(2600,1,'2022-07-18 04:49:24','2022-07-18 04:49:24','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2601,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tech-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2601\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Preventing this needs to be a priority for&nbsp;small businesses. You may not be able to stop phishing completely. It’s one of the biggest security risk factors whether you’re an eCommerce or brick-and-mortar store with an online presence.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But you need to know what you can do. And how to stay ahead of sophisticated attacks. And be aware of the latest ploys like phishing emails. You need to know about these attacks if you’re asking: “What is cybersecurity?”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some phishing statistics you should be aware of. A full 85% of&nbsp;breaches&nbsp;had a human element.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This is a cybercrime. Phishing attacks use different tools like suspicious emails, text messages, or even phone conversations. Criminals want your sensitive data, password login credentials, and financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Phishing emails coupled with malicious attachments are common, and they often contain malicious code.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Examples of Phishing Scams</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A phishing scam tries to gain access using a hyperlink, over-the-top offer, or even a phony prize. Many phishing attacks use a business email compromise or even a fake invoice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Seeing is believing. Here’s a list of some of the worst phishing attacks that went after account details and/or personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Sony Pictures.</strong>&nbsp;As far as spear phishing attacks go, this was one of the worst. This granddaddy of data breaches cost the company over $100 million. Hackers posed as colleagues and sent malware-infected emails to employees. Customer data and financial records were stolen.</li><li><strong>Facebook and Google.&nbsp;</strong>Most phishing attacks don’t carry on for long. But this business email compromise scam lasted for years. A hacker posed as a vendor and sent out fake invoices. Over $100 million was paid.</li><li><strong>The Crelan Bank.&nbsp;</strong>This successful phishing attack cost this bank in Belgium about $75.8 million. This is another example of a business email scam.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, the World Health Organization has even put out a warning about spam emails and phishing. They suggest&nbsp;hackers are taking advantage&nbsp;of the COVID-19 pandemic to send malicious attachments.&nbsp;These are just a few of the many phishing examples that cause financial and reputation issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Prevent Phishing Attacks?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You don’t just need to react after one happens because there are ways to prevent phishing attacks. Don’t forget that malicious phone calls are one way to try and steal information. Your first line of defense is Caller ID.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent phishing scams with these other suggestions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1.&nbsp;<strong>Ignore Those Pop-Ups</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><em>S</em>ecurity threats are hiding in these ads. Hackers will look for sensitive information like credit card details. Look for ad blocker software so you don’t fall victim to a scam. And learn not to click on a link that looks too good to be true.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2.&nbsp;<strong>Stay Updated</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Update messages can be annoying. But they can save your bank account information from falling into the wrong hands. Patches and updates stay on top of the latest common phishing techniques. And don’t forget to update your browser on a regular basis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3.&nbsp;<strong>Be Careful With Links</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t just click on a link. Even messages from people you know could be a phishing attempt. At least hover over it to look at the destination URL. Misspellings and the like usually lead to a malicious website. Keep an eye out for spear-phishing emails.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4.&nbsp;<strong>Check Internet Accounts</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Changing passwords can help prevent a phishing attack too. Check your statements from your bank and credit card company for any phishing attempts. Be wary of anything that starts out with a ‘dear customer’ generic greeting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">5.&nbsp;<strong>Take Advantage of Firewalls.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent scams by being proactive. High-quality firewalls are a buffer. There are software and hardware options you can use in a phishing prevention toolkit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">6.&nbsp;<strong>Keep Your Personal Details Personal</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Identity theft can start when you share sensitive information online. Malicious emails will try to trick users by sending them to a phishing web page. A secure website begins with “HTTPS.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">7.&nbsp;<strong>Use The Right Software.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Antivirus software to be exact. Find one that guards against known loopholes to steal sensitive information. Update the program regularly so you don’t wind up falling victim to phishing emails. Good software should have excellent spam filters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">8.&nbsp;<strong>Get A Toolbar</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can’t stop phishing completely. But most browsers can add on an anti-phishing toolbar. The tool alerts you when you stumbled on a phishing webpage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Recognize a Phishing Email or Phishing Sites?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Security awareness starts with knowing what to look for. Here’s a list of ways to recognize phishing emails or dangerous websites. Internet browsing or doing business online is safer with these tips.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Watch out for …</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Spear phishing emails that say they’ve noticed some suspicious login attempts or other activities.</li><li>A phishing email that asks you to update your information by clicking a link.</li><li>Bad grammar in the URL can point to a malicious site and/or a scam. Mismatched email domains often contain malicious links.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Avoid phishing scams on websites by looking at the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Online reviews or any kind of web form. If the website has defrauded people, chances are they’ve complained.</li><li>Payment details matter. Legitimate websites take credit cards and use credible portals like PayPal.</li><li>Check the content. A legitimate website pays to have good content. If there are spelling mistakes and broken English used, you should be concerned.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing Protection?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This kind of protection is designed to protect your online accounts and stop phishing. Preventing a data breach of any kind is the end goal.&nbsp;A spam filter helps, likewise for adopting two-factor authentication. Email security should include knowing the trends. Like a recent scam with the subject line “Keep Same Password.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Become active.&nbsp;Join&nbsp;an anti-phishing working group.&nbsp;And of course, there’s good&nbsp;software available.&nbsp;To protect personally identifiable information from dangerous random emails and the like.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Can Phishing Be Prevented?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, here are some phishing prevention tips. These help with everything from email security to protecting social media accounts.&nbsp;Security awareness training for employees should include simulations. Look for a company that can expose phishing scammers based on current threats. It should have a system to report phishing and suspicious email clients.&nbsp;A training/software company should also allow you to block users from the dark web.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/07/how-to-prevent-phishing-everything-you-need-to-know.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Prevent Phishing: Everything You Need to Know?','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-prevent-phishing-everything-you-need-to-know','','','2022-07-18 23:04:04','2022-07-18 23:04:04','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2600',0,'post','',0),(2601,1,'2022-07-18 04:44:04','2022-07-18 04:44:04','','Tech-tips','','inherit','closed','closed','','tech-tips-2','','','2022-07-18 04:44:04','2022-07-18 04:44:04','',2600,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tech-tips.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2602,1,'2022-07-18 04:49:24','2022-07-18 04:49:24','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2601,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tech-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2601\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Preventing this needs to be a priority for small businesses. You may not be able to stop phishing completely. It’s one of the biggest security risk factors whether you’re an eCommerce or brick-and-mortar store with an online presence.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But you need to know what you can do. And how to stay ahead of sophisticated attacks. And be aware of the latest ploys like phishing emails. You need to know about these attacks if you’re asking: “What is cybersecurity?”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some phishing statistics you should be aware of. A full 85% of breaches had a human element.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This is a cybercrime. Phishing attacks use different tools like suspicious emails, text messages, or even phone conversations. Criminals want your sensitive data, password login credentials, and financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Phishing emails coupled with malicious attachments are common, and they often contain malicious code.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Examples of Phishing Scams</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A phishing scam tries to gain access using a hyperlink, over-the-top offer, or even a phony prize. Many phishing attacks use a business email compromise or even a fake invoice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Seeing is believing. Here’s a list of some of the worst phishing attacks that went after account details and/or personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Sony Pictures.</strong>&nbsp;As far as spear phishing attacks go, this was one of the worst. This granddaddy of data breaches cost the company over $100 million. Hackers posed as colleagues and sent malware-infected emails to employees. Customer data and financial records were stolen.</li><li><strong>Facebook and Google.&nbsp;</strong>Most phishing attacks don’t carry on for long. But this business email compromise scam lasted for years. A hacker posed as a vendor and sent out fake invoices. Over $100 million was paid.</li><li><strong>The Crelan Bank.&nbsp;</strong>This successful phishing attack cost this bank in Belgium about $75.8 million. This is another example of a business email scam.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, the World Health Organization has even put out a warning about spam emails and phishing. They suggest hackers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to send malicious attachments. These are just a few of the many phishing examples that cause financial and reputation issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Prevent Phishing Attacks</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You don’t just need to react after one happens because there are ways to prevent phishing attacks. Don’t forget that malicious phone calls are one way to try and steal information. Your first line of defense is Caller ID.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent phishing scams with these other suggestions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1.&nbsp;<strong>Ignore Those Pop-Ups</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><em>S</em>ecurity threats are hiding in these ads. Hackers will look for sensitive information like credit card details. Look for ad blocker software so you don’t fall victim to a scam. And learn not to click on a link that looks too good to be true.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2.&nbsp;<strong>Stay Updated</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Update messages can be annoying. But they can save your bank account information from falling into the wrong hands. Patches and updates stay on top of the latest common phishing techniques. And don’t forget to update your browser on a regular basis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3.&nbsp;<strong>Be Careful With Links</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t just click on a link. Even messages from people you know could be a phishing attempt. At least hover over it to look at the destination URL. Misspellings and the like usually lead to a malicious website. Keep an eye out for spear-phishing emails.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4.&nbsp;<strong>Check Internet Accounts</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Changing passwords can help prevent a phishing attack too. Check your statements from your bank and credit card company for any phishing attempts. Be wary of anything that starts out with a ‘dear customer’ generic greeting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">5.&nbsp;<strong>Take Advantage of Firewalls.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent scams by being proactive. High-quality firewalls are a buffer. There are software and hardware options you can use in a phishing prevention toolkit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">6.&nbsp;<strong>Keep Your Personal Details Personal</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Identity theft can start when you share sensitive information online. Malicious emails will try to trick users by sending them to a phishing web page. A secure website begins with “HTTPS.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">7.&nbsp;<strong>Use The Right Software.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Antivirus software to be exact. Find one that guards against known loopholes to steal sensitive information. Update the program regularly so you don’t wind up falling victim to phishing emails. Good software should have excellent spam filters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">8.&nbsp;<strong>Get A Toolbar</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can’t stop phishing completely. But most browsers can add on an anti-phishing toolbar. The tool alerts you when you stumbled on a phishing webpage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Recognize a Phishing Email or Phishing Sites</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Security awareness starts with knowing what to look for. Here’s a list of ways to recognize phishing emails or dangerous websites. Internet browsing or doing business online is safer with these tips.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Watch out for …</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Spear phishing emails that say they’ve noticed some suspicious login attempts or other activities.</li><li>A phishing email that asks you to update your information by clicking a link.</li><li>Bad grammar in the URL can point to a malicious site and/or a scam. Mismatched email domains often contain malicious links.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Avoid phishing scams on websites by looking at the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Online reviews or any kind of web form. If the website has defrauded people, chances are they’ve complained.</li><li>Payment details matter. Legitimate websites take credit cards and use credible portals like PayPal.</li><li>Check the content. A legitimate website pays to have good content. If there are spelling mistakes and broken English used, you should be concerned.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing Protection?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This kind of protection is designed to protect your online accounts and stop phishing. Preventing a data breach of any kind is the end goal. A spam filter helps, likewise for adopting two-factor authentication. Email security should include knowing the trends. Like a recent scam with the subject line “Keep Same Password.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Become active. Join an anti-phishing working group. And of course, there’s good software available. To protect personally identifiable information from dangerous random emails and the like.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Can Phishing Be Prevented?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, here are some phishing prevention tips. These help with everything from email security to protecting social media accounts. Security awareness training for employees should include simulations. Look for a company that can expose phishing scammers based on current threats. It should have a system to report phishing and suspicious email clients. A training/software company should also allow you to block users from the dark web.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/07/how-to-prevent-phishing-everything-you-need-to-know.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Prevent Phishing: Everything You Need to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','2600-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 04:49:24','2022-07-18 04:49:24','',2600,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2602',0,'revision','',0),(2603,1,'2022-07-18 04:57:24','2022-07-18 04:57:24','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2604,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Small-business.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2604\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small business grants are one of the best ways to increase working capital and grow a business. Small business grant programs can be a great way for small business owners looking for opportunities to build their business and develop it further. We’ll explore what a small business grant is, what it can be used for, and how to apply to different types of small business grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is a Small Business Grant?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A small business grant is a sum of money awarded to eligible businesses through a grant program run by an organization. A key differentiator between business grants and business loans is there is no requirement to pay the grant money back. There are many resources on how to get&nbsp;free grants for small business, so make sure to look around.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Can Small Business Grants be Used For?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For small business owners applying for grant funding, it can provide a lot of advantages. Grant money is essentially free money for qualifying small businesses to develop and grow without the pressure of paying back a loan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some of the categories that small business grants can be used for include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Scientific research, or small business innovation research</li><li>Research and development</li><li>Business innovation research program</li><li>Business growth and development for small rural businesses and local grants</li><li>Upgrading business technology</li><li>Sector and industry-specific grants</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are also specific types of grants for small businesses that are offered for limited periods. This can include federal government grants such as Coronavirus Small Business Grants and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants that are also important to keep an eye out for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Depending on the type of business, there are many types of grants available for eligible small businesses. might qualify for. We’ll go through some of the most common types of corporate small business grants available:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Minority owned business grant:&nbsp;</strong>This type of grant is available for minority owned businesses across different sectors and industries.</li><li><strong>Government grants for small businesses:&nbsp;</strong>Many companies, federal agencies, and state and local governments offer business owners grants as financial assistance. Some examples include the Patagonia Corporate Grant Program, SBIR and STTR programs, your state’s economic development agency, and more.</li><li><strong>Small Business Administration business grants:&nbsp;</strong>small business administration grants&nbsp;to support entrepreneurs and those who run their own business with additional resources to support small businesses.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for women:&nbsp;</strong>Women-owned businesses are eligible for additional funding from government agencies, state-level economic development administration, private companies, and other sources. This includes&nbsp;SBA grants for women.</li><li><strong>Federal small business grant:&nbsp;</strong>Federal grants are also available for existing businesses across different areas. For example, grants are available for technical assistance as businesses scale up their technology, self employed business owners, and other types of federal business grants depending on eligibility requirements.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for veterans:&nbsp;</strong>Veteran owned businesses can also qualify for federal small business grants, as well as grants from state and local governments. Private funding is also available, although requirements will vary.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Get a Small Business Grant that Suits Your Business Well?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finding a small business grant for which your business is eligible requires some initial work, but it can have immense benefits for business growth. Here are some tips on how to find the right grant for your business:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1. Research the Best Grants from Our List</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Research is key when it comes to finding the right type of grant from your business. You can&nbsp;look at our list&nbsp;as a starting point to find the right ones to apply for. Depending on the nature of your business, you can also try looking for grants that your state offers and companies around you that may provide grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Make Sure You Meet the Grant Requirements</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Every grant has different requirements, so it’s extremely important to first identify whether your business qualifies. Otherwise, your application might be automatically rejected. So take time out to go through the criteria in detail before spending time on the submission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Submit Your Application on Time</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your grant application will follow a strict timeline, so submitting it on time for consideration is crucial. Businesses can be disqualified for not submitting on time, so it’s vital to mark important dates and ensure you get it in on time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Follow Up on Your Application</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many places offer small business grants and lots of applicants to sift through. Following up on your application helps ensure that it gets considered and that you are a serious applicant, which can help with the process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips on Applying for Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To have the best chance at winning a grant and receiving grant money, there are some things you can do to really help make your application stand out. Here are some of our top tips for applying for small business grants:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Dedicate resource:&nbsp;</strong>Grant applications are generally for existing businesses and are very competitive. If you decide to apply, you should allocate time and resources, such as a staff member or a grant writer, to ensure the application process goes smoothly.</li><li><strong>Stand out from the rest:&nbsp;</strong>Your application must stand out from the others, so consider including a business plan and showing how solid your business is and why it’s interesting.</li><li><strong>Include outside expertise:&nbsp;</strong>Where appropriate, having outside expertise and feedback as part of the grant application can strengthen your application.</li><li><strong>Proofread:&nbsp;</strong>Before submitting your application, make sure to thoroughly review for errors, accuracy, typos, and more.</li><li><strong>Look at past examples:&nbsp;</strong>You can usually find past winning grants online for those you are considering applying to, which can give you good insight into what to include and exclude for a successful application.</li><li><strong>Include figures:&nbsp;</strong>Small businesses that show good data and figures are more likely to be considered over vague or abstract applications. For example, if you can demonstrate market demand and growth potential, that will help your application stand out.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What are the easiest small business grant programs to apply for?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are many small business grant programs available that are easy to apply for. Here are some of the easiest small business grant programs you can apply to:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Government grants</li><li>Federal grants</li><li>Government contract assistance</li><li>Grants for general small business startups</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2021/11/how-to-get-small-business-grants.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Get Small Business Grants?','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-get-small-business-grants','','','2022-07-18 23:04:41','2022-07-18 23:04:41','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2603',0,'post','',0),(2604,1,'2022-07-18 04:50:29','2022-07-18 04:50:29','','Small-business','','inherit','closed','closed','','small-business-5','','','2022-07-18 04:50:29','2022-07-18 04:50:29','',2603,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Small-business.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2605,1,'2022-07-18 04:57:24','2022-07-18 04:57:24','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2604,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Small-business.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2604\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small business grants are one of the best ways to increase working capital and grow a business. Small business grant programs can be a great way for small business owners looking for opportunities to build their business and develop it further. We’ll explore what a small business grant is, what it can be used for, and how to apply to different types of small business grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is a Small Business Grant?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A small business grant is a sum of money awarded to eligible businesses through a grant program run by an organization. A key differentiator between business grants and business loans is there is no requirement to pay the grant money back. There are many resources on how to get free grants for small business, so make sure to look around.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Can Small Business Grants be Used For?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For small business owners applying for grant funding, it can provide a lot of advantages. Grant money is essentially free money for qualifying small businesses to develop and grow without the pressure of paying back a loan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some of the categories that small business grants can be used for include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Scientific research, or small business innovation research</li><li>Research and development</li><li>Business innovation research program</li><li>Business growth and development for small rural businesses and local grants</li><li>Upgrading business technology</li><li>Sector and industry-specific grants</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are also specific types of grants for small businesses that are offered for limited periods. This can include federal government grants such as Coronavirus Small Business Grants and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants that are also important to keep an eye out for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Depending on the type of business, there are many types of grants available for eligible small businesses. might qualify for. We’ll go through some of the most common types of corporate small business grants available:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Minority owned business grant: </strong>This type of grant is available for minority owned businesses across different sectors and industries.</li><li><strong>Government grants for small businesses: </strong>Many companies, federal agencies, and state and local governments offer business owners grants as financial assistance. Some examples include the Patagonia Corporate Grant Program, SBIR and STTR programs, your state’s economic development agency, and more.</li><li><strong>Small Business Administration business grants: </strong>small business administration grants to support entrepreneurs and those who run their own business with additional resources to support small businesses.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for women: </strong>Women-owned businesses are eligible for additional funding from government agencies, state-level economic development administration, private companies, and other sources. This includes SBA grants for women.</li><li><strong>Federal small business grant: </strong>Federal grants are also available for existing businesses across different areas. For example, grants are available for technical assistance as businesses scale up their technology, self employed business owners, and other types of federal business grants depending on eligibility requirements.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for veterans: </strong>Veteran owned businesses can also qualify for federal small business grants, as well as grants from state and local governments. Private funding is also available, although requirements will vary.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Get a Small Business Grant that Suits Your Business Well</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finding a small business grant for which your business is eligible requires some initial work, but it can have immense benefits for business growth. Here are some tips on how to find the right grant for your business:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1. Research the Best Grants from Our List</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Research is key when it comes to finding the right type of grant from your business. You can look at our list as a starting point to find the right ones to apply for. Depending on the nature of your business, you can also try looking for grants that your state offers and companies around you that may provide grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Make Sure You Meet the Grant Requirements</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Every grant has different requirements, so it’s extremely important to first identify whether your business qualifies. Otherwise, your application might be automatically rejected. So take time out to go through the criteria in detail before spending time on the submission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Submit Your Application on Time</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your grant application will follow a strict timeline, so submitting it on time for consideration is crucial. Businesses can be disqualified for not submitting on time, so it’s vital to mark important dates and ensure you get it in on time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Follow Up on Your Application</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many places offer small business grants and lots of applicants to sift through. Following up on your application helps ensure that it gets considered and that you are a serious applicant, which can help with the process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips on Applying for Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To have the best chance at winning a grant and receiving grant money, there are some things you can do to really help make your application stand out. Here are some of our top tips for applying for small business grants:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Dedicate resource: </strong>Grant applications are generally for existing businesses and are very competitive. If you decide to apply, you should allocate time and resources, such as a staff member or a grant writer, to ensure the application process goes smoothly.</li><li><strong>Stand out from the rest: </strong>Your application must stand out from the others, so consider including a business plan and showing how solid your business is and why it’s interesting.</li><li><strong>Include outside expertise: </strong>Where appropriate, having outside expertise and feedback as part of the grant application can strengthen your application.</li><li><strong>Proofread: </strong>Before submitting your application, make sure to thoroughly review for errors, accuracy, typos, and more.</li><li><strong>Look at past examples: </strong>You can usually find past winning grants online for those you are considering applying to, which can give you good insight into what to include and exclude for a successful application.</li><li><strong>Include figures: </strong>Small businesses that show good data and figures are more likely to be considered over vague or abstract applications. For example, if you can demonstrate market demand and growth potential, that will help your application stand out.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What are the easiest small business grant programs to apply for?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are many small business grant programs available that are easy to apply for. Here are some of the easiest small business grant programs you can apply to:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Government grants</li><li>Federal grants</li><li>Government contract assistance</li><li>Grants for general small business startups</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2021/11/how-to-get-small-business-grants.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Get Small Business Grants','','inherit','closed','closed','','2603-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 04:57:24','2022-07-18 04:57:24','',2603,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2605',0,'revision','',0),(2606,1,'2022-07-18 05:04:07','2022-07-18 05:04:07','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2607,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Privacy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2607\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Worried about how much of your private information is on the internet and vulnerable to theft or misuse? You’re not alone. Online privacy is an important issue.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But there are steps you can take to help manage and protect your financial and personal information while you visit your favorite social media, news, and entertainment sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips for internet privacy</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some ways you can boost your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limit the personal information you share on social media</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A smart way to help protect your privacy online? Don’t overshare on social media. Providing too much information on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram could make it easier for cybercriminals to obtain identifying information, which could allow them to steal your identity or to access your financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, could an identity thief determine your high school mascot or your mother’s maiden name from digging through your Facebook account? This information is sometimes used as security questions to change passwords on financial accounts.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Unfortunately, many people don’t take this advice. In a 2018 study, the&nbsp;Identity Theft Resource Center&nbsp;found that approximately 52 percent of respondents shared personally identifying information through social media sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And that’s just the start of the oversharing. The same study found that about 48 percent of respondents shared information about their children, while nearly 33 percent shared information about their location. A total of 42 percent of respondents shared information about their travel plans through social media.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To protect your online privacy, ignore the “About Me” fields in your social media profiles. You don’t have to let people know what year or where you were born — which could make you an easier target for identity theft. Explore different privacy settings, too. You might want to limit the people who can view your posts to those you’ve personally invited.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Create strong passwords, too, for your social media profiles to help prevent others from logging into them in your name. This means using a combination of at least 12 numbers, special characters, and upper- and lower-case letters. And never use personal, easy-to-guess information — such as your birthdate or pet’s name — as your password.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Browse in incognito or private mode</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you don’t want your computer to save your browsing history, temporary internet files, or cookies, do your web surfing in private mode.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Web browsers today offer their own versions of this form of privacy protection. In Chrome, it’s called Incognito Mode. Firefox calls its setting Private Browsing, and Internet Explorer uses the name InPrivate Browsing for its privacy feature. When you search with these modes turned on, others won’t be able to trace your browsing history from your computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But these private modes aren’t completely private. When you’re searching in incognito or private mode, your&nbsp;Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see your browsing activity. If you are searching on a company computer, so can your employer. The websites you visit can also track you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So, yes, incognito browsing does have certain benefits. But it’s far from the only tool available to help you maintain your privacy while online. Anonymous search engines and virtual private networks can bolster your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a different search engine</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’re like many web surfers, you rely heavily on Google as your search engine. But you don’t have to. Privacy is one reason people prefer to use anonymous search engines. This type of search engine doesn’t collect or share your search history or clicks. Anonymous search engines can also block ad trackers on the websites you visit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a virtual private network</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;virtual private network&nbsp;(VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet Protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using a VPN is especially important when you’re on public Wi-Fi at a library, coffee shop, or other public location. A VPN will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to breach your online privacy and access your personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can find many free VPN solutions, but it could make more sense to pay for a service from a trusted security provider if you want the maximum amount of privacy protection while online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Be careful where you click</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of the ways in which hackers compromise your online privacy is through&nbsp;phishing attempts. In phishing, scammers try to trick you into providing valuable financial or personal information. They’ll often do this by sending fake emails that appear to be from banks, credit card providers, or other financial institutions. Often, these emails will say that you must click on a link and verify your financial information to keep your account from being frozen or closed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t fall for these scams. If you click on a phishing link, you could be taken to a spoofed webpage that looks like the homepage of a bank or financial institution. But when you enter in your account information, you’ll be sending it to the scammers behind the phishing attempt, not any bank, credit union, or credit card company. Before clicking on suspicious links, hover your cursor over the link to view the destination URL. If it doesn’t match the financial website you use, don’t click.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Also, remember that banks or other financial institutions will never ask you to provide account or financial information through an email. If you receive such an email and you are wary, log in directly to your financial provider’s online account portal. You can then check to see if there are problems with your account. Or call the financial provider yourself to ask if there are any problems with your account — using the customer-service number from one of your statements or the provider’s website, not the one included in the suspect email you received.