(642,1,'2020-08-14 23:55:21','2020-08-14 23:55:21','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"article-hed\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>8 Ways Managers Can Support Employees’ Mental Health</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2020/07/Aug20_07_MarcoVannini-1024x576.jpg\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and we are living in uncertain times. Between rising numbers of Covid-19 cases, questions about whether or not to reopen economies and businesses, the ongoing protests in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and the economic fallout of the pandemic, we don’t know what will come next. And that’s taking a toll on our mental health, including at work.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We saw an impact early in the pandemic. At the end of March and in early April, our nonprofit organization, Mind Share Partners, conducted a study of global employees in partnership with Qualtrics and SAP. We found that the mental health of almost 42% of respondents had declined since the outbreak began. Given all that’s happened between then and now, we can only imagine that the figure has increased. Much has been said about this short-term mental health impact, and the long-term effects are likely to be even more far-reaching.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prior to the pandemic, many companies had increased their focus on workplace mental health (often in response to pressure from employees). Those efforts are even more imperative today.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As we navigate various transitions over the coming months and years, leaders are likely to see employees struggle with anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and PTSD. Those mental health experiences will differ according to race, economic opportunity, citizenship status, job type, parenting and caregiving responsibilities, and many other variables. So, what can managers and leaders do to support people as they face new stressors, safety concerns, and economic upheaval? Here’s our advice.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>What Can Managers Do?</strong></span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even in the most uncertain of times, the role of a manager remains the same: to support your team members. That includes supporting their mental health. The good news is that many of the tools you need to do so are the same ones that make you an effective manager.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Be vulnerable.</strong> One silver lining of the pandemic is that it is normalizing mental health challenges. Almost everyone has experienced some level of discomfort. But the universality of the experience will translate into a decrease in stigma only if people, especially people in power, share their experiences. Being honest about your mental health struggles as a leader opens the door for employees to feel comfortable talking with you about mental health challenges of their own.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prior to the pandemic, the biotech firm Roche Genentech produced videos in which senior leaders talked about their mental health. They were shared on the company intranet as part of a campaign called #Let’sTalk. The company then empowered “mental health champions” — a network of employees trained to help build awareness for mental health — to make videos about their experiences, which were used as part of the company’s various mental health awareness campaigns. (See the editor’s note below regarding our relationships with this company and others mentioned in this article.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Those of us working from home have had no choice but to be transparent about our lives, whether our kids have crashed our video meetings or our coworkers have gotten glimpses of our homes. When managers describe their challenges, whether mental-health-related or not, it makes them appear human, relatable, and brave. Research has shown that authentic leadership can cultivate trust and improve employee engagement and performance.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Model healthy behaviors</strong>. Don’t just say you support mental health. Model it so that your team members feel they can prioritize self-care and set boundaries. More often than not, managers are so focused on their team’s well-being and on getting the work done that they forget to take care of themselves. Share that you’re taking a walk in the middle of the day, having a therapy appointment, or prioritizing a staycation (and actually turning off email) so that you don’t burn out.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Build a culture of connection through check-ins.</strong> Intentionally checking in with each of your direct reports on a regular basis is more critical than ever. That was important but often underutilized in pre-pandemic days. Now, with so many people working from home, it can be even harder to notice the signs that someone is struggling. In our study with Qualtrics and SAP, nearly 40% of global employees said that no one at their company had asked them if they were doing OK — and those respondents were 38% more likely than others to say that their mental health had declined since the outbreak.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Go beyond a simple “How are you?” and ask specific questions about what supports would be helpful. Wait for the full answer. Really listen, and encourage questions and concerns. Of course, be careful not to be overbearing; that could signal a lack of trust or a desire to micromanage.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When someone shares that they’re struggling, you won’t always know what to say or do. What’s most important is to make space to hear how your team members are truly doing and to be compassionate. They may not want to share much detail, which is completely fine. Knowing that they can is what matters.</span></p>\n<div class=\"promo--right\">\n<div class=\"advertising\">\n<div id=\"DFP_IC_pos3\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Offer flexibility and be inclusive. </strong>Expect that the situation, your team’s needs, and your own needs will continue to change. Check in regularly — particularly at transition points. You can help problem-solve any issues that come up only if you know what’s happening. Those conversations will also give you an opportunity to reiterate norms and practices that support mental health. Inclusive flexibility is about proactive communication and norm-setting that helps people design and preserve the boundaries they need.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Don’t make assumptions about what your direct reports need; they will most likely need different things at different times. Take a customized approach to addressing stressors, such as challenges with childcare or feeling the need to work all the time. Proactively offer flexibility. Be as generous and realistic as possible. Basecamp CEO Jason Fried recently announced that employees with any type of caretaking responsibilities could set their own schedules, even if that meant working fewer hours. Being accommodating doesn’t necessarily mean lowering your standards. Flexibility can help your team thrive amid the continued uncertainty.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Normalize and model this new flexibility by highlighting how you’ve changed your own behavior. Stacey Sprenkel, a partner at the law firm Morrison &amp; Foerster, proactively told her teams that she was working odd hours because of her childcare responsibilities and invited them to share what they needed to work best during the pandemic.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ask team members to be patient and understanding with one another as they adapt. Trust them and assume the best. They are relying on you and will remember how you treated them during this unprecedented time.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Communicate more than you think you need to. </strong>Our study with Qualtrics and SAP showed that employees who felt their managers were not good at communicating have been 23% more likely than others to experience mental health declines since the outbreak. Make sure you keep your team informed about any organizational changes or updates. Clarify any modified work hours and norms. Remove stress where possible by setting expectations about workloads, prioritizing what must get done, and acknowledging what can slide if necessary.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Make your team aware of available mental health resources and encourage them to use them. Almost 46% of all workers in our study said that their company had not proactively shared those. If you’ve shared them once, share them again. And be aware that shame and stigma prevent many employees from using their mental health benefits to seek treatment, so normalize the use of those services.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although managers will be on the front lines of addressing mental health issues, it’s on the most-senior leaders in your company to take action as well.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>What Else Can Organizational Leaders Do?</strong></span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In our 2019 Mental Health at Work Report, issued in partnership with SAP and Qualtrics, the most commonly desired workplace mental health resources were a more open and accepting culture, clearer information about where to go or whom to ask for support, and training.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mental health symptoms are just as common in the C-Suite as among individual contributors. Sharing your own mental health challenges and modeling healthy behavior are two of the most important steps you can take. Here are a few additional things that leaders can do to normalize and support mental health at work.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Invest in training. </strong>Now more than ever, you should prioritize proactive and preventive workplace mental health training for leaders, managers, and individual contributors. Before the pandemic, companies including Morrison &amp; Foerster and Verizon Media were convening senior leaders to discuss their role in creating a mentally healthy culture. That positioned them well to navigate the uncertainty that has unfolded. As more and more employees struggle with mental health, it’s important to debunk common myths, reduce stigma, and build the necessary skills to have productive conversations about mental health at work. If you don’t have the budget to invest in training, mental health employee resource groups are a low-cost way to increase awareness, build community, and offer peer support.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Modify policies and practices. </strong>To reduce stress on everyone, be as generous and flexible as possible in updating policies and practices in reaction to the pandemic and civil unrest. For example, you may need to take a closer look at your rules and norms around flexible hours, paid time off, email and other communications, and paid and unpaid leave. Try to reframe performance reviews as opportunities for compassionate feedback and learning instead of evaluations against strict targets. In mid-March, Katherine Maher, the CEO of Wikimedia Foundation, sent an email to her organization outlining changes to mitigate stress, including: “If you need to dial back [work hours], that’s okay.” She also committed to paying contractors and hourly staff on the basis of their typical hours, regardless of their ability to work. When you make changes, be explicit that you are doing so to support the mental health of your employees, if that is the goal.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Measure. </strong>Ensuring accountability doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be handled in a simple pulse survey done regularly to understand how people are doing now and over time. BlackRock, the global investment management firm, is one of many organizations that have conducted pulse surveys during the pandemic to understand the primary stressors and needs of staff. This direct employee input has helped shape new programs, including remote management skill-building for managers, enhanced health and well-being support for employees, and increased work flexibility and time off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">* * *</span></p>\n<div class=\"promo--right\">\n<div class=\"advertising\">\n<div id=\"DFP_IC_pos4\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As much as we might like to return to the way things were, we won’t. So let’s use this opportunity to create the mentally healthy workplace cultures that should have existed all along.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://hbr.org/2020/08/8-ways-managers-can-support-employees-mental-health\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','8 Ways Managers Can Support Employees’ Mental Health','','inherit','closed','closed','','639-revision-v1','','','2020-08-14 23:55:21','2020-08-14 23:55:21','',639,'http://smartinsurance.tips/639-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(644,1,'2020-08-17 20:53:39','2020-08-17 20:53:39','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"article-hed\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Reward Your Employees — Without Breaking the Bank</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2020/08/Aug20_07_82633899.jpg\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As the ongoing public health crisis has metastasized into an economic slowdown, it’s difficult for many corporations to retain and reward their people. Many firms aren’t in the position to give their employees large annual bonuses. As the former CEO of CitiMortgage and now the CEO of Caliber Home Loans, I have seen how spot bonuses can be an effective alternative: We recently paid spot bonuses to almost all our employees to reward them for their diligent work in a tumultuous year. Indeed, companies can use a spot bonus like a scalpel to stimulate feelings of satisfaction among employees, incentivize group behaviors, and build a stronger sense of solidarity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A spot bonus is typically paid “on the spot” to individuals or a group of employees (and sometimes an organization’s entire workforce) for a specific behavior, action, or result. Because of their targeted nature, they tend to be a smaller amount of money than the annual incentive reward. In my experience, they typically range from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. According to research done by PayScale in 2018, these are the second most commonly used form of variable pay, tied with employee referral bonuses, after annual individual bonuses.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many reasons you should consider using this type of compensation at your organization.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">First, a spot bonus can make your employees feel more satisfied — and more frequently. There’s a scientific basis to this point: In a 2001 study, neuroscientists discovered that the anticipation of monetary rewards generates a significant amount of activation in the nucleus accumbens, which is part of the “reward circuitry” of the brain. In the same study, participants self-reported that they felt happier at the prospect of monetary gain.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your goal is to reward employees, then try engaging their reward circuitry more often. Instead of waiting an entire year to pay a bonus, consider introducing bonuses that employees can anticipate more frequently, such as recurring spot bonuses which are based on individual performance but also tied to the performance of the company. Not only will it more regularly stimulate “satisfied” brain activity among employees, but it will also help form a mental association between the results of the firm and individual performance.  This may create more work for HR or your financial group, but your leadership team could determine the spot bonus pool for the year in advance and empower managers to allocate them accordingly throughout the year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Second, a spot bonus may improve team performance, especially if recipients are encouraged to spend this money on others. Because of the pandemic, many people are working longer hours and often doing so in isolation. Yet there is an increasing amount of research that indicates that interpersonal relationships can serve as a source of satisfaction at work. In a 2013 study, salespeople at a pharmaceutical company were divided into groups, those who received personal bonuses and those who got prosocial bonuses who were encouraged to spend these bonuses on others. Those who received prosocial bonuses spent more money buying gifts for each other like lunches for colleagues. These teams outperformed those that didn’t receive the prosocial bonuses. “When organizations give employees the opportunity to spend money on others … both the employees and the company can benefit, with increased happiness and job satisfaction and even improved team performance,” conclude the authors of the study. These findings suggest that you could pay prosocial spot bonuses that are meant to be gifted, in an effort to boost performance.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Third, a spot bonus is an opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s priorities. Don’t just make it about the money. It’s not enough to only remit payments. You also have to explain how these bonuses are being paid because the firm is meeting its objectives. When my firm paid spot bonuses to almost all of our employees last year, we held an offsite in which we addressed the state of our business, described various transformation initiatives that were currently underway, and answered employee questions. Giving such a bonus presents an opportunity because you will have everyone’s attention, and they’re more likely to be open to what you and other leaders have to say. This is the time to share your vision, address queries, and inspire action.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In this period of pandemic and recession, a spot bonus is a way to help employees through difficult times, as well as boost performance and morale.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://hbr.org/2020/08/reward-your-employees-without-breaking-the-bank\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Reward Your Employees — Without Breaking the Bank','','publish','closed','closed','','reward-your-employees-without-breaking-the-bank','','','2020-08-17 20:56:03','2020-08-17 20:56:03','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=644',0,'page','',0),(645,1,'2020-08-17 20:53:39','2020-08-17 20:53:39','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Reward Your Employees — Without Breaking the Bank','','inherit','closed','closed','','644-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 20:53:39','2020-08-17 20:53:39','',644,'http://smartinsurance.tips/644-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(648,1,'2020-08-17 20:56:31','2020-08-17 20:56:31','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"ArticleHeader-styles-makeit-headline--1DSjp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How we ranked the top 50 U.S. colleges that pay off the most in 2020</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/105979782-1561052170689library.jpg?v=1561052206&amp;w=700&amp;h=305\" style=\"float: left;\" /></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The price of college can be difficult to estimate. Scholarships and grants can cut costs, while fees and housing can add to the total that students pay. At the same time, many students do not have the information they need to understand how much their degree will be worth after graduation. <strong> </strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">CNBC Make It<strong> </strong>set out to determine which colleges provide the best return on students’ time and money. The result is our list of the U.S. Colleges That Pay Off the Most, a ranking that spotlights the 50 schools that provide students the highest average salaries for their tuition dollars.</span></p>\n<div class=\"BoxInline-styles-makeit-container--23sG-  \" style=\"text-align: right;\">\n<div id=\"BoxInline-ArticleBody-5\" class=\"BoxInline-styles-makeit-container--23sG-\" data-module=\"mps-slot\"></div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here’s how we did it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We started with the true net cost of each college, which measures how much students pay (including tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses) after subtracting scholarships and grants, for students from families making between $48,001 - $75,000, an income range established by the Department of Education. We chose to consider the net cost for this income bracket in order to represent the true cost of college for average Americans and to highlight schools that provide them generous support.</span></p>\n<p><img src=\"https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/106633925-1595860794617-CollegePayoffRanking2020_WIDE_Final.jpg?v=1595860843&amp;w=678&amp;h=381\" style=\"float: left;\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To determine average net cost for this demographic, we used data from Tuition Tracker, a tool produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. The Tuition Tracker compiles data provided by the U.S. Department of Education from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from 2008 to 2019 to project costs for the 2020-2021 school year. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We considered the top 250 colleges and universities included in PayScale’s College Salary Report, which compiles data from an ongoing, online compensation survey of 3.5 million respondents, representing more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. </span></p>\n<div class=\"MidResponsive-styles-makeit-midResponsiveContainer--3l1lB\" style=\"text-align: right;\">\n<div id=\"MidResponsive-3\" class=\"\" data-module=\"mps-slot\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-midresponsive-2014490526\" class=\"mps-slot\" data-mps-slot=\"midresponsive\" data-mps-loadset=\"0\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PayScale calculates the median salary for alumni with less than five years of experience and median salary for alumni with over 10 years of experience. For our 2020 ranking, we chose to only consider the average salary for alumni with more than 10 years of experience in order to capture the potential earnings growth among college graduates. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Only bachelor’s degree-granting schools were considered, as opposed to community colleges, which award associate’s degrees.<strong> </strong>We excluded military schools from the list, including tuition-free institutions like West Point and The Naval Academy, because the cost of post-college military service introduces an additional factor that’s challenging to measure against other schools. We also excluded military colleges that require ROTC service. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And while the cost of attending college and what students can expect to earn in the future is essential information to have when making a decision about a school, students shouldn’t make their college decisions based solely on potential earnings — or even our ranking.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Information about earnings tied to a college education is one piece of data,” Lydia Frank, vice president of content strategy at PayScale, tells CNBC Make It. “It’s an important piece, because if you are funding your education through loans, it makes a ton of sense to understand your capacity for paying that off after graduation.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">However, Frank says, as with all financial investments, there are many things to consider. Pay is “just one piece of information. There’s a host of other factors that can help you best understand whether a college is a fit for you.”</span></p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/28/how-we-ranked-the-top-50-us-colleges-that-pay-off-the-most-in-2020.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How we ranked the top 50 U.S. colleges that pay off the most in 2020','','publish','closed','closed','','how-we-ranked-the-top-50-u-s-colleges-that-pay-off-the-most-in-2020','','','2020-08-17 21:02:49','2020-08-17 21:02:49','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=648',0,'page','',0),(649,1,'2020-08-17 20:56:31','2020-08-17 20:56:31','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How we ranked the top 50 U.S. colleges that pay off the most in 2020','','inherit','closed','closed','','648-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 20:56:31','2020-08-17 20:56:31','',648,'http://smartinsurance.tips/648-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(659,1,'2020-08-17 21:32:02','2020-08-17 21:32:02','','My_Post_081820_053200_AM','','inherit','open','closed','','my_post_081820_053200_am','','','2020-08-17 21:32:02','2020-08-17 21:32:02','',656,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My_Post_081820_053200_AM.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(652,1,'2020-08-17 21:06:39','2020-08-17 21:06:39','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"fl-post-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Your Influence as a Leader</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/How-to-Exercise-Your-Influence-Effectively.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When English politician John Dalberg-Acton said, “Power tends to corrupt,” he was painting with a broad brush. There are many types of power, and while some types are corrupting, others can bring out the best in people when leveraged effectively. That translates into improved morale and increased productivity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The proper use of power is to the abuse of power what democracy is to autocracy. When a leader leverages their credibility and influence to invite others to participate in decision-making, the people on the ground feel ownership in the results, much like voters in a democracy. But when a leader governs like an autocrat, people usually only participate reluctantly, or not at all. Work still gets done in an organization ruled with an iron fist, but turnover is often high and sustainability, low.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many different types of power, but the four highlighted here represent the most common ways leaders bring them to the fore. Here’s what you need to know about each to exercise influence effectively.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coercive Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inspiring the desired behavior by wielding the stick—exercising control by dangling some form of punishment for non-compliance—is what coercive power looks like in practice. In some cases it can be extremely effective. For example, the strong perception of being caught and punished generally deters crime, which is an important component of the criminal justice system. However, this idea doesn’t translate in all settings. There is also the perception that those who leverage coercive power to implement their agendas aren’t leading so much as intimidating the populous. Using fear to complete a project might get you across the finish line, but don’t expect everyone to stick around to celebrate.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you catch yourself saying things like, “If you don’t want this job, I’ll find someone else who does,” or using fear and intimidation to get the report submitted on time, remind yourself that there’s definitely a better way. Remember that the employee you berate today could be the colleague whose support you desperately need tomorrow. Sure, you should set expectations and enforce boundaries, but do so in a way that reinforces the greatest good.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Legitimate Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When power is derived from a formal position within an organization’s hierarchy, it usually comes with the authority to make demands, and to expect others to be compliant. However, this power may also be conferred upon you by someone with even greater authority, which can be a little tricky. And, if you combine legitimate power with coercive power, you might be invited to tender your letter of resignation sooner or later, so tread lightly.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The people you lead will almost always give you more of themselves when you treat them with respect, so wield your legitimate power with a soft touch. One of the reasons that CEOs like In-N-Out Burger’s Lynsi Snyder and Southwest Airlines’ Gary Kelly are so beloved by their employees is because they uplift and appreciate them, while asking them to contribute their best efforts to the company. While titles often signal authority, they don’t always equal influence; be mindful of the difference.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Expert Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Leaders who hold expert power are those with hard-earned knowledge and skill sets on which others recognize and rely. Their good judgment is battle-tested and as a result, it usually affords them an immodest amount of respect. Individuals who wield expert power are typically an organization’s thought leaders, which is an extension of their expert power. Their peers hardly begrudge them their authority and commonly defer to their insights because they generally know more than anyone else in the room. However, even the most lauded of experts can run the risk of losing credibility by being short on soft skills or falling victim to the ego, both of which can equally mar the perceived value of their contributions and authority.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the reasons that Dr. Howard Gardner, author of <em>Multiple Intelligences </em>has earned such resonance with the masses is because people recognize him as an expert in his field. But not only that, he also understands how the principles of human connection and rapport boost the value of his overall contributions and uses this knowledge to his advantage. Together, these attributes help him to leverage the next type of power on this list.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Referent Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Every leader should aspire to hold referent power, which relies on interpersonal connections and other soft skills to unite people in a common mission. The well-loved coach who uses heartfelt words to rally his team to victory and reminds them to reach for grit, holds referent power. So, too, does the CEO who brings along a contingent of loyal supporters when they move to a new organization.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Leaders like Representative John Lewis held referent power in life, which is why in death, he and others like him have received such an outpouring of love. Widely known for his compelling interpersonal skills and rousing advocacy, it comes as no surprise that those inspired by his standout example were happy to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” and make important contributions to the American legacy of leadership.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Power can be a tool or a weapon of influence, depending on the person holding it. It’s incumbent on a leader to make sure to use it to build people up rather than to tear them down. Although it seems counterintuitive to some, nothing says effective leadership like the ability to invite others to share the reins, coupled with a genuine feeling of <em>esprit de corps</em>.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.success.com/how-to-use-your-influence-as-a-leader/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Use Your Influence as a Leader','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-use-your-influence-as-a-leader','','','2020-08-17 21:10:53','2020-08-17 21:10:53','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=652',0,'page','',0),(653,1,'2020-08-17 21:06:39','2020-08-17 21:06:39','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to Use Your Influence as a Leader','','inherit','closed','closed','','652-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:06:39','2020-08-17 21:06:39','',652,'http://smartinsurance.tips/652-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(651,1,'2020-08-17 21:02:40','2020-08-17 21:02:40','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"ArticleHeader-styles-makeit-headline--1DSjp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How we ranked the top 50 U.S. colleges that pay off the most in 2020</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/105979782-1561052170689library.jpg?v=1561052206&amp;w=700&amp;h=305\" style=\"float: left;\" /></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The price of college can be difficult to estimate. Scholarships and grants can cut costs, while fees and housing can add to the total that students pay. At the same time, many students do not have the information they need to understand how much their degree will be worth after graduation. <strong> </strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">CNBC Make It<strong> </strong>set out to determine which colleges provide the best return on students’ time and money. The result is our list of the U.S. Colleges That Pay Off the Most, a ranking that spotlights the 50 schools that provide students the highest average salaries for their tuition dollars.</span></p>\n<div class=\"BoxInline-styles-makeit-container--23sG-  \" style=\"text-align: right;\">\n<div id=\"BoxInline-ArticleBody-5\" class=\"BoxInline-styles-makeit-container--23sG-\" data-module=\"mps-slot\"></div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here’s how we did it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We started with the true net cost of each college, which measures how much students pay (including tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses) after subtracting scholarships and grants, for students from families making between $48,001 - $75,000, an income range established by the Department of Education. We chose to consider the net cost for this income bracket in order to represent the true cost of college for average Americans and to highlight schools that provide them generous support.</span></p>\n<p><img src=\"https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/106633925-1595860794617-CollegePayoffRanking2020_WIDE_Final.jpg?v=1595860843&amp;w=678&amp;h=381\" style=\"float: left;\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To determine average net cost for this demographic, we used data from Tuition Tracker, a tool produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. The Tuition Tracker compiles data provided by the U.S. Department of Education from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from 2008 to 2019 to project costs for the 2020-2021 school year. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We considered the top 250 colleges and universities included in PayScale’s College Salary Report, which compiles data from an ongoing, online compensation survey of 3.5 million respondents, representing more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. </span></p>\n<div class=\"MidResponsive-styles-makeit-midResponsiveContainer--3l1lB\" style=\"text-align: right;\">\n<div id=\"MidResponsive-3\" class=\"\" data-module=\"mps-slot\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-midresponsive-2014490526\" class=\"mps-slot\" data-mps-slot=\"midresponsive\" data-mps-loadset=\"0\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PayScale calculates the median salary for alumni with less than five years of experience and median salary for alumni with over 10 years of experience. For our 2020 ranking, we chose to only consider the average salary for alumni with more than 10 years of experience in order to capture the potential earnings growth among college graduates. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Only bachelor’s degree-granting schools were considered, as opposed to community colleges, which award associate’s degrees.<strong> </strong>We excluded military schools from the list, including tuition-free institutions like West Point and The Naval Academy, because the cost of post-college military service introduces an additional factor that’s challenging to measure against other schools. We also excluded military colleges that require ROTC service. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And while the cost of attending college and what students can expect to earn in the future is essential information to have when making a decision about a school, students shouldn’t make their college decisions based solely on potential earnings — or even our ranking.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Information about earnings tied to a college education is one piece of data,” Lydia Frank, vice president of content strategy at PayScale, tells CNBC Make It. “It’s an important piece, because if you are funding your education through loans, it makes a ton of sense to understand your capacity for paying that off after graduation.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">However, Frank says, as with all financial investments, there are many things to consider. Pay is “just one piece of information. There’s a host of other factors that can help you best understand whether a college is a fit for you.”</span></p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/28/how-we-ranked-the-top-50-us-colleges-that-pay-off-the-most-in-2020.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How we ranked the top 50 U.S. colleges that pay off the most in 2020','','inherit','closed','closed','','648-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:02:40','2020-08-17 21:02:40','',648,'http://smartinsurance.tips/648-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(656,1,'2020-08-17 21:21:51','2020-08-17 21:21:51','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do immediately after a car crash</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">Question:</strong><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"> I was in a car accident. What should I do now?</span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-1.png\" width=\"660\" height=\"660\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-662 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: right;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Answer: </strong>Roughly three million people are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons: distracted driving, defective tires, rollovers, DUIs and DWIs. But no matter the cause of the crash, there are specific steps you should take immediately after it to ensure not only your own health and safety but also your right to file a claim for compensation if the accident warrants one.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Call the police then stay where you are.</strong> Do not ever leave the scene of a car accident, even if it was the other driver\'s fault. Call the police and check yourself as well as anyone else involved in the crash to determine the extent of any injuries. Call for emergency medical help if needed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Gather evidence.</strong> Police will make an official report when they arrive. It is also advisable that you collect your own evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your car and/or personal property. Gather statements from witnesses who can verify the facts about what happened and obtain the other driver\'s personal and insurance information. You will also want to request a copy of the police report for your own records.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Call your insurance company.</strong> You are obligated to report an accident to the insurance company, even if you were not at fault. This applies even to accidents where no one was injured.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Seek medical help.</strong> Visit your doctor, even if you walk away from the accident with only cuts and scrapes. Seemingly minor injuries can sometimes develop into much more serious conditions. Tell your doctor you were in an accident and have him or her assess your injuries. Keep records of your diagnosis, after-care instructions, medications prescribed, and follow-up visits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>5. Call an attorney.</strong> If you intend to file a claim for damages, it is best to do so under the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney. Car accident cases are full of fine print and tricky details. The right attorney can help you effectively navigate these things.</span></p>\n<p><person>Theodore Babbitt</person><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> is senior partner in the law firm of </span><org>Babbitt &amp; Johnson, P.A</org><span style=\"color: #000000;\">., and is a member of the </span><location>Inner Circle</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> of Advocates, which is limited to the top 100 personal injury lawyers in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-car-crash?fbclid=IwAR0JQ9jC2GWoG1TM-cXFZa5QiWFrXxyGrzdx4Qo6Vkr6G1HphawjEZzpbbg#.XzryZugzZhG\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do immediately after a car crash','','publish','closed','closed','','what-to-do-immediately-after-a-car-crash','','','2020-08-17 21:37:28','2020-08-17 21:37:28','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=656',0,'page','',0),(657,1,'2020-08-17 21:21:51','2020-08-17 21:21:51','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','What to do immediately after a car crash','','inherit','closed','closed','','656-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:21:51','2020-08-17 21:21:51','',656,'http://smartinsurance.tips/656-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(671,1,'2020-08-17 21:52:46','2020-08-17 21:52:46','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?','','inherit','closed','closed','','670-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:52:46','2020-08-17 21:52:46','',670,'http://smartinsurance.tips/670-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(662,1,'2020-08-17 21:35:14','2020-08-17 21:35:14','','My Post (1)','','inherit','open','closed','','my-post-1','','','2020-08-17 21:35:14','2020-08-17 21:35:14','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(655,1,'2020-08-17 21:10:13','2020-08-17 21:10:13','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"fl-post-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Your Influence as a Leader</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/How-to-Exercise-Your-Influence-Effectively.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When English politician John Dalberg-Acton said, “Power tends to corrupt,” he was painting with a broad brush. There are many types of power, and while some types are corrupting, others can bring out the best in people when leveraged effectively. That translates into improved morale and increased productivity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The proper use of power is to the abuse of power what democracy is to autocracy. When a leader leverages their credibility and influence to invite others to participate in decision-making, the people on the ground feel ownership in the results, much like voters in a democracy. But when a leader governs like an autocrat, people usually only participate reluctantly, or not at all. Work still gets done in an organization ruled with an iron fist, but turnover is often high and sustainability, low.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many different types of power, but the four highlighted here represent the most common ways leaders bring them to the fore. Here’s what you need to know about each to exercise influence effectively.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coercive Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inspiring the desired behavior by wielding the stick—exercising control by dangling some form of punishment for non-compliance—is what coercive power looks like in practice. In some cases it can be extremely effective. For example, the strong perception of being caught and punished generally deters crime, which is an important component of the criminal justice system. However, this idea doesn’t translate in all settings. There is also the perception that those who leverage coercive power to implement their agendas aren’t leading so much as intimidating the populous. Using fear to complete a project might get you across the finish line, but don’t expect everyone to stick around to celebrate.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you catch yourself saying things like, “If you don’t want this job, I’ll find someone else who does,” or using fear and intimidation to get the report submitted on time, remind yourself that there’s definitely a better way. Remember that the employee you berate today could be the colleague whose support you desperately need tomorrow. Sure, you should set expectations and enforce boundaries, but do so in a way that reinforces the greatest good.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Legitimate Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When power is derived from a formal position within an organization’s hierarchy, it usually comes with the authority to make demands, and to expect others to be compliant. However, this power may also be conferred upon you by someone with even greater authority, which can be a little tricky. And, if you combine legitimate power with coercive power, you might be invited to tender your letter of resignation sooner or later, so tread lightly.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The people you lead will almost always give you more of themselves when you treat them with respect, so wield your legitimate power with a soft touch. One of the reasons that CEOs like In-N-Out Burger’s Lynsi Snyder and Southwest Airlines’ Gary Kelly are so beloved by their employees is because they uplift and appreciate them, while asking them to contribute their best efforts to the company. While titles often signal authority, they don’t always equal influence; be mindful of the difference.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Expert Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Leaders who hold expert power are those with hard-earned knowledge and skill sets on which others recognize and rely. Their good judgment is battle-tested and as a result, it usually affords them an immodest amount of respect. Individuals who wield expert power are typically an organization’s thought leaders, which is an extension of their expert power. Their peers hardly begrudge them their authority and commonly defer to their insights because they generally know more than anyone else in the room. However, even the most lauded of experts can run the risk of losing credibility by being short on soft skills or falling victim to the ego, both of which can equally mar the perceived value of their contributions and authority.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the reasons that Dr. Howard Gardner, author of <em>Multiple Intelligences </em>has earned such resonance with the masses is because people recognize him as an expert in his field. But not only that, he also understands how the principles of human connection and rapport boost the value of his overall contributions and uses this knowledge to his advantage. Together, these attributes help him to leverage the next type of power on this list.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Referent Power</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Every leader should aspire to hold referent power, which relies on interpersonal connections and other soft skills to unite people in a common mission. The well-loved coach who uses heartfelt words to rally his team to victory and reminds them to reach for grit, holds referent power. So, too, does the CEO who brings along a contingent of loyal supporters when they move to a new organization.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Leaders like Representative John Lewis held referent power in life, which is why in death, he and others like him have received such an outpouring of love. Widely known for his compelling interpersonal skills and rousing advocacy, it comes as no surprise that those inspired by his standout example were happy to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” and make important contributions to the American legacy of leadership.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Power can be a tool or a weapon of influence, depending on the person holding it. It’s incumbent on a leader to make sure to use it to build people up rather than to tear them down. Although it seems counterintuitive to some, nothing says effective leadership like the ability to invite others to share the reins, coupled with a genuine feeling of <em>esprit de corps</em>.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.success.com/how-to-use-your-influence-as-a-leader/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Use Your Influence as a Leader','','inherit','closed','closed','','652-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:10:13','2020-08-17 21:10:13','',652,'http://smartinsurance.tips/652-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(660,1,'2020-08-17 21:34:08','2020-08-17 21:34:08','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do immediately after a car crash</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My_Post_081820_053200_AM-1024x1024.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-659 aligncenter size-large\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Question:</strong> I was in a car accident. What should I do now?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Answer: </strong>Roughly three million people are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons: distracted driving, defective tires, rollovers, DUIs and DWIs. But no matter the cause of the crash, there are specific steps you should take immediately after it to ensure not only your own health and safety but also your right to file a claim for compensation if the accident warrants one.