Who wants to go to a Captain's game?

Over the next few weeks we will have a promotion going on to give away 50 tickets to the Lake County Captain's baseball game on July 13th, 2012.

Call in to the office at any point for more information! 440-951-2272

Quote of the Day 6-8-2012

“If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?”-Joe Namath

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Festive Friday Recap

What a great morning we had! More pictures will be posted later. But just to keep you updated, here are a few from our morning at Q104 with Fee's Company!

Inside the studio with Allan Fee, Glenn Anderson, and Katherine Boyd...aka Fee's Company

Gotta love Marine week here in Cleveland!!! Oorah!

You've got to love 'em! Allan Fee, Glenn the funny song man, and Nascar Joe (aka Average Joe)

Q104 Festive Friday!

Don't forget to tune into Q104 tomorrow morning! Katharine and Lauren will be on for Festive Friday...talking about the agency and goofing off! Make sure you listen for more information regarding the contests we have going on!

6:30am-10am

Listen on your way to work (104.1), and at your desk http://player.radio.com/player/RadioPlayer.php?version=1.2.13391&station=104

Happy almost Friday!!!

Quote of the Day 6-7-2012

"We think too small. Like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view." -Mao Tse-Tung

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Quote of the Day 6-6-2012

"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as well as labor does the body."

- Seneca

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Contests, baseball games, radio shows, oh my!

All sorts of things are happening around here! From baseball games, to contests, to the Johnnycake Jog, we’ve got lots going on! Keep checking the page to keep up with everything…you wouldn’t want to miss out!

First off, take a look here: http://thedoyleteam.blogspot.com/2012/06/4-tickets-to-any-show-at-house-of-blues.html to see how YOU could win a pack of 4 tickets to ANY concert at the House of Blues in Cleveland.

Who wants to go to a ball game? July 13th, our agency will be at the Captain’s Game with games, giveaways, and the Good Neighbear! Watch for details on how to win a family pack of tickets to that game as well!

Keep your schedules open for Sunday, July 15th! A few of us here in the office will be doing the Johnnycake Jog, 5 mile run. It starts and ends at the Lake County Fairgrounds. We will be posting updates over the next few weeks about our training process. If anyone would care to train with us we would welcome the company! Once we come up with a permanent running schedule, it will be posted on this page so anyone can join!

For all of you out there with kids…we want to feature your adorable children! As an insurance company, we are concerned with managing risk…or being safe. With school letting out, we know many children will be out and about…riding their bikes, swimming, and playing with their friends. If you have pictures of your kids at any time this summer showing how safe they are, send them in and we will post them! Any time you catch your child wearing their helmet, wearing a life jacket, etc…send it to Katharine.glover.u0dg@statefarm.com. I will then repost it to show off your smart kids! There may be a giveaway for the cutest pictures too! Just keep checking back!

Finally…tune into Q104 this Friday morning (6-8-2012) for “Festive Friday”. Katharine and Lauren from our agency will be hanging out with Allan Fee and the rest of the morning show from 6:30am until around 10! Listen on your way to work, and tune in from your desk by going to: http://tunein.com/radio/Q104-1041-s22111/ and click the “Listen Now” button. It should make for an interesting morning!

If you have any questions regarding the above…give us a call at 440-951-2272. Happy Tuesday!

4 tickets to ANY show at the House of Blues

Get to a ‘better state’ and win 4 tickets to ANY show at House of Blues-Cleveland! Text ‘SFHOB’ to 25866 to enter to win. Message and data rates may apply.

Details of the contest:

·         Contest will run from June 1, 2012-July 31, 2012

·         How to Play- text ‘SFHOB’ to 25866

·         One winner will receive:

o   4 tickets to their choice of any concert at the Cleveland House of Blues

o   $50 in Karma Kash Card to the Crossroads Restaurant

o   Behind the scenes tour of the facility-including the Founders Room

*State Farm employees are exempt from winning.

Good luck!!!



Quote of the Day 6-5-2012

"Insist on yourself. Never imitate."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Quote of the Day 6-4-2012

"There's a time for all things."
-William Shakespeare

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Buying a home?

7 Home-Buying Blunders to Avoid

 With record-low interest rates, rock-bottom home prices and no house of their own to sell, many young adults are well-positioned to purchase their first home. If you’re ready to become a homeowner, watch out for these common first-time-buyer mistakes.