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Secure your mobile devices, too</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many of us spend more time surfing the web, answering emails, and watching videos on our smartphones than we do on our laptops. It’s important, then, to put as much effort into protecting our online privacy on our phones and tablets as on our computers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To start, make sure to use a passcode to lock your phone. It might seem like a hassle to enter a code every time you want to access your phone’s home screen. But this passcode could offer an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen. Make sure your passcode is complex. Don’t use your birthdate, your house number, or any other code that thieves might be able to guess.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use caution when downloading apps. These games and productivity tools could come embedded with dangerous viruses.&nbsp;Only buy games from legitimate sources.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use the same caution, too, when searching the web or reading emails on your mobile devices as you do when using your laptop or desktop computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t ignore software updates, either. These updates often include important protections against the latest viruses. If you continue to ignore them, you could be leaving your smartphone’s operating system and programs vulnerable to attack.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use quality antivirus software</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, always install antivirus software on all your devices. This software can keep hackers from remotely taking over your computer, accessing your personal and financial information, and tracking your location.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And once you install this software, don’t forget about it. Manufacturers frequently update their virus protection software as a defense against the latest malware, spyware, and other viruses. Install updates as soon as they become available.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-protecting-your-privacy-online.html#\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to protect your privacy online?','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-protect-your-privacy-online','','','2022-07-18 18:55:22','2022-07-18 18:55:22','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2606',0,'post','',0),(2607,1,'2022-07-18 04:59:36','2022-07-18 04:59:36','','Privacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','privacy-4','','','2022-07-18 04:59:36','2022-07-18 04:59:36','',2606,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Privacy.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2608,1,'2022-07-18 05:04:07','2022-07-18 05:04:07','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2607,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Privacy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2607\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Worried about how much of your private information is on the internet and vulnerable to theft or misuse? You’re not alone. Online privacy is an important issue.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But there are steps you can take to help manage and protect your financial and personal information while you visit your favorite social media, news, and entertainment sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips for internet privacy</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some ways you can boost your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limit the personal information you share on social media</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A smart way to help protect your privacy online? Don’t overshare on social media. Providing too much information on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram could make it easier for cybercriminals to obtain identifying information, which could allow them to steal your identity or to access your financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, could an identity thief determine your high school mascot or your mother’s maiden name from digging through your Facebook account? This information is sometimes used as security questions to change passwords on financial accounts.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Unfortunately, many people don’t take this advice. In a 2018 study, the Identity Theft Resource Center found that approximately 52 percent of respondents shared personally identifying information through social media sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And that’s just the start of the oversharing. The same study found that about 48 percent of respondents shared information about their children, while nearly 33 percent shared information about their location. A total of 42 percent of respondents shared information about their travel plans through social media.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To protect your online privacy, ignore the “About Me” fields in your social media profiles. You don’t have to let people know what year or where you were born — which could make you an easier target for identity theft. Explore different privacy settings, too. You might want to limit the people who can view your posts to those you’ve personally invited.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Create strong passwords, too, for your social media profiles to help prevent others from logging into them in your name. This means using a combination of at least 12 numbers, special characters, and upper- and lower-case letters. And never use personal, easy-to-guess information — such as your birthdate or pet’s name — as your password.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Browse in incognito or private mode</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you don’t want your computer to save your browsing history, temporary internet files, or cookies, do your web surfing in private mode.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Web browsers today offer their own versions of this form of privacy protection. In Chrome, it’s called Incognito Mode. Firefox calls its setting Private Browsing, and Internet Explorer uses the name InPrivate Browsing for its privacy feature. When you search with these modes turned on, others won’t be able to trace your browsing history from your computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But these private modes aren’t completely private. When you’re searching in incognito or private mode, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see your browsing activity. If you are searching on a company computer, so can your employer. The websites you visit can also track you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So, yes, incognito browsing does have certain benefits. But it’s far from the only tool available to help you maintain your privacy while online. Anonymous search engines and virtual private networks can bolster your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a different search engine</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’re like many web surfers, you rely heavily on Google as your search engine. But you don’t have to. Privacy is one reason people prefer to use anonymous search engines. This type of search engine doesn’t collect or share your search history or clicks. Anonymous search engines can also block ad trackers on the websites you visit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a virtual private network</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A virtual private network (VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet Protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using a VPN is especially important when you’re on public Wi-Fi at a library, coffee shop, or other public location. A VPN will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to breach your online privacy and access your personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can find many free VPN solutions, but it could make more sense to pay for a service from a trusted security provider if you want the maximum amount of privacy protection while online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Be careful where you click</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of the ways in which hackers compromise your online privacy is through phishing attempts. In phishing, scammers try to trick you into providing valuable financial or personal information. They’ll often do this by sending fake emails that appear to be from banks, credit card providers, or other financial institutions. Often, these emails will say that you must click on a link and verify your financial information to keep your account from being frozen or closed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t fall for these scams. If you click on a phishing link, you could be taken to a spoofed webpage that looks like the homepage of a bank or financial institution. But when you enter in your account information, you’ll be sending it to the scammers behind the phishing attempt, not any bank, credit union, or credit card company. Before clicking on suspicious links, hover your cursor over the link to view the destination URL. If it doesn’t match the financial website you use, don’t click.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Also, remember that banks or other financial institutions will never ask you to provide account or financial information through an email. If you receive such an email and you are wary, log in directly to your financial provider’s online account portal. You can then check to see if there are problems with your account. Or call the financial provider yourself to ask if there are any problems with your account — using the customer-service number from one of your statements or the provider’s website, not the one included in the suspect email you received.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Secure your mobile devices, too</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many of us spend more time surfing the web, answering emails, and watching videos on our smartphones than we do on our laptops. It’s important, then, to put as much effort into protecting our online privacy on our phones and tablets as on our computers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To start, make sure to use a passcode to lock your phone. It might seem like a hassle to enter a code every time you want to access your phone’s home screen. But this passcode could offer an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen. Make sure your passcode is complex. Don’t use your birthdate, your house number, or any other code that thieves might be able to guess.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use caution when downloading apps. These games and productivity tools could come embedded with dangerous viruses. Only buy games from legitimate sources.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use the same caution, too, when searching the web or reading emails on your mobile devices as you do when using your laptop or desktop computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t ignore software updates, either. These updates often include important protections against the latest viruses. If you continue to ignore them, you could be leaving your smartphone’s operating system and programs vulnerable to attack.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use quality antivirus software</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, always install antivirus software on all your devices. This software can keep hackers from remotely taking over your computer, accessing your personal and financial information, and tracking your location.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And once you install this software, don’t forget about it. Manufacturers frequently update their virus protection software as a defense against the latest malware, spyware, and other viruses. Install updates as soon as they become available.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-protecting-your-privacy-online.html#\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to protect your privacy online','','inherit','closed','closed','','2606-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 05:04:07','2022-07-18 05:04:07','',2606,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2608',0,'revision','',0),(2609,1,'2022-07-18 05:10:39','2022-07-18 05:10:39','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2610,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Health.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2610\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day? If this sounds familiar, it\'s time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan. Getting started may seem daunting, but soon you\'ll be energized to keep going once you reap the benefits of a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What is energy management?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Think of your energy as a limited resource, like money in an account. You begin the day with a certain amount to spend, which varies from person to person based on factors, such as age, sleep, stress levels, medical conditions and lifestyle. Throughout your day, multiple transactions (activities) occur as you withdraw energy from and deposit energy into your account. While you may not always have control over activities that deplete your energy, you can take steps to deposit more energy into your account.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Follow these 7 tips to increase your energy and live a happier, healthier, more productive life:</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1. Eat nourishing food.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We all know that wholesome food is the crux for well-being, but it\'s common to regard healthy eating primarily as a tool for weight loss. However, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is what you need for optimal energy. After all, you really are what you eat to some extent. Consume a variety of foods from all the food groups to get a range of nutrients to energize you throughout the day. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, especially nutrient-dense dark, leafy greens and broccoli, as well as orange vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes. There are many types of fish and legumes to choose from for healthy protein options. Aim to eat 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice or pasta daily.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2. Sleep seven to eight hours a night.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Getting more sleep seems to be a healthy habit many people need to improve on. We already know that we need at least seven hours of shut-eye each night, so what prevents us from getting it? Think about how you can improve your biggest sleep disruptors and know this: Sleep deprivation can perpetuate serious health conditions, as well as negatively affect your mood, motivation and energy levels. Prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a successful, energized day.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3. Keep company with good people.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Maximize the amount of time that you spend with people you enjoy being around. Connecting with others who radiate positivity and have similar interests will excite and energize you. On the flip side, people you don\'t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often or make poor choices will only drain your energy account. Be selective in the company you keep.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4. Avoid news overdose.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The news is an important way to stay connected to what\'s happening in the world. It can be educational, entertaining and even uplifting. Unfortunately, the news too frequently is bombarded with stories of suffering. These stories can skew your view of the world and cause you to focus on your worst fears instead of recognizing the good that surrounds you. You can\'t avoid these stories altogether, but try to minimize your exposure when you can, especially during trying times.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">5. Get regular exercise.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Do you find yourself feeling lethargic halfway through the day? Have you ever gotten winded by simple everyday duties, such as grocery shopping or household chores? Contrary to what you might believe, getting the 150 minutes of weekly activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans can add to your energy account and not subtract from it. How? Exercise relieves stress and tension, strengthens muscles and boosts endurance, which helps your body to work more efficiently during other physical tasks or activities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">6. Do something meaningful each day.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What do you feel passionate about? Do you have a special talent that you\'d like to practice more often or share with others? Do something you enjoy every day, even if it\'s something as simple as cooking a healthy meal or listening to your favorite song. Putting effort into the things that matter most to you will help you utilize and reserve your energy in ways that will bring out the best in you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">7. Think good thoughts for others.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Maintaining a compassionate mindset is another way to conserve energy. One example of practicing this way of thinking is called kind attention. For example, try to make eye contact with a stranger and smile, while thinking \"I wish you well.\" This positive act can, instead, keep you from judging that person. Judging others can cause us to place judgment on ourselves, and that type of negative internal dialogue can be exhausting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You\'ll feel better with each step you take toward this important self-care investment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Here are a few simple activities that will help you become more mindful of caring for yourself:</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Monitor your energy.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Take your energy \"temperature\" at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Make incremental changes.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once you are aware of some of the people or events that sabotage your energy, consider your next steps. Rather than tackling everything at once, choose an area that is important to you, and be realistic with the goals you set. For instance, if disorganization in your home is a big source of daily stress, pick one cabinet, closet or drawer to clear out each week instead of overwhelming yourself with doing it all at once. Then move on to your next goal when you feel ready.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Plan and prioritize.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Take note of the times during the day when your energy levels tend to be the highest. Decide how you can take advantage of those moments by prioritizing important tasks when you are feeling fresh and productive.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','7 tips to live a happier life','','publish','closed','closed','','7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life','','','2022-07-18 05:10:39','2022-07-18 05:10:39','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2609',0,'post','',0),(2610,1,'2022-07-18 05:05:27','2022-07-18 05:05:27','','Health','','inherit','closed','closed','','health-3','','','2022-07-18 05:05:27','2022-07-18 05:05:27','',2609,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Health.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2611,1,'2022-07-18 05:10:39','2022-07-18 05:10:39','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2610,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Health.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2610\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day? If this sounds familiar, it\'s time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan. Getting started may seem daunting, but soon you\'ll be energized to keep going once you reap the benefits of a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What is energy management?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Think of your energy as a limited resource, like money in an account. You begin the day with a certain amount to spend, which varies from person to person based on factors, such as age, sleep, stress levels, medical conditions and lifestyle. Throughout your day, multiple transactions (activities) occur as you withdraw energy from and deposit energy into your account. While you may not always have control over activities that deplete your energy, you can take steps to deposit more energy into your account.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Follow these 7 tips to increase your energy and live a happier, healthier, more productive life:</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1. Eat nourishing food.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We all know that wholesome food is the crux for well-being, but it\'s common to regard healthy eating primarily as a tool for weight loss. However, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is what you need for optimal energy. After all, you really are what you eat to some extent. Consume a variety of foods from all the food groups to get a range of nutrients to energize you throughout the day. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, especially nutrient-dense dark, leafy greens and broccoli, as well as orange vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes. There are many types of fish and legumes to choose from for healthy protein options. Aim to eat 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice or pasta daily.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2. Sleep seven to eight hours a night.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Getting more sleep seems to be a healthy habit many people need to improve on. We already know that we need at least seven hours of shut-eye each night, so what prevents us from getting it? Think about how you can improve your biggest sleep disruptors and know this: Sleep deprivation can perpetuate serious health conditions, as well as negatively affect your mood, motivation and energy levels. Prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a successful, energized day.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3. Keep company with good people.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Maximize the amount of time that you spend with people you enjoy being around. Connecting with others who radiate positivity and have similar interests will excite and energize you. On the flip side, people you don\'t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often or make poor choices will only drain your energy account. Be selective in the company you keep.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4. Avoid news overdose.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The news is an important way to stay connected to what\'s happening in the world. It can be educational, entertaining and even uplifting. Unfortunately, the news too frequently is bombarded with stories of suffering. These stories can skew your view of the world and cause you to focus on your worst fears instead of recognizing the good that surrounds you. You can\'t avoid these stories altogether, but try to minimize your exposure when you can, especially during trying times.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">5. Get regular exercise.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Do you find yourself feeling lethargic halfway through the day? Have you ever gotten winded by simple everyday duties, such as grocery shopping or household chores? Contrary to what you might believe, getting the 150 minutes of weekly activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans can add to your energy account and not subtract from it. How? Exercise relieves stress and tension, strengthens muscles and boosts endurance, which helps your body to work more efficiently during other physical tasks or activities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">6. Do something meaningful each day.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What do you feel passionate about? Do you have a special talent that you\'d like to practice more often or share with others? Do something you enjoy every day, even if it\'s something as simple as cooking a healthy meal or listening to your favorite song. Putting effort into the things that matter most to you will help you utilize and reserve your energy in ways that will bring out the best in you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">7. Think good thoughts for others.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Maintaining a compassionate mindset is another way to conserve energy. One example of practicing this way of thinking is called kind attention. For example, try to make eye contact with a stranger and smile, while thinking \"I wish you well.\" This positive act can, instead, keep you from judging that person. Judging others can cause us to place judgment on ourselves, and that type of negative internal dialogue can be exhausting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You\'ll feel better with each step you take toward this important self-care investment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Here are a few simple activities that will help you become more mindful of caring for yourself:</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Monitor your energy.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Take your energy \"temperature\" at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Make incremental changes.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once you are aware of some of the people or events that sabotage your energy, consider your next steps. Rather than tackling everything at once, choose an area that is important to you, and be realistic with the goals you set. For instance, if disorganization in your home is a big source of daily stress, pick one cabinet, closet or drawer to clear out each week instead of overwhelming yourself with doing it all at once. Then move on to your next goal when you feel ready.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Plan and prioritize.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Take note of the times during the day when your energy levels tend to be the highest. Decide how you can take advantage of those moments by prioritizing important tasks when you are feeling fresh and productive.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','7 tips to live a happier life','','inherit','closed','closed','','2609-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 05:10:39','2022-07-18 05:10:39','',2609,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2611',0,'revision','',0),(2612,1,'2022-07-18 09:16:38','2022-07-18 09:16:38','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2613,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CR-Good-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2613\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This week, I’m looking airlines deep in the eyes and asking, “Why do you hate us?” Just kidding. What I will be doing is sharing strategies on how to avoid one of the peskiest things about flying: fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>THE BIG STORY:</strong><strong>‘Wing, Lose, or Draw’</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Flying is such a pain.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let me explain. A few weeks ago, I booked a flight from New York City to Orlando, Fla. I thought I had done my due diligence, looking for the cheapest flights on Google Flights and Skyscanner for nearly an hour. When I decided I was going to purchase my ticket from a certain airline because of the cheap airfare listed, I thought I had scored the best deal and my homework was thus done.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">I was naive. It’s been a while since I’ve flown, and I had not counted on all the extra fees for what I considered basic amenities that would pop up in the process of my booking the ticket. Want to select a seat? Fee. Want to check your bag? Fee. Oh, you’d like to bring a carry-on with you? Fee. I believe that if they could get away with charging me money for using the restroom on the plane, there probably would be a fee for that as well. (You think I’m joking, but there was a European airline&nbsp;that was seriously considering this, though the plan was later dropped.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Airline fees are annoying for consumers, though for airlines, they are lucrative. Last year, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines generated $520 million and nearly $360 million, respectively, from baggage fees alone. Airlines now make most of their profits from fees rather than ticket fares, says Consumer Reports aviation adviser William J. McGee, an airline industry vet who has testified before Congress numerous times on consumer airline fees and other issues. (I emailed Airlines for America, which represents major carriers, about the industry’s fees but it didn’t respond.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The fees that passengers face include baggage fees, seat selection fees, and fees charged when you change or cancel a flight. Is it possible to avoid paying them? I asked aviation and travel experts, and here’s what they advised.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1<strong>. Understand your carrier and airfare class first.</strong><br>If you’re flying with an ultra-low-cost carrier (which I did)—an airline that is focused on minimizing operational costs, such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, or Allegiant Air—the reality is you’re going to be charged fees for many amenities and services traditionally provided in the fare, William says. By unbundling amenities previously baked into the ticket cost, ultra-low-cost carriers can offer cheaper tickets that may grow more expensive once you start paying extra fees (unless, of course, you don’t care about amenities and all you need is a seat on the plane).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other airlines have followed suit in unbundling their services. If you purchase a ticket for basic economy, the cheapest fare class, from many airlines, you will also be charged ancillary fees. And the cheaper the fare class you’re in, the more the fees you’re likely to pay, says John Breyault, vice president of public policy at the nonprofit advocacy organization National Consumers League.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">That’s not saying that you should never fly with Spirit or buy a basic economy ticket; it’s just good to ask yourself before you book the ticket if you’re willing to pay extra for amenities, William says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f499;<strong>&nbsp;Bonus tip:</strong>&nbsp;When checking flights, you can use tools like the bags filter in Google Flights or the Kayak app to see the cost of your flight plus fees for one checked bag and carry-on.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Fly with an airline that doesn’t charge certain fees.</strong><br>Your first two checked bags are free on Southwest, for instance, and you’re allowed one bag and one personal item for carry-on. Southwest also doesn’t charge flight change or cancellation fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Consider using an airline credit card.</strong><br>Many credit cards offered by airlines come with no annual fees and offer perks such as a free checked bag, says Zach Griff, senior reporter for travel website The Points Guy.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But make sure you scrutinize the terms before you sign up for a new credit card, and be aware that applying for a credit card can temporarily affect your credit score. If you end up not using the card much and close that account, that could also lower your score.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Use the travel benefits of your credit card.</strong><br>If you already have a credit card with great travel perks, take advantage of them. The American Express Platinum (which comes with a $695 annual fee) offers an annual $200 airline fee credit for one airline that you choose every year and it covers incidental fees such as checked bags. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card (which has an annual fee of $550) has a $300 travel credit per year, says travel blogger and Instagram influencer Angel Trinh. It’s worth weighing the benefits of the card and the costs of its annual fees before you open up a new account.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5. If you’re enrolled in a frequent flyer program, check your perks.</strong><br>For those who fly often and with the same airline, frequent flyer programs from airlines often offer perks such as a free checked bag or the waiving of other fees for members who qualify.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>DOUBLING DOWN</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In addition to avoiding fees,&nbsp;how can you save money on airfares in general?&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4b8;&nbsp;<strong>Book early.</strong>&nbsp;If you buy your tickets a few weeks in advance, you may get better prices than if you buy them last-minute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4c9;&nbsp;<strong>Use price alerts.&nbsp;</strong>Set up alerts on fare comparison websites and apps such as Kayak and Hopper to notify you if the fare on a given route drops.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f3e8;&nbsp;<strong>Consider a package deal.</strong>&nbsp;If you book a flight and hotel package through an airline or a travel agency, your fare is often lower than what it’d be if you booked your ticket separately.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f512;&nbsp;<strong>Lock in fares.&nbsp;</strong>Some airlines allow you to lock in a fare for free or for a small fee a few days before you buy the ticket. You can use this time to shop around in case there’s a better deal out there.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x2705;&nbsp;<strong>Bonus</strong>&nbsp;<strong>tip:</strong>&nbsp;Department of Transportation rules also allow reservations to be canceled without penalty within 24 hours if the tickets are purchased at least seven days before a flight’s scheduled departure. The 24-hour refund requirement, however,&nbsp;doesn’t apply to tickets booked through online travel agencies, travel agents, or other third-party agents, so you should contact the travel agent directly for a refund before you contact the airline.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/airline-fees/smarter-how-to-avoid-ridiculous-airline-fees-a2163062878/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Avoid Ridiculous Airline Fees?','','publish','closed','closed','','smarter-%e2%9c%88%ef%b8%8f-how-to-avoid-ridiculous-airline-fees','','','2022-07-18 23:05:20','2022-07-18 23:05:20','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2612',0,'post','',0),(2613,1,'2022-07-18 09:13:08','2022-07-18 09:13:08','','CR-Good-tips','','inherit','closed','closed','','cr-good-tips','','','2022-07-18 09:13:08','2022-07-18 09:13:08','',2612,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CR-Good-tips.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2614,1,'2022-07-18 09:16:38','2022-07-18 09:16:38','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2613,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CR-Good-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2613\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This week, I’m looking airlines deep in the eyes and asking, “Why do you hate us?” Just kidding. What I will be doing is sharing strategies on how to avoid one of the peskiest things about flying: fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>THE BIG STORY:</strong><strong>‘Wing, Lose, or Draw’</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Flying is such a pain.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let me explain. A few weeks ago, I booked a flight from New York City to Orlando, Fla. I thought I had done my due diligence, looking for the cheapest flights on Google Flights and Skyscanner for nearly an hour. When I decided I was going to purchase my ticket from a certain airline because of the cheap airfare listed, I thought I had scored the best deal and my homework was thus done.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">I was naive. It’s been a while since I’ve flown, and I had not counted on all the extra fees for what I considered basic amenities that would pop up in the process of my booking the ticket. Want to select a seat? Fee. Want to check your bag? Fee. Oh, you’d like to bring a carry-on with you? Fee. I believe that if they could get away with charging me money for using the restroom on the plane, there probably would be a fee for that as well. (You think I’m joking, but there was a European airline that was seriously considering this, though the plan was later dropped.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Airline fees are annoying for consumers, though for airlines, they are lucrative. Last year, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines generated $520 million and nearly $360 million, respectively, from baggage fees alone. Airlines now make most of their profits from fees rather than ticket fares, says Consumer Reports aviation adviser William J. McGee, an airline industry vet who has testified before Congress numerous times on consumer airline fees and other issues. (I emailed Airlines for America, which represents major carriers, about the industry’s fees but it didn’t respond.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The fees that passengers face include baggage fees, seat selection fees, and fees charged when you change or cancel a flight. Is it possible to avoid paying them? I asked aviation and travel experts, and here’s what they advised.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1<strong>. Understand your carrier and airfare class first.</strong><br>If you’re flying with an ultra-low-cost carrier (which I did)—an airline that is focused on minimizing operational costs, such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, or Allegiant Air—the reality is you’re going to be charged fees for many amenities and services traditionally provided in the fare, William says. By unbundling amenities previously baked into the ticket cost, ultra-low-cost carriers can offer cheaper tickets that may grow more expensive once you start paying extra fees (unless, of course, you don’t care about amenities and all you need is a seat on the plane).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other airlines have followed suit in unbundling their services. If you purchase a ticket for basic economy, the cheapest fare class, from many airlines, you will also be charged ancillary fees. And the cheaper the fare class you’re in, the more the fees you’re likely to pay, says John Breyault, vice president of public policy at the nonprofit advocacy organization National Consumers League.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">That’s not saying that you should never fly with Spirit or buy a basic economy ticket; it’s just good to ask yourself before you book the ticket if you’re willing to pay extra for amenities, William says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f499;<strong>&nbsp;Bonus tip:</strong>&nbsp;When checking flights, you can use tools like the bags filter in Google Flights or the Kayak app to see the cost of your flight plus fees for one checked bag and carry-on.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Fly with an airline that doesn’t charge certain fees.</strong><br>Your first two checked bags are free on Southwest, for instance, and you’re allowed one bag and one personal item for carry-on. Southwest also doesn’t charge flight change or cancellation fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Consider using an airline credit card.</strong><br>Many credit cards offered by airlines come with no annual fees and offer perks such as a free checked bag, says Zach Griff, senior reporter for travel website The Points Guy.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But make sure you scrutinize the terms before you sign up for a new credit card, and be aware that applying for a credit card can temporarily affect your credit score. If you end up not using the card much and close that account, that could also lower your score. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Use the travel benefits of your credit card.</strong><br>If you already have a credit card with great travel perks, take advantage of them. The American Express Platinum (which comes with a $695 annual fee) offers an annual $200 airline fee credit for one airline that you choose every year and it covers incidental fees such as checked bags. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card (which has an annual fee of $550) has a $300 travel credit per year, says travel blogger and Instagram influencer Angel Trinh. It’s worth weighing the benefits of the card and the costs of its annual fees before you open up a new account.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5. If you’re enrolled in a frequent flyer program, check your perks.</strong><br>For those who fly often and with the same airline, frequent flyer programs from airlines often offer perks such as a free checked bag or the waiving of other fees for members who qualify.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>DOUBLING DOWN</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In addition to avoiding fees, how can you save money on airfares in general? </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4b8;&nbsp;<strong>Book early.</strong>&nbsp;If you buy your tickets a few weeks in advance, you may get better prices than if you buy them last-minute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4c9;&nbsp;<strong>Use price alerts.&nbsp;</strong>Set up alerts on fare comparison websites and apps such as Kayak and Hopper to notify you if the fare on a given route drops.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f3e8;&nbsp;<strong>Consider a package deal.</strong>&nbsp;If you book a flight and hotel package through an airline or a travel agency, your fare is often lower than what it’d be if you booked your ticket separately.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f512;&nbsp;<strong>Lock in fares.&nbsp;</strong>Some airlines allow you to lock in a fare for free or for a small fee a few days before you buy the ticket. You can use this time to shop around in case there’s a better deal out there.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x2705; <strong>Bonus</strong> <strong>tip:</strong> Department of Transportation rules also allow reservations to be canceled without penalty within 24 hours if the tickets are purchased at least seven days before a flight’s scheduled departure. The 24-hour refund requirement, however, doesn’t apply to tickets booked through online travel agencies, travel agents, or other third-party agents, so you should contact the travel agent directly for a refund before you contact the airline.