May 19, 2012
Although you may not want to think about the state of your finances, there is no getting away from the fact that money is an essential part of everyday life. This article is full of tips that will help you get your finances under control.
Be sure to include your post tax income. For starters, include all after-tax money that you get each month from your salary, alimony, child support, rental income, or other sources. Make sure your expenses are less than your income on a monthly basis. A great way to consolidate many bills into a smaller payment is by getting personal loans and these loans are typically desired because they offer a much lower rate of interest. You can imagine how much money you will save by consolidating higher interest loans into a personal loan with a lower rate.
To make this process effective, you should compose a detailed listing of your expenditures. You need to also include quarterly and yearly payments. Some of these expenses may be home improvement and repair costs, or car maintenance and registration payments. You need to also write down other, smaller things that you pay for daily or weekly, such as child care or grocery shopping. You should make sure that your list is as comprehensive as possible to ensure you have a true picture of what you spend.
There are always things you can eliminate from any budget. One easy thing you can do is bring coffee from home instead of stopping for expensive lattes on the way to work. Seek out anything similar to this that you can get rid of without difficulty prior to putting together a lasting financial plan.
See what improvements you can make to help you lower your utility bills. Windows can be a weak link in your homes armor by letting out heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Make sure your windows are properly insulated. An on-demand hot water tank is a good way to reduce spending. Have a plumber come out and fix any leaky pipes you have to help lower your monthly water bill. Be sure to run your dishwasher only when it is full, so you can make the best use of it.
If you can, purchase new energy efficient appliances. These energy-saving appliances help you save on your utilities. Also, when you are not using something, unplug it. You can save both money and energy by doing this.
Some home improvements pay for themselves over time with the reduction in utility expenses. For example, replacing your roof and installing new insulation prevents you from losing energy for both heating and cooling because of insufficient structural materials.
Try to save money by being careful with appliances. Even though you are spending money to repair or replace items, you will see a savings in the long run.
Posted by admin under Personal Finance | Comments (0)
May 1, 2012
LANCASTER, PA, Apr 18, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
The average household now spends $50 per month more on gasoline
than last year, says financial planner Rick Rodgers, author of “The
New Three-Legged Stool: A Tax Efficient Approach To Retirement
Planning” (
www.TheNewThreeLeggedStool.com ).
Ease the pain by looking for other places to offset that extra
expense. Car insurance is a good place to start.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the national
average auto insurance premium is $850 per year. Rodgers says you can
reduce that:
— Shop around regularly. Your insurance agent doesn’t have a lot of
incentive to reduce your premiums, so shop around yourself on the
internet or get an independent insurance agent to shop for you.
Contact the Independent Agents Association at (800) 221-7917. (Be sure
the company you go with has a good credit rating and claims-paying
history.)
— Bundle your coverage. Combining different types of policies (auto,
homeowners, liability, etc.) with the same company can be rewarded
with discounts on premiums. Bundled packages usually result in a 10 to
15 percent savings.
— Ask for discounts. Ask whether discounts are offered for good driving
records, anti-theft devices, vehicle safety features (anti-lock
brakes, air bags, automatic seatbelts), low annual mileage and
insuring more than one car. Discounts are also available for buying
your policy online, paying in full up front, and being a loyal
customer.
— Take a defensive driving class. You can learn a lot and most insurance
companies recognize the value of a refresher course. Most offer a 10
percent discount on your premium for three years. AARP offers a driver
safety program online for those over age 50.
— Increase your deductible. Do your auto and homeowners policies have
low deductibles? If so, you may be able to reduce your premiums 15 to
30 percent by raising the deductible on your collision and
comprehensive coverage. Make sure you have an emergency fund set aside
to cover the cost of repairs before you make the change.
