by Flagship Staff | Jun 12, 2018 | Blog
Recently, my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Every year we look at our photo album together and chuckle about how young everybody was. It’s amazing how fast time goes!
As I continued to page through the album, I was struck by sudden panic. Someday we may be planning and paying for our daughters’ weddings. Today in the U.S., the average wedding costs $33,391. Keep in mind, the location of the wedding can affect the cost. Couples getting married in big cities may spend more and some destination weddings can cost less.
Because wedding insurance wasn’t a consideration when we got married, I started thinking more about it. Some of the questions I had were:
What is wedding insurance?
What does it cover?
How much does it cost?
When should it be purchased?
How do you choose a reputable insurance company?
Here’s some information that may help you determine if wedding insurance is right for you.
What is wedding insurance? Wedding insurance is a type of special event insurance with a one-time payment. Like other types of insurance, wedding insurance protects you from things you can’t control. Occasionally, you may read or hear a story about a local couple whose reception hall goes out of business or burns down weeks or days before their big day. Wedding insurance can provide protection against this unfortunate situation by providing reimbursement for the couple’s loss. Two types of policies to consider are liability and cancellation insurance.
What does it cover? Depending on the policy you purchase, it may provide protection from financial loss as it relates to:
Venue cancelling or rescheduling;
Vendor bankruptcy;
Weather events;
Lost rings or tuxedos;
Illness or injury to key people; and
Bodily injury or property damage caused by a vendor or guest.
How much does it cost? Planning a wedding can be time consuming, stressful, and extremely expensive. However, buying insurance may be a reasonable way to put your mind at ease. A basic policy can range from $155-$550. Remember, this is a one-time payment and the cost will depend on what coverage you select.
When should it be purchased? For event cancellation insurance, I recommend purchasing it before you start making deposits to your vendors. If they go out of business or don’t meet the terms of the contract, your deposits will be lost without coverage. Liability insurance can be purchased closer to the event. However, it may be easier to purchase both at the same time. Venues such as hotels or reception halls may require liability insurance at the time of contract signing.
How do you choose a reputable insurance company? Buying insurance that offers you the right protection can be challenging. Understanding how an insurance agent and insurance company work together to serve you can be confusing. To make sure your insurance policy is backed by a reputable insurance company, check out my blog “Eight tips for choosing the right insurance company.”
by Flagship Staff | Jun 5, 2018 | Blog
As a child, your parents may have taught you never to talk to strangers. As an adult hoping to sell your home, not only are you going to have to talk to strangers — you’re going to have to invite them in.
Real estate professionals — who are sometimes targeted by criminals pretending to be clients — should take certain precautions to protect themselves and the homeowners they represent.
Whether you’re working with an agent or selling your home on your own, take a cue from the experts to avoid common crimes like burglary and identity theft. With simple tips like showing your home with a friend and investing in smart home technologies, we’ll show you how to keep your family and your home safe during the selling process.
1. Skip the open house
Real estate experts disagree on whether open houses really help sell properties. What’s certain, however, is the risk you take when strangers are allowed to wander into your home. An open house is the perfect excuse for thieves to get their hands on your valuables, or to case your property so they can target it later.
2. Never show alone
If you’re expecting a prospective home buyer, ask a friend or neighbor to come hang out while you’re giving the grand tour.
3. Don’t overshare
Small talk is a friendly way to connect with a potential buyer, but resist the urge to give away too much. Don’t discuss your marital status, your family’s schedule, or your vacation plans. Some experts even suggest taking down family photos before showing your home, especially pictures of your children.
4. Have your agent meet with prospective buyers first
Real estate agents often have safety procedures in place when speaking with potential clients. If you’re working without a listing agent, don’t let anyone view your home without an appointment. Some experts recommend only accepting appointments made over the phone. If someone reaches out, ask for his or her phone number and then call that number before the showing to “confirm” the appointment — and ensure it isn’t a fake. At the showing, ask for identification. Prospective home buyers should have no problem showing proof of their identity, so be friendly and firm.