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Call the police then stay where you are.</strong> Do not ever leave the scene of a car accident, even if it was the other driver\'s fault. Call the police and check yourself as well as anyone else involved in the crash to determine the extent of any injuries. Call for emergency medical help if needed.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Gather evidence.</strong> Police will make an official report when they arrive. It is also advisable that you collect your own evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your car and/or personal property. Gather statements from witnesses who can verify the facts about what happened and obtain the other driver\'s personal and insurance information. You will also want to request a copy of the police report for your own records.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Call your insurance company.</strong> You are obligated to report an accident to the insurance company, even if you were not at fault. This applies even to accidents where no one was injured.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Seek medical help.</strong> Visit your doctor, even if you walk away from the accident with only cuts and scrapes. Seemingly minor injuries can sometimes develop into much more serious conditions. Tell your doctor you were in an accident and have him or her assess your injuries. Keep records of your diagnosis, after-care instructions, medications prescribed, and follow-up visits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>5. Call an attorney.</strong> If you intend to file a claim for damages, it is best to do so under the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney. Car accident cases are full of fine print and tricky details. The right attorney can help you effectively navigate these things.</span></p>\n<p><person>Theodore Babbitt</person><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> is senior partner in the law firm of </span><org>Babbitt &amp; Johnson, P.A</org><span style=\"color: #000000;\">., and is a member of the </span><location>Inner Circle</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> of Advocates, which is limited to the top 100 personal injury lawyers in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-car-crash?fbclid=IwAR0JQ9jC2GWoG1TM-cXFZa5QiWFrXxyGrzdx4Qo6Vkr6G1HphawjEZzpbbg#.XzryZugzZhG\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do immediately after a car crash','','inherit','closed','closed','','656-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:34:08','2020-08-17 21:34:08','',656,'http://smartinsurance.tips/656-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(664,1,'2020-08-17 21:38:38','2020-08-17 21:38:38','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"> </p>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"> </p>\r\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2379\" src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/down-payment-on-summary-1024x343.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"251\" /></div>\r\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many of today’s homeowners have been inspired by house-flipping shows to learn practical tips and savvy tricks to either increase their home’s resale value or, for those who prefer to stay put, refresh their living space for its long-term use. While these shows highlight the newest trends that resonate with new buyers or help customize a house to an owner’s current needs, what they don’t tell you is how remodeling might affect your homeowners insurance coverage.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Building an addition and adding square footage, renovating a kitchen or bathroom, or other significant changes made to a home will increase its value,” said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance director of product management. “One thing that can’t be overlooked, however, is that these renovations will also increase the home’s replacement cost if it is damaged or destroyed, so it’s very important that homeowners also adjust their insurance policies to ensure the home is properly insured in the event disaster strikes.”</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are four improvements Li recommends discussing with your insurance agent before making upgrades.</span></p>\r\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_top\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\" style=\"text-align: left;\"> </div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The roof is the primary source to protect a home against the elements, providing shelter from rain, hail, wind, summer heat and winter cold. It’s likely not the first thing that comes to mind when a homeowner thinks of renovations but, eventually, it will need to be replaced to keep doing its job properly.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The age of your roof factors into your homeowners insurance coverage because, as it gets older it becomes more likely to leak, which can cause structural damage,” said Li. “Certain roofing materials — like clay or concrete tile, slate or metal — provide added protection against wind and wildfires if you live in an area that’s prone to these conditions. If properly maintained, these materials also have a longer lifespan than an asphalt-shingled roof, which tends to last about 20 years.”</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pools are a great way to cool off when temperatures climb and are also a nice centerpiece for outdoor entertaining. However, putting in a pool also adds to your liability risk, which will increase your homeowners insurance premium.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If you decide to install a pool, be sure to also build a fence with a locking gate around it,” said Li. “The fence should not connect to the dwelling and, if possible, it should be built using fire-resistant material.”</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sometimes, all it takes to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look is to swap out your old sink for a new one.</span></p>\r\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_middle\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\" style=\"text-align: left;\"> </div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you decide to replace some of your home’s plumbing fixtures, it’s important to make note of the upgraded materials as they may be of a higher quality — and thus have a higher replacement cost — than the original equipment. It’s also a good time to consider installing a water-leak detection system, as claims due to water-related damages, like bursting or leaking pipes, or malfunctioning appliances, are the most commonly filed homeowners insurance claims, according to Mercury Insurance.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Many leaks can be difficult to detect since most pipes are enclosed inside walls,” said Li. “We recommend installing water-leak sensors or shut off devices if you are making plumbing upgrades, because they can be very helpful in preventing extensive water damage. Some can automatically shut off the home’s main water supply if a leak is detected and might even qualify you for a discount on your insurance.”</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The trees, bushes, plants and stonework you choose can add to your home’s curb appeal and, in areas with dry climates that are prone to wildfires, your landscaping may even increase your home’s insurability.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“A good landscape in fire country will endure firebrands for days, intense heat for weeks, and do both without igniting,” said Douglas Kent, wildfire expert, author and professor of land management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The five feet closest to your home is where you should retrofit with fire retardant materials and conduct simple maintenance like clearing away dead plants, and cleaning gutters and decks of leaves. The next 30 feet from your home should be green and clean landscaping, with lawns kept free of debris. Trim tree limbs so they are at least 10 feet away from your home and trim unruly bushes. Keep your lawn well-manicured and plants healthy. Hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete also work well in this space.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally, the next 70 feet should contain thinned out vegetation, removing flammable plants and brush surrounding your home. Trees should also be at least 20 feet apart.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you plan to live in your home for many years to come or sell it to a new homeowner, be sure to assess your homeowners’ coverage needs annually as long as it’s your property.</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"> </p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"> </div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"> </p>','4 Home Improvements that May Affect your Homeowners Insurance','','publish','closed','closed','','4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance','','','2022-04-25 23:34:49','2022-04-25 23:34:49','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=664',0,'page','',0),(2383,1,'2022-04-25 23:22:50','2022-04-25 23:22:50','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<p> </p>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"> </p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img class=\"wp-image-667 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: left;\" src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many of today’s homeowners have been inspired by house-flipping shows to learn practical tips and savvy tricks to either increase their home’s resale value or, for those who prefer to stay put, refresh their living space for its long-term use. While these shows highlight the newest trends that resonate with new buyers or help customize a house to an owner’s current needs, what they don’t tell you is how remodeling might affect your homeowners insurance coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Building an addition and adding square footage, renovating a kitchen or bathroom, or other significant changes made to a home will increase its value,” said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance director of product management. “One thing that can’t be overlooked, however, is that these renovations will also increase the home’s replacement cost if it is damaged or destroyed, so it’s very important that homeowners also adjust their insurance policies to ensure the home is properly insured in the event disaster strikes.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are four improvements Li recommends discussing with your insurance agent before making upgrades.</span></p>\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_top\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\" style=\"text-align: right;\"> </div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The roof is the primary source to protect a home against the elements, providing shelter from rain, hail, wind, summer heat and winter cold. It’s likely not the first thing that comes to mind when a homeowner thinks of renovations but, eventually, it will need to be replaced to keep doing its job properly.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The age of your roof factors into your homeowners insurance coverage because, as it gets older it becomes more likely to leak, which can cause structural damage,” said Li. “Certain roofing materials — like clay or concrete tile, slate or metal — provide added protection against wind and wildfires if you live in an area that’s prone to these conditions. If properly maintained, these materials also have a longer lifespan than an asphalt-shingled roof, which tends to last about 20 years.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pools are a great way to cool off when temperatures climb and are also a nice centerpiece for outdoor entertaining. However, putting in a pool also adds to your liability risk, which will increase your homeowners insurance premium.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If you decide to install a pool, be sure to also build a fence with a locking gate around it,” said Li. “The fence should not connect to the dwelling and, if possible, it should be built using fire-resistant material.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sometimes, all it takes to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look is to swap out your old sink for a new one.</span></p>\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_middle\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\"> </div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you decide to replace some of your home’s plumbing fixtures, it’s important to make note of the upgraded materials as they may be of a higher quality — and thus have a higher replacement cost — than the original equipment. It’s also a good time to consider installing a water-leak detection system, as claims due to water-related damages, like bursting or leaking pipes, or malfunctioning appliances, are the most commonly filed homeowners insurance claims, according to Mercury Insurance.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Many leaks can be difficult to detect since most pipes are enclosed inside walls,” said Li. “We recommend installing water-leak sensors or shut off devices if you are making plumbing upgrades, because they can be very helpful in preventing extensive water damage. Some can automatically shut off the home’s main water supply if a leak is detected and might even qualify you for a discount on your insurance.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The trees, bushes, plants and stonework you choose can add to your home’s curb appeal and, in areas with dry climates that are prone to wildfires, your landscaping may even increase your home’s insurability.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“A good landscape in fire country will endure firebrands for days, intense heat for weeks, and do both without igniting,” said Douglas Kent, wildfire expert, author and professor of land management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The five feet closest to your home is where you should retrofit with fire retardant materials and conduct simple maintenance like clearing away dead plants, and cleaning gutters and decks of leaves. The next 30 feet from your home should be green and clean landscaping, with lawns kept free of debris. Trim tree limbs so they are at least 10 feet away from your home and trim unruly bushes. Keep your lawn well-manicured and plants healthy. Hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete also work well in this space.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally, the next 70 feet should contain thinned out vegetation, removing flammable plants and brush surrounding your home. Trees should also be at least 20 feet apart.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you plan to live in your home for many years to come or sell it to a new homeowner, be sure to assess your homeowners’ coverage needs annually as long as it’s your property.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"> </div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></div>\n<p>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]</p>','4 home improvements that may affect your homeowners insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','664-revision-v1','','','2022-04-25 23:22:50','2022-04-25 23:22:50','',664,'https://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2383',0,'revision','',0),(665,1,'2020-08-17 21:38:38','2020-08-17 21:38:38','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','4 home improvements that may affect your homeowners insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','664-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:38:38','2020-08-17 21:38:38','',664,'http://smartinsurance.tips/664-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(663,1,'2020-08-17 21:37:28','2020-08-17 21:37:28','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do immediately after a car crash</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">Question:</strong><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"> I was in a car accident. What should I do now?</span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-1.png\" width=\"660\" height=\"660\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-662 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: right;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Answer: </strong>Roughly three million people are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons: distracted driving, defective tires, rollovers, DUIs and DWIs. But no matter the cause of the crash, there are specific steps you should take immediately after it to ensure not only your own health and safety but also your right to file a claim for compensation if the accident warrants one.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Call the police then stay where you are.</strong> Do not ever leave the scene of a car accident, even if it was the other driver\'s fault. Call the police and check yourself as well as anyone else involved in the crash to determine the extent of any injuries. Call for emergency medical help if needed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Gather evidence.</strong> Police will make an official report when they arrive. It is also advisable that you collect your own evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your car and/or personal property. Gather statements from witnesses who can verify the facts about what happened and obtain the other driver\'s personal and insurance information. You will also want to request a copy of the police report for your own records.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Call your insurance company.</strong> You are obligated to report an accident to the insurance company, even if you were not at fault. This applies even to accidents where no one was injured.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Seek medical help.</strong> Visit your doctor, even if you walk away from the accident with only cuts and scrapes. Seemingly minor injuries can sometimes develop into much more serious conditions. Tell your doctor you were in an accident and have him or her assess your injuries. Keep records of your diagnosis, after-care instructions, medications prescribed, and follow-up visits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>5. Call an attorney.</strong> If you intend to file a claim for damages, it is best to do so under the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney. Car accident cases are full of fine print and tricky details. The right attorney can help you effectively navigate these things.</span></p>\n<p><person>Theodore Babbitt</person><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> is senior partner in the law firm of </span><org>Babbitt &amp; Johnson, P.A</org><span style=\"color: #000000;\">., and is a member of the </span><location>Inner Circle</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> of Advocates, which is limited to the top 100 personal injury lawyers in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-car-crash?fbclid=IwAR0JQ9jC2GWoG1TM-cXFZa5QiWFrXxyGrzdx4Qo6Vkr6G1HphawjEZzpbbg#.XzryZugzZhG\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do immediately after a car crash','','inherit','closed','closed','','656-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:37:28','2020-08-17 21:37:28','',656,'http://smartinsurance.tips/656-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(674,1,'2020-08-17 21:55:05','2020-08-17 21:55:05','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2031.jpg\" alt=\"Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?  \" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Is there any coverage for pets under a homeowners policy?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1:</strong> The typical homeowners coverage form excludes animals from items covered under personal property. I have never seen a homeowners policy without the exclusion. Some carriers do, however, offer some limited coverage for pets as part of an enhancement endorsement. You should research what your carrier offers if you haven’t done so already.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thereare pet mortality policies available, as well as coverage for the pet’s medical needs that are similar to health insurance. These are offered by specialty markets.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2:</strong> ISO and AAIS homeowners coverage forms exclude damage or injury to pets and the great majority of insurers closely follow this practice. However, I have recently heard of a few homeowner policies that may provide very limited medical coverage for certain pets owned by the insured. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3: </strong>It depends on the policy form. Although a pet is personal property, many forms specifically exclude fish, birds and other animals from covered property. Some might have a special provision to cover domestic pets injured or destroyed by a covered peril. If it’s a special pet, then consider obtaining an animal mortality policy for your clients.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> For the policy in question, try to find a section labeled similarly to “Property Not Covered” or something similar. For example, the ISO HO 00 03 05 11 form under its “Property Not Covered” section excludes animals, birds or fish. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 5: </strong>Are you asking about first party coverage? Or third party liability coverage? There is probably no property coverage for the death of a homeowner’s pet, but I can imagine some circumstances in which liability coverage for the injury or death of an unrelated party’s pet might be found.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 6</strong>: Liability coverage for pets injuring others is covered and is one of the largest causes of personal liability claims. Many auto policies are adding a pet injury benefit if pets are hurt in auto accidents. Pet medical plans have become widely available, but I\'ve not seen animal mortality for animals smaller than livestock. </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/are-pets-covered-under-a-homeowners-policy?fbclid=IwAR0FVUcNtHQkQhFnogd7sYyznNHJZscrd0wxgZtW3KTGi2Cf8Trt7fyGfmI\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?','','inherit','closed','closed','','670-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:55:05','2020-08-17 21:55:05','',670,'http://smartinsurance.tips/670-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(667,1,'2020-08-17 21:49:49','2020-08-17 21:49:49','','My Post (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','my-post-2','','','2020-08-17 21:49:49','2020-08-17 21:49:49','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-2.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(668,1,'2020-08-17 21:51:15','2020-08-17 21:51:15','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" class=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>4 home improvements that may affect your homeowners insurance</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-2.png\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-667 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: left;\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many of today’s homeowners have been inspired by house-flipping shows to learn practical tips and savvy tricks to either increase their home’s resale value or, for those who prefer to stay put, refresh their living space for its long-term use. While these shows highlight the newest trends that resonate with new buyers or help customize a house to an owner’s current needs, what they don’t tell you is how remodeling might affect your homeowners insurance coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Building an addition and adding square footage, renovating a kitchen or bathroom, or other significant changes made to a home will increase its value,” said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance director of product management. “One thing that can’t be overlooked, however, is that these renovations will also increase the home’s replacement cost if it is damaged or destroyed, so it’s very important that homeowners also adjust their insurance policies to ensure the home is properly insured in the event disaster strikes.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are four improvements Li recommends discussing with your insurance agent before making upgrades.</span></p>\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_top\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\" style=\"text-align: right;\"></div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The roof is the primary source to protect a home against the elements, providing shelter from rain, hail, wind, summer heat and winter cold. It’s likely not the first thing that comes to mind when a homeowner thinks of renovations but, eventually, it will need to be replaced to keep doing its job properly.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The age of your roof factors into your homeowners insurance coverage because, as it gets older it becomes more likely to leak, which can cause structural damage,” said Li. “Certain roofing materials — like clay or concrete tile, slate or metal — provide added protection against wind and wildfires if you live in an area that’s prone to these conditions. If properly maintained, these materials also have a longer lifespan than an asphalt-shingled roof, which tends to last about 20 years.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pools are a great way to cool off when temperatures climb and are also a nice centerpiece for outdoor entertaining. However, putting in a pool also adds to your liability risk, which will increase your homeowners insurance premium.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If you decide to install a pool, be sure to also build a fence with a locking gate around it,” said Li. “The fence should not connect to the dwelling and, if possible, it should be built using fire-resistant material.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sometimes, all it takes to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look is to swap out your old sink for a new one.</span></p>\n<div id=\"tncms-region-article_instory_middle\" class=\"tncms-region hidden-print\"></div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you decide to replace some of your home’s plumbing fixtures, it’s important to make note of the upgraded materials as they may be of a higher quality — and thus have a higher replacement cost — than the original equipment. It’s also a good time to consider installing a water-leak detection system, as claims due to water-related damages, like bursting or leaking pipes, or malfunctioning appliances, are the most commonly filed homeowners insurance claims, according to Mercury Insurance.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Many leaks can be difficult to detect since most pipes are enclosed inside walls,” said Li. “We recommend installing water-leak sensors or shut off devices if you are making plumbing upgrades, because they can be very helpful in preventing extensive water damage. Some can automatically shut off the home’s main water supply if a leak is detected and might even qualify you for a discount on your insurance.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The trees, bushes, plants and stonework you choose can add to your home’s curb appeal and, in areas with dry climates that are prone to wildfires, your landscaping may even increase your home’s insurability.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“A good landscape in fire country will endure firebrands for days, intense heat for weeks, and do both without igniting,” said Douglas Kent, wildfire expert, author and professor of land management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The five feet closest to your home is where you should retrofit with fire retardant materials and conduct simple maintenance like clearing away dead plants, and cleaning gutters and decks of leaves. The next 30 feet from your home should be green and clean landscaping, with lawns kept free of debris. Trim tree limbs so they are at least 10 feet away from your home and trim unruly bushes. Keep your lawn well-manicured and plants healthy. Hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete also work well in this space.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally, the next 70 feet should contain thinned out vegetation, removing flammable plants and brush surrounding your home. Trees should also be at least 20 feet apart.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you plan to live in your home for many years to come or sell it to a new homeowner, be sure to assess your homeowners’ coverage needs annually as long as it’s your property.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','4 home improvements that may affect your homeowners insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','664-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:51:15','2020-08-17 21:51:15','',664,'http://smartinsurance.tips/664-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(670,1,'2020-08-17 21:52:46','2020-08-17 21:52:46','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2031.jpg\" alt=\"Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?  \" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Is there any coverage for pets under a homeowners policy?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1:</strong> The typical homeowners coverage form excludes animals from items covered under personal property. I have never seen a homeowners policy without the exclusion. Some carriers do, however, offer some limited coverage for pets as part of an enhancement endorsement. You should research what your carrier offers if you haven’t done so already.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thereare pet mortality policies available, as well as coverage for the pet’s medical needs that are similar to health insurance. These are offered by specialty markets.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2:</strong> ISO and AAIS homeowners coverage forms exclude damage or injury to pets and the great majority of insurers closely follow this practice. However, I have recently heard of a few homeowner policies that may provide very limited medical coverage for certain pets owned by the insured. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3: </strong>It depends on the policy form. Although a pet is personal property, many forms specifically exclude fish, birds and other animals from covered property. Some might have a special provision to cover domestic pets injured or destroyed by a covered peril. If it’s a special pet, then consider obtaining an animal mortality policy for your clients.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> For the policy in question, try to find a section labeled similarly to “Property Not Covered” or something similar. For example, the ISO HO 00 03 05 11 form under its “Property Not Covered” section excludes animals, birds or fish. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 5: </strong>Are you asking about first party coverage? Or third party liability coverage? There is probably no property coverage for the death of a homeowner’s pet, but I can imagine some circumstances in which liability coverage for the injury or death of an unrelated party’s pet might be found.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 6</strong>: Liability coverage for pets injuring others is covered and is one of the largest causes of personal liability claims. Many auto policies are adding a pet injury benefit if pets are hurt in auto accidents. Pet medical plans have become widely available, but I\'ve not seen animal mortality for animals smaller than livestock. </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/are-pets-covered-under-a-homeowners-policy?fbclid=IwAR0FVUcNtHQkQhFnogd7sYyznNHJZscrd0wxgZtW3KTGi2Cf8Trt7fyGfmI\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?','','publish','closed','closed','','are-pets-covered-under-a-homeowners-policy','','','2020-08-17 21:56:02','2020-08-17 21:56:02','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=670',0,'page','',0),(673,1,'2020-08-17 21:54:58','2020-08-17 21:54:58','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_margin=\"|424px||auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2031.jpg\" alt=\"Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?  \" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Is there any coverage for pets under a homeowners policy?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1:</strong> The typical homeowners coverage form excludes animals from items covered under personal property. I have never seen a homeowners policy without the exclusion. Some carriers do, however, offer some limited coverage for pets as part of an enhancement endorsement. You should research what your carrier offers if you haven’t done so already.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thereare pet mortality policies available, as well as coverage for the pet’s medical needs that are similar to health insurance. These are offered by specialty markets.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2:</strong> ISO and AAIS homeowners coverage forms exclude damage or injury to pets and the great majority of insurers closely follow this practice. However, I have recently heard of a few homeowner policies that may provide very limited medical coverage for certain pets owned by the insured. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3: </strong>It depends on the policy form. Although a pet is personal property, many forms specifically exclude fish, birds and other animals from covered property. Some might have a special provision to cover domestic pets injured or destroyed by a covered peril. If it’s a special pet, then consider obtaining an animal mortality policy for your clients.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> For the policy in question, try to find a section labeled similarly to “Property Not Covered” or something similar. For example, the ISO HO 00 03 05 11 form under its “Property Not Covered” section excludes animals, birds or fish. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 5: </strong>Are you asking about first party coverage? Or third party liability coverage? There is probably no property coverage for the death of a homeowner’s pet, but I can imagine some circumstances in which liability coverage for the injury or death of an unrelated party’s pet might be found.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 6</strong>: Liability coverage for pets injuring others is covered and is one of the largest causes of personal liability claims. Many auto policies are adding a pet injury benefit if pets are hurt in auto accidents. Pet medical plans have become widely available, but I\'ve not seen animal mortality for animals smaller than livestock. </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/are-pets-covered-under-a-homeowners-policy?fbclid=IwAR0FVUcNtHQkQhFnogd7sYyznNHJZscrd0wxgZtW3KTGi2Cf8Trt7fyGfmI\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Are Pets Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?','','inherit','closed','closed','','670-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:54:58','2020-08-17 21:54:58','',670,'http://smartinsurance.tips/670-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(675,1,'2020-08-17 21:56:40','2020-08-17 21:56:40','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"article-hero__headline size-8of12--md +type-heading-one +mg-bottom-sm +mg-bottom-md--sm\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Umbrella Insurance</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img src=\"https://media.brstatic.com/2020/07/13162929/umbrella-insurance-featured.jpg\" /><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard homeowners policies include liability coverage, to help pay medical expenses and legal costs when someone sustains an injury in your home or if you’re liable for damage to a neighbor’s property. But some policies don’t provide enough protection, especially if your home has features that may increase your liability risk.Umbrella insurance provides a second layer of liability protection. An umbrella policy picks up where your limited liability coverage ends. You can purchase an umbrella policy with $1 million or more in liability protection to ensure your assets remain safe when disaster strikes. Best of all, umbrella insurance is relatively cheap, offering an affordable way to maximize your protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br /> </span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is umbrella insurance and how does it work?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners liability usually covers the medical expenses of people outside your household when they sustain an injury on your property. If the victim sues you, your liability coverage will help pay your legal costs too. Liability coverage also pays for the property damage of others when you’re at fault. For example, if your lawnmower throws a rock and breaks your neighbor’s window, your liability coverage will help pay the repair bill.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Umbrella insurance provides extra protection when your homeowners liability coverage falls short. It’s designed to cover costs that exceed the liability limits of your home insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most standard home insurance policies provide default liability coverage of $100,000 to $300,000. Typically, insurers allow you to increase your liability coverage limit. Even so, some homeowners need more protection than standard homeowners liability can provide.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For instance, if you own a swimming pool and like to entertain guests, you could face serious medical and legal costs if someone sustains a serious injury or drowns. If you need $1 million or more in liability protection, you’ll need an umbrella insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella policy can also protect properties you use but don’t own. For example, if you rent a home for summer vacation and accidentally burn down the deck while barbecuing, your umbrella policy may pay to rebuild it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What does an umbrella policy cover?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella policy can save the day when you face costly liability, but it’s important to understand exactly what it does and does not cover. Most umbrella policies will cover:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Bodily injury:</strong> Hosting guests in your home increases your risk of an accident. If a guest takes a tumble down your stairs and breaks a leg, your homeowners liability coverage will likely cover the medical costs. But if the victim falls into a lengthy coma and later sues you for pain and suffering, you’ll probably need to rely on the extra coverage provided in your umbrella policy.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Landlord liability:</strong> Some umbrella policies provide a certain level of coverage for landlords. For instance, if you rent a garage apartment to a tenant who sustains an injury when the apartment’s balcony collapses, your umbrella coverage may help pay medical expenses and legal costs.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Property damage:</strong> Standard home insurance can cover most property damage disasters. For instance, if a limb from your tree falls and smashes your neighbor’s fence, your regular homeowners coverage will cover the repairs. But if the entire tree crashes through your neighbor’s home, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, you may need to rely on your umbrella coverage to pay the cost of restoring the house to its previous state and replacing damaged personal property, like furniture or appliances.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Personal injury:</strong> Personal injury protection covers legal expenses when someone sues you for libel, slander or wrongful eviction. The liability coverage in some homeowners policies provides some personal injury protection. If the cost of a lawsuit exceeds the limit of your home insurance policy, your umbrella insurance will kick in to help cover the additional costs.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In general, it covers past the limits of your typical policy.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is not covered by an umbrella policy?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are some kinds of damages not covered by umbrella policies:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Business losses:</strong> An umbrella policy won’t cover your home office property. Likewise, umbrella insurance won’t cover lawsuits filed against your home-based business. You could, however, purchase business insurance that includes liability coverage.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Losses caused by criminal acts:</strong> Like the liability coverage of your home insurance policy, an umbrella policy won’t cover losses caused by illegal activity. For instance, if a policyholder operates an illegal, homemade fireworks business and an accidental explosion burns down a neighbor’s home, the insurer won’t pay a claim.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Personal belongings:</strong> The personal property coverage of your homeowners policy will pay to replace your belongings, like clothing and furniture, following a covered loss, but an umbrella policy won’t. Umbrella insurance only covers the personal belongings of others when you’re at fault for a loss.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Oral or written contracts:</strong> If a contractor sues you for not honoring the terms of an oral or written contract, your umbrella policy likely won’t cover your legal expenses. Likewise, if a legal dispute involves a home-based business, an umbrella policy won’t pay court costs or attorney’s fees.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before you take out a policy, make sure it will cover the things you want protection for.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How much does umbrella insurance cost?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many carriers offer umbrella insurance as an optional coverage. Often, you can add umbrella coverage when you purchase a home insurance policy. If you already have a policy, ask your agent if the insurer sells the coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some premium homeowners policies enable you to increase your liability limit to $1 million or more, which may eliminate the need for umbrella insurance. For instance, Chubb’s standard home insurance policies provide personal liability protection up to $100 million.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1 million umbrella policy costs $150 to $300 annually. However, the cost of insurance varies by location, along with factors such as your home’s age and construction, safety and security features and your age and claims history.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Is umbrella coverage worth it?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most homeowners can benefit from the added liability protection of an umbrella policy. In standard homeowners policies, default medical payments to others limits usually range from $1,000 to $2,500.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although most insurers allow you to raise limits, you still might not have enough coverage to pay all the medical bills a guest may sustain. For instance, medical bills for a broken leg can run $7,500 and a three-day hospital stay can cost $30,000. If the injured person sues you, attorney fees, court costs and a settlement can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Generally, you should consider an umbrella policy if your home or property has any type of element that poses greater liability risks. Homes with amenities such as hot tubs, swimming pools, trampolines and treehouses should have umbrella coverage because they increase your liability risk. Even if you don’t entertain guests often, an uninvited visitor may enter your property and sustain an injury, for which the law may find you liable.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your property has any of these features, ask your insurance agent if your home insurance policy provides adequate protection. Also inquire about precautions you must take, like adding a fence around a pool, installing a pool alarm or adding a lockable cover to a hot tub. Chances are, your agent will advise you to purchase an umbrella policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners who have a home office in which they see clients may also need an umbrella policy. Some standard homeowners policies won’t cover medical and legal costs associated with a business associate visiting your home office. When inquiring about an umbrella policy, make sure it covers this type of risk. If it doesn’t, you likely need to purchase business insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your yard has tall trees, you likely need an umbrella policy. Trees often topple during storms or fall due to rot or saturated soil. A downed tree can cause serious damage to a neighbor’s home, so protect your assets with umbrella insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some cases, increasing the limit on your standard home insurance policy will provide enough coverage. Some premium homeowners policies offer liability limits up to $1 million or more.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Excess liability policies offer an alternative to umbrella insurance. With an excess liability policy, you can increase your liability above the maximum limit allowed in your standard home insurance policy. However, excess liability policies only cover the same risks as your standard liability coverage. Many umbrella policies cover more risks, offering more protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Frequently asked questions</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How much does umbrella insurance cost?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can purchase a $1 million umbrella policy for a few hundred dollars per year. The cost of a policy can depend on many factors, including your home’s safety and security features, it’s age and construction and your insurance claims history.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Should I purchase umbrella coverage if my home has a swimming pool?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home features such as swimming pools, fire pits, hot tubs and treehouses increase your liability risk. If you or one of your family members sustains an injury on your property, you can rely on your health insurance to help cover the costs. But if a guest sustains an injury in your home, you’ll need adequate liability coverage. Umbrella insurance can help cover medical expenses and legal costs.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My home insurance policy includes liability coverage, so why do I need umbrella insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liability coverage only provides a limited amount of protection. Most standard homeowners policies provide default limits of $100,000 to $300,000. Usually, you can increase your liability limit, but it won’t provide the level of coverage offered by an umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance can provide $1 million or more in coverage and many cover more risks than a standard home insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/umbrella-insurance/?fbclid=IwAR38EPpw12p8xYaoxLf34Dd0lqk8ysThnlcxeT7eSKZsUxt4vFmOnN1rUQg\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Umbrella Insurance','','publish','closed','closed','','umbrella-insurance','','','2020-08-17 22:01:22','2020-08-17 22:01:22','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=675',0,'page','',0),(676,1,'2020-08-17 21:56:40','2020-08-17 21:56:40','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Umbrella Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','675-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 21:56:40','2020-08-17 21:56:40','',675,'http://smartinsurance.tips/675-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(685,1,'2020-08-17 22:27:36','2020-08-17 22:27:36','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2023.jpg\" alt=\"Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?  \" width=\"699\" height=\"475\" style=\"float: left;\" /><span style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: right; color: #000000;\">A client is reviewing school options for kindergarten and first-grade children for the fall. With so much uncertainty around public and private schooling models amid continued concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, they are contemplating pooling neighbors\' kids in that age group to host a school in their home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The client is considering hosting a total of six kids in their home three times a week, and the other days rotating through two other neighbors\' homes. They will be hiring a professional teacher to conduct the schooling activities, as outlined by the State Board of Education. The three families participating will be paying the teacher a salary.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Under a homeowners coverage policy, are there specific exclusions that might apply or a certain endorsement we should add?</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1: </strong>I\'m okay with this concept as a neighborly venture, and I think it\'s pretty well covered by both homeowners and umbrella policies, the latter because combining other peoples\' kids in one place represents an increased exposure for injury. If the homeowners policy has an exclusion for communicable diseases, that\'s a problem—but the problem is only bigger because you\'re dealing with a larger group. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The coverage falls apart, however, when you start charging money for this service and hiring people to perform it. Depending upon the laws of your state, there\'s a potential workers compensation exposure for the employee and creating an \"informal school\" entails all the risks found in an ordinary school: sexual molestation, failure to educate, employee theft and more.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unless you can find an insurer willing to provide all of those coverages, I think you need to warn your clients to avoid this situation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2: </strong>There are lots of different things to consider here. The first is whether this might constitute a “business\" since the insured is paying for the teacher to come into the home. The ISO homeowners policy has a very long definition of business, while some carrier forms do not. The ISO definition of business is:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"><em style=\"text-align: left;\">3. \"Business\" means:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em style=\"font-size: 14px;\">A. Trade, profession or occupation engaged in on a full-time, part-time or occasional basis; or </em><em style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: left;\"></em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>B. Any other activity engaged in for money or other compensation, except the following:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(1) One or more activities, not described in (2) through (4) below, for which no \"insured\" receives more than $2,000 in total compensation for the 12 months before the beginning of the policy period;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(2) Volunteer activities for which no money is received other than payment for expenses incurred to perform the activity;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(3) Providing home day care services for which no compensation is received, other than the mutual exchange of such services; or</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(4) The rendering of home day care services to a relative of an \"insured.\"</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It does not have to be your business for this exclusion to apply. In this case, it is the teacher\'s business. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are some exceptions to the business exclusion, but the best way to provide coverage in this situation is to add the endorsement HO 04 42 Permitted Incidental Occupancies – Residence Premises, that is the ISO form—your carriers may have another name for it. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This form allows you to describe the “business\" being conducted on the premises and charges a modest premium. This is the same form you would use if the insured had a yoga class or art studio in their home. This will take care of the liability exposure and medical payments for simple injuries, such as slips and falls.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As always, the safest method to assure coverage is to notify each individual carrier when you become aware of this exposure and obtain either this endorsement or something in writing stating their agreement that coverage is being extended to this activity. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3:</strong> People running a school in their home might need a license in some states or cities. This might be considered a business risk even though the homeowner is not earning revenue from it. Given the unusual times we are in it is difficult to offer a solid answer on how insurers might react to this activity. Ask your homeowners policy underwriters. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> The exposures potentially present in this situation go far beyond what homeowners\' contracts can successfully handle. I recommend considering this as a non-profit business enterprise. After all, it will have all the exposures of a private school. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As over-the-top as it may sound, I would encourage these parents to set up an LLC or Sub Chapter S corporation to operate the school, for liability protection, if nothing else. I would also strongly encourage the involvement of competent legal counsel in the planning of this endeavor. In my opinion, at a minimum, they would need:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A commercial general liability policy</span></li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Including sexual molestation liability.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An employee benefits liability endorsement if benefits are provided</span></li>\n</ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Professional liability for the teacher</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Workers compensation for the teacher and any other paid individuals</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A business auto policy including a non-owned auto liability for field trips and other activities involving autos</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Computer coverage for the inevitable computer gear</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fidelity coverage to cover acts of whoever may be handling the money</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella clause</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One major advantage of this approach is the parents would avoid the inevitable mess of attempting to rely upon the diverse homeowner policies of all three parents when, and if, a claim occurs. There would be a single organized source of insurance coverage for all. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These recommendations may be very unattractive to these three sets of, obviously conscientious, parents. However, any school has far more exposure to loss than what is envisioned by most people. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/will-a-homeowners-policy-cover-a-multi-family-home-school?fbclid=IwAR3nD3oY4BQeWv8grX7na2pdg8FAtJsMvBIlkMUs8eVBnVqA7EsQpwMRJyU\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?','','inherit','closed','closed','','681-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:27:36','2020-08-17 22:27:36','',681,'http://smartinsurance.tips/681-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(684,1,'2020-08-17 22:26:34','2020-08-17 22:26:34','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2023.jpg\" alt=\"Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?  \" width=\"699\" height=\"475\" style=\"float: left;\" /><span style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: right; color: #000000;\">A client is reviewing school options for kindergarten and first-grade children for the fall. With so much uncertainty around public and private schooling models amid continued concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, they are contemplating pooling neighbors\' kids in that age group to host a school in their home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The client is considering hosting a total of six kids in their home three times a week, and the other days rotating through two other neighbors\' homes. They will be hiring a professional teacher to conduct the schooling activities, as outlined by the State Board of Education. The three families participating will be paying the teacher a salary.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Under a homeowners coverage policy, are there specific exclusions that might apply or a certain endorsement we should add?</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1: </strong>I\'m okay with this concept as a neighborly venture, and I think it\'s pretty well covered by both homeowners and umbrella policies, the latter because combining other peoples\' kids in one place represents an increased exposure for injury. If the homeowners policy has an exclusion for communicable diseases, that\'s a problem—but the problem is only bigger because you\'re dealing with a larger group. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The coverage falls apart, however, when you start charging money for this service and hiring people to perform it. Depending upon the laws of your state, there\'s a potential workers compensation exposure for the employee and creating an \"informal school\" entails all the risks found in an ordinary school: sexual molestation, failure to educate, employee theft and more.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unless you can find an insurer willing to provide all of those coverages, I think you need to warn your clients to avoid this situation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2: </strong>There are lots of different things to consider here. The first is whether this might constitute a “business\" since the insured is paying for the teacher to come into the home. The ISO homeowners policy has a very long definition of business, while some carrier forms do not. The ISO definition of business is:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"><em style=\"text-align: left;\">3. \"Business\" means:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em style=\"font-size: 14px;\">A. Trade, profession or occupation engaged in on a full-time, part-time or occasional basis; or </em><em style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: left;\"></em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>B. Any other activity engaged in for money or other compensation, except the following:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(1) One or more activities, not described in (2) through (4) below, for which no \"insured\" receives more than $2,000 in total compensation for the 12 months before the beginning of the policy period;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(2) Volunteer activities for which no money is received other than payment for expenses incurred to perform the activity;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(3) Providing home day care services for which no compensation is received, other than the mutual exchange of such services; or</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(4) The rendering of home day care services to a relative of an \"insured.\"</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It does not have to be your business for this exclusion to apply. In this case, it is the teacher\'s business. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are some exceptions to the business exclusion, but the best way to provide coverage in this situation is to add the endorsement HO 04 42 Permitted Incidental Occupancies – Residence Premises, that is the ISO form—your carriers may have another name for it. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This form allows you to describe the “business\" being conducted on the premises and charges a modest premium. This is the same form you would use if the insured had a yoga class or art studio in their home. This will take care of the liability exposure and medical payments for simple injuries, such as slips and falls.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As always, the safest method to assure coverage is to notify each individual carrier when you become aware of this exposure and obtain either this endorsement or something in writing stating their agreement that coverage is being extended to this activity. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3:</strong> People running a school in their home might need a license in some states or cities. This might be considered a business risk even though the homeowner is not earning revenue from it. Given the unusual times we are in it is difficult to offer a solid answer on how insurers might react to this activity. Ask your homeowners policy underwriters. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> The exposures potentially present in this situation go far beyond what homeowners\' contracts can successfully handle. I recommend considering this as a non-profit business enterprise. After all, it will have all the exposures of a private school. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As over-the-top as it may sound, I would encourage these parents to set up an LLC or Sub Chapter S corporation to operate the school, for liability protection, if nothing else. I would also strongly encourage the involvement of competent legal counsel in the planning of this endeavor. In my opinion, at a minimum, they would need:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A commercial general liability policy</span></li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Including sexual molestation liability.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An employee benefits liability endorsement if benefits are provided</span></li>\n</ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Professional liability for the teacher</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Workers compensation for the teacher and any other paid individuals</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A business auto policy including a non-owned auto liability for field trips and other activities involving autos</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Computer coverage for the inevitable computer gear</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fidelity coverage to cover acts of whoever may be handling the money</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella clause</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One major advantage of this approach is the parents would avoid the inevitable mess of attempting to rely upon the diverse homeowner policies of all three parents when, and if, a claim occurs. There would be a single organized source of insurance coverage for all. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These recommendations may be very unattractive to these three sets of, obviously conscientious, parents. However, any school has far more exposure to loss than what is envisioned by most people. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/will-a-homeowners-policy-cover-a-multi-family-home-school?fbclid=IwAR3nD3oY4BQeWv8grX7na2pdg8FAtJsMvBIlkMUs8eVBnVqA7EsQpwMRJyU\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?','','inherit','closed','closed','','681-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:26:34','2020-08-17 22:26:34','',681,'http://smartinsurance.tips/681-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(679,1,'2020-08-17 22:01:22','2020-08-17 22:01:22','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"article-hero__headline size-8of12--md +type-heading-one +mg-bottom-sm +mg-bottom-md--sm\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Umbrella Insurance</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img src=\"https://media.brstatic.com/2020/07/13162929/umbrella-insurance-featured.jpg\" /><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard homeowners policies include liability coverage, to help pay medical expenses and legal costs when someone sustains an injury in your home or if you’re liable for damage to a neighbor’s property. But some policies don’t provide enough protection, especially if your home has features that may increase your liability risk.Umbrella insurance provides a second layer of liability protection. An umbrella policy picks up where your limited liability coverage ends. You can purchase an umbrella policy with $1 million or more in liability protection to ensure your assets remain safe when disaster strikes. Best of all, umbrella insurance is relatively cheap, offering an affordable way to maximize your protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br /> </span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is umbrella insurance and how does it work?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners liability usually covers the medical expenses of people outside your household when they sustain an injury on your property. If the victim sues you, your liability coverage will help pay your legal costs too. Liability coverage also pays for the property damage of others when you’re at fault. For example, if your lawnmower throws a rock and breaks your neighbor’s window, your liability coverage will help pay the repair bill.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Umbrella insurance provides extra protection when your homeowners liability coverage falls short. It’s designed to cover costs that exceed the liability limits of your home insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most standard home insurance policies provide default liability coverage of $100,000 to $300,000. Typically, insurers allow you to increase your liability coverage limit. Even so, some homeowners need more protection than standard homeowners liability can provide.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For instance, if you own a swimming pool and like to entertain guests, you could face serious medical and legal costs if someone sustains a serious injury or drowns. If you need $1 million or more in liability protection, you’ll need an umbrella insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella policy can also protect properties you use but don’t own. For example, if you rent a home for summer vacation and accidentally burn down the deck while barbecuing, your umbrella policy may pay to rebuild it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What does an umbrella policy cover?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella policy can save the day when you face costly liability, but it’s important to understand exactly what it does and does not cover. Most umbrella policies will cover:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Bodily injury:</strong> Hosting guests in your home increases your risk of an accident. If a guest takes a tumble down your stairs and breaks a leg, your homeowners liability coverage will likely cover the medical costs. But if the victim falls into a lengthy coma and later sues you for pain and suffering, you’ll probably need to rely on the extra coverage provided in your umbrella policy.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Landlord liability:</strong> Some umbrella policies provide a certain level of coverage for landlords. For instance, if you rent a garage apartment to a tenant who sustains an injury when the apartment’s balcony collapses, your umbrella coverage may help pay medical expenses and legal costs.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Property damage:</strong> Standard home insurance can cover most property damage disasters. For instance, if a limb from your tree falls and smashes your neighbor’s fence, your regular homeowners coverage will cover the repairs. But if the entire tree crashes through your neighbor’s home, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, you may need to rely on your umbrella coverage to pay the cost of restoring the house to its previous state and replacing damaged personal property, like furniture or appliances.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Personal injury:</strong> Personal injury protection covers legal expenses when someone sues you for libel, slander or wrongful eviction. The liability coverage in some homeowners policies provides some personal injury protection. If the cost of a lawsuit exceeds the limit of your home insurance policy, your umbrella insurance will kick in to help cover the additional costs.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In general, it covers past the limits of your typical policy.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is not covered by an umbrella policy?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are some kinds of damages not covered by umbrella policies:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Business losses:</strong> An umbrella policy won’t cover your home office property. Likewise, umbrella insurance won’t cover lawsuits filed against your home-based business. You could, however, purchase business insurance that includes liability coverage.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Losses caused by criminal acts:</strong> Like the liability coverage of your home insurance policy, an umbrella policy won’t cover losses caused by illegal activity. For instance, if a policyholder operates an illegal, homemade fireworks business and an accidental explosion burns down a neighbor’s home, the insurer won’t pay a claim.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Personal belongings:</strong> The personal property coverage of your homeowners policy will pay to replace your belongings, like clothing and furniture, following a covered loss, but an umbrella policy won’t. Umbrella insurance only covers the personal belongings of others when you’re at fault for a loss.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Oral or written contracts:</strong> If a contractor sues you for not honoring the terms of an oral or written contract, your umbrella policy likely won’t cover your legal expenses. Likewise, if a legal dispute involves a home-based business, an umbrella policy won’t pay court costs or attorney’s fees.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before you take out a policy, make sure it will cover the things you want protection for.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How much does umbrella insurance cost?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many carriers offer umbrella insurance as an optional coverage. Often, you can add umbrella coverage when you purchase a home insurance policy. If you already have a policy, ask your agent if the insurer sells the coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some premium homeowners policies enable you to increase your liability limit to $1 million or more, which may eliminate the need for umbrella insurance. For instance, Chubb’s standard home insurance policies provide personal liability protection up to $100 million.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1 million umbrella policy costs $150 to $300 annually. However, the cost of insurance varies by location, along with factors such as your home’s age and construction, safety and security features and your age and claims history.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Is umbrella coverage worth it?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most homeowners can benefit from the added liability protection of an umbrella policy. In standard homeowners policies, default medical payments to others limits usually range from $1,000 to $2,500.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although most insurers allow you to raise limits, you still might not have enough coverage to pay all the medical bills a guest may sustain. For instance, medical bills for a broken leg can run $7,500 and a three-day hospital stay can cost $30,000. If the injured person sues you, attorney fees, court costs and a settlement can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Generally, you should consider an umbrella policy if your home or property has any type of element that poses greater liability risks. Homes with amenities such as hot tubs, swimming pools, trampolines and treehouses should have umbrella coverage because they increase your liability risk. Even if you don’t entertain guests often, an uninvited visitor may enter your property and sustain an injury, for which the law may find you liable.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your property has any of these features, ask your insurance agent if your home insurance policy provides adequate protection. Also inquire about precautions you must take, like adding a fence around a pool, installing a pool alarm or adding a lockable cover to a hot tub. Chances are, your agent will advise you to purchase an umbrella policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners who have a home office in which they see clients may also need an umbrella policy. Some standard homeowners policies won’t cover medical and legal costs associated with a business associate visiting your home office. When inquiring about an umbrella policy, make sure it covers this type of risk. If it doesn’t, you likely need to purchase business insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your yard has tall trees, you likely need an umbrella policy. Trees often topple during storms or fall due to rot or saturated soil. A downed tree can cause serious damage to a neighbor’s home, so protect your assets with umbrella insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some cases, increasing the limit on your standard home insurance policy will provide enough coverage. Some premium homeowners policies offer liability limits up to $1 million or more.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Excess liability policies offer an alternative to umbrella insurance. With an excess liability policy, you can increase your liability above the maximum limit allowed in your standard home insurance policy. However, excess liability policies only cover the same risks as your standard liability coverage. Many umbrella policies cover more risks, offering more protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Frequently asked questions</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How much does umbrella insurance cost?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can purchase a $1 million umbrella policy for a few hundred dollars per year. The cost of a policy can depend on many factors, including your home’s safety and security features, it’s age and construction and your insurance claims history.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Should I purchase umbrella coverage if my home has a swimming pool?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home features such as swimming pools, fire pits, hot tubs and treehouses increase your liability risk. If you or one of your family members sustains an injury on your property, you can rely on your health insurance to help cover the costs. But if a guest sustains an injury in your home, you’ll need adequate liability coverage. Umbrella insurance can help cover medical expenses and legal costs.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My home insurance policy includes liability coverage, so why do I need umbrella insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liability coverage only provides a limited amount of protection. Most standard homeowners policies provide default limits of $100,000 to $300,000. Usually, you can increase your liability limit, but it won’t provide the level of coverage offered by an umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance can provide $1 million or more in coverage and many cover more risks than a standard home insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/umbrella-insurance/?fbclid=IwAR38EPpw12p8xYaoxLf34Dd0lqk8ysThnlcxeT7eSKZsUxt4vFmOnN1rUQg\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Umbrella Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','675-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:01:22','2020-08-17 22:01:22','',675,'http://smartinsurance.tips/675-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(682,1,'2020-08-17 22:20:39','2020-08-17 22:20:39','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?','','inherit','closed','closed','','681-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:20:39','2020-08-17 22:20:39','',681,'http://smartinsurance.tips/681-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(681,1,'2020-08-17 22:20:39','2020-08-17 22:20:39','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><img src=\"https://iam.iiaba.net/PublishingImages/Articles/Strategies/Ask%20an%20Expert_July%2023.jpg\" alt=\"Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?  \" width=\"699\" height=\"475\" style=\"float: left;\" /><span style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: right; color: #000000;\">A client is reviewing school options for kindergarten and first-grade children for the fall. With so much uncertainty around public and private schooling models amid continued concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, they are contemplating pooling neighbors\' kids in that age group to host a school in their home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The client is considering hosting a total of six kids in their home three times a week, and the other days rotating through two other neighbors\' homes. They will be hiring a professional teacher to conduct the schooling activities, as outlined by the State Board of Education. The three families participating will be paying the teacher a salary.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Q:</strong> Under a homeowners coverage policy, are there specific exclusions that might apply or a certain endorsement we should add?</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 1: </strong>I\'m okay with this concept as a neighborly venture, and I think it\'s pretty well covered by both homeowners and umbrella policies, the latter because combining other peoples\' kids in one place represents an increased exposure for injury. If the homeowners policy has an exclusion for communicable diseases, that\'s a problem—but the problem is only bigger because you\'re dealing with a larger group. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The coverage falls apart, however, when you start charging money for this service and hiring people to perform it. Depending upon the laws of your state, there\'s a potential workers compensation exposure for the employee and creating an \"informal school\" entails all the risks found in an ordinary school: sexual molestation, failure to educate, employee theft and more.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unless you can find an insurer willing to provide all of those coverages, I think you need to warn your clients to avoid this situation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 2: </strong>There are lots of different things to consider here. The first is whether this might constitute a “business\" since the insured is paying for the teacher to come into the home. The ISO homeowners policy has a very long definition of business, while some carrier forms do not. The ISO definition of business is:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"><em style=\"text-align: left;\">3. \"Business\" means:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em style=\"font-size: 14px;\">A. Trade, profession or occupation engaged in on a full-time, part-time or occasional basis; or </em><em style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: left;\"></em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>B. Any other activity engaged in for money or other compensation, except the following:</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(1) One or more activities, not described in (2) through (4) below, for which no \"insured\" receives more than $2,000 in total compensation for the 12 months before the beginning of the policy period;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(2) Volunteer activities for which no money is received other than payment for expenses incurred to perform the activity;</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(3) Providing home day care services for which no compensation is received, other than the mutual exchange of such services; or</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>(4) The rendering of home day care services to a relative of an \"insured.\"</em></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It does not have to be your business for this exclusion to apply. In this case, it is the teacher\'s business. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are some exceptions to the business exclusion, but the best way to provide coverage in this situation is to add the endorsement HO 04 42 Permitted Incidental Occupancies – Residence Premises, that is the ISO form—your carriers may have another name for it. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This form allows you to describe the “business\" being conducted on the premises and charges a modest premium. This is the same form you would use if the insured had a yoga class or art studio in their home. This will take care of the liability exposure and medical payments for simple injuries, such as slips and falls.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As always, the safest method to assure coverage is to notify each individual carrier when you become aware of this exposure and obtain either this endorsement or something in writing stating their agreement that coverage is being extended to this activity. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 3:</strong> People running a school in their home might need a license in some states or cities. This might be considered a business risk even though the homeowner is not earning revenue from it. Given the unusual times we are in it is difficult to offer a solid answer on how insurers might react to this activity. Ask your homeowners policy underwriters. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response 4:</strong> The exposures potentially present in this situation go far beyond what homeowners\' contracts can successfully handle. I recommend considering this as a non-profit business enterprise. After all, it will have all the exposures of a private school. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As over-the-top as it may sound, I would encourage these parents to set up an LLC or Sub Chapter S corporation to operate the school, for liability protection, if nothing else. I would also strongly encourage the involvement of competent legal counsel in the planning of this endeavor. In my opinion, at a minimum, they would need:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A commercial general liability policy</span></li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Including sexual molestation liability.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An employee benefits liability endorsement if benefits are provided</span></li>\n</ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Professional liability for the teacher</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Workers compensation for the teacher and any other paid individuals</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A business auto policy including a non-owned auto liability for field trips and other activities involving autos</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Computer coverage for the inevitable computer gear</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fidelity coverage to cover acts of whoever may be handling the money</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An umbrella clause</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One major advantage of this approach is the parents would avoid the inevitable mess of attempting to rely upon the diverse homeowner policies of all three parents when, and if, a claim occurs. There would be a single organized source of insurance coverage for all. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These recommendations may be very unattractive to these three sets of, obviously conscientious, parents. However, any school has far more exposure to loss than what is envisioned by most people. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/will-a-homeowners-policy-cover-a-multi-family-home-school?fbclid=IwAR3nD3oY4BQeWv8grX7na2pdg8FAtJsMvBIlkMUs8eVBnVqA7EsQpwMRJyU\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Will a Homeowners Policy Cover a Multi-Family Home School?','','publish','closed','closed','','will-a-homeowners-policy-cover-a-multi-family-home-school','','','2020-08-17 22:28:56','2020-08-17 22:28:56','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=681',0,'page','',0),(686,1,'2020-08-17 22:29:55','2020-08-17 22:29:55','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/133-scaled-e1593416143740.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners insurance protects what may be one of the biggest investments of your life: Your residential property. But if you don’t buy sufficient coverage, your protection falls short, leaving you on the hook for huge repair bills or facing an expensive lawsuit.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But how do you know how much homeowners insurance you need? The key is to walk through each standard coverage in your policy, adjust amounts as needed and then consider extra coverage to plug big holes. Here’s how to do that.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Dwelling Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Dwelling” essentially means your house structure. The insurer will pay to rebuild the house if it’s destroyed, or make repairs, after problems such as fire, hail and lightning.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Important to note: Rebuilding and repair costs are paid up to your coverage limit. If your dwelling was underinsured, you won’t receive enough insurance money to fully rebuild it.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage should be based on the cost in your area to rebuild the house, based on local construction and materials costs. Unless you have a builder in the family, you can’t possibly know this number, but your home insurance company can provide an estimate.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage limits should be updated regularly, every year if needed, to reflect changing local labor and materials costs.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard homeowners insurance policies today will cover the house structure for any problem except damage that is specifically excluded. These exclusions are listed in the policy and generally include floods, earthquakes, nuclear hazards, mold and other issues.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Buying Better Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Having sufficient dwelling coverage to rebuild your house is the foundation of a good homeowners insurance policy. But there are times when even the “right” amount of coverage can fall short. For example, after widespread disasters, especially, such as a tornado, the cost the materials and labor can shoot up due to demand. That’s where coverage that allows wiggle room is useful.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Extended replacement cost:</strong> Some (but not all) home insurance companies offer extended replacement cost. This feature can provide anywhere from 10% to 50%—or more—of extra coverage to absorb a cost spike. PURE, for example, provides an additional 100% for extended replacement coverage in its policies for high-value homes.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “extended replacement cost” include:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chubb</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COUNTRY Financial</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Grange Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lemonade</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PURE</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">QBE Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost</strong> coverage is even better because it pays to rebuild your house no matter how much building costs have gone up.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “guaranteed replacement cost” (and usually also extended replacement cost) include:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Co.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">AIG</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Central Mutual</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cincinnati Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Farmers</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Hanover</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Palisades Property &amp; Casualty</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">West Bend Mutual Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Availability of extended and guaranteed replacement cost can vary by company, state, policy type and even by house type.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Contents Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your contents coverage reimburses you for the contents of your home that are damaged or destroyed. This encompasses your furniture, decorations, clothes, electronics, toys and appliances.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement Value for Better Protection</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While some policies offer “actual cash value” coverage, you generally want to have “replacement cost” coverage. This reimburses you for the cost of buying new items, not the depreciated value of what was destroyed.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adjusting Your Contents Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most home insurance policies will default to a percentage of the dwelling coverage to determine contents coverage. This default could be 50% of the dwelling insurance. If you had $300,000 in dwelling coverage, this would provide $150,000 for replacing belongings. You may find this insufficient when you consider all the furniture, rugs, clothes and other items you would want to replace.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can adjust your contents coverage upward to get better insurance protection.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Theft Limits</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many standard policies also limit theft coverage on certain items, such as jewelry, watches, precious and semiprecious stones, and silverware. For example, a standard home insurance policy typically limits theft of jewelry to $1,500 in coverage. To account for this, you can “schedule” expensive items in order to get full coverage.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Open Peril” Coverage for Belongings</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common home insurance policies cover damage to contents from 16 “perils,” which are listed in the policy. These perils include all the problems you’d expect, such as fire, lightning and explosions. But limiting coverage to 16 perils leaves you open to a potential gap in coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Instead, buy a comprehensive policy that provides “open peril” or “all peril” coverage on your contents, for better protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The comprehensive peril plan works in the customer’s favor,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management at Erie Insurance.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Better Liability Insurance</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners often focus their attention on coverage for their property within a home insurance policy. But just as important is your liability coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liability insurance pays lawsuit judgments and settlements against you if you’re sued over injuries or property damage accidentally caused by you, a family member or a pet. It also covers legal defense costs. For example, if someone sues you over a bite from your dog, liability insurance covers you.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A homeowners policy might default to only $100,000 in liability coverage. But if you face an expensive lawsuit, this amount is not adequate.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“We recommend having enough liability coverage to at least cover your assets,” says Buckel of Erie Insurance. “Therefore, let’s say [you have] a $200,000 house, a nice car, and some money in the bank, you may want to buy at least $300,000 in coverage to protect your assets.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting ample liability coverage is easy by buying an umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage above both your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Because you can buy umbrella coverage worth millions of dollars, you can properly cover your net worth.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Sufficient Loss of Use Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can’t live in your home while it’s being repaired due to a claim, loss of use coverage, also called additional living expenses coverage, will reimburse you for the extra costs of living elsewhere. It may reimburse you for loss of rent income if you rent a portion of the home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The default coverage for loss of use could be 20% of the dwelling coverage. When you think about the extra costs for a hotel and restaurants, that might not be enough. You can increase your loss of use coverage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better Home Insurance At a Glance</span></h2>\n<div id=\"footable_parent_37021\" class=\"footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui colored_table\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"37021\" data-filter-delay=\"500\" aria-label=\"Ninja Tables 37021\" id=\"footable_37021\" class=\"foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_37021 ui table nt_type_legacy_table celled compact vertical_centered ninja_custom_color inverted footable-paging-right ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro footable footable-1 footable-paging breakpoint-lg\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coverage type</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better</span></th>\n</tr>\n</thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr data-row_id=\"537\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_537\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dwelling</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Extended or guaranteed replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"538\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_538\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Contents</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-50% of the dwelling amount</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Coverage for 16 perils</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Increased coverage if needed</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-“All perils” coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"539\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_539\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Jewelry, watches, silverware, etc.</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Limited theft coverage, no coverage for accidentally losing the item</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Scheduled personal property coverage for full value and accidental loss</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"540\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_540\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Liability</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As low as $100,000</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At least $300,000, plus an umbrella insurance policy</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"541\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_541\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Loss of use</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">20% of dwelling coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increase coverage if desired</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"542\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_542\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Flood or earthquake insurance</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not included</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add if needed</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n<tfoot></tfoot>\n</table>\n</div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Natural Disasters Not Covered by Home Insurance</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some disasters require extra coverage, such as floods and earthquakes. Both of these are generally excluded from home insurance coverage.</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Flood insurance is available through FEMA and private flood insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Earthquake insurance is offered by many home insurers. In California, many insurers offer policies from the California Earthquake Authority.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some coastal areas, such as coastal Texas, homeowners must buy windstorm coverage separately from home insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Additional Coverage You May Need</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Depending on your situation, you may need additional coverage that’s not included in a standard policy. This can usually be done with add-ons and endorsements to your base policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Home business coverage.</strong> If you run a business out of your home, especially where customers come and go, you likely need business liability and business asset coverage. For example, if a customer is injured in your home office, you would need business liability insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Identity theft.</strong> It can be expensive to recover from identity theft or being hacked. Floyd Yager, senior vice president of product management at Allstate, notes that cybercrime and identity theft are common exclusions in a homeowners policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If your identity is stolen and they take funds out of your bank account, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover the loss,” he says.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Identity theft insurance is commonly available from home insurers. It reimburses you for money lost from these problems. For example, Allstate offers an identity theft endorsement that reimburses up to $25,000, for $30 annually (depending on the state).</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">More Home Insurance Extras</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home insurance companies often offer a wide variety of endorsements to fill other coverage gaps. Depending on the company, you might be able to add on:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for landscaping</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Service line coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for ordinance or law (when rebuilding triggers the need to comply with a new law, such as new building codes)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inflation guard (keeps dwelling coverage up to date with the costs to rebuild)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bed bug coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home day care coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home systems breakdown coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Water backup and sump overflow</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/how-much/?fbclid=IwAR3VNoWyX2sEWS12WHosOpbnxax5kWXra8FubZLLcb9YSqgW-mHHSJhGSiE\">click here</a>.