(1370,1,'2021-04-13 00:09:51','2021-04-13 00:09:51','[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\"]<h2 class=\"h1 text-tc-blue-800 font-weight-bold\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Finding the Best Business Umbrella Insurance</strong></h2>[/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/2021/04/Commercial-umbrella-1024x370.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"370\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1369 aligncenter size-large\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Becoming a business owner is a great accomplishment. Staying a successful business owner needs proper protection. Not knowing what could happen as your business progresses is inevitable however, having precautions in place to avoid financial loss is good business sense.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Protecting your business by having a business umbrella policy is a great place to start. Your independent <a href=\"https://www.trustedchoice.com/find-an-agent/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">insurance agent</a> can walk you through a selection of coverage options, so you can make an educated decision.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Is Business Umbrella Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Business umbrella insurance is an extension of your general liability or business owners insurance policy. Providing your business with additional liability coverage above and beyond your underlying liability policy in the event, your limits get exhausted.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Is Business Umbrella Insurance Different from Regular Business Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Your business should have a general liability or business owner\'s policy in place to start with. If you have company vehicles, titled in the business name then you should also have a business auto policy. Those are the basic policies that a business umbrella policy would go over.  </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Business umbrella insurance provides additional coverage to all the underlying policies that you hold for extra protection. The excess insurance can be anywhere from one million to several million dollars. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When your benefits get exhausted by a large claim on your underlying policies, then business umbrella coverage will start. Some business umbrella policies have a deductible that would need to be met prior to coverage starting.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Is Business Umbrella Insurance Necessary?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For some companies, business umbrella insurance is mandatory. For example, the federal government requires businesses such as oil companies to have umbrella policies. For the general business owner, business umbrella insurance may not be required unless a contract, client or landlord requests it. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">However, even if business umbrella insurance is not mandatory, it is a necessary coverage to obtain for your operation. Without coverage it\'s likely your business would suffer extreme financial loss.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why You Need Business Umbrella Insurance</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Getting sued can happen to any business at any time. The most expensive part of a lawsuit is paying the lawyers to defend you. No matter if the lawsuit is legitimate, your business has to respond. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Lawsuits can be drawn out over several years. In the event you don’t end up paying out to the plaintiff, you may still be responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal expenses. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Does Business Umbrella Insurance Cover?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A business umbrella policy will provide additional liability insurance above and beyond your underlying liability insurance policies. Coverage will start once your underlying coverage limits have been met.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For example: If your company has delivery trucks, then you will have a commercial auto policy that most likely has a limit of a million dollars. Your umbrella policy would provide an additional million dollars above your auto policy that would start once the auto policy limits have been exhausted. </span></p>\n<figure data-asset-id=\"3f4f3634-d657-4776-b229-f6a40ad1c4f6\" data-image-id=\"3f4f3634-d657-4776-b229-f6a40ad1c4f6\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0542d611-b6d8-4320-a4f4-35ac5cbf43a6/ddd5da5e-9f97-4714-a4fc-d2814fb3f0ff/umbrella-policy-graphic.png\" data-asset-id=\"3f4f3634-d657-4776-b229-f6a40ad1c4f6\" data-image-id=\"3f4f3634-d657-4776-b229-f6a40ad1c4f6\" alt=\"\" /></span></figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Much Does Business Umbrella Insurance Cost?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The cost of business umbrella insurance depends on the type of business and a variety of other factors like size, materials used, and how you run your operations. For a less risky, smaller business the business umbrella premiums can be as low as $500 annually. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If your business is larger with more exposures and inherent risk, then you will likely need more business umbrella coverage and premiums can be in the thousands annually.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Benefits Of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Independent insurance agents write around 80% of commercial insurance and are knowledgable in the various lines of coverage needed for your business. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Agents have the ability to shop and compare policies from multiple carriers to find the best fit for your particular business and situation at the most competitive price. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What’s the Best Way to Compare Business Insurance Quotes?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Your independent insurance agent will review your needs and help you evaluate the business umbrella insurance coverage that makes the most sense. They’ll also compare policies and quotes from multiple insurance companies to make sure you have the right protection in place.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Independent <a href=\"https://www.trustedchoice.com/find-an-agent/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">insurance agents</a> know how to navigate business insurance and can save you not only time but money.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></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://www.trustedchoice.com/business-insurance/coverage-types/umbrella/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Finding the Best Business Umbrella Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1366-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 00:09:51','2021-04-13 00:09:51','',1366,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1372,1,'2021-04-13 01:07:25','2021-04-13 01:07:25','[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=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Instagram Privacy Settings</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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Instagram.jpg\" width=\"765\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram shares your location data and other information with Facebook. These steps will limit how much is shared.</span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook owns Instagram. The two companies share infrastructure, technology, and user data, and if you’re an Instagram user, your personal information is used to streamline the functions of the apps, target ads, and assist with a variety of other business purposes.</span></h3>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram has fewer privacy controls than Facebook, but there are settings you can adjust if you want to enhance your privacy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t keep data collected by Instagram away from its parent company, but you can adjust how certain information is used. Among other controls, you can curb the app’s access to location information, limit your posts to a select audience, and adjust some targeted advertising.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Most users access Instagram through the app, but some of the platform’s privacy settings are accessible only when you log in using a browser.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Take Away Instagram’s Location Privileges</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Giving Instagram access to your location lets you automatically tag your posts with your whereabouts. Instagram also uses location data to show you more relevant content when you’re using the Explore tab, which lets you browse posts from people other than those you follow.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But your location data can also be used to tailor ads to you, and not just on Instagram—the data is connected to your Facebook profile. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s easy to turn off the app’s access to your device’s GPS. You can always switch it back on later if you want to tag posts, or you can manually enter your location.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook and Instagram can still learn your location using other information, including your IP address and WiFi connection, but revoking GPS permissions will reduce the accuracy of the data.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an iPhone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Location Services &gt; Instagram &gt; Never.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an Android phone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Location &gt; App access to location &gt; Instagram &gt; Deny. (These instructions are for a Google Pixel; they may vary slightly on some devices. On other versions of Android, Location settings are sometimes under a Permissions menu.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Keep Posts Between You and Your Friends</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">By default, Instagram makes your account visible to anyone using the app. </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"9\">But</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> you can make your account private. Then people will need to send a request to follow you before they can see your posts and videos.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram says turning the setting on won’t affect anyone who already follows you. They’ll still be able to see your posts.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Switch on the Private Account toggle.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Make Ads a Little Less Personal</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t opt out of targeted advertising altogether, but there are a couple of tools that will limit how Instagram uses your data for ads—if you know where to find them.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One setting prevents Facebook and Instagram from using data sent by third parties for advertising. The other will stop Facebook from showing you ads on websites not owned by the company, based on your activity on Facebook’s own services. In both cases you’ll still see the same number of ads, but Facebook says some categories of your data will be off-limits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s the catch: You have to adjust the second setting on Facebook, not on Instagram. When you do that, the company will apply the change across all its services as long as it can match your various accounts together, according to Stephanie Chan, a company spokesperson.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The second set of instructions are for a web browser, but you can adjust the settings in the Facebook mobile app as well. If you’re not a Facebook user, there’s no way to adjust that second setting.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Data About Your Activity From Partners &gt; Switch the toggles off for all the accounts listed.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer:</b> Log in to Facebook &gt; Click the downward arrow in the top right corner &gt; Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; From the menu on the left, select Ads &gt; Ad Settings &gt; Ads Shown Off Of Facebook &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">(Facebook is rolling out updates to its advertising settings. The last few steps may be slightly different on some accounts, but these instructions will get you there either way.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit the Ads You See on Certain Topics</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes most of its money on ads, and there’s no way to stop them. You can choose to avoid ads on a few select topics, though. Navigate to the ad topic preferences menu, and you can tell Instagram you want to see fewer ads related to alcohol, parenting, pets, social issues, elections, and politics.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You’ll find the same settings on Facebook accounts. In both cases, the company doesn’t guarantee you won’t see ads related to these subjects altogether, but it may be worth trying. These settings won’t do much to protect your privacy, but they’re one of a few ways you can adjust your social media feed for a healthier and more pleasant experience.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Ad Topic Preferences &gt; Tap the subject you want to avoid &gt; Save.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Protect Your Account From Hackers</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One of the easiest ways to boost your security is to use multifactor authentication (MFA), aka two-factor authentication. It’s available for many services; you may already use it for your email or bank account.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you turn it on, Instagram will text you a code that it will use to confirm your identity whenever you log in from a new browser or an unfamiliar device.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Experts agree that text messages aren’t the most secure option for multifactor authentication, and for an extra boost, Instagram will also let you set up multifactor authentication using an app on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_12 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace\" data-gr-id=\"12\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With MFA on, no one will be able to log in to your account unless they have access to both your phone and your password.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Two-Factor Authentication &gt; Get Started.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit Data Sharing With Other Companies</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can connect Instagram to third-party apps such as VSCO, Sprout Social, and Later, which some people use to do things like schedule posts, edit photos, and analyze followers’ activity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Apps connected to your Instagram account can access some of your data. The more apps you tie together, the more vulnerable you are to security and privacy risks. Third-party apps played a big role in </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">the </g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">Cambridge</g> Analytica scandal and the data leak that ultimately led to the demise of Google’s social media network, Google+.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes it easy to examine what kind of data and permissions you’ve made available to other </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_14 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"14\">apps,</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and revoke access for apps you’re uncomfortable with or don’t use anymore.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Apps and Websites &gt; Active &gt; Next to a particular app, tap Remove.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Decide Who Can Message You</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Messages are a core component of the Instagram experience. Anyone you’re following can send you a message, but by default, when someone you aren’t following tries to contact you their messages get sent to a “message requests” tab.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can read messages in the requests folder without the other person knowing that you’ve looked at them, which lets you get a little preview before you decide to open up a dialogue.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">However, you can decide not to receive these messages at all. Or, for people you’re friends with on Facebook but not Instagram, you can also go in the opposite direction and send every message straight to the regular chat folder.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram lets you fine tune how you want these messages to be handled. You can make specific choices for different categories of people, such as friends of friends, or people you haven’t followed back.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Messages &gt; For the various potential connections, tap and select how you want to be contacted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Stop Syncing Your Contacts</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram uses a number of techniques to recommend new accounts for you to follow. One method is to periodically scan the contacts on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> if you’ve granted Instagram permission to access them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Once you grant any company access to your contacts list, it’s hard to know just what they’ll do with it. A number of reports, including one from researchers at Princeton and Northeastern universities in 2018, have suggested that Facebook used information from users’ address books to target their friends with ads.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’ve given Instagram permission to scan your contacts, it’s not too late to change your mind.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Account &gt; Contacts Syncing &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That doesn’t delete contacts from your Instagram account that the company has already uploaded, however. You can do that by logging in to Instagram using a computer.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Settings &gt;  Manage Contacts &gt; Delete All.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t Broadcast That You’re Online</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A few years ago Instagram launched a feature that lets users see when people they follow or message with are online. That might be handy for deciding when to send a friend your favorite new meme, but seeing other users’ online status requires that you make yours public, too.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If that doesn’t seem like a worthwhile trade, you can switch the feature off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Activity Status &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit How Instagram Uses Your Account to Build Its Network</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may have noticed that when you follow a new account, Instagram recommends that you check out a few similar users. The same thing happens in reverse: Instagram will recommend your account to other people.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s useful if you want to attract more followers, but you can also choose to make yourself harder to find. You’ll need to use a browser, not the app, to access the appropriate setting.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Profile &gt; Edit Profile &gt; Uncheck the box for Similar Account Suggestions.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/privacy/instagram-privacy-settings/\">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 Instagram Privacy Settings','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-use-instagram-privacy-settings','','','2021-04-13 17:22:52','2021-04-13 17:22:52','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1372',0,'page','',0),(1373,1,'2021-04-13 01:07:25','2021-04-13 01:07:25','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to Use Instagram Privacy Settings','','inherit','closed','closed','','1372-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 01:07:25','2021-04-13 01:07:25','',1372,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1372-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1377,1,'2021-04-13 01:11:11','2021-04-13 01:11:11','[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=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Instagram Privacy Settings</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/2021/04/Instagram.jpg\" width=\"765\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram shares your location data and other information with Facebook. These steps will limit how much is shared.</span></h2>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-115\" style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook owns Instagram. The two companies share infrastructure, technology, and user data, and if you’re an Instagram user, your personal information is used to streamline the functions of the apps, target ads, and assist with a variety of other business purposes.</span></h3>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram has fewer privacy controls than Facebook, but there are settings you can adjust if you want to enhance your privacy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t keep data collected by Instagram away from its parent company, but you can adjust how certain information is used. Among other controls, you can curb the app’s access to location information, limit your posts to a select audience, and adjust some targeted advertising.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Most users access Instagram through the app, but some of the platform’s privacy settings are accessible only when you log in using a browser.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Take Away Instagram’s Location Privileges</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Giving Instagram access to your location lets you automatically tag your posts with your whereabouts. Instagram also uses location data to show you more relevant content when you’re using the Explore tab, which lets you browse posts from people other than those you follow.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But your location data can also be used to tailor ads to you, and not just on Instagram—the data is connected to your Facebook profile. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s easy to turn off the app’s access to your device’s GPS. You can always switch it back on later if you want to tag posts, or you can manually enter your location.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook and Instagram can still learn your location using other information, including your IP address and WiFi connection, but revoking GPS permissions will reduce the accuracy of the data.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an iPhone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Location Services &gt; Instagram &gt; Never.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an Android phone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Location &gt; App access to location &gt; Instagram &gt; Deny. (These instructions are for a Google Pixel; they may vary slightly on some devices. On other versions of Android, Location settings are sometimes under a Permissions menu.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Keep Posts Between You and Your Friends</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">By default, Instagram makes your account visible to anyone using the app. </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"9\">But</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> you can make your account private. Then people will need to send a request to follow you before they can see your posts and videos.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram says turning the setting on won’t affect anyone who already follows you. They’ll still be able to see your posts.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Switch on the Private Account toggle.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Make Ads a Little Less Personal</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t opt out of targeted advertising altogether, but there are a couple of tools that will limit how Instagram uses your data for ads—if you know where to find them.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One setting prevents Facebook and Instagram from using data sent by third parties for advertising. The other will stop Facebook from showing you ads on websites not owned by the company, based on your activity on Facebook’s own services. In both cases you’ll still see the same number of ads, but Facebook says some categories of your data will be off-limits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s the catch: You have to adjust the second setting on Facebook, not on Instagram. When you do that, the company will apply the change across all its services as long as it can match your various accounts together, according to Stephanie Chan, a company spokesperson.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The second set of instructions are for a web browser, but you can adjust the settings in the Facebook mobile app as well. If you’re not a Facebook user, there’s no way to adjust that second setting.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Data About Your Activity From Partners &gt; Switch the toggles off for all the accounts listed.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer:</b> Log in to Facebook &gt; Click the downward arrow in the top right corner &gt; Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; From the menu on the left, select Ads &gt; Ad Settings &gt; Ads Shown Off Of Facebook &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">(Facebook is rolling out updates to its advertising settings. The last few steps may be slightly different on some accounts, but these instructions will get you there either way.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit the Ads You See on Certain Topics</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes most of its money on ads, and there’s no way to stop them. You can choose to avoid ads on a few select topics, though. Navigate to the ad topic preferences menu, and you can tell Instagram you want to see fewer ads related to alcohol, parenting, pets, social issues, elections, and politics.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You’ll find the same settings on Facebook accounts. In both cases, the company doesn’t guarantee you won’t see ads related to these subjects altogether, but it may be worth trying. These settings won’t do much to protect your privacy, but they’re one of a few ways you can <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/social-media/combat-hate-speech-and-misinformation-on-social-media/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">adjust your social media feed</a> for a healthier and more pleasant experience.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Ad Topic Preferences &gt; Tap the subject you want to avoid &gt; Save.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Protect Your Account From Hackers</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One of the <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/ways-to-protect-digital-privacy/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">easiest ways to boost your security</a> is to use multifactor authentication (MFA), aka two-factor authentication. It’s available for many services; you may already use it for your email or bank account.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you turn it on, Instagram will text you a code that it will use to confirm your identity whenever you log in from a new browser or an unfamiliar device.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Experts agree that text messages aren’t the most secure option for multifactor authentication, and for an extra boost, Instagram will also let you <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/use-authentication-apps-for-multifactor-security/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">set up multifactor authentication using an app</a> on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_12 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace\" data-gr-id=\"12\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With MFA on, no one will be able to log in to your account unless they have access to both your phone and your password.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Two-Factor Authentication &gt; Get Started.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit Data Sharing With Other Companies</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can connect Instagram to third-party apps such as VSCO, Sprout Social, and Later, which some people use to do things like schedule posts, edit photos, and analyze followers’ activity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Apps connected to your Instagram account can access some of your data. The more apps you tie together, the more vulnerable you are to security and privacy risks. Third-party apps played a big role in </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">the </g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/facebook-data-illicitly-collected-for-politics-and-what-it-means-for-privacy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">Cambridge</g> Analytica scandal</a> and the data leak that ultimately led to the demise of Google’s social media network, <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/how-to-handle-google-plus-security-bug/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google+</a>.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes it easy to examine what kind of data and permissions you’ve made available to other </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_14 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"14\">apps,</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and revoke access for apps you’re uncomfortable with or don’t use anymore.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Apps and Websites &gt; Active &gt; Next to a particular app, tap Remove.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Decide Who Can Message You</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Messages are a core component of the Instagram experience. Anyone you’re following can send you a message, but by default, when someone you aren’t following tries to contact you their messages get sent to a “message requests” tab.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can read messages in the requests folder without the other person knowing that you’ve looked at them, which lets you get a little preview before you decide to open up a dialogue.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">However, you can decide not to receive these messages at all. Or, for people you’re friends with on Facebook but not Instagram, you can also go in the opposite direction and send every message straight to the regular chat folder.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram lets you fine tune how you want these messages to be handled. You can make specific choices for different categories of people, such as friends of friends, or people you haven’t followed back.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Messages &gt; For the various potential connections, tap and select how you want to be contacted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Stop Syncing Your Contacts</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram uses a number of techniques to recommend new accounts for you to follow. One method is to periodically scan the contacts on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> if you’ve granted Instagram permission to access them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Once you grant any company access to your contacts list, it’s hard to know just what they’ll do with it. A number of reports, including one from researchers at Princeton and Northeastern universities in 2018, have suggested that Facebook used information from users’ address books to target their friends with ads.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’ve given Instagram permission to scan your contacts, it’s not too late to change your mind.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Account &gt; Contacts Syncing &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That doesn’t delete contacts from your Instagram account that the company has already uploaded, however. You can do that by logging in to Instagram using a computer.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Settings &gt;  Manage Contacts &gt; Delete All.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t Broadcast That You’re Online</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A few years ago Instagram launched a feature that lets users see when people they follow or message with are online. That might be handy for deciding when to send a friend your favorite new meme, but seeing other users’ online status requires that you make yours public, too.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If that doesn’t seem like a worthwhile trade, you can switch the feature off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Activity Status &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit How Instagram Uses Your Account to Build Its Network</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may have noticed that when you follow a new account, Instagram recommends that you check out a few similar users. The same thing happens in reverse: Instagram will recommend your account to other people.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s useful if you want to attract more followers, but you can also choose to make yourself harder to find. You’ll need to use a browser, not the app, to access the appropriate setting.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Profile &gt; Edit Profile &gt; Uncheck the box for Similar Account Suggestions.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/privacy/instagram-privacy-settings/\">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 Instagram Privacy Settings','','inherit','closed','closed','','1372-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 01:11:11','2021-04-13 01:11:11','',1372,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1372-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1388,1,'2021-04-13 17:22:52','2021-04-13 17:22:52','[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=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Instagram Privacy Settings</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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Instagram.jpg\" width=\"765\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram shares your location data and other information with Facebook. These steps will limit how much is shared.</span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook owns Instagram. The two companies share infrastructure, technology, and user data, and if you’re an Instagram user, your personal information is used to streamline the functions of the apps, target ads, and assist with a variety of other business purposes.</span></h3>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram has fewer privacy controls than Facebook, but there are settings you can adjust if you want to enhance your privacy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t keep data collected by Instagram away from its parent company, but you can adjust how certain information is used. Among other controls, you can curb the app’s access to location information, limit your posts to a select audience, and adjust some targeted advertising.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Most users access Instagram through the app, but some of the platform’s privacy settings are accessible only when you log in using a browser.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Take Away Instagram’s Location Privileges</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Giving Instagram access to your location lets you automatically tag your posts with your whereabouts. Instagram also uses location data to show you more relevant content when you’re using the Explore tab, which lets you browse posts from people other than those you follow.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But your location data can also be used to tailor ads to you, and not just on Instagram—the data is connected to your Facebook profile. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s easy to turn off the app’s access to your device’s GPS. You can always switch it back on later if you want to tag posts, or you can manually enter your location.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook and Instagram can still learn your location using other information, including your IP address and WiFi connection, but revoking GPS permissions will reduce the accuracy of the data.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an iPhone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Location Services &gt; Instagram &gt; Never.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an Android phone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Location &gt; App access to location &gt; Instagram &gt; Deny. (These instructions are for a Google Pixel; they may vary slightly on some devices. On other versions of Android, Location settings are sometimes under a Permissions menu.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Keep Posts Between You and Your Friends</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">By default, Instagram makes your account visible to anyone using the app. </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"9\">But</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> you can make your account private. Then people will need to send a request to follow you before they can see your posts and videos.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram says turning the setting on won’t affect anyone who already follows you. They’ll still be able to see your posts.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Switch on the Private Account toggle.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Make Ads a Little Less Personal</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t opt out of targeted advertising altogether, but there are a couple of tools that will limit how Instagram uses your data for ads—if you know where to find them.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One setting prevents Facebook and Instagram from using data sent by third parties for advertising. The other will stop Facebook from showing you ads on websites not owned by the company, based on your activity on Facebook’s own services. In both cases you’ll still see the same number of ads, but Facebook says some categories of your data will be off-limits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s the catch: You have to adjust the second setting on Facebook, not on Instagram. When you do that, the company will apply the change across all its services as long as it can match your various accounts together, according to Stephanie Chan, a company spokesperson.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The second set of instructions are for a web browser, but you can adjust the settings in the Facebook mobile app as well. If you’re not a Facebook user, there’s no way to adjust that second setting.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Data About Your Activity From Partners &gt; Switch the toggles off for all the accounts listed.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer:</b> Log in to Facebook &gt; Click the downward arrow in the top right corner &gt; Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; From the menu on the left, select Ads &gt; Ad Settings &gt; Ads Shown Off Of Facebook &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">(Facebook is rolling out updates to its advertising settings. The last few steps may be slightly different on some accounts, but these instructions will get you there either way.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit the Ads You See on Certain Topics</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes most of its money on ads, and there’s no way to stop them. You can choose to avoid ads on a few select topics, though. Navigate to the ad topic preferences menu, and you can tell Instagram you want to see fewer ads related to alcohol, parenting, pets, social issues, elections, and politics.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You’ll find the same settings on Facebook accounts. In both cases, the company doesn’t guarantee you won’t see ads related to these subjects altogether, but it may be worth trying. These settings won’t do much to protect your privacy, but they’re one of a few ways you can adjust your social media feed for a healthier and more pleasant experience.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Ad Topic Preferences &gt; Tap the subject you want to avoid &gt; Save.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Protect Your Account From Hackers</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One of the easiest ways to boost your security is to use multifactor authentication (MFA), aka two-factor authentication. It’s available for many services; you may already use it for your email or bank account.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you turn it on, Instagram will text you a code that it will use to confirm your identity whenever you log in from a new browser or an unfamiliar device.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Experts agree that text messages aren’t the most secure option for multifactor authentication, and for an extra boost, Instagram will also let you set up multifactor authentication using an app on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_12 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace\" data-gr-id=\"12\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With MFA on, no one will be able to log in to your account unless they have access to both your phone and your password.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Two-Factor Authentication &gt; Get Started.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit Data Sharing With Other Companies</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can connect Instagram to third-party apps such as VSCO, Sprout Social, and Later, which some people use to do things like schedule posts, edit photos, and analyze followers’ activity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Apps connected to your Instagram account can access some of your data. The more apps you tie together, the more vulnerable you are to security and privacy risks. Third-party apps played a big role in </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">the </g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">Cambridge</g> Analytica scandal and the data leak that ultimately led to the demise of Google’s social media network, Google+.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes it easy to examine what kind of data and permissions you’ve made available to other </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_14 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"14\">apps,</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and revoke access for apps you’re uncomfortable with or don’t use anymore.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Apps and Websites &gt; Active &gt; Next to a particular app, tap Remove.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Decide Who Can Message You</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Messages are a core component of the Instagram experience. Anyone you’re following can send you a message, but by default, when someone you aren’t following tries to contact you their messages get sent to a “message requests” tab.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can read messages in the requests folder without the other person knowing that you’ve looked at them, which lets you get a little preview before you decide to open up a dialogue.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">However, you can decide not to receive these messages at all. Or, for people you’re friends with on Facebook but not Instagram, you can also go in the opposite direction and send every message straight to the regular chat folder.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram lets you fine tune how you want these messages to be handled. You can make specific choices for different categories of people, such as friends of friends, or people you haven’t followed back.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Messages &gt; For the various potential connections, tap and select how you want to be contacted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Stop Syncing Your Contacts</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram uses a number of techniques to recommend new accounts for you to follow. One method is to periodically scan the contacts on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> if you’ve granted Instagram permission to access them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Once you grant any company access to your contacts list, it’s hard to know just what they’ll do with it. A number of reports, including one from researchers at Princeton and Northeastern universities in 2018, have suggested that Facebook used information from users’ address books to target their friends with ads.