10 Ways to Pay for Your Life Insurance
Think life insurance is “TOO EXPENSIVE”??? Well it’s really not. Even if you get a 10 year term policy for $150,000 your rate is going to be between $20-$100/month depending on your age, nicotine use, driving record, and overall health. To put it bluntly your cell phone and your cable bill are easily $100/mo each if not double that.
So for the budget conscious let’s look at some options. I use that term budget conscious loosely, because if you’re spending $200-$300/month between your cable and cell phone you should be able to spend a few dollars on YOUR FAMILY and protecting them.
1. Create a budget. Track your expenses: knowing where your money is going may help you identify areas where you can easily reduce your spending. There are many free money management tools and apps that can assist you with this.
2. Quit smoking. It benefits your health, and a pack-a-day smoker can save over $2,000 per year based on the average cost of a pack of cigarettes. Non-smokers can also expect lower life insurance rates – all other factors being equal – than smokers.
3. Bring your lunch to work. By not spending just $5 a day you are looking at saving about $1,200 a year. You don’t have to bring your lunch every day: even bringing your lunch every other day can result in savings that can help cover the cost of a life insurance policy, and possibly even more.
4. Eat out one less time per month. If it costs you about $30 on average each time you go out, reducing this number by once a month will allow you to save over $300 a year. If you eat out and have 2-3 children with you this figure will be even more staggering.
5. Bring coffee from home. Do you spend $3 a day on coffee during the work week? If so, this can add up to $720 per year. Cutting this number in half can result in significant savings.
6. Save your loose change. It may not sound like much, but setting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save more than $180.
7. Take advantage of all company benefits and discounts. Your company may offer corporate discounts on gym memberships, cell-phone data plans, hotels, concerts, etc. that can help you save.
8. Organize your closet and garage. This can have a number of advantages. You can save time in the long run knowing where everything is located, and you may find forgotten items, reducing the need to purchase new ones. Consider consignment for items you no longer want to keep. Go ahead and donate old and unwanted/unused items and write that donation off on your taxes. If you are the type of person to hold a garage sale, you can sell those items for cold hard cash.
9. Research major purchases. Check product reviews, price comparisons, features, and other aspects of any product you are looking to purchase. Wait for sales for additional savings and discounts. A little research and timing can save big on a purchase.
10. Start small to save big. Starting with some small steps, you can easily find the money to pay for life insurance.
The hardest part of any change is getting started. Once you do, things usually start to fall into place, the process becomes much easier, and you can begin to recognize the positive impact it has on your life.
Don’t Be “Cheap” when it comes to insurance coverage. The worst scenario is being under-insured when you have a large claim.
You pay a lot for insurance coverage; when you have a claim you want adequate coverage and not have to come out of pocket more then your deductible.
One of the biggest fallacies is that consumers only care about getting better rates.
Here are things that you as a consumer should know:
- Property prices are increasing and people want to protect their investments
- Most properties in the California fires were under-insured, probably to reduce premiums
- Clients WILL PAY more for better coverage. Often their current agent/company hasn’t reviewed their policies and the client has too little coverage
- We will pointing out the facts to you while being professional and we will win your business
The mortgage industry lost trust of mortgage brokers after the 2008 mortgage crisis and many lost their jobs. We pledge not to this happen to the insurance industry! We will help you evaluate your risks and gives you an abundance of information to help you select the proper coverage, insure to value, and select appropriate premium.
Call, text, click or email for your personal or business insurance review today.
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Home: https://farmerskc.wufoo.com/forms/xhkisc70sllksw/
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
When you think of homeowners insurance your probably do not think of your pets harming a child or other animal, however this is a leading cause of liability claims under your homeowners policy.
Below is an excerpt from a local Lee’s Summit Dog Trainer’s Blog. Follow Debra Murray for more info:
DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. This number is especially disheartening since most dog bites are preventable. Dog awareness and advocacy, as well as responsible pet ownership, is where dog bite prevention begins.
1. Dog Awareness: That little phrase packs a lot of punch! Dog awareness starts with educating yourself on the basics of canine communication. It continues with seeking to be well-informed about our canine companions. If your knowledge comes from tv “experts”, your neighbor, and personal opinions, then you’ve got some more investigating to do. Dog behavior is a science. There are numerous myths and hypothetical postulations that have sadly spread like wildfire over the years. If you’re still in the dark ages believing dogs are trying to dominate their human families and be the pack leader, then that’s a good place to start looking into recent scientific discoveries. Everyone benefits from continuous growth in dog awareness.
2. Dog Advocacy: I hope you won’t be able to continue business as usual once you begin increasing your dog aware skills, and have a better understanding of man’s best friend. The humane thing to do is start advocating for, at the least, your own dog. When you recognize distress, fear, nervousness, anxiety, etc., then do your best to appropriately guide your dog. Don’t rely on their remarkable tolerance to prevent growls, snaps, snarls and bites. Kindly remove them, or the stressors that cause discomfort. You can go a step further and enlist a positive reinforcement trainer or veterinary behaviorist to guide you in improving your dog’s emotional responses.
