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Protection & Insurance2024-11-12T14:21:17+00:00

LIFE ASSURANCE

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

Life assurance differs from life insurance because it covers you for your whole life, not just a fixed term. This means that the insurer will pay out no matter what age the policyholder is when they pass away, as long as they have paid their monthly premiums.

Life assurance tends to be more expensive than life insurance because the payout is guaranteed. And as you age, the amount you pay each month gets assessed every so often and has the potential to increase at certain times. Premiums tend to be invested by the insurer, and the success of these investments can affect the amount of the payout upon death. The payout is generally tax-free, but you need to discuss this with an expert to ensure this benefit.

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is life assurance, and how does it work?

Life assurance is a policy that pays out a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy term. It provides financial protection for your loved ones, helping them cover expenses like mortgage repayments, living costs, or outstanding debts.

How much life assurance coverage do I need?

The amount of coverage depends on your financial situation, including any outstanding debts (like a mortgage), your income, and your family’s needs. A mortgage advisor can help you assess these factors and recommend an appropriate level of cover for your peace of mind.

What’s the difference between life assurance and life insurance?

Life assurance provides coverage for your entire life, paying out whenever you pass away, while life insurance typically covers a set period. Life assurance guarantees a payout, whereas life insurance only pays if you pass away during the policy term.

Can I get life assurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you can still get life assurance with pre-existing medical conditions, but the cost of premiums may be higher, and the terms of the policy may vary. It’s important to disclose your health history to ensure you’re fully covered and avoid any complications when making a claim.

How are life assurance premiums calculated?

Premiums are based on factors such as your age, health, lifestyle, and the level of coverage you choose. The younger and healthier you are when you take out the policy, the lower your premiums are likely to be.

CRITICAL ILLNESS

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

Critical illness cover is a type of insurance that offers the policyholder a tax-free payout if they are diagnosed with an insured medical condition during the term of the policy. The illnesses covered will be pre-agreed when the policy is created, with the most comprehensive cover protecting the policyholder for around 40-50 conditions.

This type of protection is a significant financial help if you become ill and can no longer work. It can be added as an extra to your life insurance cover if the life insurance policy does not have it as standard. Taking critical illness cover as well as life insurance means you have a choice between additional cover and combined cover.

Additional cover is where you get a payout both upon hearing the news of the illness and when you die. Combined cover means you simply get one payout either when you become ill or when you pass away.

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is critical illness cover, and how does it work?

Critical illness cover provides a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness specified in your policy. This payout can be used for any purpose, such as covering medical expenses, mortgage payments, or other living costs during your recovery.

What illnesses are typically covered by critical illness insurance?

Policies usually cover serious conditions like cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and major organ transplants. Each policy has a list of illnesses it covers, so it’s important to review the terms carefully to understand which conditions are included.

How much critical illness cover do I need?

The amount of cover you need depends on factors like your financial obligations, income, and lifestyle. It’s generally recommended to have enough to cover large expenses like your mortgage or ongoing living costs if you’re unable to work during recovery.

Can I get critical illness cover with pre-existing health conditions?

Yes, you can still apply, but some pre-existing conditions might not be covered, or your premiums could be higher. Always disclose your medical history to ensure your policy accurately reflects your situation and provides the coverage you need.

Is critical illness cover the same as life insurance?

No, life insurance pays out upon your death, while critical illness cover provides financial support if you’re diagnosed with a severe illness. Both can be combined for comprehensive protection, giving you and your family peace of mind in different circumstances.

INCOME PROTECTION

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

Income protection insurance is where the policyholder is covered if they can no longer work due to accident and sickness. There are two types of cover – short-term and long-term.

Short-term policies will cover your essential outgoings, such as debt or mortgage repayments, for a short period to prevent you from defaulting while you are ill. This type of policy may also be used to maintain your lifestyle if you lose income.

Long-term policies will pay a regular amount to the policyholder until they either become well again and return to work, retire or until the policy ends.

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is income protection, and how does it work?

Income protection provides a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It helps cover essential expenses, such as mortgage payments, bills, and living costs, until you’re able to return to work or reach the policy’s defined retirement age.

How much of my income can I protect with income protection insurance?

Most policies cover between 50% and 70% of your gross income. The exact amount depends on your policy and insurer. The tax-free payout ensures that you can maintain financial stability while recovering from illness or injury, reducing the financial pressure during difficult times.

How long will my income protection policy pay out?