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/airline-fees/smarter-how-to-avoid-ridiculous-airline-fees-a2163062878/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Smarter: &#x2708;&#xfe0f; How to Avoid Ridiculous Airline Fees','','inherit','closed','closed','','2612-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 09:16:38','2022-07-18 09:16:38','',2612,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2614',0,'revision','',0),(2615,1,'2022-07-18 09:25:19','2022-07-18 09:25:19','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2616,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2616\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>HO-6 insurance</strong> is a specific type of homeowners insurance that covers losses and repairs for condominiums, co-ops, and townhomes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">Definition and Examples of HO-6 Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">Also referred to as condo insurance, HO-6 insurance is a type of homeowners policy that can cover a wide range of damages and expenses relating to your condominium, co-op, or townhouse—as opposed to the shared areas of the condominium complex.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Alternate name</strong>: Condo insurance</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Policy details vary, but they generally cover some or all of the following to a degree:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-11\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>The dwelling, its fixtures, and any improvements</li><li>Personal property and belongings within the unit, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics</li><li>Living expenses if you have to move out while your condo is being repaired or rebuilt due to a covered loss</li><li>Legal fees and medical costs for accidents that happen in your unit</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">The most comprehensive plans include all of these coverages, but there’s no guarantee all policies do. Additionally, like many types of insurance, HO-6 policies have reimbursement limits. These policies also exclude coverage for certain types of incidents, such as damage from flooding and termites. However, if your unit is burglarized, for example, your HO-6 policy will likely cover the cost of your stolen items.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\">How Does HO-6 Insurance Work?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\">HO-6 insurance is different from your homeowner association’s (HOA) master insurance policy, which usually covers the common areas, the structure of the building itself, and occasionally, the basic structure of your unit. An HO-6 policy will cover your personal belongings, any fixtures or improvements, accidents that may occur in your unit, or your living expenses should you have to move out while your home is being repaired.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">If you experience a covered loss, you’ll file a claim with your HO-6 insurance company, and possibly with your HOA’s insurance company. For instance, if items inside your unit are destroyed by a kitchen fire, you’ll probably only need to file a claim with your insurer. However, if the fire started in a hallway and spread to your unit, you’ll likely have to get your HOA’s insurance company involved, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">You may have to pay a deductible before your insurance company kicks in and covers the rest. Your deductible and coverage limits are usually listed on your condo insurance policy declarations page. When in doubt, contact your insurance agent. They’re often more than willing to help you with the claims process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> Not only is HO-6 insurance a wise investment, it may be required by your mortgage lender as a condition of your loan. Your HOA may also require you to carry certain coverages and limits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">HO-6 Insurance vs. HOA Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Essentially, HO-6 insurance covers your unit from the walls in, while an HOA master policy covers the physical structure of the building and any common areas. While some HOA master insurance policies provide more comprehensive protection, an HO-6 policy can help fill the gaps by making sure the inside of your unit and personal belongings are covered, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>HO-6 Policy</strong></td><td><strong>HOA Master Policy</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Covers items in your unit: fixtures, plumbing, personal belongings, and valuables (up to policy limits)</td><td>Covers the building structure and common areas such as pools or gyms</td></tr><tr><td>Pays for living expenses if you have to stay elsewhere during a covered repair</td><td>May pay for accidental property damage and medical costs for injuries that occur in common areas</td></tr><tr><td>You pay the insurance premiums and any deductibles</td><td>HOA membership dues pay insurance premiums, deductibles, and any additional costs</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">The type of HO-6 coverage you’ll need depends on the value of your belongings and the level of coverage provided by your HOA’s master policy. In general, HOA insurance has three levels:<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.progressive.com/answers/condo-101/\" target=\"_blank\"></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Bare-walls coverage</strong>: These policies insure the building’s common areas, including property owned by the HOA. It doesn’t extend to the internal structure or fixtures of your unit.</li><li><strong>Single-entity coverage</strong>: These policies cover the same elements as bare-walls coverage, plus your condo’s structure and fixtures from when it was originally built (not improvements or upgrades).</li><li><strong>All-in coverage</strong>: This is the most comprehensive type of coverage, and it includes single-entity coverage, plus some or all of the improvements to your structure and fixtures.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\">Whatever the terms of your complex’s master policy, you probably should still buy an HO-6 policy to financially protect one of your most important assets—your home—against unforeseen disasters and accidents. Even if your HOA has all-in coverage, you’ll still need protection for your personal belongings and liability.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-44\">What Does HO-6 Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\">HO-6 insurance makes up for your HOA master policy’s lack of coverage on your personal items. It may cover any or all of the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Building property coverage for damage to your unit</strong>: You might get help replacing your cabinetry and appliances if they are damaged in a covered incident.</li><li><strong>Personal possessions</strong>: Insurers may pay to repair or replace your electronics or clothes if they’re damaged or stolen.</li><li><strong>Lawsuits against you (including any medical costs)</strong>: If a guest injures themselves on your property, your insurance might help cover your legal fees and the guest’s hospital bills.</li><li><strong>Additional living expenses for loss of use (and loss assessment)</strong>: This might cover your food and lodging if your unit is uninhabitable.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\">HO-6 insurance is typically what’s known as a “named perils” policy. That means coverage for your dwelling and personal property only kicks in for incidents or accidents listed in the policy, also known as perils. HO-6 insurance policies often include the following 16 events:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Fire or lightning</li><li>Windstorm or hail</li><li>Explosion</li><li>Riot or civil commotion</li><li>Damage caused by aircraft</li><li>Damage caused by vehicles</li><li>Smoke</li><li>Vandalism or malicious mischief</li><li>Theft</li><li>Volcanic eruption</li><li>Falling objects</li><li>Weight of ice, snow, or sleet</li><li>Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam</li><li>Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of specific household systems</li><li>Freezing</li><li>Sudden and accidental damage from an artificially generated electrical current</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> If your HO-6 policy doesn’t explicitly include a peril in its coverage list (or specifically excludes it), don’t count on getting reimbursed for costs due to that type of damage. For example, earthquake damage is not typically covered. Verify your policy’s details to confirm your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-59\">Do I Need HO-6 Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-61\">If you purchase a condo, your homeowners association or your mortgage lender (if you use one) may require you to purchase an HO-6 insurance policy. They may also have minimum coverage requirements.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-64\">Even if you own your condo free and clear, or your HOA doesn’t require you to get HO-6 insurance, you may want to consider getting a policy anyway.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-67\">After all, your condo is likely one of the most valuable assets you own. And if it’s your primary residence, you’ll likely keep most (if not all) of your personal possessions on the premises. However unlikely it may be, the potential downside of losing everything you own in one fell swoop due to a catastrophe, such as an electrical fire, is too important to leave to chance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-70\">Besides, HO-6 insurance is relatively affordable. The nationwide average annual HO-6 premium is $506, or about $42 per month.<sup>4</sup> That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing your home and belongings are protected.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>HO-6 insurance is also called condo insurance. It covers damages to the structure, fixtures, and property inside your unit; living costs due to loss of use; plus lawsuits and related medical bills for accidents that may occur on your property.</li><li>HO-6 insurance supplements your HOA’s master policy, which may cover the building, common areas, and sometimes, the structure or fixtures within units.</li><li>If you own a condo, your lender or HOA may require you to purchase HO-6 insurance.</li><li>Even if it isn’t required, an HO-6 policy can protect you from disasters that could lead to financial hardship.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-ho6-insurance-5201480\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is HO-6 Insurance?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-ho-6-insurance','','','2022-07-18 09:25:19','2022-07-18 09:25:19','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2615',0,'post','',0),(2616,1,'2022-07-18 09:17:54','2022-07-18 09:17:54','','Insurance-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-1-5','','','2022-07-18 09:17:54','2022-07-18 09:17:54','',2615,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2617,1,'2022-07-18 09:25:19','2022-07-18 09:25:19','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2616,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2616\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>HO-6 insurance</strong> is a specific type of homeowners insurance that covers losses and repairs for condominiums, co-ops, and townhomes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">Definition and Examples of HO-6 Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">Also referred to as condo insurance, HO-6 insurance is a type of homeowners policy that can cover a wide range of damages and expenses relating to your condominium, co-op, or townhouse—as opposed to the shared areas of the condominium complex.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Alternate name</strong>: Condo insurance</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Policy details vary, but they generally cover some or all of the following to a degree:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-11\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>The dwelling, its fixtures, and any improvements</li><li>Personal property and belongings within the unit, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics</li><li>Living expenses if you have to move out while your condo is being repaired or rebuilt due to a covered loss</li><li>Legal fees and medical costs for accidents that happen in your unit</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">The most comprehensive plans include all of these coverages, but there’s no guarantee all policies do. Additionally, like many types of insurance, HO-6 policies have reimbursement limits. These policies also exclude coverage for certain types of incidents, such as damage from flooding and termites. However, if your unit is burglarized, for example, your HO-6 policy will likely cover the cost of your stolen items.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\">How Does HO-6 Insurance Work?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\">HO-6 insurance is different from your homeowner association’s (HOA) master insurance policy, which usually covers the common areas, the structure of the building itself, and occasionally, the basic structure of your unit. An HO-6 policy will cover your personal belongings, any fixtures or improvements, accidents that may occur in your unit, or your living expenses should you have to move out while your home is being repaired.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">If you experience a covered loss, you’ll file a claim with your HO-6 insurance company, and possibly with your HOA’s insurance company. For instance, if items inside your unit are destroyed by a kitchen fire, you’ll probably only need to file a claim with your insurer. However, if the fire started in a hallway and spread to your unit, you’ll likely have to get your HOA’s insurance company involved, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">You may have to pay a deductible before your insurance company kicks in and covers the rest. Your deductible and coverage limits are usually listed on your condo insurance policy declarations page. When in doubt, contact your insurance agent. They’re often more than willing to help you with the claims process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> Not only is HO-6 insurance a wise investment, it may be required by your mortgage lender as a condition of your loan. Your HOA may also require you to carry certain coverages and limits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">HO-6 Insurance vs. HOA Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Essentially, HO-6 insurance covers your unit from the walls in, while an HOA master policy covers the physical structure of the building and any common areas. While some HOA master insurance policies provide more comprehensive protection, an HO-6 policy can help fill the gaps by making sure the inside of your unit and personal belongings are covered, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>HO-6 Policy</strong></td><td><strong>HOA Master Policy</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Covers items in your unit: fixtures, plumbing, personal belongings, and valuables (up to policy limits)</td><td>Covers the building structure and common areas such as pools or gyms</td></tr><tr><td>Pays for living expenses if you have to stay elsewhere during a covered repair</td><td>May pay for accidental property damage and medical costs for injuries that occur in common areas</td></tr><tr><td>You pay the insurance premiums and any deductibles</td><td>HOA membership dues pay insurance premiums, deductibles, and any additional costs</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">The type of HO-6 coverage you’ll need depends on the value of your belongings and the level of coverage provided by your HOA’s master policy. In general, HOA insurance has three levels:<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.progressive.com/answers/condo-101/\" target=\"_blank\"></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Bare-walls coverage</strong>: These policies insure the building’s common areas, including property owned by the HOA. It doesn’t extend to the internal structure or fixtures of your unit.</li><li><strong>Single-entity coverage</strong>: These policies cover the same elements as bare-walls coverage, plus your condo’s structure and fixtures from when it was originally built (not improvements or upgrades).</li><li><strong>All-in coverage</strong>: This is the most comprehensive type of coverage, and it includes single-entity coverage, plus some or all of the improvements to your structure and fixtures.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\">Whatever the terms of your complex’s master policy, you probably should still buy an HO-6 policy to financially protect one of your most important assets—your home—against unforeseen disasters and accidents. Even if your HOA has all-in coverage, you’ll still need protection for your personal belongings and liability.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-44\">What Does HO-6 Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\">HO-6 insurance makes up for your HOA master policy’s lack of coverage on your personal items. It may cover any or all of the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Building property coverage for damage to your unit</strong>: You might get help replacing your cabinetry and appliances if they are damaged in a covered incident.</li><li><strong>Personal possessions</strong>: Insurers may pay to repair or replace your electronics or clothes if they’re damaged or stolen.</li><li><strong>Lawsuits against you (including any medical costs)</strong>: If a guest injures themselves on your property, your insurance might help cover your legal fees and the guest’s hospital bills.</li><li><strong>Additional living expenses for loss of use (and loss assessment)</strong>: This might cover your food and lodging if your unit is uninhabitable.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\">HO-6 insurance is typically what’s known as a “named perils” policy. That means coverage for your dwelling and personal property only kicks in for incidents or accidents listed in the policy, also known as perils. HO-6 insurance policies often include the following 16 events:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Fire or lightning</li><li>Windstorm or hail</li><li>Explosion</li><li>Riot or civil commotion</li><li>Damage caused by aircraft</li><li>Damage caused by vehicles</li><li>Smoke</li><li>Vandalism or malicious mischief</li><li>Theft</li><li>Volcanic eruption</li><li>Falling objects</li><li>Weight of ice, snow, or sleet</li><li>Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam</li><li>Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of specific household systems</li><li>Freezing</li><li>Sudden and accidental damage from an artificially generated electrical current</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> If your HO-6 policy doesn’t explicitly include a peril in its coverage list (or specifically excludes it), don’t count on getting reimbursed for costs due to that type of damage. For example, earthquake damage is not typically covered. Verify your policy’s details to confirm your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-59\">Do I Need HO-6 Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-61\">If you purchase a condo, your homeowners association or your mortgage lender (if you use one) may require you to purchase an HO-6 insurance policy. They may also have minimum coverage requirements.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-64\">Even if you own your condo free and clear, or your HOA doesn’t require you to get HO-6 insurance, you may want to consider getting a policy anyway.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-67\">After all, your condo is likely one of the most valuable assets you own. And if it’s your primary residence, you’ll likely keep most (if not all) of your personal possessions on the premises. However unlikely it may be, the potential downside of losing everything you own in one fell swoop due to a catastrophe, such as an electrical fire, is too important to leave to chance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-70\">Besides, HO-6 insurance is relatively affordable. The nationwide average annual HO-6 premium is $506, or about $42 per month.<sup>4</sup> That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing your home and belongings are protected.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>HO-6 insurance is also called condo insurance. It covers damages to the structure, fixtures, and property inside your unit; living costs due to loss of use; plus lawsuits and related medical bills for accidents that may occur on your property.</li><li>HO-6 insurance supplements your HOA’s master policy, which may cover the building, common areas, and sometimes, the structure or fixtures within units.</li><li>If you own a condo, your lender or HOA may require you to purchase HO-6 insurance.</li><li>Even if it isn’t required, an HO-6 policy can protect you from disasters that could lead to financial hardship.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-ho6-insurance-5201480\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is HO-6 Insurance?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2615-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 09:25:19','2022-07-18 09:25:19','',2615,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2617',0,'revision','',0),(2618,1,'2022-07-18 09:30:50','2022-07-18 09:30:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2619,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2619\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An all-risk insurance contract or \"open perils policy\" covers and protects you from all risks or perils that could damage your home or contents and personal property. Any exception must be spelled out in the policy. It differs from a standard H0-3 homeowners policy because the H0-3 policy covers only named perils on contents. An all-risk insurance policy that covers all risks on both home and personal property is also known as \"open perils\" or \"comprehensive form\" insurance. HO-5 is an example of an open-perils, all-risk comprehensive insurance policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A named perils policy covers only the risks listed on the policy. A combination policy, meanwhile, provides all-risk coverage on your home but covers only the named perils on your belongings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>An all-risk policy will cover any damage that is not specifically excluded in the policy.</li><li>The type of coverage you choose will impact how much you get paid in a claim, and whether your damage will be covered.</li><li>All-risk coverage may apply to the building only but not its contents.</li><li>Ask whether the coverage is \"all-risk on building and contents\" to avoid confusion.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Here\'s When an All-Risk Policy Makes a Difference</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Say a friend comes over to help you install a TV in your den. They drop the TV, damaging both the TV and the floor. An all-risk policy would cover the damage to both, because it was sudden and accidental, and not excluded. On the other hand, a named perils policy that covers only fire, smoke damage, lightning, and frozen pipes would not cover the damages to either the floor or the TV.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">All-risk policies cost more than H0-3 broad form or named peril policies. Prices can vary greatly depending on your personal information, what is being insured, where you live, and many more factors. Shop around with insurance providers for specific quotes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Tip: </strong>Having coverage for all risks means that if you need to make a claim due to sudden or accidental damage, you would be covered unless the insurance company proves the damage resulted from something that is excluded or limited.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">All-Risk Home Insurance: What Coverage Do You Need?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Both the HO-5 and the HO-3 policies cover all-risk or open perils coverage on your building.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, the HO-3 only covers named perils on contents. This means coverage on your personal property will be limited if you take a form that does not cover all risk on personal property. Before choosing your home insurance, look at what shape you would be in if something were to happen to your home and belongings and you were to find out you were not insured for all risks. If the price is a concern, consider increasing your deductible to save money on your premium.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">What\'s Left out of All-Risk Coverage?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">An insurance company may choose to include more coverage in its all-risk policy by limiting exclusions as a value-added perk. High-value home insurers, for instance, often do this. In general, though, some common items and risks are excluded from coverage:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Damage caused by rodents or pests</li><li>Some types of water damage, including sewer backups</li><li>Earth movement</li><li>Flood</li><li>Nuclear incidents</li><li>Acts of terrorism</li><li>Breakage of fragile items</li><li>Mechanical breakdown</li><li>Pollution</li><li>Wear and tear</li><li>Hidden or latent defects</li><li>Gradual damage</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\">According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5.13%  of insured homes had claims in 2019, the most recent year for which there is data.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Although you might not file a claim this year, it is important to review your coverage each year so when you do have a claim, you won\'t have any surprises.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-all-risk-insurance-policy-4155325\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Do You Need an All-Risk Insurance Policy?','','publish','closed','closed','','do-you-need-an-all-risk-insurance-policy','','','2022-07-18 09:30:50','2022-07-18 09:30:50','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2618',0,'post','',0),(2619,1,'2022-07-18 09:26:27','2022-07-18 09:26:27','','Insurance-2','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-2-5','','','2022-07-18 09:26:27','2022-07-18 09:26:27','',2618,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-2.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2620,1,'2022-07-18 09:30:50','2022-07-18 09:30:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2619,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2619\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An all-risk insurance contract or \"open perils policy\" covers and protects you from all risks or perils that could damage your home or contents and personal property. Any exception must be spelled out in the policy. It differs from a standard H0-3 homeowners policy because the H0-3 policy covers only named perils on contents. An all-risk insurance policy that covers all risks on both home and personal property is also known as \"open perils\" or \"comprehensive form\" insurance. HO-5 is an example of an open-perils, all-risk comprehensive insurance policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A named perils policy covers only the risks listed on the policy. A combination policy, meanwhile, provides all-risk coverage on your home but covers only the named perils on your belongings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>An all-risk policy will cover any damage that is not specifically excluded in the policy.</li><li>The type of coverage you choose will impact how much you get paid in a claim, and whether your damage will be covered.</li><li>All-risk coverage may apply to the building only but not its contents.</li><li>Ask whether the coverage is \"all-risk on building and contents\" to avoid confusion.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Here\'s When an All-Risk Policy Makes a Difference</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Say a friend comes over to help you install a TV in your den. They drop the TV, damaging both the TV and the floor. An all-risk policy would cover the damage to both, because it was sudden and accidental, and not excluded. On the other hand, a named perils policy that covers only fire, smoke damage, lightning, and frozen pipes would not cover the damages to either the floor or the TV.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">All-risk policies cost more than H0-3 broad form or named peril policies. Prices can vary greatly depending on your personal information, what is being insured, where you live, and many more factors. Shop around with insurance providers for specific quotes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Tip: </strong>Having coverage for all risks means that if you need to make a claim due to sudden or accidental damage, you would be covered unless the insurance company proves the damage resulted from something that is excluded or limited.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">All-Risk Home Insurance: What Coverage Do You Need?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Both the HO-5 and the HO-3 policies cover all-risk or open perils coverage on your building.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, the HO-3 only covers named perils on contents. This means coverage on your personal property will be limited if you take a form that does not cover all risk on personal property. Before choosing your home insurance, look at what shape you would be in if something were to happen to your home and belongings and you were to find out you were not insured for all risks. If the price is a concern, consider increasing your deductible to save money on your premium.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">What\'s Left out of All-Risk Coverage?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">An insurance company may choose to include more coverage in its all-risk policy by limiting exclusions as a value-added perk. High-value home insurers, for instance, often do this. In general, though, some common items and risks are excluded from coverage:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Damage caused by rodents or pests</li><li>Some types of water damage, including sewer backups</li><li>Earth movement</li><li>Flood</li><li>Nuclear incidents</li><li>Acts of terrorism</li><li>Breakage of fragile items</li><li>Mechanical breakdown</li><li>Pollution</li><li>Wear and tear</li><li>Hidden or latent defects</li><li>Gradual damage</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\">According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5.13%  of insured homes had claims in 2019, the most recent year for which there is data.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Although you might not file a claim this year, it is important to review your coverage each year so when you do have a claim, you won\'t have any surprises.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-all-risk-insurance-policy-4155325\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Do You Need an All-Risk Insurance Policy?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2618-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 09:30:50','2022-07-18 09:30:50','',2618,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2620',0,'revision','',0),(2621,1,'2022-07-18 11:43:43','2022-07-18 11:43:43','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2622,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2622\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is insurance coverage intended to protect individuals from personal losses if they are sued as a result of serving as a director or an officer of a business or other type of organization. It can also cover the legal fees and other costs the organization may incur as a result of such a suit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance covers directors and officers or their company or organization if sued (most policies exclude fraud and criminal offenses).</li><li>D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to cover losses associated with the lawsuit, including legal defense fees.</li><li>Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification.</li><li>Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification.</li><li>Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Understanding Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">D&amp;O insurance applies to anyone who serves as a director or an officer of a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. A D&amp;O insurance policy&nbsp;insures&nbsp;against personal losses, and it&nbsp;can also help reimburse a&nbsp;business or nonprofit for the legal fees or other costs incurred in defending such individuals against lawsuits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to directors and officers of a company or organization for losses or&nbsp;reimbursement of&nbsp;defense costs if&nbsp;legal action is brought against them. Such coverage can also&nbsp;extend to&nbsp;criminal and regulatory investigations or trial defense costs. Civil and criminal actions are often brought against directors and&nbsp;officers simultaneously.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">D&amp;O insurance is akin to&nbsp;corporate governance,&nbsp;corporate law, and the&nbsp;fiduciary&nbsp;duty owed to stakeholders, such as shareholders and beneficiaries. US federal law grants&nbsp;directors and officers broad discretion in their business activities. Corporate law is typically handled at the state level. Publicly traded companies are subject to more federal regulation than privately held companies, particularly due to the&nbsp;Securities Act of 1933&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The typical D&amp;O insurance policy contains three types of insuring agreements. They\'re commonly referred to as Side A, Side B, and Side C.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification. This can occur, for example, if the company has declared bankruptcy. Under Side A coverage, the individual officer is the one who\'s insured and it\'s their personal assets that are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification. In this case, the policy will reimburse the company for legal costs. Under Side B coverage, it is the company that is insured while its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself. Under Side C coverage, the company is insured and its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The exact coverage that a company goes with ultimately depends on its unique business model characteristics, needs, history, and financial picture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Process</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The process of D&amp;O insurance in real life is straightforward. It all starts when a manager allegedly fails to perform his or her role. Some common risk scenarios include employment malpractice, reporting errors, inaccurate disclosures, insolvencies, and regulation violations. As a result, several claimants decide to sue the manager.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">Once the manager and the legal/risk management departments are informed of the claim, they then provide a description of the claim to their broker/insurer. If the claim is covered, the insurer covers the defense costs. If the claim is covered and the case is lost, the insurer pays for the defense costs&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>the financial losses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Of course, that example heavily depends on the terms and conditions of the specific policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> D&amp;O insurance&nbsp;has become closely associated with broader management liability insurance, which covers&nbsp;liabilities&nbsp;of the corporation, as well as the personal liabilities for the directors and officers of the corporation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">D&amp;O policies can take different forms, depending on the nature of the organization and the risks it faces. It’s best to seek out an insurance company with deep experience in this specialized field. The policies are generally purchased by the organization to cover a group of individuals rather than by the individuals themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">If a&nbsp;company fails to disclose material information or willfully provides inaccurate information, the insurer may avoid payment due to&nbsp;misrepresentation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The \"severability clause\" in the policy conditions may be intended to protect against this by preventing misconduct by one insured from affecting insurance for other insureds; however, in certain jurisdictions, it may be ineffective.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\">Policies can be written to insure against a variety of hazards, but they generally make exclusions for fraud, criminal activity, and illegal profits. Also, most policies contain \"insured vs. insured\" clauses, whereby no claim is paid when current or former directors and officers sue the company. This prevents the company from profiting from deceit or conspiracy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do I Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It depends on the size and nature of your business. But generally speaking, D&amp;O insurance should seriously be considered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do Small Businesses Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small businesses aren\'t immune to costly lawsuits. It might be easy to assume that lawsuits and fines are only triggered by disgruntled shareholders. That\'s definitely the case with high-profile suits against large public companies. However, for private companies, the most damaging suits are brought by customers, vendors, and other third parties. Small companies might be uniquely vulnerable to a potentially damaging lawsuit because they don\'t have the financial muscle that larger companies may have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Much Does D&amp;O Insurance Cost?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The cost of D&amp;O insurance can vary widely depending on factors like company size, industry, risk appetite, financial position, revenue, and claims history. All else equal, businesses that have a long operating history will likely pay less than younger organizations. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Type of D&amp;O Insurance Should I Buy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The type of D&amp;O insurance you choose depends on what your company needs and what it can afford. Here are a few main things to consider—should the policy just cover managers (Side A) or the company as a whole (Side B and Side C)? How much coverage is enough? What are the biggest D&amp;O risks your company, in particular, faces?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does D&amp;O Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">D&amp;O insurance typically covers legal fees, settlements, and financial losses when the insured is held liable. Common allegations covered include breaches of fiduciary duty, failure to comply with regulations, lack of corporate governance, creditor claims, and reporting errors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Outright fraud, criminal activity, and lawsuits between managers within the same company are usually not covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-directors-and-officers-do-liability-insurance','','','2022-07-18 23:07:11','2022-07-18 23:07:11','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2621',0,'post','',0),(2622,1,'2022-07-18 11:38:25','2022-07-18 11:38:25','','Insurance-5','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-5-5','','','2022-07-18 11:38:25','2022-07-18 11:38:25','',2621,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-5.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2645,1,'2022-07-18 23:07:00','2022-07-18 23:07:00','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2622,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2622\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is insurance coverage intended to protect individuals from personal losses if they are sued as a result of serving as a director or an officer of a business or other type of organization. It can also cover the legal fees and other costs the organization may incur as a result of such a suit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance covers directors and officers or their company or organization if sued (most policies exclude fraud and criminal offenses).</li><li>D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to cover losses associated with the lawsuit, including legal defense fees.</li><li>Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification.</li><li>Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification.</li><li>Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Understanding Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">D&amp;O insurance applies to anyone who serves as a director or an officer of a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. A D&amp;O insurance policy&nbsp;insures&nbsp;against personal losses, and it&nbsp;can also help reimburse a&nbsp;business or nonprofit for the legal fees or other costs incurred in defending such individuals against lawsuits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to directors and officers of a company or organization for losses or&nbsp;reimbursement of&nbsp;defense costs if&nbsp;legal action is brought against them. Such coverage can also&nbsp;extend to&nbsp;criminal and regulatory investigations or trial defense costs. Civil and criminal actions are often brought against directors and&nbsp;officers simultaneously.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">D&amp;O insurance is akin to&nbsp;corporate governance,&nbsp;corporate law, and the&nbsp;fiduciary&nbsp;duty owed to stakeholders, such as shareholders and beneficiaries. US federal law grants&nbsp;directors and officers broad discretion in their business activities. Corporate law is typically handled at the state level. Publicly traded companies are subject to more federal regulation than privately held companies, particularly due to the&nbsp;Securities Act of 1933&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The typical D&amp;O insurance policy contains three types of insuring agreements. They\'re commonly referred to as Side A, Side B, and Side C.