance jobs. (And, as a freelancer, time is your most precious commodity.)

That’s why I was encouraged to learn about the new partnership between the Society of Professional Journalists and WestPoint Financial Group that offers SPJ members “one-stop shopping” for their insurance and financial planning needs. Now that more individuals are working as freelance solopreneurs on virtual teams, perhaps other associations will set up similar programs.

Through the SPJ Solutions program, SPJ members can choose to enroll in individual life, health, disability, long-term care, personal liability, property liability and errors & omissions insurance programs. The disability and long-term care products, offered through MassMutual, carry a 10 percent lifetime premium discount to SPJ members.

While this benefits program will be most attractive to SPJ’s freelance journalists, all SPJ members are eligible for the program, easing some of the uncertainty during job transitions like downsizing and lay-offs. Members will have one phone number (317-627-4753) and email address [email protected]) to reach a WestPoint financial advisor to provide them with personal service within two business days of the initial contact.

Based in Indianapolis, WestPoint Financial Group is a full-service financial firm, offering products and services in all 50 states. Its primary insurance products are available through MassMutual, but WestPoint has relationships with other financially strong companies and it strives to offer competitive rates.

“We’re pleased to partner with SPJ to offer a broad range of benefits to its members and to help them navigate the complicated world of insurance products,” said Scott Biggs, a financial advisor with WestPoint Financial.

“This service should help SPJ members achieve professional and personal financial security.” said SPJ president Sonny Albarado commented. “I am excited that SPJ can offer journalists extra value for their membership in this way.”

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ is a professional organization that includes broadcast, print and online journalists, journalism educators, and students interested in journalism as a career. SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

The SPJ website includes a directory of freelancers, links to a blog about freelance journalism, and a list of useful tools and resources for freelance writers.

LINKS

SPJ: Society of Professional Journalists

SPJ: Tools and Resources for Freelancers

The Independent Journalist: The SPJ’s Blog for Freelancers