Four Ways a Condo Warranty Can Benefit You

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We have all had a dishwasher that puttered out or a washing machine that sat idle with clothes floating in a well of water. Fixing creaky old appliances can be costly, and it often seems there is no way of avoiding such expenses. However, many owners and renters have found a solution: purchasing a condo warranty.
Unlike insurance-which covers natural disasters, calamities, and theft-a warranty is a service contract that, among other things, covers major appliances for members of a condominium. These warranties are specifically designed to work within the existing support structure and services provided by your association, so you only pay for the protection you need. Here are four ways a condo warranty can benefit you.

Covers Major Home Appliances and Systems

While the definitions of major systems and appliances may vary from policy to policy, a condo warranty will typically cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, dishwashers, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, and garage doors. Refrigerators are often covered when they are in the property at the time of purchase. This can be even more beneficial in the event that a retailer or chain goes out of business and/or any coverage you have on the product lapses.

Enhances Market Value

Condo warranties are, in general, cost-saving tools when it comes to maintenance. However, they can also be an enhanced benefit in a competitive seller’s market because they increase a unit’s marketability. According to the National Home Warranty Association, units on the market that covered by warranties tend to sell about 50 percent faster than homes that are not.

Protects from Potential Post-Sale Legal Disputes

Warranties generally protect the condo’s seller from post-sale legal disputes. They allow for the purchaser to invest with confidence, as they are given more security than what is offered by a statute of limitations, which, in most cases, only lasts four years. On the flip side, sellers can avoid legal disputes based on faulty or dysfunctional appliances and systems because they are covered. Of course, reviewing the fine print for specifics is always highly encouraged before purchasing a property.

Provides Peace of Mind

Out of the nine most crucial appliances in the home, at least one is expected to break down at some point in its 13-year average lifespan. A new buyer is assured some peace of mind in knowing that if something goes awry with any of the condo’s major appliances or systems, they will likely be covered by the warranty.

6 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Auto Insurance

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Safe driving and fewer points on your license will always go a long way toward reducing the amount of money you pay for Elkton auto insurance, but these aren’t the only ways to keep your premiums low. Check out these surprising ways to keep more money in your pocket at the end of the month.
Reduce Coverage on Older Vehicles

Did you know that collision coverage makes up the largest portion of insurance costs? If you’re driving an older vehicle that is paid for, you may want to consider eliminating this coverage. Car owners with vehicles that are older than 10 years should can benefit the most from dropping collision coverage.

Increase Your Deductible

The lower the deductible you have on your vehicle, the higher your insurance premium will be. You may have chosen a lower deductible because you financed your vehicle, but if the vehicle is paid off and you’re a safe driver with no accidents on your record, you may want to consider raising your deductible. Yes, you’ll pay more if you do have an accident, but why pay more for driving your car around safely every day?

Are you still financing your vehicle? You have wiggle room when it comes to your deductible. Most lenders require their customers to have a $500 deductible or less. If you’re feeling the pinch in your budget with a $250 deductible, consider raising it to $500 to lower your monthly payments. Doing so will give you a little bit of financial relief without breaking your lender’s rules.

Save Money on Teen Drivers with Safety Programs

It’s no surprise that teenage drivers can make your insurance premiums skyrocket overnight. This is the case whether they have a car of their own or they borrow yours. One of easiest ways to soften the financial blow is to ask your insurance company if they have safe driver programs. These programs may require proof of a driver education class or may simply require your teen to take a course online. Although your teen may not be thrilled to participate in a driver safety program, you’ll be happy when you open your insurance bill every month.

Keep All Your Insurance Policies with One Company

Multipolicy discounts are money savers. Whether it is a life insurance policy, renter’s insurance, or a homeowner’s policy, you save when you bundle. Nearly every insurance company offers multipolicy discounts, but if you’re with an insurance company that doesn’t offer this savings, it’s time to start shopping for a new provider.

Drive Less to Save More

Today people work less from brick-and-mortar offices and more from the comfort of their own homes. If you telecommute, work part-time from home, or carpool during the week, let your insurance company know. Spending less time on the road means you’re less likely to get into an accident and this is news to be celebrated by insurance companies. Cutting the amount of driving you do to and from work can slash the cost of insurance.

Research Safe Cars before You Buy

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Before you head to the dealership, do a little research. Each year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates vehicles for safety. Cars that meet the highest standards generally cost less to ensure. It’s not that these vehicles won’t be involved in accidents, but if they are, the chances of injury and damage may be significantly less than other cars on the road that are not equipped with certain safety features.

Some Important Truths About Life Insurance

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When is the last time you thought about life insurance? Here in the tranquility of West Palm Beach, life insurance might be the last thing on your mind, but life insurance is an important part of planning for the future, no matter your stage in life. Here are some important things about insurance you need to know:

Life Insurance Is Important, Even for the Young and Single.
Do you have student loans or other debts? Life insurance will help your loved ones pay off these debts if something happens to you. Additionally, youth makes life insurance very inexpensive. The right life insurance policy can be a great way to get you started planning for the future.

Even Stay-at-Home Parents Need Life Insurance.
Just because you don’t earn any income does not mean you don’t contribute financially to your family. If you were gone, your family would need to hire out some of the jobs you do, like child care, cooking, and home maintenance, just to name a few. Life insurance will help your family cover those expenses, as they will be substantial. Your spouse might also need to take time off from work, and life insurance will help cover the cost of that as well, allowing your loved ones to take the time they need to adjust to life without you.

