Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-31-2012

"If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else."
-Yogi Berra



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

Monday, January 30, 2012

Beware These Signs of an Online Tax Scam

Beware These Signs of an Online Tax Scam

By SFLearn State Farm™ Employee

Beware These Signs Of An Online Tax Scam

As tax season starts, be alert for phishing emails that appear to be messages from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Scammers use email, websites and even social media to trick taxpayers into sharing personal and financial information, which they can then use to steal your identity. Meant to either frighten or entice, these fraudulent messages may threaten a tax audit or offer a tax refund.

But know this: The IRS does not generally send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers or request financial account security information, such as PIN numbers. Further, they will not discuss tax account information with taxpayers via e-mail or use it to request sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers. 

Signs of a tax scam
Scams may appear legitimate and some may even use the IRS logo. Warning signs that you've received a fraudulent message include:
  • Requests for personal and/or financial information, such as your Social Security number and bank or credit card account numbers.
  • Tempting offers that might persuade readers to click on links or respond to messages.
  • Threats that suggest consequences for not responding to the email.
  • Incorrect grammar, spelling or phrasing—especially when referencing the IRS or other government agencies—and links to inaccurate URLs. Rather than relying on links listed in the message, manually type the official IRS website <link to http://www.irs.gov/> directly into your search engine address bar to follow up.
Reporting scams

If you receive an online message you suspect is a scam, the IRS suggests taking the following steps:
  • Do not open any attachments or links. These could lead you to a fake IRS website, where opening a link could download malware <link to http://us.norton.com/security_response/malware.jsp> or allow someone to hack into your computer.
  • Ignore messages that offer a refund. Instead, go to the IRS's Where's My Refund? site to determine if you are actually receiving a refund.
  • Forward the message or web address to phishing@irs.gov.
  • Delete the message.
Learn more about scams that impersonate the IRS The IRS also provides additional information about precautions to take if you receive messages that appear to be from the agency.

See more:

http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/finances-1/taxes/beware-these-signs-of-an-online-tax-scam/

Quote of the Day 1-30-2012

"Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration."
-Evan Esar


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

Friday, January 27, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-27-2012

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
-Thomas Jefferson


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

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-26-2012

"The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success."Henry Ward Beecher


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

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-25-2012

"Rely on your own strength of body and soul. Take for your star self-reliance, faith, honesty and industry. Don't take too much advice — keep at the helm and steer your own ship, and remember that the great art of commanding is to take a fair share of the work. Fire above the mark you intend to hit. Energy, invincible determination with the right motive, are the levers that move the world."
-Noah Porter



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

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-24-2012

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."
-Pope John XXIII

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

Monday, January 23, 2012

Still Time To Winterize

Still Time To Winterize
By Holly Anderson, Editor in Chief

The National Weather Service says low snowfall this year is unusual, but not unprecented. One thing is for sure, winter's delay in much of the U.S. have given homeowners an extension when it comes to winterizing.
Take advantage of the warmer days to ensure your home is prepared when the cold weather does strike your area. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Protect Your Pipes:
Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. When the forecast calls for unusually cold temperatures, let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places like below sinks. If you open the cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything inside the cabinets that may pose a safety to hazard to children, such as household cleaners. For exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces, add extra insulation around them. View the tips to avoid frozen pipes for more information.
Be Ready For An Emergency:
Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely.
•Flashlights
•Bottled water
•Nonperishable food items
•Blankets
•Phone numbers for your utility companies
•Battery backup to protect your computer and other important electronic equipment
•First-aid kit
•If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline stored and available to fuel it.
Winter Yard Care:
Even with the cold weather conditions, your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage your home. Walk around your home and survey the roof to see if any ice dams have formed; call a contractor if you suspect this is the case. As you walk around your house, check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests can tunnel in. Winter is when they seek the warmth of your house, so seal up any possible entrances. While you're outside, clear snow off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent.

Quote of the Day 1-23-2012


"You don't become great by trying to be great. You become great by wanting to do something, and then doing it so hard that you become great in the process."
-Randall Munroe




***For more great quotes call 440-951-2272***

Friday, January 20, 2012

Quote of the Day 1-20-2012

"People who live in glass houses...should take out insurance."
-Unknown



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

***Tax Tip #1

Contribute to your 401(k)
Add pre-tax money to your 401(k) or Traditional IRA before April to reduce your taxable income, increasing your tax refund.