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’ve given Instagram permission to scan your contacts, it’s not too late to change your mind.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Account &gt; Contacts Syncing &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That doesn’t delete contacts from your Instagram account that the company has already uploaded, however. You can do that by logging in to Instagram using a computer.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Settings &gt;  Manage Contacts &gt; Delete All.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t Broadcast That You’re Online</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A few years ago Instagram launched a feature that lets users see when people they follow or message with are online. That might be handy for deciding when to send a friend your favorite new meme, but seeing other users’ online status requires that you make yours public, too.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If that doesn’t seem like a worthwhile trade, you can switch the feature off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Activity Status &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit How Instagram Uses Your Account to Build Its Network</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may have noticed that when you follow a new account, Instagram recommends that you check out a few similar users. The same thing happens in reverse: Instagram will recommend your account to other people.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s useful if you want to attract more followers, but you can also choose to make yourself harder to find. You’ll need to use a browser, not the app, to access the appropriate setting.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Profile &gt; Edit Profile &gt; Uncheck the box for Similar Account Suggestions.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/privacy/instagram-privacy-settings/\">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 Instagram Privacy Settings','','inherit','closed','closed','','1372-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 17:22:52','2021-04-13 17:22:52','',1372,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1372-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1376,1,'2021-04-13 01:10:48','2021-04-13 01:10:48','[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\"]<h1 class=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Use Instagram Privacy Settings</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/2021/04/Instagram.jpg\" width=\"765\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram shares your location data and other information with Facebook. These steps will limit how much is shared.</span></h2>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<div class=\"content-ad-wrap\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-115\" style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n<hr class=\"clear\" />\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook owns Instagram. The two companies share infrastructure, technology, and user data, and if you’re an Instagram user, your personal information is used to streamline the functions of the apps, target ads, and assist with a variety of other business purposes.</span></h3>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram has fewer privacy controls than Facebook, but there are settings you can adjust if you want to enhance your privacy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t keep data collected by Instagram away from its parent company, but you can adjust how certain information is used. Among other controls, you can curb the app’s access to location information, limit your posts to a select audience, and adjust some targeted advertising.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Most users access Instagram through the app, but some of the platform’s privacy settings are accessible only when you log in using a browser.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Take Away Instagram’s Location Privileges</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Giving Instagram access to your location lets you automatically tag your posts with your whereabouts. Instagram also uses location data to show you more relevant content when you’re using the Explore tab, which lets you browse posts from people other than those you follow.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But your location data can also be used to tailor ads to you, and not just on Instagram—the data is connected to your Facebook profile. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s easy to turn off the app’s access to your device’s GPS. You can always switch it back on later if you want to tag posts, or you can manually enter your location.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Facebook and Instagram can still learn your location using other information, including your IP address and WiFi connection, but revoking GPS permissions will reduce the accuracy of the data.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an iPhone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Location Services &gt; Instagram &gt; Never.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On an Android phone:</b> Go to the phone’s Settings &gt; Location &gt; App access to location &gt; Instagram &gt; Deny. (These instructions are for a Google Pixel; they may vary slightly on some devices. On other versions of Android, Location settings are sometimes under a Permissions menu.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Keep Posts Between You and Your Friends</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">By default, Instagram makes your account visible to anyone using the app. </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"9\">But</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> you can make your account private. Then people will need to send a request to follow you before they can see your posts and videos.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram says turning the setting on won’t affect anyone who already follows you. They’ll still be able to see your posts.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Switch on the Private Account toggle.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Make Ads a Little Less Personal</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can’t opt out of targeted advertising altogether, but there are a couple of tools that will limit how Instagram uses your data for ads—if you know where to find them.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One setting prevents Facebook and Instagram from using data sent by third parties for advertising. The other will stop Facebook from showing you ads on websites not owned by the company, based on your activity on Facebook’s own services. In both cases you’ll still see the same number of ads, but Facebook says some categories of your data will be off-limits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s the catch: You have to adjust the second setting on Facebook, not on Instagram. When you do that, the company will apply the change across all its services as long as it can match your various accounts together, according to Stephanie Chan, a company spokesperson.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The second set of instructions are for a web browser, but you can adjust the settings in the Facebook mobile app as well. If you’re not a Facebook user, there’s no way to adjust that second setting.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Data About Your Activity From Partners &gt; Switch the toggles off for all the accounts listed.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer:</b> Log in to Facebook &gt; Click the downward arrow in the top right corner &gt; Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; From the menu on the left, select Ads &gt; Ad Settings &gt; Ads Shown Off Of Facebook &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">(Facebook is rolling out updates to its advertising settings. The last few steps may be slightly different on some accounts, but these instructions will get you there either way.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit the Ads You See on Certain Topics</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes most of its money on ads, and there’s no way to stop them. You can choose to avoid ads on a few select topics, though. Navigate to the ad topic preferences menu, and you can tell Instagram you want to see fewer ads related to alcohol, parenting, pets, social issues, elections, and politics.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You’ll find the same settings on Facebook accounts. In both cases, the company doesn’t guarantee you won’t see ads related to these subjects altogether, but it may be worth trying. These settings won’t do much to protect your privacy, but they’re one of a few ways you can <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/social-media/combat-hate-speech-and-misinformation-on-social-media/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">adjust your social media feed</a> for a healthier and more pleasant experience.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app: </b>Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Ads &gt; Ad Topic Preferences &gt; Tap the subject you want to avoid &gt; Save.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Protect Your Account From Hackers</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One of the <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/ways-to-protect-digital-privacy/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">easiest ways to boost your security</a> is to use multifactor authentication (MFA), aka two-factor authentication. It’s available for many services; you may already use it for your email or bank account.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you turn it on, Instagram will text you a code that it will use to confirm your identity whenever you log in from a new browser or an unfamiliar device.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Experts agree that text messages aren’t the most secure option for multifactor authentication, and for an extra boost, Instagram will also let you <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/use-authentication-apps-for-multifactor-security/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">set up multifactor authentication using an app</a> on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_12 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace\" data-gr-id=\"12\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">, such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With MFA on, no one will be able to log in to your account unless they have access to both your phone and your password.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Two-Factor Authentication &gt; Get Started.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit Data Sharing With Other Companies</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can connect Instagram to third-party apps such as VSCO, Sprout Social, and Later, which some people use to do things like schedule posts, edit photos, and analyze followers’ activity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Apps connected to your Instagram account can access some of your data. The more apps you tie together, the more vulnerable you are to security and privacy risks. Third-party apps played a big role in </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">the </g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/facebook-data-illicitly-collected-for-politics-and-what-it-means-for-privacy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">Cambridge</g> Analytica scandal</a> and the data leak that ultimately led to the demise of Google’s social media network, <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/how-to-handle-google-plus-security-bug/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google+</a>.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram makes it easy to examine what kind of data and permissions you’ve made available to other </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_14 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"14\">apps,</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> and revoke access for apps you’re uncomfortable with or don’t use anymore.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Security &gt; Apps and Websites &gt; Active &gt; Next to a particular app, tap Remove.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Decide Who Can Message You</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Messages are a core component of the Instagram experience. Anyone you’re following can send you a message, but by default, when someone you aren’t following tries to contact you their messages get sent to a “message requests” tab.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can read messages in the requests folder without the other person knowing that you’ve looked at them, which lets you get a little preview before you decide to open up a dialogue.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">However, you can decide not to receive these messages at all. Or, for people you’re friends with on Facebook but not Instagram, you can also go in the opposite direction and send every message straight to the regular chat folder.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram lets you fine tune how you want these messages to be handled. You can make specific choices for different categories of people, such as friends of friends, or people you haven’t followed back.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Messages &gt; For the various potential connections, tap and select how you want to be contacted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Stop Syncing Your Contacts</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Instagram uses a number of techniques to recommend new accounts for you to follow. One method is to periodically scan the contacts on your </span><g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" data-gr-id=\"18\">phone</g><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> if you’ve granted Instagram permission to access them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Once you grant any company access to your contacts list, it’s hard to know just what they’ll do with it. A number of reports, including one from researchers at Princeton and Northeastern universities in 2018, have suggested that Facebook used information from users’ address books to target their friends with ads.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’ve given Instagram permission to scan your contacts, it’s not too late to change your mind.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your own profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Account &gt; Contacts Syncing &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That doesn’t delete contacts from your Instagram account that the company has already uploaded, however. You can do that by logging in to Instagram using a computer.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a computer browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Settings &gt;  Manage Contacts &gt; Delete All.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t Broadcast That You’re Online</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A few years ago Instagram launched a feature that lets users see when people they follow or message with are online. That might be handy for deciding when to send a friend your favorite new meme, but seeing other users’ online status requires that you make yours public, too.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If that doesn’t seem like a worthwhile trade, you can switch the feature off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On the app:</b> Go to your profile by clicking the icon in the bottom right &gt; Open the menu in the top right &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Activity Status &gt; Switch the toggle off.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Limit How Instagram Uses Your Account to Build Its Network</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may have noticed that when you follow a new account, Instagram recommends that you check out a few similar users. The same thing happens in reverse: Instagram will recommend your account to other people.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s useful if you want to attract more followers, but you can also choose to make yourself harder to find. You’ll need to use a browser, not the app, to access the appropriate setting.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><b>On a browser:</b> Log in to Instagram &gt; Click on your profile picture in the top right to open the menu &gt; Profile &gt; Edit Profile &gt; Uncheck the box for Similar Account Suggestions.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/privacy/instagram-privacy-settings/\">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 Instagram Privacy Settings','','inherit','closed','closed','','1372-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 01:10:48','2021-04-13 01:10:48','',1372,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1372-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1379,1,'2021-04-13 16:50:36','2021-04-13 16:50:36','[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\"]<h1 spacing=\"4\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" size=\"5\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Minimize Social Security Taxes</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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Social-security.jpg\" width=\"772\" height=\"519\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1267 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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: #0a0a0a;\">Your Social Security benefit may be taxable. Try these strategies to reduce your tax bill in retirement.</span></p>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"><span class=\"lede\"><strong>MOST WORKERS PAY INTO</strong> </span>the Social Security program throughout their career. Many people also pay taxes on part of their Social Security payments in retirement.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Is Social Security Income Taxable?</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Retirees with low incomes or whose only source of income is Social Security generally don\'t pay income tax on their Social Security benefit. The average Social Security payment to retired workers was $1,547 in January 2021, or $18,564 for the year, which is considerably below the taxable threshold of $25,000 for an individual. However, some 40% of Social Security beneficiaries have to pay federal income tax on part of their benefit, according to the Social Security Administration. The income cutoffs for Social Security taxes are not adjusted for inflation each year, so more retirees will need to pay tax on their Social Security payments over time.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Here\'s how to reduce or avoid taxes on your Social Security benefit:</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 fHKjHB\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Stay below the taxable thresholds.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Manage your other retirement income sources.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Consider taking IRA withdrawals before signing up for Social Security.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Save in a Roth IRA.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Factor in state taxes.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Set up Social Security tax withholding.</span></h4>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">There are a variety of factors that determine whether your Social Security benefit will be taxed in retirement. Consider each of these strategies to minimize taxes on your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Stay Below the Taxable Thresholds</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Social Security benefits become taxable if the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefit exceeds $25,000 as an individual and $32,000 as a married couple. If these income sources are between $25,000 and $34,000 ($32,000 and $44,000 for couples), income tax will be due on half of your Social Security benefit. Retirees with incomes that top $34,000 ($44,000 for couples) pay income tax on up to 85% of their Social Security benefit.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">However, you will not have to pay tax on your entire Social Security benefit, regardless of your income. \"Many retirees are surprised to find that they have to pay taxes on up to 85% of the Social Security benefits they receive,\" says Dana Anspach, a certified financial planner and CEO of Sensible Money in Scottsdale, Arizona. \"The good news is, no matter what, 15% of the Social Security benefits you receive are tax-free.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Manage Your Other Retirement Income Sources</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__FirstInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-0 kYlGEo sm-hide md-hide\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 bwWzQw\" spacing=\"4\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Retirees who have income from another source in addition to Social Security frequently have to pay tax on part of their Social Security benefit. Pension payments, dividends and interest from savings and investments, earnings from a part-time job and withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are sources of retirement income that can contribute to making your Social Security payments taxable.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Consider Taking IRA Withdrawals Before Signing Up for Social Security</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">You have some control over when to take withdrawals from retirement accounts during your 60s, because you can begin taking penalty-free distributions after age 59 1/2 (and in some cases age 55), but you aren\'t required to take minimum withdrawals until after age 72. You might be able to reduce your Social Security income tax bill if you withdraw money from your traditional 401(k) or IRA in the years before you sign up for Social Security.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"For many retirees, changing the order they tap their savings to generate income can minimize taxes on Social Security,\" says William Meyer, founder and managing principal of Social Security Solutions, a company that analyzes Social Security claiming strategies. \"Many middle-income retirees should consider withdrawing their IRA account first before starting Social Security. This reduces their IRA account balance by the time required minimum distributions start, and many times the amount of Social Security taxes that typically increase as retirees withdraw more IRA money at the age of 70 and beyond.\"</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Some retirees take a large retirement account distribution in the year before signing up for Social Security, while others take IRA distributions for several years in order to delay claiming Social Security and qualify for higher Social Security payments in the future.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"Managing or controlling your income for a particular year means timing withdrawals other than required minimum distributions such that the income for the year is stacked in one year, with the following or preceding year having a lower amount of distribution income,\" says Jim Blankenship, a certified financial planner and founder of Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin, Illinois.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">After age 70 1/2, you might be able to avoid paying income tax on your IRA required minimum distribution if you donate it directly to a qualifying charity. \"RMDs could be eliminated or partly eliminated from the tax return by use of qualified charitable distributions,\" Blankenship says. When you donate a required distribution to charity, it is not counted as income and does not contribute to the taxation of your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Save in a Roth IRA</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Distributions from Roth 401(k)s and Roth IRAs after age 59 1/2 from an account that\'s at least five years old are not taxable and don\'t contribute to the taxation of your Social Security benefits. Saving for retirement in an after-tax Roth account sets you up for tax-free withdrawals in retirement, and also allows you to minimize taxes on your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"Money that comes out of Roth IRA accounts does not count in the formula that determines how much of your Social Security is subject to taxation,\" Anspach says. \"By the time you begin Social Security, if you have more money in Roth IRAs and less money in tax-deferred accounts, you will have more flexibility in when you draw money out of what type of account. With planning, you can draw money out in a way that reduces your tax liability over the course of your retirement years.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__SubsequentInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-1 eSZloL sm-hide md-hide\" data-ad-collide=\"true\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 doTocE\" spacing=\"5\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Factor in State Taxes</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Where you live can play a role in whether your Social Security payments will be taxed. Most states don\'t tax Social Security income. However, 13 states tax Social Security income, often with exceptions for low-income retirees, according to data from information services company Wolters Kluwer. The states that tax Social Security income include Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Set Up Social Security Tax Withholding</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Those who owe taxes on their Social Security payments can elect to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or have federal taxes withheld from monthly payments. You can have 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes, but you cannot select a different percentage or a flat dollar amount. Setting up tax withholding is generally more convenient than having to pay a tax bill every quarter.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/social-security/articles/how-to-minimize-social-security-taxes\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Minimize Social Security Taxes','','inherit','closed','closed','','1264-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 16:50:36','2021-04-13 16:50:36','',1264,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1264-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1378,1,'2021-04-13 16:49:02','2021-04-13 16:49:02','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder -->\n[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 spacing=\"4\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" size=\"5\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Minimize Social Security Taxes</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/2021/04/Social-security.jpg\" width=\"772\" height=\"519\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1267 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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: #0a0a0a;\">Your Social Security benefit may be taxable. Try these strategies to reduce your tax bill in retirement.</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<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"><span class=\"lede\"><strong>MOST WORKERS PAY INTO</strong> </span>the Social Security program throughout their career. Many people also pay taxes on part of their Social Security payments in retirement.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Is Social Security Income Taxable?</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Retirees with low incomes or whose only source of income is Social Security generally don\'t pay income tax on their <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/social-security/articles/frequently-asked-social-security-benefit-questions\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Social Security benefit</a>. The average Social Security payment to retired workers was $1,547 in January 2021, or $18,564 for the year, which is considerably below the taxable threshold of $25,000 for an individual. However, some 40% of Social Security beneficiaries have to pay federal income tax on part of their benefit, according to the Social Security Administration. The income cutoffs for <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/social-security/articles/when-you-need-to-pay-taxes-on-social-security\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Social Security taxes</a> are not adjusted for inflation each year, so more retirees will need to pay tax on their Social Security payments over time.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Here\'s how to reduce or avoid taxes on your Social Security benefit:</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 fHKjHB\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Stay below the taxable thresholds.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Manage your other retirement income sources.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Consider taking IRA withdrawals before signing up for Social Security.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Save in a Roth IRA.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Factor in state taxes.</span></h4>\n</li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f; font-size: small;\">Set up Social Security tax withholding.</span></h4>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">There are a variety of factors that determine whether your Social Security benefit will be taxed in retirement. Consider each of these strategies to minimize taxes on your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Stay Below the Taxable Thresholds</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Social Security benefits become taxable if the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefit exceeds $25,000 as an individual and $32,000 as a married couple. If these income sources are between $25,000 and $34,000 ($32,000 and $44,000 for couples), income tax will be due on half of your Social Security benefit. Retirees with incomes that top $34,000 ($44,000 for couples) pay income tax on up to 85% of their Social Security benefit.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">However, you will not have to pay tax on your entire Social Security benefit, regardless of your income. \"Many retirees are surprised to find that they have to pay taxes on up to 85% of the Social Security benefits they receive,\" says Dana Anspach, a certified financial planner and CEO of Sensible Money in Scottsdale, Arizona. \"The good news is, no matter what, 15% of the Social Security benefits you receive are tax-free.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Manage Your Other Retirement Income Sources</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__FirstInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-0 kYlGEo sm-hide md-hide\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 bwWzQw\" spacing=\"4\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Retirees who have income from another source in addition to Social Security frequently have to pay tax on part of their Social Security benefit. Pension payments, dividends and interest from savings and investments, earnings from a part-time job and withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are sources of retirement income that can contribute to making your Social Security payments taxable.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Consider Taking IRA Withdrawals Before Signing Up for Social Security</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">You have some control over when to take withdrawals from retirement accounts during your 60s, because you can begin taking <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/slideshows/ways-to-avoid-the-ira-early-withdrawal-penalty\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">penalty-free distributions</a> after age 59 1/2 (and in some cases <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/401ks/slideshows/9-ways-to-avoid-401-k-fees-and-penalties\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">age 55</a>), but you aren\'t required to take minimum withdrawals until after age 72. You might be able to reduce your Social Security income tax bill if you withdraw money from your traditional 401(k) or IRA in the years before you sign up for Social Security.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"For many retirees, changing the order they tap their savings to generate income can minimize taxes on Social Security,\" says William Meyer, founder and managing principal of Social Security Solutions, a company that analyzes Social Security claiming strategies. \"Many middle-income retirees should consider withdrawing their IRA account first before starting Social Security. This reduces their IRA account balance by the time required minimum distributions start, and many times the amount of Social Security taxes that typically increase as retirees withdraw more IRA money at the age of 70 and beyond.\"</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Some retirees take a large retirement account distribution in the year before signing up for Social Security, while others take IRA distributions for several years in order to delay claiming Social Security and qualify for higher Social Security payments in the future.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"Managing or controlling your income for a particular year means timing withdrawals other than required minimum distributions such that the income for the year is stacked in one year, with the following or preceding year having a lower amount of distribution income,\" says Jim Blankenship, a certified financial planner and founder of Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin, Illinois.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">After age 70 1/2, you might be able to avoid paying income tax on your IRA required minimum distribution if you donate it directly to a qualifying charity. \"RMDs could be eliminated or partly eliminated from the tax return by use of qualified charitable distributions,\" Blankenship says. When you <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/iras/articles/how-to-donate-to-charity-from-your-ira\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">donate a required distribution to charity</a>, it is not counted as income and does not contribute to the taxation of your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Save in a Roth IRA</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Distributions from Roth 401(k)s and <a href=\"https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/iras/articles/how-to-open-a-roth-ira\" style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Roth IRAs</a> after age 59 1/2 from an account that\'s at least five years old are not taxable and don\'t contribute to the taxation of your Social Security benefits. Saving for retirement in an after-tax Roth account sets you up for tax-free withdrawals in retirement, and also allows you to minimize taxes on your Social Security payments.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">\"Money that comes out of Roth IRA accounts does not count in the formula that determines how much of your Social Security is subject to taxation,\" Anspach says. \"By the time you begin Social Security, if you have more money in Roth IRAs and less money in tax-deferred accounts, you will have more flexibility in when you draw money out of what type of account. With planning, you can draw money out in a way that reduces your tax liability over the course of your retirement years.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__SubsequentInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-1 eSZloL sm-hide md-hide\" data-ad-collide=\"true\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 doTocE\" spacing=\"5\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Factor in State Taxes</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Where you live can play a role in whether your Social Security payments will be taxed. Most states don\'t tax Social Security income. However, 13 states tax Social Security income, often with exceptions for low-income retirees, according to data from information services company Wolters Kluwer. The states that tax Social Security income include Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Set Up Social Security Tax Withholding</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0f0f0f;\">Those who owe taxes on their Social Security payments can elect to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or have federal taxes withheld from monthly payments. You can have 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes, but you cannot select a different percentage or a flat dollar amount. Setting up tax withholding is generally more convenient than having to pay a tax bill every quarter.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/social-security/articles/how-to-minimize-social-security-taxes\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]\n<!-- /wp:divi/placeholder -->','How to Minimize Social Security Taxes','','inherit','closed','closed','','1264-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 16:49:02','2021-04-13 16:49:02','',1264,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1264-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1506,1,'2021-05-12 22:54:02','2021-05-12 22:54:02','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder -->\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" min_height=\"4321px\"][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 id=\"article-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span id=\"article-heading__highlight_3-0\" class=\"comp article-heading__highlight mntl-text-block\" style=\"color: #000000;\">How to Make a Personal Budget in 6 Easy Steps</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\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\"]<div align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/My-Post-2-1024x536.png\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1510 aligncenter size-large\" /></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<h2 class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></h2>\n<h2 id=\"article-subheading_4-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A step-by-step guide to creating and using a budget</span></h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you want to control your spending and work toward your financial goals, you need a budget.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-1\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A personal or household budget is a summary that compares and tracks your income and expenses for a defined period, typically one month.<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" data-id=\"#citation-7\">1</span> While the word \"budget\" is often associated with restricted spending, a budget does not have to be restrictive to be effective.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-3\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A budget will show you how much money you expect to bring in, then compare that to your required expenses—such as rent and insurance—and your discretionary spending, such as entertainment or eating out. Instead of viewing a budget as a negative, you can view it as a tool for achieving your financial goals.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-5\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-6\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">What a Budget Does</span></h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-3\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A written, monthly budget is a financial planning tool that allows you to plan how much you will spend or save each month. It also allows you to track your spending habits.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-8\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-native_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-native\">\n<div id=\"native-placeholder_4-0\" class=\"comp native-placeholder mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Though making a budget may not sound like the most exciting activity (and for some, it\'s downright scary), it\'s an important part of keeping your financial house in order. That\'s because budgets rely on balance. If you spend less in one area, you can spend more in another, save that money for a large purchase, build a \"rainy day\" fund, increase your savings, or invest in building wealth.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-10\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-11\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\" class=\"comp theme-experttipimportant mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A budget only works if you are honest about both your income and expenses. To make an effective budget, you must be willing to work with detailed and accurate information about your earning and spending habits.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ultimately, the result of your new budget will show you where your money is coming from, how much is there, and where it all goes each month.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-13\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-14\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">How to Make a Budget in Six Simple Steps</span></h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To create a budget that works and allows you live a comfortable and happy life, you need to get a firm handle on what you’re currently spending, what you can afford to spend, and what your priorities are.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-16\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before you embark on making a budget, find a good template you can use to fill in the numbers for your expenses and income.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-18\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"></div>\n</div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-19\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-9\" class=\"comp theme-experttiptip mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-1\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While you can use old-fashioned pen and paper to budget your money, it\'s easier and more efficient to use a monthly budget spreadsheet or a budgeting app. These will contain designated fields for income and expenses in various categories, as well as built-in formulas to help you figure your budget surplus or shortfall with minimal effort.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Gather Your Financial Paperwork</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-11\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before you begin, gather up all your financial statements, including:</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-22\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bank statements</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Investment accounts</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Recent utility bills</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">W-2s and paystubs</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1099s</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Credit card bills</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Receipts from the last three months</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mortgage or auto loan statements</span></li>\n</ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-24\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You want to have access to any information about your income and expenses. One of the keys to the budget-making process is to create a monthly average. The more information you can dig up, the better.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-26\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">2. Calculate Your Income</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How much income can you expect each month? If your income is in the form of a regular paycheck where taxes are automatically deducted, then using the net income (or take-home pay) amount is fine. If you are self-employed or have outside sources of income, such as child support or Social Security, include these as well. Record this total income as a monthly amount.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-29\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-30\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\" class=\"comp theme-experttiptip mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-2\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have a variable income (for example, from a seasonal or freelance job), consider using the income from your lowest-earning month in the past year as your baseline income when you set up your budget.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">3. Create a List of Monthly Expenses</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Write down a list of all the expenses you expect to have during a month. This list could include:</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-33\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mortgage payments or rent</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Car payments</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Insurance</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Groceries</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Utilities</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Entertainment</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Personal care</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Eating out</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Childcare</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Transportation costs</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Travel</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Student loans</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Savings</span></li>\n</ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-35\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use your bank statements, receipts, and credit card statements from the last three months to identify all your spending.