About Rick Rodgers
Certified Financial Planner Rick Rodgers is president of Rodgers &
Associates, "The Retirement Specialists," in Lancaster, Pa. He's a
Certified Retirement Counselor and member of the National Association
of Personal Financial Advisers. Rodgers has been featured on national
radio and TV shows, including "FOX Business News" and "The 700 Club,"
and is available to speak at conferences and corporate events
(
www.rodgersspeaks.com ).
Contact:
Ginny Grimsley
ginny@newsandexperts.com
SOURCE: Author Rick Rodgers
mailto:ginny@newsandexperts.com
Copyright 2012 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.
Financial Glossary
Words used in this article:
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 28, 2012
PR Web
Perris, Calif. (PRWEB) April 16, 2012
Travelers now have more options than ever when it comes to buying Mexican auto insurance. Mexican Insurance Store, a leading online provider of Mexican auto insurance, offers new policies that cover an unlimited number of eligible drivers. As a result, travelers do not have to worry about buying multiple policies. In most cases, a single policy will cover every eligible driver. Our policies are designed to insure specific vehicles, says
Linden Gray, the president of Mexican Insurance Store. As long as a person is 21 with a valid US or Canadian driver’s license, and the owner’s permission to drive in Mexico, they are covered by our Mexico car insurance policies, he adds. This makes it even more convenient for people to travel in groups to Mexico.
The majority of people who drive into Mexico end up on extended road trips. Most of them travel in groups to split up the amount of driving that needs to be done. Weve taken informal polls of the people who buy Mexico car insurance through our site, says one Mexican Insurance Store employee. The majority of them are heading south of the border with at least one other eligible driver. Because each Mexican insurance Store online policy covers a single vehicle, travelers dont have to worry about paying extra each day for additional drivers. Buying online definitely saves people a lot of money, adds the employee.
Its easy to be eligible to drive in Mexico. To be eligible, a person has to be at least 21 years old. He must also have a valid drivers license with a photo on it. Beyond that, other than permission, if necessary, theres nothing else to worry about. Some folks think that there must be a lot involved in being eligible to drive down in Mexico, but thats not true at all, says the employee. Its really no different than driving in the US As long as youre 21 and have a valid drivers license from your home country, you should be good to go.
Mexican Insurance Store sells “A” Rated or better, discounted Mexican auto insurance policies. The companys quality, service and low prices are primarily responsible for its ongoing success. I always find great prices through Mexican Insurance Store, says one longtime customer. When I found out that a single policy covers an unlimited number of eligible drivers, I was even more impressed. To make the trip even cheaper, many people split the cost of buying Mexican auto insurance online. Thats what I do, says the customer. I get a quick Mexican auto insurance online quote, split up the total among all of the travelers and have everyone pitch in. It works well!
With its streamlined online quote process, Mexican Insurance Store has made the process of buying this important coverage easier than ever. We know that our customers just want to get to Mexico, says Gray. Buying Mexico car insurance isnt necessarily fun, but its important. We do what it takes to make the process as quick, easy and cost-effective as possible. As always, Mexican Insurance Store has plenty of plans for the upcoming year. Were not making any announcements just yet, but stay tuned, adds Gray.
About Mexican Insurance Store.com
Mexican Insurance Store is the largest provider of Mexican auto Insurance in South California’s Inland Empire, the 3rd most populous metropolitan area in California. The company offers a variety of Mexico Car Insurance policies online and provides policies to Canada and US travelers nationwide. Self-service policies are purchased and printed instantly by customers or created by the company at no additional charge and emailed or faxed to customers in minutes at no additional charge.
For additional information call 888 800 9988 from US or Canada or 001-881-800-9988 from Mexico or 951-657-4220 Direct.
Contact:
Mexican Insurance Store
service(at)mexicaninsurancestore(dot)com
3819 Saint Austell Way
Perris, CA 92571
Fax 626 638 3255
###
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9410327.htm
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 26, 2012
A perfect storm of weather-related damage claims and low investment returns last year resulted in a record loss in the Saskatchewan Auto Fund and the smallest profit in 10 years at SGI Canada, the minister responsible for both Crown-owned insurance operations said Tuesday.