Life Insurance You Get from Your employer Is Not Sufficient.
It might be, but likely not. First of all, your employer-paid policy is not portable, so you will lose it in the event you switch jobs. Secondly, that policy is not made to fit you and your needs and, as a result, may not offer sufficient coverage for your family. And lastly, employee life insurance is generally a term policy, meaning it only covers you for a specific period of time, typically the time of your employment with the company. Once you leave the company, even for retirement, you may no long be covered. Purchasing life insurance once you retire will be considerably more expensive, so it is good sense to purchase your own policy early on that will cover what you need and last as long as you need it.

Life Insurance Proceeds Are Tax Free.
Life insurance provides your family with tax-free money to use to pay off debts, cover burial and funeral expenses, and to replace your financial contribution to the family.

You Need Life Insurance Even after Your Children Are Grown.
Life insurance helps cover a multitude of expenses, not just the costs of raising a family. A good life insurance policy will help your family cover final costs and pay for any debts you leave behind. Life insurance benefits can even be used to pay high estate taxes and allow you to leave your descendants with an inheritance.

Life Insurance Is Affordable.
Life insurance is affordable for most people. You can start with a simple policy that fits comfortably within your budget now, and then increase your coverage as your budget grows. With all the many insurance options available, you are sure to find a policy to fit your needs and your pocketbook. The earlier you start, the more affordable life insurance will be.

Life insurance is an important piece of your financial plan at every stage in your life. Life insurance needs also change over time, so it is critical that you work closely with your insurance agent to monitor your coverage and make changes as needed. In West Palm Beach, life insurance advice is just a click away. Don’t put off this decision one more day; start planning now.

7 Awesome Ways to Enhance Your Business Meetings

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Nobody likes a boring meeting. If your business is hosting dull lectures, training sessions, or conference room gatherings it’s time for a change. Luckily, there are simple and easy ways to improve your business meetings while ensuring your important guests and employees retain your valuable information. From getting focused to creating a multi media conference room, today’s article highlights the top 7 ways to improve your meetings in flash!
Get Focused

If you’re hosting a meeting of any kind, it’s supremely important to get your guests focused and in tune to the info you’re about to provide. While it sounds silly, staring your meeting with a quick stretching session will surprise your clients and get them woken up. How often have you been excited for a meeting? If you answered not too often you’re not alone! Rest assured your guests probably feel the same way. That lack of enthusiasm means a lack of focus and thus your information delivery is not fully hitting home. It’s important to start with a surprise factor, something out of the ordinary to set the mood. Get your employees and guest focused out of the gate in order to get your meeting off and running smoothly.

Food and Drink

Everyone loves a snack, and if you’re still searching for ways to get your guests focused, you can always resort to heavy doses of coffee. Bring in donuts, fruit, or other simple and inexpensive treats for your clients to enjoy. As most meetings are highlighted by minimal excitement, at the very least you’ll ensure your guests stay awake while eating. All jokes aside, fun ideas like pot luck meetings are a great way to improve on staff morale while simultaneously creating a more effective business gathering.

Brighten Up

Stop treating your conference area like a cave! If your meeting space has windows, open those bad boys up. Natural light is an invaluable source of energy sure to assist you in the pursuit of an entertaining meeting. Switching your office bulbs to low wattage models might not be a big conversation point with meeting guests but sure can save you a bundle on that pesky electric bill! Part of improving any business means budgeting, saving, and being as cost effective as possible. That being said, saving money on power means that regardless of your conference content you’re helping your company.

Communication

We’ve all sat through those 3 hour meetings where one person talks non stop. Needless to say this is not ideal. Part of hosting a quality meeting involves good communication with guests. Group activities, games, and prizes are all awesome ideas that should be incorporated when possible. Simply asking questions regularly is an effective tool for getting the team involved without making your serious meeting feel too much like a party.

Get Comfortable

Comfort plays a major role in meeting quality. Cozy guests are far more in tune than those spending the duration of your presentation fidgeting incessantly. If your businesses meeting area is out of date it might just be time for an upgrade. In 2013, several of the industries most reputable office product manufacturers have released incredible new contemporary furniture for conference room applications that are sure to impress your guests while providing optimal comfort. Meeting with a professional interior design team can provide helpful insight and ideas for improving your meeting space. Those with limited budgets will definitely want to make use of the free advice provided by any professional business furnishing provider worth their weight.

Go Ergo

Another key part of conference room comfort involves the use of modern ergonomics to improve meeting efficiency and productivity. The top chairs for conference room use manufactured by brands such as Eurotech Seating, Global Total Office, and Offices To Go all provide high quality features at prices any budget will appreciate. In addition to seating, other ergo products you should consider adding include mobile presentation boards, powered lecterns, and adjustable lighting.

Keep It Visual

Creating a multi media space is a great way to take your meeting potential to the next level. Studies have shown that most prefer visual learning to auditory methods. Keeping it visual in the conference room will greatly improve your chances of getting that important info to stick long term. From conference tables with power options to simple projectors, your meeting quality will be on a definite rise when visual materials are incorporated.