August 2011
1 post
Tax days to work for
Can you believe we (Americans) need to work 224 days into 2011 to pay for local, state, and federal government spending and regulations? (Americans For Tax Reform). And why were the Republicans “mocked” for not wanting to budge with more new taxes at the last budget debate?
January 2011
1 post
IRS Guidelines: Health carriers not to cover...
So, as of January 1, 2010 fully insured Group Health plans are not to cover meals as part of their medical plans. I have not received any calls or complains of this happening. How about you? Has this happened to anyone you know of? Dave
October 2010
2 posts
Sylvia Parker appreciation day!
Thinking and appreciating our backbone. You are the best Sylvia! Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
What to do at the scene of an accident
Here are five steps to take after a car accident. This short video can also be a discussion starter with your teenage or young adult driver that may be listed on your policy. So even though we all think that we know what to do in case of an accident- some drivers in our household may not. Let us know if the video was helpful!
September 2010
6 posts
10 Million Fisher Price Items Recalled
This morning Fisher-Price announced massive recalls of toys, tricycles and high chairs. Safety concerns with these products were highlighted after several injuries were reported. Six children injured on the Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles required medical attention. To learn more about these recalls and what specific products are affected, please visit...
Do you know what types of water damage are covered...
This informative video mentions the importance of purchasing flood insurance, even if you do not live in an area officially labeled as a “flood zone.” According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the most common natural disaster in the US. If you want to learn more about how to protect your home through the right policies, call us, your local insurance agency, today. ...
Traffic deaths reach lowest point in 60 years.
According to the Department of Transportation, Americans are driving more miles with fewer accidents. Traffic fatalities fell 9.7%, according to last year’s statistics. With over 30,000 deaths recorded in 2009 though, keeping safe on the roads is still a big priority. Remember to always wear your seat-belt and stay alert when you get behind the wheel. Source:...
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. How...
Feel free to “quiz” us about our knowledge of life insurance and how the right policy can benefit you and your family. Leave a comment below or call our agency today to find out more!
Award-winning video: great reminder about...
Seat-belt use reduces the risk of serious injury by 45% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). A decision that takes two seconds to make could change your life, and the lives of those you love, forever. Please share this video with your friends and help increase awareness of this issue.
Confused about life insurance? It may be...
A humorous look at the excuses people make when it comes to purchasing life insurance. Click “Like” below if you think life insurance really does matter.
April 2010
2 posts
April 23, 2010 - Ford Recall
If you drive a new Ford you should be aware that certain models have recently been recalled. The company announced today that problems with the seat back and head restraint mean that several of its 2010 models do not meet federal safety requirements. Car owners should expect letters in May and the company has made a commitment to fix the problem in over 30,000 manufactured vehicles
Keeping up...
April 5, 2010 - Housing Market Up
Buyers searching for their next dream home just got another incentive. On Monday the Obama administration rolled out a new plan to incentivise purchases of short-sale homes. What looks even more promising though are the new guidelines being issued about short-sales. This type of purchase has been very time-consuming but the new guidelines will require that banks respond to offers on short-sale...
February 2010
1 post
Feb. 15, 2010 - Wacky Weather
If there is one thing that people everywhere can discuss, it’s the weather. From mudslides in California, to blizzards in DC, conditions in February have been far from normal in many parts of the country. Even Canada has been having abnormal weather, with higher temperatures in Vancouver putting some of the winter games on hold. So what can you do when the weather takes a turn for the...
January 2010
1 post
Jan. 8, 2010 - Good News For Grads
With one semester remaining in the school year, many college students are already looking ahead to life after dorm rooms and lecture halls. For these students, some good news is being reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
For the first time in more than a year more employers are interested in increasing (instead of decreasing) the number of college graduates that they...
December 2009
1 post
Dec. 18, 2009 - Have You Heard of the CFPA?
A proposed bill in the House was recently amended in committee. While many consumer groups are cheering the intent of the bill, which would establish a new Federal regulator called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, some are worried that recent exemptions have watered down the bill dangerously.
The big debate at issue is whether car dealers should be subject to the same type of regulation...
November 2009
1 post
November 23, 2009 - Housing Market Looks Up,...
This October saw a surprising rise in sales of existing homes, giving economic forecasters reasons to be cautiously optimistic. The overall decline in home prices, combined with an extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, has helped to fuel the highest number of sales since February 2007.
Sales of foreclosed homes have risen slightly, but some are cautioning that this “sales...
October 2009
1 post
November 2, 2009 - Are you paying attention to...
The Senate has now agreed to insert the “Public Option”. They are now approaching a document of 2000 pages. Do you know how many reams of paper that is? Can you imagine the cost and confusion with that magnitude? Did you know that tax payers will pay for abortions in the recent proposal?
Here’s what we need:
Choice. The current free market system has businesses competing...
September 2009
1 post
Sept 25, 2009 - "Healthy" Houses
Yesterday The National Center for Healthy Housing released a report on the “State of Healthy Housing.”
The non-profit’s study found that over the last ten years housing conditions may actually be on the decline due to the recent housing bubble and crash. The study also confirmed the troubling divide in housing quality across the US. Metropolitan rental properties consistently...
August 2009
2 posts
August 20, 2009 - New Rules for Credit Card...
The Credit CARD Act signed into law this May is going into effect today. What does this mean for consumers?
The new law offers some protection to consumers by requiring a 45 day advance notice of any changes in interest rates or fees. Payments won’t count as late unless a bill was sent 21 days prior to the due date.
Still, experts warn that consumers need to be wary of changes in their...
August 10, 2009 - Health Officials Test H1N1...
Being aware of a health problem before it occurs is usually a good idea, for individuals and communities.
That’s why the US government is hard at work testing out vaccines for the H1N1 virus (aka the “swine flu”) and hopes to have them ready by mid-October. The vaccine is built and tested like a traditional flu vaccine.
The current testing will help to determine the safety of...
July 2009
2 posts
June 27, 2009 - Home Sales on the Rise
Economic experts and investors have been encouraged recently by a report that indicates a sharp rise in home sales. While this may not be good news for those shopping for homes in certain areas, it is a sign that things are starting to turn around.
The Commerce Department is reporting that home sales in June were up 11% from May, continuing a three-month trend of rising home sales....
July 7, 2009 - Operation Short Change
The next time you see an ad on the internet or your television that promises big bucks fast, think twice. Many consumers have discovered too late that “money back guarantee” only applies to companies that play by the rules.
In response to an increase in business opportunity and “free grant” scams the Federal Trade Commission has launched a new enforcement and education...
June 2009
3 posts
June 29, 2009 - Tuition Increases Hit Record Low
If you plan to support a young college student, you know the importance of rising tuition costs. A recent nationwide survey has found that tuition, while on the rise, will see less of an increase this year than any year since the 1972-73 school year.
Tough times have forced veteran instititions to enact hiring freezes, halt new construction, and rely more heavily on endowments. However, analysts...
June 10, 2009 - Auto Loans Put on the Brakes
Auto Dealers have few problems finding customers willing to buy. Banks willing to lend to those customers are another story. In reaction to the credit crisis many lenders like GMAC tightened up their practices, trying to exclude risky borrowers. Now, that reaction has gone so far that even buyers with good credit scores are having trouble getting financing.
The numbers aren’t the same everywhere;...
June 4, 2009 - Summer Safety Tips
Sidewalks across the country are heating up, as kids rush from the shade of classrooms to beaches and outdoor games. Summer can be a fun time, but changing weather and habits can also mean the potential for common problems like heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and accidents.
As your insurance agent, we recommend practicing good summer safety. You don’t need to buy fancy gadgets to tell you when...