1. Not getting a preapproval. Before you start your home search, meet with a lender or mortgage broker to determine how much money you are qualified to borrow. Having a preapproval letter in-hand offers peace-of-mind to you, the seller and your real estate agent.
2. Overestimating what you can afford. Sit down with a financial planner and go through your income, expenses, and investments. You may discover that you aren’t comfortable spending what your lender believes you can afford.
3. Underestimating the costs of homeownership. The expenses of owning a home go beyond your monthly mortgage payment. As a homeowner, you’ll be responsible for costs landlords usually cover, including property taxes, insurance, association dues, utilities, maintenance and repairs.
4. Failing to think long-term. Cosmetic details that you can change should not discourage you from buying a home. Whether you’re planning to sell the house in a few years or make it your forever home, finding a home in the right neighborhood or one with a new furnace may outweigh drawbacks such as a slightly outdated kitchen or bath.
5. Spending all of your money. Avoid draining your savings to purchase a home or offering the maximum amount you’re qualified to borrow. You want to have money left over to cover unexpected expenses that could arise after you buy.
6. Forgoing an inspection. Before celebrating the fact you’ve found a home you love, hire a professional home inspector to find any problems that could impact your decision to buy.
7. Forgetting the contingency clause. Your contract should include a clause that allows you to back out if your loan falls through, the home doesn’t appraise at its sale price or you lose your job.

Real estate agents can be helpful resources for first-time buyers. Review these tips for hiring a real estate agent before you start house hunting. And schedule time to talk with your State Farm® agent to learn more about homeowners coverage.

Quote of the Day 6-1-2012

"Everywhere man blames nature and fate, yet his fate is mostly but the echo of his character and passions, his mistakes and weaknesses."-Democritus

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Quote of the Day 5-31-2012

"A man in earnest finds means or, if he cannot find, creates them."-William Ellery Channing

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Quote of the Day 5-30-2012

"Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader."
-Tacitus

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Pool safety tips

Building a Barrier Against Swimming Pool Accidents

By SFLCAuthor

Each year, 300 children under age 5 drown in swimming pools. That’s the shocking estimate from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Help prevent accidents in your home pool or spa by installing safety barriers that help keep kids away from the water when you’re not around.
Protect your kids with these recommendations from the CPSC:

Fences and Walls

• Barriers should be at least 4 feet tall.
• For an inground pool, barriers should begin no more than 4 inches from the ground. For aboveground pools, the clearance between the top of the pool and the bottom of the barrier should be no more than 4 inches.
• To help discourage a child from climbing over a barrier, eliminate handholds or footholds, and restrict the size of any cutouts, openings, or spaces to 1-1/4 inches.
• To help keep children from trying to crawl through a barrier, check that openings are small enough to block a 4-inch sphere

Gates

• Position latches out of the reach of young children, or use a childproof closure.
• Make sure there are no openings more than 1/2 –inch-across within 18 inches of the latch release.
• Install gates so they open away from the pool.
• Choose gates that are self-closing and self-latching.

Covers

• Remove ladders and slides when using a pool cover. Aboveground pools should have steps and ladders that can be locked or removed when not in use.
• Choose covers that comply with American Society for Testing and Materials standards and are capable of supporting two adults and a child.
• Be sure your cover can be quickly removed in an emergency.

Your Home

• Install alarms on doors opening out to a pool or hot tub.
• Install self-latching or self-closing doors out to the pool

Check with your local building code for safety barrier requirements before installing a pool. Learn more about pool barrier recommendations from the CSPC.



The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Quote of the Day 5-29-2012

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself."
-Henry Ward Beecher

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Quote of the Day 5-16-2012

"Let us follow our destiny, ebb and flow. Whatever may happen, we master fortune by accepting it."-Virgil

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Quote of the Day 5-15-2012

"Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind."-Jonathan Edwards

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Quote of the Day 5-14-2012

"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do."-Samuel Smiles

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Quote of the Day 5-11-2012

"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do."-Samuel Smiles

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It's getting hot out!

How to Help Conquer Home Humidity

According to ENERGY STAR®, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. In addition to just making you uncomfortable, high humidity levels can pose a threat to your home’s structure and surfaces. Help clear the air with these tips for reducing and controlling humidity at home.

Why Home Humidity Matters

Managing indoor humidity levels can:

• Improve personal comfort.
• Control moisture that can damage your home’s wood, paint and siding.
• Prevent mildew growth and odors in clothing and belongings.
• Improve indoor air quality by reducing dust mites, mold and other allergens.
• Reduce pest infestations.
• Improve the energy efficiency of your air conditioner.

