Depending on an individual’s situation, the ACA has been a very welcome piece of legislation that has allowed some to be able to find health insurance subsidized by the government because their households fall below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level. Those households struggled financially and the ACA has helped to improve their healthcare situation. For others, the ACA has had a negative impact and caused significant financial burden to their households. While they have had to endure significant cost increases to maintain health insurance, they’ve had little, or no, disposable income to do so. Bottom line – … Continue reading

Even though we are nearing the end of October, I wanted to honor fire prevention month with a few tips to help keep you safe. I recently attended my son’s school field trip to the fire station, and learned a few things along with those kindergartners. Did you know you are supposed to check your fire alarms once a week and change the batteries once a year? Pick a day of the week that you designate to checking the fire alarms and choose a day you will remember to change your batteries, such as your birthday. Also, check with your … Continue reading

No, I do not mean the object that protects you from the rain. What I mean is an insurance policy to protect you from potential financial ruins. If you find yourself reading this blog, then hopefully you are interested in more information on the importance of an umbrella policy (or you live in an area with a lot of rainfall.J) The truth is, the answer to this question is yes. Yes, YOU need an umbrella. Everyone needs an umbrella. It does not matter your age, your wealth, the amount of assets you have accumulated, or what your hobbies are. What … Continue reading

WINTER, not something we want to think about at this time, but it is right around the corner. Now is the time to start the winter preparation process which not only includes planting bulbs, trimming back the flowers we so enjoyed all summer, but also preparing our homes for the U.P winter weather. Check the weather-stripping around door frames and windows to prevent heat loss. Trim overgrown branches back from your house which prevents iced over branches to cause property damage or power problems. Add extra dirt to low areas around your home to assist rain and snow run off … Continue reading

“Jessica, I just opened my door in the parking lot and hit someone else’s car. I see paint on the other vehicle from my truck. What do I do?” This was a phone call I received from my husband the other day while I was at work. Not ideal, but it happens. We have a few options in this scenario, right? Quick drive away and hope no one saw you Stick around until the owner returns Leave a note in a clearly visible spot with contact information and what happened Of course option #1 should NEVER be an option. What … Continue reading

The shift is on – after way too long of a delay, the U.S. will join the rest of the developed world and make the transition to EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) microchip containing credit cards. Depending on whom you choose to do your banking with, you may have already received your updated credit cards that contain these chips. The switch is being made predominantly for security purposes as the outdated magnetic stripe cards first introduced in the 1970’s are easily duplicated and stolen. The new cards will change the way your point of sale transactions will occur, and the level … Continue reading

Identity theft is something we often hear about on the news and in the media. Even though this isn’t a new concept, it is constantly evolving. Often, I believe we don’t realize how far reaching and severe the problem of identity theft is. Each year, millions of people lose their identity. In fact, Identity theft is the number one consumer complaint filed with the FDC for fifteen years in a row. You might say that at that rate, it’s not a matter of if – but when. Here are some interesting facts to consider regarding identity theft: ID theft isn’t … Continue reading

The Affordable Care Act has brought many changes to the health insurance industry.  One of these major changes is also connected to your auto insurance and how you and your family are protected if injured in an auto accident.  Let me explain further. In the State of Michigan, your auto insurance policy will pay for medical expenses due to an automobile accident.  In the past, it was common for your auto insurance policy to provide you with an option on whether you wanted this type of ‘full’ medical coverage on your auto insurance policy or if you preferred to coordinate and … Continue reading

Being involved in a non-profit organization is a rewarding and meaningful commitment. Many times these positions are not paid; people are volunteering their time to better their community and support organizations they strongly believe in. However, in today‘s world it is also important to be sure you are protecting yourself and your organization. Most people don’t realize that as a board member they may be held personally liable for the actions of the organization. Let’s start with the basics. What is a Directors and Officers Liability insurance policy? Directors and Officers insurance is coverage for the directors and officers of … Continue reading

It used to be easy when it was just ”you” to think about.  Life was pretty simple, your money was yours, the things you choose to do or not do were impactful only to you.  To a large degree, you were accountable only to yourself. Fast forward a few years and you have a loving family that not only cares about you – but relies on you for things like income, a roof over their head and food on the table.  If you find yourself in this position then it may also be time for family life insurance planning.  Knowing your … Continue reading