</span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?','','publish','closed','closed','','how-much-homeowners-insurance-do-i-need','','','2020-08-17 22:34:03','2020-08-17 22:34:03','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=686',0,'page','',0),(687,1,'2020-08-17 22:29:55','2020-08-17 22:29:55','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?','','inherit','closed','closed','','686-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:29:55','2020-08-17 22:29:55','',686,'http://smartinsurance.tips/686-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(690,1,'2020-08-17 22:34:03','2020-08-17 22:34:03','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/133-scaled-e1593416143740.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners insurance protects what may be one of the biggest investments of your life: Your residential property. But if you don’t buy sufficient coverage, your protection falls short, leaving you on the hook for huge repair bills or facing an expensive lawsuit.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But how do you know how much homeowners insurance you need? The key is to walk through each standard coverage in your policy, adjust amounts as needed and then consider extra coverage to plug big holes. Here’s how to do that.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Dwelling Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Dwelling” essentially means your house structure. The insurer will pay to rebuild the house if it’s destroyed, or make repairs, after problems such as fire, hail and lightning.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Important to note: Rebuilding and repair costs are paid up to your coverage limit. If your dwelling was underinsured, you won’t receive enough insurance money to fully rebuild it.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage should be based on the cost in your area to rebuild the house, based on local construction and materials costs. Unless you have a builder in the family, you can’t possibly know this number, but your home insurance company can provide an estimate.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage limits should be updated regularly, every year if needed, to reflect changing local labor and materials costs.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard homeowners insurance policies today will cover the house structure for any problem except damage that is specifically excluded. These exclusions are listed in the policy and generally include floods, earthquakes, nuclear hazards, mold and other issues.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Buying Better Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Having sufficient dwelling coverage to rebuild your house is the foundation of a good homeowners insurance policy. But there are times when even the “right” amount of coverage can fall short. For example, after widespread disasters, especially, such as a tornado, the cost the materials and labor can shoot up due to demand. That’s where coverage that allows wiggle room is useful.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Extended replacement cost:</strong> Some (but not all) home insurance companies offer extended replacement cost. This feature can provide anywhere from 10% to 50%—or more—of extra coverage to absorb a cost spike. PURE, for example, provides an additional 100% for extended replacement coverage in its policies for high-value homes.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “extended replacement cost” include:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chubb</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COUNTRY Financial</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Grange Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lemonade</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PURE</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">QBE Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost</strong> coverage is even better because it pays to rebuild your house no matter how much building costs have gone up.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “guaranteed replacement cost” (and usually also extended replacement cost) include:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Co.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">AIG</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Central Mutual</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cincinnati Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Farmers</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Hanover</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Palisades Property &amp; Casualty</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">West Bend Mutual Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Availability of extended and guaranteed replacement cost can vary by company, state, policy type and even by house type.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Contents Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your contents coverage reimburses you for the contents of your home that are damaged or destroyed. This encompasses your furniture, decorations, clothes, electronics, toys and appliances.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement Value for Better Protection</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While some policies offer “actual cash value” coverage, you generally want to have “replacement cost” coverage. This reimburses you for the cost of buying new items, not the depreciated value of what was destroyed.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adjusting Your Contents Coverage</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most home insurance policies will default to a percentage of the dwelling coverage to determine contents coverage. This default could be 50% of the dwelling insurance. If you had $300,000 in dwelling coverage, this would provide $150,000 for replacing belongings. You may find this insufficient when you consider all the furniture, rugs, clothes and other items you would want to replace.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can adjust your contents coverage upward to get better insurance protection.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Theft Limits</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many standard policies also limit theft coverage on certain items, such as jewelry, watches, precious and semiprecious stones, and silverware. For example, a standard home insurance policy typically limits theft of jewelry to $1,500 in coverage. To account for this, you can “schedule” expensive items in order to get full coverage.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Open Peril” Coverage for Belongings</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common home insurance policies cover damage to contents from 16 “perils,” which are listed in the policy. These perils include all the problems you’d expect, such as fire, lightning and explosions. But limiting coverage to 16 perils leaves you open to a potential gap in coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Instead, buy a comprehensive policy that provides “open peril” or “all peril” coverage on your contents, for better protection.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The comprehensive peril plan works in the customer’s favor,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management at Erie Insurance.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Better Liability Insurance</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners often focus their attention on coverage for their property within a home insurance policy. But just as important is your liability coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liability insurance pays lawsuit judgments and settlements against you if you’re sued over injuries or property damage accidentally caused by you, a family member or a pet. It also covers legal defense costs. For example, if someone sues you over a bite from your dog, liability insurance covers you.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A homeowners policy might default to only $100,000 in liability coverage. But if you face an expensive lawsuit, this amount is not adequate.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“We recommend having enough liability coverage to at least cover your assets,” says Buckel of Erie Insurance. “Therefore, let’s say [you have] a $200,000 house, a nice car, and some money in the bank, you may want to buy at least $300,000 in coverage to protect your assets.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting ample liability coverage is easy by buying an umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage above both your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Because you can buy umbrella coverage worth millions of dollars, you can properly cover your net worth.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Sufficient Loss of Use Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can’t live in your home while it’s being repaired due to a claim, loss of use coverage, also called additional living expenses coverage, will reimburse you for the extra costs of living elsewhere. It may reimburse you for loss of rent income if you rent a portion of the home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The default coverage for loss of use could be 20% of the dwelling coverage. When you think about the extra costs for a hotel and restaurants, that might not be enough. You can increase your loss of use coverage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better Home Insurance At a Glance</span></h2>\n<div id=\"footable_parent_37021\" class=\"footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui colored_table\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"37021\" data-filter-delay=\"500\" aria-label=\"Ninja Tables 37021\" id=\"footable_37021\" class=\"foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_37021 ui table nt_type_legacy_table celled compact vertical_centered ninja_custom_color inverted footable-paging-right ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro footable footable-1 footable-paging breakpoint-lg\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coverage type</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better</span></th>\n</tr>\n</thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr data-row_id=\"537\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_537\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dwelling</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Extended or guaranteed replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"538\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_538\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Contents</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-50% of the dwelling amount</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Coverage for 16 perils</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Increased coverage if needed</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-“All perils” coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"539\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_539\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Jewelry, watches, silverware, etc.</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Limited theft coverage, no coverage for accidentally losing the item</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Scheduled personal property coverage for full value and accidental loss</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"540\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_540\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Liability</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As low as $100,000</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At least $300,000, plus an umbrella insurance policy</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"541\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_541\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Loss of use</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">20% of dwelling coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increase coverage if desired</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"542\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_542\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Flood or earthquake insurance</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not included</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add if needed</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n<tfoot></tfoot>\n</table>\n</div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Natural Disasters Not Covered by Home Insurance</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some disasters require extra coverage, such as floods and earthquakes. Both of these are generally excluded from home insurance coverage.</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Flood insurance is available through FEMA and private flood insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Earthquake insurance is offered by many home insurers. In California, many insurers offer policies from the California Earthquake Authority.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some coastal areas, such as coastal Texas, homeowners must buy windstorm coverage separately from home insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Additional Coverage You May Need</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Depending on your situation, you may need additional coverage that’s not included in a standard policy. This can usually be done with add-ons and endorsements to your base policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Home business coverage.</strong> If you run a business out of your home, especially where customers come and go, you likely need business liability and business asset coverage. For example, if a customer is injured in your home office, you would need business liability insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Identity theft.</strong> It can be expensive to recover from identity theft or being hacked. Floyd Yager, senior vice president of product management at Allstate, notes that cybercrime and identity theft are common exclusions in a homeowners policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If your identity is stolen and they take funds out of your bank account, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover the loss,” he says.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Identity theft insurance is commonly available from home insurers. It reimburses you for money lost from these problems. For example, Allstate offers an identity theft endorsement that reimburses up to $25,000, for $30 annually (depending on the state).</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">More Home Insurance Extras</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home insurance companies often offer a wide variety of endorsements to fill other coverage gaps. Depending on the company, you might be able to add on:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for landscaping</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Service line coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for ordinance or law (when rebuilding triggers the need to comply with a new law, such as new building codes)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inflation guard (keeps dwelling coverage up to date with the costs to rebuild)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bed bug coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home day care coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home systems breakdown coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Water backup and sump overflow</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/how-much/?fbclid=IwAR3VNoWyX2sEWS12WHosOpbnxax5kWXra8FubZLLcb9YSqgW-mHHSJhGSiE\">click here</a>.</span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?','','inherit','closed','closed','','686-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:34:03','2020-08-17 22:34:03','',686,'http://smartinsurance.tips/686-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(689,1,'2020-08-17 22:33:28','2020-08-17 22:33:28','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/133-scaled-e1593416143740.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners insurance protects what may be one of the biggest investments of your life: Your residential property. But if you don’t buy sufficient coverage, your protection falls short, leaving you on the hook for huge repair bills or facing an expensive lawsuit.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But how do you know how much homeowners insurance you need? The key is to walk through each standard coverage in your policy, adjust amounts as needed and then consider extra coverage to plug big holes. Here’s how to do that.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Dwelling Coverage</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Dwelling” essentially means your house structure. The insurer will pay to rebuild the house if it’s destroyed, or make repairs, after problems such as fire, hail and lightning.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Important to note: Rebuilding and repair costs are paid up to your coverage limit. If your dwelling was underinsured, you won’t receive enough insurance money to fully rebuild it.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage should be based on the cost in your area to rebuild the house, based on local construction and materials costs. Unless you have a builder in the family, you can’t possibly know this number, but your home insurance company can provide an estimate.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dwelling coverage limits should be updated regularly, every year if needed, to reflect changing local labor and materials costs.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard homeowners insurance policies today will cover the house structure for any problem except damage that is specifically excluded. These exclusions are listed in the policy and generally include floods, earthquakes, nuclear hazards, mold and other issues.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Buying Better Dwelling Coverage</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Having sufficient dwelling coverage to rebuild your house is the foundation of a good homeowners insurance policy. But there are times when even the “right” amount of coverage can fall short. For example, after widespread disasters, especially, such as a tornado, the cost the materials and labor can shoot up due to demand. That’s where coverage that allows wiggle room is useful.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Extended replacement cost:</strong> Some (but not all) home insurance companies offer extended replacement cost. This feature can provide anywhere from 10% to 50%—or more—of extra coverage to absorb a cost spike. PURE, for example, provides an additional 100% for extended replacement coverage in its policies for high-value homes.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “extended replacement cost” include:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chubb</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COUNTRY Financial</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Grange Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lemonade</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PURE</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">QBE Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost</strong> coverage is even better because it pays to rebuild your house no matter how much building costs have gone up.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurers offering “guaranteed replacement cost” (and usually also extended replacement cost) include:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Co.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">AIG</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Central Mutual</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cincinnati Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Erie Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Farmers</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Hanover</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Palisades Property &amp; Casualty</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">West Bend Mutual Insurance</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Availability of extended and guaranteed replacement cost can vary by company, state, policy type and even by house type.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Choosing the Right Contents Coverage</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your contents coverage reimburses you for the contents of your home that are damaged or destroyed. This encompasses your furniture, decorations, clothes, electronics, toys and appliances.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement Value for Better Protection</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While some policies offer “actual cash value” coverage, you generally want to have “replacement cost” coverage. This reimburses you for the cost of buying new items, not the depreciated value of what was destroyed.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adjusting Your Contents Coverage</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most home insurance policies will default to a percentage of the dwelling coverage to determine contents coverage. This default could be 50% of the dwelling insurance. If you had $300,000 in dwelling coverage, this would provide $150,000 for replacing belongings. You may find this insufficient when you consider all the furniture, rugs, clothes and other items you would want to replace.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can adjust your contents coverage upward to get better insurance protection.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Theft Limits</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many standard policies also limit theft coverage on certain items, such as jewelry, watches, precious and semiprecious stones, and silverware. For example, a standard home insurance policy typically limits theft of jewelry to $1,500 in coverage. To account for this, you can “schedule” expensive items in order to get full coverage.</span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Open Peril” Coverage for Belongings</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common home insurance policies cover damage to contents from 16 “perils,” which are listed in the policy. These perils include all the problems you’d expect, such as fire, lightning and explosions. But limiting coverage to 16 perils leaves you open to a potential gap in coverage.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Instead, buy a comprehensive policy that provides “open peril” or “all peril” coverage on your contents, for better protection.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“The comprehensive peril plan works in the customer’s favor,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management at Erie Insurance.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Better Liability Insurance</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homeowners often focus their attention on coverage for their property within a home insurance policy. But just as important is your liability coverage.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liability insurance pays lawsuit judgments and settlements against you if you’re sued over injuries or property damage accidentally caused by you, a family member or a pet. It also covers legal defense costs. For example, if someone sues you over a bite from your dog, liability insurance covers you.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A homeowners policy might default to only $100,000 in liability coverage. But if you face an expensive lawsuit, this amount is not adequate.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“We recommend having enough liability coverage to at least cover your assets,” says Buckel of Erie Insurance. “Therefore, let’s say [you have] a $200,000 house, a nice car, and some money in the bank, you may want to buy at least $300,000 in coverage to protect your assets.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting ample liability coverage is easy by buying an umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage above both your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Because you can buy umbrella coverage worth millions of dollars, you can properly cover your net worth.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Getting Sufficient Loss of Use Coverage</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can’t live in your home while it’s being repaired due to a claim, loss of use coverage, also called additional living expenses coverage, will reimburse you for the extra costs of living elsewhere. It may reimburse you for loss of rent income if you rent a portion of the home.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The default coverage for loss of use could be 20% of the dwelling coverage. When you think about the extra costs for a hotel and restaurants, that might not be enough. You can increase your loss of use coverage.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better Home Insurance At a Glance</span></h2>\n<div id=\"footable_parent_37021\" class=\"footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui colored_table\">\n<table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"37021\" data-filter-delay=\"500\" aria-label=\"Ninja Tables 37021\" id=\"footable_37021\" class=\"foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_37021 ui table nt_type_legacy_table celled compact vertical_centered ninja_custom_color inverted footable-paging-right ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro footable footable-1 footable-paging breakpoint-lg\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coverage type</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Standard</span></th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Better</span></th>\n</tr>\n</thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr data-row_id=\"537\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_537\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dwelling</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Extended or guaranteed replacement cost</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"538\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_538\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Contents</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-50% of the dwelling amount</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Coverage for 16 perils</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-Increased coverage if needed</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">-“All perils” coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"539\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_539\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Jewelry, watches, silverware, etc.</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Limited theft coverage, no coverage for accidentally losing the item</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Scheduled personal property coverage for full value and accidental loss</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"540\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_540\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Liability</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As low as $100,000</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At least $300,000, plus an umbrella insurance policy</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"541\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_541\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Loss of use</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">20% of dwelling coverage</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increase coverage if desired</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr data-row_id=\"542\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_542\">\n<td class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_coverage_type footable-first-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Flood or earthquake insurance</strong></span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_standard\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not included</span></p>\n</td>\n<td class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_better footable-last-visible\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add if needed</span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n<tfoot></tfoot>\n</table>\n</div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Natural Disasters Not Covered by Home Insurance</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some disasters require extra coverage, such as floods and earthquakes. Both of these are generally excluded from home insurance coverage.</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Flood insurance is available through FEMA and private flood insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Earthquake insurance is offered by many home insurers. In California, many insurers offer policies from the California Earthquake Authority.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some coastal areas, such as coastal Texas, homeowners must buy windstorm coverage separately from home insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Additional Coverage You May Need</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Depending on your situation, you may need additional coverage that’s not included in a standard policy. This can usually be done with add-ons and endorsements to your base policy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Home business coverage.</strong> If you run a business out of your home, especially where customers come and go, you likely need business liability and business asset coverage. For example, if a customer is injured in your home office, you would need business liability insurance.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Identity theft.</strong> It can be expensive to recover from identity theft or being hacked. Floyd Yager, senior vice president of product management at Allstate, notes that cybercrime and identity theft are common exclusions in a homeowners policy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“If your identity is stolen and they take funds out of your bank account, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover the loss,” he says.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Identity theft insurance is commonly available from home insurers. It reimburses you for money lost from these problems. For example, Allstate offers an identity theft endorsement that reimburses up to $25,000, for $30 annually (depending on the state).</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">More Home Insurance Extras</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home insurance companies often offer a wide variety of endorsements to fill other coverage gaps. Depending on the company, you might be able to add on:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for landscaping</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Service line coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased coverage for ordinance or law (when rebuilding triggers the need to comply with a new law, such as new building codes)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inflation guard (keeps dwelling coverage up to date with the costs to rebuild)</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bed bug coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home day care coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Home systems breakdown coverage</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Water backup and sump overflow</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/how-much/?fbclid=IwAR3VNoWyX2sEWS12WHosOpbnxax5kWXra8FubZLLcb9YSqgW-mHHSJhGSiE\">click here</a>.</span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?','','inherit','closed','closed','','686-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:33:28','2020-08-17 22:33:28','',686,'http://smartinsurance.tips/686-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(691,1,'2020-08-17 22:34:49','2020-08-17 22:34:49','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_margin=\"|420px||420px||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/keyed_car_jpg_MVdN-CM6-e1593598613161.jpg\" alt=\"Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive auto insurance has a headscatching name because it’s far from “comprehensive.” It pays for a very specific set of problems. If you have a car loan your lender likely requires it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And if your car is paid off you likely want it even if you’re an excellent driver. That’s because comprehensive coverage pays for problems that have nothing to do with the quality of your driving. It even pays for things that can happen to your car while it’s sitting in the driveway.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Gone from a Parking Lot?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These days, thefts of cars with the keys left in them are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Maybe you leave your car running for the air conditioning while you pop into a convenience store. Whatever the reason, your vehicle can become an effortless win for a thief.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Interestingly, Mondays are the hottest day of the week for stealing vehicles with the keys in them, followed by Fridays, according to the NICB. The most thefts with keys are in the areas around Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you’ve left your keys in the car, comprehensive insurance pays for car theft if the vehicle isn’t recovered.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If Someone Keys My Car?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Damage from a keyed car is considered vandalism and would fall under comprehensive coverage. The same would be true if you came out and found that your car had been spray painted or otherwise intentionally vandalized.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What About an Animal That Runs Into the Road?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hitting a deer is a classic example of an animal collision that’s covered by comprehensive insurance. Animals of all sizes, such as wild turkeys and dogs, can dart into the road in front of you and cause car damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage pays for your vehicle damage, minus the amount of your deductible.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Tossed Around in a Tornado?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A tornado may seem like a freak event, but comprehensive insurance covers weather-related damage, such as tornado and wind damage. It also pays for hail damage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What if Something Crushes My Car Roof?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Big tree branches can squash your car, even in a run-of-the mill storm. Or consider a tornado, sending any number of objects onto your car. If any kind of falling object damages your car, comprehensive coverage will pay.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Washed Away in a Flood?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">People who survive devastating flooding are often focused on drying out and repairing their houses. That’s understandable, as houses are a much bigger investment than cars. But flood waters often wash away vehicles, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even driving into a large “puddle” that’s deeper than you thought can result in vehicle damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For vehicle flood damage, comprehensive insurance covers either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Purchasing Comprehensive Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you’re buying comprehensive coverage because you’re required to or you want to, know these important points:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive insurance pays for either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled. For example, if your car is keyed it will pay for repairs. If your car is totaled in a tornado it will pay the value of the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide, the average premium for comprehensive coverage is about $160 a year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The average comprehensive claim is about $1,300, according to the NAIC.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive and collision coverage are often packaged together by auto insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You’ll choose a deductible amount when you buy comprehensive insurance. This is the amount deducted from an insurance check if you make a claim under the comprehensive coverage.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage doesn’t pay others. If you cause damage or injuries to someone else, that will fall under your auto liability insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/343367?stat=316722&amp;socialnet=linkedin\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?','','publish','closed','closed','','does-comprehensive-car-insurance-cover-that','','','2020-08-17 22:38:55','2020-08-17 22:38:55','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=691',0,'page','',0),(692,1,'2020-08-17 22:34:49','2020-08-17 22:34:49','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?','','inherit','closed','closed','','691-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:34:49','2020-08-17 22:34:49','',691,'http://smartinsurance.tips/691-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(695,1,'2020-08-17 22:38:04','2020-08-17 22:38:04','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_margin=\"|420px||420px||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/keyed_car_jpg_MVdN-CM6-e1593598613161.jpg\" alt=\"Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive auto insurance has a headscatching name because it’s far from “comprehensive.” It pays for a very specific set of problems. If you have a car loan your lender likely requires it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And if your car is paid off you likely want it even if you’re an excellent driver. That’s because comprehensive coverage pays for problems that have nothing to do with the quality of your driving. It even pays for things that can happen to your car while it’s sitting in the driveway.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Gone from a Parking Lot?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These days, thefts of cars with the keys left in them are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Maybe you leave your car running for the air conditioning while you pop into a convenience store. Whatever the reason, your vehicle can become an effortless win for a thief.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Interestingly, Mondays are the hottest day of the week for stealing vehicles with the keys in them, followed by Fridays, according to the NICB. The most thefts with keys are in the areas around Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you’ve left your keys in the car, comprehensive insurance pays for car theft if the vehicle isn’t recovered.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If Someone Keys My Car?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Damage from a keyed car is considered vandalism and would fall under comprehensive coverage. The same would be true if you came out and found that your car had been spray painted or otherwise intentionally vandalized.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What About an Animal That Runs Into the Road?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hitting a deer is a classic example of an animal collision that’s covered by comprehensive insurance. Animals of all sizes, such as wild turkeys and dogs, can dart into the road in front of you and cause car damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage pays for your vehicle damage, minus the amount of your deductible.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Tossed Around in a Tornado?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A tornado may seem like a freak event, but comprehensive insurance covers weather-related damage, such as tornado and wind damage. It also pays for hail damage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What if Something Crushes My Car Roof?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Big tree branches can squash your car, even in a run-of-the mill storm. Or consider a tornado, sending any number of objects onto your car. If any kind of falling object damages your car, comprehensive coverage will pay.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Washed Away in a Flood?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">People who survive devastating flooding are often focused on drying out and repairing their houses. That’s understandable, as houses are a much bigger investment than cars. But flood waters often wash away vehicles, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even driving into a large “puddle” that’s deeper than you thought can result in vehicle damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For vehicle flood damage, comprehensive insurance covers either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Purchasing Comprehensive Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you’re buying comprehensive coverage because you’re required to or you want to, know these important points:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive insurance pays for either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled. For example, if your car is keyed it will pay for repairs. If your car is totaled in a tornado it will pay the value of the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide, the average premium for comprehensive coverage is about $160 a year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The average comprehensive claim is about $1,300, according to the NAIC.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive and collision coverage are often packaged together by auto insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You’ll choose a deductible amount when you buy comprehensive insurance. This is the amount deducted from an insurance check if you make a claim under the comprehensive coverage.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage doesn’t pay others. If you cause damage or injuries to someone else, that will fall under your auto liability insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/343367?stat=316722&amp;socialnet=linkedin\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?','','inherit','closed','closed','','691-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:38:04','2020-08-17 22:38:04','',691,'http://smartinsurance.tips/691-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(694,1,'2020-08-17 22:37:32','2020-08-17 22:37:32','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/keyed_car_jpg_MVdN-CM6-e1593598613161.jpg\" alt=\"Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive auto insurance has a headscatching name because it’s far from “comprehensive.” It pays for a very specific set of problems. If you have a car loan your lender likely requires it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And if your car is paid off you likely want it even if you’re an excellent driver. That’s because comprehensive coverage pays for problems that have nothing to do with the quality of your driving. It even pays for things that can happen to your car while it’s sitting in the driveway.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Gone from a Parking Lot?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These days, thefts of cars with the keys left in them are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Maybe you leave your car running for the air conditioning while you pop into a convenience store. Whatever the reason, your vehicle can become an effortless win for a thief.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Interestingly, Mondays are the hottest day of the week for stealing vehicles with the keys in them, followed by Fridays, according to the NICB. The most thefts with keys are in the areas around Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you’ve left your keys in the car, comprehensive insurance pays for car theft if the vehicle isn’t recovered.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If Someone Keys My Car?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Damage from a keyed car is considered vandalism and would fall under comprehensive coverage. The same would be true if you came out and found that your car had been spray painted or otherwise intentionally vandalized.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What About an Animal That Runs Into the Road?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hitting a deer is a classic example of an animal collision that’s covered by comprehensive insurance. Animals of all sizes, such as wild turkeys and dogs, can dart into the road in front of you and cause car damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage pays for your vehicle damage, minus the amount of your deductible.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Tossed Around in a Tornado?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A tornado may seem like a freak event, but comprehensive insurance covers weather-related damage, such as tornado and wind damage. It also pays for hail damage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What if Something Crushes My Car Roof?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Big tree branches can squash your car, even in a run-of-the mill storm. Or consider a tornado, sending any number of objects onto your car. If any kind of falling object damages your car, comprehensive coverage will pay.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Washed Away in a Flood?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">People who survive devastating flooding are often focused on drying out and repairing their houses. That’s understandable, as houses are a much bigger investment than cars. But flood waters often wash away vehicles, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even driving into a large “puddle” that’s deeper than you thought can result in vehicle damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For vehicle flood damage, comprehensive insurance covers either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Purchasing Comprehensive Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you’re buying comprehensive coverage because you’re required to or you want to, know these important points:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive insurance pays for either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled. For example, if your car is keyed it will pay for repairs. If your car is totaled in a tornado it will pay the value of the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide, the average premium for comprehensive coverage is about $160 a year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The average comprehensive claim is about $1,300, according to the NAIC.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive and collision coverage are often packaged together by auto insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You’ll choose a deductible amount when you buy comprehensive insurance. This is the amount deducted from an insurance check if you make a claim under the comprehensive coverage.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage doesn’t pay others. If you cause damage or injuries to someone else, that will fall under your auto liability insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/does-comprehensive-car-insurance-cover-that/?fbclid=IwAR0dI0ftwWfEczKkW79HqIMVkHWUTJDLM7Zjj3EhHpA-NbyjSAqoR94O_bc\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?','','inherit','closed','closed','','691-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:37:32','2020-08-17 22:37:32','',691,'http://smartinsurance.tips/691-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(696,1,'2020-08-17 22:38:55','2020-08-17 22:38:55','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_margin=\"|420px||420px||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/900x510/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/keyed_car_jpg_MVdN-CM6-e1593598613161.jpg\" alt=\"Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive auto insurance has a headscatching name because it’s far from “comprehensive.” It pays for a very specific set of problems. If you have a car loan your lender likely requires it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And if your car is paid off you likely want it even if you’re an excellent driver. That’s because comprehensive coverage pays for problems that have nothing to do with the quality of your driving. It even pays for things that can happen to your car while it’s sitting in the driveway.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Gone from a Parking Lot?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These days, thefts of cars with the keys left in them are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Maybe you leave your car running for the air conditioning while you pop into a convenience store. Whatever the reason, your vehicle can become an effortless win for a thief.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Interestingly, Mondays are the hottest day of the week for stealing vehicles with the keys in them, followed by Fridays, according to the NICB. The most thefts with keys are in the areas around Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you’ve left your keys in the car, comprehensive insurance pays for car theft if the vehicle isn’t recovered.