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-37\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Determine Fixed and Variable Expenses</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fixed expenses are those mandatory expenses that you pay the same amount for each time.<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" data-id=\"#citation-10\">2</span> Include items like mortgage or rent payments, car payments, set-fee internet service, trash pickup, and regular childcare. If you pay a standard credit card payment, include that amount and any other essential spending that tends to stay the same from month to month.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-40\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you plan to save a fixed amount or pay off a certain amount of debt each month, also include savings and debt repayment as fixed expenses.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-42\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Variable expenses are the type that will change from month to month, such as:</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-44\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Groceries</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gasoline</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Entertainment</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Eating out</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gifts<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" data-id=\"#citation-11\">3</span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-46\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-47\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\" class=\"comp theme-experttiptip mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-3\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you don\'t have an emergency fund, include a category for \"surprise expenses\" that might pop up over the month and derail your budget.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-27\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Start assigning a spending value to each category, beginning with your fixed expenses. Then, estimate how much you\'ll need to spend per month on variable expenses.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-49\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'re not sure how much you spend in each category, review your last two or three months of credit card or bank transactions to make a rough estimate.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-51\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Total Your Monthly Income and Expenses</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your income is higher than your expenses, you are off to a good start. This extra money means you can put funds towards areas of your budget, such as retirement savings or paying off debt.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-54\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-55\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\" class=\"comp theme-experttiptip mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-4\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have more income than expenses, consider adopting the “50-30-20” budgeting philosophy. In a 50-30-20 budget, \"needs,\" or essential expenses, should represent half of your budget, wants should make up another 30%, and savings and debt repayment should make up the final 20% of your budget.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your expenses are more than your income, that means you are overspending and need to make some changes.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-57\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Make Adjustments to Expenses</span></h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'re in a situation where expenses are higher than income, find areas in your variable expenses you can cut. Look for places you can reduce your spending—like eating out less—or eliminate a category—like canceling your gym membership.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-60\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-61\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\" class=\"comp theme-experttipimportant mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-5\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your expenses are far above your income, or you have significant debt, reducing your variable expenses may not be enough. You may need to trim your fixed expenses and increase your income to balance your budget.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aim to have your income and expense columns to be equal. This equal balance means all of your income is accounted for and budgeted toward a specific expense or savings goal.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-63\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-64\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">How to Use Your Budget</span></h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">After you have set up your budget, you must monitor and continue to track your expenses in each category, ideally every day of the month. The same budgeting spreadsheet or app used to make your budget can also be used to record your expense and income totals.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-66\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Recording what you spend throughout the month will keep you from overspending and help you identify unnecessary expenses or problematic spending patterns. Take a few minutes each day to record your expenses, rather than putting it off until the end of the month.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-68\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-69\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\" class=\"comp theme-experttiptip mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-6\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\'re not confident that you can budget your money, adopt the envelope system where you divide cash for spending into separate envelopes for different spending categories. When an envelope becomes empty, you\'ll have to stop spending in that particular category.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-40\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As you use your budget, keep an eye on how much you have spent. Once you have reached your spending limit in a category, you will either need to stop that type of spending for the month or move money from another category to cover additional expenses.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-71\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your goal in using your budget should be to keep your expenses equal to or lower than your income for the month.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-73\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-74\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">Review and Tweak</span></h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Circumstances change. Our priorities shift, we change jobs, we move, we have children. Make an appointment with yourself every few months to sit down with your budget and make sure it’s working for your current goals and realities.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-76\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-43\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you’ve already got your numbers plugged into a program or website, it’s easy to play around with your budget categories to see where you can create extra room or prioritize one thing over another.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-78\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-44\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remember, your budget needs to work for you, not the other way around.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-80\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-81\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block money-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\" style=\"color: #000000;\">General Budgeting Tips</span></h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-45\" class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Once you have set up a basic budget, customize it according to your financial situation and goals.</span></p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0-83\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\" style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\n<ul class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul class=\"comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you work on commission, be aggressive in saving to help cover periods when the market is slow.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have cash flow issues because you are paid only once a month, divide that payment by weeks, and keep the cash you planned to spend in remaining weeks in a separate account until you need it.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pay with a credit card only if you will have the money to pay it off at the end of the month. Otherwise, you will owe interest on top of the price of whatever you bought.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adjust your budget monthly if you find you overestimated or underestimated your expenses. Keep an eye on large expenses that only occur every few months, such as insurance payments.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you tend to overspend in certain categories, use budgeting hacks such as switching to a cash-only budget.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Once your expenses are lower than your income, budget towards savings goals before you increase your spending.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Take time to learn other financial skills to improve your financial literacy and make your money work harder for you.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</ul>\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.thebalance.com/how-to-make-a-budget-1289587\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]\n<!-- /wp:divi/placeholder -->','How to Make a Personal Budget in 6 Easy Steps','','publish','open','open','','how-to-make-a-personal-budget-in-6-easy-steps','','','2021-06-01 21:03:01','2021-06-01 21:03:01','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=1506',0,'post','',0),(1486,1,'2021-04-14 01:11:13','2021-04-14 01:11:13','[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\"]<h2 class=\"h1 text-tc-blue-800 font-weight-bold\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Why You Need Commercial Auto Insurance</strong></span></h2>[/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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Auto-insurance-1024x372.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"372\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1329 aligncenter size-large\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Just as every personal vehicle is legally required to have car insurance, vehicles driven for business need to be insured, too. If you’re a small business owner, your personal car insurance may not cover you when you’re driving for work, and it definitely won’t cover a food truck or other special vehicle. <span>That’s where commercial vehicle insurance comes in. It covers accidents, damage and theft to company vehicles.</span></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance covers a business’s vehicles, whether that’s a specialty vehicle like a catering truck or a regular car used for business. It’s also called commercial auto insurance. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">It steps in where regular auto insurance steps back: Most car insurance companies specifically exclude business use from their coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re a small business owner who uses their personal vehicle regularly for business—such as a florist delivering flowers—then you probably need commercial vehicle insurance. If your business has dedicated company vehicles, then you definitely need it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you employ delivery drivers or couriers who use their own personal vehicles, then you’ll also need to buy commercial vehicle insurance for them, called non-owned vehicle coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is one of the most common components of business insurance because it’s so necessary. If driving is part of your business, then you need some kind of commercial vehicle insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance Important?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Driving without insurance is illegal. If your personal coverage excludes commercial driving, then you’ll be uninsured when you’re driving for business—which means you could face major fines or other penalties.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Driving uninsured is also a bad business decision. If you wreck an uninsured vehicle, you’ll need to replace it yourself, which cuts into your business’s bottom line. If a commercial vehicle is involved in a crash that injures others, the cost could soar even higher.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance Legally Required?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is mandatory for all your business’s vehicles. It’s one of the most crucial parts of business insurance and you should never drive for business without it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can mix and match commercial vehicle insurance based on your vehicle and your business’s size and niche. Commonly, commercial vehicle insurance can include:</span></p>\n<figure data-asset-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" data-image-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0542d611-b6d8-4320-a4f4-35ac5cbf43a6/5bb38252-5625-4cb8-a29e-09edd1d2cc97/what-does-commercial-vehicle-insurance-cover.png\" data-asset-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" data-image-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" alt=\"What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?\" /></span></figure>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"icon-list-single-right-caret\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Collision</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers costs related to a collision, like repairs to the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>General liability</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers damage to property or injury to others involved in a collision with the business\'s vehicle. </span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Comprehensive</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers damage not related to a collision like fires, vandalism or fallen objects like trees.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Loss</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers costs if the vehicle is stolen.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Owned vehicles:</strong> Covers all aspects of vehicles owned under a business\'s name.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Non-owned vehicles: </strong>Covers vehicles not owned by the business but driven by its employees, like a salesperson\'s personal car.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Hired car: </strong>Covers any vehicles that are rented by a business.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is highly customizable. If you have a unique vehicle or other special considerations, an insurance agent can help craft a commercial vehicle insurance policy that’s specific to your business’s needs.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Much Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Broadly, the cost of commercial vehicle insurance depends on the type of vehicle, who’s driving it, and whether you’ll be carrying any passengers. More specifically, these factors can all drive up the cost:</span></p>\n<figure data-asset-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" data-image-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0542d611-b6d8-4320-a4f4-35ac5cbf43a6/96bdf04f-ef6b-400a-9774-090cf5f594c6/commercial-vehicle-insurance-cost-factors.png\" data-asset-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" data-image-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" alt=\"How Much Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost?\" /></span></figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The cost of commercial vehicle insurance varies widely. Expect it to cost at least $1,000 per vehicle annually, with specialty vehicles costing at least tens of thousands per year to insure.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></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><span style=\"color: #cc6206;\"><a href=\"https://www.trustedchoice.com/commercial-vehicle-insurance/\" style=\"color: #cc6206;\">click here</a></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Why You Need Commercial Auto Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1326-revision-v1','','','2021-04-14 01:11:13','2021-04-14 01:11:13','',1326,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1326-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1401,1,'2021-04-13 17:39:14','2021-04-13 17:39:14','[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\"]<h2 class=\"h1 text-tc-blue-800 font-weight-bold\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Why You Need Commercial Auto Insurance</strong></span></h2>[/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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Auto-insurance-1024x372.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"372\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1329 aligncenter size-large\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Just as every personal vehicle is legally required to have car insurance, vehicles driven for business need to be insured, too. If you’re a small business owner, your personal car insurance may not cover you when you’re driving for work, and it definitely won’t cover a food truck or other special vehicle. <span>That’s where commercial vehicle insurance comes in. It covers accidents, damage and theft to company vehicles.</span></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance covers a business’s vehicles, whether that’s a specialty vehicle like a catering truck or a regular car used for business. It’s also called commercial auto insurance. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">It steps in where regular auto insurance steps back: Most car insurance companies specifically exclude business use from their coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re a small business owner who uses their personal vehicle regularly for business—such as a florist delivering flowers—then you probably need commercial vehicle insurance. If your business has dedicated company vehicles, then you definitely need it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you employ delivery drivers or couriers who use their own personal vehicles, then you’ll also need to buy commercial vehicle insurance for them, called non-owned vehicle coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is one of the most common components of business insurance because it’s so necessary. If driving is part of your business, then you need some kind of commercial vehicle insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance Important?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Driving without insurance is illegal. If your personal coverage excludes commercial driving, then you’ll be uninsured when you’re driving for business—which means you could face major fines or other penalties.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Driving uninsured is also a bad business decision. If you wreck an uninsured vehicle, you’ll need to replace it yourself, which cuts into your business’s bottom line. If a commercial vehicle is involved in a crash that injures others, the cost could soar even higher.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance Legally Required?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is mandatory for all your business’s vehicles. It’s one of the most crucial parts of business insurance and you should never drive for business without it.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can mix and match commercial vehicle insurance based on your vehicle and your business’s size and niche. Commonly, commercial vehicle insurance can include:</span></p>\n<figure data-asset-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" data-image-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0542d611-b6d8-4320-a4f4-35ac5cbf43a6/5bb38252-5625-4cb8-a29e-09edd1d2cc97/what-does-commercial-vehicle-insurance-cover.png\" data-asset-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" data-image-id=\"efe7920c-311b-4317-97af-0bb0d9b589c9\" alt=\"What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?\" /></span></figure>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"icon-list-single-right-caret\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Collision</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers costs related to a collision, like repairs to the vehicle.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>General liability</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers damage to property or injury to others involved in a collision with the business\'s vehicle. </span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Comprehensive</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers damage not related to a collision like fires, vandalism or fallen objects like trees.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Loss</strong><strong>: </strong>Covers costs if the vehicle is stolen.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Owned vehicles:</strong> Covers all aspects of vehicles owned under a business\'s name.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Non-owned vehicles: </strong>Covers vehicles not owned by the business but driven by its employees, like a salesperson\'s personal car.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Hired car: </strong>Covers any vehicles that are rented by a business.</span></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Commercial vehicle insurance is highly customizable. If you have a unique vehicle or other special considerations, an insurance agent can help craft a commercial vehicle insurance policy that’s specific to your business’s needs.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Much Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost?</span></h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Broadly, the cost of commercial vehicle insurance depends on the type of vehicle, who’s driving it, and whether you’ll be carrying any passengers. More specifically, these factors can all drive up the cost:</span></p>\n<figure data-asset-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" data-image-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><img src=\"https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0542d611-b6d8-4320-a4f4-35ac5cbf43a6/96bdf04f-ef6b-400a-9774-090cf5f594c6/commercial-vehicle-insurance-cost-factors.png\" data-asset-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" data-image-id=\"512b865d-6907-4206-8e99-3864de919057\" alt=\"How Much Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost?\" /></span></figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The cost of commercial vehicle insurance varies widely. Expect it to cost at least $1,000 per vehicle annually, with specialty vehicles costing at least tens of thousands per year to insure.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></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><span style=\"color: #cc6206;\"><a href=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trustedchoice.com/commercial-vehicle-insurance/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1618271488347000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGphRIryzC4JXTtKt8emIYCHuwuUA\" style=\"color: #cc6206;\">click here</a></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Why You Need Commercial Auto Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1326-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 17:39:14','2021-04-13 17:39:14','',1326,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1326-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1428,1,'2021-04-13 19:15:11','2021-04-13 19:15:11','[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 spacing=\"4\" size=\"5\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All</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/2021/04/My-Post-37-1024x536.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1494 aligncenter size-large\" /></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>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;\">Millionaires, rejoice! It turns out that money can, in fact, buy happiness. And a new study suggests more is better, with well-being rising as earnings grow.</span></p>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Having more money gives people a greater sense of control over life,\" said study author Matthew Killingsworth.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The finding stems from more than 1.7 million real-time reports of well-being from more than 33,000 U.S. adults. They were prompted by their cellphones to answer the question \"How do you feel right now?\" at random times during their waking hours.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Previous research had suggested that an annual income of more than $75,000 might not improve people\'s day-to-day lives, and that notion has been widely circulated.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But this study appears to disagree.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Seen from a moment-by-moment angle, Killingsworth said, the data show \"evidence that happiness rises continuously, far above $75,000,\" which means there\'s reason to believe that more money really does improve people\'s lives.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"If you have more money, you can choose how to spend your time and how to direct your life,\" said Killingsworth, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania\'s Wharton School of Business, in Philadelphia.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Stress reduction</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This study found that a sense of control accounted for as much as 74% of the apparent link between greater income and greater well-being.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">People who earn more spend less time stressing out about bills, Killingsworth noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The study found that 44% of low-earners had money problems, compared with 7% among those earning over $500,000, he said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"To put it another way: People with low incomes were seven times as likely to report trouble coping with bills,\" Killingsworth explained.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The report was published in the Jan. 26 issue of the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.<em></em></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">On average, participants were 33 years old and made about $85,000 per year. About 1% earned $500,000 or more. Just over one-third were married (37%), and about two-thirds were women.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Real-time well-being reports were solicited randomly throughout the day. Participants were also asked how important money was to them; whether they equated money with success; whether they felt in control of their life; and how optimistic, financially insecure, and/or time-pressed they were.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After stacking responses up against income, Killingsworth broadly found that the more money you make, the better you feel day-to-day and the more satisfied you are with life overall.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">He found no evidence of a ceiling in the relationship between money and happiness. Above $80,000 a year, larger incomes were associated with significantly higher levels of all positive feelings (confident, good, interested and proud) and significantly lower levels of negative feelings (bored, bad, sad, upset).</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So are people on the short end of the economic stick doomed to a less happy existence?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Not necessarily. While wealth matters, it\'s \"far from the most important thing,\" Killingsworth said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For one thing, while money can afford a sense of control, there\'s always an opportunity to find other ways to achieve the same end, he said. And some people say money just isn\'t that important to them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"For those people, happiness is virtually unaffected by how much they earn,\" Killingsworth said. \"So it\'s possible that people who don\'t earn high salaries, but nevertheless craft lives that they enjoy, may find they don\'t actually miss having more money.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>A complex relationship</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The goal, he said, should be to keep money in perspective, because \"people are happiest when they don\'t equate money and success in life.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The findings came as little surprise to James Maddux, senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Research on the relationship between wealth and happiness, for individuals and nations, has been evolving for decades and has shown that the relationship is complex, as this study again demonstrates,\" Maddux noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So Killingsworth\'s finding of a link between higher incomes and life satisfaction \"is not a radical take or an alternative \'school of thought,\'\" Maddux said. \"It\'s simply new information about a very complex research question.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And given the finding of a strong connection between a sense of control and well-being, Maddux offered some advice.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Stop trying to become happier by buying more and more expensive stuff,\" he said, because that\'s the road to debt. \"And debt is detrimental to life satisfaction, partly because it leads to feelings of insecurity and loss of control.\"</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-01-21/maybe-money-can-help-buy-happiness-after-all\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All','','publish','closed','closed','','maybe-money-can-help-buy-happiness-after-all','','','2021-04-16 20:00:56','2021-04-16 20:00:56','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1428',0,'page','',0),(1429,1,'2021-04-13 19:15:11','2021-04-13 19:15:11','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All','','inherit','closed','closed','','1428-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:15:11','2021-04-13 19:15:11','',1428,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1428-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1426,1,'2021-04-13 19:02:21','2021-04-13 19:02:21','','Budget','','inherit','open','closed','','budget','','','2021-04-13 19:02:21','2021-04-13 19:02:21','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Budget.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1414,1,'2021-04-13 18:27:30','2021-04-13 18:27:30','[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 id=\"4251\" class=\"dq bg dr ds b dt du dv dw dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg eh ei ej ek el em en eo\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy</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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Financial-literacy.jpg\" width=\"917\" height=\"591\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1419 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">We’ve heard it all before, mo money, mo problems. But that doesn’t apply to us entrepreneurs and freelancers, right? I mean, mo money means we’re doing something good. Besides, who has time to review financial documents? That’s why we have accountants.</span></p>\n<p id=\"15a7\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, I hate to break it to you, having a foundational grasp on your business finances is key to entrepreneurial success. Yes, even if you’re running from client to customer looking for that next buck, it’s important — nay, imperative — that you have the sound financial literacy to know what to do with that buck.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2c26\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In this article, we’re going to explore five ways to build your financial literacy and do so without overwhelming you with facts and equations</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<article class=\"meteredContent\">\n<div>\n<section class=\"dk dl dm dn do\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<h1 id=\"8d75\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka kb it kc kd ke iw kf kg kh ki kj kk kl km kn ko kp kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">1. Review your transactions, better yet make a budget</span></h1>\n<p id=\"6891\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s start off with some general housekeeping. I hope at this point in your entrepreneur/freelancing journey that you’ve opened a separate bank account for your business activities.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd43\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you are currently mixing business and personal within one account, grasping your business financials is going to be a bit confusing. Also, sorting through your expenses with your accountant at year-end is going to be a nightmare.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2866\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re looking for simple banking solutions, Novo is what I use for my business banking. They integrate with PayPal and Stripe and there are never any fees.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6134\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Okay, glad we got that sorted out. Now we can focus on honing our financial literacy skills.</span></p>\n<p id=\"261e\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step is simple but effective. Review your transactions.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd3a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t laugh. Give it a try for a month. Every day, sit down for 5 minutes, log into your business bank account and look at what money is coming in and what money is coming out.</span></p>\n<p id=\"7f5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is this important? Well, I asked Alex and he told me:</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;\">“[Grant Cardone] said that money gets bored, and if it’s around too long, and you’re not paying attention to it, it’ll find somewhere else to go.”</span></p>\n<p id=\"e581\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq lh it iu et li iw ix iy lj ja jb jc lk je jf jg ll ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">They say a watched pot never boils. Well, a watched bank account never runs dry.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3631\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As you continue to monitor your daily transactions, a best practice to develop, according to Alex, is matching each transaction to a “source document” (receipts, invoices, etc.) that shows how that transaction originated. It’ll help your accountant at year-end.</span></p>\n<p id=\"139a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As they also say: happy accountant, happy life.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h1 id=\"691c\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">2. Know your paperwork</span></h1>\n<p id=\"dbae\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The next time you want to know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement, do yourself a favor and don’t ask an accountant. They will 100% geek out and spend the next half an hour talking about double-entry bookkeeping and the historical significance of the Gregorian calendar.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6178\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What I’ve done instead is put together a quick summary of each. Now, there are actually four main financial statements you should be aware of: balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and the equities statement. As a small business owner, you most likely will only concern yourself with the first two.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 id=\"d17a\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Balance Sheet</span></h2>\n<p id=\"a8a9\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The balance sheet is a high-level look at a business’s assets and liabilities, or in other words, what it <em class=\"jo\">owns, </em>what it <em class=\"jo\">owes, and what’s leftover</em>. Basically, it’s your business’s summary of financial status.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd02\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Accountants like to use this sophisticated calculation on the balance sheet: <span id=\"ff7f\" class=\"eo lr jz dr mc b md me mf s mg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Assets = Liabilities + Equity</span></span></p>\n<p id=\"d1f4\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What does this mean? Think about your personal finances. What you own was financed by liabilities (loans, mortgage, credit cards) or by equity (cash, income, savings).</span></p>\n<p id=\"72fe\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A healthy balance sheet — or strong balance sheet, as we say in the biz — uses a few ratios to determine its…healthiness (I’m running out of financial adjectives).</span></p>\n<ul class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"be34\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Liquidity ratio = Assets/Liabilities</strong> | This tells you whether you can pay back your short-term liabilities. A healthy ratio is above a 1</span></li>\n<li id=\"ad19\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Debt-to-equity ratio = Debt/Equity</strong> | This determines if you are financing your business through debt or your own funds. Lower the better.</span></li>\n<li id=\"dc5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Quick ratio = Current Assets (Cash, Invoices)-Inventory/Liabilities</strong> | This shows whether or not you can pay your short-term liabilities with cash or near-cash resources. Higher the better.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p id=\"8f92\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s enough math for now, let’s talk about the income statement.</span></p>\n<h2 id=\"77a6\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Income Statement</span></h2>\n<p id=\"355f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You might sometimes hear the income statement referred to as the “profit and loss statement” or the “P&amp;L” if they’ve watched a bit too much <em class=\"jo\">Wolf of Wall Street</em> lately.</span></p>\n<p id=\"cc49\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Again using personal finances as an example, the income statement is sort of like your monthly checking account statement that your bank sends you. Your bank summarizes all the monies that have gone in or out of your account and you get a high-level view of its impact on your account balance.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3915\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is the income statement important? Because it shows whether or not you’re profitable. Are you earning more money than you are spending?</span></p>\n<p id=\"a47f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Now, if you are a solo-preneur and you’ve set up your S-Corp, chances are profitability isn’t your main goal (I dive a bit more into that in my previous article). However, knowing how much of a salary you can draw is determined by your income statement, aka it’s not wise to pay yourself more than you bring in.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"a2b1\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">3. Set up KPIs to align with your goals</span></h1>\n<p id=\"c177\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I know, I know, most people pronounce KPI as <em class=\"jo\">K-P-I</em> but wouldn’t the business world be a much better place if we pronounced it <em class=\"jo\">Kippy</em> instead?</span></p>\n<p id=\"148d\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pretty good, right? Save your enthusiasm for the time being, we can put a pin in the discussion and come back to it later.</span></p>\n<p id=\"5625\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In the meantime, we should talk about what exactly are KPIs — sorry, <em class=\"jo\">Kippies</em> — and how do they apply to your business.</span></p>\n<p id=\"112a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">KPI stands for <em class=\"jo\">Key Performance Indicator</em> and is typically referred to as a metric. A metric is just a number without goals attached to it. For example, a basic metric could be revenue. Let’s say for this tax year you’ve earned $100,000 in revenue. Is that good?</span></p>\n<p id=\"ca47\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, it depends on your goals. If your goal is to be profitable and you spent $200,000 to earn $100,000 then that Kippy ain’t looking so good, is it?</span></p>\n<p id=\"0f57\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s take a look at what makes a good KPI (yeah, now that I hear it out loud, “Kippy” isn’t doing it for me anymore).</span></p>\n<ol class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"812b\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should lead to action.</strong> When you look at your KPI, do you know what action you need to take?</span></li>\n<li id=\"3528\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should be simple to measure.</strong> If it’s taking you hours to drudge up the numbers, then is it worth it?</span></li>\n<li id=\"29ba\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is current.</strong> Can you make an accurate business decision with old data?</span></li>\n<li id=\"7c6c\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is always tied to your main goals.</strong> Are you growing profits, increasing conversion rates, reducing your debts?</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p id=\"02ec\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re just starting out as a solo-preneur, pick a few simple KPIs to track such as revenue growth rate or gross profit margin. Don’t track for tracking sake, use them to make better business decisions.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"cba4\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">4. Understand your tax implications</span></h1>\n<p id=\"d7f1\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may be tempted to think that because you are self-employed good ol’ Uncle Sam will go easy on you.</span></p>\n<p id=\"eeac\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I’ve already gone in-depth about the merits of electing for the S-Corp to potentially save you thousands of tax dollars (all legal by the way), but I’ll quickly summarize here.</span></p>\n<p id=\"4151\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Being self-employed means you are responsible for the entire 15.3% cut of Social Security and Medicare tax. When you work a traditional W-2, you only pay half and your employer pays the other half.</span></p>\n<p id=\"8611\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you take the S-Corp election, you essentially share the burden of the tax between yourself and your business.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</section>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"os ht n nb p\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<div class=\"ou s\">\n<p><a href=\"https://blog.bookscaping.com/tagged/kpi\" class=\"av b gj ow fg ox oy gz s mb\"></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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://blog.bookscaping.com/how-to-beef-up-your-business-financial-literacy-e298da183584\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-beef-up-your-business-financial-literacy','','','2021-04-16 19:54:57','2021-04-16 19:54:57','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1414',0,'page','',0),(1415,1,'2021-04-13 18:27:30','2021-04-13 18:27:30','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','1414-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 18:27:30','2021-04-13 18:27:30','',1414,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1414-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1424,1,'2021-04-13 18:57:15','2021-04-13 18:57:15','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','7 Budgeting Templates to Take Control of Your Money','','inherit','closed','closed','','1421-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 18:57:15','2021-04-13 18:57:15','',1421,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1421-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1431,1,'2021-04-13 19:15:59','2021-04-13 19:15:59','','Money and Happiness','','inherit','open','closed','','money-and-happiness','','','2021-04-13 19:15:59','2021-04-13 19:15:59','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Money-and-Happiness.