As a result, the Auto Fund will seek a 3.7 per cent rate hike that, if approved, would take effect in August.
2011 was a challenging year for both sides of the company, said SGI Minister Tim McMillan, whose portfolio includes SGI Canada, the competitive arm of SGI that sells property and casualty insurance in seven provinces, and the Auto Fund, the provinces compulsory auto insurance plan, which is administered by SGI.
Buffeted by winter and summer storms in Saskatchewan, SGI Canada saw record net (after reinsurance) storm claims totalling $32.4 million in 2011, compared with net storm claims of $30.6 million in 2010. The 10year average is $15.7 million, but in 2009, there were virtually none.
In fact, SGI Canadas Saskatchewan operations, which account for about 70 per cent of its business, reported a $700,000 loss in 2011, versus a $41.2-million profit in 2010. Out-of-province operations returned a $1.1-million profit in 2011, compared with an $8.1 million profit in 2010. As a result, SGI Canada reported a $441,000 profit in 2011, the lowest return since the corporation posted a $8.8-million loss in 2002.
Similarly, the Auto Fund was hit by rising injury and damage claims last year, causing claims costs to rise to $806.9 million from $604.7 million in 2010, an increase of $202.2 million. The result was a decrease in the Auto Funds rate stabilization reserve of $142.9 million – a record loss and the biggest since a $93.9-million loss in 1994.
Weve had bad years in the past in the Auto Fund; this one is, I think, the worst, said Andrew Cartmell, president and CEO of SGI Canada, who joined SGI as CEO in 2009.
It really was, in a sense, a perfect storm of a very bad winter in the first quarter of last year – think of all the snow we had, lots of accidents. We had a very, very active summer storm season, lots of hail claims, and on top of that we had the investment markets in turmoil for a good chunk of the year, Cartmell said, referring to the Auto Funds investment earnings, which declined to $51.7 million from $119.4 million in 2010.
The Auto Funds rate stabilization fund absorbed most of the impact of the damage claims, leaving a balance of $134.3 million in the reserve at the end of 2011, down from $271.9 million in 2010.
But rising claims costs and lower investment returns are causing the Auto Fund to apply for a 3.7 per cent rate hike to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel. If approved by the panel and cabinet, the rate hike will take effect Aug. 4.
What were trying to do is predict the volume of dollars we need to collect from August of this year to July of next year, Cartmell said, adding lower bond yields are the biggest factor in the corporations need to hike its rates.
With expectations of continued volatility in the markets, Cartmell said the company is continuing to expand outside the province, mainly in Ontario and Alberta, to spread its geographic risk. Five years ago, the Saskatchewan portion of our business was something over 80 per cent. Were down to just over 71 per cent, Cartmell said.
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April 25, 2012
For many consumers, their first experience with an insurance company comes on the carriers website, as they search for an insurance quote. This past July, JD Power and Associates reported that a majority of auto insurance quotes now originate online. Accordingly, customer experience has become the watchword for Pamp;C carriers that are looking to differentiate themselves without simply racing to the bottom on price. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 24, 2012
HomeStar Insurance Services Launches Interactive Website
HomeStar Insurance Services announces the launch of a new agency website at http://www.HomesStarIns.com. With interactive features such as on-site glossaries, maps, driving directions, and multiple forms of contact, HomeStar Insurance Services’ new website covers several types of insurance including Kankakee Auto Insurance and is designed with insurance customers in mind.
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April 24, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Apr 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Zander Insurance Group, one of the country’s largest independent
insurance brokerage agencies, and recognized for its long term
sponsorship of the nationally syndicated Dave Ramsey Show, announced
today a strategic partnership with Answer Financial to offer home and
auto insurance to its customers nationwide. The partnership will make
Zander Insurance the only independent agency to provide both online
instant quotes and agent-assisted services for a comprehensive array of
personal insurance programs, from multiple companies nationwide.