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If Someone Keys My Car?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Damage from a keyed car is considered vandalism and would fall under comprehensive coverage. The same would be true if you came out and found that your car had been spray painted or otherwise intentionally vandalized.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What About an Animal That Runs Into the Road?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hitting a deer is a classic example of an animal collision that’s covered by comprehensive insurance. Animals of all sizes, such as wild turkeys and dogs, can dart into the road in front of you and cause car damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage pays for your vehicle damage, minus the amount of your deductible.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Tossed Around in a Tornado?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A tornado may seem like a freak event, but comprehensive insurance covers weather-related damage, such as tornado and wind damage. It also pays for hail damage.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What if Something Crushes My Car Roof?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Big tree branches can squash your car, even in a run-of-the mill storm. Or consider a tornado, sending any number of objects onto your car. If any kind of falling object damages your car, comprehensive coverage will pay.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What If My Car Is Washed Away in a Flood?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">People who survive devastating flooding are often focused on drying out and repairing their houses. That’s understandable, as houses are a much bigger investment than cars. But flood waters often wash away vehicles, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even driving into a large “puddle” that’s deeper than you thought can result in vehicle damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For vehicle flood damage, comprehensive insurance covers either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled.</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Purchasing Comprehensive Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you’re buying comprehensive coverage because you’re required to or you want to, know these important points:</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive insurance pays for either repairs or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled. For example, if your car is keyed it will pay for repairs. If your car is totaled in a tornado it will pay the value of the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nationwide, the average premium for comprehensive coverage is about $160 a year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The average comprehensive claim is about $1,300, according to the NAIC.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive and collision coverage are often packaged together by auto insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You’ll choose a deductible amount when you buy comprehensive insurance. This is the amount deducted from an insurance check if you make a claim under the comprehensive coverage.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive coverage doesn’t pay others. If you cause damage or injuries to someone else, that will fall under your auto liability insurance.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/343367?stat=316722&amp;socialnet=linkedin\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover That?','','inherit','closed','closed','','691-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:38:55','2020-08-17 22:38:55','',691,'http://smartinsurance.tips/691-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(699,1,'2020-08-17 22:40:10','2020-08-17 22:40:10','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','What to do if your house floods','','inherit','closed','closed','','698-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:40:10','2020-08-17 22:40:10','',698,'http://smartinsurance.tips/698-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(698,1,'2020-08-17 22:40:10','2020-08-17 22:40:10','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do if your house floods</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-3.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-701 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: left;\" />Floods are the most common natural disaster in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. And climate change is projected to make the problem worse: Future floods are expected to be bigger and more frequent across the region.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Nearby, property owners in </span><location value=\"LS/us.nj\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">New Jersey</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and </span><location value=\"LS/us.de\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Delaware</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> face some of the highest risks in the nation for flooding over the next few decades, according to </span><org>First Street Foundation</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. The nonprofit, focusing on flood risk research, says that\'s thanks to rising temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans causing hurricanes to reach farther north.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If your house floods, no matter when it happens, you can rest assured you\'re not the only one dealing with this. Here\'s what to do about it:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here\'s the reality: If you have one inch of water in your home, fixing the damage can cost about </span><money>$27,000</money><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, says the </span><org value=\"ACORN:3926532505\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Federal Emergency Management Agency</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. Flood insurance can help. Experts recommend buying flood insurance if you own a home, no matter where you live. More than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones, </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> reports, and most homeowners and renters insurance doesn\'t cover flood damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But remember, it\'s not just weather that causes flooding. Plumbing problems and clogged gutters can cause floods, too. But, the good news: Your homeowners insurance will take care of some of this. Most policies cover sudden water damage, like an unexpected broken pipe. The exception: Damage caused by lack of maintenance, like a slow leak that\'s been trickling for weeks, isn\'t typically covered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the source and severity of the flood, you may need to relocate immediately and deal with the damage later. In the case of a natural disaster, try your best to contact local authorities, and seek out a temporary shelter if needed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When it\'s safe to return indoors, the </span><location value=\"LU/us.pa.phldph\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">City of Philadelphia\'s</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> Flood Guide says that your first step is turning off the electricity to the area that\'s been flooded. If you can\'t access your circuit breaker without walking through water, call an electrician. Until the electricity is turned off, the water could cause electrical shocks.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If flooding is coming from a water source inside your own home, immediately locate your main water valve and turn it off.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pull out your smartphone or camera before diving into cleaning. If you have insurance, photos and videos will help support your claim when you file. Document both damage to the house and its contents. (If renting, call your landlord immediately.)</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><org value=\"ACORN:4287339900\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">American Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has some additional details on what to document for an insurance claim.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Safety remains the priority here. Gear up with rubber boots and gloves before going into an area that\'s been flooded. Floodwaters can carry sewage and other hazardous materials.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step in the cleaning process: Eliminating any remaining standing water by pumping, mopping, and/or opening clogged drains.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When pumping out a flooded basement, do it in stages. You also want to wait until there\'s no standing water left in the yard around your home. Pumping too early or too fast could cause structural damage to your home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you pump water out all at once, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside of your home may cause your basement walls to collapse. The </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> recommends pumping about one-third of the water per day.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After cleaning up the water, it\'s time to start cleaning everything else. Again, wear protective gear, and open any windows or doors to improve ventilation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the situation, floodwater may be contaminated with sewage or other dangerous bacteria. Be prepared to toss a lot, and take breaks when you need them. It\'s normal for this process to feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Throw away food, medicine, and drinks that may have come in contact with floodwater. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut. \"When in doubt, throw it out,\" says the </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Also toss items that absorb water and can\'t be disinfected, like mattresses, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, and paper products. If you\'re filing an insurance claim, store everything temporarily outside your home. You want to hang on to damaged items until your claim is processed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Dispose of all wet ceiling tiles, wet insulation, baseboards, and drywall to a level roughly four feet above the flood water line, says the City\'s Flood Guide. You may also need to rip up your carpet. You can try saving it by wet vacuuming and shampooing it, but if it isn\'t able to dry completely, it needs to go.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Then it\'s time to salvage what remains. Sanitize anything that was touched or may have been splashed by floodwater, including counters, cabinets, work surfaces, utensils, cookware, and toys. The City\'s Flood Guide recommends using soap and water first, and then wiping down surfaces with a diluted bleach solution, made from one gallon of clean water mixed with 1/4 cup of bleach. Use the bleach to also wipe down wood and metal studs, twice over, before allowing them to air-dry.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If a flooded area isn\'t taken care of properly, it will haunt you long after you\'re finished cleaning up. Mold can harm both your furnishings and your health.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mildew and mold develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and will continue to grow until the source of moisture is eliminated, says </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This makes it important to clean and dry the flooded area as soon as possible. It\'s also one reason why you have to remove porous, slow-to-dry materials, like drywall, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and upholstery.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When finished cleaning, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying times.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If mold develops, deal with it immediately. </span><org>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has advice for getting rid of it yourself. Depending on the severity, and whether or not you\'re immunocompromised, you may need to hire a professional mold remediation service. The </span><org value=\"ACORN:1432072899\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">CDC</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> advises that you also get your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked. If the system was flooded with water or becomes infiltrated with mold, turning it on will spread mold throughout your house, and you\'ll need a professional to clean it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/what-to-do-if-your-house-floods?fbclid=IwAR0LknQ5kvgcuGnz882EQLrJlmkRosVKRft1vHjSSCogkX8Vuw53SBeP31E#.XzsHKugzZhG\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do if your house floods','','publish','closed','closed','','what-to-do-if-your-house-floods','','','2020-08-17 22:54:12','2020-08-17 22:54:12','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=698',0,'page','',0),(701,1,'2020-08-17 22:53:03','2020-08-17 22:53:03','','My Post (3)','','inherit','open','closed','','my-post-3','','','2020-08-17 22:53:03','2020-08-17 22:53:03','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-3.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(702,1,'2020-08-17 22:53:37','2020-08-17 22:53:37','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do if your house floods</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-3.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-701 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: left;\" />Floods are the most common natural disaster in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. And climate change is projected to make the problem worse: Future floods are expected to be bigger and more frequent across the region.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Nearby, property owners in </span><location value=\"LS/us.nj\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">New Jersey</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and </span><location value=\"LS/us.de\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Delaware</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> face some of the highest risks in the nation for flooding over the next few decades, according to </span><org>First Street Foundation</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. The nonprofit, focusing on flood risk research, says that\'s thanks to rising temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans causing hurricanes to reach farther north.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If your house floods, no matter when it happens, you can rest assured you\'re not the only one dealing with this. Here\'s what to do about it:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here\'s the reality: If you have one inch of water in your home, fixing the damage can cost about </span><money>$27,000</money><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, says the </span><org value=\"ACORN:3926532505\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Federal Emergency Management Agency</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. Flood insurance can help. Experts recommend buying flood insurance if you own a home, no matter where you live. More than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones, </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> reports, and most homeowners and renters insurance doesn\'t cover flood damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But remember, it\'s not just weather that causes flooding. Plumbing problems and clogged gutters can cause floods, too. But, the good news: Your homeowners insurance will take care of some of this. Most policies cover sudden water damage, like an unexpected broken pipe. The exception: Damage caused by lack of maintenance, like a slow leak that\'s been trickling for weeks, isn\'t typically covered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the source and severity of the flood, you may need to relocate immediately and deal with the damage later. In the case of a natural disaster, try your best to contact local authorities, and seek out a temporary shelter if needed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When it\'s safe to return indoors, the </span><location value=\"LU/us.pa.phldph\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">City of Philadelphia\'s</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> Flood Guide says that your first step is turning off the electricity to the area that\'s been flooded. If you can\'t access your circuit breaker without walking through water, call an electrician. Until the electricity is turned off, the water could cause electrical shocks.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If flooding is coming from a water source inside your own home, immediately locate your main water valve and turn it off.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pull out your smartphone or camera before diving into cleaning. If you have insurance, photos and videos will help support your claim when you file. Document both damage to the house and its contents. (If renting, call your landlord immediately.)</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><org value=\"ACORN:4287339900\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">American Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has some additional details on what to document for an insurance claim.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Safety remains the priority here. Gear up with rubber boots and gloves before going into an area that\'s been flooded. Floodwaters can carry sewage and other hazardous materials.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step in the cleaning process: Eliminating any remaining standing water by pumping, mopping, and/or opening clogged drains.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When pumping out a flooded basement, do it in stages. You also want to wait until there\'s no standing water left in the yard around your home. Pumping too early or too fast could cause structural damage to your home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you pump water out all at once, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside of your home may cause your basement walls to collapse. The </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> recommends pumping about one-third of the water per day.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After cleaning up the water, it\'s time to start cleaning everything else. Again, wear protective gear, and open any windows or doors to improve ventilation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the situation, floodwater may be contaminated with sewage or other dangerous bacteria. Be prepared to toss a lot, and take breaks when you need them. It\'s normal for this process to feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Throw away food, medicine, and drinks that may have come in contact with floodwater. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut. \"When in doubt, throw it out,\" says the </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Also toss items that absorb water and can\'t be disinfected, like mattresses, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, and paper products. If you\'re filing an insurance claim, store everything temporarily outside your home. You want to hang on to damaged items until your claim is processed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Dispose of all wet ceiling tiles, wet insulation, baseboards, and drywall to a level roughly four feet above the flood water line, says the City\'s Flood Guide. You may also need to rip up your carpet. You can try saving it by wet vacuuming and shampooing it, but if it isn\'t able to dry completely, it needs to go.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Then it\'s time to salvage what remains. Sanitize anything that was touched or may have been splashed by floodwater, including counters, cabinets, work surfaces, utensils, cookware, and toys. The City\'s Flood Guide recommends using soap and water first, and then wiping down surfaces with a diluted bleach solution, made from one gallon of clean water mixed with 1/4 cup of bleach. Use the bleach to also wipe down wood and metal studs, twice over, before allowing them to air-dry.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If a flooded area isn\'t taken care of properly, it will haunt you long after you\'re finished cleaning up. Mold can harm both your furnishings and your health.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mildew and mold develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and will continue to grow until the source of moisture is eliminated, says </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This makes it important to clean and dry the flooded area as soon as possible. It\'s also one reason why you have to remove porous, slow-to-dry materials, like drywall, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and upholstery.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When finished cleaning, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying times.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If mold develops, deal with it immediately. </span><org>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has advice for getting rid of it yourself. Depending on the severity, and whether or not you\'re immunocompromised, you may need to hire a professional mold remediation service. The </span><org value=\"ACORN:1432072899\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">CDC</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> advises that you also get your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked. If the system was flooded with water or becomes infiltrated with mold, turning it on will spread mold throughout your house, and you\'ll need a professional to clean it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/343367?stat=316722&amp;socialnet=linkedin\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do if your house floods','','inherit','closed','closed','','698-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:53:37','2020-08-17 22:53:37','',698,'http://smartinsurance.tips/698-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(704,1,'2020-08-17 22:54:12','2020-08-17 22:54:12','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What to do if your house floods</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/My-Post-3.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-701 aligncenter size-full\" style=\"float: left;\" />Floods are the most common natural disaster in </span><location value=\"LC/us\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">the United States</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. And climate change is projected to make the problem worse: Future floods are expected to be bigger and more frequent across the region.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Nearby, property owners in </span><location value=\"LS/us.nj\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">New Jersey</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and </span><location value=\"LS/us.de\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Delaware</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> face some of the highest risks in the nation for flooding over the next few decades, according to </span><org>First Street Foundation</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. The nonprofit, focusing on flood risk research, says that\'s thanks to rising temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans causing hurricanes to reach farther north.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If your house floods, no matter when it happens, you can rest assured you\'re not the only one dealing with this. Here\'s what to do about it:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here\'s the reality: If you have one inch of water in your home, fixing the damage can cost about </span><money>$27,000</money><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, says the </span><org value=\"ACORN:3926532505\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">Federal Emergency Management Agency</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">. Flood insurance can help. Experts recommend buying flood insurance if you own a home, no matter where you live. More than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones, </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> reports, and most homeowners and renters insurance doesn\'t cover flood damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But remember, it\'s not just weather that causes flooding. Plumbing problems and clogged gutters can cause floods, too. But, the good news: Your homeowners insurance will take care of some of this. Most policies cover sudden water damage, like an unexpected broken pipe. The exception: Damage caused by lack of maintenance, like a slow leak that\'s been trickling for weeks, isn\'t typically covered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the source and severity of the flood, you may need to relocate immediately and deal with the damage later. In the case of a natural disaster, try your best to contact local authorities, and seek out a temporary shelter if needed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When it\'s safe to return indoors, the </span><location value=\"LU/us.pa.phldph\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">City of Philadelphia\'s</location><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> Flood Guide says that your first step is turning off the electricity to the area that\'s been flooded. If you can\'t access your circuit breaker without walking through water, call an electrician. Until the electricity is turned off, the water could cause electrical shocks.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If flooding is coming from a water source inside your own home, immediately locate your main water valve and turn it off.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pull out your smartphone or camera before diving into cleaning. If you have insurance, photos and videos will help support your claim when you file. Document both damage to the house and its contents. (If renting, call your landlord immediately.)</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><org value=\"ACORN:4287339900\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">American Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has some additional details on what to document for an insurance claim.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Safety remains the priority here. Gear up with rubber boots and gloves before going into an area that\'s been flooded. Floodwaters can carry sewage and other hazardous materials.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step in the cleaning process: Eliminating any remaining standing water by pumping, mopping, and/or opening clogged drains.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When pumping out a flooded basement, do it in stages. You also want to wait until there\'s no standing water left in the yard around your home. Pumping too early or too fast could cause structural damage to your home.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you pump water out all at once, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside of your home may cause your basement walls to collapse. The </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> recommends pumping about one-third of the water per day.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After cleaning up the water, it\'s time to start cleaning everything else. Again, wear protective gear, and open any windows or doors to improve ventilation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Depending on the situation, floodwater may be contaminated with sewage or other dangerous bacteria. Be prepared to toss a lot, and take breaks when you need them. It\'s normal for this process to feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Throw away food, medicine, and drinks that may have come in contact with floodwater. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut. \"When in doubt, throw it out,\" says the </span><org>Red Cross</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Also toss items that absorb water and can\'t be disinfected, like mattresses, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, and paper products. If you\'re filing an insurance claim, store everything temporarily outside your home. You want to hang on to damaged items until your claim is processed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Dispose of all wet ceiling tiles, wet insulation, baseboards, and drywall to a level roughly four feet above the flood water line, says the City\'s Flood Guide. You may also need to rip up your carpet. You can try saving it by wet vacuuming and shampooing it, but if it isn\'t able to dry completely, it needs to go.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Then it\'s time to salvage what remains. Sanitize anything that was touched or may have been splashed by floodwater, including counters, cabinets, work surfaces, utensils, cookware, and toys. The City\'s Flood Guide recommends using soap and water first, and then wiping down surfaces with a diluted bleach solution, made from one gallon of clean water mixed with 1/4 cup of bleach. Use the bleach to also wipe down wood and metal studs, twice over, before allowing them to air-dry.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If a flooded area isn\'t taken care of properly, it will haunt you long after you\'re finished cleaning up. Mold can harm both your furnishings and your health.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mildew and mold develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and will continue to grow until the source of moisture is eliminated, says </span><org>FEMA</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This makes it important to clean and dry the flooded area as soon as possible. It\'s also one reason why you have to remove porous, slow-to-dry materials, like drywall, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and upholstery.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When finished cleaning, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying times.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If mold develops, deal with it immediately. </span><org>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> has advice for getting rid of it yourself. Depending on the severity, and whether or not you\'re immunocompromised, you may need to hire a professional mold remediation service. The </span><org value=\"ACORN:1432072899\" idsrc=\"xmltag.org\">CDC</org><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> advises that you also get your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked. If the system was flooded with water or becomes infiltrated with mold, turning it on will spread mold throughout your house, and you\'ll need a professional to clean it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article,</span> <a href=\"https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/what-to-do-if-your-house-floods?fbclid=IwAR0LknQ5kvgcuGnz882EQLrJlmkRosVKRft1vHjSSCogkX8Vuw53SBeP31E#.XzsHKugzZhG\">click here</a>.</span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','What to do if your house floods','','inherit','closed','closed','','698-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 22:54:12','2020-08-17 22:54:12','',698,'http://smartinsurance.tips/698-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1256,1,'2021-03-23 17:32:41','2021-03-23 17:32:41','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_padding=\"1px|||||\"]<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h1 class=\"headline\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 3rem; margin-top: 0.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-weight: bold; line-height: 3.4rem; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; letter-spacing: -0.07rem; color: #141414; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">4 Ways an Entrepreneur Should Diversify Their Income</span></strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mon.jpg\" width=\"894\" height=\"446\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1251 aligncenter size-full\" /> </span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">The Office for National Statistics figures, released in December, state that “the number of payroll employees has fallen by 819,000” since February 2020. While these figures were front-loaded, the prime minister and expert commentators expect the overall COVID-19  situation to worsen before it gets better. It will be some time before the vaccination program has enough coverage to release the restrictions, and that is if the virus does not mutate to nullify the vaccines’ efficacy.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">The above figures do not capture sole traders and SMEs\' picture without a payrolled workforce. In addition, with schools closed, for the time being, maintaining 9-5 working hours whilst at home proves problematic, particularly for parents expected to supervise their children’s learning.  Therefore, traditional working models are under increasing pressure, and we can expect no return to ‘normal’ even after widespread vaccination. What does this mean for future income streams?</p>\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.6px; font-size: 1.375rem; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue-Light, \'Helvetica Neue Light\', \'Helvetica Neue\', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: #212121; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Financial ‘survival of the fittest’</h2>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">“<i style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; line-height: inherit;\">It is not the strongest of the species that survives, … It is the one that is most adaptable to change.</i>”</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">This quote is often attributed to Charles Darwin. It is actually a paraphrase of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ by Leon Megginson (Professor of Management and Marketing, Louisiana State). That the phrase comes from a management context is not surprising as it perfectly captures the entrepreneurial spirit with which we should face these uncertain times.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Many people day-dream, amidst the drudgery of a mundane 9-5 job, starting a business or applying a creative skill to a profitable side hustle. Perhaps people are watching your pension situation and realizing the state pension really is not sufficient, and you need another income stream. Most have fancied a passive income stream. Now is the time, especially if you are one of the 819,000 recently unemployed or if you want to financially benefit from your additional time due to lost leisure activities or released from your dead-time commute.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">If your income streams are successfully adapted to change or sufficiently diversified to mitigate the risk of change, you will not only economically survive but potentially flourish in this pandemic.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">It is frequently written that one of the defining characteristics of millionaires is that they have multiple income streams. This is largely true, of course. However, in the pop-culture presentation of this statement, the implication is that you too can be a millionaire so long as you have a second stream of income. Sorry, but it isn’t that simple. What it does mean is that the mindset of a millionaire is not ‘What do I need to do to get the money?’ but rather ‘How can I use money innovatively to work for me.’ Further, by diversifying one’s income streams, one can benefit from favorable tax arrangements rather than facing an ever-increasing Income Tax bill, and that financial risk is mitigated.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Income streams can be created in various ways. Many can work in conjunction with others, and some are more easily automated than others to provide a passive income stream.</p>\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.6px; font-size: 1.375rem; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue-Light, \'Helvetica Neue Light\', \'Helvetica Neue\', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: #212121; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Diversification is key</h2>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">As an investor and multiple business owner, I cannot push diversification enough. Make sure your eggs are not all in the same basket. This goes for investing in the stock market, becoming an entrepreneur, or even on the very basic scale selling products. Having your financial risk spread across multiple streams and increases your financial stability and longevity if one of those streams were to turn out a failure. Take your time and research into ETFs, Tracker Funds, Blue Chip Stocks &amp; Property Crowd Funding projects.</p>\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.6px; font-size: 1.375rem; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue-Light, \'Helvetica Neue Light\', \'Helvetica Neue\', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: #212121; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Starting a side income</h2>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">An online business can easily be developed during this period of time, and many ideas can be implemented with limited or no start-up costs or ongoing overheads. Services delivered online are the most obvious and COVID secure options. These side businesses can vary from dropshipping or start even smaller with freelance sites for small jobs like Fiverr.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue-Light, \'Helvetica Neue Light\', \'Helvetica Neue\', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.375rem; font-weight: bold;\">Utilize your network</span></p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Building business relations takes time and trust. Start with people who you know within your network. These individuals are more likely to give you a try because they know you personally. In this day and age, social media is booming. It\'s now easier than ever to reach out to people on social media, especially Instagram. Spending time networking on social media is key to growing your brand recognition and gaining customers.<br style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\" /><br style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\" /><span style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue-Light, \'Helvetica Neue Light\', \'Helvetica Neue\', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.375rem; font-weight: bold;\">Manage Your Debt</span></p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Between having a 9-5 job to maintain and starting not only your side business but spending time on your branding and networking across social media, all whilst maintaining your available cash and outgoings, can somewhat be stressful at times. Lowering your debt is key to growing as an entrepreneur; the above points will definitely assist with this. However, for extra help and a somewhat hands-off approach, I love to use tools such as Moneybox, which is a clever app that allows you to round up those purchases you make on your card to the nearest whole number. These pennies can then be added to my first point of financial investments via the app in a simple, hands-off approach. Another great tool that can be used to save money to lower those debts would be utilizing the likes of Monzo Bank, which allows saving pots to put aside a certain amount of money each month, all whilst monitoring your outgoings and incoming payments in a smart manner. All automated, allowing me to focus all my attention on my core side businesses.</p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212121; font-family: \'PT Serif\', TimesNewRoman, \'Times New Roman\', Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; background-color: #ffffff;\">Entrepreneurs who have mastered the above methods to diversify their income are on the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur.</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/362790\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','4 Ways an Entrepreneur Should Diversify Their Income','','inherit','closed','closed','','1248-revision-v1','','','2021-03-23 17:32:41','2021-03-23 17:32:41','',1248,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1248-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(712,1,'2020-08-21 21:48:58','2020-08-21 21:48:58','','Importance','','inherit','open','closed','','importance','','','2020-08-21 21:48:58','2020-08-21 21:48:58','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Importance.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(715,1,'2020-08-21 21:52:02','2020-08-21 21:52:02','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\">Understanding the Importance of Homeowners Insurance</span></a></strong></span></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Importance.png\" width=\"994\" height=\"609\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-712 aligncenter size-full\" /></div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many expenses that come with buying a home. One of the most important is homeowners insurance. While it’s natural to wonder whether this expense is necessary, there are many reasons why it is a crucial protection for any homeowner. Here are a few important things buyers should remember about homeowners insurance:</span></p>\n<div id=\"wrap\">\n<div id=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Homeowners insurance protects your most valuable asset.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For most people, the home they live in is the most valuable possession they own. A <a href=\"https://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">home insurance policy can make it possible to pay for needed repairs</a> if the roof is damaged by hail or wind, a water leak in the basement causes damage to your walls, or if you suffer a loss due to a fire or another event. By making it easier to keep your home well-maintained and giving you more options when something bad happens, homeowners insurance protects your family’s future security. In order to be truly protected by your insurance company, you need the right policy. When you shop for that policy, focus on the limits of the coverage and what the policy actually provides for. That way you will have the opportunity to fully cover your home if you should suffer a total loss. The belongings in your home will also be covered, but only if you have enough insurance to replace all of them. Many homeowners make the mistake of having less coverage than they actually need. You should ask your agent for a policy that covers the full replacement cost of your home. That will come with a percentage of that amount for the contents of the home, and generally will also cover other structures like detached garages or sheds.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Your lender may require that you buy a policy.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender may <a href=\"http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/06/12/do-you-need-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">have conditions that require adequate insurance</a>. This is because they have money on the line, too. If your house is damaged in some expensive way and you lack insurance coverage, you are less likely to be able to pay off your mortgage loan. Your home is also the collateral on your loan; if it is damaged or destroyed, its value may not be enough to cover what the lender is still owed. They are protecting an investment, and it’s important for homeowners to adopt a similar mindset. When you buy an insurance policy because your mortgage lender requires it, you will be the named insured. But if there is a large claim paid by from the insurance company, the checks may come in your name and your lender’s name, and you will likely have to sign the check over to your lender to be held in escrow, to be paid out as repairs are made to your home. In short, you will not see the money from your claim or be able to use it for something else that may not be related to the repairs that your home needs. That is very important to realize, and something that many homeowners overlook.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. You should understand what your policy covers.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many different homeowners insurance policies available from a large number of insurance companies. It is important that <a href=\"https://www.krislindahl.com/blog/home-insurance-information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">buyers research insurance providers and read policies carefully</a> so they can understand what is covered. There is nothing worse than suffering a loss and learning that it’s excluded from coverage by your insurance policy. You should also do proper research to ensure you are buying enough coverage. The lender on your mortgage may require less coverage to satisfy their requirements than you will need to keep yourself properly covered from a significant loss—this often leads home buyers into making the mistake of taking this bare minimum, believing that they will be fully covered in the event of significant damage/repairs. Knowing your policy limits is valuable, but there is more to the coverage than just how much the policy provides in the event of a loss. Another thing you need to pay careful attention to is type of coverage you have on your home. For example, if you live in a flood zone you’ll likely need a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is administered through the federal government, as standard homeowners policies do not cover floods. Nor do standard policies cover earthquakes, landslides or hurricanes. If you are in a part of the country where those things are common, and/or if your mortgage lender requires them, you may need additional policies that cover those types of perils. That can protect your investment – and that of your mortgage company – if such perils damage your home.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong></strong></span></h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Homeowners insurance is not one-size-fits-all.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Different types of policies <a href=\"https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/why-you-must-have-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">fit different household needs</a>. If you have a large amount of savings, for instance, you may be able to save money each month by selecting a policy with a higher deductible. If you own many high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, art and high-quality furniture, you can opt for higher coverage limits to ensure that your possessions are properly protected. By choosing the option that best fits your personal situation, you can find a policy that fits both your requirements and your budget. Having that peace of mind is generally an excellent way to sleep well at night, and can provide homeowners with what they need to make sure they are financially protected. For homeowners that have high-end homes, more insurance is needed. Those who have less expensive homes will need a policy that is less expensive. Either way, though, having a policy that works for you and your specific needs is what matters. You want your home to be safe and protected, but you also want to make sure you feel good about the policy you have. If you are unsure whether or not your policy is right for you, talk with your agent about other options. That can give you the chance to have a better policy that fits your home and budget, while making sure protection is adequate. By looking at your options right away when becoming a homeowner, you can ensure that you have a policy that will protect your assets and prevent significant financial losses. Research a number of policies and providers to become an educated insurance buyer and to enjoy better peace of mind. While many homeowners just buy a policy and put it in the drawer or the file cabinet, you should take the time to read what’s in it. Then you’ll know whether the policy really protects your home or if it just covers the interests of the lender who holds your mortgage. While that is the most important issue financially for your lender, and is valuable to you as well, there may be other needed coverages that will keep you safe and secure in your home for a long time to come.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the </span><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">entire article,</span> please click here.</a></p>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Understanding the Importance of Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','91-revision-v1','','','2020-08-21 21:52:02','2020-08-21 21:52:02','',91,'http://smartinsurance.tips/91-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(714,1,'2020-08-21 21:51:16','2020-08-21 21:51:16','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\"><span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\">Understanding the Importance of Homeowners Insurance</span></a></strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Importance.png\" width=\"994\" height=\"609\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-712 aligncenter size-full\" /></div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many expenses that come with buying a home. One of the most important is homeowners insurance. While it’s natural to wonder whether this expense is necessary, there are many reasons why it is a crucial protection for any homeowner. Here are a few important things buyers should remember about homeowners insurance:</span></p>\n<div id=\"wrap\">\n<div id=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Homeowners insurance protects your most valuable asset.