Policies can pay out until you return to work, reach retirement age, or for a specified time limit, depending on the policy you choose. Short-term policies typically cover 1-5 years, while long-term policies can pay out until retirement if you remain unable to work.

Can I get income protection if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

You may still be eligible for income protection, but pre-existing conditions might either increase your premium or be excluded from coverage. It’s important to disclose your medical history to the insurer to avoid any issues with claims later.

When does the income protection policy start paying out?

Policies typically have a waiting period (also called a deferment period) before payments start, ranging from 1 to 12 months. The shorter the waiting period, the higher your premiums will be, so choose a deferment period that suits your savings and financial needs.

BUILDINGS & CONTENT COVER

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

This is basically home insurance. It is a combined insurance and is designed to cover or replace any property that may be damaged or stolen inside the home. It will also cover any damage that may happen to the house itself, be it fire or flood, depending on the insurance cover you get.

If you have a mortgage, you will need this type of insurance, and in fact, some mortgage providers enforce this as compulsory insurance as part of the mortgage agreement. If you wanted, you could get the two covers separately but combined is usually superior. It is not a particularly expensive insurance, and the peace of mind it offers you is second to none. For this reason, pretty much every home is insured with this type of cover.

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance?

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, including walls, roofs, and fixtures, against risks like fire or flood. Contents insurance protects your personal belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, and valuables, against theft, damage, or loss.

Do I need both buildings and contents insurance?

If you own your home, buildings insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders. Contents insurance is optional but recommended to protect your personal possessions. Renters usually only need contents insurance, as the landlord’s policy typically covers the building itself.

What does buildings insurance typically cover?

Buildings insurance usually covers damage to your home’s structure caused by events like fire, storms, floods, or subsidence. It may also cover permanent fixtures like kitchen units or bathroom fittings. Always check your policy for specific coverage details and exclusions.

What items are covered under contents insurance?

Contents insurance covers personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Some policies may also extend to items you take outside your home, like laptops or jewellery. Be sure to check the policy limits for high-value items and any coverage exclusions.

How much coverage do I need for buildings and contents insurance?

For buildings insurance, the coverage should equal the cost of rebuilding your home, not its market value. For contents insurance, you’ll need enough to replace all your personal possessions. An inventory of your items can help you estimate the appropriate coverage amount.

FAMILY INCOME BENEFIT

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

This is a type of life insurance that covers the policyholder’s family in the event of their death. But it also covers their children too, up to a certain age. Family life insurance is not actually an individual policy, instead it offers financial security to the policyholder’s family under the guise of life insurance. It can cover simple things like mortgage repayments and debts.

There is a level term policy where your family will receive a fixed amount no matter when you pass away during the term of the policy. There’s also mortgage life insurance which incorporates your debts, including the mortgage. With this policy, the amount your family receives will reduce over time.

This is the cheapest option for a family life insurance policy. There is also the option of joint life insurance for you and your partner.

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is the difference between family income benefit and life insurance?

Life insurance provides a lump sum payout to your family if you pass away, while family income benefit offers regular monthly or annual payments over a set period, helping replace lost income. Both can provide financial support, but the structure of the payout differs.

How much life insurance cover do I need for my family?

The amount of cover depends on factors like your mortgage, outstanding debts, and your family’s ongoing living costs. Many opt for a policy that would cover major expenses such as education or rent for several years to ensure their loved ones are financially secure.

Can I combine life insurance with family income benefit?

Yes, many people combine both policies for comprehensive coverage. A lump sum from life insurance can help with immediate expenses like funeral costs or paying off a mortgage, while family income benefit can provide ongoing financial support for your family’s day-to-day needs.

What happens if I stop paying my life insurance premiums?

If you stop paying premiums, your policy will typically lapse, meaning you’ll lose your coverage. It’s important to keep up with your payments to ensure your family remains protected, or speak to your insurer if you’re struggling to make payments.

How are life insurance premiums calculated?

Life insurance premiums are based on factors like your age, health, lifestyle, and the amount of cover you choose. The younger and healthier you are when you take out the policy, the lower your premiums are likely to be, so it’s often beneficial to secure cover early.

BUSINESS PROECTION

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We will not charge you a fee for our services relating to insurance, but we will receive commission from the produce provider. The commission will be calculated as a proportion of the premiums paid for the insurance product. You will receive a quotation which will tell you about the fees and charges relating to any insurance policy that we recommend.

Business protection insurance is a type of insurance designed for anyone who runs their own company. Without it, you may actually be breaking the law. This type of insurance covers the policyholder’s business against any form of financial loss, such as theft, and any form of damage to tools and equipment. It will also cover lawsuits and legal expenses as well as personal injury claims against the business.

