Broker Check
Mike Giudici, CFP®, MBA
Mike Giudici, CFP®, MBA
Choreo, LLC Senior Director, Wealth Management
http://choreoadvisors.com 563-279-0714

As a wealth manager, Mike strives to simplify the complex world of money to help clients make better decisions and lead joyful lives. With a passion for learning and teaching, he works with each client to develop unique financial plans that serve as road maps for investment, balance sheet and cashflow decisions. Mike’s attention to detail helps ensure that all aspects of the financial plan are implemented and monitored on an ongoing basis. His specialties include wealth building, retirement planning, estate transfer, college education planning and tax planning.

Mike has more than 14 years of experience in advising business owners, high net worth individuals and their families on how to meet their financial goals. 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS

CFP®
Financial Planning Association, Eastern Iowa chapter
Quad Cities Area Estate Planning Council

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts; finance, economics and philosophy; Saint Ambrose University
Master of Business Administration, finance concentration, University of Iowa

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Can Group, Private Disability Policies Work Together?

Insurance Read Time: 3 min

According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old has more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.1

Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial hardship. And while Social Security Disability Insurance may help, it’s critical to understand that about two-thirds of initial applications are denied and the average SSDI payment is only $1,580 a month.2,3

Disability coverage may be available through your employer, who may pay all or a portion of the cost for your coverage.

Employer plans typically pay up to 60% of your income. This limited coverage might not be enough to meet your bills, which is why you may want to supplement employer-based coverage with a personal policy.4

Taxation of Disability Benefits

When you purchase a personal disability policy, the benefit payments are structured to be income tax-free. Consequently, you may not be eligible for coverage that equals your current salary since your take-home pay is always less.

If your employer paid for your coverage, then the income you receive generally will be taxable. If you paid for a portion of the employer-provided coverage, then the pro rata amount of the benefits you receive are structured to be tax-free.

Choices, Choices, Choices

Consider the waiting period before disability payments begin. A longer waiting period saves you money, but it also means that you may have to live off your savings for a longer period. You are the best judge of how much of this risk you are comfortable assuming.

You also may want to coordinate the waiting period with any short-term disability benefits you could have. For example, if your short-term disability covers you for 90 days, look to have at least a 90-day waiting period so that you can potentially lower the cost of the long-term policy.

Ask how a policy defines an inability to work. Some policies will say “the inability to do any job or task;” others will say “own occupation.” You may prefer the latter definition so you’re not forced to perform some less-skilled, lower-paid work. That type of work may not help you meet your bills.

1. SSA.gov, 2025
2. Disability-Benefits-Help.org, 2025
3. SSA.gov, 2025
4. III.org, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.