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4 Steps You Can Take to Feel More in Control Now

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COVID-19 has upended life as we know it for millions of people around the world. Many of us—including the young and healthy—are seriously contemplating our mortality for the first time. 

As the parent of a toddler, with a baby on the way, I’m definitely in this camp. It’s deeply unsettling to ponder how this virus has cut short so many lives in the span of just a few months.

I can’t escape the reality that I’m not invincible and never really have been. Whether it’s an accident, a terminal illness or an infectious disease, untimely deaths happen and none of us are assured a long, healthy life.

That thought paralyzed me before I decided to take a proactive approach to things. The good news is that there are concrete actions you can take today to protect the ones you love and get some peace of mind during these challenging times. Here are four definitely worth doing.

1. Prepare your will. Not even half of Americans have a will, which is a legal document that spells out your wishes for where your assets go and who cares for any minor children in the event you pass away. If you die without a will, your individual state’s laws will decide where your money and belongings go and who takes care of your kids. As if that isn’t bad enough, dying without a will generally delays the process of resolving your estate and can subject it to additional taxes.

Spare your loved ones from this experience with a will. Many people use a lawyer to draw up a will, especially if they have large or complicated estates. These days, many lawyers can help you via email, phone and teleconference, so don’t let social distancing stop you from getting a will.

Another option is to create a will online. This is a fast and inexpensive option for anyone on a budget or with uncomplicated needs. A few popular resources include LegalZoom, Quicken WillMaker & Trust and Do Your Own Will. (The final option is free!)

2. Create an advanced directive. An advanced directive is another legal document you’ll want to lock down. It explains what kind of medical care you’d want in the event you can’t speak for yourself.

The most common types of advanced directives are the living will and the durable power of attorney. A living will spells out your health care wishes in the event you’re terminally ill and unable to express your wishes or permanently unconscious. Meanwhile, a durable power of attorney is a document in which you name a trusted person to make health care decisions for you in the event you’re unable to do so.

An attorney can help you create an advanced directive or you can create one for free online using a form from your state. (Check your state’s website for its individual form.) If you go the latter route, make sure to check your state’s laws about advanced directives. Some require you to sign them in the presence of a witness, while others require them to be notarized. (And yes, you can now get documents notarized online through services like notarize.com.)

3. Look into life insurance. If anyone depends on your earnings or unpaid labor (I’m looking at you, stay-at-home parents and caregivers), it’s absolutely essential to have at least some life insurance in place. From funeral costs to the mortgage to everyday living expenses, life insurance steps in to smooth things over financially if you aren’t in the picture.

I know the last thing many of us want right now is an added expense. But this is one well worth having—and it’s probably a lot less than you think. A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month.

Any amount of life insurance is better than none at all, so contact an agent today to get a policy that works for your life and budget. (Like lawyers and notaries, many of them can work with you over phone, email and teleconferencing tools!)

4. Consider disability insurance. Illnesses and injuries curtail many people’s careers and lifetime earnings unexpectedly every year. With respect to the current crisis, those hospitalized for COVID-19 often have long roads to recovery as well as lifelong complications. Whether the health challenge leads to short-term or permanent consequences, it’s hard to stay on top of bills when your paycheck stops.

This is where disability insurance can be a lifesaver. This “insurance for your paycheck” protects your income until you’re able to return to work. Like life insurance, there are policies for every situation and budget. Learn about the three main ways to get disability coverage.

I’m the first to admit that contemplating these realities isn’t a fun way to pass the time. But something far worse is knowing that the people I love the most would be in a bind if the unthinkable happened. Plus, tackling these to-do’s gave me a much-needed sense of control during these unpredictable times—I hope it does the same for you, too.

Amanda Austin

Amanda Austin is a freelance writer who has worked in the insurance industry. She lives in Erie, Penn., and holds the CPCU, AINS, and AIS designations.Amanda Austin
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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!

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We will be out of the office for the New Year’s holiday from 3:00 pm, 12/31 and will return on Monday, January 4 at 7:30 am. We have a 24/7 answering service available for emergencies.

While this year has proved challenging, we could not be more thankful for your business. I wish you all the best in the New Year!

Prepare Your Car for Fall: 3 Quick Tips

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Keep you car in good working order this fall season.