A combined insurance policy will cover public liability, professional indemnity, and employer liability. It is a godsend to businesses as it provides reassurance and helps when the business needs it the most. This means that uncertainty is reduced, allowing the business to continue as per usual. The type of insurance you will need depends upon the type and size of the business you have.

Business protection services are referred to a third party. Neither Blue Strawberry Financial Services Ltd nor PRIMIS are responsible for the service received

Key Questions Answered

Here are some answers to the more common questions we get asked. If you would like to know how these factors might affect you specifically, book a initial consultation with one of our award winning team.

What is business protection insurance, and why do I need it?

Business protection insurance helps safeguard your company against financial loss if a key person, partner, or shareholder dies or becomes critically ill. It ensures your business can continue operating by covering the costs of replacing key personnel or buying out shares from their estate.

What types of business protection policies are available?

There are several types, including Key Person Insurance (protecting your business against the loss of vital employees), Shareholder Protection (helping buy shares from a deceased partner’s estate), and Business Loan Protection (covering outstanding debts if a key individual passes away).

How is key person insurance different from life insurance?

Key person insurance protects the business itself by compensating for the financial impact of losing a crucial employee. Life insurance, on the other hand, benefits the individual’s family. Both can be valuable, but key person insurance directly helps the company’s operations.

How do I decide the level of cover needed for my business?

The amount of cover depends on factors like the size of your business, the contribution of key individuals, and any outstanding loans. Consider the financial impact on your business if a key person were to pass away or become seriously ill when determining the right level of cover.

Can a small business benefit from business protection insurance?

Absolutely. Even small businesses can suffer significant financial strain if a key employee or partner is lost. Business protection helps maintain stability, covers potential loan repayments, and ensures continuity, making it just as important for small enterprises as for larger firms.

AWARD WINNING CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer Reviews

Ian and Stuart were brilliant at explaining every step of buying our first home, they took the time to help us understand the new world of mortgages and every single thing that comes with buying a house, they kept in touch every step of the way and were in the loop with everything making our buying experience second to none.