Worst-Case Winter Driving Survival

Worst-Case Winter Driving Survival
By Staff writer State Farm™ Employee

Winter driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant. Snow, ice, poor visibility and extreme cold all threaten to disable your vehicle or make roads impassable. Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours. It's important to be prepared for such a situation. Your life could depend on it.
What to have in your vehicle
In addition to the just-in-case items you should always have in your vehicle, such as jumper cables, tire-changing tools, flashlight and a first-aid kit, be sure to carry these winter essentials:
•Cell phone and charger
•Blankets
•High-calorie, non-perishable food
•Extra clothing (wool socks, gloves, hats)
•Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
•Road salt or cat litter to help with traction
•Camping shovel Ice scraper and brush
•Tow rope
•Brightly colored flag or cloth to tie to your antenna
If you are stranded
If a winter storm strands you with your vehicle, stay calm and follow these tips:
•Pull off the highway (if possible), turn on your hazard lights and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window.
•If you have a phone, call 911 and describe your location as precisely as possible. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher.
•Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.
•Run your vehicle's engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Exercise a little to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion and sweating.
•Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
•Don't waste your vehicle's battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – lights, heat and radio – with supply.
•At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.

See more:
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/auto-2/worst-case-winter-driving-survival/

Help Protect Your Home: Clear Your Roof of Snow

Help Protect Your Home: Clear Your Roof of Snow
By SFLearn State Farm™ Employee

Plenty of homeowners in the United States live with the harsh realities of winter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, residents in Rochester, New York, receive about 8 feet of snow each winter. Homeowners in cities such as Cleveland, Minneapolis and Denver typically can expect to move more than 4 feet of snow. And that’s just a handful of the snowiest U.S. cities.
On your home’s roof, excessive snow and ice buildup can cause both property damage and personal injury.  Here are some things to know:
Understand the Dangers
Heavy loads of ice and snow can create serious problems for your home. These include:
•Injuries from snow and ice falling from sloped roofs
•Roof collapse, especially on flat roofs
•Carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from blocked chimneys and vents
•Water damage from ice dams that form on the edges of roofs and in gutters
Watch for Warning Signs
Recognize the signs of stress when too much snow and ice has accumulated on your roof:
•Sagging ridgeline
•Drooping ceilings
•Water leaks on interior walls and ceilings
•Jammed doors
•Cracked interior walls near the center of your home
•Creaking sounds
Avoid Excessive Buildup
Removing ice and snow from your roof is a dangerous job. Avoid injury by hiring a professional to fix the problem before it leads to property damage and expensive repairs. Here are some ways to prepare your home:
•Purchase a roof rake to help pull excess snow off the roof.
•Avoid using salt or chemical snow-melt products to melt ice on the roof. These can erode shingles and gutters and potentially void the roofing manufacturer’s warranty.
•Add insulation to your attic to help prevent your home’s warm air from escaping into unheated attic spaces. Ice dams form when warmed attic air melts a layer of snow on the roof. This melting snow slides down the roof and refreezes on unheated overhangs and gutters. Do not attempt to “chip away” the ice formed by an ice dam as that may lead to shingle damage.
•If replacing your home’s roof, have a self-sealing membrane installed under the shingles to help prevent water damage from ice dams.
•On metal roofs, install snow guards above entrances. If your home suffers damage this winter, contact your State Farm agent to see if it’s covered under your homeowner’s policy. Check out more winter home maintenance tips here.

See more at:
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/severe-weather-1/help-protect-your-home-clear-your-roof-of-snow/

5 Ways to Avoid Winter Falls

5 Ways to Avoid Winter Falls
By SFLearn State Farm™ Employee

Do you know what to do when you encounter an icy parking lot or a slippery stretch of sidewalk? Help prevent painful slips and falls with these pointers:
1. Wear smart shoes. Before heading outdoors, slip your feet into flat shoes or boots that offer good traction. (Look for textured soles made of nonslip rubber or neoprene with grooved soles.) Steer clear of footwear with smooth soles or heels. Consider using products that attach to your shoes for added traction.
2. Modify your gait. Walk with your knees slightly bent, set your feet widely apart and point your toes outward. Shorten your stride and walk slowly to safely navigate the icy path. If you’re on a strict timeline, plan accordingly and leave early.
3. Maintain your balance. Walk with your arms held out to your sides. Avoid carrying anything heavy—it can throw off your balance. When walking up or down steps, grip the handrail.
4. Beware of “black” or “clear” ice. Looks can be deceiving. Even if a surface appears clear, proceed with caution. When it’s cold outside, extra-thin and very slippery layers of ice can form.
5. Break a fall. If you feel yourself falling backward, tuck in your chin to protect your head as much as possible. If you feel yourself falling forward, avoid the urge to use your arms to break your fall—you may do more harm to your body than good. Try to land on a part of your body with more padding, such as your buttocks. Wearing a bulky winter coat can provide an extra layer of protection.
Learn more about being a safe pedestrian this winter with these tips from the University of Wisconsin.

See more at:
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/severe-weather-1/5-ways-to-avoid-winter-falls/

Welcome!

More information specifically on our agency will come at a later date, but for now keep up to date with some helpful tips for this time of year.

Have a great day!