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1417,1,'2021-04-13 18:32:11','2021-04-13 18:32:11','[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=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>10 Tiny Pivots to Make Your Small Business More Effective</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\" 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>We’ve heard it all before, mo money, mo problems. But that doesn’t apply to us entrepreneurs and freelancers, right? I mean, mo money means we’re doing something good. Besides, who has time to review financial documents? That’s why we have accountants.</p>\n<p id=\"15a7\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Well, I hate to break it to you, having a foundational grasp on your business finances is key to entrepreneurial success. Yes, even if you’re running from client to customer looking for that next buck, it’s important — nay, imperative — that you have the sound financial literacy to know what to do with that buck.</p>\n<p id=\"2c26\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">In this article, we’re going to explore five ways to build your financial literacy and do so without overwhelming you with facts and equations</p>\n<article class=\"meteredContent\">\n<div>\n<section class=\"dk dl dm dn do\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<h1 id=\"8d75\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka kb it kc kd ke iw kf kg kh ki kj kk kl km kn ko kp kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">1. Review your transactions, better yet make a budget</h1>\n<p id=\"6891\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Let’s start off with some general housekeeping. I hope at this point in your entrepreneur/freelancing journey that you’ve opened a separate bank account for your business activities.</p>\n<p id=\"dd43\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">If you are currently mixing business and personal within one account, grasping your business financials is going to be a bit confusing. Also, sorting through your expenses with your accountant at year-end is going to be a nightmare.</p>\n<p id=\"2866\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">If you’re looking for simple banking solutions,<span> </span><a href=\"https://banknovo.com/\" class=\"gd io\" rel=\"noopener\">Novo</a><span> </span>is what I use for my business banking. They integrate with PayPal and Stripe and there are never any fees.</p>\n<p id=\"6134\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Okay, glad we got that sorted out. Now we can focus on honing our financial literacy skills.</p>\n<p id=\"261e\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The first step is simple but effective. Review your transactions.</p>\n<p id=\"dd3a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Don’t laugh. Give it a try for a month. Every day, sit down for 5 minutes, log into your business bank account and look at what money is coming in and what money is coming out.</p>\n<p id=\"7f5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Why is this important? Well, I asked Alex and he told me:</p>\n<blockquote class=\"ky\">\n<p id=\"de9d\" class=\"kz la dr ds b lb lc ld le lf lg jk fg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">“[Grant Cardone] said that money gets bored, and if it’s around too long, and you’re not paying attention to it, it’ll find somewhere else to go.”</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p id=\"e581\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq lh it iu et li iw ix iy lj ja jb jc lk je jf jg ll ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">They say a watched pot never boils. Well, a watched bank account never runs dry.</p>\n<p id=\"3631\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">As you continue to monitor your daily transactions, a best practice to develop, according to Alex, is matching each transaction to a “source document” (receipts, invoices, etc.) that shows how that transaction originated. It’ll help your accountant at year-end.</p>\n<p id=\"139a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">As they also say: happy accountant, happy life.</p>\n<h1 id=\"691c\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">2. Know your paperwork</h1>\n<p id=\"dbae\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The next time you want to know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement, do yourself a favor and don’t ask an accountant. They will 100% geek out and spend the next half an hour talking about double-entry bookkeeping and the historical significance of the Gregorian calendar.</p>\n<p id=\"6178\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">What I’ve done instead is put together a quick summary of each. Now, there are actually four main financial statements you should be aware of: balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and the equities statement. As a small business owner, you most likely will only concern yourself with the first two.</p>\n<h2 id=\"d17a\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The Balance Sheet</h2>\n<p id=\"a8a9\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The balance sheet is a high-level look at a business’s assets and liabilities, or in other words, what it<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">owns,<span> </span></em>what it<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">owes, and what’s leftover</em>. Basically, it’s your business’s summary of financial status.</p>\n<p id=\"dd02\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Accountants like to use this sophisticated calculation on the balance sheet: <span id=\"ff7f\" class=\"eo lr jz dr mc b md me mf s mg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Assets = Liabilities + Equity</span></p>\n<p id=\"d1f4\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">What does this mean? Think about your personal finances. What you own was financed by liabilities (loans, mortgage, credit cards) or by equity (cash, income, savings).</p>\n<p id=\"72fe\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">A healthy balance sheet — or strong balance sheet, as we say in the biz — uses a few ratios to determine its…healthiness (I’m running out of financial adjectives).</p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li id=\"be34\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Liquidity ratio = Assets/Liabilities</strong><span> </span>| This tells you whether you can pay back your short-term liabilities. A healthy ratio is above a 1</li>\n<li id=\"ad19\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Debt-to-equity ratio = Debt/Equity</strong><span> </span>| This determines if you are financing your business through debt or your own funds. Lower the better.</li>\n<li id=\"dc5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Quick ratio = Current Assets (Cash, Invoices)-Inventory/Liabilities</strong><span> </span>| This shows whether or not you can pay your short-term liabilities with cash or near-cash resources. Higher the better.</li>\n</ul>\n<p id=\"8f92\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">That’s enough math for now, let’s talk about the income statement.</p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"></p>\n<h2 id=\"77a6\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The Income Statement</h2>\n<p id=\"355f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">You might sometimes hear the income statement referred to as the “profit and loss statement” or the “P&amp;L” if they’ve watched a bit too much<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">Wolf of Wall Street</em><span> </span>lately.</p>\n<p id=\"cc49\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Again using personal finances as an example, the income statement is sort of like your monthly checking account statement that your bank sends you. Your bank summarizes all the monies that have gone in or out of your account and you get a high-level view of its impact on your account balance.</p>\n<p id=\"3915\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Why is the income statement important? Because it shows whether or not you’re profitable. Are you earning more money than you are spending?</p>\n<p id=\"a47f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Now, if you are a solo-preneur and you’ve set up your S-Corp, chances are profitability isn’t your main goal (I dive a bit more into that in my<span> </span><a href=\"https://bookscaping.com/the-case-for-s-corp-election-for-digital-entrepreneurs/\" class=\"gd io\" rel=\"noopener\">previous article</a>). However, knowing how much of a salary you can draw is determined by your income statement, aka it’s not wise to pay yourself more than you bring in.</p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"></p>\n<h1 id=\"a2b1\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">3. Set up KPIs to align with your goals</h1>\n<p id=\"c177\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">I know, I know, most people pronounce KPI as<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">K-P-I</em><span> </span>but wouldn’t the business world be a much better place if we pronounced it<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">Kippy</em><span> </span>instead?</p>\n<p id=\"148d\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Pretty good, right? Save your enthusiasm for the time being, we can put a pin in the discussion and come back to it later.</p>\n<p id=\"5625\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">In the meantime, we should talk about what exactly are KPIs — sorry,<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">Kippies</em><span> </span>— and how do they apply to your business.</p>\n<p id=\"112a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">KPI stands for<span> </span><em class=\"jo\">Key Performance Indicator</em><span> </span>and is typically referred to as a metric. A metric is just a number without goals attached to it. For example, a basic metric could be revenue. Let’s say for this tax year you’ve earned $100,000 in revenue. Is that good?</p>\n<p id=\"ca47\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Well, it depends on your goals. If your goal is to be profitable and you spent $200,000 to earn $100,000 then that Kippy ain’t looking so good, is it?</p>\n<p id=\"0f57\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Let’s take a look at what makes a good KPI (yeah, now that I hear it out loud, “Kippy” isn’t doing it for me anymore).</p>\n<ol class=\"\">\n<li id=\"812b\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should lead to action.</strong><span> </span>When you look at your KPI, do you know what action you need to take?</li>\n<li id=\"3528\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should be simple to measure.</strong><span> </span>If it’s taking you hours to drudge up the numbers, then is it worth it?</li>\n<li id=\"29ba\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is current.</strong><span> </span>Can you make an accurate business decision with old data?</li>\n<li id=\"7c6c\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is always tied to your main goals.</strong><span> </span>Are you growing profits, increasing conversion rates, reducing your debts?</li>\n</ol>\n<p id=\"02ec\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">If you’re just starting out as a solo-preneur, pick a few simple KPIs to track such as revenue growth rate or gross profit margin. Don’t track for tracking sake, use them to make better business decisions.</p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"></p>\n<h1 id=\"cba4\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">4. Understand your tax implications</h1>\n<p id=\"d7f1\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">You may be tempted to think that because you are self-employed good ol’ Uncle Sam will go easy on you.</p>\n<p id=\"eeac\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">I’ve already gone in-depth about the merits of electing for the S-Corp to potentially save you thousands of tax dollars (all legal by the way), but I’ll quickly summarize here.</p>\n<p id=\"4151\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Being self-employed means you are responsible for the entire 15.3% cut of Social Security and Medicare tax. When you work a traditional W-2, you only pay half and your employer pays the other half.</p>\n<p id=\"8611\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">When you take the S-Corp election, you essentially share the burden of the tax between yourself and your business.</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</section>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"os ht n nb p\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<div class=\"ou s\">\n<p><a href=\"https://blog.bookscaping.com/tagged/kpi\" class=\"av b gj ow fg ox oy gz s mb\"></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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://blog.bookscaping.com/how-to-beef-up-your-business-financial-literacy-e298da183584\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','1414-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 18:32:11','2021-04-13 18:32:11','',1414,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1414-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1422,1,'2021-04-13 18:37:29','2021-04-13 18:37:29','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','30+ Amazing iPhone Tips and Tricks For 2021','','inherit','closed','closed','','1421-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 18:37:29','2021-04-13 18:37:29','',1421,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1421-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1453,1,'2021-04-13 20:05:26','2021-04-13 20:05:26','','Refrigerator','','inherit','open','closed','','refrigerator','','','2021-04-13 20:05:26','2021-04-13 20:05:26','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Refrigerator.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1443,1,'2021-04-13 19:46:28','2021-04-13 19:46:28','','Tire sealant','','inherit','open','closed','','tire-sealant','','','2021-04-13 19:46:28','2021-04-13 19:46:28','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tire-sealant.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1419,1,'2021-04-13 18:35:24','2021-04-13 18:35:24','','Financial literacy','','inherit','open','closed','','financial-literacy','','','2021-04-13 18:35:24','2021-04-13 18:35:24','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Financial-literacy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1421,1,'2021-04-13 18:37:29','2021-04-13 18:37:29','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder -->\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.9\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][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 spacing=\"4\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" size=\"5\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>7 Budgeting Templates to Take Control of Your Money</strong></span></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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Budget.jpg\" width=\"772\" height=\"516\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1426 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><span class=\"lede\">MONEY IS INTERTWINED IN </span>our everyday lives, and the way you manage it will greatly shape your future outcomes. Whether you’re trying to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt or build savings, a well-laid-out budget can help you reach your goals faster. By tracking your income against your expenses, a spending and savings plan can ensure you’re in control of your finances.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Think of a budget as the framework that keeps your financial house from falling down – it tells your money where to go to maintain daily expenses and reach various goals at the same time. A budget doesn’t mean you have to be restrictive, either. On the contrary, it allows you to control spending to ensure you can afford things that bring you joy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“A budget helps you reach your financial goals because it gives you a full understanding of your spending and saving,” says Jim Wang, founder of WalletHacks.com, a personal finance blog. “This helps you find areas where you can cut back on your spending so you can increase your savings elsewhere.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Americans may be more in need of a budget than ever before. In fact, a recent report from Clever found that 61% of consumers are living paycheck to paycheck and 38% have accumulated personal debts of $3,000 or more in the past year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Budgeting can often feel intimidating, but knowing how and where to start can alleviate some fear. Bobbi Rebell, certified financial planner and personal expert for Tally, a credit builder tool, says to start simple. “Look at your available income and write down your priorities, then work from there and see where you can make adjustments,” she says, adding that a notebook is a great place to jot down all your expenses and purchases to get better insight into your overall spending habits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For those who are ready to take the leap into budgeting, creating a spreadsheet from scratch isn’t necessary. Save time and hassle by using a pre-made budget worksheet. You can find templates where you manually enter your information for free or subscribe to a service which imports your financial data on a regular basis for effortless financial tracking.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Figuring out which one works best for you may require a little trial and error, but no matter which one you choose, beginning the process is the first step in the right direction.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s a look at seven of the best budget spreadsheets to begin your journey to financial wellness:</span></p>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><react-trigger trigger=\"view\"></react-trigger></p>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 fHKjHB\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Budget Mom’s Budget Packet</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google Sheets</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Microsoft Excel</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Vertex42</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Tiller Money</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mint</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Personal Capital</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Budget Mom’s Budget Packet</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__FirstInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-0 kYlGEo sm-hide md-hide\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 bwWzQw\" spacing=\"4\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Sometimes putting pen to paper helps you feel more connected to the habits you’re tracking, which makes the Monthly Budget Packet from TheBudgetMom.com a great resource for budgeting newbies, explains Rebel. This free printable provides a detailed income and expense tracking chart where you enter items like fixed and variable expenses, debt and savings. You even get a bill tracker and monthly spending chart, so you have plenty of options to test and see which works best for your money management needs and preferences.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google Sheets</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Create a customized budget spreadsheet or grab a ready-to-go template through Google Sheets, which makes tracking finances easy. With an endless number of budgeting templates to choose from, you can find a tracking chart that fits your needs, whether you’re looking to manage your budget on a weekly or monthly basis, or a budgeting template for specific events such as a wedding or upcoming vacation. Google Sheets offers built-in categories along with formulas that make calculating expenses against income effortless. Some even come with pre-formulated charts and graphs that allow you to visualize your overall financial picture. Other features include filtering expenses by category and even sending queries about certain purchases directly to your partner’s email through the spreadsheet. Another benefit of using Google Sheets is that it’s easy to share with family members, and you can access it across multiple devices if you save it in Google Drive.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Microsoft Excel</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you have Microsoft Office, look no further than Microsoft Excel for your budgeting needs. With a suite of budgeting templates designed to fit many different financial needs, from personal family expenses to basic monthly budgeting to more specific financial tracking for holidays, weddings, vacations and more, there is something for everyone. If you prefer to create your own customized template, basic Excel skills will get the job done.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Vertex42</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This site offers a range of monthly budget templates built for Excel users, all for free. Choose among a variety of spreadsheets, from income and expense tracking to personal monthly budgets to wedding budgets and more. For those who need help managing spending on a day-to-day basis, the Budget Calendar Template allows you to track expenses using a calendar format, showing you when monthly bills need to be paid. It includes daily account balances to help you avoid overdrafting your account. Before you download any template, you can click on the link of the budgeting worksheet for a full description and screenshot of the layout to see if it will work for you.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Tiller Money</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Entering your own financial data into a budget spreadsheet can be tedious and ultimately deter you from tracking your finances, but that’s where Tiller Money comes in. The site streamlines your financial accounts and automatically updates a budget template in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel with your spending, income and balances each day. This helps take the work out of tracking your finances, which is a hurdle many people face in taking control of their money, Wang says. You can create your own budget spreadsheet or use an existing template, which gives you more flexibility to format the budget to meet your personal needs. After a free 30-day trial, Tiller Money is $79 a year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mint</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Though the Mint app takes budgeting one step further by streamlining your digital financial accounts in one place, you can also find budget templates designed through Excel on Mint\'s website with custom options to suit different life stages. For instance, college students can use the college budget template to create a financial tracking chart customized to their needs. Meanwhile, a new parent might find the day care budget template helpful in managing all the new expenses that come with having a baby.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Personal Capital</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When your finances become a bit more complicated and you have multiple investment accounts and income sources, a basic budgeting template may not be enough to optimize your money management. In this case, Personal Capital may provide a better solution for your budgeting needs. Link all your financial accounts through its personalized dashboard to get a snapshot of your total financial picture. In addition to monitoring your spending, investments, savings and other goals, you can also track your net worth through this dashboard.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Budgeting may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s an easy financial skill to master once you get started. You just need to find a template that fits your money needs – and stick with it until it becomes a habit.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/budgeting-templates-to-take-control-of-your-money\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]\n<!-- /wp:divi/placeholder -->','7 Budgeting Templates to Take Control of Your Money','','publish','closed','closed','','30-amazing-iphone-tips-and-tricks-for-2021','','','2021-04-20 17:23:34','2021-04-20 17:23:34','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1421',0,'page','',0),(1420,1,'2021-04-13 18:35:53','2021-04-13 18:35:53','[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 id=\"4251\" class=\"dq bg dr ds b dt du dv dw dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg eh ei ej ek el em en eo\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy</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/2021/04/Financial-literacy.jpg\" width=\"917\" height=\"591\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1419 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">We’ve heard it all before, mo money, mo problems. But that doesn’t apply to us entrepreneurs and freelancers, right? I mean, mo money means we’re doing something good. Besides, who has time to review financial documents? That’s why we have accountants.</span></p>\n<p id=\"15a7\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, I hate to break it to you, having a foundational grasp on your business finances is key to entrepreneurial success. Yes, even if you’re running from client to customer looking for that next buck, it’s important — nay, imperative — that you have the sound financial literacy to know what to do with that buck.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2c26\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In this article, we’re going to explore five ways to build your financial literacy and do so without overwhelming you with facts and equations</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<article class=\"meteredContent\">\n<div>\n<section class=\"dk dl dm dn do\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<h1 id=\"8d75\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka kb it kc kd ke iw kf kg kh ki kj kk kl km kn ko kp kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">1. Review your transactions, better yet make a budget</span></h1>\n<p id=\"6891\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s start off with some general housekeeping. I hope at this point in your entrepreneur/freelancing journey that you’ve opened a separate bank account for your business activities.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd43\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you are currently mixing business and personal within one account, grasping your business financials is going to be a bit confusing. Also, sorting through your expenses with your accountant at year-end is going to be a nightmare.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2866\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re looking for simple banking solutions, Novo is what I use for my business banking. They integrate with PayPal and Stripe and there are never any fees.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6134\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Okay, glad we got that sorted out. Now we can focus on honing our financial literacy skills.</span></p>\n<p id=\"261e\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step is simple but effective. Review your transactions.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd3a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t laugh. Give it a try for a month. Every day, sit down for 5 minutes, log into your business bank account and look at what money is coming in and what money is coming out.</span></p>\n<p id=\"7f5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is this important? Well, I asked Alex and he told me:</span></p>\n<blockquote class=\"ky\">\n<p id=\"de9d\" class=\"kz la dr ds b lb lc ld le lf lg jk fg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“[Grant Cardone] said that money gets bored, and if it’s around too long, and you’re not paying attention to it, it’ll find somewhere else to go.”</span></p>\n</blockquote>\n<p id=\"e581\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq lh it iu et li iw ix iy lj ja jb jc lk je jf jg ll ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">They say a watched pot never boils. Well, a watched bank account never runs dry.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3631\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As you continue to monitor your daily transactions, a best practice to develop, according to Alex, is matching each transaction to a “source document” (receipts, invoices, etc.) that shows how that transaction originated. It’ll help your accountant at year-end.</span></p>\n<p id=\"139a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As they also say: happy accountant, happy life.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h1 id=\"691c\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">2. Know your paperwork</span></h1>\n<p id=\"dbae\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The next time you want to know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement, do yourself a favor and don’t ask an accountant. They will 100% geek out and spend the next half an hour talking about double-entry bookkeeping and the historical significance of the Gregorian calendar.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6178\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What I’ve done instead is put together a quick summary of each. Now, there are actually four main financial statements you should be aware of: balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and the equities statement. As a small business owner, you most likely will only concern yourself with the first two.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 id=\"d17a\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Balance Sheet</span></h2>\n<p id=\"a8a9\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The balance sheet is a high-level look at a business’s assets and liabilities, or in other words, what it <em class=\"jo\">owns, </em>what it <em class=\"jo\">owes, and what’s leftover</em>. Basically, it’s your business’s summary of financial status.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd02\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Accountants like to use this sophisticated calculation on the balance sheet: <span id=\"ff7f\" class=\"eo lr jz dr mc b md me mf s mg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Assets = Liabilities + Equity</span></span></p>\n<p id=\"d1f4\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What does this mean? Think about your personal finances. What you own was financed by liabilities (loans, mortgage, credit cards) or by equity (cash, income, savings).</span></p>\n<p id=\"72fe\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A healthy balance sheet — or strong balance sheet, as we say in the biz — uses a few ratios to determine its…healthiness (I’m running out of financial adjectives).</span></p>\n<ul class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"be34\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Liquidity ratio = Assets/Liabilities</strong> | This tells you whether you can pay back your short-term liabilities. A healthy ratio is above a 1</span></li>\n<li id=\"ad19\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Debt-to-equity ratio = Debt/Equity</strong> | This determines if you are financing your business through debt or your own funds. Lower the better.</span></li>\n<li id=\"dc5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Quick ratio = Current Assets (Cash, Invoices)-Inventory/Liabilities</strong> | This shows whether or not you can pay your short-term liabilities with cash or near-cash resources. Higher the better.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p id=\"8f92\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s enough math for now, let’s talk about the income statement.</span></p>\n<h2 id=\"77a6\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Income Statement</span></h2>\n<p id=\"355f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You might sometimes hear the income statement referred to as the “profit and loss statement” or the “P&amp;L” if they’ve watched a bit too much <em class=\"jo\">Wolf of Wall Street</em> lately.</span></p>\n<p id=\"cc49\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Again using personal finances as an example, the income statement is sort of like your monthly checking account statement that your bank sends you. Your bank summarizes all the monies that have gone in or out of your account and you get a high-level view of its impact on your account balance.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3915\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is the income statement important? Because it shows whether or not you’re profitable. Are you earning more money than you are spending?</span></p>\n<p id=\"a47f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Now, if you are a solo-preneur and you’ve set up your S-Corp, chances are profitability isn’t your main goal (I dive a bit more into that in my previous article). However, knowing how much of a salary you can draw is determined by your income statement, aka it’s not wise to pay yourself more than you bring in.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"a2b1\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">3. Set up KPIs to align with your goals</span></h1>\n<p id=\"c177\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I know, I know, most people pronounce KPI as <em class=\"jo\">K-P-I</em> but wouldn’t the business world be a much better place if we pronounced it <em class=\"jo\">Kippy</em> instead?</span></p>\n<p id=\"148d\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pretty good, right? Save your enthusiasm for the time being, we can put a pin in the discussion and come back to it later.</span></p>\n<p id=\"5625\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In the meantime, we should talk about what exactly are KPIs — sorry, <em class=\"jo\">Kippies</em> — and how do they apply to your business.</span></p>\n<p id=\"112a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">KPI stands for <em class=\"jo\">Key Performance Indicator</em> and is typically referred to as a metric. A metric is just a number without goals attached to it. For example, a basic metric could be revenue. Let’s say for this tax year you’ve earned $100,000 in revenue. Is that good?</span></p>\n<p id=\"ca47\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, it depends on your goals. If your goal is to be profitable and you spent $200,000 to earn $100,000 then that Kippy ain’t looking so good, is it?</span></p>\n<p id=\"0f57\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s take a look at what makes a good KPI (yeah, now that I hear it out loud, “Kippy” isn’t doing it for me anymore).</span></p>\n<ol class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"812b\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should lead to action.</strong> When you look at your KPI, do you know what action you need to take?</span></li>\n<li id=\"3528\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should be simple to measure.</strong> If it’s taking you hours to drudge up the numbers, then is it worth it?</span></li>\n<li id=\"29ba\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is current.</strong> Can you make an accurate business decision with old data?</span></li>\n<li id=\"7c6c\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is always tied to your main goals.</strong> Are you growing profits, increasing conversion rates, reducing your debts?</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p id=\"02ec\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re just starting out as a solo-preneur, pick a few simple KPIs to track such as revenue growth rate or gross profit margin. Don’t track for tracking sake, use them to make better business decisions.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"cba4\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">4. Understand your tax implications</span></h1>\n<p id=\"d7f1\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may be tempted to think that because you are self-employed good ol’ Uncle Sam will go easy on you.</span></p>\n<p id=\"eeac\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I’ve already gone in-depth about the merits of electing for the S-Corp to potentially save you thousands of tax dollars (all legal by the way), but I’ll quickly summarize here.</span></p>\n<p id=\"4151\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Being self-employed means you are responsible for the entire 15.3% cut of Social Security and Medicare tax. When you work a traditional W-2, you only pay half and your employer pays the other half.</span></p>\n<p id=\"8611\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you take the S-Corp election, you essentially share the burden of the tax between yourself and your business.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</section>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"os ht n nb p\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<div class=\"ou s\">\n<p><a href=\"https://blog.bookscaping.com/tagged/kpi\" class=\"av b gj ow fg ox oy gz s mb\"></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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://blog.bookscaping.com/how-to-beef-up-your-business-financial-literacy-e298da183584\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','1414-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 18:35:53','2021-04-13 18:35:53','',1414,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1414-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1427,1,'2021-04-13 19:02:56','2021-04-13 19:02:56','[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=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>30+ Amazing iPhone Tips and Tricks For 2021</strong></span></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/2021/04/Budget.jpg\" width=\"772\" height=\"516\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1426 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><span class=\"lede\">MONEY IS INTERTWINED IN </span>our everyday lives, and the way you manage it will greatly shape your future outcomes. Whether you’re trying to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt or build savings, a well-laid-out budget can help you reach your goals faster. By tracking your income against your expenses, a spending and savings plan can ensure you’re in control of your finances.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Think of a budget as the framework that keeps your financial house from falling down – it tells your money where to go to maintain daily expenses and reach various goals at the same time. A budget doesn’t mean you have to be restrictive, either. On the contrary, it allows you to control spending to ensure you can afford things that bring you joy.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“A budget helps you reach your financial goals because it gives you a full understanding of your spending and saving,” says Jim Wang, founder of WalletHacks.com, a personal finance blog. “This helps you find areas where you can cut back on your spending so you can increase your savings elsewhere.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Americans may be more in need of a budget than ever before. In fact, a recent report from Clever found that 61% of consumers are living paycheck to paycheck and 38% have accumulated personal debts of $3,000 or more in the past year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Budgeting can often feel intimidating, but knowing how and where to start can alleviate some fear. Bobbi Rebell, certified financial planner and personal expert for Tally, a credit builder tool, says to start simple. “Look at your available income and write down your priorities, then work from there and see where you can make adjustments,” she says, adding that a notebook is a great place to jot down all your expenses and purchases to get better insight into your overall spending habits.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For those who are ready to take the leap into budgeting, creating a spreadsheet from scratch isn’t necessary. Save time and hassle by using a pre-made budget worksheet. You can find templates where you manually enter your information for free or subscribe to a service which imports your financial data on a regular basis for effortless financial tracking.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Figuring out which one works best for you may require a little trial and error, but no matter which one you choose, beginning the process is the first step in the right direction.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Here’s a look at seven of the best budget spreadsheets to begin your journey to financial wellness:</span></p>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><react-trigger trigger=\"view\"></react-trigger></p>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 fHKjHB\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Budget Mom’s Budget Packet</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google Sheets</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Microsoft Excel</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Vertex42</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Tiller Money</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mint</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Personal Capital</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Budget Mom’s Budget Packet</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__FirstInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-0 kYlGEo sm-hide md-hide\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 bwWzQw\" spacing=\"4\"></div>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Sometimes putting pen to paper helps you feel more connected to the habits you’re tracking, which makes the Monthly Budget Packet from TheBudgetMom.com a great resource for budgeting newbies, explains Rebel. This free printable provides a detailed income and expense tracking chart where you enter items like fixed and variable expenses, debt and savings. You even get a bill tracker and monthly spending chart, so you have plenty of options to test and see which works best for your money management needs and preferences.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Google Sheets</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Create a customized budget spreadsheet or grab a ready-to-go template through Google Sheets, which makes tracking finances easy. With an endless number of budgeting templates to choose from, you can find a tracking chart that fits your needs, whether you’re looking to manage your budget on a weekly or monthly basis, or a budgeting template for specific events such as a wedding or upcoming vacation. Google Sheets offers built-in categories along with formulas that make calculating expenses against income effortless. Some even come with pre-formulated charts and graphs that allow you to visualize your overall financial picture. Other features include filtering expenses by category and even sending queries about certain purchases directly to your partner’s email through the spreadsheet. Another benefit of using Google Sheets is that it’s easy to share with family members, and you can access it across multiple devices if you save it in Google Drive.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 AnchorBlock__AnchorWrapper-sc-1ktbrp2-0 erSrIv fFwDTg\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Microsoft Excel</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you have Microsoft Office, look no further than Microsoft Excel for your budgeting needs. With a suite of budgeting templates designed to fit many different financial needs, from personal family expenses to basic monthly budgeting to more specific financial tracking for holidays, weddings, vacations and more, there is something for everyone. If you prefer to create your own customized template, basic Excel skills will get the job done.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Vertex42</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This site offers a range of monthly budget templates built for Excel users, all for free. Choose among a variety of spreadsheets, from income and expense tracking to personal monthly budgets to wedding budgets and more. For those who need help managing spending on a day-to-day basis, the Budget Calendar Template allows you to track expenses using a calendar format, showing you when monthly bills need to be paid. It includes daily account balances to help you avoid overdrafting your account. Before you download any template, you can click on the link of the budgeting worksheet for a full description and screenshot of the layout to see if it will work for you.