5. Do your research
If someone reaches out to you claiming to be an agent interested in showing your home or working with you, request contact information. To confirm the individual’s identity before giving away any information or agreeing to services, contact the brokerage provided.
6. Keep valuables out of sight
Make sure jewelry, family heirlooms, electronics, and designer accessories are tucked away where people touring your house won’t be able to see them.
7. Dispose of prescription drugs
Prescription drugs, especially prescription painkillers, are a major target for would-be thieves and drug seekers — especially during open houses. Follow the FDA’s guidelines on disposing of old medications safely, and consider keeping the ones you do use under lock and key.
8. Invest in smart home technology
Your home is uniquely vulnerable when it’s on the market, so it’s a great time to consider a smart home security system. It may even make your home more valuable to safety-conscious buyers. Inman, a real estate news website, reported that 72 percent of buyers ages 18 to 34 would be willing to pay thousands of dollars more for a smart home. Smart home technology features like wireless security and smart smoke detectors are increasingly popular.
At the very least, consider investing in a smart lockbox. Devices like TOOR and igloo’s keybox give you full control over who can enter your home, even if you’re miles away. And, if you’re a landlord or property manager, Rently’s lockbox technology allows potential residents to tour properties at their convenience — without you having to be there.
By making your home smarter, not only are you giving it a leg up on the competition — you’re also giving yourself peace of mind. That’s priceless.
Visit the National Association of Realtors® for more great safety tips including:
Schedule showings for daytime hours.
When touring the home, walk behind visitors, not in front of them.
Put away items like mail and bills before a showing.
by Flagship Staff | May 29, 2018 | Blog
The unofficial start of summer is here! This means many families are making plans or final arrangements for this year’s summer road trip.
According to researchers, summer road trips are still very popular among families. The two main reasons are flexibility and packing ease.
If you’re planning a summer road trip with your family, here are some things to consider.
1. Give your car a tune up. Before hitting the road, it’s important to make sure your car is working properly. Consider visiting your local mechanic or check the following items yourself.
Motor oil. Depending on the number of miles you’ll be driving, it may be a good idea to get an oil change before you leave. At the very minimum, read your dipstick to determine the current oil level. If the oil is below the add line, consider adding the oil recommended for your car.
Tires. Driving a car is one of the most dangerous things you do on a regular basis. Tires play a key role in keeping you safe. Before going on a long road trip, check your tire pressure and inspect your tires for cracks, bulges, or objects stuck in them. In addition, make sure you have adequate tire tread. Tire tread is important for pushing water out from underneath you so that you can maintain control of your car. Poor tire tread can lead to hydroplaning.
Windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are often neglected when it comes to routine maintenance. Yet, like tires, they’re very important to keep you safe. Windshield wipers take a beating from the elements. The last thing you need is to be caught in a torrential downpour with poorly working wipers. Consider replacing them every six months.
Brakes. If your feet experience an unusual pulsating when you press the brake pedal, or you hear squealing or squeaking, it may be time to change them. Depending on how your drive and other conditions brakes may last 20,000 to 50,000 miles.
2. Review your vehicle warning lights. If one of your vehicle warning lights turns on, will you understand what it means? The complexity of cars is increasing. Make sure to refer to your owner’s manual for a complete explanation or check out my blog Vehicle warning lights and their meanings [Infographic].
3. Pack important information. Make sure to pack important documents, such as your:
License and registration;
Car warranty information; and
Insurance policy. If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, contact your agent.
4. Pack an emergency kit. If you’re stranded on your trip, there’s not much you can do other than wait for help to arrive. Here are some items to keep in your summer emergency car kit.
Water and snacks, such as energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit;
Reflective vest(s), flares, or roadside hazard triangles;
First aid kit;
External battery packs for your smart devices;
Flashlights;
Whistle;
Rain ponchos;
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter; and
Small gas can.