How to Help Reduce and Control Humidity

Some Southern homeowners use their air conditioners year-round to combat humidity. Theo Etzel, CEO of Conditioned Air Corporation of Naples, Inc. in Naples, Florida, has these recommendations for more effective continuous use of your cooling system:

• Set the fan to automatic. (Keeping it in the “on” position actually re-humidifies the space by blowing air over a wet coil when the condenser cycles off.)
• Invest in a unit with a variable-speed air handler.
• Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
• Don’t automatically lower the thermostat. Etzel says turning down the thermostat to reduce humidity can actually be a sign of an oversized air conditioning system.

Ways to Help Cut Excess Humidity

Etzel notes that air-conditioning systems can only keep up with the moisture they’re designed to remove, whether the systems condition fresh incoming air, recirculating interior air, or both.

Here are ways to help keep additional moisture and humidity from infiltrating the home:

• Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
• Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.
• Seal air and duct leaks.
• Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, such as Boston ferns.
• Keep air-conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.
• Avoid activities that add moisture to the air on humid days, such as taking hot showers and boiling water on the stove.
• Take measures outside. ENERGY STAR suggests keeping gutters and downspouts clean, extending downspouts further from the house, watering plants only when needed and sloping soil away from foundations to keep water from pooling.

Here are more humidity-reducing tips for keeping your home comfortable and functional in warm weather.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Quote of the Day 5-10-2012

"Imagine every day to be the last of a life surrounded with hopes, cares, anger and fear. The hours that come unexpectedly will be much the more grateful."
-Horace

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Quote of the Day 5-9-2012

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."-Louisa May Alcott

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Quote of the Day 5-8-2012

"The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed in these two: common-sense and perseverance."-Owen Feltham

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Quote of the Day 5-7-2012

"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote of the Day 5-4-2012

"Unrest of spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presents itself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure."
-Kal Menninger

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Stressed out?

Relieving Stress At Work

Apr 21, 2011

We live in a fast-paced world, and stress can come from just about anywhere. Both at home and at work, the effects of long-term stress – physical health problems, trouble concentrating, anxiety, depression, anger, and even suicide – can be devastating.

While marriage, divorce, and moving are often ranked as the three most stressful events in contemporary life, stress at the workplace is not far behind. According to a 2008 American Psychological Association study, 74 percent of people surveyed reported work as the most significant source of stress in their lives.
While people can certainly thrive in high-stress situations, ignoring long-term stress at work can be damaging to your health and career.

That said, stress management is never out of your hands. There are plenty of changes you can make to help control it.

Change Your Habits At Work

While general pressure, deadlines, increased responsibilities, and fear of termination can all contribute to a generally stressful atmosphere, that doesn’t mean you have to remain passive at the workplace. Here are some modifications you can make that might help:

Know Yourself

Oftentimes, we’re not even aware of the stress we’re under, or if we are, we’re not sure of the source.
Try to stay in tune with your body and your emotions while you’re at work. Does your heart rate spike in certain situations? Note it. Do you find yourself particularly aggressive or angry around certain people? Note it. Is there a certain responsibility that makes you break into a cold sweat? Note it.
Once you become aware of specific triggers for stress, it’s possible you’ll be able to do something about them.

Work On Your Communication Skills

Talking through your problems with a manager or a coworker in a calm, reasoned manner can go a long way toward repairing interpersonal relationships and ultimately reducing stress in the workplace. If you find yourself in a particularly heated or emotional exchange, consider taking a break and resuming the conversation later. Don’t be excessively negative toward coworkers, even if you disagree with them. And if you have a complaint or a problem to raise, work out beforehand what you want to say. Communicating your thoughts and feelings successfully can be a major relief of stress.

Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

You might not know it, but when you’re anxious or stressed, chances are your breathing is shallow and irregular. This creates a bad feedback loop, as irregular breathing can cause even more stress.
Take a few minutes each day to focus on deep breathing. Not only will it calm you down, but it can clear your mind and help you work.
Counseling, yoga, and meditation all offer specific methods of deep breathing, but the general idea is usually the same. While sitting up straight, take in long, deep breaths through your nose, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this for several minutes – you might try closing your eyes, too. You’ll be amazed how effective it can be.

Change Your Habits Away From Work

It’s possible that your daily routines and habits, unquestioned and developed over the years, are contributing to an intolerable amount of stress. Sometimes it’s the simplest aspects of our lives that need to be revamped.