Autumn means shorter days, colorful foliage, football season, and shaking one’s head in disbelief at stores putting up their Christmas displays in October. And with the change in seasons come changes in driving conditions – temperatures drop, and many parts of the country start to see an increase in rain, ice on the roads, and even a bit of snow. Here are three ways to make sure that your car is ready for the fall.

Fall Car Maintenance Tips

  • Check your wiper blades
  • Check and freshen fluids
  • Check tire tread and balance

Check your wiper blades.

It’s easy to take your wiper blades for granted, but they’re one of the most-used pieces of equipment on your car. Windshield wiper blades do wear down with use and age – and even if you don’t use them very often, hot, dry weather can actually speed up wear. Autumn is a good time to replace them; your new blades will get you through the fall, winter, spring and summer. Knowing when to replace them is relatively easy: they’ll streak or even leave large patches of moisture when used, and they may even “chatter” as they move across your windshield. The blades themselves are made of rubber or silicon, and they can wear down to the point at which the hard plastic or metal of the wiper arm is making contact with glass. And that can cause damage to the windshield. Replacing the blades is a simple process; your local auto parts store will carry a wide range of blades, and will be able to help you find the blades that will fit your your car.

If your wiper blades are doing any of these, it's time to replace them. (Image via www.alibaba.com)

 When should you change your wiper blades? If your wiper blades are doing any of these, it’s time to replace them. (Image via www.alibaba.com)

Check and Change Your Fluids.

As temperatures cool, it’s a good time to make sure that all of your car’s fluids are clean and topped off. When temperatures drop, the fluids in your car can become more viscous, or thicker – which may cause them to move more slowly through the engine. It’s especially good to drain and replace your coolant if you live in areas that experience extreme temperature swings from summer to fall and into winter. Coolant isn’t JUST coolant – there’s water added to it, and that ratio of water to coolant will typically be higher in the summer. In the winter, the ratio of water to coolant should be 40:60 (or 40% water, 60% coolant).

Check Your Tires.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: your tires are perhaps the most important part of your car. As you head into icy road season, you should make sure that the tread on your tires is still up to par. There’s an easy way to do this: all you need is a penny. Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you into your tire’s tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace that tire – the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, and the tire is not safe to drive on. Don’t be surprised if your tires start to look a bit deflated. As temperatures drop, so does the the air pressure inside your tire – the pressure inside your tire will drop about 1 psi (pound per square inch) for every 10 degrees that the outside air temp drops.

These three quick fixes will go a long way in keeping you safe on the road this fall.

Original post by:I Drive Safely

15 Best Projects to Do in Fall

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T. LacomaUpdated: Apr. 18, 2018

As the weather starts to cool down, you have the perfect opportunity to clean up summer messes and prepare your home for colder days. Use this time to get these fall maintenance and renovation projects done before it’s too late!

1 / 15

Upgrade Your Old FurnaceNEIL LOCKHART/SHUTTERSTOCK

Upgrade Your Old Furnace

If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old and is taking longer to heat up the house than usual, it may be time to replace it. Pay close attention to the SEER ratings and choose an efficient fuel like natural gas to help save money. Plus: Do I Need a New Furnace?

2 / 15

Check On Important Insulation

Check On Important Insulation

Specifically, check on weatherstripping around your doors, windows, and garage door. The felt strips seal these openings to prevent drafts, but they can wear down over time. Replace any faded weatherstripping and complete any other insulation tasks you’ve been putting off. Plus: Replace Weatherstripping

3 / 15

Seal Any Air Leaks in the AtticFAMILY HANDYMAN

Seal Any Air Leaks in the Attic

If you see any light shining through chinks in your attic, you have air leaks (and pest entrances). Seal those off with foam insulation to keep your house warm over winter. Do not try to close off any attic vents, however, as you’ll need those to get rid of humid air. Plus: Learn More About Attic Insulation

4 / 15

Clean Out Your GuttersINDY EDGE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Clean Out Your Gutters

Your gutters work hard over fall and winter, and they need your help. Clean them out before it gets too cold. This will prevent gutters from overflowing with rain or snow and damaging your roof. Plus: Gutter Repair

5 / 15

Replace Old Single-Pane Windows

Replace Old Single-Pane Windows

Single-pane windows are poor insulators. If you have any of these windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows. You can also upgrade double-pane windows to models sealed with a neutral gas like argon to improve insulation. Plus: Learn More About Window Replacement and Installation