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification. This can occur, for example, if the company has declared bankruptcy. Under Side A coverage, the individual officer is the one who\'s insured and it\'s their personal assets that are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification. In this case, the policy will reimburse the company for legal costs. Under Side B coverage, it is the company that is insured while its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself. Under Side C coverage, the company is insured and its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The exact coverage that a company goes with ultimately depends on its unique business model characteristics, needs, history, and financial picture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Process</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The process of D&amp;O insurance in real life is straightforward. It all starts when a manager allegedly fails to perform his or her role. Some common risk scenarios include employment malpractice, reporting errors, inaccurate disclosures, insolvencies, and regulation violations. As a result, several claimants decide to sue the manager.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">Once the manager and the legal/risk management departments are informed of the claim, they then provide a description of the claim to their broker/insurer. If the claim is covered, the insurer covers the defense costs. If the claim is covered and the case is lost, the insurer pays for the defense costs&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>the financial losses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Of course, that example heavily depends on the terms and conditions of the specific policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> D&amp;O insurance&nbsp;has become closely associated with broader management liability insurance, which covers&nbsp;liabilities&nbsp;of the corporation, as well as the personal liabilities for the directors and officers of the corporation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">D&amp;O policies can take different forms, depending on the nature of the organization and the risks it faces. It’s best to seek out an insurance company with deep experience in this specialized field. The policies are generally purchased by the organization to cover a group of individuals rather than by the individuals themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">If a&nbsp;company fails to disclose material information or willfully provides inaccurate information, the insurer may avoid payment due to&nbsp;misrepresentation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The \"severability clause\" in the policy conditions may be intended to protect against this by preventing misconduct by one insured from affecting insurance for other insureds; however, in certain jurisdictions, it may be ineffective.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\">Policies can be written to insure against a variety of hazards, but they generally make exclusions for fraud, criminal activity, and illegal profits. Also, most policies contain \"insured vs. insured\" clauses, whereby no claim is paid when current or former directors and officers sue the company. This prevents the company from profiting from deceit or conspiracy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do I Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It depends on the size and nature of your business. But generally speaking, D&amp;O insurance should seriously be considered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do Small Businesses Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small businesses aren\'t immune to costly lawsuits. It might be easy to assume that lawsuits and fines are only triggered by disgruntled shareholders. That\'s definitely the case with high-profile suits against large public companies. However, for private companies, the most damaging suits are brought by customers, vendors, and other third parties. Small companies might be uniquely vulnerable to a potentially damaging lawsuit because they don\'t have the financial muscle that larger companies may have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Much Does D&amp;O Insurance Cost?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The cost of D&amp;O insurance can vary widely depending on factors like company size, industry, risk appetite, financial position, revenue, and claims history. All else equal, businesses that have a long operating history will likely pay less than younger organizations. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Type of D&amp;O Insurance Should I Buy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The type of D&amp;O insurance you choose depends on what your company needs and what it can afford. Here are a few main things to consider—should the policy just cover managers (Side A) or the company as a whole (Side B and Side C)? How much coverage is enough? What are the biggest D&amp;O risks your company, in particular, faces?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does D&amp;O Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">D&amp;O insurance typically covers legal fees, settlements, and financial losses when the insured is held liable. Common allegations covered include breaches of fiduciary duty, failure to comply with regulations, lack of corporate governance, creditor claims, and reporting errors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Outright fraud, criminal activity, and lawsuits between managers within the same company are usually not covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2621-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:07:00','2022-07-18 23:07:00','',2621,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2645',0,'revision','',0),(2623,1,'2022-07-18 11:43:43','2022-07-18 11:43:43','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2622,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2622\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is insurance coverage intended to protect individuals from personal losses if they are sued as a result of serving as a director or an officer of a business or other type of organization. It can also cover the legal fees and other costs the organization may incur as a result of such a suit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance covers directors and officers or their company or organization if sued (most policies exclude fraud and criminal offenses).</li><li>D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to cover losses associated with the lawsuit, including legal defense fees.</li><li>Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification.</li><li>Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification.</li><li>Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Understanding Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">D&amp;O insurance applies to anyone who serves as a director or an officer of a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. A D&amp;O insurance policy insures against personal losses, and it can also help reimburse a business or nonprofit for the legal fees or other costs incurred in defending such individuals against lawsuits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to directors and officers of a company or organization for losses or reimbursement of defense costs if legal action is brought against them. Such coverage can also extend to criminal and regulatory investigations or trial defense costs. Civil and criminal actions are often brought against directors and officers simultaneously.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">D&amp;O insurance is akin to corporate governance, corporate law, and the fiduciary duty owed to stakeholders, such as shareholders and beneficiaries. US federal law grants directors and officers broad discretion in their business activities. Corporate law is typically handled at the state level. Publicly traded companies are subject to more federal regulation than privately held companies, particularly due to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The typical D&amp;O insurance policy contains three types of insuring agreements. They\'re commonly referred to as Side A, Side B, and Side C.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification. This can occur, for example, if the company has declared bankruptcy. Under Side A coverage, the individual officer is the one who\'s insured and it\'s their personal assets that are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification. In this case, the policy will reimburse the company for legal costs. Under Side B coverage, it is the company that is insured while its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself. Under Side C coverage, the company is insured and its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The exact coverage that a company goes with ultimately depends on its unique business model characteristics, needs, history, and financial picture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Process</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The process of D&amp;O insurance in real life is straightforward. It all starts when a manager allegedly fails to perform his or her role. Some common risk scenarios include employment malpractice, reporting errors, inaccurate disclosures, insolvencies, and regulation violations. As a result, several claimants decide to sue the manager.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">Once the manager and the legal/risk management departments are informed of the claim, they then provide a description of the claim to their broker/insurer. If the claim is covered, the insurer covers the defense costs. If the claim is covered and the case is lost, the insurer pays for the defense costs&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>the financial losses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Of course, that example heavily depends on the terms and conditions of the specific policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> D&amp;O insurance has become closely associated with broader management liability insurance, which covers liabilities of the corporation, as well as the personal liabilities for the directors and officers of the corporation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">D&amp;O policies can take different forms, depending on the nature of the organization and the risks it faces. It’s best to seek out an insurance company with deep experience in this specialized field. The policies are generally purchased by the organization to cover a group of individuals rather than by the individuals themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">If a&nbsp;company fails to disclose material information or willfully provides inaccurate information, the insurer may avoid payment due to&nbsp;misrepresentation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The \"severability clause\" in the policy conditions may be intended to protect against this by preventing misconduct by one insured from affecting insurance for other insureds; however, in certain jurisdictions, it may be ineffective.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\">Policies can be written to insure against a variety of hazards, but they generally make exclusions for fraud, criminal activity, and illegal profits. Also, most policies contain \"insured vs. insured\" clauses, whereby no claim is paid when current or former directors and officers sue the company. This prevents the company from profiting from deceit or conspiracy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do I Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It depends on the size and nature of your business. But generally speaking, D&amp;O insurance should seriously be considered. A Chubb study showed that more than 25% of private companies reported a D&amp;O loss over the span of three years, with 96% being negatively impacted financially.1 So while D&amp;O insurance isn\'t necessary for every single business, in every situation, it\'s fair to say that any company with a board of directors would be wise to consider D&amp;O insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do Small Businesses Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small businesses aren\'t immune to costly lawsuits. It might be easy to assume that lawsuits and fines are only triggered by disgruntled shareholders. That\'s definitely the case with high-profile suits against large public companies. However, for private companies, the most damaging suits are brought by customers, vendors, and other third parties. Small companies might be uniquely vulnerable to a potentially damaging lawsuit because they don\'t have the financial muscle that larger companies may have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Much Does D&amp;O Insurance Cost?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The cost of D&amp;O insurance can vary widely depending on factors like company size, industry, risk appetite, financial position, revenue, and claims history. All else equal, businesses that have a long operating history will likely pay less than younger organizations. Insurance marketplace Insureon found that the median cost of D&amp;O insurers for its customers was $1,240 annually.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Type of D&amp;O Insurance Should I Buy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The type of D&amp;O insurance you choose depends on what your company needs and what it can afford. Here are a few main things to consider—should the policy just cover managers (Side A) or the company as a whole (Side B and Side C)? How much coverage is enough? What are the biggest D&amp;O risks your company, in particular, faces?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does D&amp;O Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">D&amp;O insurance typically covers legal fees, settlements, and financial losses when the insured is held liable. Common allegations covered include breaches of fiduciary duty, failure to comply with regulations, lack of corporate governance, creditor claims, and reporting errors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Outright fraud, criminal activity, and lawsuits between managers within the same company are usually not covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2621-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 11:43:43','2022-07-18 11:43:43','',2621,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2623',0,'revision','',0),(2624,1,'2022-07-18 11:47:50','2022-07-18 11:47:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2625,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2625\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Corporate reimbursement coverage is a form of liability insurance that companies purchase to protect themselves against losses due to legal actions against their directors and officers. It is one of three components of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability coverage. (Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability coverage also includes side A, side B, and side C coverage. Corporate reimbursement coverage is known as side B coverage.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Corporate reimbursement coverage is one portion of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance.</li><li>Companies purchase corporate reimbursement coverage in order to protect themselves against losses due to legal actions against their directors and officers.</li><li>While directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is largely structured to protect the individual executive against losses, the corporate reimbursement feature also covers any losses the firm itself might suffer as a result of legal action against individuals.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\">Understanding Corporate Reimbursement Coverage</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">Corporate reimbursement coverage is one portion of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance. This type of liability insurance is largely structured to protect the individual executive against losses, but the corporate reimbursement feature also covers any losses the firm itself might suffer as a result of legal action against individuals.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">The need for side B coverage is driven by the indemnification obligation that companies bear for the sake of their executives. Generally, this obligation is made explicit in the firm’s bylaws or articles of incorporation. This provision requires that the company protect, or pay for legal representation of, executives facing legal action as a result of fulfilling their duties to the firm. This obligation is general in nature, and executives often negotiate the specifics of their indemnifications as part of a personal contract when they join the company. This is important because the side B portion of a firm’s D&amp;O policy can only cover losses from claims filed against the individual executive, not the company itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Common reasons for such legal action include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Violation of fiduciary obligation to shareholders.</li><li>Failure to satisfy workplace safety regulations.</li><li>Theft of customers from competing firms or former employers.</li><li>Misrepresentation of corporate assets or financial situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Coverage</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The other two components of D&amp;O coverage are known as side A and side C. Side A covers executives’ financial losses when the company is unable to fulfill its indemnification obligation. This inability is most common in bankruptcy, and side A coverage forces the insurer to finance the legal defense.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side C is the least common of the three components of D&amp;O liability coverage, and is generally only purchased by public companies. Side C specifically protects these companies against claims made in connection with the companies’ securities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Investors often sue a company and its managers regarding the value of its securities, claiming some form of mismanagement or misrepresentation. When this happens, the company will file a side B claim to cover the costs of defending its executives. Assuming the firm owns a side C policy, it will also take side C action to cover any losses resulting from the suit against the company itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corporate-reimbursement-coverage.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Corporate Reimbursement Coverage?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-corporate-reimbursement-coverage','','','2022-07-18 11:47:50','2022-07-18 11:47:50','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2624',0,'post','',0),(2625,1,'2022-07-18 11:45:16','2022-07-18 11:45:16','','Insurance-6','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-6-5','','','2022-07-18 11:45:16','2022-07-18 11:45:16','',2624,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-6.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2626,1,'2022-07-18 11:47:50','2022-07-18 11:47:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2625,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2625\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Corporate reimbursement coverage is a form of liability insurance that companies purchase to protect themselves against losses due to legal actions against their directors and officers. It is one of three components of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability coverage. (Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability coverage also includes side A, side B, and side C coverage. Corporate reimbursement coverage is known as side B coverage.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Corporate reimbursement coverage is one portion of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance.</li><li>Companies purchase corporate reimbursement coverage in order to protect themselves against losses due to legal actions against their directors and officers.</li><li>While directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is largely structured to protect the individual executive against losses, the corporate reimbursement feature also covers any losses the firm itself might suffer as a result of legal action against individuals.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\">Understanding Corporate Reimbursement Coverage</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">Corporate reimbursement coverage is one portion of directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance. This type of liability insurance is largely structured to protect the individual executive against losses, but the corporate reimbursement feature also covers any losses the firm itself might suffer as a result of legal action against individuals.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">The need for side B coverage is driven by the indemnification obligation that companies bear for the sake of their executives. Generally, this obligation is made explicit in the firm’s bylaws or articles of incorporation. This provision requires that the company protect, or pay for legal representation of, executives facing legal action as a result of fulfilling their duties to the firm. This obligation is general in nature, and executives often negotiate the specifics of their indemnifications as part of a personal contract when they join the company. This is important because the side B portion of a firm’s D&amp;O policy can only cover losses from claims filed against the individual executive, not the company itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Common reasons for such legal action include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Violation of fiduciary obligation to shareholders.</li><li>Failure to satisfy workplace safety regulations.</li><li>Theft of customers from competing firms or former employers.</li><li>Misrepresentation of corporate assets or financial situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Coverage</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The other two components of D&amp;O coverage are known as side A and side C. Side A covers executives’ financial losses when the company is unable to fulfill its indemnification obligation. This inability is most common in bankruptcy, and side A coverage forces the insurer to finance the legal defense.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side C is the least common of the three components of D&amp;O liability coverage, and is generally only purchased by public companies. Side C specifically protects these companies against claims made in connection with the companies’ securities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Investors often sue a company and its managers regarding the value of its securities, claiming some form of mismanagement or misrepresentation. When this happens, the company will file a side B claim to cover the costs of defending its executives. Assuming the firm owns a side C policy, it will also take side C action to cover any losses resulting from the suit against the company itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corporate-reimbursement-coverage.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Corporate Reimbursement Coverage?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2624-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 11:47:50','2022-07-18 11:47:50','',2624,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2626',0,'revision','',0),(2627,1,'2022-07-18 11:52:48','2022-07-18 11:52:48','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Employer’s liability insurance is essentially an insurance policy for workers covering work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As an employer, one is legally responsible for the safety of workers during work and at the workplace. It is rare to find a place of employment that is completely exempt from workplace injury or death.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2629,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-7-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2629\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does Employer’s Liability Insurance Cover?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most of what the insurance covers are the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Employee discrimination (age, race, sex, disability, etc.)</li><li>Third-party lawsuits</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If an employee gets injured using a ladder during work and sues the ladder manufacturing company, that company can, in return, sue the employer for negligence on their part.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Lawsuits filed on behalf of the family members of deceased and/or disabled workers</li><li>Family bodily injury lawsuits can occur if family members suffer physical harm from taking care of the sick workers.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Role of Provincial Workers’ Compensation Fund</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most employers choose to pay into their respective provincial worker’s compensation fund in order to comply with the rules and regulations for employers. However, those exempt from doing so or who choose not to participate in the program face heavy repercussions if a claim is filed against them for work-related injuries or death. They may be subject to the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Legal fees to deal with the lawsuit</li><li>Medical costs</li><li>Settlement payments to the injured/victim’s family</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Typically, the Worker’s Compensation Board follows a “no-fault” approach where workers are not required to prove negligence on behalf of the employer that directly caused the harm or injury. However, an employer’s liability insurance requires proof of negligence and is a coverage that is typically added to Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another important aspect to note is that even if employers regularly pay into the Worker’s Compensation Provincial Fund, they are not free from all potential claims and liability. If the Worker’s Compensation Board denies the applicability of the claim, the employee is eligible to take legal action against the employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An important distinction between the two types of policies is that worker’s compensation covers most accidents that cannot be prevented at the workplace. However, employer’s liability insurance protects the employer against a wide variety of claims that can be filed against an employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Example of Workplace Injury</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s review an example of how workplace injury can occur and hence lead to legal ramifications for the employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The employer utilizes an old building for his clothing business. Several employees ended up contracting Legionnaire’s disease, which is essentially an airborne bacterial disease that leads to coughing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After investigations into the matter, it is determined that the cause of it was an old air conditioning system that the employer failed to maintain up to a certain standard. It would lead to the employer being responsible for the workers’ medical bills, missed wages, and related damages.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Benefits of Employer’s Liability Insurance</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1. Displaying coherent compliance with the law</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To be protected by the law, it is important to show compliance. The employer displays a show of trustworthiness by participating in the provincial workplace compensation fund and getting employer’s liability insurance. It also enhances their reputation and would entice people to work for an employer who follows the rules and guidelines.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2. Caring for employees</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It is important for an employer to demonstrate caring for the well-being of their employees. It provides an additional psychological benefit because if the workers feel happy and safe in their workplace, it enables better mental health and makes them better and more efficient.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3. Coverage for lost wages or medical bills</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Worker’s compensation does not cover all the many types of costs and incidentals from an incident. Thus, an employer’s liability insurance policy enables employers to be protected from extreme and sudden financial strains caused by claims that would otherwise not be covered through worker’s compensation funds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4. Coverage for legal fees</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Like lost wages and bills, legal fees can accumulate quickly. Hence, employee liability insurance provides an additional protective layer to employers against such financial burdens.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/employers-liability-insurance/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What is Employer’s Liability Insurance?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-employers-liability-insurance','','','2022-07-18 11:52:48','2022-07-18 11:52:48','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2627',0,'post','',0),(2628,1,'2022-07-18 11:48:48','2022-07-18 11:48:48','','Insurance-7','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-7-5','','','2022-07-18 11:48:48','2022-07-18 11:48:48','',2627,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-7.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2629,1,'2022-07-18 11:49:11','2022-07-18 11:49:11','','Insurance-7-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-7-1','','','2022-07-18 11:49:11','2022-07-18 11:49:11','',2627,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-7-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2630,1,'2022-07-18 11:52:48','2022-07-18 11:52:48','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Employer’s liability insurance is essentially an insurance policy for workers covering work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As an employer, one is legally responsible for the safety of workers during work and at the workplace. It is rare to find a place of employment that is completely exempt from workplace injury or death.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2629,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-7-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2629\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does Employer’s Liability Insurance Cover?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most of what the insurance covers are the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Employee discrimination (age, race, sex, disability, etc.)</li><li>Third-party lawsuits</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If an employee gets injured using a ladder during work and sues the ladder manufacturing company, that company can, in return, sue the employer for negligence on their part.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Lawsuits filed on behalf of the family members of deceased and/or disabled workers</li><li>Family bodily injury lawsuits can occur if family members suffer physical harm from taking care of the sick workers.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Role of Provincial Workers’ Compensation Fund</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most employers choose to pay into their respective provincial worker’s compensation fund in order to comply with the rules and regulations for employers. However, those exempt from doing so or who choose not to participate in the program face heavy repercussions if a claim is filed against them for work-related injuries or death. They may be subject to the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Legal fees to deal with the lawsuit</li><li>Medical costs</li><li>Settlement payments to the injured/victim’s family</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Typically, the Worker’s Compensation Board follows a “no-fault” approach where workers are not required to prove negligence on behalf of the employer that directly caused the harm or injury. However, an employer’s liability insurance requires proof of negligence and is a coverage that is typically added to Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another important aspect to note is that even if employers regularly pay into the Worker’s Compensation Provincial Fund, they are not free from all potential claims and liability. If the Worker’s Compensation Board denies the applicability of the claim, the employee is eligible to take legal action against the employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An important distinction between the two types of policies is that worker’s compensation covers most accidents that cannot be prevented at the workplace. However, employer’s liability insurance protects the employer against a wide variety of claims that can be filed against an employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Example of Workplace Injury</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s review an example of how workplace injury can occur and hence lead to legal ramifications for the employer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The employer utilizes an old building for his clothing business. Several employees ended up contracting Legionnaire’s disease, which is essentially an airborne bacterial disease that leads to coughing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After investigations into the matter, it is determined that the cause of it was an old air conditioning system that the employer failed to maintain up to a certain standard. It would lead to the employer being responsible for the workers’ medical bills, missed wages, and related damages.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Benefits of Employer’s Liability Insurance</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1. Displaying coherent compliance with the law</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To be protected by the law, it is important to show compliance. The employer displays a show of trustworthiness by participating in the provincial workplace compensation fund and getting employer’s liability insurance. It also enhances their reputation and would entice people to work for an employer who follows the rules and guidelines.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2. Caring for employees</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It is important for an employer to demonstrate caring for the well-being of their employees. It provides an additional psychological benefit because if the workers feel happy and safe in their workplace, it enables better mental health and makes them better and more efficient.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3. Coverage for lost wages or medical bills</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Worker’s compensation does not cover all the many types of costs and incidentals from an incident. Thus, an employer’s liability insurance policy enables employers to be protected from extreme and sudden financial strains caused by claims that would otherwise not be covered through worker’s compensation funds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4. Coverage for legal fees</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Like lost wages and bills, legal fees can accumulate quickly. Hence, employee liability insurance provides an additional protective layer to employers against such financial burdens.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/employers-liability-insurance/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What is Employer’s Liability Insurance?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2627-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 11:52:48','2022-07-18 11:52:48','',2627,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2630',0,'revision','',0),(2631,1,'2022-07-18 11:56:30','2022-07-18 11:56:30','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Cross liability coverage is a feature of insurance contracts covering multiple customers represented in the form of a clause on commercial insurance policies. It allows each party to be seen and treated as if they own separate policies, thus allowing them to gain coverage in the event that a claim is made against the other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2632,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2632\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Understanding Cross Liability Coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A cross liability coverage is seen as a standard addition to any commercial general liability (CGL) policy in order to distinguish between the individual insureds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If a café wants to establish a branch in a new location and is taking up an insurance policy for the same, the financial institutions may push for their manufacturing or sourcing company to be part of the policy, too. Such a practice provides the bank and the café owners with protection in case there is any property, bodily damage, or other kinds of negative consequences on the customer that is paying for the&nbsp;café’s&nbsp;product and service.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even though cross-liability coverages allow parties to function independently in some situations, the total policy coverage applies collectively to all parties.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sometimes, certain umbrella policies come with exclusions for insureds vs. insureds’ disputes where cross-liability coverages lose their purpose of allowing one party to claim against the other despite being covered under one contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Examples of Cross Liability Coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Example 1</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using our previous example of the cafe, let’s see how cross liability coverage functions in a real-world scenario.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Assume that the café’s owners recently signed a deal with a food manufacturer that provides them with condiments for sandwiches offered to customers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In an unfortunate situation, a legal claim was filed against the café for food poisoning, and the investigation reveals that it was from the condiments offered at the cafe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In such a situation, the cafe is liable to file a claim against the condiment supplier while the supplier is covered under the same insurance contract. It is dependent on if the insurance policy includes a cross liability clause.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Essentially, what the clause has done is allowed the two parties – the café’s owners and the supplier – to act and function as two separate entities covered by separate policies despite truly being covered by the same insurance contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As discussed previously, sometimes, there are exclusions that disallow this unique situation and prevent the parties from enjoying cross liability coverage benefits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Example 2</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s take another real-life scenario to see where cross liability coverages apply and benefit the parties involved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A recently married husband and wife bought a second car as an anniversary present to themselves. In finding an appropriate insurance policy, they decide to take one with a cross liability coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One day, when the husband was reversing, he drove into his wife’s car, causing serious damage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Since they are both covered under a contract that allows for cross liability coverage, the wife is eligible to claim the equivalent amount for repairing her car since she can claim the money against her husband while he is covered through their insurance policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Severability of Interest</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A severability of interest clause outlines that the same insurance policy clauses apply separately to the individual insured parties. Similar to the cross-liability coverage discussed previously, severability of interest also allows for a claim from one insured party to the other to be covered under the clause. It is important to keep in mind that there are certain coverage limits that are defined for each of the parties based on certain criteria.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, a chief financial officer may have a higher insurance coverage limit. The main difference here compared to cross liability coverages is the discrepancy in coverage limits that can be applied to different insured parties compared to the cross liability coverage, which is standard across the insured.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/cross-liability-coverage/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What is Cross Liability Coverage?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-cross-liability-coverage','','','2022-07-18 11:56:30','2022-07-18 11:56:30','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2631',0,'post','',0),(2632,1,'2022-07-18 11:53:58','2022-07-18 11:53:58','','Insurance-8','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-8-4','','','2022-07-18 11:53:58','2022-07-18 11:53:58','',2631,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-8.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2633,1,'2022-07-18 11:56:30','2022-07-18 11:56:30','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Cross liability coverage is a feature of insurance contracts covering multiple customers represented in the form of a clause on commercial insurance policies. It allows each party to be seen and treated as if they own separate policies, thus allowing them to gain coverage in the event that a claim is made against the other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2632,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2632\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Understanding Cross Liability Coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A cross liability coverage is seen as a standard addition to any commercial general liability (CGL) policy in order to distinguish between the individual insureds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If a café wants to establish a branch in a new location and is taking up an insurance policy for the same, the financial institutions may push for their manufacturing or sourcing company to be part of the policy, too. Such a practice provides the bank and the café owners with protection in case there is any property, bodily damage, or other kinds of negative consequences on the customer that is paying for the&nbsp;café’s&nbsp;product and service.