5. Pack a personal care kit. Rather than digging through your suitcase, consider packing a personal care kit that is easily accessible. Items to include:
Sunscreen;
Insect repellent;
Hand sanitizer;
Lip balm;
Tissues;
Body wipes; and
Medications.
6. Consider purchasing roadside assistance. If you do a lot of traveling and don’t want to be left stranded, roadside assistance may be a good investment. Roadside assistance programs can help with small items, including an empty gas tank, flat tire, lockout, dead battery, or towing.
7. Secure your pets. Pets roaming around freely in your car can be distracting and lead to a serious accident. Depending on where you travel, allowing your dog to sit on your lap may be illegal. Make sure you have an adequate size crate or carrier for your pet or consider alternative restraint options.
8. Remain calm. During summer months, drivers face many different road conditions and driving situations. There are more cars on the road and construction zones can be confusing and frustrating. The best piece of advice is to remain calm. Driving erratically or showing your emotion can lead to dangerous situations.
9. Pass the time. We’ve all been involved in car ride squabbles. Make sure your family has plenty of activities to help pass the time in the car. DVDs, smart devices, and the license plate game are just a few ideas. Don’t forget extra batteries.
10. Share your itinerary. Make sure you share your itinerary with family or friends. This way they’re familiar with your travel plans if you need help.
11. Have fun. Don’t forget, the purpose of your road trip is to enjoy quality time and make memories with your family.
by Flagship Staff | May 22, 2018 | Blog
If you have kids in high school, final exam week is just around the corner. Year-end projects are nearing completion, which leads to study packets and a stressful time for students and parents.
Exam stress can be the result of a number of factors or situations such as:
Fear and inability to accept failure;
Negative outlook or self-talk;
High or unrealistic expectations;
Being unprepared;
Family issues; and
Test-taking anxiety.
Here are some tips that can help you prepare your students for final exams.
1. Encourage them to finish strong. Whether your kids are coasting by or struggling, now’s the time to encourage them to work exceptionally hard. I’ve encouraged my daughter to do everything she can to improve her grades ahead of her finals. Some of the things she is focusing on are:
Completing extra credit;
Retaking exams or making corrections;
Receiving tutoring; and
Studying more in the evening.
If your students aren’t motivated, find something that can change their behavior. My daughter turns 16 in September. She knows she needs a B average to be eligible for the “Good Student” auto insurance discount.
2. Create a distraction free study zone. Final exam time is when the “rubber meets the road.” Study time needs to be efficient, productive, and distraction free. Set up a space that’s quiet and conducive to studying. If your students have been studying in their bedrooms, now may be the time to have them study at desk in a different part of the house.
3. Monitor your students’ smart device usage. For many of us monitoring our children’s smart device usage is a constant struggle. It’s estimated that kids spend one-third of their day using their smart devices. Consider downloading an app that can reduce their usage. I recently installed an app on our phones that allows us to create usage schedules. When the schedule activates, my daughter can only text or make a phone call.
4. Create a study schedule. Due to the amount of content, students may have difficulty figuring out what, when, where, and how to study. Create a plan they can follow. This will help them focus on studying their curriculum instead of focusing on the logistics of studying. Experts recommend studying no longer than an hour without a break.
5. Create a balance. While doing well on final exams is important, studying shouldn’t be their only focus. They should continue to do things they enjoy. Exercising or spending time outdoors can help them stay mentally focused and healthy.
6. Make balanced and nutritious meals. Eating healthy on a consistent basis is always a good goal to have. However, hectic schedules makes it difficult. During exam time, try to reduce the amount of junk food they eat. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugars can leave students feeling tired and unable to concentrate. Also, minimize their caffeine intake. Excessive caffeine can make them feel hyperactive or anxious. With the amount of stress and pressure they’re already feeling, they definitely don’t need to add to it.
7. Ensure they get plenty of sleep. Make sure your students continue their normal sleep patterns. All night cramming sessions are one of the worst things they can do. Lack of sleep makes it difficult for people to retain and recall information.
