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Insurance News 5 Tips for Getting Good Insurance for your Home or Car

March 6, 2013 By

Many people are receiving notices of increasing insurance premiums for their homeowners and auto insurance. You can get quality insurance at a reasonable rate if you know how to shop for insurance.

Not all companies are offering the same options so it is important to shop around to get the best combination of rate, coverage and customer service.

Here are 5 tips for getting insurance for your home or car:

Shop Coverage, Not Annual Premium - While saving money on the premium seems like the obvious choice, if you are underinsured and have a claim you will lose a lot of money. The replacement value of your home and how much you insure for your contents are important so if you have a major claim like a house fire, there is enough money to replace your personal items and furniture.

Increase Deductible - Your premium will decrease if you increase your deductible. Move from $ 500 to $ 1000 for example and save money.

Insure Your Home and Cars with Same Company - Most insurance companies want your business for both your home and your cars,boat, and motorcycle. So they will give you their lowest combined premium if you get their home/auto discount by using that company for both policies.

Review Insurance Annually - It is easy to get comfortable with your insurance when the premium doesn’t go up very much or if you do not file a claim for a couple of years. But asking your insurance agent for an annual review and comparing what you are paying for your coverage to other companies is a good way to save money. Most people do not read the fine print that comes in the mail which details coverage changes so people only act when they see the higher bill arrive.

Check With an Insurance Broker - Insurance brokers can check on the best coverage with a number of companies so you can easily compare the differences in coverage and premium to make an informed decision. A broker will educate you on what some of the differences are in the offerings of different companies.

Keep Your Credit Score High - Insurance is tied into your credit score as well as your driving history, and how many homeowners claims you have filed. Keeping a high credit score will help you get the lowest premium on your home and auto insurance.

Protect yourself by getting quality insurance and using a reputable and local contact for your insurance. A good insurance agent or broker will help guide you through the insurance process, which seems to be changing regularly.

How About You?  Do you find these insurance tips helpful as you investigate coverage and pricing for your insurance? Comment below and let me know your thoughts for connect with Amy Shair here.

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Top 5 Tips to Get Ready for the April 15th Tax Deadline!

January 18, 2013 By

It’s that time of year again that people either love or hate – tax time! Regardless of the sentiment evoked, whether it is warm and fuzzy or stone-cold hatred, there are some helpful tax tips below that should be considered to make the next tax filing more enjoyable for all.

 

1.       Review W-2s Closely

It is not uncommon for there to be errors on a W-2.  Therefore, it is recommended to compare the last paystub received during the year to W-2s.  Note that there may be some minor discrepancies due to timing but anything large should be followed up on with an employer.  Also, it is highly recommended to check that payroll taxes were calculated correctly.  In most cases, the amount in

Box 4 should be 4.2% of the first $ 110,100 in earnings reflected in Box 3 for 2012.  Similarly, the amount in Box 6 should be 1.45% of all earnings reflected in Box 5.  A discussion should be had with an employer if the amounts don’t calculated accordingly as this may result in an additional refund opportunity.

 

2.       Flexible Savings Accounts – “Use It or Lose It”

Many employers allow Flexible Saving Account (FSA) participants an extra 2 ½ months after the end of the year to spend any balances remaining in a FSA.  Therefore, it is advised to check with an employer on their FSA plan rules.  Remember, balances do not roll over from year to year.  Amounts not spent by the deadline will be forfeited.

 

3.       Review Prior Year Tax Returns

Many people miss opportunities to save money by not carrying over certain amounts from a prior year return.  For example, capital losses (i.e., stock losses) that exceeded the maximum amount that could have been claimed in a prior year can be carried forward and claimed on a current and future year returns.  Another example of missed savings is not accounting for prepaid mortgage interest that many first-time homebuyers pay but are unable to itemize the first year they purchase their home.  In a similar fashion, excluded amounts that should have been carried over may result in additional taxes, interest, or penalties assessed by the IRS or state Department of Revenue.

 

4.       Consider Traditional IRA Options

In many cases, contributions to a traditional IRA will increase tax refund potential.  Luckily, the deadline for making a contribution isn’t until the annual April 15th filing deadline; however, the deduction may be claimed and filed prior to the aforementioned deadline.  This is one of the few examples for when you can take a deduction for the prior year made in the present year.  Be sure to check with a tax advisor before considering this option as the rules can be quite quirky.

