When deciding whether to buy or rent, there are many factors to consider, including, but not limited to, job stability, relocation, and relationships. When it comes to financing, costs associated with owning a home include the mortgage payment, property taxes,...

Homeowners looking to get the best price for their home are learning that if you want to sell quickly and score big profits, you need to remove clutter and make the place look inviting, not lived in. Staging your house can help you sell it faster and possibly bring...

As a parent, you can expect your car insurance premiums to increase once your teen driver gets behind the wheel. In fact, adding a teenage driver to your policy can nearly double your premiums. Aside from encouraging your teenage child to take defensive driver...

In the Midwest, coming out to a car covered in snow and ice is a common occurrence. If you're used to having your car buried in snow or covered with ice, here are some tips that can help you and your car survive the winter months. 1. Stand up your wipers. Lately, I've...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Now what? Winter is here, and that undoubtedly means we’ll get snow. While it can create a winter wonderland and provide the perfect setting for a day of sledding or snowman building, it can also turn your sidewalks and driveways...

Today, safety experts recommend putting children in their car seats without their winter coats. Doesn’t this seem counter intuitive? After all, it is winter. Recently on the “Today” show, Jeff Rossen did a segment on car seat dangers during the winter. He visited a...

This is the time of year when ponds and lakes are frozen. Soon you’ll be getting ready to get your vehicle out on the open, frozen water to enjoy the great outdoors. But what would you do if the unthinkable – but sinkable – happens and your vehicle breaks through the...

Do you have a new furry member in your family? Is this your first winter with them? If so, winter weather can be challenging for both of you. Pets are a great addition to the family. They bring laughter and companionship to our lives. In return, most of us want to...

If you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing home, or you recently built a new deck, you may be staining the new woodwork yourself. While it saves money, it can be a bit scary and dangerous. Stain is permanent! It will stain your clothes, fingers, and...

When the weather gets hot at this time of year, you tend to hear people say, “The dog days of summer are definitely here.” When I was young and I heard my parents say that, I knew it meant the hot weather was here and the air conditioning would be turned on. Thank...

It’s hard to believe summer is here! The weather has finally gotten nice and my family is planning our annual trip to northern Wisconsin. I can’t wait to hop on that jet ski and take it for a spin around the lake. Many places rent jet skis or boats for a day or a...

Are you going on a trip of a lifetime or a well-deserved family vacation this summer? If so, it can be both exciting and stressful. After months of preparation, there's nothing left to do other than hop on a plane or jump in the car and go. But wait a minute! What...

Have you ever heard of the “summer slide”? No, it’s not spending time in the back yard watching your children go up and down the slide on their swing set. It’s also not a ride at the county fair. Summer slide describes what happens to children’s minds if they don’t...

Pools and ponds can make for fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends, but they can also be a liability hazard and attract unwanted guests. It doesn't matter if you have an in-ground or above-ground pool or a pond on your property; you have a liability...

Another sign that warm weather is here is the roar of a motorcycle as it drives down your street. It's always been my dream to own a motorcycle. Like many things in life, a motorcycle must be respected by the rider and other motorists who share the road. Motorcycles...

It's been reported in the news that the 2017 tick season is going to be worse than usual. If you're wondering why they're anticipating such a bad season, there's some supporting evidence. This year, our Midwest winter was on the mild side. While this led to less...

Losing a home to a fire or tornado is a devastating life-changing event. If your home were destroyed, would you have enough coverage on your homeowner’s policy? Many policies provide a specific percentage of coverage based on the value of your home’s contents...

Moving from your home to another can be a daunting task, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Personal items can...

Cats and dogs add endless joy to our lives. They’re cute, cuddly, and unconditionally love us. However, pets also...

Spring has officially arrived! While many people breathe a sigh of relief because winter driving has ended, spring...

Owning a home is a dream shared by many. Home ownership provides many benefits, such as financial security and...

According to Tom, West Bend claims manager, March, April, and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump...

Having worked in the insurance industry for most of my career, I’ve talked to many people about the benefits of a West...