Lyndsey Cartwright, Nov 21
Great service. I appointed Blue Strawberry Financial services to broker the mortgage deal on the purchase of my first home. Naturally I was uncertain as to what the process entailed however the team guided me through every step of the process and answered every question I had. Stuart initially gave me an overview and ensured the mortgage would be suitable for my income, giving me the confidence to go ahead. After the mortgage deal had been agreed Mandy and the rest of the team kept in touch and guided me right the way through, to beyond completion. I cannot thank or rate Blue Strawberry Financial services highly enough and will be sure to use them again, come time to move.
kiemet94, Oct 21
Blue Strawberry we’re helpful throughout the whole process, nothing was too much to ask, no question seemed silly. I would highly recommend them.
Amy Roberts, Sept 21
Stu and his team are very professional, Stu looked after us and helped us win anything that we didn’t understand.
Chris Wilson, Sept 21
Couldnt have asked for anything more from Ian and Stuart- lovely and patient, they made the whole process of buying so much easier. Also was sent a really thoughtful moving in box/gift.
Ellie Connolly, Sept 21
Stuart has been our mortgage advisor for over 4 years now and he’s been fantastic, he’s friendly, always helpful and provides a brilliant service
Sarah Cull, Sept 21
Fantastic company have used for 2 mortgages now and recommended to many people
Keeley H, Sept 21
Great friendly knowledgeable service. Have dealt with Ian and Stuart for years and will continue to do so.
Mike Allcock, Sept 21
We thought we wouldn’t be able to get a decent mortgage. The agreement in principle [AIP] from our bank and from high street providers were for a pittance, despite us having a 50% deposit. Then a local estate agent pointed us to Bluestrawberry. We quickly got an appointment with Stuart who talked us through the process and we soon had our AIP. Being first time buyers we found all the team at Bluestrawberry helpful in guiding us from that AIP to getting the keys. We really appreciate their caring & professional attitude, depth of knowledge and persistence.
Roger Jones, Sept 21
We had a great experience with Blue Strawberry They were patient with our questions and felt they gave us good advice, walked us through the whole process. It felt like you had a really knowledgeable friend on your side which was great as first-time buyers.
Nicola Disley, Sept 21
I found Blue Strawberry to be professional, helpful and extremely knowledgeable.
David Price, Sept 21
Amazing experience from the start and still feel supported now. I’ve recommended the company to family and friends and they’ve all felt they’ve had excellent service too. Stuart eased our anxieties as new home owners and explained things clearly. Would recommend to any one who is needing this service.
Miss Jewkes, Sept 21
The best team!
Cabron Bogdan, Sept 21
The Blue Strawberry Financial services very responsive and clear in informing me of suitable options, they were quick, polite, patient and above all professional and saved me years off my mortgage and no penalties as I asked all done with a agreed timescale.
Eric Jones, Aug 21
Very professional service. Fully explained everything to me and made the whole experience completely stress-free
Tim Sewell, Aug 21
Stuart and Ian are welcoming, professional and make what could be a difficult and tedious task simple. Their communication is excellent throughout the whole process.
Rose Hadfield, Aug 21
Great service and always makes it stress free finding the right deal.
Clare Jones, Aug 21
The whole team at Blue strawberry are absolutely incredible. Nothing is too much to ask and they are so open and honest. It’s great to have them behind me. Thanks guys!
Alan McBride, Aug 21
I am so happy to say that there still professionals out there with kind and friendly approach. I highly recommend Blue Strawberry Financial Services.
Iva Mitsova, Aug 21
Returning customer. Excellent service. I was keep informed during remortgage process & got a fantastic deal. Highly recommended and very much appreciated.
Kate Jones, Aug 21
Theres nothing more I can say apart from these guys are amazing,,I was a very nervous first time buyer and they couldn’t do enough to reassure me every step of the way, I would recommend these guys 100%, and definitely to first time buyers
Sharon McKenzie, Aug 21
Brilliant services highly recommended. If you unsure where to start Ian and Stuart will talk you through it all keeping it very simple. Will Keep you update throughout the process even when you have your mortgage sorted. no question is ever a silly question. As first hand buyers they made it so simple for us.even got a call On move In day to say enjoy your new home. Very personal service , also a lovely move in box
Kate Smith, Aug 21
The daunting task of getting a mortgage for our first home during a global pandemic was made easy by Stuart & Ian at blue strawberry, after 2 other brokers let us down they worked hard to make everything as simple and straightforward for us as possible. Can not fault them in any way, top class service during a really difficult time!
JG, Jul 21
A warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Totally put at ease and all process explained fully. Would highly recommend
Michala Kellard, Feb 21
Very informative. Good communication. Experienced and professional. Recommend!
Emil Georgiev, Feb 21
Fantastic
Jordan Suckley, Jan 21
Always had great service and products from blue strawberry! Definitely recommend them :)
Laura Briscoe, Jan 21
Nothing is too much trouble for Stuart and the team at Blue Strawberry. We have continued to use them since they were recommended to us before we bought our first house 9 years ago. They explain everything so clearly, and always work so efficiently, making the whole mortgage process very stress free.
Beth O'Brien, Jan 21
Great service. Professional and friendly
Michael Hale, Jan 21
Blue Strawberry helped us at every stage of our house purchase. They were a massive help with the whole process and were quick to answer any queries and resolve issues. Would definitely recommend them.
Emma Griffiths, Jan 21
What can we say! Blue Strawberry Financial Services are absolutely fantastic. Couldn’t recommend Stuart and Ian enough! We couldn’t have done it without them as they made the process seem stress free from start to end (especially for us first time buyers who were essentially walking in blind). Honest, excellent, trust worthy advice, with a down to earh, friendly approach which put us right at ease. Stuart was recommended to us via some friends and we have gone on to recommend Blue Strawberry Financial Services to anyone we know going through the process. We will 100% be using them again. Thank you!
Hannah Rumney, Jan 21
