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Wed, Sep 2nd, 2020

10 Tips for a baby-safe houseBabies and toddlers are a bit like puppies. They're curious. They don't have complete control of their bodies when they're still very young, and once they're mobile, look out! They put things into their mouths, and explore everything they can get their hands on. As a new parent, it's your job to minimize the risks around your home, so that your baby can play and explore without getting hurt... and without ruining the house.

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Wed, Aug 26th, 2020

Preparing for an EmergencyA few short months ago, many of us, and around the world, quickly learned that we were not prepared for an emergency. And while it didn't turn out to be the type of emergency we thought it was; there was really no need to buy all that toilet paper. It reminded us that we are not invincible, and that we really should have an emergency plan and supplies in place. If you haven't already put together your own emergency plan and supplies, it's not too late. Take the following steps to make sure your family is prepared.

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Wed, Aug 19th, 2020

Home Innovations: Technology for Smarter LivingTechnology-enhanced homes in Missouri are the wave of the future, but many people might not understand how smart home technology works, believe they can afford it, or know whether or not it's worth the investment. While there certainly are complete smart home systems available, you don't necessarily have to go all in or spend a ton of money in order to take advantage of some of the most practical innovations smart home technology has to offer.

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Wed, Aug 19th, 2020

For business owners, operating during a pandemic is complicated to say the least. You want to do the right thing by your staff and customers, without losing the business you love. In many cases, there is a lot you can do to make patronizing and working at your business safer for everyone.
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Wed, Aug 12th, 2020

This fall, we're heading into an unknown future with the COVID-19 virus. While some schools are doing their best to re-open, other schools and some parents have decided it's best for kids to stay home, at least for now. As adults, we know how to social distance, wash our hands, and do whatever we can to minimize our risk of infection, but these practices are harder to enforce with kids and teens. Whether or not your kids are going back to school in the fall, here are some things you can do to keep them healthy.
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Wed, Jul 29th, 2020

Vacations and BusinessSo your business has grown enough that you have full time employees and want to start offering benefits, including paid time off. How do you craft a vacation policy that works for you, your business and employees? There's not a one-size-fits all solution, but here are some things to think about and tips for getting started.

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Wed, Jul 22nd, 2020

Keeping your Cool in the SummerIn some areas of the country, having an air conditioner is an absolute necessity. But in other areas, such as in the Rocky Mountain Regions, staying cool indoors takes some diligence and effort. Whether your home is equipped with AC or not, here are some things you can do to keep your spaces cooler this summer.

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Mon, Jul 20th, 2020

1. Home warranties are not insurance. They are an annual service contract covering some or all the systems of your house to protect you from large, unexpected repair bills or system replacement.
2. Most home warranties are purchased when moving into a new home, but some are actually available years later.
3. Home warranties are often a great option for first-time homebuyers who may not have the experience handling or budgeting for home maintenance & repairs.
4. Failure to provide routine maintenance may void your warranty so keep those receipts and service tickets.
5. All home warranties are not created equally. For every satisfied customer I hear from, I hear at least as many horror stories. On my daughter's first house the home warranty company wanted $1,500 for replacing her 'covered' water heater. She eventually replaced it for $400 with the help of a loving uncle in about 2 hours.
6. Home warranties are pretty expensive, or pretty cheap depending on your point of view and the circumstances that arise during the warranty period. Expect to pay $300-$500 per year.
7. Home warranties only cover the 'unknown.' Issues that a home inspection uncovered or should have uncovered are typically not warrantied.
8. Home warranties have exclusions. All the systems you think are covered may not be, especially that septic system. Make sure to read the contract and talk with your realtor or others who have the same program you are considering purchasing.
A home warranty might just be right for your situation and now you know what to look for as you evaluate the contract language.
Two insurance options you might consider for your home if you like the idea of a home warranty are Equipment Breakdown and Service Line Protection. These two endorsements, which I consider the best value in insurance right now, expand the protection offered under your homeowner's protection to protect some of those same systems you might protect with a home warranty at about 15-25% of the cost of a typical home warranty. You can even extend protection to the underground utility lines servicing your home (think power, water & sewer) as well as items less likely to be protected by home warranties like security systems, home automation systems, pool maintenance equipment and home electronics like televisions. While these two options don't mirror a home warranty's protection, they are an alternative or inexpensive additional layer of protection. Ask your insurance agent for details on Equipment Breakdown and Service Line Protection.

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