6 / 15

Spread Mulch to Protect PerennialsFAMILY HANDYMAN

Spread Mulch to Protect Perennials

Spread mulch among your perennial flowers and plants. This will help insulate them from frigid temperatures and also provides a bit of extra protection against hungry creatures. Plus: The Family Handyman Guide to Mulch

7 / 15

Replace Missing ShinglesFAMILY HANDYMAN

Replace Missing Shingles

Your roof needs to be in good shape to resist wind, rain and snow. Replace any missing shingles and fix other signs of damage before those eyesores turn into serious and expensive leaking problems. Plus: Easy Shingle Rep

8 / 15

Prepare Your Fireplace

Prepare Your Fireplace

For wood fireplaces, clean them out thoroughly, check the chimney, and make sure that you have an ample supply of wood. Gas and electric fireplaces can also benefit from an annual inspection before winter begins. Plus: When to Clean a Chimney Flue

9 / 15

Switch Your Ceiling Fan DirectionFAMILY HANDYMAN

Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans should turn clockwise in the colder months, which pushes warm air back down into the room. Most fans have a simple switch that reverses the direction. Plus: How to Balance a Ceiling Fan

10 / 15

Hibernate Outdoor AC UnitsFAMILY HANDYMAN

Hibernate Outdoor AC Units

Clean and cover your outdoor air conditioning unit to protect it from rain and snow. Note, that this doesn’t apply to heat pump models, which are designed to switch to a heating mode in winter and cannot be covered. Plus: How to Clean Your Condenser Unit

11 / 15

Clean Up Your Lawnmower and Other Yard ToolsFAMILY HANDYMAN

Clean Up Your Lawnmower and Other Yard Tools

Your lawnmower and other yard tools are probably dirty after a spring and summer of use. Don’t let that dirt and grime sit around all winter. Instead, clean and tune up these tools so they will be ready for the next heavy work season. Plus: Tune Up a Lawn Mower

12 / 15

Clean and Cover Your Grill

Clean and Cover Your Grill

It’s time to break out the cleaners and steel-bristled brushes, because your grill needs attention. Get rid of any remaining scraps of food, turn off the gas, and cover the grill to protect it from weather and pests. Plus: How to Tune Up Your Outdoor Gas Grill

13 / 15

Clean Carpets

Clean Carpets

Fall is an excellent time to clean your carpet. They tend to be at their dirtiest after summer activities, and you want them clean for indoor winter activities. Be sure to open your windows and air out your house as the carpet dries. Plus: Carpet Repair, Cleaning and Installation

14 / 15

Winterize Irrigation SystemsFAMILY HANDYMAN

Winterize Irrigation Systems

In colder climates, your irrigation system should be blown out to remove any water and prevent freeze-ups that can ruin sprinklers. Make sure that you also store your garden hose and shut off the water to exterior faucets, if possible. Plus: How to Install a Drip Irrigation System

15 / 15

Trim Problem Bushes and TreesSAULETAS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Trim Problem Bushes and Trees

The last thing you want are branches to hit your house during a windstorm. Now is the time to inspect nearby trees and shrubs, and cut any low-hanging or dying branches before they can do damage. Don’t go crazy, though. Trimming promotes new growth, so wait until your bushes and trees are truly dormant (after winter, early spring) to do your annual pruning.
Originally Published: September 08, 2017

Buying a Home? 7 Essential Tips for Getting the Most from Virtual Home Tours

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Virtual tours can provide a safe alternative to traditional home showings and open houses during the pandemic.

By Jessica Bennett 

July 13, 2020

Purchasing a new home can be stressful even during the best of times. But navigating the process during a global pandemic is a whole new challenge. Buyers and sellers are still making it happen, however, with help from smart adaptations like virtual home tours. This alternative to traditional showings and open houses allows you to view a prospective home through a live video from the comfort of your own home.

Real estate agents and sellers can use video calling apps such as FaceTime or Zoom on their phone to give you a walk-through of the home. It’s a great option for potential buyers in areas where in-person showings are currently restricted or for those who aren’t comfortable entering someone else’s home right now. During the tour, the agent will virtually guide you through each space, pointing out specific features and answering questions as you go along. “You’re going to get so much more information with a guided tour than you could ever get from a rendering or by taking a virtual tour by yourself,” says Rachel Stults, a housing expert at Realtor.com.