“Our partnership with Answer Financial will give us the ability to
access a broad selection of auto and home insurance products on a
nationwide basis allowing our customers to compare rates and ultimately
save time and money,” said Jeffery Zander, President of Zander
Insurance. “We are the only agency to offer a wide range of personal
insurance products, whether online or through agent interaction which
includes term life, disability, identity theft protection, health, and
home and auto insurance. This partnership positions us to provide
enhanced services for future clients and cultivate stronger
relationships with current clients,” said Zander.
Currently, the majority of national options are either offered by
Direct-Writers that only offer access to one company or other
distribution outlets that are limited in the products and services to
which their clients have access. The addition of home and auto insurance
enables Zander to provide current and future clients a comparative
shopping experience sourced from multiple companies which addresses
their core personal insurance needs now and into the future.
“Zander Insurance is one of the most respected independent agencies in
the country,” said Rob Slingerland, CEO, Answer Financial. “Answer
Financial will bring its leading home and auto insurance platform to
this partnership and provide Zander customers a great opportunity to
shop, compare and save on insurance they already are paying for today.”
Customers nationwide can receive instant home and auto rates through
Zander Insurance’s website or through a dedicated call center accessed
toll free. Zander Insurance represents only the most reputable and
financially stable insurance providers offering an array of policies and
programs to meet the specific needs of customers.
To learn more about Zander Insurance’s home and auto services, please
visit
www.Zanderins.com .
About Zander Insurance: Zander
Insurance is one of the country’s largest independent insurance
agency/brokerage and has been serving its customers for over 80 years
and four generations. Zander is often recognized by its long standing
relationship with Dave Ramsey, almost 15 years, and sponsorship of his
nationally syndicated radio program. They work to assist their clients
make informed decisions in all areas of insurance planning including
Term Life, Disability, ID Theft, Home, Auto, Business, Health and
Employee Benefits. The Zander Insurance website is the only site in the
country offering instant online comparison quotes for all major personal
insurance products, simplifying the search and coverage review process
for its clients on a national basis. For more information on Zander
Insurance call 800-356-4282, send an email to info@zanderins.com
or log on to
http://www.zanderinsurance.com
About Answer Financial(R) Inc.: Answer
Financial is one of the largest independent personal lines agencies in
the nation, providing auto and home insurance policies directly to
consumers and through a broad network of marketing partners. Answer
Financial serves the growing segment of self-directed consumers
searching for the best way to save money on insurance by providing one
easy place to Shop, Compare, and Buy Insurance. By leveraging technology
and partnerships with top-rated insurers including sister company
Esurance, Answer Financial can provide real-time comparison rates for
virtually every consumer. Customers can purchase online or over the
phone with the guidance of an insurance expert.
www.answerfinancial.com
SOURCE: Zander Insurance Group
For Zander Insurance Group
Margie Quina, 504-432-2209
memopublicrelations@gmail.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 22, 2012
Alton, NH (PRWEB) April 18, 2012
Morin Insurance Agency is making communication a two-way street through consistent updating of the agency’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn profiles as well as its interactive blog. These social media connections make it easy for customers, and those looking for information, to be kept up-to-date about insurance matters quickly and easily.
Customers can now request an insurance quote or service forms, get one-stop information about New Hampshire auto insurance, access an employee directory and pinpoint locations directly from the agency’s Facebook page. Social media is a great way to connect immediately with a trusted agent at Morin Insurance Agency in the event of a disaster, after hours, or on the go; providing multiple ways to get information or request a quote.
Social networking services offer clients instant access to information from Morin Insurance Agency that might otherwise be difficult to get in the event of a disaster or emergency. Claim information, weather alerts, disaster warnings and breaking news are now at the customer’s fingertips. Clients can easily get in touch with the agent, especially if they do not have the agency’s direct contact information within reach.