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Tiller Money</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Entering your own financial data into a budget spreadsheet can be tedious and ultimately deter you from tracking your finances, but that’s where Tiller Money comes in. The site streamlines your financial accounts and automatically updates a budget template in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel with your spending, income and balances each day. This helps take the work out of tracking your finances, which is a hurdle many people face in taking control of their money, Wang says. You can create your own budget spreadsheet or use an existing template, which gives you more flexibility to format the budget to meet your personal needs. After a free 30-day trial, Tiller Money is $79 a year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Mint</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Though the Mint app takes budgeting one step further by streamlining your digital financial accounts in one place, you can also find budget templates designed through Excel on Mint\'s website with custom options to suit different life stages. For instance, college students can use the college budget template to create a financial tracking chart customized to their needs. Meanwhile, a new parent might find the day care budget template helpful in managing all the new expenses that come with having a baby.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-large\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Personal Capital</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When your finances become a bit more complicated and you have multiple investment accounts and income sources, a basic budgeting template may not be enough to optimize your money management. In this case, Personal Capital may provide a better solution for your budgeting needs. Link all your financial accounts through its personalized dashboard to get a snapshot of your total financial picture. In addition to monitoring your spending, investments, savings and other goals, you can also track your net worth through this dashboard.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Budgeting may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s an easy financial skill to master once you get started. You just need to find a template that fits your money needs – and stick with it until it becomes a habit.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/budgeting-templates-to-take-control-of-your-money\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','7 Budgeting Templates to Take Control of Your Money','','inherit','closed','closed','','1421-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:02:56','2021-04-13 19:02:56','',1421,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1421-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1432,1,'2021-04-13 19:19:04','2021-04-13 19:19:04','[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\"]<h1 spacing=\"4\" size=\"5\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All</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/2021/04/Money-and-Happiness.jpg\" width=\"623\" height=\"350\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1431 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Millionaires, rejoice! It turns out that money can, in fact, buy happiness. And a new study suggests more is better, with well-being rising as earnings grow.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Having more money gives people a greater sense of control over life,\" said study author Matthew Killingsworth.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The finding stems from more than 1.7 million real-time reports of well-being from more than 33,000 U.S. adults. They were prompted by their cellphones to answer the question \"How do you feel right now?\" at random times during their waking hours.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Previous research had suggested that an annual income of more than $75,000 might not improve people\'s day-to-day lives, and that notion has been widely circulated.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But this study appears to disagree.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Seen from a moment-by-moment angle, Killingsworth said, the data show \"evidence that happiness rises continuously, far above $75,000,\" which means there\'s reason to believe that more money really does improve people\'s lives.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"If you have more money, you can choose how to spend your time and how to direct your life,\" said Killingsworth, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania\'s Wharton School of Business, in Philadelphia.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Stress reduction</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This study found that a sense of control accounted for as much as 74% of the apparent link between greater income and greater well-being.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">People who earn more spend less time stressing out about bills, Killingsworth noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The study found that 44% of low-earners had money problems, compared with 7% among those earning over $500,000, he said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"To put it another way: People with low incomes were seven times as likely to report trouble coping with bills,\" Killingsworth explained.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The report was published in the Jan. 26 issue of the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.<em></em></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">On average, participants were 33 years old and made about $85,000 per year. About 1% earned $500,000 or more. Just over one-third were married (37%), and about two-thirds were women.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Real-time well-being reports were solicited randomly throughout the day. Participants were also asked how important money was to them; whether they equated money with success; whether they felt in control of their life; and how optimistic, financially insecure, and/or time-pressed they were.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After stacking responses up against income, Killingsworth broadly found that the more money you make, the better you feel day-to-day and the more satisfied you are with life overall.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">He found no evidence of a ceiling in the relationship between money and happiness. Above $80,000 a year, larger incomes were associated with significantly higher levels of all positive feelings (confident, good, interested and proud) and significantly lower levels of negative feelings (bored, bad, sad, upset).</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So are people on the short end of the economic stick doomed to a less happy existence?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Not necessarily. While wealth matters, it\'s \"far from the most important thing,\" Killingsworth said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For one thing, while money can afford a sense of control, there\'s always an opportunity to find other ways to achieve the same end, he said. And some people say money just isn\'t that important to them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"For those people, happiness is virtually unaffected by how much they earn,\" Killingsworth said. \"So it\'s possible that people who don\'t earn high salaries, but nevertheless craft lives that they enjoy, may find they don\'t actually miss having more money.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>A complex relationship</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The goal, he said, should be to keep money in perspective, because \"people are happiest when they don\'t equate money and success in life.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The findings came as little surprise to James Maddux, senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Research on the relationship between wealth and happiness, for individuals and nations, has been evolving for decades and has shown that the relationship is complex, as this study again demonstrates,\" Maddux noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So Killingsworth\'s finding of a link between higher incomes and life satisfaction \"is not a radical take or an alternative \'school of thought,\'\" Maddux said. \"It\'s simply new information about a very complex research question.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And given the finding of a strong connection between a sense of control and well-being, Maddux offered some advice.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Stop trying to become happier by buying more and more expensive stuff,\" he said, because that\'s the road to debt. \"And debt is detrimental to life satisfaction, partly because it leads to feelings of insecurity and loss of control.\"</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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]','Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All','','inherit','closed','closed','','1428-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:19:04','2021-04-13 19:19:04','',1428,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1428-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1435,1,'2021-04-13 19:28:34','2021-04-13 19:28:34','[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=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Protect Against Identity Theft</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/2021/04/Identity-theft.jpg\" width=\"804\" height=\"340\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1438 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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><em style=\"text-align: left; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\">Learn 10 key points to protecting yourself from identity theft</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 30px;\"></span></p>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Many people do not make the connection between an email or phone call and identity theft. But this is how cybercriminals are doing damage to individuals and organizations.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">With a phishing email or imposter phone call, cybercriminals steal personal and financial information from victims and use this to assume identities and do significant harm to people and organizations.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The impacts of identity theft run deep – ruining the reputation of an organization that is breached, hurting the employee who accidentally installed ransomware, and exposing clients/vendors/investors/partners/colleagues to long-term financial and personal fraud.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">From opening bank accounts, signing up for credit cards to even applying for jobs in the victim’s name – there are no limits on what cybercriminals can and will do with stolen personal information.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">And unfortunately, identity theft is on the rise. According to a recent report from the Identity Theft Resource Center, 165 million sensitive records were stolen and exposed due to close to 15,000 breaches of private and government organizations in the U.S. in 2019. This is a 17% increase from 2018.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">However, even with awareness of cyber security threats, many people do not understand how identity theft happens. As a CISO or security leader, it’s key you improve your employees’ understanding of what really happens with the information that is accessed and stolen due to a cyber attack.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>What is Identity Theft?</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px; color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft is the act of obtaining and using a victim’s personal information to commit fraudulent activities in that person’s name. With enough information about their victim, a criminal takes over the victim’s identity and conducts a range of fraudulent activities in their name.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">While a victim is personally damaged by identity theft, the ramifications of the cyber attack are typically not limited to just one person. Cybercriminals prey on employees at corporations, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and other institutions – hoping an employee clicks a link in a phishing email to trigger access to databases of personal and financial information.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Damage done by identity theft has a trickle-down effect and hurts everyone, causing personal and emotional trauma for the person who accidentally gives the cybercriminal access, the serious consequences to the people whose personal information is stolen, and the reputation of your organization.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft is a serious threat around the world and many governments have implemented programs for their citizens to help them report identity theft and establish a recovery plan:</span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In the Unites States, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In other counties, check your government’s website for information.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>How Serious is Identity Theft for Organizations?</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">A recent report by IBM reveals that a data breach, resulting in stolen identities has an average cost of $3.86 million for an organization and it takes on average 280 days to realize a data breach has occurred.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Along with the stolen personal and financial information of your employees, clients, investors, and third-party partners, identity theft and data breaches cause loss in three primary ways:</span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Financial loss</strong>: this includes the costs of recovering from a data breach, making ransomware payments, compensating victims, increase in insurance premiums, rebuilding computer networks and technical infrastructure, and the loss of business.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Reputation and trust</strong>: it is very difficult to rebuild trust internally and externally once a cyber attack causes identity theft. Rebuilding trust with customers, partners, and the media is expensive, takes a long time, and very difficult.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Business impacts</strong>: whether it’s a school, healthcare organization, large corporation, or government department – the business impacts are long-ranging. There is the loss of confidential and intellectual property, the costs of rebuilding the business, legal costs, and loss of future business opportunities.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Because many people do not connect a data breach and cyber attacks with real-world impacts, you need to remind employees what identity theft means for them on a personal level.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">For example, identity theft can mean the cybercriminal uses the victim’s identity to:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Accumulate credit card charges.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Get a new loan or line of credit.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Transfer funds out of the victim’s account.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Sign a lease in the victim’s name.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Collect government benefits owed to the victim.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Submit fraudulent insurance claims.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Obtain identification or travel documents.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong> </strong><strong>What CISOs and Security Leaders Need to Know about How Identity Theft Happens</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">It’s important to remember that cybercriminals are savvy. They are reading the news, following the trends, and using new and evolving techniques to commit crimes.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We have seen in recent months how cybercriminals are using fear and uncertainty around COVID-19 pandemic to commit crimes against people who simply want their questions and concerns answered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Identity theft happens with these 7 key cyber attack tactics:</strong></span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Social engineering with an email, text, or phone message.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Malware – such as installing spyware or keyloggers on the network.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Researching social network sites for personal information, email addresses, employee connections, recent conferences, promotions, etc.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Hacking computer and databases through a range of tactics.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Eavesdropping on telephone conversations employees have in public places, the lobby of the office building, on the bus, etc.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Retrieving documents from mailboxes, recycling bins, or trash cans and using this information to commit identity theft or additional cyber attacks such as spear phishing or business email compromise.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Creating fake online profiles convincing employees who do their due diligence on an unknown caller or email sender that the person is legitimate and can be trusted.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>To protect your organization and employees from an identity theft incident, remember the following cyber security best practices:</strong></span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do use phishing simulations to monitor employee awareness of phishing and to measure the effectiveness of cyber security awareness training and campaigns.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Use newsletters, micro-learnings, and other campaigns to raise employee awareness of the impacts of identity theft. Remind them that identity theft hurts everyone including colleagues, clients, and their employer.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Ask employees to use social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook cautiously. Explain how cybercriminals use information from these sites to send convincing messages or to make imposter phone calls tricking people into giving up confidential information.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Give employees access to the latest cyber security awareness training on topics such as social engineering, identity theft, vishing, and smishing.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Make it easy for employees to access company policies on working remotely, working from home, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) security. Include links to key cyber security articles and resources in your company newsletter.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Establish strong password policies and force employees to update their passwords on a regular basis.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\"><strong></strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\"><strong>10 Ways You Can Protect Yourself and Our Organization from Identity Theft</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">All it takes for a cybercriminal is knowing key personal information about you to take over your identity and commit a range of fraudulent activities in your name.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft impacts you, your colleagues, and the reputation of our organization.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This is why we want you to remain vigilant and aware of cyber threats and attacks used to commit identity theft.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">To protect yourself and our organization from identity theft, follow these 10 cyber security best practices:</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do not provide confidential personal or corporate information over the phone or on a website. Always verify the legitimacy of the organization and the person requesting the information. When in doubt, talk to a colleague and your manager about the request.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When filling out online forms and providing information online, make sure the website URL uses https:// and has a padlock icon in the URL field. This indicates the website is secure.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Choose strong passwords to protect the access to your online accounts, and change passwords regularly. Follow our password policy rules and contact us if you’re unclear about our password policies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Limit the amount of personal information you share on social networks. Cybercriminals use social sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to learn details about you and our organization that they use to trick you into trusting them.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do not provide personal details such as your date of birth, social security/insurance number, postal address, or other private information to people who call, text, or email you unsolicited.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Never write down your PIN or passwords. Memorize these details and use our recommended password tool to securely store your passwords.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Securely dispose of documents containing personal, company, and confidential information when they are no longer needed.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Always communicate personal and confidential information with colleagues using secure methods such as encrypted email. Follow our organization’s recommendations on how to securely share information with colleagues.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Always verify a caller’s identity before providing information over the phone. This includes when the caller says they are a customer, client, vendor, or third-party partner. Be suspicious of people contacting you to request identifying information that they should know – such as confirming a mailing address, phone number, contact person, or password.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Be aware of people acting as pollsters or representing government organizations calling to collect information for statistical or research purposes. These people should not ask you for information such as your date of birth, postal address, salary, academic degree, or mother’s maiden name.</span></li>\n</ol>\n</div>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\"></div>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\"></div>\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://terranovasecurity.com/how-to-protect-against-identity-theft/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Protect Against Identity Theft','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-protect-against-identity-theft','','','2021-04-13 19:32:41','2021-04-13 19:32:41','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1435',0,'page','',0),(1436,1,'2021-04-13 19:28:34','2021-04-13 19:28:34','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to Protect Against Identity Theft','','inherit','closed','closed','','1435-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:28:34','2021-04-13 19:28:34','',1435,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1435-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1449,1,'2021-04-13 19:57:58','2021-04-13 19:57:58','[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\"]<h1 class=\"page_header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Progressive Insurance: How agents can help new small businesses get off on the right foot</strong></span></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/2021/04/Progressive-insurance.jpg\" width=\"478\" height=\"318\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1448 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\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 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The past year may have had negative impacts on many small businesses in the United States, but there has also been a lot of innovation by entrepreneurs who have turned their part-time gigs into their main source of employment. However, these new business owners need guidance when it comes to understanding their risks, as well as the insurance solutions available to them.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">According to Ryan Furmick, business leader for small business products at Progressive Insurance, he’s seen all kinds of new ventures seeking coverage, from people diving into online retail, to getting into freelance consulting work and homebuilding projects. “We’re seeing a steady inflow of demand, both in our independent agency channel, as well as our direct-to-consumer business channels,” he noted.</span></p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What these entrepreneurs may not know is that the moment they accept money from a customer in exchange for a good or service, they’ve created a liability exposure. For example, say a consumer who has hired a contractor to do work at their house is then injured or their property is damaged as a result of that service; the business owner could be held liable for those damages.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“At a minimum, a general liability policy would help cover that risk,” said Furmick, adding that on the other hand, “If you think about someone who provides advice for a living, like a consultant, or tax preparation, like a CPA, that’s where you really need a professional liability policy.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Moreover, depending on where the small business owner does their work, and if that’s at a fixed location that they rent or own, they need to be thinking about commercial property coverage, as well as coverage for business contents, if they’re storing inventory at the location.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Then, if the business is hiring employees, workers’ compensation becomes a need in many cases, and if they’re using their vehicle to go to customers’ job sites or deliver goods to customers, they should look at a commercial auto policy, explained Furmick.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Insurance coverage becomes that much more important considering the new risk landscape that many small businesses face today.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“The biggest change that we’re seeing is that folks that previously ran a brick-and-mortar establishment a year ago are doing more online fulfillment of orders or advocating placing orders on their website,” said Furmick. “Maybe they’ve even closed that location or are conducting the business out of their home. Those all create different exposures – if you move to a purely online operation, [for example], the risk of customer data being compromised creates that cyber liability risk.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Insurance agents working with small business owners can provide them with guidance on how evolving the business in this way could impact their exposures, and in turn, can check to make sure that they’re covered for all of the risks that could affect the business negatively.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One key item when working with newer small businesses, especially in the current economic environment, is keeping cost-savings top of mind.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“Given the past 12 months, we’ve seen that many small business owners have encountered some changes in their business operations … They may have fewer employees and lower payrolls than they did last year, or maybe they have a decrease in sales and that results in lower revenue,” Furmick told <em>Insurance Business</em>. “That lower payroll or reduced sales volume could mean a lower policy premium for the customer, so it’s important to make sure that they’ve talked to their agent or carrier to make sure that that the agent or carrier has that up-to-date information so that the policy is rated correctly.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Notably, with the April 15 tax deadline coming up, most small enterprise owners will have to provide accurate information about their business for the year ended December 31, which makes now a good time for insurance agents to reach out to their clients and confirm that their policies are rated correctly.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“The other thing too, is for businesses that use a vehicle in their operation – if they’re using it less than they were say 12 months ago, a usage-based insurance offering, like one from Progressive, can help those customers save money and better manage their fleet of vehicles,” added Furmick.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\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.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/progressive-insurance-how-agents-can-help-new-small-businesses-get-off-on-the-right-foot-251821.aspx\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Progressive Insurance: How agents can help new small businesses get off on the right foot','','inherit','closed','closed','','1445-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:57:58','2021-04-13 19:57:58','',1445,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1445-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1495,1,'2021-04-16 20:00:56','2021-04-16 20:00:56','[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 spacing=\"4\" size=\"5\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All</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/2021/04/My-Post-37-1024x536.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1494 aligncenter size-large\" /></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>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;\">Millionaires, rejoice! It turns out that money can, in fact, buy happiness. And a new study suggests more is better, with well-being rising as earnings grow.</span></p>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Having more money gives people a greater sense of control over life,\" said study author Matthew Killingsworth.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The finding stems from more than 1.7 million real-time reports of well-being from more than 33,000 U.S. adults. They were prompted by their cellphones to answer the question \"How do you feel right now?\" at random times during their waking hours.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Previous research had suggested that an annual income of more than $75,000 might not improve people\'s day-to-day lives, and that notion has been widely circulated.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But this study appears to disagree.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Seen from a moment-by-moment angle, Killingsworth said, the data show \"evidence that happiness rises continuously, far above $75,000,\" which means there\'s reason to believe that more money really does improve people\'s lives.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"If you have more money, you can choose how to spend your time and how to direct your life,\" said Killingsworth, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania\'s Wharton School of Business, in Philadelphia.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Stress reduction</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This study found that a sense of control accounted for as much as 74% of the apparent link between greater income and greater well-being.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">People who earn more spend less time stressing out about bills, Killingsworth noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The study found that 44% of low-earners had money problems, compared with 7% among those earning over $500,000, he said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"To put it another way: People with low incomes were seven times as likely to report trouble coping with bills,\" Killingsworth explained.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The report was published in the Jan. 26 issue of the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.<em></em></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">On average, participants were 33 years old and made about $85,000 per year. About 1% earned $500,000 or more. Just over one-third were married (37%), and about two-thirds were women.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Real-time well-being reports were solicited randomly throughout the day. Participants were also asked how important money was to them; whether they equated money with success; whether they felt in control of their life; and how optimistic, financially insecure, and/or time-pressed they were.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After stacking responses up against income, Killingsworth broadly found that the more money you make, the better you feel day-to-day and the more satisfied you are with life overall.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">He found no evidence of a ceiling in the relationship between money and happiness. Above $80,000 a year, larger incomes were associated with significantly higher levels of all positive feelings (confident, good, interested and proud) and significantly lower levels of negative feelings (bored, bad, sad, upset).</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So are people on the short end of the economic stick doomed to a less happy existence?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Not necessarily. While wealth matters, it\'s \"far from the most important thing,\" Killingsworth said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For one thing, while money can afford a sense of control, there\'s always an opportunity to find other ways to achieve the same end, he said. And some people say money just isn\'t that important to them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"For those people, happiness is virtually unaffected by how much they earn,\" Killingsworth said. \"So it\'s possible that people who don\'t earn high salaries, but nevertheless craft lives that they enjoy, may find they don\'t actually miss having more money.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>A complex relationship</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The goal, he said, should be to keep money in perspective, because \"people are happiest when they don\'t equate money and success in life.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The findings came as little surprise to James Maddux, senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Research on the relationship between wealth and happiness, for individuals and nations, has been evolving for decades and has shown that the relationship is complex, as this study again demonstrates,\" Maddux noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So Killingsworth\'s finding of a link between higher incomes and life satisfaction \"is not a radical take or an alternative \'school of thought,\'\" Maddux said. \"It\'s simply new information about a very complex research question.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And given the finding of a strong connection between a sense of control and well-being, Maddux offered some advice.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Stop trying to become happier by buying more and more expensive stuff,\" he said, because that\'s the road to debt. \"And debt is detrimental to life satisfaction, partly because it leads to feelings of insecurity and loss of control.\"</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-01-21/maybe-money-can-help-buy-happiness-after-all\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All','','inherit','closed','closed','','1428-revision-v1','','','2021-04-16 20:00:56','2021-04-16 20:00:56','',1428,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1428-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1434,1,'2021-04-13 19:19:24','2021-04-13 19:19:24','[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 spacing=\"4\" size=\"5\" class=\"Heading__HeadingStyled-sc-1w5xk2o-0 bqrWOf Heading-sc-1w5xk2o-1 NJLrK\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All</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/2021/04/Money-and-Happiness.jpg\" width=\"623\" height=\"350\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1431 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Millionaires, rejoice! It turns out that money can, in fact, buy happiness. And a new study suggests more is better, with well-being rising as earnings grow.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Having more money gives people a greater sense of control over life,\" said study author Matthew Killingsworth.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The finding stems from more than 1.7 million real-time reports of well-being from more than 33,000 U.S. adults. They were prompted by their cellphones to answer the question \"How do you feel right now?\" at random times during their waking hours.</span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Previous research had suggested that an annual income of more than $75,000 might not improve people\'s day-to-day lives, and that notion has been widely circulated.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But this study appears to disagree.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Seen from a moment-by-moment angle, Killingsworth said, the data show \"evidence that happiness rises continuously, far above $75,000,\" which means there\'s reason to believe that more money really does improve people\'s lives.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"If you have more money, you can choose how to spend your time and how to direct your life,\" said Killingsworth, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania\'s Wharton School of Business, in Philadelphia.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Stress reduction</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This study found that a sense of control accounted for as much as 74% of the apparent link between greater income and greater well-being.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">People who earn more spend less time stressing out about bills, Killingsworth noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The study found that 44% of low-earners had money problems, compared with 7% among those earning over $500,000, he said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"To put it another way: People with low incomes were seven times as likely to report trouble coping with bills,\" Killingsworth explained.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The report was published in the Jan. 26 issue of the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.<em></em></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">On average, participants were 33 years old and made about $85,000 per year. About 1% earned $500,000 or more. Just over one-third were married (37%), and about two-thirds were women.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Real-time well-being reports were solicited randomly throughout the day. Participants were also asked how important money was to them; whether they equated money with success; whether they felt in control of their life; and how optimistic, financially insecure, and/or time-pressed they were.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">After stacking responses up against income, Killingsworth broadly found that the more money you make, the better you feel day-to-day and the more satisfied you are with life overall.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">He found no evidence of a ceiling in the relationship between money and happiness. Above $80,000 a year, larger incomes were associated with significantly higher levels of all positive feelings (confident, good, interested and proud) and significantly lower levels of negative feelings (bored, bad, sad, upset).</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So are people on the short end of the economic stick doomed to a less happy existence?</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Not necessarily. While wealth matters, it\'s \"far from the most important thing,\" Killingsworth said.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For one thing, while money can afford a sense of control, there\'s always an opportunity to find other ways to achieve the same end, he said. And some people say money just isn\'t that important to them.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"For those people, happiness is virtually unaffected by how much they earn,\" Killingsworth said. \"So it\'s possible that people who don\'t earn high salaries, but nevertheless craft lives that they enjoy, may find they don\'t actually miss having more money.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>A complex relationship</strong></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The goal, he said, should be to keep money in perspective, because \"people are happiest when they don\'t equate money and success in life.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The findings came as little surprise to James Maddux, senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Research on the relationship between wealth and happiness, for individuals and nations, has been evolving for decades and has shown that the relationship is complex, as this study again demonstrates,\" Maddux noted.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">So Killingsworth\'s finding of a link between higher incomes and life satisfaction \"is not a radical take or an alternative \'school of thought,\'\" Maddux said. \"It\'s simply new information about a very complex research question.\"</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And given the finding of a strong connection between a sense of control and well-being, Maddux offered some advice.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n<div size=\"5\" spacing=\"4\" class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 iyvmNz\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">\"Stop trying to become happier by buying more and more expensive stuff,\" he said, because that\'s the road to debt. \"And debt is detrimental to life satisfaction, partly because it leads to feelings of insecurity and loss of control.\"</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\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.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-01-21/maybe-money-can-help-buy-happiness-after-all\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Maybe Money Can Help Buy Happiness, After All','','inherit','closed','closed','','1428-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:19:24','2021-04-13 19:19:24','',1428,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1428-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1440,1,'2021-04-13 19:45:30','2021-04-13 19:45:30','[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=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Tire Sealant Review: Roadside Heroes and Those That Will Leave You Flat</strong></span></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/2021/04/Tire-sealant.jpg\" width=\"764\" height=\"432\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1443 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Consumer Reports evaluates several popular sealants, from pressurized cans to complete kits with compressors</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">A flat tire is always inconvenient and often dangerous, risking loss of control while driving or collision while performing a roadside repair. Adding to the drama is the reality that many recent cars don’t even come with a spare tire. For many motorists, the best tools to fix an ailing tire are a phone, roadside assistance membership, and a spare tire or tire sealant kit, which can be used to fix small holes and refill the deflated tire. There are aftermarket sealants, as well. These typically cost around $10 for a pressurized can to around $80 for a full kit with a portable tire inflator, making them an attractive addition to an emergency kit that is kept in the car. But our testing reveals that not all tire repair kits work as expected. This is a shame, because they have great promise, and the alternatives bring real compromises.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">These days, it is important for drivers to have a plan for dealing with a flat tire before it happens. Reviewing records on Consumer Reports test cars going back to the 2017 model year revealed that about 62 percent came with a temporary spare, 15 percent had a sealant kit, and 11 percent were equipped with run-flat tires and no spare. Just 9 percent came with a full-sized spare tire—the only solution that allows you to continue your travels, without stopping at a service center for a professional repair or new tire. (If you have a spare tire, be sure to check and adjust its air pressure regularly, or it may be flat when needed.) </span></p>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Run-flat tires sound great in concept. When punctured, they provide extended mobility in a “limp-home” mode at reduced speed and for a limited distance, much like a temporary spare tire—without the need to perform the dirty task of changing the tire. But run-flats can contribute to a firmer ride in general, and they are often expensive to replace and difficult to find in a hurry.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This brings us back to sealant kits. The promise is that if you get a small hole in the tire, say from running over a nail, you could perform a temporary fix, quickly and easily. No need to call for help or pay for an expensive tow. Simply connect the nozzle from a pressurized can of sealant and spray essentially a goo in the tire that covers the hole. The air within the can would at least partially refill the tire so that you could drive the car slowly to a repair shop for a professional patch or tire replacement. A full kit would allow the tire to be brought up to its full operating pressure.