Get More Sleep

Sleep deprivation and stress go hand-in-hand and, in fact, form a vicious cycle, one problem encouraging and contributing to the other. We need sleep to rest and process stress. And yet the trends are moving in the wrong direction. A 2005 National Sleep Foundation poll found that U.S. residents sleep, on average, 2 hours less than they did in the 19th century and one hour less than 50 years ago. In general, adults need 7–9 hours of sleep a night.

Exercise More

People have a built-in ability to fight stress: physical exercise. Scientists and health-care professionals are virtually unanimous in touting the benefits of a regular exercise routine. Jogging, biking, swimming, walking, or just about anything else that gets your heart rate up will increase your brain’s production of endorphins and improve your mood.

Leave For Work Early

You might just think of yourself as always on the go, but rushing to get to work is a bad start to any day.
Try this experiment: For a week, leave home 15 minutes before your usual departure time, and see what kind of impact it has.

Quote of the Day 5-3-2012

"Everywhere man blames nature and fate, yet his fate is mostly but the echo of his character and passions, his mistakes and weaknesses."-Democritus

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Quote of the Day 5-2-2012

"A good opportunity is seldom presented, and is easily lost." -Syrus

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Quote of the Day 5-1-2012

"All truly wise thoughts have been thought already, thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, until they take firm root in our personal experience."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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Quote of the Day 4-30-2012

"He knows the water best who has waded through it."
-Danish Proverb

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Quote of the Day 4-27-2012

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."
-William Shakespeare

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Quote of the Day 4-26-2012

"One right and honest definition of business is mutual helpfulness."
-William Feather

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Quote of the Day 4-25-2012

"Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them. Everyone must be challenged. A day dawns, quite like other days; in it a single hour comes, quite like other hours; but in that day and in that hour the chance of a lifetime faces us." -Maltbie Davenport Babcock

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What are you doing with your tax return?

Tips For Starting Out In Mutual Funds

 

 

A mutual fund is an investment that pools together funds from many investors who have the same investment objectives. The money is managed by a professional who analyzes the financial markets and selects investments. And the pool is large enough to afford a diverse array of securities, something that can be too expensive for most individual investors to do themselves.
A mutual fund provides an opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio. The access to professional management and a diversified portfolio makes mutual funds popular with many individuals who are investing for retirement, a child's college education, or other long-term goals. Whether you are doing the research yourself or working with a registered agent, understanding some of the basics may help you make a more educated decision.

Starting Your Research

There are thousands of funds available, but how do you choose? Funds are broken down into a few basic categories: stock, bond, and hybrid (mixed stock and bond) funds,: lower risk and higher risk,: domestic and international. If you start by thinking about those categories and how they fit your goals, you can sort through the options a bit more efficiently.

The key offering information for a mutual fund is found in the prospectus, a document that explains the investment objective, the fees, and the fund management. Start with the investment objective. Does it fit what you are looking for? If you won't need this money for years, perhaps you may look to take more risk.

Fees And Expenses

The next thing to consider is the sales charge. Many funds charge investors when they purchase shares in the fund. This is known as a front load. Some will charge you a back end load when you take money out. This is used to compensate the registered agent who assisted you with your selection. Such assistance is valuable!

You should also take a look at the fund's expense ratio. This is a measure of what it costs an investment company to operate a mutual fund. Depending on the type of fund, operating expenses vary widely. The largest component of operating expenses is the fee paid to a fund's investment manager/advisor. Other costs include recordkeeping, custodial services, taxes, legal expenses, and accounting and auditing fees. Some funds have a marketing cost referred to as a 12b-1 fee, which would also be included in operating expenses.

Looking At Performance

With the expenses in mind, take a look at the fund's long-term performance. You want to get a sense of how it does when the financial markets are strong and when they are weak. Every investment has its ups and downs, but you want to make sure you can live with the fund's volatility and that the volatility is appropriate for that particular investment. As part of that, you want to compare the fund's performance to an appropriate market index, such as the S&P 500 for a U.S. large company stock fund or the Russell 2000 Index for a U.S. small company stock fund.

This seems like a lot of work, but there are some helpful resources available. Morningstar, a company that evaluates mutual funds, has great information on its website. Many people use a registered agent to help them, too.

Investing involves risk, including potential for loss.