 

5.       Calculate Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

Self-employed?  Plan on selling high-dollar assets?  If so, you may be required to remit federal and state estimated tax payments on a quasi-quarterly basis.  The first payment is due April 15th.  In general, federal estimated tax payments need to be made if a liability of $ 1,000 or more is expected when income tax returns are filed next April.  Be sure to consider calculating estimated tax payments when returns are prepared this year.

Additional Resources:

What’s New for 2012 Tax Returns (Due in April 2013)?

2012 North Carolina Income Tax Rates

2013 Income Tax Return Due Dates (For 2012 Tax Returns)

 

Simply Taxes, LLC is a local year-round tax preparation firm with an office located in North Raleigh. Our Raleigh accountants are ready to work one-on-one with you to help maximize your refund opportunity and to provide other tax services in the professional manner you deserve.

The information contained within this article is for general guidance only. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consulting with professional accounting, tax, legal or other competent advisers.

 

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No More New Year’s Resolutions: 6 tips for sticking with your goals

January 2, 2013 By

According to surveys, only 8 percent of Americans successfully achieve their New Year’s resolutions.  80 percent of those who make New Year resolutions have failed by Jan. 20. And yet, about half of us continue to make resolutions with the best of intentions every year, believing that the right resolutions will make us more productive, healthy and successful. The vast majority of resolutions made have to do with health or business and financial goals. 

For the past few years, I have boycotted making a list of resolutions that are easily forgotten as old habits and life challenges take over. Instead, I focus on the purpose for achieving my goals, whether they be health or business related goals.  Sometimes people call this purpose their WHY, others call it their VISION.  

Resolutions are generally goals that are short-lived and ultimately unsatisfying.  Either you make the goal easily, or more frequently, you get frustrated because you DIDN’T hit the goal, so you quit, and your health or your finances swing even more out of control… AGAIN.  

I am not saying not to have goals for self-improvement.  It just takes much more than merely writing them down on Jan 1 to make a true difference in your life.  When you find your PURPOSE and choose to live everyday with that PASSION, you stay committed to your journey without focusing on the destination, and you never give up on yourself!

6 Tips for Sticking with Your Goals

  1.  Learn to BELIEVE in yourself. See yourself as the type of person who has already accomplished your goal.
  2. PREPARE your environment to achieve success and eliminate the obstacles. For example: If you want to change what you eat, clean out your pantry and refrigerator of all foods not on your desired menu. 
  3. Keep it SIMPLE, especially at first, through small action steps.    
  4. Celebrate your PROGRESS toward your goal each time you successfully complete an action step.  
  5. Once you ACHIEVE small steps toward your goal, only then increase the challenge incrementally.
  6. The more your action steps become a daily habit, the more you find SUCCESS.

Live Well with Passion and Purpose!

Robin Thomas

www.robinthomas.biz

919-622-2137

 

Need Support to Achieve Your Health Goals?

I will guide you through a comprehensive 8 week program designed to empower you to take control of your health in every area of your life.  Using the principles of goal setting as outlined above, our motto is Progress, Not Perfection.  

The Healthy Edge is truly a Journey to the Abundant Life! www.whydietgethealthy.com

 

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Home Care NC: 5 Tips for Unselfish Listening . . . essential for in home caregivers

November 1, 2012 By

1. Can you really listen?

Focus on what the other person is saying. It’s not about you. Stop, take time, and listen. It is not the time to answer with stories about you. When the elderly or ill person you are caring for is done, ask if there is more they wish to tell and if there is something they wish you to do.

2. If you are talking you are not listening.

People need to have their facts, fears, or feelings heard. Stop your inner monologue or your eagerness to share the story from your life and be sure the person you are assisting has really done all the talking they wish. Then see if they just want to have silence next, rather than listening to your stories. Check first, before responding with your thoughts or answers.

3. First, clear your own mind.

If you are preoccupied with your own thoughts, inner conflicts, judgments or simply other matters, you just can’t listen well. Have you experienced a conversation where you wanted to make a point and the listener jumped in with their experience before hearing the end of your sentence? Was this a pleasant experience? Did they really answer or understand what you were trying to say? Someone who is ill or perhaps elderly in need of care or companionship may not want to add the burdens from your life to the ones they already feel. Come to them free and open to listen.