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">These products have been on the market for years, but their appeal is increasing as automakers cut back on spare tires in new cars to save weight, as they chase fuel-economy goals.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Types of Tire Sealants</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">To see how the latest products work, the Consumer Reports tire team evaluated seven common sealant models among three distinct types. Each is readily available in stores and online, and we bought multiple samples of each one for the project.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Pressurized-can sealants</b> ($7 to $20), such as the ubiquitous Fix-a-Flat, are one-time-use products that have a dispensing tube that screws to a tire’s air-inflation valve. The sealers we bought claim to seal a hole and partially inflate the tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Tire-sealant kits</b> ($24 to $80) combine a portable 12-volt air compressor and a replaceable container of sealant. Many new cars supply this kind of kit in lieu of a spare tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Liquid tire sealants</b> ($9-$14) is a liquid sealant poured through the valve stem of a tire/wheel, then inflated with a compressor that\'s not included.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Key points:<br /></b>No attempt should be made to repair a hole larger than 6 mm in diameter or a cut or hole in a sidewall with these products. Your only option is to replace the tire with that kind of damage.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If you use a tire sealant, you should get the tire professionally repaired or replaced as quickly as possible—typically within 100 miles or as directed by the product.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Sealants coat the inside of the tire and wheel with a messy residue, which a tire shop has to clean out, possibly causing extra expense. They can potentially gum up the tire-pressure monitor sensor (TPMS), if so equipped, risking erroneous readings. Most products specifically claim that they are TPMS safe.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do be aware that some sealant products have expiration dates and will therefore need to be replaced periodically, even if not used.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Should You Buy a Tire Sealant?</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In a pinch, a pressurized can sealant may be able to fix a small hole and allow the car to limp to the tire store for a full repair or tire replacement, provided you have a compressor to top off the tire pressure. The better investment is a tire sealant kit that has the ability to fix a punctured tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure as specified by your car’s tire information placard found on the driver’s door jamb. In addition, the kits evaluated can be safely stowed in the car, even a hot car. On a vacation, or during a busy day, a tire repair kit with a compressor would allow you to continue on route. They cost more, but based on our experience, the price is worthwhile.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">There are limitations to what can be fixed with a sealant product. A large hole, multiple holes, or a sidewall tear can be beyond the capabilities of these products. Ultimately, spare tires and run-flat tires are better alternatives. When buying a car, it is worth checking to see what it comes with. In many cases, you may be able to pay extra to have a spare tire added.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">“Based on these tests, I would buy a tire repair kit with a compressor to keep in the trunk,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, a tire technician at Consumer Reports. “But you can’t beat a true spare tire as a solution to any tire problem.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Tire Sealant Kit Reviews</span></h2>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The tire sealant kits include both a can of sealant and a compressor that work together. The sealant is connected to the tire via a screw-on tube, and the compressor is plugged into a 12-volt power accessory port. With most kits, the compressor forces air through a container of tire sealant into the flat tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Unlike the pressurized sealant cans, these kits can pump a truly flat tire up to its recommended pressure. And because the sealant isn’t pressurized before you use it, you can keep the kit in your car. (Pressurized cans risk rupturing if left in a hot car.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Another plus is that when you’re not using it to pump sealant into a flat tire, the compressor can inflate other car tires, yard and recreational equipment, boat trailer tires, and so forth.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The tire sealant kits that we evaluated claim to be safe on tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. (We did not verify this in our evaluation.) They each have their own usage guidelines. For instance, tires fixed with the airMan kits should be limited to 120 miles of driving at speeds no more than 50 mph. The Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit recommends temporary use to no more than 100 miles or 3 days from date of the tire fix, and the Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series claims use limited to 500 miles, according to Slime\'s website.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Each proved effective solutions for the large punctures, except for the Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series, which worked well only with the smaller hole size.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">airMan ResQ Pro +</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This kit sealed the large 5.8-mm puncture and inflated the tire quicker than other units. Simple to use, the airMan ResQ Pro + comes in a self-contained package and requires no assembly, and it comes with a carry case. It was the favorite among the team. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price: </b>$80</span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy: </b>Grainger</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Pro-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Pro-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"airMan ResQ Pro + tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">airMan ResQ Tire Repair Kit</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This lower-priced airMan kit had similar performance to the airMan ResQ Pro +, but it requires assembly of the sealant container to the compressor. We think the extra money is worth it to buy the ResQ Pro+, because you might need to use this product in less-than-ideal conditions—such as on a dark, rainy night—alongside the road. Plus, you have to disassemble this to fit it back in its case. Spend the extra money.   </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $55</span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"airMan ResQ Tire Repair Kit tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Priced less than its evaluated rivals, this kit sealed the large 5.8-mm puncture with ease. However, it requires removing the tire’s valve core with an included hand tool, then squirting the sealant liquid through the valve stem, re-installing the valve core, then inflating the tire with the compressor. Removing the tiny valve core adds an element of risk of difficult removal and misplacing it during the roadside repair. It is more cumbersome than the airMan products. The savings aren’t worth the concession in our view.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $24 to $40 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Ace Hardware, Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, Slime, Sportsman\'s Warehouse, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Smart-Spair-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Smart-Spair-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">As the name suggests, this kit comes with a digital pressure gauge in the compressor unit. (A cheaper dial gauge model is also available, but we did not evaluate it.) There is no need to remove the valve core as with the cheaper Slime Safety Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit. Like the airMan products, sealant flows into the tire through the compressor. The results were mixed for this kit. Our first attempt to seal a 5.8-mm puncture was not successful. The tire leaked after filling with sealant, and it was almost totally flat in 24 hours. We did a retest on a brand-new tire and had better results with only a slight loss of pressure after a 50-mile drive. We checked the pressure 24 hours later and found the tire to be down 10 psi from the recommended 35 psi. We then ran the test a third time with a 2.4-mm hole, and we found the kit to easily seal the smaller puncture. Based on our experience, we would choose one of the airMan kits over this.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $35 to $55 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon, AutoZone, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Digital-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Digital-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Liquid Tire Sealant Reviews</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Liquid tire sealants are inexpensive, but you\'ll need a compressor or portable tire inflator to inflate a tire after the sealant application. Best use would be as a backup at home.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Tire Sealant Thru-Core Technology</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The sealant couldn’t plug a 5.8-mm puncture, but we had success with a smaller 2.4-mm puncture. This is an inexpensive solution to small punctures, assuming you own and carry a portable tire inflator. But because of its limitations, we’d look to a kit or pressurized can sealant. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $9 to $14 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Ace Hardware, AutoZone, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Liquid-Thru-Core-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Liquid-Thru-Core-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Tire Sealant Thru-Core Technology, a liquid tire sealant\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Pressurized-Can Sealants</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The biggest advantage of pressurized-can sealers is that they are widely available and cheap. They cost just $6 to $12 for a can designed for most car tires. For a few more dollars, 18- and 20-ounce cans are available to service larger pickup truck and SUV tires. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Fix-a-Flat</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Fix-a-Flat has become synonymous with pressurized-can sealants. These products are widely available, but their test results disappointed. Fix-a-Flat was able to seal the smaller 2.4-mm puncture with a minor loss of pressure in a 24-hour period. However, it could not seal the 5.8-mm puncture, and it could not inflate the tire without topping off with a compressor. It is easy to use, but the performance limits its usefulness. (Larger cans for pickup truck and SUV tires cost a few dollars more.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $8 to $20 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon, AutoZone, Fix-a-Flat, Home Depot, Target, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Fix-a-Flat-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Fix-a-Flat-7-20\" alt=\"Fix-a-Flat\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator from Walmart is by far the cheapest product we tested. And its performance did not deliver. It proved easy to use, but it could not effectively seal a 2.4-mm or 5.8-mm nail puncture. The can does not specify what size puncture it would seal. When asked, Walmart did not tell us what size hole it could seal. Similar to the Fix-a-Flat product, a compressor was needed to top off the tire pressure to the car’s recommended pressure. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When we asked the retailer about this product, which carries a Walmart trademark, a spokeswoman wrote, “Walmart uses accredited third party laboratories to validate that all regulatory and compliance requirements are met in addition to testing the performance of the product. The feedback we received from Consumer Reports as a result of their performance testing of this item has provided us with an opportunity to further review our protocols to continue to drive improvement in our testing methodology.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We recommend considering any of the other products evaluated over this bargain-priced sealant.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $7 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Walmart-Super-Tech-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Walmart-Super-Tech-7-20\" alt=\"Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator from Walmart\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">How We Tested</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Most of the products we evaluated claim to seal punctures up to 6 mm in diameter, though others have no specific claim. Product tests were performed on new tires with a 5.8-mm diameter nail puncture that caused the tire to go flat. We then attempted to seal the puncture, following the product directions.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Tests were done on 16-inch all-season Sentury Touring tires placed on our 2015 Toyota Camry.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We used a nail that measured 5.8 mm in diameter. (Some products were evaluated with a smaller 2.4-mm diameter nail if they couldn\'t seal the larger 5.8-mm nail hole.) The nails were welded to a flat metal plate. The Camry was lowered from a car lift onto the nail to provide a consistent puncture in the same tread area for all evaluations. Once flat, the tire was sealed and inflated to the recommended 35 psi, then driven a short distance to coat the inside of the tire with sealant. Tire pressure was checked again, and if no loss of pressure was measured, we drove 50 miles, and parked the car overnight and checked the tire pressure the next day. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The Results</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Our evaluation clearly showed that the tire sealant kits were far superior to pressurized-can sealants. They were able to seal a larger puncture and have a compressor to inflate the flat tire to the recommended tire pressure of 35 psi for our Toyota Camry.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The pressurized-can products could inflate the tire only to less than a quarter of the pressure recommended. Plus, they were not able to seal the same 5.8-mm puncture as the tire sealant kits could; tires continued to lose pressure after applying the sealant.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If you are planning to use a pressurized-can product, it is wise to have a compressor handy to top-off the tire to its recommended inflation pressure. Further, the pressured-can products we evaluated warn not to store them inside a car because of temperature concerns; this could limit their use to your driveway.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The liquid tire sealant is essentially a pressurized can that inserts sealant through the valve of the tire, but it lacks the ability to inflate the tire. It is necessary to have a compressor on hand to complete the repair. We found this product, like the pressurized-can products, not able to seal a 5.8-mm nail puncture.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The products were more successful with the 2.4-mm hole made with a finishing nail. Both the Fix-a-Flat pressurized can and Slime liquid sealant held pressure to within 1 psi, an insignificant loss after 24 hours. The Super Tech pressurized can product failed to fully seal the puncture, with the tire down 7.6 psi within the same time limit. As in the initial test with the larger framing nail, neither product had enough pressure to fill a tire to our 35 psi pressure without topping off with a compressor.  </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/tire-sealants/tire-sealant-review-pressurized-cans-kits-liquids/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Tire Sealant Review: Roadside Heroes and Those That Will Leave You Flat','','publish','closed','closed','','tire-sealant-review-roadside-heroes-and-those-that-will-leave-you-flat','','','2021-04-13 19:52:45','2021-04-13 19:52:45','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1440',0,'page','',0),(1441,1,'2021-04-13 19:45:30','2021-04-13 19:45:30','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Tire Sealant Review: Roadside Heroes and Those That Will Leave You Flat','','inherit','closed','closed','','1440-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:45:30','2021-04-13 19:45:30','',1440,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1440-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1438,1,'2021-04-13 19:32:23','2021-04-13 19:32:23','','Identity theft','','inherit','open','closed','','identity-theft','','','2021-04-13 19:32:23','2021-04-13 19:32:23','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Identity-theft.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1439,1,'2021-04-13 19:32:41','2021-04-13 19:32:41','[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\"]<h1 class=\"post-title entry-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Protect Against Identity Theft</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/2021/04/Identity-theft.jpg\" width=\"804\" height=\"340\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1438 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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><em style=\"text-align: left; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\">Learn 10 key points to protecting yourself from identity theft</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 30px;\"></span></p>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Many people do not make the connection between an email or phone call and identity theft. But this is how cybercriminals are doing damage to individuals and organizations.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">With a phishing email or imposter phone call, cybercriminals steal personal and financial information from victims and use this to assume identities and do significant harm to people and organizations.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The impacts of identity theft run deep – ruining the reputation of an organization that is breached, hurting the employee who accidentally installed ransomware, and exposing clients/vendors/investors/partners/colleagues to long-term financial and personal fraud.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">From opening bank accounts, signing up for credit cards to even applying for jobs in the victim’s name – there are no limits on what cybercriminals can and will do with stolen personal information.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">And unfortunately, identity theft is on the rise. According to a recent report from the Identity Theft Resource Center, 165 million sensitive records were stolen and exposed due to close to 15,000 breaches of private and government organizations in the U.S. in 2019. This is a 17% increase from 2018.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">However, even with awareness of cyber security threats, many people do not understand how identity theft happens. As a CISO or security leader, it’s key you improve your employees’ understanding of what really happens with the information that is accessed and stolen due to a cyber attack.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>What is Identity Theft?</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px; color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft is the act of obtaining and using a victim’s personal information to commit fraudulent activities in that person’s name. With enough information about their victim, a criminal takes over the victim’s identity and conducts a range of fraudulent activities in their name.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">While a victim is personally damaged by identity theft, the ramifications of the cyber attack are typically not limited to just one person. Cybercriminals prey on employees at corporations, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and other institutions – hoping an employee clicks a link in a phishing email to trigger access to databases of personal and financial information.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Damage done by identity theft has a trickle-down effect and hurts everyone, causing personal and emotional trauma for the person who accidentally gives the cybercriminal access, the serious consequences to the people whose personal information is stolen, and the reputation of your organization.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft is a serious threat around the world and many governments have implemented programs for their citizens to help them report identity theft and establish a recovery plan:</span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In the Unites States, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In other counties, check your government’s website for information.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>How Serious is Identity Theft for Organizations?</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">A recent report by IBM reveals that a data breach, resulting in stolen identities has an average cost of $3.86 million for an organization and it takes on average 280 days to realize a data breach has occurred.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Along with the stolen personal and financial information of your employees, clients, investors, and third-party partners, identity theft and data breaches cause loss in three primary ways:</span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Financial loss</strong>: this includes the costs of recovering from a data breach, making ransomware payments, compensating victims, increase in insurance premiums, rebuilding computer networks and technical infrastructure, and the loss of business.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Reputation and trust</strong>: it is very difficult to rebuild trust internally and externally once a cyber attack causes identity theft. Rebuilding trust with customers, partners, and the media is expensive, takes a long time, and very difficult.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Business impacts</strong>: whether it’s a school, healthcare organization, large corporation, or government department – the business impacts are long-ranging. There is the loss of confidential and intellectual property, the costs of rebuilding the business, legal costs, and loss of future business opportunities.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Because many people do not connect a data breach and cyber attacks with real-world impacts, you need to remind employees what identity theft means for them on a personal level.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">For example, identity theft can mean the cybercriminal uses the victim’s identity to:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Accumulate credit card charges.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Get a new loan or line of credit.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Transfer funds out of the victim’s account.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Sign a lease in the victim’s name.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Collect government benefits owed to the victim.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Submit fraudulent insurance claims.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Obtain identification or travel documents.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong> </strong><strong>What CISOs and Security Leaders Need to Know about How Identity Theft Happens</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">It’s important to remember that cybercriminals are savvy. They are reading the news, following the trends, and using new and evolving techniques to commit crimes.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We have seen in recent months how cybercriminals are using fear and uncertainty around COVID-19 pandemic to commit crimes against people who simply want their questions and concerns answered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Identity theft happens with these 7 key cyber attack tactics:</strong></span></p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Social engineering with an email, text, or phone message.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Malware – such as installing spyware or keyloggers on the network.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Researching social network sites for personal information, email addresses, employee connections, recent conferences, promotions, etc.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Hacking computer and databases through a range of tactics.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Eavesdropping on telephone conversations employees have in public places, the lobby of the office building, on the bus, etc.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Retrieving documents from mailboxes, recycling bins, or trash cans and using this information to commit identity theft or additional cyber attacks such as spear phishing or business email compromise.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Creating fake online profiles convincing employees who do their due diligence on an unknown caller or email sender that the person is legitimate and can be trusted.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>To protect your organization and employees from an identity theft incident, remember the following cyber security best practices:</strong></span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do use phishing simulations to monitor employee awareness of phishing and to measure the effectiveness of cyber security awareness training and campaigns.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Use newsletters, micro-learnings, and other campaigns to raise employee awareness of the impacts of identity theft. Remind them that identity theft hurts everyone including colleagues, clients, and their employer.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Ask employees to use social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook cautiously. Explain how cybercriminals use information from these sites to send convincing messages or to make imposter phone calls tricking people into giving up confidential information.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Give employees access to the latest cyber security awareness training on topics such as social engineering, identity theft, vishing, and smishing.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Make it easy for employees to access company policies on working remotely, working from home, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) security. Include links to key cyber security articles and resources in your company newsletter.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Establish strong password policies and force employees to update their passwords on a regular basis.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\"><strong></strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 26px;\"><strong>10 Ways You Can Protect Yourself and Our Organization from Identity Theft</strong></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">All it takes for a cybercriminal is knowing key personal information about you to take over your identity and commit a range of fraudulent activities in your name.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Identity theft impacts you, your colleagues, and the reputation of our organization.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This is why we want you to remain vigilant and aware of cyber threats and attacks used to commit identity theft.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">To protect yourself and our organization from identity theft, follow these 10 cyber security best practices:</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do not provide confidential personal or corporate information over the phone or on a website. Always verify the legitimacy of the organization and the person requesting the information. When in doubt, talk to a colleague and your manager about the request.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When filling out online forms and providing information online, make sure the website URL uses https:// and has a padlock icon in the URL field. This indicates the website is secure.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Choose strong passwords to protect the access to your online accounts, and change passwords regularly. Follow our password policy rules and contact us if you’re unclear about our password policies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Limit the amount of personal information you share on social networks. Cybercriminals use social sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to learn details about you and our organization that they use to trick you into trusting them.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do not provide personal details such as your date of birth, social security/insurance number, postal address, or other private information to people who call, text, or email you unsolicited.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Never write down your PIN or passwords. Memorize these details and use our recommended password tool to securely store your passwords.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Securely dispose of documents containing personal, company, and confidential information when they are no longer needed.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Always communicate personal and confidential information with colleagues using secure methods such as encrypted email. Follow our organization’s recommendations on how to securely share information with colleagues.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Always verify a caller’s identity before providing information over the phone. This includes when the caller says they are a customer, client, vendor, or third-party partner. Be suspicious of people contacting you to request identifying information that they should know – such as confirming a mailing address, phone number, contact person, or password.</span></li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Be aware of people acting as pollsters or representing government organizations calling to collect information for statistical or research purposes. These people should not ask you for information such as your date of birth, postal address, salary, academic degree, or mother’s maiden name.</span></li>\n</ol>\n</div>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\"></div>\n<div class=\"post-content clearfix\"></div>\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://terranovasecurity.com/how-to-protect-against-identity-theft/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Protect Against Identity Theft','','inherit','closed','closed','','1435-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:32:41','2021-04-13 19:32:41','',1435,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1435-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1445,1,'2021-04-13 19:55:08','2021-04-13 19:55:08','[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\"]<h1 class=\"page_header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Progressive Insurance: How agents can help new small businesses get off on the right foot</strong></span></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/2021/04/Progressive-insurance.jpg\" width=\"478\" height=\"318\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1448 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></p>\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 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The past year may have had negative impacts on many small businesses in the United States, but there has also been a lot of innovation by entrepreneurs who have turned their part-time gigs into their main source of employment. However, these new business owners need guidance when it comes to understanding their risks, as well as the insurance solutions available to them.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">According to Ryan Furmick, business leader for small business products at Progressive Insurance, he’s seen all kinds of new ventures seeking coverage, from people diving into online retail, to getting into freelance consulting work and homebuilding projects. “We’re seeing a steady inflow of demand, both in our independent agency channel, as well as our direct-to-consumer business channels,” he noted.</span></p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What these entrepreneurs may not know is that the moment they accept money from a customer in exchange for a good or service, they’ve created a liability exposure. For example, say a consumer who has hired a contractor to do work at their house is then injured or their property is damaged as a result of that service; the business owner could be held liable for those damages.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“At a minimum, a general liability policy would help cover that risk,” said Furmick, adding that on the other hand, “If you think about someone who provides advice for a living, like a consultant, or tax preparation, like a CPA, that’s where you really need a professional liability policy.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Moreover, depending on where the small business owner does their work, and if that’s at a fixed location that they rent or own, they need to be thinking about commercial property coverage, as well as coverage for business contents, if they’re storing inventory at the location.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Then, if the business is hiring employees, workers’ compensation becomes a need in many cases, and if they’re using their vehicle to go to customers’ job sites or deliver goods to customers, they should look at a commercial auto policy, explained Furmick.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Insurance coverage becomes that much more important considering the new risk landscape that many small businesses face today.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“The biggest change that we’re seeing is that folks that previously ran a brick-and-mortar establishment a year ago are doing more online fulfillment of orders or advocating placing orders on their website,” said Furmick. “Maybe they’ve even closed that location or are conducting the business out of their home. Those all create different exposures – if you move to a purely online operation, [for example], the risk of customer data being compromised creates that cyber liability risk.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Insurance agents working with small business owners can provide them with guidance on how evolving the business in this way could impact their exposures, and in turn, can check to make sure that they’re covered for all of the risks that could affect the business negatively.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One key item when working with newer small businesses, especially in the current economic environment, is keeping cost-savings top of mind.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“Given the past 12 months, we’ve seen that many small business owners have encountered some changes in their business operations … They may have fewer employees and lower payrolls than they did last year, or maybe they have a decrease in sales and that results in lower revenue,” Furmick told <em>Insurance Business</em>. “That lower payroll or reduced sales volume could mean a lower policy premium for the customer, so it’s important to make sure that they’ve talked to their agent or carrier to make sure that that the agent or carrier has that up-to-date information so that the policy is rated correctly.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Notably, with the April 15 tax deadline coming up, most small enterprise owners will have to provide accurate information about their business for the year ended December 31, which makes now a good time for insurance agents to reach out to their clients and confirm that their policies are rated correctly.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">“The other thing too, is for businesses that use a vehicle in their operation – if they’re using it less than they were say 12 months ago, a usage-based insurance offering, like one from Progressive, can help those customers save money and better manage their fleet of vehicles,” added Furmick.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\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.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/progressive-insurance-how-agents-can-help-new-small-businesses-get-off-on-the-right-foot-251821.aspx\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Progressive Insurance: How agents can help new small businesses get off on the right foot','','publish','closed','closed','','progressive-insurance-how-agents-can-help-new-small-businesses-get-off-on-the-right-foot','','','2021-04-13 19:57:58','2021-04-13 19:57:58','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1445',0,'page','',0),(1446,1,'2021-04-13 19:55:08','2021-04-13 19:55:08','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Progressive Insurance: How agents can help new small businesses get off on the right foot','','inherit','closed','closed','','1445-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:55:08','2021-04-13 19:55:08','',1445,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1445-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1466,1,'2021-04-13 20:33:45','2021-04-13 20:33:45','[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=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>You Probably Need Umbrella Insurance</strong></span></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/2021/04/Umbrella.jpg\" width=\"867\" height=\"488\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1465 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Liability insurance protects you and your family’s finances from major disasters, such as a lawsuit against you (even if the charges are groundless). For example, if you crash into someone else, liability car insurance pays for a legal defense and any judgments or settlements. Or if your dog bites someone, homeowners liability insurance covers medical expenses.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">But the safety net of liability insurance only stretches as far as the coverage amount you have. If you have significant assets that you could lose in a lawsuit, you need higher levels of liability insurance. Here’s more on <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/what-can-be-taken-in-lawsuit/\" ga-data-track=\"ExternalLink:https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/what-can-be-taken-in-lawsuit/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">what can be taken from you in a lawsuit</a>.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s where umbrella insurance policies come in. An umbrella policy is designed to help prevent financial ruin from a catastrophic event that you’re financially responsible for.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What is Umbrella Insurance?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Umbrella insurance provides “excess liability insurance” (meaning additional coverage) beyond the liability insurance already in your auto, homeowners and/or watercraft insurance policies. It’s for expensive situations where medical bills or repairs exceed your “base” auto, home or boat policies. For example:</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>You cause a serious auto or boating accident. </strong>Auto accident bills can amount quickly, especially if you’re responsible for the medical bills of multiple people. Your auto or watercraft insurance policy would pay first, up to its maximum, followed by umbrella insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>Your dog bites someone. </strong>Dog bites are typically covered by a homeowners insurance policy. But if you’re sued for an amount above your <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/best-homeowners-insurance-companies/\" title=\"home insurance\" ga-data-track=\"ExternalLink:https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/best-homeowners-insurance-companies/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">home insurance</a> liability limits (such as medical bills and pain and suffering), your umbrella policy would start paying.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>You drive your car into a building. I</strong>t happens–someone is parked close to a convenience store and they put the car in drive rather than reverse, causing extensive building damage. An <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies/\" ga-data-track=\"ExternalLink:https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">auto insurance</a> policy would pay for the property damage first, followed by an umbrella policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>You accidentally injure someone. </strong>If you or a family member accidentally injures someone, umbrella insurance will pay when auto or home insurance is exhausted. For example, say your son accidentally throws a baseball into someone’s face, causing extensive injury. Your homeowners liability insurance will pay first, followed by umbrella insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong>You’re on a board of directors of a charity and are sued for a board-related issue.</strong> An umbrella policy may provide coverage for lawsuits against you related to your work on a board of directors. The coverage may depend on whether the board is a non-profit and whether you’re paid for your service. It’s best to consult your insurance agent to understand whether you’ll be covered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1 million umbrella policy will cost about $150 to $300 per year. Generally, the next million will cost roughly $75 and $50 for every million after that.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Umbrella insurance kicks in when your “base” liability limits have been reached. Here’s an example: You cause a car accident that results in severe injuries for multiple people. The medical bills are $400,000, which exceeds your $300,000 in <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/liability-insurance/\" ga-data-track=\"ExternalLink:https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/liability-insurance/\" style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">liability auto insurance</a> policy limits. Your umbrella insurance can cover the remaining $100,000.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">To add to this example, let’s say one of the injured parties is a highly paid professional who cannot perform their job for six months because of the injuries. Because your car insurance liability limits are exhausted, without umbrella insurance your assets such as your house and savings could be at risk with the extra layer of insurance from an umbrella policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Umbrella Coverage Beyond the Base Policy</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Another advantage of umbrella insurance is that it usually provides coverage that’s not found in the base auto or homeowners policy at all. For example:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Libel, defamation or slander. For example, if you post something defamatory about someone else to a website, you could be used.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">False arrest, imprisonment or detention</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Malicious prosecution</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Wrongful eviction or entry</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Invasion of privacy</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What Umbrella Insurance Won’t Cover</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Umbrella insurance doesn’t cover your own injuries or damage to your own property. For example, your health insurance would typically cover medical expenses for injuries and your homeowners insurance would cover your property from problems like fire or theft. Here are other losses typically not covered by umbrella insurance:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Damage to your personal belongings</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Business losses</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Intentional criminal acts</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Written or oral contracts</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">While umbrella insurance provides an important safeguard against lawsuit judgments and settlements, examples of situations it generally won’t cover include:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Intentional acts or injury</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Damages due to nuclear radiation, war or terrorism</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Communicable disease, such as a lawsuit against you for giving someone herpes.