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Why Insurance Agents Worry About Their Clients....Stress

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Planning on Spending Money on Black Friday? Read about My Favorite FREE Things...

With everyone planning their Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, I thought I would mention a few of my favorite FREE things.. yes you read that right.. FREE!  

Literacy is one of my personal favorites, especially when it comes to children.   Here are a few of my favorite resources:  

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library:  This is a FREE mail order book program for children up to age 5.  It is hosted by an affilliate in your local community like your public library for example.  Find out more or register your child here .
• Free Children's Books Online or for FREE download.  It is a growing library of unique children's books and available for download or read online.   They can be found at here.  
• You can also visit Amazon for several Free books for Kindle for adults and children.  Find them here.

Which brings me to my next category - computer software:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader - a free download that is required to read the downloaded books I mentioned above.  Many files are saved in this format and because the program is FREE - everyone can have access.  You can download the Free Reader Here.
• Microsoft Security Essentials - quit spending money on antivirus programs that fail.  This is an excellent FREE antivirus program that protects your computer perhaps even better than some of the paid versions!  It doesn't work for MAC though... that's the only downfall.. get it HERE.  After installing you should scan your system weekly.
• If you are going to use the free antivirus from Microsoft then you should also download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software - this provides excellent free protection from malware & spyware.  Get it here.  After installing you should scan your system weekly.
• A business partner introduced me to Jing - a free program that lets you capture images displayed on your computer screen.  All or part of it.  I used to print to another program if I wanted to save something in internet explorer and 99% of the time it would not print the entire page - it would get 'cut off'.  Jing solved this problem.  I have used it several times since I installed it.  Get it here for FREE. Works for PC or Mac.

More Free stuff:

• I might be a little bias but we offer several FREE reports on our website - if you are a parent with a teen driving soon, or going away to college, getting married, moving, retiring, if you have a commercial drivers license or if you are an apartment building owner or farm owner, we have Free reports for each of those categories.  Some of these can be read online and others are available for FREE download.
• We also offer a FREE insurance review.  Everyone thinks.. 'I'm happy with what I have..." are you sure?  Do you know if you and your family will be protected if you get into an auto accident or if someone slips and falls on your property.  Don't take chances with your family.. your home, business and future earnings could be jeopardy.  Get peace of mind by confirming that you adequate limits to protect yourself and your family. Contact us for a free review , even if we are not the agent of record on the policy.

If you have questions or need more information, feel free to contact me via email, phone or stop into the office. 

Happy Holidays!

My blog is moving... please visit my blog on its new site HERE.

Year End Tax Tips for Everyone

Happy Monday!  With 2013 coming to a close, almost, I thought I would focus on some end of  the year tax tips.

In general, there are some end of the year tax tips that can be done to manage your income taxes.  For example you may want to try to earn additional income in 2013 or perhaps you want to defer (push ahead) income to 2014, depending upon what tax bracket you are in.  These tactics can be used to optimize your tax liability between 2013 & 2014.

Here are some more tax tips for individuals:

• Accelerate or defer expenses.  Much like the income tip I mentioned above.  Making that major purchase in 2013 may benefit you more if you hold off til 2014.  Look at the benefits, tax credits and liability before you decide. 
• Are you thinking of getting married?  I would look at your tax liability as a married couple before you decide.. you may want to postpone til after the new year and then you have the rest of they year to plan or recover any benefits you may have lost.
• Contribute to your IRA, 401k, flexible spending account all of these types of contributions are tax exempt. IRA up to a certain amount - about $5500 this year I think.
• Own rental property?  Now may be the time to purchase that energy efficient appliance and get the tax credit, plus all the money you put into that rental property is a tax write off which helps to counter balance the income you received throughout the  year.
• Donate to a charity!  This is the best way to get a tax deduction.. this is like getting the best of both worlds.. save money by giving to others.  This is a win win situation and you feel great!  Just be careful there is certain criteria that must be met not all donations are tax deductible.  You can claim up to $50 each for bags of clothing that you might donate .. for example.  
• Speak to your CPA or attorney.  Just to be sure, I would consult your CPA or attorney to discuss which advice is best for you as an individual.