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For most people, the home they live in is the most valuable possession they own. A <a href=\"https://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">home insurance policy can make it possible to pay for needed repairs</a> if the roof is damaged by hail or wind, a water leak in the basement causes damage to your walls, or if you suffer a loss due to a fire or another event. By making it easier to keep your home well-maintained and giving you more options when something bad happens, homeowners insurance protects your family’s future security. In order to be truly protected by your insurance company, you need the right policy. When you shop for that policy, focus on the limits of the coverage and what the policy actually provides for. That way you will have the opportunity to fully cover your home if you should suffer a total loss. The belongings in your home will also be covered, but only if you have enough insurance to replace all of them. Many homeowners make the mistake of having less coverage than they actually need. You should ask your agent for a policy that covers the full replacement cost of your home. That will come with a percentage of that amount for the contents of the home, and generally will also cover other structures like detached garages or sheds.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Your lender may require that you buy a policy.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender may <a href=\"http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/06/12/do-you-need-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">have conditions that require adequate insurance</a>. This is because they have money on the line, too. If your house is damaged in some expensive way and you lack insurance coverage, you are less likely to be able to pay off your mortgage loan. Your home is also the collateral on your loan; if it is damaged or destroyed, its value may not be enough to cover what the lender is still owed. They are protecting an investment, and it’s important for homeowners to adopt a similar mindset. When you buy an insurance policy because your mortgage lender requires it, you will be the named insured. But if there is a large claim paid by from the insurance company, the checks may come in your name and your lender’s name, and you will likely have to sign the check over to your lender to be held in escrow, to be paid out as repairs are made to your home. In short, you will not see the money from your claim or be able to use it for something else that may not be related to the repairs that your home needs. That is very important to realize, and something that many homeowners overlook.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. You should understand what your policy covers.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many different homeowners insurance policies available from a large number of insurance companies. It is important that <a href=\"https://www.krislindahl.com/blog/home-insurance-information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">buyers research insurance providers and read policies carefully</a> so they can understand what is covered. There is nothing worse than suffering a loss and learning that it’s excluded from coverage by your insurance policy. You should also do proper research to ensure you are buying enough coverage. The lender on your mortgage may require less coverage to satisfy their requirements than you will need to keep yourself properly covered from a significant loss—this often leads home buyers into making the mistake of taking this bare minimum, believing that they will be fully covered in the event of significant damage/repairs. Knowing your policy limits is valuable, but there is more to the coverage than just how much the policy provides in the event of a loss. Another thing you need to pay careful attention to is type of coverage you have on your home. For example, if you live in a flood zone you’ll likely need a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is administered through the federal government, as standard homeowners policies do not cover floods. Nor do standard policies cover earthquakes, landslides or hurricanes. If you are in a part of the country where those things are common, and/or if your mortgage lender requires them, you may need additional policies that cover those types of perils. That can protect your investment – and that of your mortgage company – if such perils damage your home.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong></strong></span></h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Homeowners insurance is not one-size-fits-all.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Different types of policies <a href=\"https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/why-you-must-have-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">fit different household needs</a>. If you have a large amount of savings, for instance, you may be able to save money each month by selecting a policy with a higher deductible. If you own many high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, art and high-quality furniture, you can opt for higher coverage limits to ensure that your possessions are properly protected. By choosing the option that best fits your personal situation, you can find a policy that fits both your requirements and your budget. Having that peace of mind is generally an excellent way to sleep well at night, and can provide homeowners with what they need to make sure they are financially protected. For homeowners that have high-end homes, more insurance is needed. Those who have less expensive homes will need a policy that is less expensive. Either way, though, having a policy that works for you and your specific needs is what matters. You want your home to be safe and protected, but you also want to make sure you feel good about the policy you have. If you are unsure whether or not your policy is right for you, talk with your agent about other options. That can give you the chance to have a better policy that fits your home and budget, while making sure protection is adequate. By looking at your options right away when becoming a homeowner, you can ensure that you have a policy that will protect your assets and prevent significant financial losses. Research a number of policies and providers to become an educated insurance buyer and to enjoy better peace of mind. While many homeowners just buy a policy and put it in the drawer or the file cabinet, you should take the time to read what’s in it. Then you’ll know whether the policy really protects your home or if it just covers the interests of the lender who holds your mortgage. While that is the most important issue financially for your lender, and is valuable to you as well, there may be other needed coverages that will keep you safe and secure in your home for a long time to come.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the </span><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">entire article,</span> please click here.</a></p>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Understanding the Importance of Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','91-revision-v1','','','2020-08-21 21:51:16','2020-08-21 21:51:16','',91,'http://smartinsurance.tips/91-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(717,1,'2020-08-21 22:17:17','2020-08-21 22:17:17','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\">Understanding the Importance of Homeowners Insurance</span></a></strong></span></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Importance.png\" width=\"994\" height=\"609\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-712 aligncenter size-full\" /></div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many expenses that come with buying a home. One of the most important is homeowners insurance. While it’s natural to wonder whether this expense is necessary, there are many reasons why it is a crucial protection for any homeowner. Here are a few important things buyers should remember about homeowners insurance:</span></p>\n<div id=\"wrap\">\n<div id=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Homeowners insurance protects your most valuable asset.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For most people, the home they live in is the most valuable possession they own. A <a href=\"https://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">home insurance policy can make it possible to pay for needed repairs</a> if the roof is damaged by hail or wind, a water leak in the basement causes damage to your walls, or if you suffer a loss due to a fire or another event. By making it easier to keep your home well-maintained and giving you more options when something bad happens, homeowners insurance protects your family’s future security. In order to be truly protected by your insurance company, you need the right policy. When you shop for that policy, focus on the limits of the coverage and what the policy actually provides for. That way you will have the opportunity to fully cover your home if you should suffer a total loss. The belongings in your home will also be covered, but only if you have enough insurance to replace all of them. Many homeowners make the mistake of having less coverage than they actually need. You should ask your agent for a policy that covers the full replacement cost of your home. That will come with a percentage of that amount for the contents of the home, and generally will also cover other structures like detached garages or sheds.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Your lender may require that you buy a policy.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender may <a href=\"http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/06/12/do-you-need-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">have conditions that require adequate insurance</a>. This is because they have money on the line, too. If your house is damaged in some expensive way and you lack insurance coverage, you are less likely to be able to pay off your mortgage loan. Your home is also the collateral on your loan; if it is damaged or destroyed, its value may not be enough to cover what the lender is still owed. They are protecting an investment, and it’s important for homeowners to adopt a similar mindset. When you buy an insurance policy because your mortgage lender requires it, you will be the named insured. But if there is a large claim paid by from the insurance company, the checks may come in your name and your lender’s name, and you will likely have to sign the check over to your lender to be held in escrow, to be paid out as repairs are made to your home. In short, you will not see the money from your claim or be able to use it for something else that may not be related to the repairs that your home needs. That is very important to realize, and something that many homeowners overlook.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. You should understand what your policy covers.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are many different homeowners insurance policies available from a large number of insurance companies. It is important that <a href=\"https://www.krislindahl.com/blog/home-insurance-information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">buyers research insurance providers and read policies carefully</a> so they can understand what is covered. There is nothing worse than suffering a loss and learning that it’s excluded from coverage by your insurance policy. You should also do proper research to ensure you are buying enough coverage. The lender on your mortgage may require less coverage to satisfy their requirements than you will need to keep yourself properly covered from a significant loss—this often leads home buyers into making the mistake of taking this bare minimum, believing that they will be fully covered in the event of significant damage/repairs. Knowing your policy limits is valuable, but there is more to the coverage than just how much the policy provides in the event of a loss. Another thing you need to pay careful attention to is type of coverage you have on your home. For example, if you live in a flood zone you’ll likely need a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is administered through the federal government, as standard homeowners policies do not cover floods. Nor do standard policies cover earthquakes, landslides or hurricanes. If you are in a part of the country where those things are common, and/or if your mortgage lender requires them, you may need additional policies that cover those types of perils. That can protect your investment – and that of your mortgage company – if such perils damage your home.</span></p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong></strong></span></h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Homeowners insurance is not one-size-fits-all.</strong></span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Different types of policies <a href=\"https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/why-you-must-have-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\">fit different household needs</a>. If you have a large amount of savings, for instance, you may be able to save money each month by selecting a policy with a higher deductible. If you own many high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, art and high-quality furniture, you can opt for higher coverage limits to ensure that your possessions are properly protected. By choosing the option that best fits your personal situation, you can find a policy that fits both your requirements and your budget. Having that peace of mind is generally an excellent way to sleep well at night, and can provide homeowners with what they need to make sure they are financially protected. For homeowners that have high-end homes, more insurance is needed. Those who have less expensive homes will need a policy that is less expensive. Either way, though, having a policy that works for you and your specific needs is what matters. You want your home to be safe and protected, but you also want to make sure you feel good about the policy you have. If you are unsure whether or not your policy is right for you, talk with your agent about other options. That can give you the chance to have a better policy that fits your home and budget, while making sure protection is adequate. By looking at your options right away when becoming a homeowner, you can ensure that you have a policy that will protect your assets and prevent significant financial losses. Research a number of policies and providers to become an educated insurance buyer and to enjoy better peace of mind. While many homeowners just buy a policy and put it in the drawer or the file cabinet, you should take the time to read what’s in it. Then you’ll know whether the policy really protects your home or if it just covers the interests of the lender who holds your mortgage. While that is the most important issue financially for your lender, and is valuable to you as well, there may be other needed coverages that will keep you safe and secure in your home for a long time to come.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the </span><a href=\"https://www.millerpublicadjusters.com/free-property-insurance-claim-advice-blog/understanding-the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">entire article,</span> please click here.</a></p>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Understanding the Importance of Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','91-revision-v1','','','2020-08-21 22:17:17','2020-08-21 22:17:17','',91,'http://smartinsurance.tips/91-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(720,1,'2020-09-09 20:28:01','2020-09-09 20:28:01','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','There are still a few tax breaks for working from home','','inherit','closed','closed','','719-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 20:28:01','2020-09-09 20:28:01','',719,'http://smartinsurance.tips/719-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(728,1,'2020-09-09 20:56:46','2020-09-09 20:56:46','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>it?</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/USAT/4d357ca9-efb0-4127-afa3-7ceb4a74d586-GettyImages-1163111044.jpg?crop=2120,1193,x0,y107&amp;width=2120&amp;height=1193&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dear Pete,</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>My 40-year-old son was laid off in April and hasn’t gone back to work yet. His unemployment looks like it’s about to run out, and he has no money. He’s unlikely to be able to pay rent on his apartment moving forward. Do you think we should pay his rent for him, or should we insist he move in with us? He’s single, and we get along very well.</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Elizabeth, Columbus, Ohio</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m sorry your son is going through this, Elizabeth. Losing a job can be demoralizing, especially with all the other complications of life we’re all dealing with right now. He’s certainly fortunate to have you in his corner. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With a question like this, there’s a temptation to answer it in regards to what’s best for you and your finances, but the reality is your financial interests actually align with your son’s financial interest, in this scenario.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son did nothing wrong. Like tens of millions of other Americans, he’s a victim of circumstance. The key determinant as to what’s next for this group of people is whether or not they had financial stability going into this horrific financial period. Those that did, are more likely to financially survive this chaos, as long as they’ve lived lean throughout this process. The people who didn’t have financial stability going into this recession, are more likely to suffer for months, if not years to come.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m not making this point to be divisive, judgmental, or haughty. It’s simply the harsh reality of American life today. Those with spare tires in their trunks are more likely to get to their destination faster and with fewer headaches. There’s several factors that separate the financial standing and stability of Americans, and right after income, I think you’ll find the ability to handle financial adversity, at the top of the list. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son does not have stability. If you were to chuck money at him on a monthly basis to cover his bills, he still wouldn’t have stability. While he is absolutely a victim of circumstance, his lack of stability is the actual problem. Trying to solve circumstance doesn’t make sense while trying to solve the problem does.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He should move back in with you until he achieves stability. I know, I’m suggesting you collectively make the decision to bring him back to the proverbial nest, which I’m generally opposed to, but this financial crisis is the “big one,” which means the rules were made to be broken. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The circumstances of his employment will change, but until he’s able to store-up three months\' worth of expenses, he should live with you. I’m thinking he’ll live with you for six months tops. Ideally, this prevents him from ruining his credit, which would likely happen if he stayed in the apartment and his tough times continued. The main obstacle he’ll have to avoid is increasing his discretionary spending once he’s gainfully employed again. That’s bad because he won’t save the amount of money he needs to save, and his spending could begin to eat into his future rent obligations, which means it will be even harder for him to move out of your home.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When executed perfectly, he’ll save money each month in excess of what his rent payment would have been. That way his transition back to an apartment won’t stretch his budget. For what it’s worth, this is the same advice I give to parents of new college grads who are saddled with choking amounts of student loan debt.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There’s a right way and a wrong way to financially support an adult child, and there’s absolutely no shame in taking on the challenge. The key is to identify the real problem you’re both trying to solve. Sending him rent money would be the wrong form of support because it doesn’t address the real problem. Open, honest, and empathetic communication will help both of you achieve your goals. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Best of luck to your both, and pre-congrats on helping bring your son to stability.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle it?','','publish','closed','closed','','if-one-of-your-kids-is-laid-off-and-cant-pay-bills-how-should-you-handle-it','','','2020-09-09 21:08:21','2020-09-09 21:08:21','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=728',0,'page','',0),(729,1,'2020-09-09 20:56:46','2020-09-09 20:56:46','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle it?','','inherit','closed','closed','','728-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 20:56:46','2020-09-09 20:56:46','',728,'http://smartinsurance.tips/728-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(735,1,'2020-09-09 21:41:16','2020-09-09 21:41:16','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Try these easy mind games to improve your brain function and help prevent disease','','inherit','closed','closed','','734-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:41:16','2020-09-09 21:41:16','',734,'http://smartinsurance.tips/734-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(722,1,'2020-09-09 20:39:50','2020-09-09 20:39:50','','Untitled_Clipping_091020_043946_AM','','inherit','open','closed','','untitled_clipping_091020_043946_am','','','2020-09-09 20:39:50','2020-09-09 20:39:50','',719,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Untitled_Clipping_091020_043946_AM.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(724,1,'2020-09-09 20:48:27','2020-09-09 20:48:27','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to stay in business during a pandemic: Avoid the top 7 tech</strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong> mistakes most small businesses make</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_padding=\"|||1px||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9e1f6e2ee20f44aa1f3be4f71e9f3e52b6ae2c7e/c=0-110-2121-1303/local/-/media/2020/07/21/USATODAY/usatsports/woman-preparing-an-order-in-a-small-business.jpg?width=2121&amp;height=1193&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There was a time when small-business people did not have to be geeky or tech savvy.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How quaint.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Especially now, in this COVID-19 world, it is vital that anyone owning, running or working in a small business be as smart about technology as they are about business.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">That is sometimes easier said than done.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are the most common tech mistakes that small businesses make, and how to avoid them.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Looking small</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of all the great things the internet has brought to small business – and the ability to sell anywhere, anytime is just for starters – maybe best of all is that there is no need to ever look small again. You may be small offline, but online, you can look every bit as big as your biggest competitor. If your website and social presence aren\'t top notch, you are leaving money on the table.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. Lack of security software and policies</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of course you know that you are supposed to have computer security software in place to thwart hacking, phishing and other scams. And maybe you have some basic software. But protecting your business requires more than downloading some no-name, off-brand, free program.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your data, customer lists, passwords, contracts and other vital documents are the lifeblood of your business. So make sure to get proper security software. Also, put in place policies for how laptops are to be handled, how to secure mobile devices and how to properly download software updates.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. Not scheduling regular data backups</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You know the drill by now: “Back up your data!” But do you? (Try losing two chapters of a book you are writing, said the dumb columnist, and you will.) So, whether you do it manually or use an online scheduled service, the important thing is that you back up, back up, back up!</span></p>\n<article class=\"gnt_pr\">\n<div class=\"gnt_ar_b\">\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Relying on outdated tech</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Would you use a phone on which you could not text? Or a dial-up modem? Of course not. Yet far too many small-business people think nothing of running their businesses using hardware and software that is out of date. Mistake, that.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Never really learning the app or software</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most software is not unlike the brain: We tend to use only a small percentage of it. And that’s too bad, too. Tech companies make great tools designed specifically for small business. They test it, perfect it and add in tons of bells and whistles that can make your business life easier – if you just take the time to find and learn them.</span></p>\n<aside aria-label=\"advertisement\" class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\">\n<div data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\" id=\"ad-slot-7103-usatoday-native-article_link-money-usaandmain-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-google-query-id=\"CPODxc_43OsCFQKEwgodI_wJWA\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1__container__\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1\" width=\"3\" height=\"3\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" data-google-container-id=\"3\" data-integralas-id-eb36040d-345b-2619-427e-fbbeb7da2e77=\"\" data-load-complete=\"true\"></iframe></span></div>\n</div>\n</aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Not having a disaster preparedness plan</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, yes, the worst-case scenario sometimes happens (see: virus, corona). And if you are not ready, that bad event can actually put you out of business faster than you can say flood, hurricane, earthquake, riot, fire, theft or pandemic.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What would you do if you owned an ice cream shop and the power went out? Without a plan, your business would literally melt. A good disaster preparedness plan might include a backup power system, as well as offline, off-site backups of critical documents; having computer security and backup systems; and having a phone and email tree ready.</span></p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\"></aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Falling for social media scams</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Say your employee is on your Facebook page and sees a post that says, “Check out this cool video!” He clicks it and is asked to upgrade some software to be able to watch it. So he does. And your account may have just gotten hacked. Next thing you know, your page is posting miracle weight loss cures. Social media scams are growing exponentially because the bad guys go where the eyeballs are.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Beware and prepare.</span></p>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div class=\"gnt_rr\">\n<div class=\"gnt_tb gnt_tbr\" data-t-l=\"${tc}|rightRailTaboolaRecirc|click\">\n<div id=\"gnt_tbw_2\" class=\" trc_related_container trc_spotlight_widget trc_elastic trc_elastic_organic-thumbnails-rr-stream \" data-placement-name=\"Right Rail Thumbnails - Organic\" observeid=\"tbl-observe-0\">\n<div class=\"trc_rbox_container\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"trc_wrapper_50352\" class=\"trc_rbox organic-thumbnails-rr-stream trc-content-organic \">\n<div id=\"outer_50352\" class=\"trc_rbox_outer\">\n<div id=\"rbox-t2m\" class=\"trc_rbox_div trc_rbox_border_elm\">\n<div id=\"internal_trc_50352\">\n<div data-item-id=\"-8533604227088637148\" data-item-title=\"Quality of life: 25 healthiest communities for retirement\" data-item-thumb=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/35a225e49cc3f84d46941a511932d30bd05457be/c=3-0-1361-767/local/-/media/2017/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636494430077611124-1.-San-Juan-County-Washington.jpg?width=1358&amp;height=767&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" data-item-syndicated=\"false\" class=\"videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-default thumbnail_start photoItem videoCube_3_child trc_excludable \" observeid=\"tbl-observe-3\">\n<p><span class=\"video-label-box trc-main-label \"><span class=\"video-label video-category money\"><a title=\"Quality of life: 25 healthiest communities for retirement\" href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2017/12/21/quality-life-25-healthiest-communities-retirement/965455001/?utm_source=taboola&amp;utm_medium=exchange&amp;utm_content=money\" target=\"_parent\" class=\" item-label-href \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"></a></span></span><span style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/usaandmain/2020/08/04/small-businesses-coronavirus-7-ways-tech-savvy/5575210002/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to stay in business during a pandemic: Avoid the top 7 tech mistakes most small businesses make','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-stay-in-business-during-a-pandemic-avoid-the-top-7-tech-mistakes-most-small-businesses-make','','','2020-09-09 20:56:02','2020-09-09 20:56:02','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=724',0,'page','',0),(725,1,'2020-09-09 20:48:27','2020-09-09 20:48:27','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to stay in business during a pandemic: Avoid the top 7 tech mistakes most small businesses make','','inherit','closed','closed','','724-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 20:48:27','2020-09-09 20:48:27','',724,'http://smartinsurance.tips/724-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(723,1,'2020-09-09 20:43:09','2020-09-09 20:43:09','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>There are still a few tax breaks for working from home</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Untitled_Clipping_091020_043946_AM-1024x576.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-722 aligncenter size-large\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">DETROIT – Struggling to teach a Zoom class from home this fall or working remotely on a project launch while your own children are home 24/7 seem like patriotic duties that should at least come with a tax break.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shouldn\'t someone be able to write off a few extra expenses like electricity or high-speed internet when fighting the spread of COVID-19 by working from home all the time? </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shouldn\'t working from home for six months or possibly more in 2020 account for some kind of tax break? </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Short answer: Well, you probably are not going to like what you hear.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many people are asking questions about potential tax breaks for home offices these days, as more office workers continue to juggle their lives and jobs from home.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While General Motors might consider bringing back some workers to the office in the fall, for example, the majority of GM white collar workers could continue working remotely through year-end, according to the company\'s latest plans.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, if you\'re working for someone else, say you\'re an employee of a school district or automaker, the tax rules don\'t allow you to claim a home office deduction for unreimbursed business expenses relating to working from home. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">No such tax deduction is available for W-2 wage earners who are dealing with unreimbursed business expenses, according to James O’Rilley, CPA and tax director for Doeren Mayhew in Troy, Michigan. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Oddly enough, some remote employees would have had more options under the old tax rules if their unreimbursed business expenses, including the cost of a home office, exceeded 2% of their adjusted gross income. One rule then: You had to be required by your employer to work remotely, and not just doing it for your convenience. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But that tax break won\'t work anymore following changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Beginning in 2018, the new tax law prevents employees from deducting unreimbursed expenses that they incur for their jobs. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"There is no deduction for an employee working out of their house. That went away with the Trump tax cuts,\" said George W. Smith, a CPA with Andrews Hooper Pavlik in Southfield, Michigan.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another key point: You can no longer deduct expenses related to finding a new job, either. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even so, some people might be able to take advantage of a few tax breaks. Here\'s a look at some possibilities depending on your situation. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Self-employed or independent contractors</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you can claim a home office deduction. These expenses do not need to exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income but you\'re going to need to meet other tight rules. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You need a space whose \"regular and exclusive use\" is for business. See IRS Form 8829, which you would file with Schedule C. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"If you are self-employed, you were always eligible to claim business use of home as a deduction,\" O\'Rilley said.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"What may be new for those individuals is with more time spent at home many people have \'invested\' more into their home offices – build-outs, new furniture, increased internet capabilities, copiers, printers, scanners – all which would be eligible for immediate expensing,\" O\'Rilley said. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When it comes to many build-outs, though, such as adding a back room onto your home, you would not get a deduction if that construction is a structural improvement to real estate, he said.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you were an independent contractor who went to a job site but now work from home in the pandemic, you can claim the home office deduction for the time you\'re working remotely. But keep records of when you began working from home and your expenses. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two methods exist for claiming the deduction: You\'d claim a percentage of expenses – such as mortgage or rent, utilities, real estate taxes and homeowners insurance – based on what percentage of your home is used for your business. If 5% of your home is used for business, you\'d take 5% of those expenses. This method demands more records and receipts. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Or the IRS has a simplified method where you could take a maximum deduction of up to $1,500 based on the square footage of your home office multiplied by $5. The maximum allowed is up to 300 square feet for business use of the home, if using this method. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Teachers</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether they\'re holding online classes or teaching in the classroom, teachers continue to receive a deduction of up to $250 for unreimbursed business expenses for classroom materials, such as books, supplies, computers including related software and supplementary materials that you use in the classroom. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If both spouses are teachers, the deduction can be up to $500 on a joint return. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The tax break applies to those who teach kindergarten through grade 12. This tax break does not apply for pre-school teachers or college instructors. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although the statutory language states that the equipment and materials must be “used by the eligible educator in the classroom,” most tax experts believe that this language could apply to a virtual classroom as well as a physical one, according to Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Going remote at a condo in another state</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Those fortunate enough to choose to work from a lake home in another state could face a few more tax twists. Or maybe not, depending on the tax rules for those states.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Working out of your condo in Florida, if you live in Michigan, isn’t likely to cause tax headaches since Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. Michigan also has reciprocity agreements with neighboring states, like Ohio, so there’s no issue there, O’Rilley said.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Michigan has reciprocity agreements with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But some other states, including New York, will tax income earned in that state even if the person primarily resides and works in another state. Much will depend on how tax rules are worked out in the months ahead. But working remotely elsewhere could mean that you end up having to file two state income tax returns and the arrangement could trigger higher taxes overall, depending on the states. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mark Luscombe, principal analyst for Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting, said 14 states – Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Vermont – and the District of Columbia have enacted a specific COVID-19 exception. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Those states generally won\'t tax workers who have made a temporary move there because of the pandemic, but state policies can vary. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Congress is also considering legislation to address the issue as it relates to the pandemic, which might change the rules. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luscombe noted that the Senate proposal as part of its HEALs bill states that only the state of residence can tax the income during this period, so there\'s some concern that some states, like New York, could lose revenue.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Eileen Sherr, senior manager for tax policy and advocacy for the American Institute of CPAs, said state CPA groups should consider advocating that state taxing authorities allow the employee who is temporarily telecommuting to continue to pay tax to the state where employer is located, not where the employee is sheltering in place during the pandemic. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"This treatment would help prevent a double tax where one state uses the convenience of employer test to source wage payments and the other state uses the physical presence standard,\" Sherr said. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/30/claim-tax-breaks-working-from-home/5656066002/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','There are still a few tax breaks for working from home','','inherit','closed','closed','','719-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 20:43:09','2020-09-09 20:43:09','',719,'http://smartinsurance.tips/719-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(727,1,'2020-09-09 20:53:20','2020-09-09 20:53:20','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to stay in business during a pandemic: Avoid the top 7 tech</strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong> mistakes most small businesses make</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" custom_padding=\"|||1px||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9e1f6e2ee20f44aa1f3be4f71e9f3e52b6ae2c7e/c=0-110-2121-1303/local/-/media/2020/07/21/USATODAY/usatsports/woman-preparing-an-order-in-a-small-business.jpg?width=2121&amp;height=1193&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There was a time when small-business people did not have to be geeky or tech savvy.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How quaint.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Especially now, in this COVID-19 world, it is vital that anyone owning, running or working in a small business be as smart about technology as they are about business.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">That is sometimes easier said than done.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are the most common tech mistakes that small businesses make, and how to avoid them.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Looking small</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of all the great things the internet has brought to small business – and the ability to sell anywhere, anytime is just for starters – maybe best of all is that there is no need to ever look small again. You may be small offline, but online, you can look every bit as big as your biggest competitor. If your website and social presence aren\'t top notch, you are leaving money on the table.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. Lack of security software and policies</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of course you know that you are supposed to have computer security software in place to thwart hacking, phishing and other scams. And maybe you have some basic software. But protecting your business requires more than downloading some no-name, off-brand, free program.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your data, customer lists, passwords, contracts and other vital documents are the lifeblood of your business. So make sure to get proper security software. Also, put in place policies for how laptops are to be handled, how to secure mobile devices and how to properly download software updates.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. Not scheduling regular data backups</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You know the drill by now: “Back up your data!” But do you? (Try losing two chapters of a book you are writing, said the dumb columnist, and you will.) So, whether you do it manually or use an online scheduled service, the important thing is that you back up, back up, back up!</span></p>\n<article class=\"gnt_pr\">\n<div class=\"gnt_ar_b\">\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Relying on outdated tech</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Would you use a phone on which you could not text? Or a dial-up modem? Of course not. Yet far too many small-business people think nothing of running their businesses using hardware and software that is out of date. Mistake, that.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Never really learning the app or software</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most software is not unlike the brain: We tend to use only a small percentage of it. And that’s too bad, too. Tech companies make great tools designed specifically for small business. They test it, perfect it and add in tons of bells and whistles that can make your business life easier – if you just take the time to find and learn them.</span></p>\n<aside aria-label=\"advertisement\" class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\">\n<div data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\" id=\"ad-slot-7103-usatoday-native-article_link-money-usaandmain-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-google-query-id=\"CPODxc_43OsCFQKEwgodI_wJWA\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1__container__\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_7103/usatoday/native-article_link/money/usaandmain_1\" width=\"3\" height=\"3\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" data-google-container-id=\"3\" data-integralas-id-eb36040d-345b-2619-427e-fbbeb7da2e77=\"\" data-load-complete=\"true\"></iframe></span></div>\n</div>\n</aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Not having a disaster preparedness plan</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, yes, the worst-case scenario sometimes happens (see: virus, corona). And if you are not ready, that bad event can actually put you out of business faster than you can say flood, hurricane, earthquake, riot, fire, theft or pandemic.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What would you do if you owned an ice cream shop and the power went out? Without a plan, your business would literally melt. A good disaster preparedness plan might include a backup power system, as well as offline, off-site backups of critical documents; having computer security and backup systems; and having a phone and email tree ready.</span></p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\"></aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Falling for social media scams</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Say your employee is on your Facebook page and sees a post that says, “Check out this cool video!” He clicks it and is asked to upgrade some software to be able to watch it. So he does. And your account may have just gotten hacked. Next thing you know, your page is posting miracle weight loss cures. Social media scams are growing exponentially because the bad guys go where the eyeballs are.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Beware and prepare.</span></p>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div class=\"gnt_rr\">\n<div class=\"gnt_tb gnt_tbr\" data-t-l=\"${tc}|rightRailTaboolaRecirc|click\">\n<div id=\"gnt_tbw_2\" class=\" trc_related_container trc_spotlight_widget trc_elastic trc_elastic_organic-thumbnails-rr-stream \" data-placement-name=\"Right Rail Thumbnails - Organic\" observeid=\"tbl-observe-0\">\n<div class=\"trc_rbox_container\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"trc_wrapper_50352\" class=\"trc_rbox organic-thumbnails-rr-stream trc-content-organic \">\n<div id=\"outer_50352\" class=\"trc_rbox_outer\">\n<div id=\"rbox-t2m\" class=\"trc_rbox_div trc_rbox_border_elm\">\n<div id=\"internal_trc_50352\">\n<div data-item-id=\"-8533604227088637148\" data-item-title=\"Quality of life: 25 healthiest communities for retirement\" data-item-thumb=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/35a225e49cc3f84d46941a511932d30bd05457be/c=3-0-1361-767/local/-/media/2017/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636494430077611124-1.-San-Juan-County-Washington.jpg?width=1358&amp;height=767&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" data-item-syndicated=\"false\" class=\"videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-default thumbnail_start photoItem videoCube_3_child trc_excludable \" observeid=\"tbl-observe-3\">\n<p><span class=\"video-label-box trc-main-label \"><span class=\"video-label video-category money\"><a title=\"Quality of life: 25 healthiest communities for retirement\" href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2017/12/21/quality-life-25-healthiest-communities-retirement/965455001/?utm_source=taboola&amp;utm_medium=exchange&amp;utm_content=money\" target=\"_parent\" class=\" item-label-href \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"></a></span></span><span style=\"font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/usaandmain/2020/08/04/small-businesses-coronavirus-7-ways-tech-savvy/5575210002/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to stay in business during a pandemic: Avoid the top 7 tech mistakes most small businesses make','','inherit','closed','closed','','724-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 20:53:20','2020-09-09 20:53:20','',724,'http://smartinsurance.tips/724-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(731,1,'2020-09-09 21:00:22','2020-09-09 21:00:22','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>it?</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/USAT/4d357ca9-efb0-4127-afa3-7ceb4a74d586-GettyImages-1163111044.jpg?crop=2120,1193,x0,y107&amp;width=2120&amp;height=1193&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dear Pete,</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>My 40-year-old son was laid off in April and hasn’t gone back to work yet. His unemployment looks like it’s about to run out, and he has no money. He’s unlikely to be able to pay rent on his apartment moving forward. Do you think we should pay his rent for him, or should we insist he move in with us? He’s single, and we get along very well.</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Elizabeth, Columbus, Ohio</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m sorry your son is going through this, Elizabeth. Losing a job can be demoralizing, especially with all the other complications of life we’re all dealing with right now. He’s certainly fortunate to have you in his corner. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With a question like this, there’s a temptation to answer it in regards to what’s best for you and your finances, but the reality is your financial interests actually align with your son’s financial interest, in this scenario.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son did nothing wrong. Like tens of millions of other Americans, he’s a victim of circumstance. The key determinant as to what’s next for this group of people is whether or not they had financial stability going into this horrific financial period. Those that did, are more likely to financially survive this chaos, as long as they’ve lived lean throughout this process. The people who didn’t have financial stability going into this recession, are more likely to suffer for months, if not years to come.