Diversification and asset allocation do not assure a profit or protect against loss. Foreign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments, including political and economic risks and the risk of currency fluctuations. Bonds are subject to interest rate risk and may decline in value due to an increase in interest rates. The S&P 500® Index tracks the common stock performance of 500 large U.S. companies.

Quote of the Day 4-24-2012

"A man's character is like his shadow, which sometimes follows and sometimes precedes him, and which is occasionally longer, occasionally shorter, than he is."-Madame de la Rochejuquelein

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Quote of the Day 4/23/2012

"A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience."
-Oliver Wendall Holmes



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Quote of the Day 4-20-2012

"The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others."
-Solomon Ibn Gabriol

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Quote of the Day 4-19-2012

"Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life."
-Jean Paul Richter

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Quote of the Day 4-18-2012

"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
-Oliver Goldsmith

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Quote of the Day 4-17-2012

"The fact is that in order to do any thing in this world worth doing, we must not stand shivering on the bank thinking of the cold and the danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can."
-Sydney Smith

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Texting while driving

Survey Shows Most Licensed Teen Drivers Still Text While Driving

A new State Farm® survey, conducted in February by Harris Interactive, shows the majority of teens with driver’s licenses, 57percent, admit to texting while driving, despite the widespread attention surrounding the dangers of this risky practice.  The State Farm survey was conducted by telephone in the United States among 652 14-17 year olds, including 280 who have a driver’s license or permit.  These results come from a follow-up to a 2010 State Farm survey, and the numbers are virtually unchanged.  Key findings in the 2012 survey include:

Texting vs. Drinking and Driving - Teens Aren’t Getting the Message

Despite academic research indicating the consequences of texting while driving can be as severe as drunk driving, some teens still don’t see it that way.  In the survey, fewer teens view texting while driving as leading to fatal consequences as compared to drinking while driving. Of 14- to 17-year-olds who intend to have or already have a driver’s license, the survey found that 35 percent strongly agree that if they regularly text and drive they will be killed someday. In contrast, the majority of teens, 57percent, strongly agree that regularly drinking while driving will be fatal.

The survey also showed that more teens think they could get into an accident when drinking while driving versus texting while driving. In the survey, of these same teens, 63 percent strongly agree they will get into an accident if they regularly text and drive. This compares with 83 percent who strongly agree they will get into an accident if they regularly drink and drive.

Parents Play a Vital Role

The survey affirms the vital role parents play in keeping their new drivers safe behind the wheel.  Teens who refrain from texting while driving were much more likely to report having frequent talks with their parents about safe driving.  In the survey, more teens who never text and drive talk to their parents very often or sometimes about driving (82%) compared to teens who do text and drive (67%).

Talks Decline When Needed Most

The survey also revealed a sharp decline in parent/teen interactions about driving after the teen receives their driver’s license.  Teens who have a learner’s permit are more than twice as likely as those who already have a license to report that they talk very often with their parents about driving (46% vs. 22%).  This is despite the fact that the first year after receiving a license brings the highest lifetime crash risk.

“The conversation should not end when teens get their license,” said Chris Mullen, Director of Technology Research at State Farm. “Through this survey and other teen driver research, we know that ongoing parental involvement in the learning process is key to keeping teen drivers safe behind the wheel.”

About the Survey

This survey was conducted by telephone within the United States between February 2 and 5, 2012 by Harris Interactive on behalf of State Farm among 652 U.S. 14-17 year olds (including 280 who have a driver’s license or permit and 362 who plan to get a driver’s license). Figures for age, sex, geographic region, and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

Quote of the Day 4-16-2012

"The important thing in life is to have great aim and to possess the aptitude and the perseverance to attain it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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Quote of the Day 4-13-2012

"Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings."
-Ralph Blum

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Quote of the Day 4-12-2012

"Great opportunities come to all but many do not know they have met them. The only preparation to take advantage of them is simple fidelity to what each day brings."
-A. E. Dunning

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Quote of the Day 4-11-2012

"You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."
-Charles Bruxton

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Quote of the Day 4-10-2012

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.





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Quote of the Day 4-9-2012

"Collect as precious pearls the words of the wise and virtuous."
-Abd-el-Kadar

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Quote of the Day 4-6-2012

"The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business--or almost anywhere else for that matter."
-Lee Iacocca

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Are you a part of the 40%?

How Disability Income Insurance Can Help Protect You

We depend on our paychecks to cover our expenses: groceries, housing, transportation—and those are just the basics. When a person is unable to work due to a disabling injury or illness, the financial impact of lost paychecks can be devastating.