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even though cross-liability coverages allow parties to function independently in some situations, the total policy coverage applies collectively to all parties.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sometimes, certain umbrella policies come with exclusions for insureds vs. insureds’ disputes where cross-liability coverages lose their purpose of allowing one party to claim against the other despite being covered under one contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Examples of Cross Liability Coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Example 1</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using our previous example of the cafe, let’s see how cross liability coverage functions in a real-world scenario.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Assume that the café’s owners recently signed a deal with a food manufacturer that provides them with condiments for sandwiches offered to customers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In an unfortunate situation, a legal claim was filed against the café for food poisoning, and the investigation reveals that it was from the condiments offered at the cafe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In such a situation, the cafe is liable to file a claim against the condiment supplier while the supplier is covered under the same insurance contract. It is dependent on if the insurance policy includes a cross liability clause.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Essentially, what the clause has done is allowed the two parties – the café’s owners and the supplier – to act and function as two separate entities covered by separate policies despite truly being covered by the same insurance contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As discussed previously, sometimes, there are exclusions that disallow this unique situation and prevent the parties from enjoying cross liability coverage benefits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Example 2</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s take another real-life scenario to see where cross liability coverages apply and benefit the parties involved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A recently married husband and wife bought a second car as an anniversary present to themselves. In finding an appropriate insurance policy, they decide to take one with a cross liability coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One day, when the husband was reversing, he drove into his wife’s car, causing serious damage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Since they are both covered under a contract that allows for cross liability coverage, the wife is eligible to claim the equivalent amount for repairing her car since she can claim the money against her husband while he is covered through their insurance policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Severability of Interest</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A severability of interest clause outlines that the same insurance policy clauses apply separately to the individual insured parties. Similar to the cross-liability coverage discussed previously, severability of interest also allows for a claim from one insured party to the other to be covered under the clause. It is important to keep in mind that there are certain coverage limits that are defined for each of the parties based on certain criteria.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, a chief financial officer may have a higher insurance coverage limit. The main difference here compared to cross liability coverages is the discrepancy in coverage limits that can be applied to different insured parties compared to the cross liability coverage, which is standard across the insured.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/cross-liability-coverage/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What is Cross Liability Coverage?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2631-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 11:56:30','2022-07-18 11:56:30','',2631,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2633',0,'revision','',0),(2634,1,'2022-07-18 12:03:05','2022-07-18 12:03:05','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the right amount of car insurance to have?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2635,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2635\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If one of your 2022 resolutions is to get your finances in order, you may want to look at what insurance you have, including car insurance. Indeed, some of us may not have the right amount of auto insurance. Too little, and an accident could create major financial harm; too much, and you may just be wasting money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have your state’s minimum required car insurance, and then some?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most states generally require bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, roughly half require some type of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more than a dozen require personal injury protection.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As a rough rule of thumb, auto insurance experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 — meaning, $100,000 in body injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have the right types of insurance?&nbsp;</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding the specific types of coverage can also help you determine the policy that makes the most sense for you. In this section we will break out the major types of insurance and give rough estimates of how much experts recommend of each.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With so many types of automobile insurance available, it can be tricky deciphering which plans make the most sense and how much you’ll need of each. Among the most common are liability insurance, which pays for others injuries or property damage when you cause a car accident, and uninsured motorist insurance, which pays for your medical bills if someone without insurance or with not enough insurance crashes into you and you or your car suffer injuries. For new or leased cars, collision and comprehensive insurance can be required, and they cover a range of issues including theft, vandalism and natural disasters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"className\":\"is-style-regular\",\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>What it is</strong></td><td><strong>Who should have it?</strong></td><td><strong>How much experts recommend</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per person&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Helps pay for another person’s expenses if you injure them in an accident</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $100,000&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per accident</strong></td><td>If you cause a car accident that injures multiple people, this coverage pays for their combined expenses</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $300,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Property damage liability per accident</strong></td><td>Helps pay to repair damage you case to another person’s vehicle or property</td><td>All drivers</td><td>Roughly $50,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage</strong></td><td>Helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t&nbsp; have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage</td><td>Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s often a good idea to have it, experts say.</td><td>About $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Personal injury protection (PIP)</strong></td><td>Covers medical expenses regardless of fault</td><td>Mandatory in certain states and often recommended in states where it’s not required</td><td>Minimum of $10,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collision</strong></td><td>Pays for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it’s hit by another vehicle</td><td>Some lenders require it when leasing or financing a new car; if you have an older car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comprehensive</strong></td><td>Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an incident that is not a collision</td><td>Those with newer or nicer cars</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Car insurance companies also usually offer optional coverage choices like car rental coverage, gap insurance and roadside assistance. If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident and your car is at the shop, rental coverage will cover the cost of a rental car for the days your car isn’t driveable. Typically, you’ll be eligible to rent a car up to a certain dollar amount and you’ll be reimbursed by the insurance company for the cost of the car. Gap insurance helps pay off your loan if your car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than the car’s depreciated value, but this type of coverage is only available if you’re the original loan — or leaseholder on a new vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What kind of car do you have?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A brand new car will need different levels of insurance than the beater you got from your mom. If you’ve got a shiny new whip, comprehensive coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged by vandalism, natural disasters or even fire and flooding.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And with a new car,&nbsp; Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications from the Insurance Information Institute says, you may also want gap coverage “which will replace a vehicle 3 years old or newer with a new car if your car is totaled.”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For older cars that aren’t worth a lot of money, it may be wise to waive comprehensive and collision coverage since the policy many not pay more than the car is worth when there’s a loss or accident.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you lease a car, you will likely need full coverage auto insurance, which includes sollision and comprehensive, as well as the required liability.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have a lot of assets?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you need even more coverage, umbrella policies are available, and depending on the umbrella policy, you can get coverage over $1 million dollars. If you cause an accident and reach your policiy’s liability limits, an umbrella policy can help pay for the remaining costs. It’s best suited for those who have large assets like property or significant savings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/ask-yourself-these-4-questions-to-figure-out-how-much-auto-insurance-you-really-need-01641740078\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ask yourself these 4 questions to figure out how much auto insurance you really need','','publish','closed','closed','','ask-yourself-these-4-questions-to-figure-out-how-much-auto-insurance-you-really-need','','','2022-07-18 23:10:08','2022-07-18 23:10:08','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2634',0,'post','',0),(2635,1,'2022-07-18 11:57:57','2022-07-18 11:57:57','','Insurance-9','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-9-3','','','2022-07-18 11:57:57','2022-07-18 11:57:57','',2634,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-9.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2647,1,'2022-07-18 23:10:08','2022-07-18 23:10:08','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the right amount of car insurance to have?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2635,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2635\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If one of your 2022 resolutions is to get your finances in order, you may want to look at what insurance you have, including car insurance. Indeed, some of us may not have the right amount of auto insurance. Too little, and an accident could create major financial harm; too much, and you may just be wasting money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have your state’s minimum required car insurance, and then some?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most states generally require bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, roughly half require some type of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more than a dozen require personal injury protection.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As a rough rule of thumb, auto insurance experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 — meaning, $100,000 in body injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have the right types of insurance?&nbsp;</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding the specific types of coverage can also help you determine the policy that makes the most sense for you. In this section we will break out the major types of insurance and give rough estimates of how much experts recommend of each.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With so many types of automobile insurance available, it can be tricky deciphering which plans make the most sense and how much you’ll need of each. Among the most common are liability insurance, which pays for others injuries or property damage when you cause a car accident, and uninsured motorist insurance, which pays for your medical bills if someone without insurance or with not enough insurance crashes into you and you or your car suffer injuries. For new or leased cars, collision and comprehensive insurance can be required, and they cover a range of issues including theft, vandalism and natural disasters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"className\":\"is-style-regular\",\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>What it is</strong></td><td><strong>Who should have it?</strong></td><td><strong>How much experts recommend</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per person&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Helps pay for another person’s expenses if you injure them in an accident</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $100,000&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per accident</strong></td><td>If you cause a car accident that injures multiple people, this coverage pays for their combined expenses</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $300,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Property damage liability per accident</strong></td><td>Helps pay to repair damage you case to another person’s vehicle or property</td><td>All drivers</td><td>Roughly $50,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage</strong></td><td>Helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t&nbsp; have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage</td><td>Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s often a good idea to have it, experts say.</td><td>About $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Personal injury protection (PIP)</strong></td><td>Covers medical expenses regardless of fault</td><td>Mandatory in certain states and often recommended in states where it’s not required</td><td>Minimum of $10,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collision</strong></td><td>Pays for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it’s hit by another vehicle</td><td>Some lenders require it when leasing or financing a new car; if you have an older car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comprehensive</strong></td><td>Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an incident that is not a collision</td><td>Those with newer or nicer cars</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Car insurance companies also usually offer optional coverage choices like car rental coverage, gap insurance and roadside assistance. If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident and your car is at the shop, rental coverage will cover the cost of a rental car for the days your car isn’t driveable. Typically, you’ll be eligible to rent a car up to a certain dollar amount and you’ll be reimbursed by the insurance company for the cost of the car. Gap insurance helps pay off your loan if your car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than the car’s depreciated value, but this type of coverage is only available if you’re the original loan — or leaseholder on a new vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What kind of car do you have?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A brand new car will need different levels of insurance than the beater you got from your mom. If you’ve got a shiny new whip, comprehensive coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged by vandalism, natural disasters or even fire and flooding.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And with a new car,&nbsp; Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications from the Insurance Information Institute says, you may also want gap coverage “which will replace a vehicle 3 years old or newer with a new car if your car is totaled.”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For older cars that aren’t worth a lot of money, it may be wise to waive comprehensive and collision coverage since the policy many not pay more than the car is worth when there’s a loss or accident.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you lease a car, you will likely need full coverage auto insurance, which includes sollision and comprehensive, as well as the required liability.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have a lot of assets?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you need even more coverage, umbrella policies are available, and depending on the umbrella policy, you can get coverage over $1 million dollars. If you cause an accident and reach your policiy’s liability limits, an umbrella policy can help pay for the remaining costs. It’s best suited for those who have large assets like property or significant savings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/ask-yourself-these-4-questions-to-figure-out-how-much-auto-insurance-you-really-need-01641740078\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ask yourself these 4 questions to figure out how much auto insurance you really need','','inherit','closed','closed','','2634-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:10:08','2022-07-18 23:10:08','',2634,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2647',0,'revision','',0),(2636,1,'2022-07-18 12:03:05','2022-07-18 12:03:05','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the right amount of car insurance to have?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2635,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2635\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If one of your 2022 resolutions is to get your finances in order, you may want to look at what insurance you have, including car insurance. Indeed, some of us may not have the right amount of auto insurance. Too little, and an accident could create major financial harm; too much, and you may just be wasting money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have your state’s minimum required car insurance, and then some?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Drivers need<em> at least</em> the minimum amount of car insurance required by their state— and most need more than that, says Les Masterson, insurance analyst and managing editor with CarInsurance.com. Most states generally require bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, roughly half require some type of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more than a dozen require personal injury protection, for example. “State requirements usually don’t offer the protection you need,” adds Masterson. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As a rough rule of thumb, auto insurance experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 — meaning, $100,000 in body injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. “That level of car insurance is considered full coverage and having that expanded liability protection can provide you more protection in case you’re in an accident,” says Masterson. And if you have significant assets you may want more, says Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “Liability protection often goes up to $500,000 for car insurance,” says Masterson. And you may want other types of insurance as well, which we discuss in the next section.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have the right types of insurance?&nbsp;</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding the specific types of coverage can also help you determine the policy that makes the most sense for you. In this section we will break out the major types of insurance and give rough estimates of how much experts recommend of each.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With so many types of automobile insurance available, it can be tricky deciphering which plans make the most sense and how much you’ll need of each. Among the most common are liability insurance, which pays for others injuries or property damage when you cause a car accident, and uninsured motorist insurance, which pays for your medical bills if someone without insurance or with not enough insurance crashes into you and you or your car suffer injuries. For new or leased cars, collision and comprehensive insurance can be required, and they cover a range of issues including theft, vandalism and natural disasters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"className\":\"is-style-regular\",\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>What it is</strong></td><td><strong>Who should have it?</strong></td><td><strong>How much experts recommend</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per person&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Helps pay for another person’s expenses if you injure them in an accident</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $100,000&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per accident</strong></td><td>If you cause a car accident that injures multiple people, this coverage pays for their combined expenses</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $300,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Property damage liability per accident</strong></td><td>Helps pay to repair damage you case to another person’s vehicle or property</td><td>All drivers</td><td>Roughly $50,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage</strong></td><td>Helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t&nbsp; have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage</td><td>Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s often a good idea to have it, experts say.</td><td>About $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Personal injury protection (PIP)</strong></td><td>Covers medical expenses regardless of fault</td><td>Mandatory in certain states and often recommended in states where it’s not required</td><td>Minimum of $10,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collision</strong></td><td>Pays for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it’s hit by another vehicle</td><td>Some lenders require it when leasing or financing a new car; if you have an older car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comprehensive</strong></td><td>Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an incident that is not a collision</td><td>Those with newer or nicer cars</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Car insurance companies also usually offer optional coverage choices like car rental coverage, gap insurance and roadside assistance. If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident and your car is at the shop, rental coverage will cover the cost of a rental car for the days your car isn’t driveable. Typically, you’ll be eligible to rent a car up to a certain dollar amount and you’ll be reimbursed by the insurance company for the cost of the car. Gap insurance helps pay off your loan if your car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than the car’s depreciated value, but this type of coverage is only available if you’re the original loan — or leaseholder on a new vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If this all seems very expensive, remember this: Getting a higher deductible can lower the premium. “The deductible is what you have to pay when you file a claim and the insurance company picks up the rest of the loss. If your car suffers $2,000 in damages and you have a $500 deductible, your insurance company will give you $1,500 for the damages,” says Masterson. But Masterson warns, “Make sure you choose a deductible that you can afford if you need to file a claim. It’s a good idea to set aside that money in case you need it for a future claim.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What kind of car do you have?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A brand new car will need different levels of insurance than the beater you got from your mom. If you’ve got a shiny new whip, comprehensive coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged by vandalism, natural disasters or even fire and flooding.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And with a new car,&nbsp; Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications from the Insurance Information Institute says, you may also want gap coverage “which will replace a vehicle 3 years old or newer with a new car if your car is totaled.”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For older cars that aren’t worth a lot of money, it may be wise to waive comprehensive and collision coverage since the policy many not pay more than the car is worth when there’s a loss or accident.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you lease a car, you will likely need full coverage auto insurance, which includes sollision and comprehensive, as well as the required liability. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have a lot of assets?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you need even more coverage, umbrella policies are available, and depending on the umbrella policy, you can get coverage over $1 million dollars. If you cause an accident and reach your policiy’s liability limits, an umbrella policy can help pay for the remaining costs. It’s best suited for those who have large assets like property or significant savings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/ask-yourself-these-4-questions-to-figure-out-how-much-auto-insurance-you-really-need-01641740078\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ask yourself these 4 questions to figure out how much auto insurance you really need','','inherit','closed','closed','','2634-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 12:03:05','2022-07-18 12:03:05','',2634,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2636',0,'revision','',0),(2637,1,'2022-07-18 12:07:26','2022-07-18 12:07:26','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Preventative measures, safety precautions—and the right insurance—can bring peace of mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2638,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2638\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With burglaries constituting approximately 50 percent of all on-campus crimes, it\'s important for college students and their parents take steps to prevent theft, adhere to safety measures—and review their insurance coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Campus coverage basics</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It\'s best to consult your insurance professional for the details of your family\'s specific coverage and where you might need additional protections, but here are some general guidelines:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Students who live in a dorm are covered under their parents\' standard homeowners insurance policies</strong> – That is, their possessions are protected by \"off premise\" coverage. However, some homeowners policies may limit this amount of insurance, so make sure you understand your own policy.</li><li><strong>Students who live off campus are likely <em>not</em> covered by their parents’ homeowners policy</strong> – Your insurance professional can tell you whether your homeowners or renters policy extends to off-campus living situations. If it does not, to protect student belongings, those living off campus may need to purchase their own renters insurance policy.</li><li><strong>Computers and smartphones may carry stand-alone insurance </strong>– If you\'re getting these items new, at the time of purchase you may be offered insurance or other protections against theft or loss. Also, check the credit card used for the purchase, to see what protections might be available.</li><li><strong>Consider a stand-alone policy specifically designed for students living away at college –</strong> This can be an economical way to provide additional insurance coverage for a variety of disasters.</li><li><strong>If your college-bound student is leaving the car at home, make sure to tell your insurance agent – </strong>Depending on how far he or she is going away to school, you might be eligible for a premium discount.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Take pre-campus precautions with belongings</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It\'s better to prevent a loss than to deal with the aftermath. To help prevent loss:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Leave valuables at home, if possible – </strong>While it may be necessary to take a computer or sports equipment to campus, other expensive items—such as valuable jewelry, luxury watches or costly electronics—should be left behind or kept in a local safety deposit box. These items may also be subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowners policy, so if they must be brought to campus, consider purchasing a special floater or endorsement to the homeowners policy to cover them.</li><li><strong>Create a “dorm inventory”</strong> – Before leaving home, students should make a detailed inventory of all the items they are taking with them, and revise it every year. Having an up-to-date inventory will help get insurance claims settled faster in the event of theft, fire or other types of disasters.</li><li><strong>Engrave electronics with IDs – </strong>Permanently engraving a name and other identifying information on computers, televisions, smart phones and other electronic devices can help police track stolen articles.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Guard against theft or damage of personal belongings while on campus</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">According to the National Center for Education Statistics, burglaries constitute more than 50 percent of all on-campus crimes. In addition, carelessness can cause other types of damage. To help prevent losses, students should:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Always lock dorm room doors, and keep the keys with you at all times</strong> – Know that most dorm thefts occur during the day, and even if you leave briefly, lock up. Share the theft statistics with your roommates, and get agreement that they\'ll do the same.</li><li><strong>Don\'t leave belongings unattended on campus</strong> – Classrooms, the library, the dining hall or other public areas are the primary places where property theft occurs, so keep book bags, purses and laptops with you at all times.</li><li><strong>Buy a laptop security cable and use it</strong> - A combination lock that needs decoding may be just enough to dissuade a thief.</li><li><strong>Be aware of fire hazards – </strong>Most campus fires are cooking related so be careful about the types of hot plates or microwaves you to bring to school, and how you use them.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.iii.org/article/do-i-need-insurance-child-going-away-college\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Protecting your college student from on-campus losses','','publish','closed','closed','','protecting-your-college-student-from-on-campus-losses','','','2022-07-18 12:07:26','2022-07-18 12:07:26','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2637',0,'post','',0),(2638,1,'2022-07-18 12:04:29','2022-07-18 12:04:29','','Insurance-10','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-10-4','','','2022-07-18 12:04:29','2022-07-18 12:04:29','',2637,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-10.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2639,1,'2022-07-18 12:07:26','2022-07-18 12:07:26','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Preventative measures, safety precautions—and the right insurance—can bring peace of mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2638,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2638\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With burglaries constituting approximately 50 percent of all on-campus crimes, it\'s important for college students and their parents take steps to prevent theft, adhere to safety measures—and review their insurance coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Campus coverage basics</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It\'s best to consult your insurance professional for the details of your family\'s specific coverage and where you might need additional protections, but here are some general guidelines:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Students who live in a dorm are covered under their parents\' standard homeowners insurance policies</strong> – That is, their possessions are protected by \"off premise\" coverage. However, some homeowners policies may limit this amount of insurance, so make sure you understand your own policy.</li><li><strong>Students who live off campus are likely <em>not</em> covered by their parents’ homeowners policy</strong> – Your insurance professional can tell you whether your homeowners or renters policy extends to off-campus living situations. If it does not, to protect student belongings, those living off campus may need to purchase their own renters insurance policy.</li><li><strong>Computers and smartphones may carry stand-alone insurance </strong>– If you\'re getting these items new, at the time of purchase you may be offered insurance or other protections against theft or loss. Also, check the credit card used for the purchase, to see what protections might be available.</li><li><strong>Consider a stand-alone policy specifically designed for students living away at college –</strong> This can be an economical way to provide additional insurance coverage for a variety of disasters.</li><li><strong>If your college-bound student is leaving the car at home, make sure to tell your insurance agent – </strong>Depending on how far he or she is going away to school, you might be eligible for a premium discount.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Take pre-campus precautions with belongings</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It\'s better to prevent a loss than to deal with the aftermath. To help prevent loss:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Leave valuables at home, if possible – </strong>While it may be necessary to take a computer or sports equipment to campus, other expensive items—such as valuable jewelry, luxury watches or costly electronics—should be left behind or kept in a local safety deposit box. These items may also be subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowners policy, so if they must be brought to campus, consider purchasing a special floater or endorsement to the homeowners policy to cover them.</li><li><strong>Create a “dorm inventory”</strong> – Before leaving home, students should make a detailed inventory of all the items they are taking with them, and revise it every year. Having an up-to-date inventory will help get insurance claims settled faster in the event of theft, fire or other types of disasters.</li><li><strong>Engrave electronics with IDs – </strong>Permanently engraving a name and other identifying information on computers, televisions, smart phones and other electronic devices can help police track stolen articles.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Guard against theft or damage of personal belongings while on campus</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">According to the National Center for Education Statistics, burglaries constitute more than 50 percent of all on-campus crimes. In addition, carelessness can cause other types of damage. To help prevent losses, students should:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Always lock dorm room doors, and keep the keys with you at all times</strong> – Know that most dorm thefts occur during the day, and even if you leave briefly, lock up. Share the theft statistics with your roommates, and get agreement that they\'ll do the same.</li><li><strong>Don\'t leave belongings unattended on campus</strong> – Classrooms, the library, the dining hall or other public areas are the primary places where property theft occurs, so keep book bags, purses and laptops with you at all times.</li><li><strong>Buy a laptop security cable and use it</strong> - A combination lock that needs decoding may be just enough to dissuade a thief.</li><li><strong>Be aware of fire hazards – </strong>Most campus fires are cooking related so be careful about the types of hot plates or microwaves you to bring to school, and how you use them.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.iii.org/article/do-i-need-insurance-child-going-away-college\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Protecting your college student from on-campus losses','','inherit','closed','closed','','2637-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 12:07:26','2022-07-18 12:07:26','',2637,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2639',0,'revision','',0),(2640,1,'2022-07-18 18:55:22','2022-07-18 18:55:22','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2607,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Privacy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2607\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Worried about how much of your private information is on the internet and vulnerable to theft or misuse? You’re not alone. Online privacy is an important issue.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But there are steps you can take to help manage and protect your financial and personal information while you visit your favorite social media, news, and entertainment sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips for internet privacy</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some ways you can boost your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limit the personal information you share on social media</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A smart way to help protect your privacy online? Don’t overshare on social media. Providing too much information on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram could make it easier for cybercriminals to obtain identifying information, which could allow them to steal your identity or to access your financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, could an identity thief determine your high school mascot or your mother’s maiden name from digging through your Facebook account? This information is sometimes used as security questions to change passwords on financial accounts.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Unfortunately, many people don’t take this advice. In a 2018 study, the&nbsp;Identity Theft Resource Center&nbsp;found that approximately 52 percent of respondents shared personally identifying information through social media sites.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And that’s just the start of the oversharing. The same study found that about 48 percent of respondents shared information about their children, while nearly 33 percent shared information about their location. A total of 42 percent of respondents shared information about their travel plans through social media.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To protect your online privacy, ignore the “About Me” fields in your social media profiles. You don’t have to let people know what year or where you were born — which could make you an easier target for identity theft. Explore different privacy settings, too. You might want to limit the people who can view your posts to those you’ve personally invited.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Create strong passwords, too, for your social media profiles to help prevent others from logging into them in your name. This means using a combination of at least 12 numbers, special characters, and upper- and lower-case letters. And never use personal, easy-to-guess information — such as your birthdate or pet’s name — as your password.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Browse in incognito or private mode</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you don’t want your computer to save your browsing history, temporary internet files, or cookies, do your web surfing in private mode.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Web browsers today offer their own versions of this form of privacy protection. In Chrome, it’s called Incognito Mode. Firefox calls its setting Private Browsing, and Internet Explorer uses the name InPrivate Browsing for its privacy feature. When you search with these modes turned on, others won’t be able to trace your browsing history from your computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But these private modes aren’t completely private. When you’re searching in incognito or private mode, your&nbsp;Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see your browsing activity. If you are searching on a company computer, so can your employer. The websites you visit can also track you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So, yes, incognito browsing does have certain benefits. But it’s far from the only tool available to help you maintain your privacy while online. Anonymous search engines and virtual private networks can bolster your online privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a different search engine</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’re like many web surfers, you rely heavily on Google as your search engine. But you don’t have to. Privacy is one reason people prefer to use anonymous search engines. This type of search engine doesn’t collect or share your search history or clicks. Anonymous search engines can also block ad trackers on the websites you visit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use a virtual private network</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;virtual private network&nbsp;(VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet Protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using a VPN is especially important when you’re on public Wi-Fi at a library, coffee shop, or other public location. A VPN will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to breach your online privacy and access your personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can find many free VPN solutions, but it could make more sense to pay for a service from a trusted security provider if you want the maximum amount of privacy protection while online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Be careful where you click</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of the ways in which hackers compromise your online privacy is through&nbsp;phishing attempts. In phishing, scammers try to trick you into providing valuable financial or personal information. They’ll often do this by sending fake emails that appear to be from banks, credit card providers, or other financial institutions. Often, these emails will say that you must click on a link and verify your financial information to keep your account from being frozen or closed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t fall for these scams. If you click on a phishing link, you could be taken to a spoofed webpage that looks like the homepage of a bank or financial institution. But when you enter in your account information, you’ll be sending it to the scammers behind the phishing attempt, not any bank, credit union, or credit card company. Before clicking on suspicious links, hover your cursor over the link to view the destination URL. If it doesn’t match the financial website you use, don’t click.