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| Please don't hit Reply, If you have any Q's Please e-mail me directly to be sure your email is received. ExpertInsuranceSolutions@gmail.com If You don;t see my reply within 24/48hrs I didn't get it. |
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| Landscape Your Way to Lower Premiums on Your Property |
Properly maintained landscaping can add beauty and value to a property. Poorly developed or neglected landscaping does the opposite. Did you know landscaping has the same effects on insurance premiums? Applying specific landscaping techniques can help keep your premiums low. Here's how:
Keep trees trim. Overgrown oaks and extended evergreens can cause property damage, which results in claims. Branches that creep too close to your property can destroy roofs, harm siding, or break windows. Dead limbs are at risk of falling and causing further property damage or personal injury. To keep them safe and attractive, trim trees every one to two years.
Get a good grade. Healthy drainage is essential. To protect your property from expensive water damage, ensure the land is graded properly. If you add or remove landscaping, keep this important factor in mind.
Consult with professionals who have experience in land grading to avoid disastrous results.
Thwart thieves. Reduce your risk of burglary with thief-deterrent landscaping. Prickly bushes in front of your windows can make your home less inviting to burglars. Keeping large bushes and trees neatly trimmed also eliminates potential hiding places for would-be thieves.
Mind the vines. Climbing vines can add aesthetic appeal to a property's exterior; however, they can also cause serious damage. As ivy grows up the wall, it can harm the paint, destroy siding, or separate bricks. If it gets tall enough to reach the roofline, the vine can damage gutters and roof tiles. If you are considering planting vines, keep these risks in mind. |
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| Beat Online Scammers at Their Own Game |
The Internet of Things (IoT) has made life quicker and easier than ever before. With the touch of a button, we can now bank, shop, and even look for love, all from the comfort of our couch.
The problem: with so much ease and accessibility, we have become vulnerable to online scammers looking to gain access to our personal information.
According to a 2017 report from Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity solutions company, cyber crime is on the rise and could cost "the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015."
Similarly, a report by Wombat Security states that the number of scam emails sent in 2017 was up 155% over 2016. These "phishing" scams are sent to your email or social media, and mirror legit businesses or financial institutions.
Don't despair. You don't have to disconnect and go off the grid. There are ways to outsmart the scammers and keep yourself and your bank account safe.
Do your
homework. If you receive notifications requesting that you need to update an account or provide any personal information, utilize the google search formula
"(company name) scam." Don't hesitate to call the phone number and google the address for these companies, too.
Be wary of downloading attachments. This is another trick used to infect your hard drive with malware and steal information. Always protect your device with antivirus and malware software.
Trust your gut! If some promise or promotion sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is. |
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| Millennials Make Estate Sales Cool Again |
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Millennials are often viewed as financially careless, shelling out money for avocado toast instead of saving for homes or retirement.
Many came of age during a worldwide financial crisis, so their hesitancy to consider long-term financial plans is understandable. Now, millennials are aging. They are buying homes, starting families, and opening businesses. Recent studies suggest they're more financially prudent than their parents and more likely to maintain budgets and avoid big-ticket items. That's why many shop at estate sales.
It's easy to see why these sales have millennial appeal. They offer one-stop shopping for kitchen items, household items, and toys - all discounted. Estate sales are also great community events. They can be fun group outings. There's also a thrill in hunting for a great deal or finding a rare item. Plus, you can meet people with common interests at these sales.
If you're not a millennial, consider this demographic
when you're planning sales. Be sensitive to millennial characteristics. They are typically busy and on tight budgets, and they want to avoid impulse buys. With these factors in mind, keep your sales organized and simple. Label items clearly, with prices easily displayed. Group similar objects together: kitchenware in one area, tools in another, toys separated in age-appropriate ways.
Don't restrict this mind-set to just sales. Millennials also like garage sales. Like many from generations past, most millennials aren't above a good bargain! |
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| Is There Such a Thing as Wedding Insurance? |
Weddings can be simple, but they rarely are. Most involve a million moving pieces, from the caterer to the florist to the unpredictable in-laws.
This massive event holds the potential for myriad mishaps. That's why wedding insurance is now available.
This policy is a specialized type of event insurance that covers a wide range of disasters that could affect your big day.
You can customize the policy to insure major damages to your venue or other aspects of your wedding. Enjoy protection with:
Event cancellation protection. What if the weather doesn't cooperate with your plans for a picturesque wedding at the park? What if the officiant becomes ill? This coverage insures deposits for rental cars, flowers, the cake, and more, in case circumstances beyond your control cause a cancellation or delay of the ceremony.
Special coverage. Are you concerned about your rings, gifts, photographs, or tuxedos? Wedding insurance can provide coverage for these costly items. If the best man loses the rings or the ring bearer spills grape juice on his lapel, wedding insurance can prove quite helpful.
Liability. Large events always carry the risk of property damage and personal injury. This coverage protects you from liability in the event your guests damage the venue or suffer injury. Public venues may have their own coverage for these situations, or they may require you to provide a policy.
Compared to the price of the event, wedding insurance is typically quite affordable. If you encounter a hitch in your plans, this policy can help you save significant costs.
If you're planning a wedding, consult with your insurance agent to determine the best coverage for your event.
The right policy can provide peace of mind to help keep your feet steady as
you walk down that aisle. |
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~Alex Hastings~
Hastings Insurance Solutions LLC
872 Tanglefoot Ln
Bettendorf IA 52722
563-355-0262 Office
641-494-9494 Cell
855-355-0262 Fax |
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| www.HastingsInsuranceSolutions.com |
| ExpertInsuranceSolutions@gmail.com |
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| Is Shopping Online for Insurance Really a Bargain? |
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Buying auto or homeowners insurance on the internet seems easy and cheap. But is it?
Discover how relying on the web to protect your most valuable assets could cost you more - and put you and your loved ones at risk - by requesting my free guide, "The Dangers of Shopping Online for Insurance." |
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| Quick Quiz |
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Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
Which band was the first to perform on all seven continents? |
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| Creamy Cauliflower Soup |
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| This soup can be served hot or chilled - perfect for warm or cool spring days. |
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| Serves 4 |
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2 tablespoons olive oil |
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2 cups chopped leeks (white part only) |
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2 cloves garlic, minced |
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1 head cauliflower, chopped |
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2 tablespoons chopped chives |
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| Directions |
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Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté leeks with a pinch of salt until softened, then add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add cauliflower and broth, then turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is tender.
Remove from heat and cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Return to saucepan, warm over low heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and chives. Place a dollop of this mixture on each serving. A scoop of cooked quinoa or pearled barley is a nice addition too! |
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