4. Listen without judgment.

It is just unfair to jump to conclusions before you hear the story. The end of the story may convey the meaning intended. It may not be what you imagined. With judgment, you may advise someone in a way that does not solve their problem but makes the situation worse because you hurt their feelings. You could ask if they wish to talk about ideas afterwards or if sharing their story is sufficient for their needs today.

5. Listen between the lines.

There is often more said between the lines than in the exact words spoken. In dread of exposing his or her fears, an ill person may avoid saying what you do not want to hear. Can you hear it between their words? While they may present a strong face of confidence, an ill person may be trembling inside, can you feel it?

More Ideas

Some more helpful tips can be gleaned from “Solace, How Caregivers and Others Can Relate, Listen, and Respond Effectively to a Chronically Ill Person”,by Walter St. John.

Helpful ideas for yourself when trying to really hear someone else:

  • relax, make yourself comfortable
  • listen with patience genuinely so there is no hint of a rush
  • encourage the speaker to say everything on his or her mind, ask for more
  • allow the person to vent his or her feelings completely
  • completely avoid interrupting
  • minimize distractions such as television or radio, ask if you can turn them off
  • focus complete attention so your mind does not wander
  • avoid changing the subject
  • wait patiently, even if the person is having difficulty expressing themselves
  • avoid finishing sentences for the speaker
  • use silence to your advantage, especially with emotionally charged topics
  • the right attitude will help you do the right things naturally

When you provide the gift of companionship to someone ill or elderly and needing in home care, follow these simple ideas to help make the gift of time you are giving be truly priceless and genuinely healing of the person’s spirit.

 

Jaleh Neshat is the owner of “Homecare Assistance Raleigh NC” which provides in home care for families in the Raleigh area. Their “Balanced Care Method TM” caregivers provide emotional, social, nutritional, and physical care.

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Six Tips on How to Switch Out Your Wardrobe

October 29, 2012 By

WARDROBE CHANGEOVER
With the changing of the leaves it’s a great time to change your wardrobe over from summer clothes to winter. Switching the summer clothes to fall and winter provides you with the opportunity to get rid of some of those summer clothes you haven’t worn or realize you really do not like. It also is a great way to assess what is lacking in your fall wardrobe so when you go shopping you will know exactly what you are looking for and not buy random items that won’t work with your wardrobe.

Here are six simple things to help you through the process:

1. Start at one end of the closet and sort through your summer clothes, pulling out any clothing that you know you no longer want to keep (donate these to your favorite charity). Then if you are lacking space in your closet, pull out any summer clothing that you will not be wearing as the weather gets colder and store those in another closet or pack them away.

2. Bring in your winter clothes that have been stored or shoved to the back of the closet and arrange them by categories: all tops together, bottoms together, dresses together, cover-ups, etc. Some women like to arrange their clothes by career vs. casual and if you’re not a career person you might want to arrange yours casual vs. dressy. You can take it a step further if you like and arrange them by color. When it comes to tops I like to arrange mine by sleeve length.

3. Now look through your closet and make sure every bottom has a top that works with it, and that you have shoes to match, and purses as well. Make a list of what is missing in your wardrobe, such as sweaters or cover-ups, and use this as a guide for when you go shopping. Take a note also of what colors you already have enough of and what new color you could add that will accent your wardrobe. Burgundy is a popular color this year.

4. Use the proper hanger for skirts, silky blouses and slacks.

5. Donate any clothes that you no longer want to Goodwill, Dress for Success, or whoever your favorite charity is.

6. Don’t forget to do the same with your dresser drawers and shoes.

Now it will be so much easier to get ready for work in the morning. By creating categories for your clothes, you will be able to go right to what you are looking for instead of jumping from section to section in your closet looking for that certain black top that goes perfectly with the slacks you want to wear.