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Also, remember that banks or other financial institutions will never ask you to provide account or financial information through an email. If you receive such an email and you are wary, log in directly to your financial provider’s online account portal. You can then check to see if there are problems with your account. Or call the financial provider yourself to ask if there are any problems with your account — using the customer-service number from one of your statements or the provider’s website, not the one included in the suspect email you received.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Secure your mobile devices, too</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many of us spend more time surfing the web, answering emails, and watching videos on our smartphones than we do on our laptops. It’s important, then, to put as much effort into protecting our online privacy on our phones and tablets as on our computers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To start, make sure to use a passcode to lock your phone. It might seem like a hassle to enter a code every time you want to access your phone’s home screen. But this passcode could offer an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen. Make sure your passcode is complex. Don’t use your birthdate, your house number, or any other code that thieves might be able to guess.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use caution when downloading apps. These games and productivity tools could come embedded with dangerous viruses.&nbsp;Only buy games from legitimate sources.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Use the same caution, too, when searching the web or reading emails on your mobile devices as you do when using your laptop or desktop computer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t ignore software updates, either. These updates often include important protections against the latest viruses. If you continue to ignore them, you could be leaving your smartphone’s operating system and programs vulnerable to attack.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use quality antivirus software</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, always install antivirus software on all your devices. This software can keep hackers from remotely taking over your computer, accessing your personal and financial information, and tracking your location.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And once you install this software, don’t forget about it. Manufacturers frequently update their virus protection software as a defense against the latest malware, spyware, and other viruses. Install updates as soon as they become available.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-protecting-your-privacy-online.html#\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to protect your privacy online?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2606-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 18:55:22','2022-07-18 18:55:22','',2606,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2640',0,'revision','',0),(2641,1,'2022-07-18 23:04:04','2022-07-18 23:04:04','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2601,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tech-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2601\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Preventing this needs to be a priority for&nbsp;small businesses. You may not be able to stop phishing completely. It’s one of the biggest security risk factors whether you’re an eCommerce or brick-and-mortar store with an online presence.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But you need to know what you can do. And how to stay ahead of sophisticated attacks. And be aware of the latest ploys like phishing emails. You need to know about these attacks if you’re asking: “What is cybersecurity?”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are some phishing statistics you should be aware of. A full 85% of&nbsp;breaches&nbsp;had a human element.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This is a cybercrime. Phishing attacks use different tools like suspicious emails, text messages, or even phone conversations. Criminals want your sensitive data, password login credentials, and financial information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Phishing emails coupled with malicious attachments are common, and they often contain malicious code.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Examples of Phishing Scams</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A phishing scam tries to gain access using a hyperlink, over-the-top offer, or even a phony prize. Many phishing attacks use a business email compromise or even a fake invoice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Seeing is believing. Here’s a list of some of the worst phishing attacks that went after account details and/or personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Sony Pictures.</strong>&nbsp;As far as spear phishing attacks go, this was one of the worst. This granddaddy of data breaches cost the company over $100 million. Hackers posed as colleagues and sent malware-infected emails to employees. Customer data and financial records were stolen.</li><li><strong>Facebook and Google.&nbsp;</strong>Most phishing attacks don’t carry on for long. But this business email compromise scam lasted for years. A hacker posed as a vendor and sent out fake invoices. Over $100 million was paid.</li><li><strong>The Crelan Bank.&nbsp;</strong>This successful phishing attack cost this bank in Belgium about $75.8 million. This is another example of a business email scam.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, the World Health Organization has even put out a warning about spam emails and phishing. They suggest&nbsp;hackers are taking advantage&nbsp;of the COVID-19 pandemic to send malicious attachments.&nbsp;These are just a few of the many phishing examples that cause financial and reputation issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Prevent Phishing Attacks?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You don’t just need to react after one happens because there are ways to prevent phishing attacks. Don’t forget that malicious phone calls are one way to try and steal information. Your first line of defense is Caller ID.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent phishing scams with these other suggestions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1.&nbsp;<strong>Ignore Those Pop-Ups</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><em>S</em>ecurity threats are hiding in these ads. Hackers will look for sensitive information like credit card details. Look for ad blocker software so you don’t fall victim to a scam. And learn not to click on a link that looks too good to be true.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">2.&nbsp;<strong>Stay Updated</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Update messages can be annoying. But they can save your bank account information from falling into the wrong hands. Patches and updates stay on top of the latest common phishing techniques. And don’t forget to update your browser on a regular basis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">3.&nbsp;<strong>Be Careful With Links</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t just click on a link. Even messages from people you know could be a phishing attempt. At least hover over it to look at the destination URL. Misspellings and the like usually lead to a malicious website. Keep an eye out for spear-phishing emails.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">4.&nbsp;<strong>Check Internet Accounts</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Changing passwords can help prevent a phishing attack too. Check your statements from your bank and credit card company for any phishing attempts. Be wary of anything that starts out with a ‘dear customer’ generic greeting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">5.&nbsp;<strong>Take Advantage of Firewalls.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prevent scams by being proactive. High-quality firewalls are a buffer. There are software and hardware options you can use in a phishing prevention toolkit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">6.&nbsp;<strong>Keep Your Personal Details Personal</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Identity theft can start when you share sensitive information online. Malicious emails will try to trick users by sending them to a phishing web page. A secure website begins with “HTTPS.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">7.&nbsp;<strong>Use The Right Software.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Antivirus software to be exact. Find one that guards against known loopholes to steal sensitive information. Update the program regularly so you don’t wind up falling victim to phishing emails. Good software should have excellent spam filters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">8.&nbsp;<strong>Get A Toolbar</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can’t stop phishing completely. But most browsers can add on an anti-phishing toolbar. The tool alerts you when you stumbled on a phishing webpage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Recognize a Phishing Email or Phishing Sites?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Security awareness starts with knowing what to look for. Here’s a list of ways to recognize phishing emails or dangerous websites. Internet browsing or doing business online is safer with these tips.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Watch out for …</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Spear phishing emails that say they’ve noticed some suspicious login attempts or other activities.</li><li>A phishing email that asks you to update your information by clicking a link.</li><li>Bad grammar in the URL can point to a malicious site and/or a scam. Mismatched email domains often contain malicious links.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Avoid phishing scams on websites by looking at the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Online reviews or any kind of web form. If the website has defrauded people, chances are they’ve complained.</li><li>Payment details matter. Legitimate websites take credit cards and use credible portals like PayPal.</li><li>Check the content. A legitimate website pays to have good content. If there are spelling mistakes and broken English used, you should be concerned.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is Phishing Protection?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This kind of protection is designed to protect your online accounts and stop phishing. Preventing a data breach of any kind is the end goal.&nbsp;A spam filter helps, likewise for adopting two-factor authentication. Email security should include knowing the trends. Like a recent scam with the subject line “Keep Same Password.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Become active.&nbsp;Join&nbsp;an anti-phishing working group.&nbsp;And of course, there’s good&nbsp;software available.&nbsp;To protect personally identifiable information from dangerous random emails and the like.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Can Phishing Be Prevented?</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finally, here are some phishing prevention tips. These help with everything from email security to protecting social media accounts.&nbsp;Security awareness training for employees should include simulations. Look for a company that can expose phishing scammers based on current threats. It should have a system to report phishing and suspicious email clients.&nbsp;A training/software company should also allow you to block users from the dark web.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/07/how-to-prevent-phishing-everything-you-need-to-know.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Prevent Phishing: Everything You Need to Know?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2600-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:04:04','2022-07-18 23:04:04','',2600,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2641',0,'revision','',0),(2642,1,'2022-07-18 23:04:41','2022-07-18 23:04:41','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2604,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Small-business.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2604\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small business grants are one of the best ways to increase working capital and grow a business. Small business grant programs can be a great way for small business owners looking for opportunities to build their business and develop it further. We’ll explore what a small business grant is, what it can be used for, and how to apply to different types of small business grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is a Small Business Grant?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A small business grant is a sum of money awarded to eligible businesses through a grant program run by an organization. A key differentiator between business grants and business loans is there is no requirement to pay the grant money back. There are many resources on how to get&nbsp;free grants for small business, so make sure to look around.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Can Small Business Grants be Used For?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For small business owners applying for grant funding, it can provide a lot of advantages. Grant money is essentially free money for qualifying small businesses to develop and grow without the pressure of paying back a loan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some of the categories that small business grants can be used for include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Scientific research, or small business innovation research</li><li>Research and development</li><li>Business innovation research program</li><li>Business growth and development for small rural businesses and local grants</li><li>Upgrading business technology</li><li>Sector and industry-specific grants</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are also specific types of grants for small businesses that are offered for limited periods. This can include federal government grants such as Coronavirus Small Business Grants and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants that are also important to keep an eye out for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Depending on the type of business, there are many types of grants available for eligible small businesses. might qualify for. We’ll go through some of the most common types of corporate small business grants available:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Minority owned business grant:&nbsp;</strong>This type of grant is available for minority owned businesses across different sectors and industries.</li><li><strong>Government grants for small businesses:&nbsp;</strong>Many companies, federal agencies, and state and local governments offer business owners grants as financial assistance. Some examples include the Patagonia Corporate Grant Program, SBIR and STTR programs, your state’s economic development agency, and more.</li><li><strong>Small Business Administration business grants:&nbsp;</strong>small business administration grants&nbsp;to support entrepreneurs and those who run their own business with additional resources to support small businesses.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for women:&nbsp;</strong>Women-owned businesses are eligible for additional funding from government agencies, state-level economic development administration, private companies, and other sources. This includes&nbsp;SBA grants for women.</li><li><strong>Federal small business grant:&nbsp;</strong>Federal grants are also available for existing businesses across different areas. For example, grants are available for technical assistance as businesses scale up their technology, self employed business owners, and other types of federal business grants depending on eligibility requirements.</li><li><strong>Small business grants for veterans:&nbsp;</strong>Veteran owned businesses can also qualify for federal small business grants, as well as grants from state and local governments. Private funding is also available, although requirements will vary.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Get a Small Business Grant that Suits Your Business Well?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finding a small business grant for which your business is eligible requires some initial work, but it can have immense benefits for business growth. Here are some tips on how to find the right grant for your business:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1. Research the Best Grants from Our List</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Research is key when it comes to finding the right type of grant from your business. You can&nbsp;look at our list&nbsp;as a starting point to find the right ones to apply for. Depending on the nature of your business, you can also try looking for grants that your state offers and companies around you that may provide grants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Make Sure You Meet the Grant Requirements</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Every grant has different requirements, so it’s extremely important to first identify whether your business qualifies. Otherwise, your application might be automatically rejected. So take time out to go through the criteria in detail before spending time on the submission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Submit Your Application on Time</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your grant application will follow a strict timeline, so submitting it on time for consideration is crucial. Businesses can be disqualified for not submitting on time, so it’s vital to mark important dates and ensure you get it in on time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Follow Up on Your Application</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Many places offer small business grants and lots of applicants to sift through. Following up on your application helps ensure that it gets considered and that you are a serious applicant, which can help with the process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips on Applying for Small Business Grants</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To have the best chance at winning a grant and receiving grant money, there are some things you can do to really help make your application stand out. Here are some of our top tips for applying for small business grants:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Dedicate resource:&nbsp;</strong>Grant applications are generally for existing businesses and are very competitive. If you decide to apply, you should allocate time and resources, such as a staff member or a grant writer, to ensure the application process goes smoothly.</li><li><strong>Stand out from the rest:&nbsp;</strong>Your application must stand out from the others, so consider including a business plan and showing how solid your business is and why it’s interesting.</li><li><strong>Include outside expertise:&nbsp;</strong>Where appropriate, having outside expertise and feedback as part of the grant application can strengthen your application.</li><li><strong>Proofread:&nbsp;</strong>Before submitting your application, make sure to thoroughly review for errors, accuracy, typos, and more.</li><li><strong>Look at past examples:&nbsp;</strong>You can usually find past winning grants online for those you are considering applying to, which can give you good insight into what to include and exclude for a successful application.</li><li><strong>Include figures:&nbsp;</strong>Small businesses that show good data and figures are more likely to be considered over vague or abstract applications. For example, if you can demonstrate market demand and growth potential, that will help your application stand out.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What are the easiest small business grant programs to apply for?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are many small business grant programs available that are easy to apply for. Here are some of the easiest small business grant programs you can apply to:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Government grants</li><li>Federal grants</li><li>Government contract assistance</li><li>Grants for general small business startups</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://smallbiztrends.com/2021/11/how-to-get-small-business-grants.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Get Small Business Grants?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2603-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:04:41','2022-07-18 23:04:41','',2603,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2642',0,'revision','',0),(2643,1,'2022-07-18 23:05:20','2022-07-18 23:05:20','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2613,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CR-Good-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2613\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This week, I’m looking airlines deep in the eyes and asking, “Why do you hate us?” Just kidding. What I will be doing is sharing strategies on how to avoid one of the peskiest things about flying: fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>THE BIG STORY:</strong><strong>‘Wing, Lose, or Draw’</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Flying is such a pain.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let me explain. A few weeks ago, I booked a flight from New York City to Orlando, Fla. I thought I had done my due diligence, looking for the cheapest flights on Google Flights and Skyscanner for nearly an hour. When I decided I was going to purchase my ticket from a certain airline because of the cheap airfare listed, I thought I had scored the best deal and my homework was thus done.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">I was naive. It’s been a while since I’ve flown, and I had not counted on all the extra fees for what I considered basic amenities that would pop up in the process of my booking the ticket. Want to select a seat? Fee. Want to check your bag? Fee. Oh, you’d like to bring a carry-on with you? Fee. I believe that if they could get away with charging me money for using the restroom on the plane, there probably would be a fee for that as well. (You think I’m joking, but there was a European airline&nbsp;that was seriously considering this, though the plan was later dropped.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Airline fees are annoying for consumers, though for airlines, they are lucrative. Last year, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines generated $520 million and nearly $360 million, respectively, from baggage fees alone. Airlines now make most of their profits from fees rather than ticket fares, says Consumer Reports aviation adviser William J. McGee, an airline industry vet who has testified before Congress numerous times on consumer airline fees and other issues. (I emailed Airlines for America, which represents major carriers, about the industry’s fees but it didn’t respond.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The fees that passengers face include baggage fees, seat selection fees, and fees charged when you change or cancel a flight. Is it possible to avoid paying them? I asked aviation and travel experts, and here’s what they advised.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">1<strong>. Understand your carrier and airfare class first.</strong><br>If you’re flying with an ultra-low-cost carrier (which I did)—an airline that is focused on minimizing operational costs, such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, or Allegiant Air—the reality is you’re going to be charged fees for many amenities and services traditionally provided in the fare, William says. By unbundling amenities previously baked into the ticket cost, ultra-low-cost carriers can offer cheaper tickets that may grow more expensive once you start paying extra fees (unless, of course, you don’t care about amenities and all you need is a seat on the plane).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other airlines have followed suit in unbundling their services. If you purchase a ticket for basic economy, the cheapest fare class, from many airlines, you will also be charged ancillary fees. And the cheaper the fare class you’re in, the more the fees you’re likely to pay, says John Breyault, vice president of public policy at the nonprofit advocacy organization National Consumers League.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">That’s not saying that you should never fly with Spirit or buy a basic economy ticket; it’s just good to ask yourself before you book the ticket if you’re willing to pay extra for amenities, William says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f499;<strong>&nbsp;Bonus tip:</strong>&nbsp;When checking flights, you can use tools like the bags filter in Google Flights or the Kayak app to see the cost of your flight plus fees for one checked bag and carry-on.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Fly with an airline that doesn’t charge certain fees.</strong><br>Your first two checked bags are free on Southwest, for instance, and you’re allowed one bag and one personal item for carry-on. Southwest also doesn’t charge flight change or cancellation fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Consider using an airline credit card.</strong><br>Many credit cards offered by airlines come with no annual fees and offer perks such as a free checked bag, says Zach Griff, senior reporter for travel website The Points Guy.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But make sure you scrutinize the terms before you sign up for a new credit card, and be aware that applying for a credit card can temporarily affect your credit score. If you end up not using the card much and close that account, that could also lower your score.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Use the travel benefits of your credit card.</strong><br>If you already have a credit card with great travel perks, take advantage of them. The American Express Platinum (which comes with a $695 annual fee) offers an annual $200 airline fee credit for one airline that you choose every year and it covers incidental fees such as checked bags. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card (which has an annual fee of $550) has a $300 travel credit per year, says travel blogger and Instagram influencer Angel Trinh. It’s worth weighing the benefits of the card and the costs of its annual fees before you open up a new account.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5. If you’re enrolled in a frequent flyer program, check your perks.</strong><br>For those who fly often and with the same airline, frequent flyer programs from airlines often offer perks such as a free checked bag or the waiving of other fees for members who qualify.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>DOUBLING DOWN</strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In addition to avoiding fees,&nbsp;how can you save money on airfares in general?&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4b8;&nbsp;<strong>Book early.</strong>&nbsp;If you buy your tickets a few weeks in advance, you may get better prices than if you buy them last-minute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f4c9;&nbsp;<strong>Use price alerts.&nbsp;</strong>Set up alerts on fare comparison websites and apps such as Kayak and Hopper to notify you if the fare on a given route drops.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f3e8;&nbsp;<strong>Consider a package deal.</strong>&nbsp;If you book a flight and hotel package through an airline or a travel agency, your fare is often lower than what it’d be if you booked your ticket separately.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x1f512;&nbsp;<strong>Lock in fares.&nbsp;</strong>Some airlines allow you to lock in a fare for free or for a small fee a few days before you buy the ticket. You can use this time to shop around in case there’s a better deal out there.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">&#x2705;&nbsp;<strong>Bonus</strong>&nbsp;<strong>tip:</strong>&nbsp;Department of Transportation rules also allow reservations to be canceled without penalty within 24 hours if the tickets are purchased at least seven days before a flight’s scheduled departure. The 24-hour refund requirement, however,&nbsp;doesn’t apply to tickets booked through online travel agencies, travel agents, or other third-party agents, so you should contact the travel agent directly for a refund before you contact the airline.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/airline-fees/smarter-how-to-avoid-ridiculous-airline-fees-a2163062878/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Avoid Ridiculous Airline Fees?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2612-revision-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:05:20','2022-07-18 23:05:20','',2612,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2643',0,'revision','',0),(2644,1,'2022-07-18 23:06:43','2022-07-18 23:06:43','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2622,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2622\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance is insurance coverage intended to protect individuals from personal losses if they are sued as a result of serving as a director or an officer of a business or other type of organization. It can also cover the legal fees and other costs the organization may incur as a result of such a suit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Directors and officers (D&amp;O) liability insurance covers directors and officers or their company or organization if sued (most policies exclude fraud and criminal offenses).</li><li>D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to cover losses associated with the lawsuit, including legal defense fees.</li><li>Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification.</li><li>Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification.</li><li>Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Understanding Directors and Officers (D&amp;O) Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">D&amp;O insurance applies to anyone who serves as a director or an officer of a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. A D&amp;O insurance policy&nbsp;insures&nbsp;against personal losses, and it&nbsp;can also help reimburse a&nbsp;business or nonprofit for the legal fees or other costs incurred in defending such individuals against lawsuits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">D&amp;O insurance claims are paid to directors and officers of a company or organization for losses or&nbsp;reimbursement of&nbsp;defense costs if&nbsp;legal action is brought against them. Such coverage can also&nbsp;extend to&nbsp;criminal and regulatory investigations or trial defense costs. Civil and criminal actions are often brought against directors and&nbsp;officers simultaneously.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">D&amp;O insurance is akin to&nbsp;corporate governance,&nbsp;corporate law, and the&nbsp;fiduciary&nbsp;duty owed to stakeholders, such as shareholders and beneficiaries. US federal law grants&nbsp;directors and officers broad discretion in their business activities. Corporate law is typically handled at the state level. Publicly traded companies are subject to more federal regulation than privately held companies, particularly due to the&nbsp;Securities Act of 1933&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Types of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The typical D&amp;O insurance policy contains three types of insuring agreements. They\'re commonly referred to as Side A, Side B, and Side C.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Side A coverage covers directors and officers for claims where the company refuses to or is financially unable to pay for indemnification. This can occur, for example, if the company has declared bankruptcy. Under Side A coverage, the individual officer is the one who\'s insured and it\'s their personal assets that are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Side B coverage covers the losses of directors and officers when the company does grant indemnification. In this case, the policy will reimburse the company for legal costs. Under Side B coverage, it is the company that is insured while its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">Side C coverage, also called \"entity coverage,\" extends coverage for the corporate entity itself. Under Side C coverage, the company is insured and its corporate assets are at risk.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The exact coverage that a company goes with ultimately depends on its unique business model characteristics, needs, history, and financial picture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Process</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The process of D&amp;O insurance in real life is straightforward. It all starts when a manager allegedly fails to perform his or her role. Some common risk scenarios include employment malpractice, reporting errors, inaccurate disclosures, insolvencies, and regulation violations. As a result, several claimants decide to sue the manager.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">Once the manager and the legal/risk management departments are informed of the claim, they then provide a description of the claim to their broker/insurer. If the claim is covered, the insurer covers the defense costs. If the claim is covered and the case is lost, the insurer pays for the defense costs&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>the financial losses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">Of course, that example heavily depends on the terms and conditions of the specific policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> D&amp;O insurance&nbsp;has become closely associated with broader management liability insurance, which covers&nbsp;liabilities&nbsp;of the corporation, as well as the personal liabilities for the directors and officers of the corporation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">D&amp;O policies can take different forms, depending on the nature of the organization and the risks it faces. It’s best to seek out an insurance company with deep experience in this specialized field. The policies are generally purchased by the organization to cover a group of individuals rather than by the individuals themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">If a&nbsp;company fails to disclose material information or willfully provides inaccurate information, the insurer may avoid payment due to&nbsp;misrepresentation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The \"severability clause\" in the policy conditions may be intended to protect against this by preventing misconduct by one insured from affecting insurance for other insureds; however, in certain jurisdictions, it may be ineffective.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\">Policies can be written to insure against a variety of hazards, but they generally make exclusions for fraud, criminal activity, and illegal profits. Also, most policies contain \"insured vs. insured\" clauses, whereby no claim is paid when current or former directors and officers sue the company. This prevents the company from profiting from deceit or conspiracy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do I Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It depends on the size and nature of your business. But generally speaking, D&amp;O insurance should seriously be considered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Do Small Businesses Need D&amp;O Insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Small businesses aren\'t immune to costly lawsuits. It might be easy to assume that lawsuits and fines are only triggered by disgruntled shareholders. That\'s definitely the case with high-profile suits against large public companies. However, for private companies, the most damaging suits are brought by customers, vendors, and other third parties. Small companies might be uniquely vulnerable to a potentially damaging lawsuit because they don\'t have the financial muscle that larger companies may have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Much Does D&amp;O Insurance Cost?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The cost of D&amp;O insurance can vary widely depending on factors like company size, industry, risk appetite, financial position, revenue, and claims history. All else equal, businesses that have a long operating history will likely pay less than younger organizations. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Type of D&amp;O Insurance Should I Buy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The type of D&amp;O insurance you choose depends on what your company needs and what it can afford. Here are a few main things to consider—should the policy just cover managers (Side A) or the company as a whole (Side B and Side C)? How much coverage is enough? What are the biggest D&amp;O risks your company, in particular, faces?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Does D&amp;O Insurance Cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">D&amp;O insurance typically covers legal fees, settlements, and financial losses when the insured is held liable. Common allegations covered include breaches of fiduciary duty, failure to comply with regulations, lack of corporate governance, creditor claims, and reporting errors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Outright fraud, criminal activity, and lawsuits between managers within the same company are usually not covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2621-autosave-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:06:43','2022-07-18 23:06:43','',2621,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2644',0,'revision','',0),(2646,1,'2022-07-18 23:09:34','2022-07-18 23:09:34','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the right amount of car insurance to have?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2635,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2635\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If one of your 2022 resolutions is to get your finances in order, you may want to look at what insurance you have, including car insurance. Indeed, some of us may not have the right amount of auto insurance. Too little, and an accident could create major financial harm; too much, and you may just be wasting money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have your state’s minimum required car insurance, and then some?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most states generally require bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, roughly half require some type of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more than a dozen require personal injury protection.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As a rough rule of thumb, auto insurance experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 — meaning, $100,000 in body injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have the right types of insurance?&nbsp;</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding the specific types of coverage can also help you determine the policy that makes the most sense for you. In this section we will break out the major types of insurance and give rough estimates of how much experts recommend of each.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With so many types of automobile insurance available, it can be tricky deciphering which plans make the most sense and how much you’ll need of each. Among the most common are liability insurance, which pays for others injuries or property damage when you cause a car accident, and uninsured motorist insurance, which pays for your medical bills if someone without insurance or with not enough insurance crashes into you and you or your car suffer injuries. For new or leased cars, collision and comprehensive insurance can be required, and they cover a range of issues including theft, vandalism and natural disasters.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"className\":\"is-style-regular\",\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>What it is</strong></td><td><strong>Who should have it?</strong></td><td><strong>How much experts recommend</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per person&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Helps pay for another person’s expenses if you injure them in an accident</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $100,000&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bodily injury liability per accident</strong></td><td>If you cause a car accident that injures multiple people, this coverage pays for their combined expenses</td><td>All drivers</td><td>At least $300,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Property damage liability per accident</strong></td><td>Helps pay to repair damage you case to another person’s vehicle or property</td><td>All drivers</td><td>Roughly $50,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage</strong></td><td>Helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t&nbsp; have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage</td><td>Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s often a good idea to have it, experts say.