They were very helpful to me as a first-time buyer, and regularly kept in touch regarding progress despite the difficult situation last year. Everyone was super professional and made things really clear and straightforward.
Michael Craig, Jan 21
Amazing customer service and always at the end of the phone to help with any queries. We were recommended by a family member to use blue strawberry and have since had 2 mortgages through them! We also received a beautiful hamper upon completion of our mortgage and have also since recommended other family and friends to use blue strawberry too! We cant thank them enough for all their help and support they have given us to get us the best and most suitable mortgage to meet our financial situation.
Samantha Blair, Jan 21
They help you from start to finish! They make everything so easy and are always there phone or email with any questions and if you ask about something they don’t personally do they go out their way to suggests the best solutions for you! Absolutely amazing people they contact you constantly after reminding you to sort things or just to check everything’s OK and your happy with everything. Would and have recommend to anyone that has asked
Danielle Hardy, Jan 21
Ian and Stuart were clear, responded quickly to queries and explained everything in a clear manner
Matthew Waring, Jan 21
The mortgage advisers, especially Stuart McAdam has been very thorough in reviewing my mortgage requirements and extremely prompt and efficient in providing me with a product that suited my personal situation and requirements
Rajesh Salkar, Jan 21
Ian and Stuart have been very supportive and helped me with all aspects of buying my first home!
Amber Briers, Dec 20
As a first time buyer purchasing your first property is very daunting however as soon as I called to arrange an appointment with Blue Strawberry I was put at ease with their professionalism but also their friendliness. Each member of staff I spoke to was always helpful and always found time to help me as best they could no matter the time of day or whether they had dealt with my case before. Overall I was very happy with the service I was given as well as the information being explained in a way that I, as a novice first time buyer, could understand. Not only were they great they almost worked right the way through this pandemic, given how crazy of a year it has been for us all everyone at Blue Strawberry remained professional and were always a phone call or email away if needed. Superb service.
Matt Carter, Nov 20
I could not fault the service from Blue Strawberry, they were genuinely fantastic from start to finish. I was a first time buyer and had lots of apprehension around buying my own home – the whole process seemed very overwhelming to me. The team at Blue Strawberry provided me with all the reassurance I could possibly need and went way above and beyond what I expected. No question was a stupid one and their patience and competence made me feel at ease from the very beginning. I highly recommend them!
Ella Ryrie, Nov 20
Great experience, a different class of its own compared to other companies talked me through all my options and no miss leading compared to other companies that took advantage of a first time buyer
Paul Merchant, Nov 20
Super friendly and very helpful! Made me feel a ease during the entire process of getting my mortgage for my first home!
Rebecca Povey, Nov 20
Very friendly and professional service provided. Nothing is too much trouble.
Julie Ward, Nov 20
Blue Strawberry were recommended to us by a friend and it’s easy to see why. Being a first time buyer is daunting enough at the best of times, nevermind during a global pandemic when lending was so unpredictable. Stuart and Ian were great, guiding us through all the processes and making sure we understood every step. Great communication, clear advice and friendly support.
Charlotte Arnold, Nov 20
Incredibly helpful, kept in touch regularly to make sure the sale was progressing okay. They worked really hard and worked with our solicitor and estate agent to help us secure the mortgage and ensure the sale didn’t fall through during the Covid19 Lockdown. They really helped take the stress out of everything.
Bethann Pillow-Edwards, Nov 20
Very professional and helpful. Stuart, Ian and the team can’t do enough to help. We highly recommend Blue Strawberry to everyone. Well done guys.
Peter Tyndall, Nov 20
This was our first purchase of a house and wanted to go to someone for advice. Straight away we were greeted from Stewart in a lovely manner. The overall experience was amazing and he explained everything in great detail so that we fully understood. we ended up going through Blue Strawberry for our Mortgage with Acord and were very happy with the outcome. I would highly recommend Blue Strawberry to anybody that is wanting to purchase there first home :)
Dale Aird, Oct 20
Excellent service would highly recommend thank you Stuart and Ian
Sarah Hadfield, Oct 20
Simply OUTSTANDING! Blue Strawberry have being exceptional throughout this whole process of buying our first home. They were always there to answer any of those worrying or burning questions, and would always take the time to explain things in the simplest of ways to make sure we understood every detail. We honestly can’t thank them enough for guiding us through this huge life step, and also a huge thank you to them for putting up with us, and all the emails and calls we have made to them over the past couple of months your patience and understanding really has been much appreciated. Would highly recommend their services!
Jacob Denton, Oct 20
Ian and Stuart are fantastic. They were so helpful during the house buying process. I can’t recommend them enough. As a young person, it’s quite daunting trying to source a mortgage, protection and insurance. They explained everything thoroughly and always bent over backwards to try to get the best deal. Excellent company and service.
Hannah Nesbitt, Oct 20
From start to finish Ian and Stuart were amazing. They explained everything to me step by step, they were incredibly helpful in all aspects of getting a mortgage , I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them or use their services again.
Tom Webb, Oct 20
Stuart and Ian are fantastic. We have used them on two occasions and won’t hesitate to go back when we need to re mortgage. Extremely friendly, helpful and professional. We will continue to recommend you to our friends and family.
Amy Mewes, Oct 20

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Useful Resources

We understand the daunting nature of navigating the property market for the first time. That’s why we’ve created this section to offer a range of informative articles and free downloadable guides designed to arm you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions throughout the process.

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