Some of my favourite hangers:
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/hangers/plastic?productId=10023852&green=23391665651

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000074&N=&Ntt=hangers

The huggable hangers at the Container Store are great for keeping silky blouses from sliding off the hanger and they do not put a dimple in your shoulder sleeve. For slacks, always use a hanger that has a rubber coating to keep the slacks from sliding off…sometimes the cardboard ones from the drycleaners do a great job; just don’t use the thin wire ones as they leave a folded crease on the legs. For skirts, use any hanger that has clips and not the ones made for slacks that squeeze the fabric together and never holds it securely.

If you need help organizing your wardrobe this season, contact me at deb@orderinthehouse.com and we’ll customize your closet so it works for you!

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Tips for Organizing Laundry

September 24, 2012 By

Here are some suggestions to help you keep on top of laundry!

 

Routine! Decide days to do laundry and announce family rule: dirty laundry must be placed in hamper before next laundry day!


Note on calendar any special clothing days for kids like green for earth day!


Check calendar in advance to be sure special items are done in time!


Wash, dry, and put away by person or room.

 

Clothes that need ironing get washed first so iron while other loads being done.
Wash delicate, underclothes, and hand washables while taking a shower.
Going Green Tips:
•Use green & concentrated cleaners
•Consider energy star appliances. 
•Wash a full load with cold water
•Dry clothes on clothesline
•Wear clothes more once
•Don’t iron if don’t need to
•Clean lint filter dryer often
•Ditch dryer sheets
•Use Green dry cleaners

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10 Tips To Improve Your Home Or Offices Indoor Air Quality

September 18, 2012 By

We spend a lot of time indoors, whether it’s at home or at work. Here are ten tips to help make your indoor environment as healthy as possible.

1. Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, particularly in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you have carpet, regularly vacuuming and periodic cleaning will help eliminate the symptoms caused by dust mites.

The single most important method is to put zippered allergen impermeable or plastic covers on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Encasing mattresses works better than air cleaners to reduce allergy symptoms. Every week, wash bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in hot water (130 degree F.) to kill mites.

2. Vacuum once or twice weekly. Vacuuming helps keep allergens to a minimum. But poor-quality vacuums could put dust into the air, so look for asthma friendly® Certified devices which are proven through research to be more suitable. If you have allergies, wear a dust mask while doing housework. Use a damp or treated cloth for dusting. Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it.

3. Control Humidity. Dust mites and molds thrive in humid conditions, so control relative humidity (aim for 35 to 55 percent). Run bathroom exhaust fans during and for 15 minutes after steamy showers. Empty and clean evaporator trays in dehumidifiers, refrigerators and air conditioners on a regular basis. Be sure your central air conditioner drain is working properly and not clogged. Repair roof and plumbing leaks. Reduce condensation on pipes, in walls, and around windows through proper insulation and moisture barrier installation.

4. Check & Replace. Check your air filters at least quarterly, and replace them according to the manufacturer recommendations. If your filters do not get dirty, ventilation problems are likely. Inspect your air conditioning and ventilation system for bypasses and leaks. Make sure that your filter is attached securely on all edges and there are no gaps around it.

5. Let it flow. For better air circulation, occasionally air out the house on dry days with low pollen counts. Sensitive individuals may wish to isolate the room they occupy most by closing the door and running a room filtration unit.

6. Get rid of harsh cleaning products. Another important step in improving indoor air quality requires that you become aware of the different types of products in your home that contain harsh chemicals. These include paints, varnishes, wax and cleaning or cosmetic supplies. According to the EPA, everyday household items such as these contain dangerous chemicals that can cause harm to your lungs if inhaled. If you must purchase these types of products, do so in limited quantities. Also, don’t keep partially used containers of unnecessary products laying around your home as they can emit chemicals that are bad for your lungs. There are many safe and effective cleaning alternatives out there.

7. Remove your shoes. Remove your shoes when you come indoors, and prevent a host of dirt, dust and other particles from spreading throughout. For offices, place a walk off mat at your entrance, to capture some of the dirt from coming inside and shake out regularly.

8. Buy some plants! Plants produce the oxygen that makes life possible, add moisture and filter toxins. Indoor plants can reduce pollutants in your home too! (Note: Get organic house plants grown without pesticides and pot them in ceramic or other non-plastic pots.) Certain plants are especially helpful in reducing indoor air pollution.