</td><td>About $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Personal injury protection (PIP)</strong></td><td>Covers medical expenses regardless of fault</td><td>Mandatory in certain states and often recommended in states where it’s not required</td><td>Minimum of $10,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collision</strong></td><td>Pays for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it’s hit by another vehicle</td><td>Some lenders require it when leasing or financing a new car; if you have an older car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comprehensive</strong></td><td>Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an incident that is not a collision</td><td>Those with newer or nicer cars</td><td>Depends on the vehicle being insured</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Car insurance companies also usually offer optional coverage choices like car rental coverage, gap insurance and roadside assistance. If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident and your car is at the shop, rental coverage will cover the cost of a rental car for the days your car isn’t driveable. Typically, you’ll be eligible to rent a car up to a certain dollar amount and you’ll be reimbursed by the insurance company for the cost of the car. Gap insurance helps pay off your loan if your car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than the car’s depreciated value, but this type of coverage is only available if you’re the original loan — or leaseholder on a new vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What kind of car do you have?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A brand new car will need different levels of insurance than the beater you got from your mom. If you’ve got a shiny new whip, comprehensive coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged by vandalism, natural disasters or even fire and flooding.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And with a new car,&nbsp; Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications from the Insurance Information Institute says, you may also want gap coverage “which will replace a vehicle 3 years old or newer with a new car if your car is totaled.”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For older cars that aren’t worth a lot of money, it may be wise to waive comprehensive and collision coverage since the policy many not pay more than the car is worth when there’s a loss or accident.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you lease a car, you will likely need full coverage auto insurance, which includes sollision and comprehensive, as well as the required liability.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Do you have a lot of assets?</strong></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you need even more coverage, umbrella policies are available, and depending on the umbrella policy, you can get coverage over $1 million dollars. If you cause an accident and reach your policiy’s liability limits, an umbrella policy can help pay for the remaining costs. It’s best suited for those who have large assets like property or significant savings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/ask-yourself-these-4-questions-to-figure-out-how-much-auto-insurance-you-really-need-01641740078\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ask yourself these 4 questions to figure out how much auto insurance you really need','','inherit','closed','closed','','2634-autosave-v1','','','2022-07-18 23:09:34','2022-07-18 23:09:34','',2634,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2646',0,'revision','',0),(2650,1,'2022-08-12 12:40:25','2022-08-12 12:40:25','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We love Halloween. What other night can you dress like a hot dog and eat all your favorite childhood sweets without having someone judge you? The problem is that we may love it a little&nbsp;<em>too&nbsp;</em>much.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">According to a the National Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $10.14 billion—that’s “billion” with a “b”—on Halloween this year.<sup> </sup>That means the average American will drop about $102 on the holiday.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’re tight on cash, that amount might sound scary. But the good news is: It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to spend a zombie arm and a leg to have a memorable time. Try these seven tricks to&nbsp;stick like Laffy Taffy to your Halloween budget.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>1. Costumes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The best part of Halloween (other than candy) is the costumes, hands down—from adorable babies dressed as koalas to the entire family decked out as the Addams Family. Costumes are all fun and games . . . until you realize what a money suck they are. Instead of buying a $40 Ninja Turtles costume for each of your four boys or sewing some rough-looking versions from scratch, turn hunting for your costume into a family game.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here’s how it works: Head to the consignment shop or thrift store with your brood and&nbsp;give each child an envelope with five or 10 bucks inside<strong>.</strong>&nbsp;Split into teams to pick out a costume or find materials to make a custom creation. When time’s up and purchases are made, head home and have the kids dig into their closets for the rest of their getups. There’s nothing like a happy homemade Halloween!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t forget, just like kids grow out of clothes, they also grow out of their Halloween costumes. Check with your friends and neighbors to see if they’ll let you borrow a costume this year. Don’t drop big money for a brand-new Hulk outfit when little Timmy down the street has one your kid can wear for the night.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>2. Decorations</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For some people, Halloween is a <em>really</em> big deal (you know who you are). And for those guys, a single pumpkin on the front stoop just isn’t going to cut it. But if you’re not careful, buying Halloween décor year after year can really take a bite out of your budget. Pro tip: If you need your buck to stretch further, hit up your local dollar store for decorations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And if you really do go all out for Halloween, start saving and reusing your decorations. Since Halloween is almost as big of a deal as Christmas at your house, then prep for it the same way. Instead of trashing your decorations at the end of the season, start collecting items to reuse each year. Store all your ghouls and goblins in a reusable tub once the season is over. Now figuring out where to keep the giant headless horseman—that’s on you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>3. Candy</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just because you live in a neighborhood that gets carloads of kids every year doesn’t mean you have to buy barrels of candy. It’s no secret that candy is pricey stuff. If you already know you’ll be visited by 50–100 princesses and superheroes, skip the gourmet chocolate bars and&nbsp;grab a bulk bag of assorted candy instead. Be on the lookout for coupons and any two-for-one deals, but don’t feel like you have to get the brand-name stuff either. Just buy what you can afford (even if that’s knock-offs of Dum Dums and Smarties).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And when the candy is gone, it’s gone. You know those kids are getting&nbsp;<em>a lot</em>&nbsp;of sugar, so you’re not really cheating the latecomers. They’ll be fine, really. Early birds get the gummy worms! Oh, and once you run out of candy, turn the lights off. There’s no need to get egged!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One last tip when it comes to candy—keep track of how many trick-or-treaters actually visit your house so you can plan for next year. There’s no need to overbuy and get stuck eating all the leftovers (unless that’s what you were hoping for).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>4. Pumpkins</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For something that turns into a pile of moldy mush a few weeks after you buy it, a pumpkin sure costs a pretty penny. And it’s kind of like potato chips: You can’t have just one. Oh, no. Because of Instagram and Pinterest, we now think we need no less than a variety of twenty pumpkins spread across our porches, decks and tables.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t get us wrong—pumpkins are fun. But it’s way too easy to overspend on these soon-to-be rotting gourds. So, what’s a pumpkin lover to do? Easy. Give yourself a pumpkin budget. We’re serious. Let the kids each pick one or cap yourself at $15—whatever you need to do to keep the spending in check.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Going to the pumpkin patch is a blast, but don’t buy your pumpkins there if you’re looking to save some money. Instead, just go get pumpkins from the grocery store and be on the lookout for two-for-one deals that pop up. Because when it all boils down to it, a pumpkin is a pumpkin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>5. Greeting Cards</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Wait. Does anyone really send out Halloween greeting cards? When was the last time&nbsp;<em>you&nbsp;</em>got a “Have a Batty Halloween” card in your mailbox? Nearly 45% of those surveyed by NRF this year said they planned on buying Halloween greeting cards, so there—somebody’s doing it.<a href=\"https://nrf.com/topics/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/halloween/halloween-data-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><sup>2</sup></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It goes without saying that you can make a boo-tiful greeting card without having to drop $6 on a glitter-bomb skeleton card for your favorite niece. Use some cardstock and get creative by drawing all kinds of spooky characters. Don’t forget to tape on a little something sweet too! If you have your heart set on a store-bought card, stroll the aisle looking for the two-for-a-dollar kind. But remember, you don’t&nbsp;<em>have&nbsp;</em>to send a card either.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>6. Fall Activities</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are heaps of harvest and Halloween festivals this time of year—and they’re usually free!&nbsp;Plus, there are plenty of other budget-friendly activities sure to please everyone in the family. Spend the day walking around a farm or enjoying a hayride. Take a drive out of town to look at the changing colors of the leaves. Go apple picking or enjoy a fall festival. Take advantage of what’s already going on in your church or community, and budget a little extra for any special food or rides. Festive fall food can really add up if you’re not careful, so save some cash by packing a picnic and a comfy quilt.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\"><strong>7. Family Traditions</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Carve out a weekend or two for some quality time together this fall—you don’t even have to leave your house! If you’re tired of carving pumpkins or dressing up, why not start some new, budget-friendly traditions?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How about a fall-themed cooking day? Try caramel apples, pumpkin pie and jack-o’-lantern pizzas (use the pepperonis and veggies to make the face). Or have everyone vote for their favorite fall movies, then hunker down on the couch to get cozy and eat all those tasty treats you cooked up. And if you’d rather be outside enjoying the leaves, head over to the park for a scavenger hunt and enjoy the scenery while you search.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/5-money-saving-tricks-for-happier-halloween\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Have a Happy Halloween Without Scaring Your Budget','','inherit','closed','closed','','2649-revision-v1','','','2022-08-12 12:40:25','2022-08-12 12:40:25','',2649,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2650',0,'revision','',0),(2651,1,'2022-08-12 12:53:34','2022-08-12 12:53:34','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2693,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Money-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2693\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Start right now. The younger you are, the more time your money has to grow.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A class titled “Finance for Young Adults” usually isn’t part of a high school curriculum—an unfortunate oversight that leaves many young people clueless about how to manage their money, apply for credit, and stay out of debt. Although some progress has been made—23 U.S. states required a personal finance course and 25 required an economics course for high school graduation in 2022—there are still large knowledge gaps in this age group.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">Basic economic and financial education&nbsp;in high schools should help at least a segment of the next generation, but young adults in the crucial post-high school years also need to master core lessons about money. Let’s take a look at eight of the most important rules to get your finances on the best possible track. Never forget that the younger you are, the more time your savings and investments have to grow—so the sooner, the better.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Taking the time to learn a few basic financial rules can help you build a healthy financial future.</li><li>Learning to prepare your annual tax return yourself could save you money.</li><li>Start an emergency fund and pay into it every month, even if it is a small amount.</li><li>Saving for retirement is an integral&nbsp;part of any financial plan, and starting young gives you the maximum time to grow your nest egg.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">8 Essential Financial Rules for Young Adults</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\"><strong>1. Practice Self-Control: Pay With Cash, Not Credit</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">If you’re lucky, your parents taught you self-control when you were a kid. If not, keep in mind that the sooner you learn the essential life skill of delaying gratification, the sooner you’ll keep your&nbsp;personal finances&nbsp;in order as a matter of habit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">One of the most important ways to exercise self-control with your finances is also very simple. If you wait until you’ve saved the money for whatever it is you need, then you can put all everyday purchases on a&nbsp;debit card&nbsp;instead of a&nbsp;credit card. A debit card deducts the money from your checking account immediately (with no additional fees), but a credit card—unless you can afford to pay off the balance in full every month—is actually a high-interest loan. If you get into the dangerous habit of putting all your purchases on credit cards, then not only will you be paying interest on a pair of jeans or a box of cereal, but you could also still be paying for those items in 10 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Credit cards are certainly useful; some offer great rewards; paying them off on time helps you&nbsp;build a good credit score. However, it is essential to use them to your advantage—not to the advantage of the lender who profits from your bad habit of racking up interest-bearing balances. Keep credit cards for emergencies only—and always pay your balance in full when the bill arrives. Also, don’t apply for every credit offer you receive—and never carry more cards than you can keep track of.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\"><strong>2. Beware of Bad Advice: Educate Yourself</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">If you don’t learn to manage your money, then other people will find ways to mismanage it for you. Some of these people could have bad intentions, like unscrupulous financial planners. Others may be well-meaning, but not fully informed about your circumstances, like relatives who make blanket recommendations about the importance of owning your own house—even though the only way you could afford to buy right now would be taking on a risky&nbsp;adjustable-rate mortgage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Instead of relying on random advice from unqualified people, take charge of your own financial future and read a few&nbsp;basic books on personal finance. Once you’re armed with knowledge, don’t let anyone get you off track—whether it’s a significant other who siphons off your bank account or friends who want you to go out and blow tons of money with them every weekend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\"><strong>3. Learn to Budget: Know Where Your Money Goes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\">Once you’ve read a few&nbsp;personal finance books, you will understand the importance of two rules that every personal finance advisor keeps repeating. Never let your expenses exceed your income, and always keep your eye on where your money goes. The best way to do this is by&nbsp;budgeting&nbsp;and creating a&nbsp;personal spending plan&nbsp;to track the money you have coming in and the money you have going out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\">Once you actually start tracking how you spend your money, it can be a valuable wake-up call to realize how the cost of buying coffee from a barista every morning adds up over the course of a month. Unlike a salary increase, which is in the hands of your boss to a large extent, small changes in your everyday expenses, like making coffee at home, are completely under your control—and they can have as big an impact on your financial situation as getting a raise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">Keeping your larger monthly expenses—like rent—as low as possible can save you even more money over time. Even if you can swing an amenity-packed apartment right now, choosing a simpler place—and banking the cash you save—could put you in a position to own a condominium or a house much sooner than your friends who are paying high rent.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Tip: Understanding how money works is the first step toward making your money work for you.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\"><strong>4. Pay Yourself First: Start an Emergency Fund</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\">One of the most-repeated mantras in personal finance is “pay yourself first,” which means saving money for emergencies and for your future. This simple practice not only keeps you out of trouble financially, but it can also help you sleep better at night. Even on the&nbsp;tightest budget—no matter how much you owe in student loans or credit card debt, no matter how low your salary is—there are ways to put at least some of your money into an&nbsp;emergency fund&nbsp;every month.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\">An added benefit is that, if you get into the habit of&nbsp;socking away money into savings&nbsp;automatically, then you will stop treating savings as optional—and start treating it as a required monthly expense. Before long, you’ll have more than just emergency money saved up—you’ll have retirement money, vacation money, or even money for a down payment on a home.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\">If you put your cash into a standard savings account, it will be secure and available whenever you need it. However, that kind of account will earn almost no interest—which means that inflation will erode the value of your savings over time. Instead, you can put your fund in a&nbsp;high-yield savings account, short-term&nbsp;certificate of deposit&nbsp;(CD), or&nbsp;money market account. Just make sure the rules of your savings vehicle permit you to get to your money quickly in an emergency.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\"><strong>5. Start Saving for Retirement Now</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">Just as your parents sent you off to kindergarten to prepare you for success in a world that seemed eons away, you need to&nbsp;plan for your retirement&nbsp;well in advance—that is, right now.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\">An excellent way to get started on the right path is to educate yourself about the power (some say magic) of compound interest. Once you do, the wisdom of starting your retirement fund as soon as possible will be undeniable. The simplest way to think of&nbsp;compound interest&nbsp;is as “interest on interest,” which means that you will earn interest not only on the&nbsp;principal&nbsp;(the money you put in), but also on the&nbsp;interest&nbsp;(the money the bank pays you for holding your principal). By making your money grow at a much faster rate than&nbsp;simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal, compound interest super-charges your savings—especially over time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-40\">Why start saving for your retirement&nbsp;in your 20s?&nbsp;Again, because of the way compound interest works, the sooner you start saving, the less principal you have to invest to end up with the amount that you need to retire. Here’s an example: You start investing in the market at $100 a month, averaging a positive return of 1% a month (which is 12% a year), compounded monthly over 40 years. Your friend, who is the same age, doesn’t begin investing until 30 years later and invests $1,000 a month for 10 years, also averaging 1% a month (12% a year), compounded monthly. After 10 years, your friend will have saved around $230,000. Your retirement account will be a bit over $1.17 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\">Company-sponsored retirement plans are a particularly great choice. Not only do you get to put in&nbsp;pretax dollars&nbsp;(which lowers the income tax you pay), but many companies will also match part of your contribution, which is like getting free money. Contribution limits tend to be higher for&nbsp;401(k)s&nbsp;than for&nbsp;individual retirement accounts&nbsp;(IRAs), but any employer-sponsored plan that you’re fortunate enough to be offered is a step closer to financial health.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-44\">If you don’t have access to a company plan, don’t despair. Those who are self-employed have a range of options for&nbsp;setting up retirement plans. Others can open their own IRAs, allowing for a set amount of money each month to be withdrawn from their savings account and contributed directly into their IRA. Even if it’s only a small sum, it will eventually add up to something substantial.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\"><strong>6. Get a Grip on Taxes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-47\">Before you even get your first paycheck, it’s important to understand how income tax works. When a company offers you a starting salary, you need to calculate whether that salary will give you enough money after taxes to meet your financial obligations—and, with smart planning, meet your savings and retirement goals as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\">Fortunately, there are plenty of online calculators that take the grunt work out of determining what your after-tax salary will be, such as PaycheckCity.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\">These calculators will chart your&nbsp;gross pay&nbsp;(total earnings), how much goes to taxes, and your&nbsp;net pay&nbsp;(earnings after taxes and other deductions, also known as take-home pay). For example, in 2022, an annual salary of $35,000 in New York City would leave you with around $28,270 after federal and state taxes (without exemptions)—about $2,356 a month. (Then you need to consider city taxes as well.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-51\">In another scenario, perhaps you’re considering leaving one job for another to get a salary increase. Before you do this, you’ll need to understand how your&nbsp;marginal tax rate—the tax rate you pay on additional income—will affect your raise. In the U.S., low-income earners are taxed at a lower rate than higher-income earners—the higher your salary, the higher the tax rate. For example, a salary increase from $35,000 a year to $41,000 a year looks like an extra $6,000 per year ($500 per month)—but the tax rate will be higher, so it will only give you an extra $4,227 (around $352 per month). (The amount will vary depending on taxes in your state of residence.) If you’re considering a move, keep that in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-53\">Finally, take the time to learn to do your own taxes. Unless you have a complicated financial situation, it’s not that hard to do, and you won’t have to pay a tax professional.&nbsp;Tax software&nbsp;has made doing your own taxes much easier than it used to be—and software also ensures that you can file online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\"><strong>7. Guard Your Health</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-56\">If paying monthly health insurance premiums seems impossible, what will you do if you have to go to the emergency room—where a single visit for a minor injury like a broken bone can cost thousands of dollars? If you’re uninsured, don’t wait another day to apply for&nbsp;health insurance. It’s easier than you think to wind up in a car accident or trip and fall down a flight of stairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\">If you’re employed, then your employer may offer health insurance, including&nbsp;high-deductible health plans&nbsp;that save on premiums and qualify you for a&nbsp;Health Savings Account&nbsp;(HSA). If you need to buy insurance on your own, investigate the federal and state plans offered by the&nbsp;Health Insurance Marketplace&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Affordable Care Act&nbsp;(ACA). Look at quotes from different insurance providers to find the lowest rates. Research all your options to see if you qualify for a subsidy based on your income. If you have health issues, know that a more expensive plan could be the most cost-effective in the end.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\">If you’re under age 26, then your best choice may be to stay on your parents’ health insurance—an option that has been allowed since the 2010 passage of the ACA. If you can manage it, offer to reimburse your parents for the cost of keeping you on their plan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-62\">It also makes excellent financial sense to build staying healthy into your daily routine as soon as possible. Common-sense health maintenance is very straightforward, and you\'ve heard it all before. Eat fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, don\'t smoke, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and drive defensively. Not only will you feel better physically right now, but these behaviors can also save you on medical bills down the road.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Important: Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in U.S. health care and health insurance, the U.S government has been leveraging the&nbsp;American Rescue Plan&nbsp;(ARP), a $1.9-trillion stimulus package signed into law in March 2021, to expand health care coverage and reduce costs. The plan also includes incentives for states that have not participated in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion to do so, potentially extending healthcare coverage to over 3 million uninsured people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-66\"><strong>8. Protect Your Wealth</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-67\">To ensure that your hard-earned money doesn’t vanish in an emergency, you should take steps right now to protect it. Here are some smart moves to think about, even if you can’t afford them all right away:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-69\">If you rent, get&nbsp;renter\'s insurance&nbsp;to protect the contents of your home from loss due to burglary or fire. Read the policy carefully to see what’s covered and what isn’t.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-71\">Disability insurance&nbsp;protects your greatest financial asset—the ability to earn an income—by providing you with a steady income if you ever become unable to work for an extended period of time due to illness or injury.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\">If you want&nbsp;help managing your money, find a fee-only financial planner to provide unbiased advice. Unlike a commission-based financial advisor, who earns money when you sign up with the investments that their company backs, a fee-only planner has no personal incentive to give you financial advice that might not be in your best interest. (Even if a commission-based advisor gives you solid advice, they still always have a divided loyalty—to their company’s bottom line and to you.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-75\">You should also protect your money from taxes—which is easy to do with a retirement account—and from inflation—which you can do by making sure that your money is earning interest. As you decide how to protect your savings, learn everything you can about relevant&nbsp;investment vehicles, because they all bring both different degrees of risk and different potential for growth. For example, high-interest savings accounts, money market funds, and CDs are relatively free of risk; your money is safe, but it will grow slowly. On the other hand, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are much riskier; the value of your portfolio could fall, but the potential for growth is much greater as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Do I Choose a Financial Advisor?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An excellent choice for a young adult is a fee-only financial planner. Unlike a commission-based advisor, who earns a commission if they sign you up with their company\'s investment plans, a fee-only planner has no personal incentive beyond your best interest, so they have no reason not to give you unbiased advice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Why Is Compound Interest So Powerful?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in finance because it grows your money exponentially, which means it can super-charge your savings, especially over time. The magic of compound interest for your retirement account is that it is interest on interest—literally. You earn interest not only on the principal (the money you put in), but also on the interest (the money the bank pays you for holding your principal).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Why Did My Paycheck Shrink After My Raise?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The higher your salary, the higher your tax rate. If you just got a raise or took a new job at a higher salary, the change in the marginal tax rate on the additional income will definitely affect your paycheck. For example, if a salary increase of $6,000 per year bumps you up into a higher tax bracket, the percentage of your income that goes to taxes bumps up as well—which will make your paycheck smaller than expected. If you’re considering a move to a more expensive area to accept a higher salary, keep that in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-83\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-84\">Remember, you don’t need an MBA in finance or even specialized training to become an expert at&nbsp;managing your finances. Following these eight basic rules can put you on the path to financial security, which is the foundation that will allow you to build the rest of your dreams.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/08/eight-tips.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Financial Tips for Young Adults','','publish','closed','closed','','8-financial-tips-for-young-adults','','','2022-08-15 14:51:45','2022-08-15 14:51:45','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2651',0,'post','',0),(2652,1,'2022-08-12 12:53:34','2022-08-12 12:53:34','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Start right now. The younger you are, the more time your money has to grow.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A class titled “Finance for Young Adults” usually isn’t part of a high school curriculum—an unfortunate oversight that leaves many young people clueless about how to manage their money, apply for credit, and stay out of debt. Although some progress has been made—23 U.S. states required a personal finance course and 25 required an economics course for high school graduation in 2022—there are still large knowledge gaps in this age group.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">Basic economic and financial education&nbsp;in high schools should help at least a segment of the next generation, but young adults in the crucial post-high school years also need to master core lessons about money. Let’s take a look at eight of the most important rules to get your finances on the best possible track. Never forget that the younger you are, the more time your savings and investments have to grow—so the sooner, the better.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Taking the time to learn a few basic financial rules can help you build a healthy financial future.</li><li>Learning to prepare your annual tax return yourself could save you money.</li><li>Start an emergency fund and pay into it every month, even if it is a small amount.</li><li>Saving for retirement is an integral&nbsp;part of any financial plan, and starting young gives you the maximum time to grow your nest egg.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">8 Essential Financial Rules for Young Adults</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\"><strong>1. Practice Self-Control: Pay With Cash, Not Credit</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">If you’re lucky, your parents taught you self-control when you were a kid. If not, keep in mind that the sooner you learn the essential life skill of delaying gratification, the sooner you’ll keep your personal finances in order as a matter of habit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">One of the most important ways to exercise self-control with your finances is also very simple. If you wait until you’ve saved the money for whatever it is you need, then you can put all everyday purchases on a debit card instead of a credit card. A debit card deducts the money from your checking account immediately (with no additional fees), but a credit card—unless you can afford to pay off the balance in full every month—is actually a high-interest loan. If you get into the dangerous habit of putting all your purchases on credit cards, then not only will you be paying interest on a pair of jeans or a box of cereal, but you could also still be paying for those items in 10 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Credit cards are certainly useful; some offer great rewards; paying them off on time helps you build a good credit score. However, it is essential to use them to your advantage—not to the advantage of the lender who profits from your bad habit of racking up interest-bearing balances. Keep credit cards for emergencies only—and always pay your balance in full when the bill arrives. Also, don’t apply for every credit offer you receive—and never carry more cards than you can keep track of.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\"><strong>2. Beware of Bad Advice: Educate Yourself</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">If you don’t learn to manage your money, then other people will find ways to mismanage it for you. Some of these people could have bad intentions, like unscrupulous financial planners. Others may be well-meaning, but not fully informed about your circumstances, like relatives who make blanket recommendations about the importance of owning your own house—even though the only way you could afford to buy right now would be taking on a risky adjustable-rate mortgage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">Instead of relying on random advice from unqualified people, take charge of your own financial future and read a few basic books on personal finance. Once you’re armed with knowledge, don’t let anyone get you off track—whether it’s a significant other who siphons off your bank account or friends who want you to go out and blow tons of money with them every weekend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\"><strong>3. Learn to Budget: Know Where Your Money Goes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\">Once you’ve read a few personal finance books, you will understand the importance of two rules that every personal finance advisor keeps repeating. Never let your expenses exceed your income, and always keep your eye on where your money goes. The best way to do this is by budgeting and creating a personal spending plan to track the money you have coming in and the money you have going out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\">Once you actually start tracking how you spend your money, it can be a valuable wake-up call to realize how the cost of buying coffee from a barista every morning adds up over the course of a month. Unlike a salary increase, which is in the hands of your boss to a large extent, small changes in your everyday expenses, like making coffee at home, are completely under your control—and they can have as big an impact on your financial situation as getting a raise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">Keeping your larger monthly expenses—like rent—as low as possible can save you even more money over time. Even if you can swing an amenity-packed apartment right now, choosing a simpler place—and banking the cash you save—could put you in a position to own a condominium or a house much sooner than your friends who are paying high rent.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Tip: Understanding how money works is the first step toward making your money work for you. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\"><strong>4. Pay Yourself First: Start an Emergency Fund</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\">One of the most-repeated mantras in personal finance is “pay yourself first,” which means saving money for emergencies and for your future. This simple practice not only keeps you out of trouble financially, but it can also help you sleep better at night. Even on the tightest budget—no matter how much you owe in student loans or credit card debt, no matter how low your salary is—there are ways to put at least some of your money into an emergency fund every month.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\">An added benefit is that, if you get into the habit of socking away money into savings automatically, then you will stop treating savings as optional—and start treating it as a required monthly expense. Before long, you’ll have more than just emergency money saved up—you’ll have retirement money, vacation money, or even money for a down payment on a home.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\">If you put your cash into a standard savings account, it will be secure and available whenever you need it. However, that kind of account will earn almost no interest—which means that inflation will erode the value of your savings over time. Instead, you can put your fund in a high-yield savings account, short-term certificate of deposit (CD), or money market account. Just make sure the rules of your savings vehicle permit you to get to your money quickly in an emergency.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\"><strong>5. Start Saving for Retirement Now</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">Just as your parents sent you off to kindergarten to prepare you for success in a world that seemed eons away, you need to plan for your retirement well in advance—that is, right now.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\">An excellent way to get started on the right path is to educate yourself about the power (some say magic) of compound interest. Once you do, the wisdom of starting your retirement fund as soon as possible will be undeniable. The simplest way to think of compound interest is as “interest on interest,” which means that you will earn interest not only on the principal (the money you put in), but also on the interest (the money the bank pays you for holding your principal). By making your money grow at a much faster rate than simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal, compound interest super-charges your savings—especially over time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-40\">Why start saving for your retirement in your 20s? Again, because of the way compound interest works, the sooner you start saving, the less principal you have to invest to end up with the amount that you need to retire. Here’s an example: You start investing in the market at $100 a month, averaging a positive return of 1% a month (which is 12% a year), compounded monthly over 40 years. Your friend, who is the same age, doesn’t begin investing until 30 years later and invests $1,000 a month for 10 years, also averaging 1% a month (12% a year), compounded monthly. After 10 years, your friend will have saved around $230,000. Your retirement account will be a bit over $1.17 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\">Company-sponsored retirement plans are a particularly great choice. Not only do you get to put in pretax dollars (which lowers the income tax you pay), but many companies will also match part of your contribution, which is like getting free money. Contribution limits tend to be higher for 401(k)s than for individual retirement accounts (IRAs), but any employer-sponsored plan that you’re fortunate enough to be offered is a step closer to financial health.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-44\">If you don’t have access to a company plan, don’t despair. Those who are self-employed have a range of options for setting up retirement plans. Others can open their own IRAs, allowing for a set amount of money each month to be withdrawn from their savings account and contributed directly into their IRA. Even if it’s only a small sum, it will eventually add up to something substantial.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\"><strong>6. Get a Grip on Taxes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-47\">Before you even get your first paycheck, it’s important to understand how income tax works. When a company offers you a starting salary, you need to calculate whether that salary will give you enough money after taxes to meet your financial obligations—and, with smart planning, meet your savings and retirement goals as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\">Fortunately, there are plenty of online calculators that take the grunt work out of determining what your after-tax salary will be, such as PaycheckCity.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-49\">These calculators will chart your gross pay (total earnings), how much goes to taxes, and your net pay (earnings after taxes and other deductions, also known as take-home pay). For example, in 2022, an annual salary of $35,000 in New York City would leave you with around $28,270 after federal and state taxes (without exemptions)—about $2,356 a month. (Then you need to consider city taxes as well.