8. Stay realistic with your expectations. It’s easy for us to create high expectations for our children. While the world is a competitive place, we can’t lose sight of reality. Not every grade our child earns is going to be an A+. Some days, situations, and exams don’t go as planned.
9. Help them learn from failure. Here’s a quote from Winston Churchill. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” If your children fail exams, be a good listener. Let them share how they feel. Continue to encourage them to work hard, and to do their best. Lastly, tell them you love them!
10. Take care of yourself. Final exams can be stressful for parents too. Trying to manage your students’ extracurricular activities, study time, as well as your workload can be overwhelming. Don’t forget to continue doing what you enjoy to help reduce stress.
by Flagship Staff | May 15, 2018 | Blog
Is learning to ride a motorcycle on your bucket list? Now that the weather is getting nicer, you’re closer to making this dream a reality. Growing up riding dirt bikes with my friends, I know how fun and exhilarating riding can be. It offers a new perspective to seeing the world!
If you don’t own a motorcycle, you can still learn to ride. Some basic rider classes provide instruction and the motorcycle for your use. With patience, practice, and some helpful information, it won’t be long before you can cross this off your bucket list. If you’re a new rider or considering becoming one, here are some tips for you.
1. Do your research. Before beginning to ride, it’s important to do your research. If you don’t have a motorcycle, figure out which one may be the best one for you. Like cars, motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes. Visit your local motorcycle dealership(s) to learn what motorcycles they have and which ones are good for beginners. Make sure you ask a lot questions. If you feel pressured to buy, find another dealership. To learn more about the different types of motorcycles available, checkout “Six Types of Motorcycles for New Riders.”
Buying a motorcycle strictly based on price or looks can lead to dangerous situations.
2. Review your state’s motorcycle handbook. Many states have a supplementary handbook that explains:
Requirements for motorcycle operation;
Steps for getting your license;
Motorcycle laws;
Gear needed to ride; and
Handling dangerous road situations and mechanical problems.
3. Buy the proper gear. As with any new sport or activity, having the essential gear can help keep you safe. As a new rider, you’re more prone to tipping over and accidents. Riding in shorts and flip-flops aren’t the best choices. Here’s a list of gear to consider.
Helmet
Eye protection
Leather jacket and pants
Boots
Gloves
In some states, wearing a helmet is the law. To see what your state requires click here.
4. Enroll in a class. Once you have made the decision to ride, consider enrolling in a class. Basic rider classes, such as the one offered at Road America, teach basic riding skills in a safe, controlled environment. They even provide the motorcycles!
By taking a class that provides the motorcycles, you’ll be able to decide if riding is right for you without making a financial investment in a new motorcycle. To find a list of classes near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
5. Become familiar with your motorcycle. Operating a motorcycle relies on a lot of eye, hand, and foot coordination. If you take a class, you’ll learn the different controls. It’s essential to know these to obtain your learner’s permit through the DMV. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the motorcycle controls.
Throttle grip. This is similar to the foot petal accelerator in your car. It’s on the right side of the handle bar and is controlled by twisting it with your right hand.
Front brake. This is also on the right side of the handle bar and should be squeezed gently with your right hand to apply pressure to your brake.
Rear brake. This is located on the lower right side of the motorcycle. Use your right foot to press down gently to apply brake pressure.
Gearshift lever. This pedal is on the lower left side of the motorcycle. It’s used to change the gears as you drive. The gear pattern is usually first gear down with the remaining gears up.
Clutch lever. This is usually found on the left side of the handlebar. It’s used when changing gears.
6. Practice makes perfect. Once you earn your temporary cycle instruction permit, you can start driving on the road. If possible, practice in an area that has low traffic volume and few pedestrians. This will help you get acquainted with operating your motorcycle. After you become more comfortable, you can start venturing out to more congested areas.
7. Contact your insurance agent. Talk to your agent to find out what insurance coverage is needed for your new ride.
