Practical insurance advice you can use

One of the most frequent questions I hear in my insurance agency is an explanation of the various types of life insurance that are out there. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so I wanted to put some info out there so you can be informed and make the right decision for your family.

While everyone can benefit from a life insurance policy, the real question is which type is the best way to protect you and your family. I wanted to give you the basics about the most common types of life insurance. School is back for the kids, and back for us! First class this semester… Life Insurance 101! ☺

• Term Life – This is the most common type of life insurance. Term life premiums remain stable over a certain amount of time (the term) and if you pass away within that term the policy pays out the agreed-upon value. Terms usually range from 10 to 30 years. During the initial term, the premium stays level which means it does not change.
  If you decide to renew the policy after the initial term the premium will rise to reflect the fact that you are now older and the risks of death are greater. Term life insurance is very easy and affordable; however, it does not generate any cash value.
• Universal Life – This type of insurance offers a cash value and is a tax-deferred investment, which makes it more costly than term life. This type of insurance can be complicated with many variations, so make sure you have a clear understanding of how your policy works and ask for clarification on anything you do not understand. That’s why we’re here!
• Whole Life – This type of insurance offers a level of premium and life insurance protection that lasts as long as you live. This type of policy can also accumulate a cash value that is tax deferred. Like Universal Life insurance, this is one of the more “complicated” types out there, so make sure to do your research and ask questions if you don’t understand something.

These are the three main types of life insurance. There are variations of each, so make sure to do your research and ask all the questions you can think of when trying to make a decision about what fits best for you and your family. Feel free to forward this message to your friends and family who may also need a refresher on the basics, and feel free to give us a call today with any questions you might have. We’re here to help!

Looking for the perfect after school treat for your kids or a tasty mid-day snack for yourself? Look no further than here. We’ve got a great recipe for you. Whip up some Granola Banana Sticks and dig in. They are easy to make and make a delicious, healthy snack anywhere, anytime!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons honey
• 4-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of milk
• 3 medium firm bananas
• 6 Popsicle sticks
• 2 crunchy oat and honey granola bars, crushed

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey, brown sugar, and milk; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
2. Peel bananas and cut them in half widthwise.
3. Insert a Popsicle stick into one end of each banana half.
4. Spoon peanut butter mixture over bananas to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle with granola.
6. Serve immediately or place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet and freeze.

Enjoy!

We are in the middle of baseball season and as an Insurance Agent, it always makes me think about curveballs in life.

While it’s entertaining to watch something like that during the game, it’s not so great when you get one of life’s curveballs thrown at you.

Sometimes the curveballs life throws at us are disguised as automobile accidents, unforeseen damage to our homes, or even the passing of a loved one.

Fortunately, those are all curveballs that our agency can help you prepare for. Completing a policy review today can help make sure there are no gaps in your insurance and that you have enough coverage to protect the things that matter most.

Curveballs follow the age-old adage, “Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.”

It would be ideal for every pitch thrown at us to be straight and right up the middle, but that’s unrealistic. That’s why we’re here to help.

Our agency is always here to help you when you’re preparing for the pitch and keep you ahead of the curve. We can help you with a Policy Review to make sure you and your family have the protection you need.

Call Our Office Today to Complete a Policy Review!

When August hits us it can feel like the fun of summer is coming to an end. So, before you start bringing out the brown paper lunch bags and dividing up the school supplies, pick a few days this month that will be dedicated to having some family fun! Just because summer is almost over, doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop!

We’ve lined up some great activities to enjoy with your family:

• Host a family game night! Take turns picking out games and invite other families to join in on the fun. 

• Backyard movie night. These days, it costs an arm and a leg to take the entire family out to the movies, so why not watch a movie in your own makeshift movie theater? Play your family’s favorite movie using a projector and a blank wall. You can also set up a snack station with popcorn, candy, chips, and other munchies! 

• Backyard camping. Set up your own camp by pitching some tents in your backyard! Play fun board games and tell spooky stories around your “campfire”. 

• Host a dance party. Turn your living room into a party zone by dressing up in funky party attire, dimming the lights, and turning on your favorite dance jams. Disco ball is optional! 

• Just use your imagination, spend time together and have fun!!

The best news: No matter where you live, what you do, or what your budget is, you and your family will be creating lifelong memories.

Enjoy these days and each and every one of these moments.

Let’s go! Let’s go! Come on! I don’t know where your favorite jeans are! What do you mean you still have homework? Did you brush your teeth yet? Let’s go! I’m leaving… NOW! Get in the car!

Parents, I hope your back-to-school morning doesn’t sound like that above. If it does, it’s not too late to turn that ship around. The key to having a stress-free morning routine is to have a smooth bedtime routine. Remember, a routine is something that is followed regularly, standard procedures. Without consistency, you will have a continual uphill battle.