Morin Insurance Agency’s blog offers an opportunity for people to have an open dialogue with their agent about topics such as auto, home, business, amp; life. Blog entries create a conversation filled with valuable information from knowledgeable agents about community and insurance news. It also includes tips and tricks for making the best insurance decisions. Blog discussions are especially helpful for those with general insurance questions. Users can also find insurance information by downloading Free Reports from Morin Insurance Agency’s website.
Consumers now have a simple way to communicate, collaborate, find expert advice, and share information using any of the social networking links found on the agency’s website. Visit http://www.MorinAgency.com to learn more and to get connected to the resources offered by Morin Insurance Agency.
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 21, 2012
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Progressive announced today that it is lowering auto
insurance premiums in West Virginia.
“We make it easy and affordable for consumers to get car insurance,”
said Progressive’s West Virginian product manager, Allison Feakins. “We
review our rates regularly, and, when market conditions allow it, make
changes to help people save money. In addition to new lower rates, we
already offer a variety of unique tools to make it easier to understand
and shop for insurance.”
With Progressive’s easy-to-use Name
Your Price(R)tool,
people are also customizing coverage packages that fit their budget.
The rate reduction is a statewide average. Some customers may experience
a larger decrease, a smaller decrease or a rate increase. Historically,
consumers who switch to Progressive save an average of $475*.
“Now is the time to give us a call, go online or visit your local
independent agent to make sure you’re getting the combination of
coverage, service and price that’s right for you,” said Feakins.
Progressive Firsts
For 75 years, Progressive has had a long-standing culture of innovation
and superior customer service. Among its long list of industry
breakthroughs, Progressive was the first to:
–
Provide claims service at the scene of an accident.
–
Sell auto insurance online.
–
Offer a concierge level of claims service, an option that handles
every aspect of a car’s repair.
To purchase auto insurance or get a free quote, call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE
or visit
www.progressive.com .
To find a local independent agent, visit
www.progressiveagent.com .
*Average annual savings from 2011 national survey of new customers who
saved with Progressive.
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to
understand, buy, and use auto
insurance. Progressive offers choices
so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however it’s most
convenient for them–online at progressive.com, by phone at
1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.
Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and
trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. It’s the
fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle
insurance, and a leader in commercial
auto insurance. Progressive also offers car
insurance online in Australia at
http://www.progressiveonline.com.au .
Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering
shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like
Name Your Price(R), the Snapshot Discount(R), and a
concierge level of claims service.
The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village,
Ohio-based holding company, trade publicly at
/quotes/zigman/238942/quotes/nls/pgr PGR
-4.51%
.
SOURCE: Progressive
Progressive PR
Erin Hendrick, 440-395-0454
ehendri2@progressive.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012
/quotes/zigman/238942/quotes/nls/pgr
Add to portfolio
PGR
Progressive Corp.
US
: U.S.: NYSE
$
21.37
-1.01
-4.51%
Volume: 23.90M
April 20, 2012 4:01p
P/E Ratio14.32
Dividend Yield1.91%
Market Cap$13.68 billion
Rev. per Employee$626,832
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 20, 2012
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Apr 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Progressive Insurance is helping small business owners get a leg up on
their competition. The company has doubled the available liability
limits of its Commercial Auto policies. It now offers options for $1.5
or $2 million. With these limits, business owners won’t need to buy a
separate, costly umbrella policy to meet the liability requirements for
large projects.
“We’ve seen business owners struggle at times with liability
requirements on larger projects,” said Cory Fischer, commercial auto
product manager at Progressive. “Let’s say a business owner with a
standard $1 million policy wins a bid for a large project, but the
contract requires $2 million in liability. The business owner’s best
option might be to buy a $1 million umbrella policy to make up the
difference. Sure, it meets the contract requirements. But because most
umbrella policies have a minimum premium requirement, it comes at quite
a cost–often up to $1,000 of premium for what otherwise might be just
$200 worth of coverage.”