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How to Buy Umbrella Insurance</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Umbrella insurance is commonly available from insurers that sell auto, home and watercraft insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You’ll need a certain amount of liability insurance in the base policy before you can add umbrella insurance. For example, you might need to have:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Home insurance: $300,000 in liability</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Auto insurance: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, or more</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Watercraft insurance: $300,000 in liability</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Wealthy households in particular need umbrella insurance. A wealthy individual or family can be a lawsuit target.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In addition, these circumstances could increase your chances of being sued:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You serve on a charitable board.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You have a swimming pool, pond or trampoline.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You have dogs, horses or other large animals.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You manage a family trust.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You host large parties in your home.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You employ household staff.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You have a high public profile.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How Much Umbrella Coverage Do I Need?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When selecting the right amount of coverage there are a couple things to consider.</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Value of your assets: An umbrella policy should cover at least the value of your assets — this is what you stand to lose in a lawsuit.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Potential future income loss: Your current assets and future income could be at risk in a lawsuit. Even if you have a limited income now, consider your potential future income. For instance, if you’re a medical student, you should consider your future earning potential.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A long legal proceeding is stressful and can potentially ruin a reputation, whether or not the lawsuit was baseless. Purchasing an umbrella policy won’t help the stress, but it can save everything you’ve worked so hard to amass.</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://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/umbrella-insurance/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','You Probably Need Umbrella Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1462-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:33:45','2021-04-13 20:33:45','',1462,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1462-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1448,1,'2021-04-13 19:56:02','2021-04-13 19:56:02','','Progressive insurance','','inherit','open','closed','','progressive-insurance','','','2021-04-13 19:56:02','2021-04-13 19:56:02','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Progressive-insurance.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1450,1,'2021-04-13 20:03:46','2021-04-13 20:03:46','[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\"]<h1 class=\"buying-hero__title crux-page-title crux-black\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Refrigerator Buying Guide</strong></span></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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Refrigerator.jpg\" width=\"288\" height=\"441\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1453 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-10 bg-component__container\">\n<div class=\"parbase intro introtext text\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-intro-large\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When it comes to refrigerators, options nowadays go far beyond simply getting a glass of ice water without having to open the door. With custom panels, you can get a built-in that exactly matches your kitchen cabinets. And forget four doors—some newer models have five. You can even pull out a refrigerated drawer and find it full of cold sodas. Our fridge-by-fridge guide helps you choose the right type for your family, demystifies claimed vs. usable storage space, and helps you to find the quietest models—so you, and your groceries, can chill out.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-10 bg-component__container\">\n<div class=\"bgsections parsys\">\n<div class=\"advertEditable parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"container-fluid hidden-print\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"textandimage parbase section generic\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-textimage\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Latest Trends</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Refrigerators might not seem as high-tech as smartphones and computers, but manufacturers keep trying to innovate on them, even if some of those innovations might feel gimmicky.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Samsung has added large touch screens and cameras to many of its French-door and side-by-side models, complete with apps for recipes, watching TV, playing music, and controlling smart home devices. LG has models with windows for seeing what’s inside without opening the door, as well as a Craft Ice feature that makes large ice balls for cocktails and spirits. GE even makes French-doors with a built-in Keurig coffee maker. And many manufacturers are creating door-in-door refrigerators with a small outer door over the fresh-food cavity’s door that opens for easy access to items on the door shelves.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What isn’t a gimmick, though, is consumer preference for refrigerator configuration. According to CR’s most recent refrigerator survey, French-doors made up 64 percent of new refrigerators purchased by CR members in 2019 and the first half of 2020, followed by side-by-sides at 20 percent, bottom-freezers at 6 percent, and top-freezers and built-ins at 5 percent each. Retailers are following this trend, too. According to market research firm Gap Intelligence, French-doors make up 61 percent of in-store selection.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"image section-image parbase\"></div>\n<div class=\"ratingsbutton section-ratings-button parbase\">\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"></div>\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"textandimage parbase section generic\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-textimage\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">How We Rate Refrigerators</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In our labs, each refrigerator we test gets wired up with temperature sensors. We then monitor it for more than a month in a temperature-controlled chamber to evaluate thermostat control and temperature uniformity.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">CR’s test engineers collect more than 5.4 million temperature readings for each model to detect warm and cold spots and determine which refrigerators will keep your food fresh longest. The results reveal that many refrigerators simply don’t do well at their primary task, and that could mean more wasted food and bigger grocery bills.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">To test the freezer compartments of refrigerators, our engineers fill the appliances with boxes and boxes of frozen spinach, then evaluate how well they keep the packages frozen.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In addition, we measure usable storage capacity, which rarely matches what manufacturers claim. Our engineers then use these measurements to calculate energy efficiency. Finally, we incorporate survey data collected from CR members on thousands of refrigerators to judge predicted reliability and owner satisfaction for each brand and refrigerator type.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">All this data is consolidated into one Overall Score for each model and shown in our refrigerator ratings charts, which at any given time feature more than 300 models. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"image section-image parbase\"></div>\n<div class=\"ratingsbutton section-ratings-button parbase\">\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"></div>\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase producttypes section generic\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-producttypes\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pick a Style</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">There’s a refrigerator configuration to suit every household. French-door models are extremely popular because of their high-end aesthetic. Some consumers prefer the convenience of bottom freezers, which put fresh foods at eye level, but side-by-sides can fit better in a smaller kitchen because of their narrow doors. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice. See our full refrigerator ratings for how models in the different sizes and styles below performed in our tests.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-responsive-columns-par parsys\">\n<div class=\"sectionitem responsivecolumn section\">\n<div class=\"responsivecolumn-wrapper columns-size-3\">\n<div class=\"container-fluid\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4\">\n<div class=\"parsys column-1\">\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> <img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-top-freezer-refrigerator\" alt=\"A top-freezer refrigerator.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-top-freezer-refrigerator\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-top-freezer-refrigerator\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></span></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"crux-article\">\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Top-Freezer Refrigerators</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">These traditional refrigerators are good for a lot of storage in a fairly tight spot. They tend to offer the most space for their size. (Widths vary between 28 and 33 inches.) Manufacturers claim up to 23-cubic-foot capacities, but our tests found that average usable capacity is 17 percent less. Allow for a wide swing of the doors, and get used to crouching down to reach lower shelves and drawers.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Top-Freezer Refrigerators Ratings</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4\">\n<div class=\"parsys column-2\">\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> <img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-refrigerator-bottom-freezer\" alt=\"A bottom-freezer refrigerator.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-refrigerator-bottom-freezer\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-refrigerator-bottom-freezer\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></span></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"crux-article\">\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Widths range from 24 to 36 inches, and claimed capacities approach 30 cubic feet, though average usable space is less than that of comparable top-freezers. (Top-freezers cost less, too.) Instead of the freezer, which many people use less, being at eye level, your refrigerator shelves are easily scannable. Just get used to bending to rifle through frozen goods.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators Ratings</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4\">\n<div class=\"parsys column-3\">\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> <img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-french-door-refrigerator\" alt=\"A French-door refrigerator.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-french-door-refrigerator\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-french-door-refrigerator\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></span></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"crux-article\">\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">French-Door Refrigerators</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">These have two narrow doors on top and a freezer below. Sometimes there is one drawer (or more) in between. Widths range from 28 to 36 inches. Claimed capacities go up to 34 cubic feet, though the average usable space is much less, at 17 cubic feet. The space-saving small-swing doors have the added value of opening only half the fridge when you’re stashing smaller items.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">French-Door Refrigerators Ratings</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"sectionitem responsivecolumn section\">\n<div class=\"responsivecolumn-wrapper columns-size-2\">\n<div class=\"container-fluid\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\">\n<div class=\"parsys column-1\">\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> <img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-side-by-side-refrigerator\" alt=\"A side-by-side refrigerator.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-side-by-side-refrigerator\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-side-by-side-refrigerator\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></span></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"crux-article\">\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Side-by-Side Refrigerators</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With the fridge on one side and freezer on the other, these usually have through-the-door ice and water dispensers. With widths typically 33 to 36 inches, they’re claimed to have up to about 28 cubic feet capacity (but only about 70 percent is usable). Narrow doors are a plus for small kitchens, but they don’t open wide enough for, say, a pizza box, and tall, narrow compartments make items stuck at the back hard to find. Overall, they’re not as energy- or space-efficient as other types.</span></p>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Side-By-Side Refrigerators Ratings</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\">\n<div class=\"parsys column-2\">\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> <img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-built-in-refrigerator\" alt=\"A built-in refrigerator.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-built-in-refrigerator\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/appliances/cr-bg-built-in-refrigerator\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></span></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"crux-article\">\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Built-In Refrigerators</span></h3>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pricey and made to fit almost flush with cabinets and counters, these sleek beauties come in bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French-door styles. They are usually tall (above 70 inches) and wide (30 to 48 inches), with capacities up to 27 cubic feet (of which only about 70 percent is usable). Look for optional front panels to match your kitchen cabinets. Or get the look for a little less with a freestanding counter-depth version. Another built-in option: a column fridge, as narrow as 18 inches, to make the most of a kitchen nook.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\"></div>\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\"></div>\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\"></div>\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\"></div>\n<div class=\"imageandtext parbase section\"></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 class=\"textandimage parbase section generic\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-textimage\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Consider Size</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Most refrigerator configurations come in a range of sizes and capacities. Always measure where you plan to put the refrigerator before you shop. And make sure it can fit through doorways. Allow room for the refrigerator’s doors to swing open and for a 1-inch clearance around the sides and back for adequate airflow.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">To help you find the right size refrigerator for your kitchen, our refrigerator ratings are now organized by width, allowing you to easily see the highest-rated models for the size you need. You’ll find models ranging from the standard 36 inches wide down to 24 inches. We also note the height and depth of each tested model.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">To help you find the best refrigerators outside the standard dimensions, we have guides to the best counter-depth refrigerators, 30-inch-wide refrigerators, and 33-inch-wide refrigerators.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As for capacity, most manufacturers recommend 19 to 22 cubic feet for a family of four. But if you do a big weekly shopping trip or buy in bulk, you may need more—up to 30 to 33 cubic feet. Note: Our tests found that the amount of usable storage was often less than the amount claimed. Check our refrigerator ratings for the actual capacity of each model. And to see the biggest (and best) fridges from our ratings, see this guide to the best refrigerators for big families.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 22px;\">Decode the Energy Guide Label</span></p>\n<div class=\"textandimage parbase section generic\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-textimage\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Energy efficiency has become a big selling point with consumers. All new refrigerators are a lot more efficient than they were a decade ago, but here’s a look behind the label—to help you go as green as possible.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating is a good place to start when shopping; it means that a product is in or around the top 25 percent of the market, but efficiency varies by model (i.e., an unlabeled top-freezer might be more efficient than an Energy Star certified French-door model). Additionally, we test for energy consumption, which can add up to a $50 to $60 difference per year, or more than $500 over the life of the unit.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For an apples-to-apples comparison of which models are most efficient, look at the EnergyGuide labels of the refrigerators you’re considering, and compare the annual operating costs and the kilowatt-hours used per year.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">We give all the refrigerators we test a score for energy efficiency and list their estimated annual energy cost. You can check our refrigerator ratings for details.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"image section-image parbase\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image cld-responsive loaded\" data-srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2021/Appliances/02Feb/EnergyGuide-update-2-21\" data-src=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2021/Appliances/02Feb/EnergyGuide-update-2-21\" alt=\"The EnergyGuide label.\" data-src-lazy=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2021/Appliances/02Feb/EnergyGuide-update-2-21\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2021/Appliances/02Feb/EnergyGuide-update-2-21\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2021/Appliances/02Feb/EnergyGuide-update-2-21\" data-was-processed=\"true\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" /></picture><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"></span></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"ratingsbutton section-ratings-button parbase\">\n<div class=\"ratings-button-wrapper\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase photogallery section generic\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-photogallery\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 22px;\">Five Features You\'ll Want</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Refrigerators at all prices are increasingly tricked out with options to make your life easier and more organized. French-door models are usually the most loaded. Just know that if you can’t live without adjustable shelving or an in-door coffee maker, you’ll have to pay top dollar. The features below are the ones we think will add the most convenience to your refrigerator. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 18px;\">Through-the-Door Ice and Water Dispenser</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"photogallery section-pg\">\n<div class=\"photogallery-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"displayCaption\">\n<div class=\"caption-box\">\n<div class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">This is one of the features most requested by buyers. Caveat: We found that models with this convenience also require the most repairs. Energy costs are higher, too, and you trade ice water for storage space.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 18px;\">Door-in-Door Storage Access</span></p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"credit crux-label-style crux-label-style--small\">\n<div class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Without opening the entire door, you can grab frequently used beverages and condiments. That will save on energy costs in the long run.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 18px;\">Freshness Features</span></p>\n<div class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Dual evaporators help maintain higher humidity levels in the refrigerated areas and prevent freezer odors from migrating there. Air purifiers eliminate bacteria and mold spores, while vacuum-sealed crisper drawers are meant to keep food fresher longer.</span></p>\n<h4 class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small--bold\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Temperature Controls</span></h4>\n<div class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You decide how cold your fridge is in certain areas. For example, set a drawer to be cooler than the rest of the fridge to better store meat, fish, and cold cuts.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h4 class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small--bold\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Better Shelves and Drawers</span></h4>\n<div class=\"crux-body-copy crux-body-copy--small\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can rearrange split shelves to different heights independently, and adjust doors to fit taller items. However, if your door has deep storage bins meant for eggs, milk, or butter, be aware that these items are better off on internal shelves, where cooler temperatures keep them fresher longer. Elevator shelves crank up and down without needing to be unloaded. Shelf snuggers attach to racks to secure bottles and jars. Pullout shelves or bins make access to stored items easier.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"> </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 class=\"textandimage parbase section generic\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"bg-textimage\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"section-text parbase text textsection\">\n<h3 class=\"crux-section-header\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Shopping Tips</span></h3>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Once you’ve settled on a fridge style, the required dimensions, and the features you want, it’s time to start shopping. Many consumers start their search online, then head to the store to check out the models they’re most interested in.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you don’t need a new fridge right away, it can also help to wait for the next major sale holiday, which at this time of year is Memorial Day weekend. We find that refrigerator prices tend to dip in the summer and hit their lowest point around Black Friday, so other sale holidays, such as Labor Day, are your next best bet to snag a deal.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Of course, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the appliance market. There is an appliance shortage, which means many models are out of stock or back-ordered for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Because inventory is low, retailers also don’t need to discount refrigerators as heavily as they normally would. (For more on the appliance shortage, see our guide to getting a deal during the shortage.)</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Despite the shortage, we still recommend that you comparison shop. Don’t forget to check local, independent retailers, and don’t be afraid to haggle or ask for a discount. If you aren’t sure where to start, see our guide to the best appliance stores.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Another option if you’re on a budget, or simply looking for a good deal, is to consider buying a used refrigerator. You can get a higher-end model for a lot less than the retail price. The best places to look for used fridges are used appliance stores and, believe it or not, appliance repair shops. Both types of stores will usually give you a warranty, too. For more on purchasing used appliances, see our used-appliances guide.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</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>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/cro/refrigerators/buying-guide/index.htm\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Refrigerator Buying Guide','','publish','closed','closed','','refrigerator-buying-guide','','','2021-04-16 19:58:23','2021-04-16 19:58:23','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1450',0,'page','',0),(1451,1,'2021-04-13 20:03:46','2021-04-13 20:03:46','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Refrigerator Buying Guide','','inherit','closed','closed','','1450-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:03:46','2021-04-13 20:03:46','',1450,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1450-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1444,1,'2021-04-13 19:52:45','2021-04-13 19:52:45','[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=\"headline crux-headline--standard\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Tire Sealant Review: Roadside Heroes and Those That Will Leave You Flat</strong></span></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/2021/04/Tire-sealant.jpg\" width=\"764\" height=\"432\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1443 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subhead crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Consumer Reports evaluates several popular sealants, from pressurized cans to complete kits with compressors</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">A flat tire is always inconvenient and often dangerous, risking loss of control while driving or collision while performing a roadside repair. Adding to the drama is the reality that many recent cars don’t even come with a spare tire. For many motorists, the best tools to fix an ailing tire are a phone, roadside assistance membership, and a spare tire or tire sealant kit, which can be used to fix small holes and refill the deflated tire. There are aftermarket sealants, as well. These typically cost around $10 for a pressurized can to around $80 for a full kit with a portable tire inflator, making them an attractive addition to an emergency kit that is kept in the car. But our testing reveals that not all tire repair kits work as expected. This is a shame, because they have great promise, and the alternatives bring real compromises.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">These days, it is important for drivers to have a plan for dealing with a flat tire before it happens. Reviewing records on Consumer Reports test cars going back to the 2017 model year revealed that about 62 percent came with a temporary spare, 15 percent had a sealant kit, and 11 percent were equipped with run-flat tires and no spare. Just 9 percent came with a full-sized spare tire—the only solution that allows you to continue your travels, without stopping at a service center for a professional repair or new tire. (If you have a spare tire, be sure to check and adjust its air pressure regularly, or it may be flat when needed.) </span></p>\n<div class=\"leftRail section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"rel-article-wrapper clearfix\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Run-flat tires sound great in concept. When punctured, they provide extended mobility in a “limp-home” mode at reduced speed and for a limited distance, much like a temporary spare tire—without the need to perform the dirty task of changing the tire. But run-flats can contribute to a firmer ride in general, and they are often expensive to replace and difficult to find in a hurry.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This brings us back to sealant kits. The promise is that if you get a small hole in the tire, say from running over a nail, you could perform a temporary fix, quickly and easily. No need to call for help or pay for an expensive tow. Simply connect the nozzle from a pressurized can of sealant and spray essentially a goo in the tire that covers the hole. The air within the can would at least partially refill the tire so that you could drive the car slowly to a repair shop for a professional patch or tire replacement. A full kit would allow the tire to be brought up to its full operating pressure.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">These products have been on the market for years, but their appeal is increasing as automakers cut back on spare tires in new cars to save weight, as they chase fuel-economy goals.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section ad-space-article-cq-wrapper\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"adSpace__adWrap--simple\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Types of Tire Sealants</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">To see how the latest products work, the Consumer Reports tire team evaluated seven common sealant models among three distinct types. Each is readily available in stores and online, and we bought multiple samples of each one for the project.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Pressurized-can sealants</b> ($7 to $20), such as the ubiquitous Fix-a-Flat, are one-time-use products that have a dispensing tube that screws to a tire’s air-inflation valve. The sealers we bought claim to seal a hole and partially inflate the tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Tire-sealant kits</b> ($24 to $80) combine a portable 12-volt air compressor and a replaceable container of sealant. Many new cars supply this kind of kit in lieu of a spare tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Liquid tire sealants</b> ($9-$14) is a liquid sealant poured through the valve stem of a tire/wheel, then inflated with a compressor that\'s not included.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Key points:<br /></b>No attempt should be made to repair a hole larger than 6 mm in diameter or a cut or hole in a sidewall with these products. Your only option is to replace the tire with that kind of damage.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If you use a tire sealant, you should get the tire professionally repaired or replaced as quickly as possible—typically within 100 miles or as directed by the product.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Sealants coat the inside of the tire and wheel with a messy residue, which a tire shop has to clean out, possibly causing extra expense. They can potentially gum up the tire-pressure monitor sensor (TPMS), if so equipped, risking erroneous readings. Most products specifically claim that they are TPMS safe.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Do be aware that some sealant products have expiration dates and will therefore need to be replaced periodically, even if not used.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Should You Buy a Tire Sealant?</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">In a pinch, a pressurized can sealant may be able to fix a small hole and allow the car to limp to the tire store for a full repair or tire replacement, provided you have a compressor to top off the tire pressure. The better investment is a tire sealant kit that has the ability to fix a punctured tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure as specified by your car’s tire information placard found on the driver’s door jamb. In addition, the kits evaluated can be safely stowed in the car, even a hot car. On a vacation, or during a busy day, a tire repair kit with a compressor would allow you to continue on route. They cost more, but based on our experience, the price is worthwhile.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">There are limitations to what can be fixed with a sealant product. A large hole, multiple holes, or a sidewall tear can be beyond the capabilities of these products. Ultimately, spare tires and run-flat tires are better alternatives. When buying a car, it is worth checking to see what it comes with. In many cases, you may be able to pay extra to have a spare tire added.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">“Based on these tests, I would buy a tire repair kit with a compressor to keep in the trunk,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, a tire technician at Consumer Reports. “But you can’t beat a true spare tire as a solution to any tire problem.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Tire Sealant Kit Reviews</span></h2>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The tire sealant kits include both a can of sealant and a compressor that work together. The sealant is connected to the tire via a screw-on tube, and the compressor is plugged into a 12-volt power accessory port. With most kits, the compressor forces air through a container of tire sealant into the flat tire.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Unlike the pressurized sealant cans, these kits can pump a truly flat tire up to its recommended pressure. And because the sealant isn’t pressurized before you use it, you can keep the kit in your car. (Pressurized cans risk rupturing if left in a hot car.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Another plus is that when you’re not using it to pump sealant into a flat tire, the compressor can inflate other car tires, yard and recreational equipment, boat trailer tires, and so forth.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The tire sealant kits that we evaluated claim to be safe on tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. (We did not verify this in our evaluation.) They each have their own usage guidelines. For instance, tires fixed with the airMan kits should be limited to 120 miles of driving at speeds no more than 50 mph. The Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit recommends temporary use to no more than 100 miles or 3 days from date of the tire fix, and the Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series claims use limited to 500 miles, according to Slime\'s website.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Each proved effective solutions for the large punctures, except for the Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series, which worked well only with the smaller hole size.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">airMan ResQ Pro +</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This kit sealed the large 5.8-mm puncture and inflated the tire quicker than other units. Simple to use, the airMan ResQ Pro + comes in a self-contained package and requires no assembly, and it comes with a carry case. It was the favorite among the team. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price: </b>$80</span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy: </b>Grainger</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Pro-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Pro-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"airMan ResQ Pro + tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">airMan ResQ Tire Repair Kit</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">This lower-priced airMan kit had similar performance to the airMan ResQ Pro +, but it requires assembly of the sealant container to the compressor. We think the extra money is worth it to buy the ResQ Pro+, because you might need to use this product in less-than-ideal conditions—such as on a dark, rainy night—alongside the road. Plus, you have to disassemble this to fit it back in its case. Spend the extra money.   </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $55</span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Airman-ResQ-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"airMan ResQ Tire Repair Kit tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Priced less than its evaluated rivals, this kit sealed the large 5.8-mm puncture with ease. However, it requires removing the tire’s valve core with an included hand tool, then squirting the sealant liquid through the valve stem, re-installing the valve core, then inflating the tire with the compressor. Removing the tiny valve core adds an element of risk of difficult removal and misplacing it during the roadside repair. It is more cumbersome than the airMan products. The savings aren’t worth the concession in our view.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $24 to $40 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Ace Hardware, Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, Slime, Sportsman\'s Warehouse, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Smart-Spair-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Smart-Spair-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Smart Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">As the name suggests, this kit comes with a digital pressure gauge in the compressor unit. (A cheaper dial gauge model is also available, but we did not evaluate it.) There is no need to remove the valve core as with the cheaper Slime Safety Spair Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit. Like the airMan products, sealant flows into the tire through the compressor. The results were mixed for this kit. Our first attempt to seal a 5.8-mm puncture was not successful. The tire leaked after filling with sealant, and it was almost totally flat in 24 hours. We did a retest on a brand-new tire and had better results with only a slight loss of pressure after a 50-mile drive. We checked the pressure 24 hours later and found the tire to be down 10 psi from the recommended 35 psi. We then ran the test a third time with a 2.4-mm hole, and we found the kit to easily seal the smaller puncture. Based on our experience, we would choose one of the airMan kits over this.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $35 to $55 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon, AutoZone, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Digital-Kit-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Digital-Kit-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit Digital Series tire sealant kit\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Liquid Tire Sealant Reviews</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Liquid tire sealants are inexpensive, but you\'ll need a compressor or portable tire inflator to inflate a tire after the sealant application. Best use would be as a backup at home.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Slime Tire Sealant Thru-Core Technology</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The sealant couldn’t plug a 5.8-mm puncture, but we had success with a smaller 2.4-mm puncture. This is an inexpensive solution to small punctures, assuming you own and carry a portable tire inflator. But because of its limitations, we’d look to a kit or pressurized can sealant. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $9 to $14 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Ace Hardware, AutoZone, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Liquid-Thru-Core-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Slime-Liquid-Thru-Core-7-20\" alt=\"Slime Tire Sealant Thru-Core Technology, a liquid tire sealant\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Pressurized-Can Sealants</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The biggest advantage of pressurized-can sealers is that they are widely available and cheap. They cost just $6 to $12 for a can designed for most car tires. For a few more dollars, 18- and 20-ounce cans are available to service larger pickup truck and SUV tires. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"></span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Fix-a-Flat</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Fix-a-Flat has become synonymous with pressurized-can sealants. These products are widely available, but their test results disappointed. Fix-a-Flat was able to seal the smaller 2.4-mm puncture with a minor loss of pressure in a 24-hour period. However, it could not seal the 5.8-mm puncture, and it could not inflate the tire without topping off with a compressor. It is easy to use, but the performance limits its usefulness. (Larger cans for pickup truck and SUV tires cost a few dollars more.)</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $8 to $20 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Amazon, AutoZone, Fix-a-Flat, Home Depot, Target, Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Fix-a-Flat-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Fix-a-Flat-7-20\" alt=\"Fix-a-Flat\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator from Walmart is by far the cheapest product we tested. And its performance did not deliver. It proved easy to use, but it could not effectively seal a 2.4-mm or 5.8-mm nail puncture. The can does not specify what size puncture it would seal. When asked, Walmart did not tell us what size hole it could seal. Similar to the Fix-a-Flat product, a compressor was needed to top off the tire pressure to the car’s recommended pressure. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When we asked the retailer about this product, which carries a Walmart trademark, a spokeswoman wrote, “Walmart uses accredited third party laboratories to validate that all regulatory and compliance requirements are met in addition to testing the performance of the product. The feedback we received from Consumer Reports as a result of their performance testing of this item has provided us with an opportunity to further review our protocols to continue to drive improvement in our testing methodology.”</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We recommend considering any of the other products evaluated over this bargain-priced sealant.  </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Price:</b> $7 </span><br /><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><b>Where to buy:</b> Walmart</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"image parbase section\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-bp-750\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><picture><source srcset=\"\" media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" /><img class=\"image\" srcset=\"//article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Walmart-Super-Tech-7-20\" src=\"https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/CRO-Images-2020/Cars/07July/CR-Cars-Inline-Tire-Sealant-Walmart-Super-Tech-7-20\" alt=\"Super Tech Tire Sealant &amp; Inflator from Walmart\" /></picture></span></p>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"section dividingLine\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"dividingLineWrapper\"></div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"></h2>\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">How We Tested</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Most of the products we evaluated claim to seal punctures up to 6 mm in diameter, though others have no specific claim. Product tests were performed on new tires with a 5.8-mm diameter nail puncture that caused the tire to go flat. We then attempted to seal the puncture, following the product directions.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Tests were done on 16-inch all-season Sentury Touring tires placed on our 2015 Toyota Camry.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">We used a nail that measured 5.8 mm in diameter. (Some products were evaluated with a smaller 2.4-mm diameter nail if they couldn\'t seal the larger 5.8-mm nail hole.) The nails were welded to a flat metal plate. The Camry was lowered from a car lift onto the nail to provide a consistent puncture in the same tread area for all evaluations. Once flat, the tire was sealed and inflated to the recommended 35 psi, then driven a short distance to coat the inside of the tire with sealant. Tire pressure was checked again, and if no loss of pressure was measured, we drove 50 miles, and parked the car overnight and checked the tire pressure the next day. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"> </span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"parbase section text textsection\">\n<h2 class=\"crux-intro-large\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The Results</span></h2>\n<div class=\"text-container crux-article\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Our evaluation clearly showed that the tire sealant kits were far superior to pressurized-can sealants. They were able to seal a larger puncture and have a compressor to inflate the flat tire to the recommended tire pressure of 35 psi for our Toyota Camry.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The pressurized-can products could inflate the tire only to less than a quarter of the pressure recommended. Plus, they were not able to seal the same 5.8-mm puncture as the tire sealant kits could; tires continued to lose pressure after applying the sealant.