Here are some tips for a stress-free morning routine that will help you and your kids:

• Early to bed, early to rise. That one is simple. Enforce a regular, early bedtime.

• Have kids pick out clothing the night before – getting their involvement in choosing leads to happier children that are less likely to give trouble getting dressed

• It’s recommended that showers and baths be taken at night, especially for the kids. You think you’ll have time in the morning, but you rarely do.

• No yelling, no matter what. Raising your voice only escalates matters.

• Look over all homework for completeness before bed; don’t assume it’s finished.

• Before bed ensure lunches are made and backpacks are packed. This ensures that there are no surprises in the morning 

• Give singular instructions. Don’t say, “I want you to finish your homework, eat breakfast, get dressed, comb your hair, and brush your teeth.” Make each instruction significant on its own. One instruction at a time works wonders.

• Set consequences and stick to your guns. If you tell your child the car is leaving at 8:15 sharp, make it happen. Clearly, you can’t leave your child behind, but tell them you will be leaving whether they are ready or not. Sending a 10-year-old to school with uncombed hair, pajamas, and mismatched shoes might help get the message across.

Getting back to school and into a regular routine is a very stressful event. Remember: you are the parent; you set the tone for the morning. You need to be actively involved in the morning routine.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.

Know the Difference:

• Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
• Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• Excessive Heat Warning – Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

When in the heat, watch for signs of:

• Heat Exhaustion – headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and heavy sweating
• Heat Stroke – vomiting, high body temperature, red-hot skin, and loss of consciousness

Grilling your corn on the cob puts a new spin on an old favorite that the entire family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 medium ears of sweet corn
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place corn in a stockpot; cover with cold water. Soak for 20 minutes; drain. Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 in. of bottoms; remove silk.
2. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients; spread over corn. Rewrap corn in husks; secure with kitchen string.
3. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat until tender, 25-30 minutes, turning often. Cut the string and peel back the husks.

Enjoy!

It’s summertime and that means many of us are getting outdoors. Camping and hiking are both popular outdoor activities, and they can be a ton of fun, if you are prepared.

If you are planning on spending some time in the great outdoors this summer, keep these tips in mind and make sure you are prepared!

• Travel With a Companion—You don’t want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include details such as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you’re bringing, the weather you’ve anticipated, and when you plan to return.
• Be in Good Physical Condition—Set a comfortable pace as you hike. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your doctor and get approval before departing.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing—Wear appropriate clothing, especially shoes, for the trail conditions and season. Dress in layers in cooler weather.
• Check Your Equipment—Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Be sure to pack emergency signaling devices.
• Be Weather Wise—Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. The weather can change very quickly. Know the signs of approaching storms or changing weather conditions.
• Learn Basic First Aid—Know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.

Make being safe your #1 fun activity this Summer! Preparedness is key!

Kids and adults are at greater risk for sunburns during the summer months. Besides being painful, sunburns can lead to skin cancer down the road. 

Only 58% of adults practice proper sun safety procedures, such as applying sunscreen and seeking shade. Teaching sun safety to kids can help them have better behaviors as adults.

In addition to applying sunscreen and being aware of time spent in the sun, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Wear a sun hat whenever possible to protect your face from harmful rays.
2. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B radiation from the sun. It should have an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply it often. Always reapply the sunscreen after swimming or any physical activity.
3. Bring a shade enclosure or large umbrella if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun.
4. Use caution even on cloudy days since you can still get a sunburn when you can’t see the sun.
5. Protect your eyes too. Never look directly at the sun and wear sunglasses to block some of the UV rays.

Knowing you are doing everything you need to do to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones gives you peace of mind so you can relax and have fun.

As we kick off the month, here are two fun facts you may or may not have known before and some fun trivia for all ages.

Fun Facts:

• The names of the Declaration of Independence signers were kept from the public for over six months to protect them. If independence had not been achieved they would have faced treason charges which carried a death sentence.
• Nationwide there are 31 towns with the word liberty in their name. Iowa has the most with four, Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, and West Liberty.

Trivia:

• July is named after a famous Roman general. Who is it? A. Julius Caesar
• In J.K. Rowling’s book, what is the character Harry Potter’s birth date? A: July 31, 1980
• Which is the famous sports tournament that takes place in July? A: The Wimbledon Championship
• On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Which was the name of their spaceflight? A: Apollo 11
• Other than the water lily, another flower is regarded as the birth flower of July. Which is it? A: Larkspur
• What does the birthstone ruby signify? A: It is a symbol of love, passion, strength, and confidence.
• There is a monument named “July Column”. Where is it and what does it signify? A: It is in Paris signifying the Revolution of 1830.