9. Combustion reduction. Minimize or avoid altogether unvented combustion sources such as candles, cigarettes, indoor barbecues, decorative combustion appliances, and vent-free heaters.

10 Clean your carpets and upholstery regularly! Not only does cleaning your carpets and upholstery, on a regular basis, keep them looking their best and lasting longer but will improve your indoor air alot. Carpets and upholstered fabrics can absorb all kinds of airborne pollutants, spills and other soils. Hiring a carpet cleaner that uses hot water extraction will make your fabrics clean and fresh!

http://www.onthespotcm.com

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PINTEREST Tips and Tricks

July 24, 2012 By

PINTEREST TIP OF THE WEEK #1

By adding Pinterest’s PIN IT BUTTON to your bookmarks bar, you’ll be able to quickly PIN things you find while surfing the Internet without having to go to your Pinterest account first.

 

 

How to install Pinterest’s PIN IT BUTTON to yo

1. Open your Pinterest Account
2. Click the about tab
3. Click the PIN IT button tab, you will then see the PIN IT button icon.
4. Hover your cursor over the PIN IT icon, click the left side of your mouse and drag the pin it icon/button to your bookmarks bar.

Congratulations, you’ve just made pinning your favorite things to your Pinterest Board without having to open your Pinterest account that much easier.

Here’s how it works…Whenever you are surfing the Internet and you see something that you want to pin to one of your Pinterest Boards, and your Pinterest account is not opened, click the Pin It Button that you’ve just placed in your bookmarks bar, click the pin it photo that pops up, choose what board you want to pin the post to, or create a new board, and PIN IT. That’s it, it’s that simple.

I hope you all enjoyed this Pinterest tip of the week.  To receive more valuable small business tips, be sure to visit and LIKE my VA Business Facebook Page.  If your friends are into Pinterest, don’t forget to share this link with them; they may enjoy this fun pinning tip as well.   

For your convenience, and if anyone is interested, I have provided a link to my Pinterest Page: I’d love for you to come and visit! http://pinterest.com/sshanahan1/

As Pinterest would say: “HAPPY PINNING!” Thanks for visiting!

Author of Article: Stacey Shanahan, Owner, Raleigh-VA Business Help.

Do you have any FUN Pinterest Tips you would like to share? 

If you are burdened and overwhelmed with endless administrative tasks required to keep your business afloat, don’t hesitate to delegate your tasks to an experienced VA who truly cares about your company’s success.

 

Free free to call me @ 919-272-4978, or email at 
sshanahan@vabusinesshelp.com


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Top Tips for Sellers

July 16, 2012 By

Tip #1
Tip 1: Make buyers fall in love with your home

Buyers keep looking until they fall in love. They are not looking for “a” home, they are looking for “the” home, their “dream” home. They are tired of seeing homes (9 out of 10) that are not ready for sale. They want a clean, fresh, move-in-ready home. Most do not want to do even minor projects.

As a seller, you must understand the mind of the buyer. Buyers do not buy homes; they buy the feeling they get when they are looking at a home. They are not using their brains to decide, they are using their hearts. And in good markets or tough markets, when a buyer finds the right home, they will fall in love, and that home will sell for the highest possible price.

We have witnessed a buyer considering two identical homes on the same street, in the same neighborhood, with identical lots, and pay $ 15,000 more for the one that spent $ 750 preparing the home for sale. We have seen homes sit on the market for a year, then sell in 30 days (at a higher list price) after a few small adjustments to improve the buyer perception of the home.

If you want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest amount of time, emphasize or add elements with which buyers will fall in love, and fix or remove issues that will cause them to hesitate.

There are a few investor types out there who truly decide with their brain, and whose first priority is a good deal. But we do not want anyone getting a good deal on your home, right? So we can ignore them. What we want is a buyer to come to your home, fall in love, and impulsively write an offer at (or near) your asking price. So we will concentrate on those buyers instead.

Interested in more….?
http://reganco.com/make-buyers-fall-in-love-with-your-home.html

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Quick Computer Tips

July 12, 2012 By

Be specific in naming documents

•Cull files regularly and file as you go



•Organize receipts and business cards BatchBook.com keeps track of contacts and can share



•Documents use often folder on Desktop easy access



•Clean up files on desktop



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