3. Responsible Pet Ownership: This not only includes providing for the basic needs of your pet, but also forming realistic expectations. All dogs have teeth. All dogs can bite. Expecting your dog to tolerate consistent distressful situations without repercussion is irresponsible. Even our good family dogs can snap or bite when their tolerance levels are exceeded, combined, or overlooked. If you already have a dog that exhibits aggression, fearfulness, reactivity, etc., then you should take precautions to ensure the safety of your pet and others.
Pursuing the above goals will not only aid in the prevention of dog bites in your community, but also put us on a better path to becoming dogs’ best friends.
For the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nSPGLlLPJxY
For the full article:
https://www.smartypaws.net/blog/67-national-dog-bite-prevention-week-2018.html
Procrastination Never hurts….
I heard some terrible news today from a friend and it’s just another reminder why insurance, and having the right insurance is so important.
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Have you ever tried to buy an auto policy after your carrier already told you your rates are going up because of an accident?
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Have you ever tried to buy homeowners or flood insurance when the hurricane is already en route to your house?
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Have you ever tried to buy health insurance after you were diagnosed with a life changing illness?
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Have you ever tried to buy life insurance after a heart attack or catastrophic diagnosis?
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Today I was told by a friend of mine that someone was three days away from the period of time it would take for their life insurance policy to pay out, three days.
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Did you know that if you try to buy life insurance when you have cancer sometimes you have to buy a policy with a “graded death benefit?”
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That means if you die within what’s usually the first two years, all you get back is your premiums or maybe all the premiums you paid back at 110%.
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However if you buy an insurance policy BEFORE something happens, maybe even a convertible term policy while you’re still health you won’t be in that situation.
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Convertible term allows you to purchase based on your health TODAY and then in five or ten years (usually when your income has increased or you’ve paid off your debts) you can convert all or a portion of that policy into Whole Life or a more permanent insurance policy.
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Want to know more about this?
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We can talk about when you have time.
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However you don’t want to wait until AFTER you’ve been diagnosed to make a decision, and have to deal with much higher premiums and much more limited options.
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Let me help you find peace of mind.
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Or answer any questions you may have.
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Click the link below to get your own coverage, today.
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https://farmerskc.wufoo.com/forms/zfmqeo81f1s9l6/
Have you heard of Umbrella Liability Coverage? Here’s a couple of reasons why you might want to purchase a policy-
There is a large difference between “Having Insurance” and “Being Insured”
In each of these scenarios, a person’s “normal insurance coverage” would have been exhausted and they would have been forced to liquidate bank accounts and other assets to pay for the damages awarded.
5 Actual Claims On A Personal Umbrella Policy
Example Claim # 1: A babysitter left a 5 month old infant unattended in a walker. The infant toppled the walker, struck her head on the floor and suffered brain damage. The parents of the infant sued the teenage babysitter and her parents. The court awarded the infant’s parents $11,000,000.
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Example Claim # 2: An insured’s daughter hated math class as well as the teacher. The daughter made several “disparaging” and false remarks about her teacher online. The teacher sued the parents for personal injury and $750,000 was paid.
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Example Claim # 3: The insured’s 18 year old son was driving the insured’s car on a short trip to the store with his girlfriend. He lost control of the car and struck a tree. The insured’s son told the police that a vehicle cut him off, but there were no witnesses and no evidence of any impact with another car. His girlfriend, a 19 year old college student, was hospitalized for over a month with multiple fractures and internal injuries. She was in a wheelchair but is now able to walk with crutches and continues with physical therapy. She has a right drop foot as a result of the injuries. The insured’s personal umbrella policy limit of $2,000,000 was paid.
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Example Claim # 4: A 28-year old engineer dove into a friend’s above ground swimming pool struck his head on the bottom and, as a result became a quadriplegic. He sued both the homeowner and the pool manufacturer. The court found the homeowner to be 60 percent responsible and the pool manufacturer to be 40 percent responsible, and awarded $10,000,000.
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Example Claim # 5: The insured’s tenant claims she became ill from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a faulty furnace. The tenant claimed permanent brain damage and demanded $750,000.
Spring Rain. IS YOUR HOME READY??
Spring is finally here and so are the spring rains.
So far, the rainfall has come at a slow and steady pace, rather than a lot of rain in a short time.
We’re Off To A Good Start
This is a good way to start the spring rainy season!
Why?
Because of our dry winter, the soil along the foundation has probably contracted and shrunk, leaving a lot of large cracks. This makes it easy for heavy rains to run straight towards your foundation, basement walls, and footings.
What To Be Looking For Before Storms Start Pouring Rain:
#1 – Is Your Sump Pump Working Properly?
Your sump pump is the most important part of your home’s waterproofing system. But is has to be properly maintained!
The impeller should be connected to the sump pump with bolts and may need a thorough cleaning to work properly.
To test your sump pump read 5 easy steps in our previous blog here:
#2 – Is There Water in Your Basement?
Pay attention to any water in your basement or other signs of leaks.
Usually this is a sign of problems in other places, often on the outside of your foundation walls.
Which leads to the next question…..
#3 – Do You See Water “Ponding” in Your Yard?
Watch where the water flows in your yard, and pay special attention to any place you see standing water.