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If you are planning to use a pressurized-can product, it is wise to have a compressor handy to top-off the tire to its recommended inflation pressure. Further, the pressured-can products we evaluated warn not to store them inside a car because of temperature concerns; this could limit their use to your driveway.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The liquid tire sealant is essentially a pressurized can that inserts sealant through the valve of the tire, but it lacks the ability to inflate the tire. It is necessary to have a compressor on hand to complete the repair. We found this product, like the pressurized-can products, not able to seal a 5.8-mm nail puncture.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">The products were more successful with the 2.4-mm hole made with a finishing nail. Both the Fix-a-Flat pressurized can and Slime liquid sealant held pressure to within 1 psi, an insignificant loss after 24 hours. The Super Tech pressurized can product failed to fully seal the puncture, with the tire down 7.6 psi within the same time limit. As in the initial test with the larger framing nail, neither product had enough pressure to fill a tire to our 35 psi pressure without topping off with a compressor.  </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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.consumerreports.org/tire-sealants/tire-sealant-review-pressurized-cans-kits-liquids/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Tire Sealant Review: Roadside Heroes and Those That Will Leave You Flat','','inherit','closed','closed','','1440-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 19:52:45','2021-04-13 19:52:45','',1440,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1440-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1456,1,'2021-04-13 20:14:17','2021-04-13 20:14:17','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Understanding Condo Insurance and Co-op Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1455-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:14:17','2021-04-13 20:14:17','',1455,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1455-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1463,1,'2021-04-13 20:31:16','2021-04-13 20:31:16','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','You Probably Need Umbrella Insurance','','inherit','closed','closed','','1462-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:31:16','2021-04-13 20:31:16','',1462,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1462-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1470,1,'2021-04-13 20:48:08','2021-04-13 20:48:08','','File insurance claim','','inherit','open','closed','','file-insurance-claim','','','2021-04-13 20:48:08','2021-04-13 20:48:08','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/File-insurance-claim.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1471,1,'2021-04-13 20:49:24','2021-04-13 20:49:24','[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>How to file an auto insurance claim</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/2021/04/File-insurance-claim.jpg\" width=\"767\" height=\"383\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1470 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subtitle\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When a covered accident happens, take these steps to file your claim</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>1. Call your insurance professional as soon as possible </strong>— even from the scene of the accident—regardless of who is at fault. Even if the accident appears minor, it’s important to let your insurance company know about the incident and to find out whether your auto insurance policy covers you for the particular loss.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>2. Use a mobile app to jumpstart your claim. </strong>Many insurers now offer apps that allow you to report a claim, check the status, upload photos, check your deductible, schedule an appraisal, reserve a rental car and request reimbursements for towing and glass claims. Some apps even allow you to notify the insurance adjuster what happened by visually re-creating the events and circumstances of your car accident.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>3. Find out what documents are needed to support your claim.</strong> Your insurance company will require a “proof of claim” form and, if you filled one out at the scene of the accident, a copy of the police report. Your insurer may have a feature on its website that allows you to monitor the progress of your claim.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>4. Understand the timing of your claim. </strong>To avoid missing a critical claim deadline, ask:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If I need to submit additional information, is there a deadline?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When can I expect the insurance company to contact me?</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>5. Find out </strong><strong>whether or not your policy pays for a rental car</strong> if your car needs to be in the shop for repair, and learn about the estimate and repair process as it relates to claims.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>6. Supply the information your insurer requests.</strong> Fill out the claim forms carefully. Keep thorough and organized records of anything related to the claim, including the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with at your insurer and copies of any bills related to the accident. Contact your adjuster, your insurance professional or your state insurance department if you have any questions.</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://www.iii.org/article/how-do-i-file-claim\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to file an auto insurance claim','','inherit','closed','closed','','1467-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:49:24','2021-04-13 20:49:24','',1467,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1467-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1458,1,'2021-04-13 20:17:26','2021-04-13 20:17:26','','Condo insurance','','inherit','open','closed','','condo-insurance','','','2021-04-13 20:17:26','2021-04-13 20:17:26','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Condo-insurance.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1465,1,'2021-04-13 20:32:10','2021-04-13 20:32:10','','Umbrella','','inherit','open','closed','','umbrella','','','2021-04-13 20:32:10','2021-04-13 20:32:10','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Umbrella.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1467,1,'2021-04-13 20:47:26','2021-04-13 20:47:26','[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>How to file an auto insurance claim</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/2021/04/File-insurance-claim.jpg\" width=\"767\" height=\"383\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1470 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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<h2 class=\"subtitle\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When a covered accident happens, take these steps to file your claim</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>1. Call your insurance professional as soon as possible </strong>— even from the scene of the accident—regardless of who is at fault. Even if the accident appears minor, it’s important to let your insurance company know about the incident and to find out whether your auto insurance policy covers you for the particular loss.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>2. Use a mobile app to jumpstart your claim. </strong>Many insurers now offer apps that allow you to report a claim, check the status, upload photos, check your deductible, schedule an appraisal, reserve a rental car and request reimbursements for towing and glass claims. Some apps even allow you to notify the insurance adjuster what happened by visually re-creating the events and circumstances of your car accident.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>3. Find out what documents are needed to support your claim.</strong> Your insurance company will require a “proof of claim” form and, if you filled one out at the scene of the accident, a copy of the police report. Your insurer may have a feature on its website that allows you to monitor the progress of your claim.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>4. Understand the timing of your claim. </strong>To avoid missing a critical claim deadline, ask:</span></p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">If I need to submit additional information, is there a deadline?</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\">When can I expect the insurance company to contact me?</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>5. Find out </strong><strong>whether or not your policy pays for a rental car</strong> if your car needs to be in the shop for repair, and learn about the estimate and repair process as it relates to claims.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>6. Supply the information your insurer requests.</strong> Fill out the claim forms carefully. Keep thorough and organized records of anything related to the claim, including the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with at your insurer and copies of any bills related to the accident. Contact your adjuster, your insurance professional or your state insurance department if you have any questions.</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://www.iii.org/article/how-do-i-file-claim\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to file an auto insurance claim','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-file-an-auto-insurance-claim','','','2021-04-13 20:49:24','2021-04-13 20:49:24','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1467',0,'page','',0),(1468,1,'2021-04-13 20:47:26','2021-04-13 20:47:26','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','How to file an auto insurance claim','','inherit','closed','closed','','1467-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:47:26','2021-04-13 20:47:26','',1467,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1467-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1472,1,'2021-04-13 20:51:35','2021-04-13 20:51:35','[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=\"farticle-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0c0c0c;\"><strong>Top Homeowners Insurance Tips For 2021</strong></span></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/2021/04/Homeowner-insurance.jpg\" width=\"871\" height=\"486\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1475 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">To say it’s been an unpredictable and interesting year for homeowners would be a massive understatement. Western states had some of the worst wildfires in modern history and the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season earned the distinction as the busiest hurricane season on record.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And then, of course, there’s the pandemic.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Despite all that, low mortgage rates and high home prices shattered records and the 2020 housing market outperformed the 2019 market in both price and volume.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">It was also a year when many homeowners decided to spruce up their place. About 62% of homeowners said they planned a maintenance or renovation project, according to a 2020 Home Renovation Consumer Survey by Farmers Insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">While we won’t be so bold as to dust off our crystal ball and predict any trends in home buying and renovation projects for 2021, what we can do is offer you practical advice to keep your homeowners insurance up to snuff so you’re in good shape for the unexpected.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Keep Track of Your Stuff</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">One of the most important homeowners insurance coverage types is your personal property coverage. That coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings—your clothes, jewelry, furniture, pots and pans, musical instruments, electronics, books, art, and even the decorations and knick-knacks you keep on your bookshelves.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">And let’s face it. You probably have a lot of stuff. So much stuff that you forget some of what you own. If you want to keep track of it, you really need a home inventory. A good home inventory can both speed up an insurance claim and help maximize your claim payment. It’s one of the smartest and easiest things you can do to prepare for unexpected home insurance claims.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t Assume You’re Covered for Natural Disasters</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A standard homeowners insurance policy excludes coverage for certain disasters, like floods and earthquakes. If you live in a disaster-prone area, you might need to bolster your home insurance with endorsements or additional policies to make sure you’re fully covered.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">For example, a good hurricane insurance policy is often a mix of homeowners and flood insurance. In some parts of the country, such as coastal Texas, you may also need a separate windstorm insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you want coverage for earthquakes, look into getting earthquake insurance.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Before you buy another policy or add an endorsement to your home insurance, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance agent. That’s because policies for natural disasters can have complex limits (such as different limits for categories of property), exclusions and high deductibles.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Buy Coverage That Absorbs a Spike in Home Repair Costs</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Your dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by a problem covered by the policy, like a house fire.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Your dwelling coverage amount should be based on what it would cost to rebuild your home based on the local construction and labor costs. But certain situations, like a tornado that flattens entire neighborhoods, can cause a spike in rebuilding costs. Suddenly your dwelling coverage amount could be insufficient.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Fortunately, some home insurance companies offer what’s called “guaranteed replacement cost” or “extended replacement cost” to help absorb a spike in construction costs when they go above your dwelling coverage amount.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">It’s a good idea to add this to your policy if your insurer offers it, especially if you live in a disaster-prone area.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Bump Up Your Liability Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">With so much focus on your house and personal belongings, it’s easy to overlook liability coverage within a home insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Liability insurance pays for a legal defense, judgments and settlements if someone sues you over injuries or property damage and you’re legally responsible. For example, if someone takes a bad fall at your house, a lawsuit would fall under your homeowners liability coverage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A good rule of thumb is to buy enough liability coverage to cover your assets, or what you could be taken from you in a lawsuit.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Another option to ensure you have adequate liability coverage is to purchase an umbrella insurance policy.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Understand Your Home Insurance Deductibles</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you haven’t reviewed your policy and some of the finer details, now is a good time to get to know your deductibles. If you wait until you file a claim, you might learn the hard way what your policy actually covers.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The deductible is the amount of money deducted from an insurance claim check. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and $10,000 in damage, you’ll get a $9,000 insurance check.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Special deductibles might be hidden in your policy’s pages. For example, hurricane deductibles can range from 1% to 5% of the insured value of your home, meaning if your house is insured for $200,000 and you have a 5% deductible, your insurance check would be reduced by $10,000.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Did You Know There are Sub-Limits for Some Items?</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Another thing to understand are sub-limits, also known as “special limits.”</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Sub-limits typically apply to high-value items. For example, your policy might only cover $1,500 for stolen jewelry. So if your $3,000 diamond bracelet gets stolen, your policy will only pay $1,500.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you have valuable items, you can pay more to “schedule” them so they’re insured for their full value.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Home Insurance Makeovers Should Be Part of Your Renovation Plan</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you have a home project in mind, make sure you understand the home insurance implications before you start swinging the sledgehammer. That’s because certain home renovation projects (like an addition) can increase the amount of home insurance you’ll need.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Shore Up Your Water Damage Coverage</span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Your home insurance covers water damage and leaks, but not all types of water damage.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A standard home insurance policy excludes water damage caused by earth movement, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, sump pump failure, leaks from a swimming pool and seepage through a foundation.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You can sometimes add coverage to account for these issues. For example, you can typically add water backup and sump pump failure coverage as an endorsement to a home insurance policy. And you can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (a federal program) and private insurers such as Wright Flood.</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://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/top-tips/\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','Top Homeowners Insurance Tips For 2021','','publish','closed','closed','','top-homeowners-insurance-tips-for-2021','','','2021-04-13 20:55:21','2021-04-13 20:55:21','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?page_id=1472',0,'page','',0),(1473,1,'2021-04-13 20:51:35','2021-04-13 20:51:35','<!-- wp:divi/placeholder /-->','Top Homeowners Insurance Tips For 2021','','inherit','closed','closed','','1472-revision-v1','','','2021-04-13 20:51:35','2021-04-13 20:51:35','',1472,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1472-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2378,1,'2022-04-25 23:15:52','2022-04-25 23:15:52','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whether you\'re trying to save money or just trying to get out of the same old rut, it can be fun to find new and interesting ways to enjoy your downtime.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Say goodbye to watching TV like a zombie day in and day out, and say hello to having more fun, creativity, and wellness in your life. Consider 13 ideas to help get you started.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Hiking, Walking, or Biking</strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You don’t need to go to a gym to remain active. Instead, take a walk around your neighborhood or apartment complex. Seek out local trails that are for beginners and reconnect with nature.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If walking isn’t your speed, buy a cheap bike (new or used) for less than $100 and bike around your city. Better yet, if you’re in a major city, rent a bike for a day or two and see if it’s worth investing in the hobby.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hiking and walking require only decent shoes—which you probably already have—and comfortable clothes. Having a backpack and water bottle can be useful for hiking, but they may not be essential for very short hikes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These are great activities for families, couples, or friends. Going for a late-night bike ride or walk around town and then having a bonfire is a great way to end a night.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>2. Reading</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reading is a cheap hobby that has a lot of benefits. It forces you to focus on something meaningful, can serve as an escape, and can spark creativity or inspiration. If you’re reading nonfiction books, you will probably learn something new.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you’re not the page-flipping type, try audiobooks. They’re like podcasts, and you can take them anywhere and listen to them on a walk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Instead of buying books, try borrowing them from the library. Many libraries continue to expand their digital selections, so the chance of being able to borrow an audiobook or e-book is greater than ever. You also can find many websites that offer free e-books, though they may be older.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>3. Writing</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">You write and write and write all throughout school, and when you graduate, it might be the last thing you want to do. Many people don\'t think of writing as a hobby.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">Keeping a journal can be good for the soul, though. If you find it hard to vent to people, or if it’s difficult for you to work through things out loud, writing down your thoughts can help you make sense of them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\">Beyond that, writing poetry, a short story, or even a novel&nbsp;can be an amazing creative journey to undertake. All it takes is a pen and paper, or software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Do you have a specific message you want to spread to the world? Blogging can be a great way to get it out there, and you can find plenty of free blogging sites online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>4. Cooking and Baking</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Spending time in the kitchen can make some people miserable, but others thrive when they’re experimenting with different ingredients to make the perfect dish. The cost is whatever you pay for ingredients, and eating at home is cheaper than dining out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One of the best parts about cooking and baking is that so many recipes are available online, you don’t need a cookbook at all. You can choose to follow recipes or adapt them to make them your own. If you have your own garden, you can even source your very own ingredients for free.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>5. Playing Games</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some board games may seem expensive, but the cost of games isn’t that bad when you think about how much use you\'ll get out of them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For example, if you buy a board game for $30 and play it with your friends five times, that’s $6 of entertainment for one night—and the cost keeps going down the more you play it. Most board games are timeless, so it’s just a matter of finding one everyone can enjoy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Alternatively, many classic board games have online versions available for free or very little money that allow ​you to play with friends or family in other locations. This can be a great way to stay in touch with loved ones who live in other cities or states.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>6. Volunteering</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">Some might not consider volunteering a hobby, but it’s certainly an activity&nbsp;you can enjoy in your spare time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-27\">Volunteering has a lot of benefits, too. You feel good when you’re able to give back, especially to a cause that matters to you. You also may get involved in a friendly community of volunteers and make new friends.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">Plus, you might be able to volunteer at a place where you’d love to work that’s specifically run by volunteers. It’s the next best thing to being employed there. Volunteering can also help you develop new skills&nbsp;you can use to boost your resume.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7. Getting Artsy</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Depending on the medium, most artistic hobbies can be done on the cheap—especially when you consider that one-time investments often pay off in the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\">You might need to buy some brushes, pencils, paper, and paint, but the equipment and materials should last for a few months at least.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\">You also could&nbsp;design graphics on the computer. There are a number of programs available for free, and you can get Photoshop for as little as $10 a month.<sup>1</sup>﻿</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\">You even could&nbsp;go back to basics and use adult coloring books to pass the time, or you can attend a free class at a craft store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>8. Learning</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You might not think of learning as a hobby, but the possibilities are endless.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can choose to learn a new language or a new skill that you can put to use at work. Or maybe, there is a specific topic you\'ve always wanted to research. None of this has to involve formal study; you can follow your own path at your own pace.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The pursuit of knowledge is a worthy one, and there are tons of free resources online and at local libraries that you can use to learn more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>9. Camping</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">Camping is a great hobby to pair with hiking, and it\'s fairly inexpensive.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-40\">For complete beginners, a tent, sleeping bag, firewood, and fire-starting materials are the basics to purchase. You can buy a small tent for around $25-$35, and basic sleeping bags are around the same price.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\">To start a fire, all you really need are twigs and branches around the campsite, and a lighter to start the fire.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\">Of course, you\'ll need to bring food unless you\'re fishing or hunting, but simple recipes&nbsp;are often&nbsp;all you need.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-43\">If there are any avid campers in your family or circle of friends, ask them if you can come with them on a trip. That way, you don\'t need to invest&nbsp;much, and you can see if you like it before dropping more money on quality materials that will last for decades.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>10. Playing Music</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-45\">Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the piano? Guitar? Violin? Just because band class is over doesn’t mean you can’t pick up an instrument and learn. You don’t need a private tutor, either, unless you learn better from having a mentor. Many tutorials for beginners are available online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\">Shop around for an instrument or see if you can borrow one from a friend, so you can decide how committed you are.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>11. Exercising</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-48\">Exercising is a great hobby—and habit—to have. It will get you into good physical and mental shape, which can provide a variety of benefits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\">You don’t need a gym membership, but if you choose to get one, many offer low-cost packages that range from $10-$30 per month.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-50\">You can also get your own weights or learn how to do body weight exercises. Or do yoga—you just need a mat. There are plenty of free workouts on YouTube, and your phone probably has a few free fitness apps as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>12. Fostering Animals</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\">If you’re not in the best financial position to adopt a pet, or if you don’t want a long-term commitment to one, fostering can be a good way to indulge your love for furry creatures.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-53\">You’re helping to make space in a shelter, socialize someone\'s future pet, and give it a break from the stressful environment of a shelter. Plus, most foster agreements&nbsp;stipulate that the shelter or organization is responsible for medical care, and they may be nice enough to supply you with essentials as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-54\">It’s basically the same cost as having a pet, without the adoption or medical fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\">If you can\'t help but get attached, pet-sitting is a good alternative.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>13. Decluttering</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-57\">It may sound strange, but believe it or not, decluttering can become addicting once you get into it. Some people have even created businesses around helping people declutter!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\">As a bonus, this hobby may make you some money. Consider listing some of your things on an online marketplace or have a garage sale.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-59\">Another added bonus? This creates space in your house. If you\'ve been thinking of buying a storage garage or upgrading your house, you may not need to do so once you declutter.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\"><strong>Finding Inspiration</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\">If none of these hobbies speak to you, look to your friends and family for ideas. Do any of them have interesting hobbies you want to learn more about? Ask them, and they may be able to help you bring down the cost by letting you borrow certain things or letting you partake in their hobbies with them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.thebalance.com/cheap-and-fun-hobbies-4125444\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','13 Hobbies That Are Both Cheap and Fun','','inherit','closed','closed','','1784-autosave-v1','','','2022-04-25 23:15:52','2022-04-25 23:15:52','',1784,'https://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2378',0,'revision','',0),(1480,1,'2021-04-13 20:59:38','2021-04-13 20:59:38','','Supermarket shopping','','inherit','open','closed','','supermarket-shopping','','','2021-04-13 20:59:38','2021-04-13 20:59:38','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Supermarket-shopping.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1488,1,'2021-04-16 19:54:57','2021-04-16 19:54:57','[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 id=\"4251\" class=\"dq bg dr ds b dt du dv dw dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg eh ei ej ek el em en eo\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy</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;\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Financial-literacy.jpg\" width=\"917\" height=\"591\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1419 aligncenter size-full\" /></span></p>\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=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">We’ve heard it all before, mo money, mo problems. But that doesn’t apply to us entrepreneurs and freelancers, right? I mean, mo money means we’re doing something good. Besides, who has time to review financial documents? That’s why we have accountants.</span></p>\n<p id=\"15a7\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, I hate to break it to you, having a foundational grasp on your business finances is key to entrepreneurial success. Yes, even if you’re running from client to customer looking for that next buck, it’s important — nay, imperative — that you have the sound financial literacy to know what to do with that buck.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2c26\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In this article, we’re going to explore five ways to build your financial literacy and do so without overwhelming you with facts and equations</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<article class=\"meteredContent\">\n<div>\n<section class=\"dk dl dm dn do\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<h1 id=\"8d75\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka kb it kc kd ke iw kf kg kh ki kj kk kl km kn ko kp kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">1. Review your transactions, better yet make a budget</span></h1>\n<p id=\"6891\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s start off with some general housekeeping. I hope at this point in your entrepreneur/freelancing journey that you’ve opened a separate bank account for your business activities.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd43\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you are currently mixing business and personal within one account, grasping your business financials is going to be a bit confusing. Also, sorting through your expenses with your accountant at year-end is going to be a nightmare.</span></p>\n<p id=\"2866\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re looking for simple banking solutions, Novo is what I use for my business banking. They integrate with PayPal and Stripe and there are never any fees.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6134\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Okay, glad we got that sorted out. Now we can focus on honing our financial literacy skills.</span></p>\n<p id=\"261e\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The first step is simple but effective. Review your transactions.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd3a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Don’t laugh. Give it a try for a month. Every day, sit down for 5 minutes, log into your business bank account and look at what money is coming in and what money is coming out.</span></p>\n<p id=\"7f5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is this important? Well, I asked Alex and he told me:</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;\">“[Grant Cardone] said that money gets bored, and if it’s around too long, and you’re not paying attention to it, it’ll find somewhere else to go.”</span></p>\n<p id=\"e581\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq lh it iu et li iw ix iy lj ja jb jc lk je jf jg ll ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">They say a watched pot never boils. Well, a watched bank account never runs dry.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3631\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As you continue to monitor your daily transactions, a best practice to develop, according to Alex, is matching each transaction to a “source document” (receipts, invoices, etc.) that shows how that transaction originated. It’ll help your accountant at year-end.</span></p>\n<p id=\"139a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">As they also say: happy accountant, happy life.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h1 id=\"691c\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">2. Know your paperwork</span></h1>\n<p id=\"dbae\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The next time you want to know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement, do yourself a favor and don’t ask an accountant. They will 100% geek out and spend the next half an hour talking about double-entry bookkeeping and the historical significance of the Gregorian calendar.</span></p>\n<p id=\"6178\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What I’ve done instead is put together a quick summary of each. Now, there are actually four main financial statements you should be aware of: balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and the equities statement. As a small business owner, you most likely will only concern yourself with the first two.</span></p>\n<p class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"></span></p>\n<h2 id=\"d17a\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Balance Sheet</span></h2>\n<p id=\"a8a9\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The balance sheet is a high-level look at a business’s assets and liabilities, or in other words, what it <em class=\"jo\">owns, </em>what it <em class=\"jo\">owes, and what’s leftover</em>. Basically, it’s your business’s summary of financial status.</span></p>\n<p id=\"dd02\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Accountants like to use this sophisticated calculation on the balance sheet: <span id=\"ff7f\" class=\"eo lr jz dr mc b md me mf s mg\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Assets = Liabilities + Equity</span></span></p>\n<p id=\"d1f4\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">What does this mean? Think about your personal finances. What you own was financed by liabilities (loans, mortgage, credit cards) or by equity (cash, income, savings).</span></p>\n<p id=\"72fe\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">A healthy balance sheet — or strong balance sheet, as we say in the biz — uses a few ratios to determine its…healthiness (I’m running out of financial adjectives).</span></p>\n<ul class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"be34\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Liquidity ratio = Assets/Liabilities</strong> | This tells you whether you can pay back your short-term liabilities. A healthy ratio is above a 1</span></li>\n<li id=\"ad19\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Debt-to-equity ratio = Debt/Equity</strong> | This determines if you are financing your business through debt or your own funds. Lower the better.</span></li>\n<li id=\"dc5f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mh mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">Quick ratio = Current Assets (Cash, Invoices)-Inventory/Liabilities</strong> | This shows whether or not you can pay your short-term liabilities with cash or near-cash resources. Higher the better.</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p id=\"8f92\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">That’s enough math for now, let’s talk about the income statement.</span></p>\n<h2 id=\"77a6\" class=\"lr jz dr av aw ls lt es kc lu lv ev kf ew lw ey kj ez lx fb kn fc ly fe kr lz eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">The Income Statement</span></h2>\n<p id=\"355f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You might sometimes hear the income statement referred to as the “profit and loss statement” or the “P&amp;L” if they’ve watched a bit too much <em class=\"jo\">Wolf of Wall Street</em> lately.</span></p>\n<p id=\"cc49\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Again using personal finances as an example, the income statement is sort of like your monthly checking account statement that your bank sends you. Your bank summarizes all the monies that have gone in or out of your account and you get a high-level view of its impact on your account balance.</span></p>\n<p id=\"3915\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Why is the income statement important? Because it shows whether or not you’re profitable. Are you earning more money than you are spending?</span></p>\n<p id=\"a47f\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Now, if you are a solo-preneur and you’ve set up your S-Corp, chances are profitability isn’t your main goal (I dive a bit more into that in my previous article). However, knowing how much of a salary you can draw is determined by your income statement, aka it’s not wise to pay yourself more than you bring in.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"a2b1\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">3. Set up KPIs to align with your goals</span></h1>\n<p id=\"c177\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I know, I know, most people pronounce KPI as <em class=\"jo\">K-P-I</em> but wouldn’t the business world be a much better place if we pronounced it <em class=\"jo\">Kippy</em> instead?</span></p>\n<p id=\"148d\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Pretty good, right? Save your enthusiasm for the time being, we can put a pin in the discussion and come back to it later.</span></p>\n<p id=\"5625\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">In the meantime, we should talk about what exactly are KPIs — sorry, <em class=\"jo\">Kippies</em> — and how do they apply to your business.</span></p>\n<p id=\"112a\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">KPI stands for <em class=\"jo\">Key Performance Indicator</em> and is typically referred to as a metric. A metric is just a number without goals attached to it. For example, a basic metric could be revenue. Let’s say for this tax year you’ve earned $100,000 in revenue. Is that good?</span></p>\n<p id=\"ca47\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Well, it depends on your goals. If your goal is to be profitable and you spent $200,000 to earn $100,000 then that Kippy ain’t looking so good, is it?</span></p>\n<p id=\"0f57\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Let’s take a look at what makes a good KPI (yeah, now that I hear it out loud, “Kippy” isn’t doing it for me anymore).</span></p>\n<ol class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li id=\"812b\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should lead to action.</strong> When you look at your KPI, do you know what action you need to take?</span></li>\n<li id=\"3528\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI should be simple to measure.</strong> If it’s taking you hours to drudge up the numbers, then is it worth it?</span></li>\n<li id=\"29ba\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is current.</strong> Can you make an accurate business decision with old data?</span></li>\n<li id=\"7c6c\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq mk it iu et ml iw ix iy mm ja jb jc mn je jf jg mo ji jj jk mp mi mj eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\"><strong class=\"ir jp\">A KPI is always tied to your main goals.</strong> Are you growing profits, increasing conversion rates, reducing your debts?</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p id=\"02ec\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">If you’re just starting out as a solo-preneur, pick a few simple KPIs to track such as revenue growth rate or gross profit margin. Don’t track for tracking sake, use them to make better business decisions.</span></p>\n<h1 id=\"cba4\" class=\"jy jz dr av aw ka lm it kc kd ln iw kf kg lo ki kj kk lp km kn ko lq kq kr ks eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">4. Understand your tax implications</span></h1>\n<p id=\"d7f1\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq kt it iu et ku iw ix iy kv ja jb jc kw je jf jg kx ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">You may be tempted to think that because you are self-employed good ol’ Uncle Sam will go easy on you.</span></p>\n<p id=\"eeac\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">I’ve already gone in-depth about the merits of electing for the S-Corp to potentially save you thousands of tax dollars (all legal by the way), but I’ll quickly summarize here.</span></p>\n<p id=\"4151\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">Being self-employed means you are responsible for the entire 15.3% cut of Social Security and Medicare tax. When you work a traditional W-2, you only pay half and your employer pays the other half.</span></p>\n<p id=\"8611\" class=\"ip iq dr ir b eq is it iu et iv iw ix iy iz ja jb jc jd je jf jg jh ji jj jk dk eo\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #0a0a0a;\">When you take the S-Corp election, you essentially share the burden of the tax between yourself and your business.</span></p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</section>\n</div>\n</article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"os ht n nb p\">\n<div class=\"n p\">\n<div class=\"ac ae af ag ah dp aj ak\">\n<div class=\"ou s\">\n<p><a href=\"https://blog.bookscaping.com/tagged/kpi\" class=\"av b gj ow fg ox oy gz s mb\"></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\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://blog.bookscaping.com/how-to-beef-up-your-business-financial-literacy-e298da183584\">click here</a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.</span></span></div>[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]','How to Beef Up Your Business Financial Literacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','1414-revision-v1','','','2021-04-16 19:54:57','2021-04-16 19:54:57','',1414,'http://smartinsurance.tips/1414-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),