An income interruption due to a disability isn’t something you can afford to ignore. According to the Social Security Administration, more than one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled at some point before they retire. And 50 percent of working Americans would suffer financial issues in less than a month if they lost their paycheck. Twenty-five percent would have problems immediately—within a week—according to the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE Foundation).

Here are some steps you can take right now:

 

Help protect your paycheck

When the unexpected happens, disability insurance can help. Disability insurance essentially replaces a portion of your income—generally about 40–60 percent—if you can’t work due to accident or sickness, says Matthew Tassey, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF and past chairman of the LIFE Foundation. “Disability insurance should be a priority,” he says. “We always have expenses.”

 

Find the right fit

There’s no one-plan-fits-all approach to disability insurance. Some employers offer disability coverage, whether long-term or short-term, so check with your company’s benefits manager to see if you have coverage, and if so, what that coverage provides. If you don’t have it, you can purchase an individual plan.
Some terms to know when shopping for disability insurance:

• Elimination period: Refers to the length of time you need to be disabled before you receive payment.
• Benefit period: Refers to the length of time benefits will last.

“The quicker the money comes your way and the longer it pays, the more expensive it is,” Tassey says. And he points out that, on average, a 30-year-old non-smoking healthy male can receive $1,000 a month up to age 65 for about $30 a month. His benefits would begin after 90 days.

 

Learn more

In recognition of National Disability Income Insurance Month in May, the LIFE Foundation has created a website that explains the basics of disability insurance, contains video testimonials from real people and provides calculators for determining how much insurance you need and estimating your lifetime earnings. You can also calculate your personal disability quotient online.


The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. The information is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Quote of the Day 4-5-2012

"I failed my way to success."
-Thomas Edison

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Quote of the Day 4-4-2012

"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will."-Jawaharal Nehru

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Quote of the Day 4-3-2012

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."
-Henry David Thoreau

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Quote of the Day 4-2-2012

"A man's character is like his shadow, which sometimes follows and sometimes precedes him, and which is occasionally longer, occasionally shorter, than he is."-Madame de la Rochejuquelein

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Do's and Don'ts of a Minor Car Accident

The Do’s And Don’ts of A Minor Car Accident

Feb 15, 2012

By State Farm™ Employee

The fender bender you were just in appears to be minor. No one looks injured and there is minimal damage to the vehicles. First breathe a sigh of relief – then take these precautions to help prevent your small accident from becoming a big problem.

Don’t drive away.
Do stay at the scene and move your vehicle to a safe place out of traffic even if there appears to be no damage. If the other car is parked and the owner isn’t around, leave a note with your name and contact information. 

Don’t assume there aren’t injuries.
Do assess yourself and your passengers. Even low-impact collisions can cause injuries, some not appearing until days after the accident.

Don’t sign any documents and avoid accepting or offering cash for repairs. You may end up paying out-of-pocket to repair damage to your car that only appears minor, or you could pay the other driver more than necessary.
Do stay calm. Take notes and photos, and exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number.

Don’t assume an accident is too minor to be reported.
Do call the police or file a report on your own. This will help your insurance agent handle your claim. An accident report could also help protect you from issues that may arise later about the extent of damage to your vehicle or injuries to you and the other driver.

Don’t forget to notify your State Farm agent.
Do discuss your options for handling potential claims.

The State Farm Pocket Agent® smartphone app makes it easy to capture the essential details of an accident. Pocket Agent can help you diagram the accident scene, record witnesses’ names and numbers, contact your agent, and even locate nearby repair shops.

Learn more about what to do after a car accident here: http://www.statefarm.com/insurance/claim-center/auto/what-to-do-after-an-auto-accident.asp

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Quote of the Day 3-30-2012

"Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks." 
-Johann Gottfried Von Herder

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Quote of the Day 3-29-2012

"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes."
-St. Clement of Alexandra

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Kid Show Recap

What a great weekend! We got to meet many wonderful families, and got to goof off with lots of adorable children! Congratulations to the families that won prizes!

Quick glimpse of some of the fun this weekend:

Our table at the Kid Show 

Wendy (Owning Agent) hanging out with Captain Jack Sparrow and his friend Bobby Jack the monkey!

Katharine (Director of Marketing) at late night set up Friday night

We loved meeting everyone we did over the weekend! Thanks to all who came out to visit us! And congratulations again to the families who won prizes!