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m not making this point to be divisive, judgmental, or haughty. It’s simply the harsh reality of American life today. Those with spare tires in their trunks are more likely to get to their destination faster and with fewer headaches. There’s several factors that separate the financial standing and stability of Americans, and right after income, I think you’ll find the ability to handle financial adversity, at the top of the list. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son does not have stability. If you were to chuck money at him on a monthly basis to cover his bills, he still wouldn’t have stability. While he is absolutely a victim of circumstance, his lack of stability is the actual problem. Trying to solve circumstance doesn’t make sense while trying to solve the problem does.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He should move back in with you until he achieves stability. I know, I’m suggesting you collectively make the decision to bring him back to the proverbial nest, which I’m generally opposed to, but this financial crisis is the “big one,” which means the rules were made to be broken. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The circumstances of his employment will change, but until he’s able to store-up three months\' worth of expenses, he should live with you. I’m thinking he’ll live with you for six months tops. Ideally, this prevents him from ruining his credit, which would likely happen if he stayed in the apartment and his tough times continued. The main obstacle he’ll have to avoid is increasing his discretionary spending once he’s gainfully employed again. That’s bad because he won’t save the amount of money he needs to save, and his spending could begin to eat into his future rent obligations, which means it will be even harder for him to move out of your home.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When executed perfectly, he’ll save money each month in excess of what his rent payment would have been. That way his transition back to an apartment won’t stretch his budget. For what it’s worth, this is the same advice I give to parents of new college grads who are saddled with choking amounts of student loan debt.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There’s a right way and a wrong way to financially support an adult child, and there’s absolutely no shame in taking on the challenge. The key is to identify the real problem you’re both trying to solve. Sending him rent money would be the wrong form of support because it doesn’t address the real problem. Open, honest, and empathetic communication will help both of you achieve your goals. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Best of luck to your both, and pre-congrats on helping bring your son to stability.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle it?','','inherit','closed','closed','','728-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:00:22','2020-09-09 21:00:22','',728,'http://smartinsurance.tips/728-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(734,1,'2020-09-09 21:41:16','2020-09-09 21:41:16','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Try these easy mind games to improve your brain function and help </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>prevent disease</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/03/USAT/d90666ec-cfde-43f4-bf2f-58744664f304-Mind_Games.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Cognitive pursuits such as card games can promote healthy aging and may prevent or delay some diseases.\" style=\"float: left;\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Having trouble remembering a new name or doing more than one task at a time? You’re not alone. Studies show the brain’s volume peaks in your 20s and begins to decline after that, resulting in memory loss and other cognitive struggles.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The good news is that by simply changing daily habits sooner than later, you can keep your mind sharp and lower the risk of dementia.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Prioritizing your brain health at a younger age can have cumulative effects as you get older,” says Krystal Culler, founder of the consulting company Your Brain Health Matters and a senior fellow with the Global Brain Health Institute. “Engage in an active lifestyle that builds your brain’s cognitive reserve, which is stored up throughout your lifetime and includes continual lifelong learning, physical exercise, sleep, meditation, diet, socialization and volunteering, among other factors. Essentially, everything you do or don’t do can affect your brain. It’s neither too early nor too late to start a brain-healthy habit.”</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These cognitive pursuits promote healthy aging and may prevent or delay some diseases:</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Let the games begin</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The card game of bridge is considered a cerebral sport because it teaches you logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A study at the University of California, Berkeley, found evidence that an area in the brain used in playing bridge stimulates the immune system. Researchers suggest that is because players must use memory and sequencing.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">According to Joyce Mikal-Flynn, a nurse practitioner and neuroscience professor at Sacramento State University, “Board games, card games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and matching games — all are creative and fun, which support brain health and wellness. Being fun brings forth more motivation to participate. And these activities are even better when engaging with others and being social. Interacting with others through teamwork is extremely helpful for brain health.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can also add a twist to your games for  more memory improvement. For example, if you play Jenga, where you take turns removing a block from a tower while trying not to topple it, add a step where each player answers a trivia question or responds to someone in the group about a current event. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Get moving</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Research shows that physical activity for as little as 30 minutes several times a week can benefit the brain, and that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Staying active can also help your brain by keeping the blood flowing and increasing the chemicals that protect it. “Physical activity can build brain cells, improve memory and keep you sharp,” says Mikal-Flynn. “It can also reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, which has been found to be an independent risk factor for dementia.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fitness shouldn’t just be for the body. Establishing a mental fitness routine is equally important, says Culler. “Weekly brain engagement for a minimum of at least two hours, which is around 15 to 20 minutes per day, has benefits for aging adults.”</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The mental fitness exercise should be new, novel and challenging. For example, to gain additional benefits from reading, try a different section of the newspaper than you typically would or choose a new periodical. Read various sections out loud to activate different areas of your brain, and read with the intent to share the information with a friend. You will process the information differently, says Culler.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Destress</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Reducing stress is not only good for heart health but also brain health. The stress hormone cortisol can compromise the brain when stressors are chronic.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For example, studies show that the hippocampus (a structure embedded deep in the temporal lobe that has a major role in learning and memory) is more likely to shrink if cortisol binds to it for long periods of time.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A brain-healthy way to lower stress is coloring. “Coloring increases the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone, and removes your stress by taking your mind away from the difficult times,” says Olga Horvat, a color therapist and founder of Royal Dogs Gallery, which offers workshops and books on meditative coloring. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Culler also recommends setting aside time daily to “cool your brain,” and practice mindfulness. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain,” Culler adds. “If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.” Start with a few minutes per day and then work your way up to longer intervals. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2020/09/06/card-games-and-other-simple-activities-may-help-you-live-longer/5702950002/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Try these easy mind games to improve your brain function and help prevent disease','','publish','closed','closed','','try-these-easy-mind-games-to-improve-your-brain-function-and-help-prevent-disease','','','2020-09-09 21:45:04','2020-09-09 21:45:04','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=734',0,'page','',0),(733,1,'2020-09-09 21:08:21','2020-09-09 21:08:21','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>it?</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/USAT/4d357ca9-efb0-4127-afa3-7ceb4a74d586-GettyImages-1163111044.jpg?crop=2120,1193,x0,y107&amp;width=2120&amp;height=1193&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Dear Pete,</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>My 40-year-old son was laid off in April and hasn’t gone back to work yet. His unemployment looks like it’s about to run out, and he has no money. He’s unlikely to be able to pay rent on his apartment moving forward. Do you think we should pay his rent for him, or should we insist he move in with us? He’s single, and we get along very well.</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Elizabeth, Columbus, Ohio</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m sorry your son is going through this, Elizabeth. Losing a job can be demoralizing, especially with all the other complications of life we’re all dealing with right now. He’s certainly fortunate to have you in his corner. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With a question like this, there’s a temptation to answer it in regards to what’s best for you and your finances, but the reality is your financial interests actually align with your son’s financial interest, in this scenario.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son did nothing wrong. Like tens of millions of other Americans, he’s a victim of circumstance. The key determinant as to what’s next for this group of people is whether or not they had financial stability going into this horrific financial period. Those that did, are more likely to financially survive this chaos, as long as they’ve lived lean throughout this process. The people who didn’t have financial stability going into this recession, are more likely to suffer for months, if not years to come.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I’m not making this point to be divisive, judgmental, or haughty. It’s simply the harsh reality of American life today. Those with spare tires in their trunks are more likely to get to their destination faster and with fewer headaches. There’s several factors that separate the financial standing and stability of Americans, and right after income, I think you’ll find the ability to handle financial adversity, at the top of the list. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your son does not have stability. If you were to chuck money at him on a monthly basis to cover his bills, he still wouldn’t have stability. While he is absolutely a victim of circumstance, his lack of stability is the actual problem. Trying to solve circumstance doesn’t make sense while trying to solve the problem does.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He should move back in with you until he achieves stability. I know, I’m suggesting you collectively make the decision to bring him back to the proverbial nest, which I’m generally opposed to, but this financial crisis is the “big one,” which means the rules were made to be broken. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The circumstances of his employment will change, but until he’s able to store-up three months\' worth of expenses, he should live with you. I’m thinking he’ll live with you for six months tops. Ideally, this prevents him from ruining his credit, which would likely happen if he stayed in the apartment and his tough times continued. The main obstacle he’ll have to avoid is increasing his discretionary spending once he’s gainfully employed again. That’s bad because he won’t save the amount of money he needs to save, and his spending could begin to eat into his future rent obligations, which means it will be even harder for him to move out of your home.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When executed perfectly, he’ll save money each month in excess of what his rent payment would have been. That way his transition back to an apartment won’t stretch his budget. For what it’s worth, this is the same advice I give to parents of new college grads who are saddled with choking amounts of student loan debt.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There’s a right way and a wrong way to financially support an adult child, and there’s absolutely no shame in taking on the challenge. The key is to identify the real problem you’re both trying to solve. Sending him rent money would be the wrong form of support because it doesn’t address the real problem. Open, honest, and empathetic communication will help both of you achieve your goals. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Best of luck to your both, and pre-congrats on helping bring your son to stability.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.news-journal.com/4-home-improvements-that-may-affect-your-homeowners-insurance/article_eb23fa40-d0e4-11ea-9b48-2734580ae152.html?fbclid=IwAR3Y5Ie5rXRwzUHQG2mWhn8p-uMWdjpxQzQV2EisRBzVd3SVWtn8T2uyW78\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If one of your kids is laid off and can\'t pay bills, how should you handle it?','','inherit','closed','closed','','728-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:08:21','2020-09-09 21:08:21','',728,'http://smartinsurance.tips/728-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(737,1,'2020-09-09 21:45:04','2020-09-09 21:45:04','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Try these easy mind games to improve your brain function and help </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>prevent disease</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/03/USAT/d90666ec-cfde-43f4-bf2f-58744664f304-Mind_Games.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Cognitive pursuits such as card games can promote healthy aging and may prevent or delay some diseases.\" style=\"float: left;\" /></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Having trouble remembering a new name or doing more than one task at a time? You’re not alone. Studies show the brain’s volume peaks in your 20s and begins to decline after that, resulting in memory loss and other cognitive struggles.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The good news is that by simply changing daily habits sooner than later, you can keep your mind sharp and lower the risk of dementia.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">“Prioritizing your brain health at a younger age can have cumulative effects as you get older,” says Krystal Culler, founder of the consulting company Your Brain Health Matters and a senior fellow with the Global Brain Health Institute. “Engage in an active lifestyle that builds your brain’s cognitive reserve, which is stored up throughout your lifetime and includes continual lifelong learning, physical exercise, sleep, meditation, diet, socialization and volunteering, among other factors. Essentially, everything you do or don’t do can affect your brain. It’s neither too early nor too late to start a brain-healthy habit.”</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These cognitive pursuits promote healthy aging and may prevent or delay some diseases:</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Let the games begin</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The card game of bridge is considered a cerebral sport because it teaches you logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A study at the University of California, Berkeley, found evidence that an area in the brain used in playing bridge stimulates the immune system. Researchers suggest that is because players must use memory and sequencing.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">According to Joyce Mikal-Flynn, a nurse practitioner and neuroscience professor at Sacramento State University, “Board games, card games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and matching games — all are creative and fun, which support brain health and wellness. Being fun brings forth more motivation to participate. And these activities are even better when engaging with others and being social. Interacting with others through teamwork is extremely helpful for brain health.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can also add a twist to your games for  more memory improvement. For example, if you play Jenga, where you take turns removing a block from a tower while trying not to topple it, add a step where each player answers a trivia question or responds to someone in the group about a current event. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Get moving</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Research shows that physical activity for as little as 30 minutes several times a week can benefit the brain, and that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Staying active can also help your brain by keeping the blood flowing and increasing the chemicals that protect it. “Physical activity can build brain cells, improve memory and keep you sharp,” says Mikal-Flynn. “It can also reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, which has been found to be an independent risk factor for dementia.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fitness shouldn’t just be for the body. Establishing a mental fitness routine is equally important, says Culler. “Weekly brain engagement for a minimum of at least two hours, which is around 15 to 20 minutes per day, has benefits for aging adults.”</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The mental fitness exercise should be new, novel and challenging. For example, to gain additional benefits from reading, try a different section of the newspaper than you typically would or choose a new periodical. Read various sections out loud to activate different areas of your brain, and read with the intent to share the information with a friend. You will process the information differently, says Culler.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Destress</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Reducing stress is not only good for heart health but also brain health. The stress hormone cortisol can compromise the brain when stressors are chronic.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For example, studies show that the hippocampus (a structure embedded deep in the temporal lobe that has a major role in learning and memory) is more likely to shrink if cortisol binds to it for long periods of time.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A brain-healthy way to lower stress is coloring. “Coloring increases the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone, and removes your stress by taking your mind away from the difficult times,” says Olga Horvat, a color therapist and founder of Royal Dogs Gallery, which offers workshops and books on meditative coloring. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Culler also recommends setting aside time daily to “cool your brain,” and practice mindfulness. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain,” Culler adds. “If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.” Start with a few minutes per day and then work your way up to longer intervals. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2020/09/06/card-games-and-other-simple-activities-may-help-you-live-longer/5702950002/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Try these easy mind games to improve your brain function and help prevent disease','','inherit','closed','closed','','734-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:45:04','2020-09-09 21:45:04','',734,'http://smartinsurance.tips/734-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(740,1,'2020-09-09 21:45:33','2020-09-09 21:45:33','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','6 Simple Ways to Find Motivation in Your Everyday Life','','inherit','closed','closed','','739-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:45:33','2020-09-09 21:45:33','',739,'http://smartinsurance.tips/739-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(739,1,'2020-09-09 21:45:33','2020-09-09 21:45:33','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"fl-post-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>6 Simple Ways to Find Motivation in Your Everyday Life</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"><img fifu-featured=\"1\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?w=1100&amp;ssl=1 1100w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-content clearfix\" itemprop=\"text\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This was going to be my year. At the beginning of 2020, I was newly married, I had a new job, and for the first time in a while, I had a solid exercise routine that didn’t zap all of my energy or leave me cursing the inventor of cardio. I had lofty goals for where I wanted to take my business, too, and I was optimistic. Most importantly, I was motivated.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then, of course, the pandemic arrived. While I have been incredibly fortunate throughout these trying times, I’ve fallen short of what I hoped to accomplish. At first, I refused to give myself grace. I resorted to harsh self-criticism, and my biggest complaint was about motivation. Specifically, I had none, and I missed it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But that was a mistake. It’s vital to give yourself grace, and it’s equally important to remember that motivation isn’t an elusive aspiration that is near impossible to get and even harder to sustain. Rather, motivation is all around you. It’s on your bookshelf, it’s in your past triumphs, and it’s in the relationships you have with friends and colleagues. To put it simply, motivation was waiting for me. It’s waiting for you, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are six tips for getting and staying motivated:</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Establish mini-rewards for yourself.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This has been crucial for me. Whether you have a daunting project on your hands or a task that doesn’t excite you, creating your own reward system can be the push you need to keep at it and infuse your work with some energy and enthusiasm. For instance, when I scratch something off my to-do list, I let myself read a chapter of a book or listen to 10 minutes of a podcast I’ve been devouring. This will motivate you to take care of pressing tasks and maybe even get you excited about work you’d otherwise put off.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. Take a break to work on a personal project.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You may have taken your time in quarantine to start a home improvement project, or pick up a new skill or hobby. If you’re feeling stuck or rudderless with your work, it could be beneficial to pause and divert your energy elsewhere. Take 30 minutes to paint, renovate or chip away at an ongoing passion project. This can give you the fuel you need for the rest of your day and provide you with something to look forward to.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. Revisit one of your past successes and break down how you got there.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Maybe it’s the high-profile account you landed or the high-dollar sale you and your talents netted for the team. While it’s always good to be forward-thinking with your main or side hustles, it can be valuable to reminisce on your greatest achievements and remember how you obtained them. This will remind you that the impressive heights are worth the many tiny steps it takes to get there. Then, suddenly, you’ll be more motivated to take those steps again.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Exercise.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It’s hard enough for me to get motivated for exercise, so I rarely consider just how powerful a little cardio can be. But science doesn’t lie: A short jog will do wonders for your brain, and as long as you pace yourself, you’ll return to work with a clearer head and heightened focus. I’ll admit it—this one took some convincing from my better half. But once I acquiesced to a daily jog, I realized a monumental difference in productivity. Even more surprisingly, I started looking forward to these recurring runs.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Read.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This one took less convincing. I’ve always been a bookworm, and I don’t need any cajoling to crack open a mystery novel or, frankly, any well-written work that’ll keep me turning pages. Yet until recently, I didn’t realize how much reading motivates me. I recommend starting a book over the weekend because come Monday that same book will be top of mind. And if you’re still working from home, it will be subtly calling your name from its spot on the shelf or nightstand.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Reach out to a colleague.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We’re living in isolated times, but we still need connection. A conversation with a friend, family member or loved one is always beneficial, but next time you’re looking for some motivation, I recommend reaching out to someone with whom you don’t often connect. It could be a co-worker from a different team or a colleague in your field whose work you admire. Ask them about their work or bend their ear about a project you’ve been working on. The conversation will re-energize you, and best of all, it’ll remind you what you love about what you do.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.success.com/6-simple-ways-to-find-motivation-in-your-everyday-life/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','6 Simple Ways to Find Motivation in Your Everyday Life','','publish','closed','closed','','6-simple-ways-to-find-motivation-in-your-everyday-life','','','2020-09-09 21:49:27','2020-09-09 21:49:27','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=739',0,'page','',0),(744,1,'2020-09-09 21:49:48','2020-09-09 21:49:48','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Looking to retire early? The move has its drawbacks, here are 3 to </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>consider.</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9e1f6e2ee20f44aa1f3be4f71e9f3e52b6ae2c7e/c=0-110-2121-1303/local/-/media/2020/09/03/USATODAY/usatsports/MotleyFool-TMOT-e6eca513-d7f5369b.jpg?width=2121&amp;height=1193&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">Early retirement sounds like a great idea if you picture having ample cash to travel the world or hang out at the beach. But in reality, retiring before your mid-60s could cause a whole host of financial consequences that affect your ability to enjoy your later years to the fullest.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">In fact, here are three big reasons early retirement could end up being more hassle than it\'s worth.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">1. Your savings must support you longer</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">It\'s stating the obvious, but the earlier you stop getting a paycheck, the sooner you must start relying on your investment accounts (and the sooner your balance starts to fall). Not only do you begin making withdrawals earlier when you retire younger, but you also lose some prime investing years when you\'re eligible for catch-up contributions and may be able to afford to make them. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">The consequences can be far-reaching. If you maintain a safe withdrawal rate, you may limit your opportunities to enjoy retirement because your income could be too small. But if you indulge your retirement fantasies by taking out too much money too early, you could run out of money later in life when healthcare expenses rise, and working to get back on track is impossible. </span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">2. You risk lowering your Social Security benefits</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you claim Social Security prior to full retirement age (FRA), you\'re subject to early filing penalties that reduce your benefits.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">And even if you can retire early without starting your benefits ahead of your FRA, you could still see less lifetime income. The problem comes from the fact the Social Security Administration bases your monthly checks on average wages earned during the 35 years when your earnings were highest (after adjusting for inflation).</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you don\'t work 35 years, your average wage will be lower due to the inclusion of years with no wages. And even if you manage to work 35 years, chances are good you\'ll be leaving the workforce when your salary is higher than at the beginning of your career. By quitting when your salary has peaked, you miss out on the chance to replace lower-earning early years in the calculation of your average wage. </span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">3. Health coverage could cost a pretty penny</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you\'re retiring early, that almost guarantees you\'re leaving the workforce well before 65, when you become eligible for Medicare. And that can be a big problem because you can\'t afford to go without health insurance.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">While maintaining your employer-provided coverage through COBRA should be an option, as is purchasing an individual insurance policy, chances are good your premiums will be pretty high – especially if you\'re used to your employer subsidizing coverage. If you buy an individual policy instead of sticking with a group plan, you\'re also likely to have higher deductibles and co-insurance costs than you\'re used to. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">The extra costs can quickly eat into your retirement savings, which can mean your account balance falls even faster or you have less to spend on other things. And that, combined with the possibility of lower Social Security benefits, plus the fact you\'ll be living on your savings for longer, can be a recipe for financial disaster. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you\'re like most Americans, you\'re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known \"Social Security secrets\" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,728 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we\'re all after.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2020/09/06/3-reasons-early-retirement-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/113653984/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Looking to retire early? The move has its drawbacks, here are 3 to consider.','','publish','closed','closed','','looking-to-retire-early-the-move-has-its-drawbacks-here-are-3-to-consider','','','2020-09-09 21:54:15','2020-09-09 21:54:15','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=744',0,'page','',0),(745,1,'2020-09-09 21:49:48','2020-09-09 21:49:48','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Looking to retire early? The move has its drawbacks, here are 3 to consider.','','inherit','closed','closed','','744-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:49:48','2020-09-09 21:49:48','',744,'http://smartinsurance.tips/744-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(748,1,'2020-09-09 21:54:40','2020-09-09 21:54:40','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>score during COVID-19</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/a3637f5673fa79cdf91869a25cd336ca46d8fb74/c=0-41-793-487/local/-/media/2020/09/02/USATODAY/usatsports/MotleyFool-TMOT-75191e29-93e0ff46.jpg?width=793&amp;height=446&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; text-align: right; float: left;\" />\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">COVID-19 won\'t impact your credit score directly, but it could have an indirect impact because of the economic troubles it has caused. For example, lost income </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"><br />There are plenty of threats to your credit during this pandemic, and if your credit score goes down, it could take years to rebuild it. Poor credit can make it more difficult to secure a low-cost personal loan or mortgage and can even come in to play when you are applying for jobs or looking for an apartment. The best approach is to protect your credit score before it takes a hit.</span><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">because of COVID-19 could lead to late bill payments. If credit card companies cut the limits on your cards, that could make your credit score drop.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stay on top of your payments</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Paying your bills on time is a must. The factor that weighs most heavily on your credit is your payment history, and just one missed payment can drop your credit score by over 100 points.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> What many consumers don\'t realize is that a bill must be at least 30 days late before it can be reported as late on your credit file. So if you miss a credit card payment by a couple of days, you don\'t need to panic. Just make the payment within 29 days of the due date, and it won\'t hurt your credit. You can, however, be charged a late fee as soon as you\'re late on a payment, so you should still make it a habit to pay on time.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If money\'s tight and you can only make minimum credit card payments, consider a 0% APR credit card. Zero-interest credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR for a limited time. While you should avoid carrying a credit card balance whenever possible, if you need to do it, a 0% APR card can at least help you avoid interest charges for the introductory period.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Contact creditors if you need help</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor to see what kind of hardship plans they have available. Many creditors, including quite a few credit card companies, are offering COVID-19 assistance. Programs include deferred payments, waived late fees and other help, such as lower payment amounts.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\'s important to do this ASAP, ideally before you\'ve missed a payment. Here\'s why – under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, after you set up a payment relief agreement with a creditor, it can\'t report your account as late to the credit bureaus.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'ve always paid on time, then the creditor must keep reporting your account as \"current\" and not \"past due.\" But if your account is already past due when you set up the agreement, the creditor can continue to report it that way.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Monitor how much credit you\'re using</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The amount of your credit that you\'re using, known as your credit utilization ratio, is another key factor in your credit score. It\'s recommended to keep this under 20%. So if the credit limits on all your credit cards add up to $20,000, you\'d want to keep your combined balances to no more than $4,000.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This has gotten more challenging during the pandemic because some credit card companies have cut their customers\' credit limits. When the credit limit on one of your cards is reduced, you\'ll have less total credit, which can bump up your credit utilization.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aim to pay off your credit card bill in full every month or at least keep your balances as low as possible so your credit utilization doesn\'t start to damage your credit. If a card issuer cuts your credit limit, you can request that it reverses the decision. There\'s no guarantee, but some consumers have gotten their previous credit limits reinstated by calling and asking.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Watch out for identity theft</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Criminals have been taking advantage of the pandemic to help commit identity theft and other types of fraud. For example, one popular scam involves callers impersonating government agencies to steal information. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, COVID-19 fraud caused over $124 million in total losses, and that number keeps rising.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are several ways you can reduce your risk of identity theft or catch it quickly, including:</span></p>\n<ul class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul\">\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with anyone who contacts you.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Review your banking and credit card transactions regularly to look for fraud.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Set up a credit monitoring service that notifies you of changes on your credit file, such as new accounts. There are several free credit monitoring services available.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you want extra protection, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This requires lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening an account in your name.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping your credit on track</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COVID-19 has created some new financial challenges, but it doesn\'t need to infect your credit. If you pay your bills on time, avoid using too much credit, and protect yourself from identity theft, you can protect your credit score.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2020/09/05/how-to-protect-your-credit-score-during-covid-19/42370037/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit score during COVID-19','','publish','closed','closed','','if-you-cant-pay-a-bill-contact-the-creditor-how-to-protect-your-credit-score-during-covid-19','','','2020-09-11 18:48:57','2020-09-11 18:48:57','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=748',0,'page','',0),(749,1,'2020-09-09 21:54:40','2020-09-09 21:54:40','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit score during COVID-19','','inherit','closed','closed','','748-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:54:40','2020-09-09 21:54:40','',748,'http://smartinsurance.tips/748-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(743,1,'2020-09-09 21:49:27','2020-09-09 21:49:27','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"fl-post-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>6 Simple Ways to Find Motivation in Your Everyday Life</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"><img fifu-featured=\"1\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?w=1100&amp;ssl=1 1100w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i1.wp.com/www.success.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-Ways-to-Find-Motivation-in-Everyday-Life.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-thumb\"></div>\n<div class=\"fl-post-content clearfix\" itemprop=\"text\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This was going to be my year. At the beginning of 2020, I was newly married, I had a new job, and for the first time in a while, I had a solid exercise routine that didn’t zap all of my energy or leave me cursing the inventor of cardio. I had lofty goals for where I wanted to take my business, too, and I was optimistic. Most importantly, I was motivated.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then, of course, the pandemic arrived. While I have been incredibly fortunate throughout these trying times, I’ve fallen short of what I hoped to accomplish. At first, I refused to give myself grace. I resorted to harsh self-criticism, and my biggest complaint was about motivation. Specifically, I had none, and I missed it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But that was a mistake. It’s vital to give yourself grace, and it’s equally important to remember that motivation isn’t an elusive aspiration that is near impossible to get and even harder to sustain. Rather, motivation is all around you. It’s on your bookshelf, it’s in your past triumphs, and it’s in the relationships you have with friends and colleagues. To put it simply, motivation was waiting for me. It’s waiting for you, too.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here are six tips for getting and staying motivated:</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Establish mini-rewards for yourself.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This has been crucial for me. Whether you have a daunting project on your hands or a task that doesn’t excite you, creating your own reward system can be the push you need to keep at it and infuse your work with some energy and enthusiasm. For instance, when I scratch something off my to-do list, I let myself read a chapter of a book or listen to 10 minutes of a podcast I’ve been devouring. This will motivate you to take care of pressing tasks and maybe even get you excited about work you’d otherwise put off.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. Take a break to work on a personal project.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You may have taken your time in quarantine to start a home improvement project, or pick up a new skill or hobby. If you’re feeling stuck or rudderless with your work, it could be beneficial to pause and divert your energy elsewhere. Take 30 minutes to paint, renovate or chip away at an ongoing passion project. This can give you the fuel you need for the rest of your day and provide you with something to look forward to.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. Revisit one of your past successes and break down how you got there.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Maybe it’s the high-profile account you landed or the high-dollar sale you and your talents netted for the team. While it’s always good to be forward-thinking with your main or side hustles, it can be valuable to reminisce on your greatest achievements and remember how you obtained them. This will remind you that the impressive heights are worth the many tiny steps it takes to get there. Then, suddenly, you’ll be more motivated to take those steps again.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Exercise.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It’s hard enough for me to get motivated for exercise, so I rarely consider just how powerful a little cardio can be. But science doesn’t lie: A short jog will do wonders for your brain, and as long as you pace yourself, you’ll return to work with a clearer head and heightened focus. I’ll admit it—this one took some convincing from my better half. But once I acquiesced to a daily jog, I realized a monumental difference in productivity. Even more surprisingly, I started looking forward to these recurring runs.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Read.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This one took less convincing. I’ve always been a bookworm, and I don’t need any cajoling to crack open a mystery novel or, frankly, any well-written work that’ll keep me turning pages. Yet until recently, I didn’t realize how much reading motivates me. I recommend starting a book over the weekend because come Monday that same book will be top of mind. And if you’re still working from home, it will be subtly calling your name from its spot on the shelf or nightstand.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Reach out to a colleague.</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We’re living in isolated times, but we still need connection. A conversation with a friend, family member or loved one is always beneficial, but next time you’re looking for some motivation, I recommend reaching out to someone with whom you don’t often connect. It could be a co-worker from a different team or a colleague in your field whose work you admire. Ask them about their work or bend their ear about a project you’ve been working on. The conversation will re-energize you, and best of all, it’ll remind you what you love about what you do.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.success.com/6-simple-ways-to-find-motivation-in-your-everyday-life/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','6 Simple Ways to Find Motivation in Your Everyday Life','','inherit','closed','closed','','739-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:49:27','2020-09-09 21:49:27','',739,'http://smartinsurance.tips/739-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(747,1,'2020-09-09 21:54:15','2020-09-09 21:54:15','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Looking to retire early? The move has its drawbacks, here are 3 to </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>consider.</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<div align=\"center\"></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9e1f6e2ee20f44aa1f3be4f71e9f3e52b6ae2c7e/c=0-110-2121-1303/local/-/media/2020/09/03/USATODAY/usatsports/MotleyFool-TMOT-e6eca513-d7f5369b.jpg?width=2121&amp;height=1193&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" /></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">Early retirement sounds like a great idea if you picture having ample cash to travel the world or hang out at the beach. But in reality, retiring before your mid-60s could cause a whole host of financial consequences that affect your ability to enjoy your later years to the fullest.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">In fact, here are three big reasons early retirement could end up being more hassle than it\'s worth.</span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">1. Your savings must support you longer</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">It\'s stating the obvious, but the earlier you stop getting a paycheck, the sooner you must start relying on your investment accounts (and the sooner your balance starts to fall). Not only do you begin making withdrawals earlier when you retire younger, but you also lose some prime investing years when you\'re eligible for catch-up contributions and may be able to afford to make them. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">The consequences can be far-reaching. If you maintain a safe withdrawal rate, you may limit your opportunities to enjoy retirement because your income could be too small. But if you indulge your retirement fantasies by taking out too much money too early, you could run out of money later in life when healthcare expenses rise, and working to get back on track is impossible. </span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">2. You risk lowering your Social Security benefits</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you claim Social Security prior to full retirement age (FRA), you\'re subject to early filing penalties that reduce your benefits.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">And even if you can retire early without starting your benefits ahead of your FRA, you could still see less lifetime income. The problem comes from the fact the Social Security Administration bases your monthly checks on average wages earned during the 35 years when your earnings were highest (after adjusting for inflation).</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you don\'t work 35 years, your average wage will be lower due to the inclusion of years with no wages. And even if you manage to work 35 years, chances are good you\'ll be leaving the workforce when your salary is higher than at the beginning of your career. By quitting when your salary has peaked, you miss out on the chance to replace lower-earning early years in the calculation of your average wage. </span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">3. Health coverage could cost a pretty penny</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you\'re retiring early, that almost guarantees you\'re leaving the workforce well before 65, when you become eligible for Medicare. And that can be a big problem because you can\'t afford to go without health insurance.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">While maintaining your employer-provided coverage through COBRA should be an option, as is purchasing an individual insurance policy, chances are good your premiums will be pretty high – especially if you\'re used to your employer subsidizing coverage. If you buy an individual policy instead of sticking with a group plan, you\'re also likely to have higher deductibles and co-insurance costs than you\'re used to. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">The extra costs can quickly eat into your retirement savings, which can mean your account balance falls even faster or you have less to spend on other things. And that, combined with the possibility of lower Social Security benefits, plus the fact you\'ll be living on your savings for longer, can be a recipe for financial disaster. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">If you\'re like most Americans, you\'re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known \"Social Security secrets\" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,728 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we\'re all after.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2020/09/06/3-reasons-early-retirement-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/113653984/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Looking to retire early? The move has its drawbacks, here are 3 to consider.','','inherit','closed','closed','','744-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:54:15','2020-09-09 21:54:15','',744,'http://smartinsurance.tips/744-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(792,1,'2020-09-11 18:48:56','2020-09-11 18:48:56','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>score during COVID-19</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/a3637f5673fa79cdf91869a25cd336ca46d8fb74/c=0-41-793-487/local/-/media/2020/09/02/USATODAY/usatsports/MotleyFool-TMOT-75191e29-93e0ff46.jpg?width=793&amp;height=446&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; text-align: right; float: left;\" />\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">COVID-19 won\'t impact your credit score directly, but it could have an indirect impact because of the economic troubles it has caused. For example, lost income </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\"><br />There are plenty of threats to your credit during this pandemic, and if your credit score goes down, it could take years to rebuild it. Poor credit can make it more difficult to secure a low-cost personal loan or mortgage and can even come in to play when you are applying for jobs or looking for an apartment. The best approach is to protect your credit score before it takes a hit.</span><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14px;\">because of COVID-19 could lead to late bill payments. If credit card companies cut the limits on your cards, that could make your credit score drop.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stay on top of your payments</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Paying your bills on time is a must. The factor that weighs most heavily on your credit is your payment history, and just one missed payment can drop your credit score by over 100 points.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> What many consumers don\'t realize is that a bill must be at least 30 days late before it can be reported as late on your credit file. So if you miss a credit card payment by a couple of days, you don\'t need to panic. Just make the payment within 29 days of the due date, and it won\'t hurt your credit. You can, however, be charged a late fee as soon as you\'re late on a payment, so you should still make it a habit to pay on time.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If money\'s tight and you can only make minimum credit card payments, consider a 0% APR credit card. Zero-interest credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR for a limited time. While you should avoid carrying a credit card balance whenever possible, if you need to do it, a 0% APR card can at least help you avoid interest charges for the introductory period.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Contact creditors if you need help</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor to see what kind of hardship plans they have available. Many creditors, including quite a few credit card companies, are offering COVID-19 assistance. Programs include deferred payments, waived late fees and other help, such as lower payment amounts.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\'s important to do this ASAP, ideally before you\'ve missed a payment. Here\'s why – under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, after you set up a payment relief agreement with a creditor, it can\'t report your account as late to the credit bureaus.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'ve always paid on time, then the creditor must keep reporting your account as \"current\" and not \"past due.\" But if your account is already past due when you set up the agreement, the creditor can continue to report it that way.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Monitor how much credit you\'re using</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The amount of your credit that you\'re using, known as your credit utilization ratio, is another key factor in your credit score. It\'s recommended to keep this under 20%. So if the credit limits on all your credit cards add up to $20,000, you\'d want to keep your combined balances to no more than $4,000.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This has gotten more challenging during the pandemic because some credit card companies have cut their customers\' credit limits. When the credit limit on one of your cards is reduced, you\'ll have less total credit, which can bump up your credit utilization.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aim to pay off your credit card bill in full every month or at least keep your balances as low as possible so your credit utilization doesn\'t start to damage your credit. If a card issuer cuts your credit limit, you can request that it reverses the decision. There\'s no guarantee, but some consumers have gotten their previous credit limits reinstated by calling and asking.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Watch out for identity theft</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Criminals have been taking advantage of the pandemic to help commit identity theft and other types of fraud. For example, one popular scam involves callers impersonating government agencies to steal information. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, COVID-19 fraud caused over $124 million in total losses, and that number keeps rising.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are several ways you can reduce your risk of identity theft or catch it quickly, including:</span></p>\n<ul class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul\">\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with anyone who contacts you.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Review your banking and credit card transactions regularly to look for fraud.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Set up a credit monitoring service that notifies you of changes on your credit file, such as new accounts. There are several free credit monitoring services available.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you want extra protection, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This requires lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening an account in your name.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping your credit on track</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COVID-19 has created some new financial challenges, but it doesn\'t need to infect your credit. If you pay your bills on time, avoid using too much credit, and protect yourself from identity theft, you can protect your credit score.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2020/09/05/how-to-protect-your-credit-score-during-covid-19/42370037/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit score during COVID-19','','inherit','closed','closed','','748-revision-v1','','','2020-09-11 18:48:56','2020-09-11 18:48:56','',748,'http://smartinsurance.tips/748-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(752,1,'2020-09-09 21:58:48','2020-09-09 21:58:48','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>score during COVID-19</strong></h1>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/a3637f5673fa79cdf91869a25cd336ca46d8fb74/c=0-41-793-487/local/-/media/2020/09/02/USATODAY/usatsports/MotleyFool-TMOT-75191e29-93e0ff46.jpg?width=793&amp;height=446&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" style=\"float: left;\" /></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COVID-19 won\'t impact your credit score directly, but it could have an indirect impact because of the economic troubles it has caused. For example, lost income because of COVID-19 could lead to late bill payments. If credit card companies cut the limits on your cards, that could make your credit score drop.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are plenty of threats to your credit during this pandemic, and if your credit score goes down, it could take years to rebuild it. Poor credit can make it more difficult to secure a low-cost personal loan or mortgage and can even come in to play when you are applying for jobs or looking for an apartment. The best approach is to protect your credit score before it takes a hit.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stay on top of your payments</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Paying your bills on time is a must. The factor that weighs most heavily on your credit is your payment history, and just one missed payment can drop your credit score by over 100 points.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> What many consumers don\'t realize is that a bill must be at least 30 days late before it can be reported as late on your credit file. So if you miss a credit card payment by a couple of days, you don\'t need to panic. Just make the payment within 29 days of the due date, and it won\'t hurt your credit. You can, however, be charged a late fee as soon as you\'re late on a payment, so you should still make it a habit to pay on time.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If money\'s tight and you can only make minimum credit card payments, consider a 0% APR credit card. Zero-interest credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR for a limited time. While you should avoid carrying a credit card balance whenever possible, if you need to do it, a 0% APR card can at least help you avoid interest charges for the introductory period.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Contact creditors if you need help</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor to see what kind of hardship plans they have available. Many creditors, including quite a few credit card companies, are offering COVID-19 assistance. Programs include deferred payments, waived late fees and other help, such as lower payment amounts.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\'s important to do this ASAP, ideally before you\'ve missed a payment. Here\'s why – under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, after you set up a payment relief agreement with a creditor, it can\'t report your account as late to the credit bureaus.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'ve always paid on time, then the creditor must keep reporting your account as \"current\" and not \"past due.\" But if your account is already past due when you set up the agreement, the creditor can continue to report it that way.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Monitor how much credit you\'re using</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The amount of your credit that you\'re using, known as your credit utilization ratio, is another key factor in your credit score. It\'s recommended to keep this under 20%. So if the credit limits on all your credit cards add up to $20,000, you\'d want to keep your combined balances to no more than $4,000.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This has gotten more challenging during the pandemic because some credit card companies have cut their customers\' credit limits. When the credit limit on one of your cards is reduced, you\'ll have less total credit, which can bump up your credit utilization.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aim to pay off your credit card bill in full every month or at least keep your balances as low as possible so your credit utilization doesn\'t start to damage your credit. If a card issuer cuts your credit limit, you can request that it reverses the decision. There\'s no guarantee, but some consumers have gotten their previous credit limits reinstated by calling and asking.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Watch out for identity theft</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Criminals have been taking advantage of the pandemic to help commit identity theft and other types of fraud. For example, one popular scam involves callers impersonating government agencies to steal information. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, COVID-19 fraud caused over $124 million in total losses, and that number keeps rising.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are several ways you can reduce your risk of identity theft or catch it quickly, including:</span></p>\n<ul class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul\">\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with anyone who contacts you.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Review your banking and credit card transactions regularly to look for fraud.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Set up a credit monitoring service that notifies you of changes on your credit file, such as new accounts. There are several free credit monitoring services available.</span></li>\n<li class=\"gnt_ar_b_ul_li\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you want extra protection, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This requires lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening an account in your name.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping your credit on track</span></h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">COVID-19 has created some new financial challenges, but it doesn\'t need to infect your credit. If you pay your bills on time, avoid using too much credit, and protect yourself from identity theft, you can protect your credit score.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2020/09/05/how-to-protect-your-credit-score-during-covid-19/42370037/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','If you can\'t pay a bill, contact the creditor: How to protect your credit score during COVID-19','','inherit','closed','closed','','748-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:58:48','2020-09-09 21:58:48','',748,'http://smartinsurance.tips/748-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(754,1,'2020-09-09 21:59:42','2020-09-09 21:59:42','<h1 class=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></h1>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://cdn-0.smallbiztrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-Tiny-Pivots-2-850x476.png?ezimgfmt=rs:840x470/rscb7/ng:webp/ngcb7\" alt=\"10 Tiny Pivots\" /></div>\n<div class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You don’t always need to make huge changes in your business in order to grow. Sometimes, small pivots can be just as effective. Members of the online small business community understand what it takes to adapt and make incremental changes. Here are some of their top tips for those who want to start small.</span>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\"></div>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Consider a Fractional CFO</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many small businesses cannot afford or simply do not need a full time CFO. However, having an individual dedicated to your finances can still be useful. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in. In this Acuity post, Matthew May goes over the concept for small businesses.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Conquer Your Video Fears and Get on Camera</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Video marketing can be useful for nearly any business. But many small business owners and teams are afraid to actually face the camera. Pivoting your strategy in this way can pay major dividends. So if you’re ready to face your fears, read this Content Marketing Institute post by Dennis Shiao.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt Your Human Resource Management with Big Data</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a team for your small business, you need human resource management systems. Big data offers plenty of opportunities for businesses to make these processes more efficient. But you need to understand their role. Sam O’Brien elaborates in this Small Biz Daily post.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-149\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Change When You Post on Social Media</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your social media strategy isn’t as effective as you’d like, you may be posting at the wrong times. In this Blogging Wizard post, Kim Locery details the best times to post on each site. And BizSugar members offered thoughts on the post here.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt to the Instagram Algorithm in 2020</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you use Instagram for marketing, you’re no doubt familiar with the algorithm. Though these changes may be frustrating, small businesses have no control over them. So it’s best to accept the changes and pivot your strategy accordingly. Julia Miashkova explains how in this Search Engine Watch post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you’ve run a small business for years, you almost certainly use email marketing. But it’s very possible you haven’t updated your strategy in years. To adapt to today’s customers, check out the tips in this Marketing Land post by Rodric Bradford.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create Better Content with These Tools</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tons of businesses already use content marketing with great success. But there are always options for improving content. And there are tools to help you accomplish this. Ivan Widjaya lays out some of them in this Biz Penguin post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Upgrade Your Web Design</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Web design trends are constantly evolving. So if you want your brand to appear current, you need to upgrade your strategy regularly. In this Smallbiztechnology.com post, James Baier offers some trends that small businesses should know.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-151\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Let Your Personality Shine</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">For years, many business owners have kept their personal and company brands separate. But your personal brand could actually be an asset to your business. Rachel Strella of Strella Social media goes over how this small pivot can help here. Once you’ve read the post, head over to BizSugar to see even more discussion.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use Advanced SEO Tactics to Drive More Traffic to Your Website</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You probably already use some form of SEO to market your business online. But if you want to get even more traffic, you need to upgrade your tactics. In this UpCity post, Pratik Kothari shares eight advanced strategies to consider.</span>\n\n</div>\n</div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"></div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/09/10-tiny-pivots-to-make-your-small-business-more-effective.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></div>','10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective','','publish','closed','closed','','10-tiny-pivots-to-make-your-small-business-more-effective','','','2022-04-25 23:43:05','2022-04-25 23:43:05','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=754',0,'page','',0),(2389,1,'2022-04-25 23:43:05','2022-04-25 23:43:05','<h1 class=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></h1>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://cdn-0.smallbiztrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-Tiny-Pivots-2-850x476.png?ezimgfmt=rs:840x470/rscb7/ng:webp/ngcb7\" alt=\"10 Tiny Pivots\" /></div>\n<div class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You don’t always need to make huge changes in your business in order to grow. Sometimes, small pivots can be just as effective. Members of the online small business community understand what it takes to adapt and make incremental changes. Here are some of their top tips for those who want to start small.</span>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\"></div>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Consider a Fractional CFO</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many small businesses cannot afford or simply do not need a full time CFO. However, having an individual dedicated to your finances can still be useful. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in. In this Acuity post, Matthew May goes over the concept for small businesses.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Conquer Your Video Fears and Get on Camera</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Video marketing can be useful for nearly any business. But many small business owners and teams are afraid to actually face the camera. Pivoting your strategy in this way can pay major dividends. So if you’re ready to face your fears, read this Content Marketing Institute post by Dennis Shiao.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt Your Human Resource Management with Big Data</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a team for your small business, you need human resource management systems. Big data offers plenty of opportunities for businesses to make these processes more efficient. But you need to understand their role. Sam O’Brien elaborates in this Small Biz Daily post.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-149\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Change When You Post on Social Media</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your social media strategy isn’t as effective as you’d like, you may be posting at the wrong times. In this Blogging Wizard post, Kim Locery details the best times to post on each site. And BizSugar members offered thoughts on the post here.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt to the Instagram Algorithm in 2020</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you use Instagram for marketing, you’re no doubt familiar with the algorithm. Though these changes may be frustrating, small businesses have no control over them. So it’s best to accept the changes and pivot your strategy accordingly. Julia Miashkova explains how in this Search Engine Watch post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you’ve run a small business for years, you almost certainly use email marketing. But it’s very possible you haven’t updated your strategy in years. To adapt to today’s customers, check out the tips in this Marketing Land post by Rodric Bradford.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create Better Content with These Tools</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tons of businesses already use content marketing with great success. But there are always options for improving content. And there are tools to help you accomplish this. Ivan Widjaya lays out some of them in this Biz Penguin post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Upgrade Your Web Design</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Web design trends are constantly evolving. So if you want your brand to appear current, you need to upgrade your strategy regularly. In this Smallbiztechnology.com post, James Baier offers some trends that small businesses should know.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-151\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Let Your Personality Shine</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">For years, many business owners have kept their personal and company brands separate. But your personal brand could actually be an asset to your business. Rachel Strella of Strella Social media goes over how this small pivot can help here. Once you’ve read the post, head over to BizSugar to see even more discussion.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use Advanced SEO Tactics to Drive More Traffic to Your Website</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You probably already use some form of SEO to market your business online. But if you want to get even more traffic, you need to upgrade your tactics. In this UpCity post, Pratik Kothari shares eight advanced strategies to consider.</span>\n\n</div>\n</div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"></div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/09/10-tiny-pivots-to-make-your-small-business-more-effective.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></div>','10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective','','inherit','closed','closed','','754-revision-v1','','','2022-04-25 23:43:05','2022-04-25 23:43:05','',754,'https://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2389',0,'revision','',0),(2370,1,'2022-04-25 22:36:07','2022-04-25 22:36:07','<h1 class=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective</strong></h1>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://cdn-0.smallbiztrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-Tiny-Pivots-2-850x476.png?ezimgfmt=rs:840x470/rscb7/ng:webp/ngcb7\" alt=\"10 Tiny Pivots\" /></div>\n<div class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You don’t always need to make huge changes in your business in order to grow. Sometimes, small pivots can be just as effective. Members of the online small business community understand what it takes to adapt and make incremental changes. Here are some of their top tips for those who want to start small.</span>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\"></div>\n\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Consider a Fractional CFO</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many small businesses cannot afford or simply do not need a full time CFO. However, having an individual dedicated to your finances can still be useful. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in. In this Acuity post, Matthew May goes over the concept for small businesses.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Conquer Your Video Fears and Get on Camera</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Video marketing can be useful for nearly any business. But many small business owners and teams are afraid to actually face the camera. Pivoting your strategy in this way can pay major dividends. So if you’re ready to face your fears, read this Content Marketing Institute post by Dennis Shiao.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt Your Human Resource Management with Big Data</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a team for your small business, you need human resource management systems. Big data offers plenty of opportunities for businesses to make these processes more efficient. But you need to understand their role. Sam O’Brien elaborates in this Small Biz Daily post.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-149\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Change When You Post on Social Media</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your social media strategy isn’t as effective as you’d like, you may be posting at the wrong times. In this Blogging Wizard post, Kim Locery details the best times to post on each site. And BizSugar members offered thoughts on the post here.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt to the Instagram Algorithm in 2020</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you use Instagram for marketing, you’re no doubt familiar with the algorithm. Though these changes may be frustrating, small businesses have no control over them. So it’s best to accept the changes and pivot your strategy accordingly. Julia Miashkova explains how in this Search Engine Watch post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you’ve run a small business for years, you almost certainly use email marketing. But it’s very possible you haven’t updated your strategy in years. To adapt to today’s customers, check out the tips in this Marketing Land post by Rodric Bradford.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create Better Content with These Tools</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tons of businesses already use content marketing with great success. But there are always options for improving content. And there are tools to help you accomplish this. Ivan Widjaya lays out some of them in this Biz Penguin post.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Upgrade Your Web Design</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Web design trends are constantly evolving. So if you want your brand to appear current, you need to upgrade your strategy regularly. In this Smallbiztechnology.com post, James Baier offers some trends that small businesses should know.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-151\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Let Your Personality Shine</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">For years, many business owners have kept their personal and company brands separate. But your personal brand could actually be an asset to your business. Rachel Strella of Strella Social media goes over how this small pivot can help here. Once you’ve read the post, head over to BizSugar to see even more discussion.</span>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use Advanced SEO Tactics to Drive More Traffic to Your Website</span></h3>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You probably already use some form of SEO to market your business online. But if you want to get even more traffic, you need to upgrade your tactics. In this UpCity post, Pratik Kothari shares eight advanced strategies to consider.</span>\n\n</div>\n</div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"></div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/09/10-tiny-pivots-to-make-your-small-business-more-effective.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></div>','10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective','','inherit','closed','closed','','754-revision-v1','','','2022-04-25 22:36:07','2022-04-25 22:36:07','',754,'https://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2370',0,'revision','',0),(755,1,'2020-09-09 21:59:42','2020-09-09 21:59:42','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective','','inherit','closed','closed','','754-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 21:59:42','2020-09-09 21:59:42','',754,'http://smartinsurance.tips/754-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(758,1,'2020-09-09 22:03:56','2020-09-09 22:03:56','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Education, arts and counseling are among the college majors that </strong></h1>\n<h1 class=\"gnt_ar_hl\" elementtiming=\"ar-headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>typically pay off the least</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"group\"></div>\n<div class=\"group\">\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/b2b05a4ab25f4fca0316459e1c7404c537a89702/c=0-0-1365-768/local/-/media/2020/09/02/USATODAY/usatsports/imageforentry1-gv9-1.jpg?width=1365&amp;height=768&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" />The COVID-19 pandemic has created a heightened sense of uncertainty about many aspects of American life, including higher education. Classes at American colleges and universities are resuming, though already, thousands of cases have been reported at campuses across the country, prompting some to suspend classes again. The crisis has forced many students to make a difficult choice about whether or not to continue their education, knowing that going to school means potentially risking their safety while also incurring further student debt in the midst of an economic crisis.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Student loan debt is soaring in the United States, overtaking both auto loans and credit card debt in recent years to become the second largest form of consumer debt, after only home mortgages. Americans hold a cumulative total of $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loans. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This record high debt level is due in part to climbing tuition costs. The annual cost of attending a four-year private institution in the U.S. reached nearly $50,000 in 2019, more than double what it was less than two decades ago. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Using average annual earnings data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall St. identified the college majors that will pay off the least. Average annual incomes of working Americans who chose these majors range from about $46,000 to just under $28,000. It is important to note that while these salaries are on the low end of the spectrum for adults with bachelor’s degrees, they are all well above the $13,364 annual salary for the average worker without a four-year degree. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The subjects on this list are largely in areas like education, the humanities, and the arts. And for many Americans who go into these fields, earning potential after graduation is not their first priority. Occupations like social work or teaching are well suited to many students’ talents and interests, even though they are not typically high paying. </span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Still, it is important to consider, and take measures to minimize, the financial burden of choosing these majors. This may mean applying for scholarships, or attending a school with lower-than-average tuition costs.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>35. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $45,957</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 90,700</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>34. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $45,930</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.6%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 236,401</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>33. Court Reporting</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $45,828</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 0.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 6,351</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>32. Medical Assisting Services</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $45,735</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.6%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 77,537</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>31. Miscellaneous Agriculture</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $43,769</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.6%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 17,674</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>30. Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $43,570</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.8%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 118,688</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>29. Educational Psychology</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $42,825</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.2%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 24,666</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>28. Miscellaneous Fine Arts</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $42,502</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.9%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 25,887</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>27. Social Psychology</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $42,491</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 4%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 11,356</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>26. General Social Sciences</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $42,014</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.3%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 136,914</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>25. Music</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $41,994</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 421,734</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>24. Counseling Psychology</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $40,267</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 67,490</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>23. Fine Arts</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $40,170</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.2%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 593,978</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>22. Physical and Health Education Teaching</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $39,121</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 280,544</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>21. Visual and Performing Arts</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $39,074</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.6%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 82,949</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>20. Science and Computer Teacher Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $38,371</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 78,457</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>19. Cosmetology Services and Culinary Arts</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $38,343</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 59,238</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>18. Theology and Religious Vocations</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $38,253</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.2%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 337,277</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>17. Human Services and Community Organization</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $38,015</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 4%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 112,720</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>16. Mathematics Teacher Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $37,587</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.2%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 101,386</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>15. Studio Arts</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $37,423</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.5%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 107,321</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>14. Special Needs Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $37,022</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 263,620</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>13. Social Work</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $36,303</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.4%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 554,692</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>12. Social Science Or History Teacher Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $36,001</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.5%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 135,776</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>11. Family and Consumer Sciences</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $34,182</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 427,344</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>10. Early Childhood Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $34,047</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.3%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 236,209</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>9. School Student Counseling</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $33,660</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 17,975</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>8. General Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $32,730</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 1,722,417</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>7. Miscellaneous Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $32,576</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 184,307</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>6. Art and Music Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $31,957</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.1%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 269,778</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>5. Language and Drama Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $31,931</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 2.4%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 229,978</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Teacher Education: Multiple Levels</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $30,670</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.5%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 106,545</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Secondary Teacher Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $29,363</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.7%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 193,386</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Library Science</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $28,873</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 3.6%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Total labor force:</strong> 25,389</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Elementary Education</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• Avg. annual earnings:</strong> $27,542</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• 2018 unemployment rate:</strong> 1.5%</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>• <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Total labor force:</span></strong> 1,343,882</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Methodology:</strong></span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To determine the college majors that will pay off the least, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on average annual earnings from the Public Use Microdata Sample summary files of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey for over 170 bachelor’s degree fields. ACS respondents were asked to list majors they completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program, as well as additional questions on earnings, employment status, and workweek.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Data on unemployment among the civilian labor force and the size of the employed workforce for each major also came from the ACS PUMS files. In cases where respondents have received multiple degrees, only the first degree listed was considered.</span></p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div role=\"button\" id=\"Placeholder-ArticleBody-Video-106413749\" class=\"PlaceHolder-styles-makeit-wrapper--1b6tE\" data-vilynx-id=\"7000124237\" data-test=\"VideoPlaceHolder\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"InlineVideo-styles-makeit-videoEmbed--th6hJ\" id=\"InlineVideo-0\" data-test=\"InlineVideo\">\n<div class=\"InlineVideo-styles-makeit-wrapper--25-V7\">\n<div class=\"InlineVideo-styles-makeit-inlineBackgroundImageContainer--DAFPB\" alt=\"How a 27-year-old millionaire in the Seattle area spends his money\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/09/04/choosing-these-college-majors-will-pay-off-the-least/42369987/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></p>\n</div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Education, arts and counseling are among the college majors that typically pay off the least','','publish','closed','closed','','education-arts-and-counseling-are-among-the-college-majors-that-typically-pay-off-the-least','','','2020-09-09 22:31:35','2020-09-09 22:31:35','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=758',0,'page','',0),(759,1,'2020-09-09 22:03:56','2020-09-09 22:03:56','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Education, arts and counseling are among the college majors that typically pay off the least','','inherit','closed','closed','','758-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 22:03:56','2020-09-09 22:03:56','',758,'http://smartinsurance.tips/758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(757,1,'2020-09-09 22:02:37','2020-09-09 22:02:37','[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]<h1 class=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective</strong></h1>\n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.9\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><img src=\"https://cdn-0.smallbiztrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-Tiny-Pivots-2-850x476.png?ezimgfmt=rs:840x470/rscb7/ng:webp/ngcb7\" alt=\"10 Tiny Pivots\" /></div>\n<div class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block finance-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You don’t always need to make huge changes in your business in order to grow. Sometimes, small pivots can be just as effective. Members of the online small business community understand what it takes to adapt and make incremental changes. Here are some of their top tips for those who want to start small.</span></p>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\"><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-115\"></span></div>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Consider a Fractional CFO</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many small businesses cannot afford or simply do not need a full time CFO. However, having an individual dedicated to your finances can still be useful. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in. In this Acuity post, Matthew May goes over the concept for small businesses.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Conquer Your Video Fears and Get on Camera</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Video marketing can be useful for nearly any business. But many small business owners and teams are afraid to actually face the camera. Pivoting your strategy in this way can pay major dividends. So if you’re ready to face your fears, read this Content Marketing Institute post by Dennis Shiao.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt Your Human Resource Management with Big Data</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a team for your small business, you need human resource management systems. Big data offers plenty of opportunities for businesses to make these processes more efficient. But you need to understand their role. Sam O’Brien elaborates in this Small Biz Daily post.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-149\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Change When You Post on Social Media</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your social media strategy isn’t as effective as you’d like, you may be posting at the wrong times. In this Blogging Wizard post, Kim Locery details the best times to post on each site. And BizSugar members offered thoughts on the post here.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adapt to the Instagram Algorithm in 2020</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you use Instagram for marketing, you’re no doubt familiar with the algorithm. Though these changes may be frustrating, small businesses have no control over them. So it’s best to accept the changes and pivot your strategy accordingly. Julia Miashkova explains how in this Search Engine Watch post.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you’ve run a small business for years, you almost certainly use email marketing. But it’s very possible you haven’t updated your strategy in years. To adapt to today’s customers, check out the tips in this Marketing Land post by Rodric Bradford.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create Better Content with These Tools</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tons of businesses already use content marketing with great success. But there are always options for improving content. And there are tools to help you accomplish this. Ivan Widjaya lays out some of them in this Biz Penguin post.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Upgrade Your Web Design</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Web design trends are constantly evolving. So if you want your brand to appear current, you need to upgrade your strategy regularly. In this Smallbiztechnology.com post, James Baier offers some trends that small businesses should know.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-151\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"></span></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Let Your Personality Shine</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For years, many business owners have kept their personal and company brands separate. But your personal brand could actually be an asset to your business. Rachel Strella of Strella Social media goes over how this small pivot can help here. Once you’ve read the post, head over to BizSugar to see even more discussion.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use Advanced SEO Tactics to Drive More Traffic to Your Website</span></h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You probably already use some form of SEO to market your business online. But if you want to get even more traffic, you need to upgrade your tactics. In this UpCity post, Pratik Kothari shares eight advanced strategies to consider.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></div>\n<div align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To read the full article, </span><a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/09/10-tiny-pivots-to-make-your-small-business-more-effective.html\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective','','inherit','closed','closed','','754-revision-v1','','','2020-09-09 22:02:37','2020-09-09 22:02:37','',754,'http://smartinsurance.tips/754-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),