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-51\">In another scenario, perhaps you’re considering leaving one job for another to get a salary increase. Before you do this, you’ll need to understand how your marginal tax rate—the tax rate you pay on additional income—will affect your raise. In the U.S., low-income earners are taxed at a lower rate than higher-income earners—the higher your salary, the higher the tax rate. For example, a salary increase from $35,000 a year to $41,000 a year looks like an extra $6,000 per year ($500 per month)—but the tax rate will be higher, so it will only give you an extra $4,227 (around $352 per month). (The amount will vary depending on taxes in your state of residence.) If you’re considering a move, keep that in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-53\">Finally, take the time to learn to do your own taxes. Unless you have a complicated financial situation, it’s not that hard to do, and you won’t have to pay a tax professional. Tax software has made doing your own taxes much easier than it used to be—and software also ensures that you can file online.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\"><strong>7. Guard Your Health</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-56\">If paying monthly health insurance premiums seems impossible, what will you do if you have to go to the emergency room—where a single visit for a minor injury like a broken bone can cost thousands of dollars? If you’re uninsured, don’t wait another day to apply for health insurance. It’s easier than you think to wind up in a car accident or trip and fall down a flight of stairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\">If you’re employed, then your employer may offer health insurance, including high-deductible health plans that save on premiums and qualify you for a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you need to buy insurance on your own, investigate the federal and state plans offered by the Health Insurance Marketplace of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Look at quotes from different insurance providers to find the lowest rates. Research all your options to see if you qualify for a subsidy based on your income. If you have health issues, know that a more expensive plan could be the most cost-effective in the end.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\">If you’re under age 26, then your best choice may be to stay on your parents’ health insurance—an option that has been allowed since the 2010 passage of the ACA. If you can manage it, offer to reimburse your parents for the cost of keeping you on their plan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-62\">It also makes excellent financial sense to build staying healthy into your daily routine as soon as possible. Common-sense health maintenance is very straightforward, and you\'ve heard it all before. Eat fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, don\'t smoke, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and drive defensively. Not only will you feel better physically right now, but these behaviors can also save you on medical bills down the road.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Important: Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in U.S. health care and health insurance, the U.S government has been leveraging the American Rescue Plan (ARP), a $1.9-trillion stimulus package signed into law in March 2021, to expand health care coverage and reduce costs. The plan also includes incentives for states that have not participated in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion to do so, potentially extending healthcare coverage to over 3 million uninsured people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-66\"><strong>8. Protect Your Wealth</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-67\">To ensure that your hard-earned money doesn’t vanish in an emergency, you should take steps right now to protect it. Here are some smart moves to think about, even if you can’t afford them all right away:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-69\">If you rent, get renter\'s insurance to protect the contents of your home from loss due to burglary or fire. Read the policy carefully to see what’s covered and what isn’t.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-71\">Disability insurance protects your greatest financial asset—the ability to earn an income—by providing you with a steady income if you ever become unable to work for an extended period of time due to illness or injury.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\">If you want help managing your money, find a fee-only financial planner to provide unbiased advice. Unlike a commission-based financial advisor, who earns money when you sign up with the investments that their company backs, a fee-only planner has no personal incentive to give you financial advice that might not be in your best interest. (Even if a commission-based advisor gives you solid advice, they still always have a divided loyalty—to their company’s bottom line and to you.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-75\">You should also protect your money from taxes—which is easy to do with a retirement account—and from inflation—which you can do by making sure that your money is earning interest. As you decide how to protect your savings, learn everything you can about relevant investment vehicles, because they all bring both different degrees of risk and different potential for growth. For example, high-interest savings accounts, money market funds, and CDs are relatively free of risk; your money is safe, but it will grow slowly. On the other hand, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are much riskier; the value of your portfolio could fall, but the potential for growth is much greater as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How Do I Choose a Financial Advisor?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An excellent choice for a young adult is a fee-only financial planner. Unlike a commission-based advisor, who earns a commission if they sign you up with their company\'s investment plans, a fee-only planner has no personal incentive beyond your best interest, so they have no reason not to give you unbiased advice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Why Is Compound Interest So Powerful?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in finance because it grows your money exponentially, which means it can super-charge your savings, especially over time. The magic of compound interest for your retirement account is that it is interest on interest—literally. You earn interest not only on the principal (the money you put in), but also on the interest (the money the bank pays you for holding your principal).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Why Did My Paycheck Shrink After My Raise?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The higher your salary, the higher your tax rate. If you just got a raise or took a new job at a higher salary, the change in the marginal tax rate on the additional income will definitely affect your paycheck. For example, if a salary increase of $6,000 per year bumps you up into a higher tax bracket, the percentage of your income that goes to taxes bumps up as well—which will make your paycheck smaller than expected. If you’re considering a move to a more expensive area to accept a higher salary, keep that in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-83\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-84\">Remember, you don’t need an MBA in finance or even specialized training to become an expert at managing your finances. Following these eight basic rules can put you on the path to financial security, which is the foundation that will allow you to build the rest of your dreams.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/08/eight-tips.asp\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Financial Tips for Young Adults','','inherit','closed','closed','','2651-revision-v1','','','2022-08-12 12:53:34','2022-08-12 12:53:34','',2651,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2652',0,'revision','',0),(2653,1,'2022-08-12 13:26:09','2022-08-12 13:26:09','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2695,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Money-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2695\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: An Overview</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Fixed-rate mortgages and&nbsp;adjustable-rate mortgages&nbsp;(ARMs) are the two primary&nbsp;mortgage&nbsp;types. While the marketplace offers numerous varieties within these two categories, the first step when&nbsp;shopping for a mortgage&nbsp;is determining which of the two main&nbsp;loan&nbsp;types best suits your needs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A&nbsp;fixed-rate&nbsp;mortgage charges a set&nbsp;rate of interest&nbsp;that does not change throughout the life of the loan.</li><li>The&nbsp;initial interest rate&nbsp;on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is set&nbsp;below the market&nbsp;rate on a comparable fixed-rate loan, and then the rate rises (or possibly lowers) as time goes on.</li><li>ARMs are typically more complicated than fixed-rate mortgages.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">Fixed-Rate Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">A&nbsp;fixed-rate&nbsp;mortgage&nbsp;charges a set&nbsp;rate of interest&nbsp;that remains unchanged throughout the life of the loan. Although the amount of&nbsp;principal&nbsp;and&nbsp;interest&nbsp;paid each month varies from payment to payment, the total payment remains the same, which makes budgeting easy for homeowners.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The partial&nbsp;amortization&nbsp;schedule below demonstrates the way in which the amounts put toward principal and interest alter over the life of the mortgage. In this example, the mortgage term is 30 years, the principal is $100,000, and the interest rate is 6%.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2655,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2655\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">As you can see, the payments made during the initial years of a mortgage consist primarily of interest payments.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The main advantage of a&nbsp;fixed-rate loan&nbsp;is that the borrower is protected from sudden and potentially significant increases in monthly mortgage payments if interest rates rise. Fixed-rate mortgages are easy to understand and vary little from&nbsp;lender&nbsp;to lender. The downside to fixed-rate mortgages is that when interest rates are high, qualifying for a loan is more difficult&nbsp;because the payments are less affordable. A&nbsp;mortgage calculator&nbsp;can show you the impact of different rates on your monthly payment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Although the rate of interest is fixed, the total amount of interest you’ll pay depends on the mortgage term. Traditional lending institutions offer fixed-rate mortgages for a variety of terms, the most common of which are 30, 20, and 15 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">The 30-year mortgage is the most popular choice because it offers the lowest monthly payment. However, the trade-off for that low payment is a significantly&nbsp;higher overall cost, because the extra decade, or more, in the term is devoted primarily to paying interest. The monthly payments for shorter-term mortgages are higher so that the principal is repaid in a shorter time frame. Also, shorter-term mortgages offer a lower interest rate, which allows for a larger amount of principal repaid with each mortgage payment. Thus, shorter term mortgages cost significantly less overall.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Adjustable-Rate Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The interest rate for an&nbsp;adjustable-rate mortgage&nbsp;is a&nbsp;variable one. The&nbsp;initial interest rate&nbsp;on an ARM is set&nbsp;below the market&nbsp;rate on a comparable fixed-rate loan, and then the rate rises as time goes on. If the ARM is held long enough, the interest rate will surpass the going rate for fixed-rate loans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">ARMs&nbsp;have a fixed period of time during which the initial interest rate remains constant, after which the interest rate adjusts at a pre-arranged frequency. The fixed-rate period can vary significantly—anywhere from one month to 10 years; shorter adjustment periods generally carry lower initial interest rates. After the initial term, the loan resets, meaning there is a new interest rate based on current market rates. This is then the rate until the next reset, which may be the following year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">ARM Terminology</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\">ARMs are significantly more complicated than fixed-rate loans, so exploring the pros and cons requires an understanding of some basic terminology. Here are some concepts borrowers need to know before selecting an ARM:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Adjustment Frequency:&nbsp;</strong>This refers to the amount of time between interest-rate adjustments (e.g. monthly, yearly, etc.).</li><li><strong>Adjustment Indexes:&nbsp;</strong>Interest-rate adjustments are tied to a&nbsp;benchmark. Sometimes this is the interest rate on a type of asset, such as&nbsp;certificates of deposit&nbsp;or&nbsp;Treasury bills. It could also be a specific index, such as the&nbsp;Secured Overnight Financing Rate&nbsp;(SOFR), the&nbsp;Cost of Funds Index&nbsp;or the&nbsp;London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).</li><li><strong>Margin:&nbsp;</strong>When you sign your loan, you agree to pay a rate that is a certain percentage higher than the adjustment index. For example, your adjustable rate may be the rate of the one-year T-bill plus 2%. That extra 2% is called the margin.</li><li><strong>Caps:&nbsp;</strong>This refers to the limit on the amount the interest rate can increase each adjustment period. Some&nbsp;ARMs&nbsp;also offer caps on the total monthly payment. These loans, also known as&nbsp;negative amortization&nbsp;loans, keep payments low; however, these payments may cover only a portion of the&nbsp;interest due. Unpaid interest becomes part of the principal. After years of paying the mortgage, your principal owed may be greater than the amount you initially borrowed.</li><li><strong>Ceiling:&nbsp;</strong>This is the highest that the adjustable interest rate is permitted to reach during the life of the loan.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">The biggest advantage of an ARM is that it is considerably cheaper than a&nbsp;fixed-rate mortgage, at least for the first three, five, or seven years.&nbsp;ARMs&nbsp;are also attractive because their low initial payments often enable the borrower to qualify for a larger loan and, in a falling-interest-rate environment, allow the borrower to enjoy lower interest rates (and lower payments) without the need to&nbsp;refinance&nbsp;the mortgage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">A borrower who chooses an ARM may save several hundred dollars a month for up to seven years, after which their costs are likely to rise. The new rate will be based on market rates, not the initial below-market rate. If you\'re very lucky, it may be lower depending on what the market rates are like at the time of the rate reset.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The ARM, however, can pose some significant downsides. With an ARM, your monthly payment may change frequently over the life of the loan. And if you take on a large loan, you could be in trouble when interest rates rise: Some&nbsp;ARMs&nbsp;are structured so that interest rates can nearly double in just a few years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Indeed, adjustable-rate mortgages went out of&nbsp;favor&nbsp;with many financial planners after the&nbsp;subprime mortgage meltdown&nbsp;of 2008, which ushered in an era of&nbsp;foreclosures&nbsp;and&nbsp;short sales. Borrowers faced sticker shock when their&nbsp;ARMs&nbsp;adjusted, and their payments skyrocketed. Fortunately, since then government regulations and&nbsp;legislation&nbsp;have been instituted to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;the&nbsp;oversight that transformed a housing bubble into a global financial crisis. The&nbsp;Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;(CFPB) has been preventing predatory mortgage practices that hurt the consumer. Lenders are lending to borrowers who are likely to repay their loans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Important: ARMs are considerably cheaper than&nbsp;fixed-rate mortgages.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-45\">Which Loan Is Right for You?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\">When choosing a mortgage, you need to consider a wide range of personal factors and balance them with the economic realities of an ever-changing marketplace. Individuals’&nbsp;personal finances&nbsp;often experience periods of advance and decline, interest rates rise and fall, and the strength of the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;waxes and wanes. To put your loan selection into the context of these factors, consider the following questions:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-48\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>How large a mortgage payment can you afford today?</li><li>Could you still afford an ARM if interest rates rise?</li><li>How long do you intend to live on the&nbsp;property?</li><li>In what direction are interest rates heading, and do you anticipate that trend to continue?</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-50\">If you are considering an ARM, you should run the numbers to determine the worst-case scenario. If you can still afford it if the mortgage resets to the maximum cap in the future, an ARM will save you money every month. Ideally, you should use the savings compared to a fixed-rate mortgage to make extra principal payments each month, so that the total loan is smaller when the reset occurs, further lowering costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\">If interest rates are high and expected to fall, an ARM will ensure that you get to take advantage of the drop, as you’re not locked into a particular rate. If interest rates are climbing or a steady, predictable payment is important to you, a fixed-rate mortgage may be the way to go.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-54\">Candidates for&nbsp;ARMs</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\"><strong>The Short-Term Homeowner</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-56\">An ARM may be an excellent choice if low payments in the&nbsp;near term&nbsp;are your primary requirement, or if you don’t plan to live in the property long enough for the rates to rise. As mentioned earlier, the fixed-rate period of an ARM varies, typically from one year to seven years, which is why an ARM might not make sense for people who plan to keep their home for more than that. However, if you know you are going to move within a short period, or you don’t plan to hold on to the house for decades to come, then an ARM is going to make a lot of sense.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\">Let’s say the interest-rate environment means you can take out a five-year ARM with an interest rate&nbsp;of 3.5%. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, in comparison, would give you an interest rate of 4.25%. If you plan to move before the five-year ARM resets, you are going to save a lot of money on interest.&nbsp;If, on the other hand,&nbsp;you ultimately decide to stay in the house longer, especially if rates are higher when your loan adjusts, then the mortgage is going to cost more than the fixed-rate loan would have. If, though, you are purchasing a home with an eye toward upgrading to a bigger home once you start a family—or you think you’ll be relocating for work—then an ARM may be right for you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\"><strong>The Bump-Up-in-Income Earner</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-61\">For people who have a stable income but don’t expect it to increase dramatically, a fixed-rate mortgage makes more sense. However, if you expect to see an increase in your income, going with an ARM could save you from paying a lot of interest over the long haul.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-63\">Let’s say you are looking for your first home and just graduated from medical or law school or earned an&nbsp;MBA. The chances are high that you are going to earn more in the coming years and will be able to afford the increased payments when your loan adjusts to a higher rate. In that case, an ARM will work for you. In another scenario, if you expect to start receiving money from a&nbsp;trust&nbsp;at a certain age, you could get an ARM that resets in the same year.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-65\"><strong>The Pay-It-Off Type</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-66\">Taking out an adjustable-rate mortgage is very attractive to&nbsp;mortgage borrowers who have, or will have, the&nbsp;cash&nbsp;to pay off the loan before the new interest rate kicks in. While that&nbsp;doesn’t include the vast majority of Americans, there are situations in which it may be possible to pull it off.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-68\">Take a borrower who is buying one house and selling another one at the same time. That person may be forced to purchase the new home while the old one is in contract and, as a result, will take out a one- or two-year ARM. Once the borrower has the proceeds from the sale, they can turn around to pay off the ARM with the proceeds from the home sale.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-70\">Another situation in which an ARM would make sense is if you can afford to accelerate the payments each month by enough to pay it off before it resets. Employing this strategy can be risky because life is unpredictable. While you may be able to afford to make accelerated payments now, if you get sick, lose your job, or the boiler goes, that may no longer be an option.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-72\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\">Regardless of the loan type you select, choosing carefully will help you avoid costly mistakes. One thing is for sure: Don’t go with the ARM because you think the lower monthly payment is the&nbsp;only&nbsp;way to afford that dream house. You may get a similar rate at the time of reset, but it is a serious gamble. It’s more prudent to search for a house with a smaller price tag instead.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/mortgage-rates/fixed-versus-adjustable-rate/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: What\'s the Difference?','','publish','closed','closed','','fixed-rate-vs-adjustable-rate-mortgages-whats-the-difference','','','2022-08-15 14:57:26','2022-08-15 14:57:26','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2653',0,'post','',0),(2654,1,'2022-08-12 13:11:15','2022-08-12 13:11:15','','image','','inherit','closed','closed','','image-6','','','2022-08-12 13:11:15','2022-08-12 13:11:15','',2653,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2655,1,'2022-08-12 13:11:44','2022-08-12 13:11:44','','image-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','image-1-3','','','2022-08-12 13:11:44','2022-08-12 13:11:44','',2653,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2656,1,'2022-08-12 13:26:09','2022-08-12 13:26:09','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: An Overview</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are the two primary mortgage types. While the marketplace offers numerous varieties within these two categories, the first step when shopping for a mortgage is determining which of the two main loan types best suits your needs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A fixed-rate mortgage charges a set rate of interest that does not change throughout the life of the loan.</li><li>The initial interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is set below the market rate on a comparable fixed-rate loan, and then the rate rises (or possibly lowers) as time goes on.</li><li>ARMs are typically more complicated than fixed-rate mortgages.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-6\">Fixed-Rate Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">A fixed-rate mortgage charges a set rate of interest that remains unchanged throughout the life of the loan. Although the amount of principal and interest paid each month varies from payment to payment, the total payment remains the same, which makes budgeting easy for homeowners.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The partial amortization schedule below demonstrates the way in which the amounts put toward principal and interest alter over the life of the mortgage. In this example, the mortgage term is 30 years, the principal is $100,000, and the interest rate is 6%.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2655,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2655\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">As you can see, the payments made during the initial years of a mortgage consist primarily of interest payments.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\">The main advantage of a fixed-rate loan is that the borrower is protected from sudden and potentially significant increases in monthly mortgage payments if interest rates rise. Fixed-rate mortgages are easy to understand and vary little from lender to lender. The downside to fixed-rate mortgages is that when interest rates are high, qualifying for a loan is more difficult because the payments are less affordable. A mortgage calculator can show you the impact of different rates on your monthly payment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Although the rate of interest is fixed, the total amount of interest you’ll pay depends on the mortgage term. Traditional lending institutions offer fixed-rate mortgages for a variety of terms, the most common of which are 30, 20, and 15 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">The 30-year mortgage is the most popular choice because it offers the lowest monthly payment. However, the trade-off for that low payment is a significantly higher overall cost, because the extra decade, or more, in the term is devoted primarily to paying interest. The monthly payments for shorter-term mortgages are higher so that the principal is repaid in a shorter time frame. Also, shorter-term mortgages offer a lower interest rate, which allows for a larger amount of principal repaid with each mortgage payment. Thus, shorter term mortgages cost significantly less overall. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Adjustable-Rate Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The interest rate for an adjustable-rate mortgage is a variable one. The initial interest rate on an ARM is set below the market rate on a comparable fixed-rate loan, and then the rate rises as time goes on. If the ARM is held long enough, the interest rate will surpass the going rate for fixed-rate loans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">ARMs&nbsp;have a fixed period of time during which the initial interest rate remains constant, after which the interest rate adjusts at a pre-arranged frequency. The fixed-rate period can vary significantly—anywhere from one month to 10 years; shorter adjustment periods generally carry lower initial interest rates. After the initial term, the loan resets, meaning there is a new interest rate based on current market rates. This is then the rate until the next reset, which may be the following year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">ARM Terminology</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\">ARMs are significantly more complicated than fixed-rate loans, so exploring the pros and cons requires an understanding of some basic terminology. Here are some concepts borrowers need to know before selecting an ARM:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Adjustment Frequency: </strong>This refers to the amount of time between interest-rate adjustments (e.g. monthly, yearly, etc.).</li><li><strong>Adjustment Indexes: </strong>Interest-rate adjustments are tied to a benchmark. Sometimes this is the interest rate on a type of asset, such as certificates of deposit or Treasury bills. It could also be a specific index, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), the Cost of Funds Index or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).</li><li><strong>Margin: </strong>When you sign your loan, you agree to pay a rate that is a certain percentage higher than the adjustment index. For example, your adjustable rate may be the rate of the one-year T-bill plus 2%. That extra 2% is called the margin.</li><li><strong>Caps: </strong>This refers to the limit on the amount the interest rate can increase each adjustment period. Some ARMs also offer caps on the total monthly payment. These loans, also known as negative amortization loans, keep payments low; however, these payments may cover only a portion of the interest due. Unpaid interest becomes part of the principal. After years of paying the mortgage, your principal owed may be greater than the amount you initially borrowed.</li><li><strong>Ceiling: </strong>This is the highest that the adjustable interest rate is permitted to reach during the life of the loan.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\">The biggest advantage of an ARM is that it is considerably cheaper than a&nbsp;fixed-rate mortgage, at least for the first three, five, or seven years.&nbsp;ARMs&nbsp;are also attractive because their low initial payments often enable the borrower to qualify for a larger loan and, in a falling-interest-rate environment, allow the borrower to enjoy lower interest rates (and lower payments) without the need to&nbsp;refinance&nbsp;the mortgage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\">A borrower who chooses an ARM may save several hundred dollars a month for up to seven years, after which their costs are likely to rise. The new rate will be based on market rates, not the initial below-market rate. If you\'re very lucky, it may be lower depending on what the market rates are like at the time of the rate reset.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\">The ARM, however, can pose some significant downsides. With an ARM, your monthly payment may change frequently over the life of the loan. And if you take on a large loan, you could be in trouble when interest rates rise: Some ARMs are structured so that interest rates can nearly double in just a few years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Indeed, adjustable-rate mortgages went out of favor with many financial planners after the subprime mortgage meltdown of 2008, which ushered in an era of foreclosures and short sales. Borrowers faced sticker shock when their ARMs adjusted, and their payments skyrocketed. Fortunately, since then government regulations and legislation have been instituted to increase the oversight that transformed a housing bubble into a global financial crisis. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been preventing predatory mortgage practices that hurt the consumer. Lenders are lending to borrowers who are likely to repay their loans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Important: ARMs are considerably cheaper than fixed-rate mortgages.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-45\">Which Loan Is Right for You?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-46\">When choosing a mortgage, you need to consider a wide range of personal factors and balance them with the economic realities of an ever-changing marketplace. Individuals’&nbsp;personal finances&nbsp;often experience periods of advance and decline, interest rates rise and fall, and the strength of the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;waxes and wanes. To put your loan selection into the context of these factors, consider the following questions:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-48\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>How large a mortgage payment can you afford today?</li><li>Could you still afford an ARM if interest rates rise?</li><li>How long do you intend to live on the&nbsp;property?</li><li>In what direction are interest rates heading, and do you anticipate that trend to continue?</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-50\">If you are considering an ARM, you should run the numbers to determine the worst-case scenario. If you can still afford it if the mortgage resets to the maximum cap in the future, an ARM will save you money every month. Ideally, you should use the savings compared to a fixed-rate mortgage to make extra principal payments each month, so that the total loan is smaller when the reset occurs, further lowering costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\">If interest rates are high and expected to fall, an ARM will ensure that you get to take advantage of the drop, as you’re not locked into a particular rate. If interest rates are climbing or a steady, predictable payment is important to you, a fixed-rate mortgage may be the way to go.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-54\">Candidates for ARMs</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\"><strong>The Short-Term Homeowner</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-56\">An ARM may be an excellent choice if low payments in the near term are your primary requirement, or if you don’t plan to live in the property long enough for the rates to rise. As mentioned earlier, the fixed-rate period of an ARM varies, typically from one year to seven years, which is why an ARM might not make sense for people who plan to keep their home for more than that. However, if you know you are going to move within a short period, or you don’t plan to hold on to the house for decades to come, then an ARM is going to make a lot of sense.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\">Let’s say the interest-rate environment means you can take out a five-year ARM with an interest rate&nbsp;of 3.5%. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, in comparison, would give you an interest rate of 4.25%. If you plan to move before the five-year ARM resets, you are going to save a lot of money on interest.&nbsp;If, on the other hand,&nbsp;you ultimately decide to stay in the house longer, especially if rates are higher when your loan adjusts, then the mortgage is going to cost more than the fixed-rate loan would have. If, though, you are purchasing a home with an eye toward upgrading to a bigger home once you start a family—or you think you’ll be relocating for work—then an ARM may be right for you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\"><strong>The Bump-Up-in-Income Earner</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-61\">For people who have a stable income but don’t expect it to increase dramatically, a fixed-rate mortgage makes more sense. However, if you expect to see an increase in your income, going with an ARM could save you from paying a lot of interest over the long haul.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-63\">Let’s say you are looking for your first home and just graduated from medical or law school or earned an MBA. The chances are high that you are going to earn more in the coming years and will be able to afford the increased payments when your loan adjusts to a higher rate. In that case, an ARM will work for you. In another scenario, if you expect to start receiving money from a trust at a certain age, you could get an ARM that resets in the same year. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-65\"><strong>The Pay-It-Off Type</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-66\">Taking out an adjustable-rate mortgage is very attractive to&nbsp;mortgage borrowers who have, or will have, the&nbsp;cash&nbsp;to pay off the loan before the new interest rate kicks in. While that&nbsp;doesn’t include the vast majority of Americans, there are situations in which it may be possible to pull it off.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-68\">Take a borrower who is buying one house and selling another one at the same time. That person may be forced to purchase the new home while the old one is in contract and, as a result, will take out a one- or two-year ARM. Once the borrower has the proceeds from the sale, they can turn around to pay off the ARM with the proceeds from the home sale.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-70\">Another situation in which an ARM would make sense is if you can afford to accelerate the payments each month by enough to pay it off before it resets. Employing this strategy can be risky because life is unpredictable. While you may be able to afford to make accelerated payments now, if you get sick, lose your job, or the boiler goes, that may no longer be an option.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-72\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\">Regardless of the loan type you select, choosing carefully will help you avoid costly mistakes. One thing is for sure: Don’t go with the ARM because you think the lower monthly payment is the only way to afford that dream house. You may get a similar rate at the time of reset, but it is a serious gamble. It’s more prudent to search for a house with a smaller price tag instead.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/mortgage-rates/fixed-versus-adjustable-rate/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: What\'s the Difference?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2653-revision-v1','','','2022-08-12 13:26:09','2022-08-12 13:26:09','',2653,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2656',0,'revision','',0),(2657,1,'2022-08-12 13:33:07','2022-08-12 13:33:07','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2697,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tech-tips.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2697\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Technology is fascinating and confusing at the same time. It can help keep you organized, handle tedious chores automatically, and connect you globally. It can also cost you a lot of unnecessary dollars if you are not careful.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here are tips based on the experience of other small business owners who have previously navigated a technology minefield filled with the latest and greatest.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Establish a Budget</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The first step in deciding which types of technology to invest in is putting together a budget. The newest gadgets and software run the gamut in price from a 99 cent app to a high-end scanner that costs thousands.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Set up a budget and stick to it. Base it on how much you can reasonably afford to invest. Having a fixed amount to work with will reduce the temptation of the newest add-on or gizmo.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Be Aware of the Full Cost.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">New technology is the sum of the sticker price plus the cost of implementing it. Consider these points:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Does it need special installation?</li><li>Do you need a subscription to an online site to keep it updated?</li><li>Does it need ongoing maintenance?</li><li>Does it break down often?</li><li>Do you need to pay for training?</li><li>Are upgrades free or do you pay for them?</li><li>Are there data storage costs involved?</li><li>Do you need to buy additional software?</li><li>What accessories are essential?</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Fit the Technology to Your Needs</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Make sure the electronics you are thinking of investing in match your business lifestyle. If you constantly travel from customer to customer, bulky electronics are a bad investment. Think laptop or tablet, instead of a desktop. Do you really need to upgrade your server? Instead of buying the software yourself, would a Software-As-A-Service, or SaaS offering be more cost effective? Can you rely on the cloud?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Look for Compatibility and Security</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Make sure that new devices you purchase will work with your existing equipment. A great piece of Mac software will not do you any good in a Windows environment unless you buy additional software.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Is it secure? This is a very real hazard for a small business. Make sure that what you buy can be protected with the proper levels of security. Taking shortcuts with the cost of security could come back and severely damage your business.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Small Businesses Use</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A 2013 survey by the Small Business Owners Association listed these four items as essentials:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Desktop (87%)</li><li>Laptop (84%)</li><li>Smartphone (74%)</li><li>Landline (78%)</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Though the landline is something of a surprise, these rates show how important technology is for your small company. Start with the basics when you first invest in electronics and slowly add what you need.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Cloud Computing</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In the survey mentioned, 43% of the owners polled had switched to cloud computing. In the last five years, cloud-based services have grown exponentially. This offers small businesses a number of benefits:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Your content and data can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection.</li><li>Since you do not have to install software, you do not have to buy updates or worry about getting the latest version.</li><li>Storage problems are solved.</li><li>Apps run on any device.</li><li>Backups are automatic.</li><li>Connections are secure.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using cloud-based services offers simplicity and peace of mind, since you do not have to worry about storage and updates. You do not have to pay for software, but instead subscribe to it using a SaaS model.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Today, the right technology can help streamline your business and make life easier — if you buy the right type. Do your research when you look at what’s new and exciting on the market. Ask questions before you buy and stick to your budget.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://financialwellnesscenter.northwest.bank/small-business/business-management/article/selecting-the-right-technology-and-tools\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Selecting the Right Technology and Tools','','publish','closed','closed','','selecting-the-right-technology-and-tools','','','2022-08-15 14:58:29','2022-08-15 14:58:29','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2657',0,'post','',0),