Quote of the Day 3-28-2012

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
-John Quincy Adams

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Quote of the Day 3-27-2012

"Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, the people will say we have done it ourselves."
-Lao Tzu

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Quote of the Day 3-26-2012

"Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson




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Come see us!!!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come see us at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor for the Kid's Show! We will be there all day on Saturday and Sunday, right in the main hallway outside of the store Glitter.

There will be TONS for your kids to do...from cookie decorating to sundae making! There will be snacks, roaming costume characters, and crafts.

On top of all of the things for your kids to do, we will be running quotes for all types of insurance, and will be there to answer any of your questions.

Specifically we will have activities for your kids at our table...including some games to learn all about safety. We will be raffling off some awesome bike helmets and pads (no purchase necessary). We will also have lots for you to take home...including lollipops and coloring books for the kids. Best part? It's all free!

Hope to see you this weekend! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. 440-951-2272



When: Saturday, March 24 - 10am-7pm; Sunday, March 25 - 11am-5pm
Where: Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Avenue
Location in the mall: Everywhere, enter at any mall entrance. (We'll be right outside Glitter in the main hall).
Fee: FREE!

Quote of the Day 3-23-2012

"Character lives in a man, reputation outside of him."
-J. G. Holland




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6 Myths About Tornadoes

Feb 9, 2012

When you're in the path of a twister, every second counts. Knowing effective ways to protect yourself and your family could help save lives.

Myth 1: Opening windows equalizes air pressure and helps prevent the roof from being ripped off.
Fact: This act does little or nothing to prevent damage and wastes precious minutes in an emergency.

Tip: The powerful winds of a tornado can shatter windows. Help avoid injuries caused by flying, broken glass by taking shelter in a windowless room.

Myth 2: Taking shelter under an overpass during a tornado will protect me.

Fact: Overpasses and bridges can actually concentrate airflow from a tornado and become dangerous "wind tunnels." Hiding under an overpass may subject you to severe injuries from flying debris or even cause you to be blown out into the storm itself.

Tip: While not an ideal solution, it may be safer to find a low spot, such as a ditch, and lie face down with your hands covering your head.

Myth 3: The safest place to hide in a storm is the southwest corner of the basement.
Fact: A corner is often safer than against the middle of a long wall, which may be vulnerable to collapse in a tornado. A better bet is to gather in a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor in a home.

Tip: Protect yourself from flying and falling debris by taking shelter under a heavy desk, mattress or sturdy stairwell.

Myth 4: Tornadoes are easy to spot.

Fact: A tornado may not be visible until it has picked up sufficient dirt and debris. Waiting to take shelter until you can actually see a funnel cloud puts you at risk.

Tip: Listen to weather reports for tornado warnings. A warning tells you a tornado has been spotted on radar and that you should seek shelter immediately.

Myth 5: I could outrun a tornado in my car.

Fact: It's never a good idea to try. The average ground speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but its winds can exceed 200 mph. Even if you're able to stay ahead of the funnel cloud, you could find yourself driving through drenching downpours and flying debris. You might also encounter downed power lines, trees, and other dangerous obstacles in the road.

Tip: While it does not recommend escaping a tornado by car, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says if you are in open country and the tornado is distant, it may be possible to drive out of harm's way. After detecting the direction of the storm's movement, drive at a right angle away from the tornado.

Myth 6: Tornadoes never strike here.

Fact: While some areas have a greater likelihood of tornadoes, these dangerous storms have occurred in every state in the U.S., in both urban and rural areas, and over land, mountains, and water. Never assume a particular location will be spared and always heed tornado warnings when they are issued.

Tip: Even if tornadoes are rare in your area, develop an emergency plan and practice it with your family.
More information about staying safe during a tornado is available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Red Cross.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Quote of the Day 3-20-2012

"It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction."
-Henry Ward Beecher

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Quote of the Day 3-19-2012

"They can because they think they can."-Virgil

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Quote of the Day 3-12-2012

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling."
-Margaret Lee Runbeck

Quote of the Day 3-7-2012

"Experience is a grindstone; and it is lucky for us, if we can get brightened by it, and not ground."
-Josh Billings

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Quote of the Day 3-6-2012

"Dreams seldom materialize on their own."
-Dian Fossey

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Quote of the Day 3-5-2012

"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight."
-Benjamin Franklin

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Quote of the Day 3-2-2012

"The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can."-Robert Cushing

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Quote of the Day 3-1-2012

"The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others."
-Solomon Ibn Gabriol

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Congratulations!