A couple looking at a digital tablet together in a home

Participating in a virtual home showing isn’t as simple as taking a virtual museum tour, for example, where you can just sit back and enjoy the view. There are a few things you should know ahead of time, including how to prepare and what to look for during the tour. These expert tips will help you make the most of your virtual home tour so your socially distanced homebuying experience runs as smoothly as possible.

1. Write down a list of must-haves.

As with a traditional home showing, knowing what you want going in can help ensure a successful tour. Scott Campbell, a real estate agent with RE/MAX United, suggests writing down a list of wants and needs beforehand. “That way, the agent can get through those concerns first, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything during the tour,” says Campbell. Your list could include requirements for the layout, such as a finished basement or a first-floor laundry room, as well as more cosmetic features you love like crown molding or hardwood floors.

2. Have a floor plan handy.

Trying to tour a new space via video can be confusing, as it’s often difficult to discern how rooms are oriented and connect. To help keep things straight, Stults suggests having a floor plan of the home handy so you can follow along during the tour. If available, the plan can also provide a reference for each room’s size and ceiling height. Consider printing out the floor plan ahead of time so you can make notes on the home’s layout if needed.

bathroom cabinet

3. Ask the agent to be your eyes, ears, and nose.

Apart from how the home looks, its sounds and smells are also crucial factors to consider, but these can be nearly impossible to detect over video. “On a video tour, you can’t smell if there are any strange odors, or you might not be able to hear the neighbor’s dog constantly barking outside,” Stults says. “These could be deal-breakers, so this is where it’s crucial to ask your agent to be your nose and ears for you.” Have the agent point out any squeaky floorboards, creaky cabinets, pet odors, musty basement smells, or other issues you might not be able to identify through a video call. You can also ask the agent to open up closets and cabinets, show you the view from windows, or zoom in on nooks and crannies, Stults says.

4. Gather critical details.

Whether conducted in person or virtually, a home showing is your opportunity to gather more specific information about the property that might not be included in the home’s listing. During your virtual tour, have a notepad and pencil on hand so you can jot down important details. Ask the agent for specifics, then make note of details such as where electrical outlets are located, the age or brand of appliances, and the type of lighting in each room.

5. Ask as many questions as you’d like.

Throughout your tour, don’t be shy about requesting more details. “You can ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel like you’ve got a good grasp of the space,” Stults says. Your agent will likely offer lots of important information upfront, but asking additional questions during the tour can help you create a fuller picture of the property without actually seeing it for yourself.

6. Tour the outside.

Don’t forget to ask to see the outdoor areas of the home. This includes the front and back yards, deck or patio space, and any outbuildings including garages and sheds. Check out the condition of the driveway, siding, roof, and other exterior elements, which could be expensive to replace. Make note of the existing landscaping, any concerns about lawn care needs, and if the property includes a pool or hot tub.

7. Be patient.

Conducting the home-buying process during a pandemic is a new challenge for both buyers and agents, so you can expect to experience some bumps along the road. “Being patient and understanding is key as we all get through these difficult times,” Campbell says. Try to remain patient throughout any technical difficulties, and know that the tour might take slightly longer than usual since you’ll likely be asking more questions. It might not be a perfectly seamless process, but a virtual tour can provide a safe home tour option for everyone involved.

Fire Safety for Kids

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A home fire is a devastating event, and one that you never count on happening. Your children are most at risk when this disaster occurs. In fact, children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a home fire. Tragically, many home fires are started by children playing with dangerous household items – especially lighters and matches. Taking sensible precautions in the home and teaching your child how to escape from a fire can help your family avoid this type of heartbreak.

Prevent Your Child from Starting Fires

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed each year as the result of children playing with fire.

  • Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of your child’s reach. Only use lighters with child-resistant features.
  • Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your child knocking over a candle.
Help Your Child Survive a Fire
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Purchase smoke alarms here.
  • Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button.
  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.
  • Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside..
  • Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
  • Emphasize “get out, stay out.” Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on fire—even if other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside.
  • Use quick-release devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without release devices can trap you in a deadly fire. If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a release device.
  • Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them, and store them near the windows.
  • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
https://youtu.be/fhKD1CS8pcM
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