Look and Listen

Biography

Nothing in my history prepared me for this. I was working on a historical biography when I was diverted by the need for information. I did the research and learned that people near death were being victimized by the new, unregulated industry. I enjoy research and had experience as a licensed insurance professional, financial planner, tax preparer, teacher, clinical social worker, and advocate. These varied experiences became essential to do what I have been doing these past eleven years. I began Bialkin Books in order to get the information into the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible. I never approached a trade publisher because I knew they took close to two years to get a book in print. During that time, thousands of people would have had irreversible losses.

Inspiration

Interest in viatical & life settlements began when I was a volunteer at AIDS Services Foundation, Orange County, CA, providing financial and tax advice to clients. Many requests about selling their life insurance policies led me to research this new industry so as to be able to provide the best information and advice. That led to my first book--so that people with other diseases and those who lived outside the local area would have the information. And that led to the second book--potential investors who were solicited to buy portions of these viaticated contracts contacted me for information.