We'd like to say congratulations to the Mentor High School Mock Trial teams on their accomplishments in competition this year! For the last two years, the junior and senior teams at the school have advanced through District competition and onto Regionals. Last year, the senior team went to State as well in Columbus. This year, the junior team advanced (it is the first year on the team for all 8 members)! They will compete on the 8th, 9th, and 10th...so wish them luck! Congratulations to both teams!

Articles:

Last year's District competition- http://mentor.patch.com/articles/mentor-high-school-dominates-mock-trial

This year's District competition- http://mentor.patch.com/articles/mentor-high-dominates-mock-trial-again

This year's Regional competition- http://mentor.patch.com/articles/mentor-high-mock-trial-team-advances-to-states



What an awesome group of young adults!

Quote of the Day 2-29-2012

"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes."

-St. Clement of Alexandra

***For more great quotes, call us at 440-951-2272***

Quote of the Day 2-28-2012

"To be a great leader and so always master of the situation, one must of necessity have been a great thinker in action. An eagle was never yet hatched from a goose's egg."
-James Thomas

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Chardon High School

In light of this morning's catastophe at Chardon High School, we ask that everyone please keep the families involved in your thoughts throughout today and the next few weeks. We will be thinking strongly about the 5 children who were injured...and awaiting the good news that they are all stable. Our hearts break for the families who haven't heard anything yet, but wish them peace while they wait.

Quote of the Day 2-27-2012

"Never let life's hardships disturb you...no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages."
-Nichiren Daishonen

***For more great quotes...call us at 440-951-2272***

Quote of the Day 2-23-2012

"Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson




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Quote of the Day 2-22-2012

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
-Helen Keller

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Quote of the Day 2-21-2012

"Divide the fire and you will soon put it out."
-Greek Proverb

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President's Day

To everyone with the day off today, we hope you enjoy your leisurely day. But please remember that kids are out of school today, and be careful driving around. With the weather as nice as it is, it is likely that there will be children out and about.

For those who are working, we are joining you! Have a wonderful Monday!

Quote of the Day 2-20-2012

"Never let life's hardships disturb you...no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages."
-Nichiren Daishonen

***For more great quotes, give us a call at 440-951-2272***

Before you leave for your long weekend

Safety on Family Roadtrips

By Staff writer State Farm™ Employee

With the weather improving, daylight increasing, and summer not too far away, you may be getting that old feeling: time to break the hold of cabin fever and hit the road for a vacation.

As most driving enthusiasts know, road trips can be a great way to experience our country’s vast expanses. But for young parents without much experience driving long distances with infants and toddlers along, knowing how to keep everyone entertained – and safe – presents its own unique challenges.

Here are a few suggestions of how to pass the time with the little ones without adding any undue risk to your trip.

The Old Standards

There’s a reason everyone knows what a sing-a-long is, and the same goes for classic, simple games like Eye Spy and Twenty Questions. These activities require nothing beyond curiosity and enthusiasm, and if your children are old enough to participate, these games can provide hours of fun and help stave off the doldrums.

Before you leave, think about packing a children’s songbook. An audio CD of children’s songs can also be extremely helpful in keeping the new tunes coming. And, finally, make sure to bring along enough notebooks and pencils for the younger passengers: you never know when a spontaneous game of Draw That Mountain or Which License Plates Have We Seen? might break out.

Favorite Toys

So long as they don’t create a distraction for the driver, there’s no reason not to pack a travel-sized basket of favorite toys. Any parent knows the endless fascination the right object, at the right time, can provide for a baby.

Technology is Your Friend

Many newer vehicles – especially family-oriented vehicles like minivans – come equipped with a built-in DVD player for the backseat passengers to watch. A favorite cartoon or movie can provide a nice break in the action of the road. And if your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with such technology, you might consider renting or purchasing a handheld DVD player or using a laptop to the same effect.

Just be sure to keep the volume at a safe and reasonable level that will allow the driver to stay focused on the road. Never try to watch a DVD or video monitor if you’re the one doing the driving.

Frequent Breaks

Road trips are all about the experience – when you’re traveling with infants and toddlers, take frequent breaks to stretch, rest, play, and take in the scenery. Diversity throughout the day will keep the driver alert and the passengers pleased. Try to concentrate less on the time you’re making and more on the journey itself. You never know: you may just enjoy yourself!