With this option, business owners get the limits they need. And because
it’s on top of the standard limits already on their policy, they pay
only incrementally more. This is particularly valuable for businesses
that are predominately vehicle-based, such as for-hire trucker’s whose
shippers require $2M in liability coverage or a trucker hauling
aggregate from a quarry to a road construction site.
Adds Cory, “They save time, too. Rather than having to start at square
one to buy an additional umbrella policy, business owners can simply add
the higher limits to an existing Progressive policy. Or, they can
specify those limits when they buy a new Progressive policy.”
Companies can get a quote from a local independent agent or at
http://www.ProgressiveCommercial.com .
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to
understand, buy, and use auto
insurance. Progressive offers choices
so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however it’s most
convenient for them–online at progressive.com, by phone at
1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.
Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and
trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. It’s the
fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle
insurance, and a leader in commercial
auto insurance. Progressive also offers car
insurance online in Australia at
http://www.progressiveonline.com.au .
Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering
shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like
Name Your Price(R), the Snapshot Discount(R), and a
concierge level of claims service.
The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village,
Ohio-based holding company, trade publicly at
/quotes/zigman/238942/quotes/nls/pgr PGR
-4.51%
.
SOURCE: Progressive
Progressive PR
Steve Kaczynski, 440-395-1008
skaczyn1@progressive.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012
/quotes/zigman/238942/quotes/nls/pgr
Add to portfolio
PGR
Progressive Corp.
US
: U.S.: NYSE
$
21.37
-1.01
-4.51%
Volume: 23.90M
April 20, 2012 4:01p
P/E Ratio14.32
Dividend Yield1.91%
Market Cap$13.68 billion
Rev. per Employee$626,832
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)
April 20, 2012
(PRLEAP.COM) An announcement last week from the Pennsylvania attorney general of 12 arrests made in relation to an alleged auto insurance rate-evasion scheme is highlighting the prohibitively high prices for coverage in the Northeast, according to OnlineAutoInsurance.com.
A release put out by the attorney generals office said the Pennsylvania crime ring allegedly helped thousands of drivers who were residents of other states get Pennsylvania registrations and fictitious addresses to use to buy bare-bones Pennsylvania policies.
Running an auto insurance quotes comparison for a policy in multiple states can show why someone would want to commit such a crime. Coverage prices vary widely from one state to the next, and the disparity is rather large in the Northeast.
According to estimates from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average car insurance expenditure in 2009 was about $811 in Pennsylania. Thats compared with an average of $928 in Maryland, $1,021 in Delaware, $1,057 in New York, and $1,101 in New Jersey.
A lot of that has to do with claims rates in those states, but another contributing factor is that the required coverages in Pennsylvania are significantly lower than those in place in the surrounding area.
Just based on those NAIC numbers, a New Jersey driver who used such illegal rate-evasion services could have cut premiums by an average of about 25 percent.
But those savings come with great costs.
Knowingly registering a vehicle under a false address is likely to bring some pretty serious penalties. And if those drivers were to get into an accident, chances are their insurer wouldnt end up paying for the claim. Thats because lying about your address to get a better rate constitutes material representation, and, generally, insurers can cancel a policyholders coverage and deny a claim if he or she is found to have misrepresented personal information when buying a policy.
Denying a claim for material misrepresentation isnt limited to cases where drivers say they live in a different state. It could happen even if you say that you live in another city, since prices also fluctuate at that level as well.
According to a press release from the Pennsylvania attorney generals office, the suspects are said to have earned more than half a million dollars and cost the insurance industry millions more.
Source:http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=6467
To learn more about this and other insurance issues, readers can head to http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/ for access to informative resource pages and an easy-to-use quote-comparison generator.
Posted by admin under Auto Insurance | Comments (0)