If there are pools of water close to your foundation, it could mean there’s a problem.
Check your gutters or downspouts to make sure they are cleaned out and working properly.
Also check the location of your discharge for your downspouts and your sump pump. We recommend these discharge at least 10 feet away from your property.
And make sure your landscape slopes away from your foundation. It’s common for the soil near the foundation to settle over the season, which could cause water to pool in any low spots.
What To Do If You Find a Problem
If you see any problems, you should get them checked out right away. Contact a local, reputable foundation repair or engineering firm for an inspection.
Preventive Maintenance for your Sump Pump.
5 Steps for DIY Sump Pump Inspections
Before you start, make sure to unplug any electrical power leading to your sump pump.
Check for Debris in Sump Basin
Make sure the sump pump pit is free from debris. You might be surprised a the kinds of things that can end up here as part of typical home live – children’s toys, items stored nearby that fall in, etc.
Anything that falls into the basis can get into the sump pump unit and interfere with moving parts, particularly the float mechanism. The float mechanism has a key role in sump pump operation, so be sure there is nothing interfering with it.
Test the Float
Fill the sump pump pit with water and make sure the float starts and stops the sump pump as designed.
Inspect the Check Valve
The check valves ensure that when the sump pump shuts off, no water will go back into the sump pump pit. However, sometimes these are improperly installed.
There is an arrow on the check valve that points in the direction the water is supposed to flow, which should not be towards the sump pump.
Clean the Weep Hole
Some sump pumps have a “weep hole” between the sump pump and the check valve. You can clean this with a toothpick or other tiny object. Be careful not to break anything into the weep hole.
Clean the Impeller
The impeller is a small filter that can become clogged. If your sump pump has stopped running suddenly or is making a whining noise, this could be the problem.
If you are not mechanically minded, call a reputable local foundation expert or contractor to test your sump pump for you.
Storm Season–Hail NO!
It’s storm season here in KC. A couple of things to remember when it comes to roof damage/home claims.
1. It’s still fraud to not pay the deductible on your home.
2. The only way the roofer can make a profit without getting the deductible from you is to inflate the claim amount.
3. Inflated claims means your premiums are going to continue to be inflated each year.
Think about these items if you have a claims scenario. Reach out if you have any questions or if we can help.
Power Outage Food Safety
On the heels of the last weekend’s storms and wide power outages in and around #KansasCity, here are some food safety tips from Duane Daugherty (MrDoggity, the Safety guy)
Most modern refrigerators will hold temp in a power outage for about four to six hours if the door isn’t opened. Nearly all refrigerated foods will withstand a few hours out of range. However, if your power is out more than six to eight hours, even with a high efficiency rating, and nobody opening the door, you’ll need to toss some stuff – but NOT everything!
Here’s a handy guide:
Foods to Pitch:
Soups, Stews, Casseroles, any Pre-cooked leftovers
Meat, Poultry, and Seafood: Cooked, uncooked, or any other foods like casseroles that contain these things
Cheese: cream cheese, shredded soft cheese or anything “low-fat”
Dairy: Milk, cream, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, canned whipped cream
Soy and Nut Milks or products made from these oils (tofu, hummus)
Eggs: Cooked, uncooked, and any foods containing eggs
Fruit: Cut fruit
Condiments: Fish sauce, oyster sauce, creamy dressings, spaghetti sauce, salsa, mayonnaise (if 8 hours or more)
Breads: Refrigerator biscuits, any unbaked canned dough, cookie dough
Pasta: Cooked pasta, salads
Sweets: Cheesecake, cream or custard pies, cream-filled pastries and pies
Vegetables: Pre-washed greens, cooked vegetables, vegetable juice, garlic in oil, anything made with cooked beans.
Foods to Keep:
Cheese: Hard, processed, grated hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano, wrapped block cheeses (may require trimming), processed cheeses like “American singles” or “Velveeta”
Dairy: Butter and margarine
Fruit: Fruit juice, canned fruit, fresh whole (uncut) fruits, dried fruits
Condiments: Peanut butter, jams, jellies, ketchup, olives, pickles, mustard, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, relish, vinegar-based dressings, Worcestershire, soy sauce, hoisin sauce
Breads: Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas, bagels, waffles, pancakes
Sweets: Fruit pies
Vegetables: Raw
Herbs: dried or unwilted
Freezers will usually keep food safely frozen for 24 to 48 hours. The more food you have in the freezer, the longer it will keep. Check your ice tray and your ground meats. If your ice tray has loose ice to the bottom and your ground meat is solid, you’re fine. Any meats that have some “give” to them in the freezer should be cooked within a few days, and can be refrozen once cooked. NEVER refreeze raw meats that have begun to thaw.
RULE OF THUMB: IF YOU’RE IN DOUBT – PITCH IT OUT!
I am an environmentalist, too, and I don’t believe in wasting food. But nothing is worth making yourself or your family sick.
If you’re a homeowner and think you have damage from a storm, be sure to remember these tips–
#StormDamage #InsuranceTips #HomeownersInsurance #InsuranceKC
Jon Olson Agency-Farmers Insurance 