Here are some tips for Retirees:

• Do a dry run on your tax return:  Retiring can have a major impact on your finances.  It is very helpful to start planning now.  Do a practice return now using a free online tax software.   All the techniques I offered for individuals will benefit you if you are retiring or retired.
• Check and double check your withholding instructions on Social Security, pensions and any early withdrawals.  If it is not accurate or enough you may pay heavy penalties and interest.  It is really important to check with your estate planner or CPA to be sure.

Here are some money saving tips for small business owners:

• Spend some money - If you make any purchase before the end of the year, you may be able to deduct most of your purchases - for things like computers, furniture, software, vehicles, equipment and more.  Even if you don't think you have to, you may want to review.  Then check with your CPA to see if Section 179 deduction is still available.
• Hiring a returning or disabled veteran - The returning heroes tax credit provides businesses that hire unemployed veterans a tax credit up to $9,600 per veteran.  Read more:  Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior Tax Credits.
• Defer your income - much like for individuals - you may want to review this ahead of time with your CPA or accountant.
• Set up a retirement account or fund one before the end of the year.  Check with your plan administrator for limits and deadlines for different types of plans.  Contact us if you need a referral.
• Contribute to charity.
• Keep your records straight.
• Speak to your CPA or attorney.  Just to be sure, I would consult your CPA or attorney to discuss which advice is best for you as a small business owner.
  

Sources for information above:  

http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-cents/7-money-saving-year-end-tax-tips-small-business

http://taxes.about.com/od/taxplanning/qt/year_end_tips.htm

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/year-end-tax-tips-for-retirees-and-pre-retirees-2013-11-21

The Kennedy Assassination, 50th Anniversary Among Other Things

The Tanner Insurance Agency, Inc. does not affiliate with a particular political party however this was such a moment in history. I thought I would blog about it, briefly.

I was too young to remember JFK Jr.  but of course I heard a lot about him.  Not just through the history books but from my family as well too, as I was growing up.

My grandmother was a huge JFK Jr. fan.  She used to collect dollar bills with the letter K on them. Everyone in my family knew this and they would save and give them to her or trade for an none letter K bill. She kept them neatly in an envelope in her top dresser drawer.  The envelope was so full it wouldn't close, I can remember.

(My grandmother is the dark hair lady on the bottom right)

Now that I think about it she collected lots of things, buttons, bells, and other forms of money.  Like the Susan B. Anthony dollar.  Coincidentally, she passed away on this day too.  The same day as JFK as if she had it planned.

Now that I am in the insurance industry I would have advised her she should check on her homeowner policy to be sure those items are covered.   There is usually very limited coverage on a homeowner policy for money and collectibles.

The proper way to insure these types of items is to schedule them on your homeowners or renters policy. Usually only if the items are valued over a specific amount is an appraisal required.

If you have jewelry, guns, furs, antiques, money, coins, or collections (even old buttons), you should check with your insurance carrier or agent to find out what the limitations are on your home or renters policy.

We offer free insurance reviews as well if you need help.

My blog is going to be hosted on our website by Monday - at htttp://www.tiains.com

We will be sure to have the link updated on all the other public sites it is on.

Thanks and Happy Friday!

What to do with all that leftover turkey...

I usually blog about insurance tips and techniques and feel free to go back and check those out.  I am a single parent and work full time.  I am always looking for effective short cuts and quick meals. If you read my blog yesterday, I gave tips and techniques relating to preparing and cooking your turkey.  I also included how to estimate how much turkey you would need per person. If you are like me, I love leftover turkey. 

It takes hours to prepare the holiday dinner, minutes to eat and then spend several more minutes cleaning up and storing leftovers.  I have a small family but always buy a big turkey. You don't need to spend the next week having turkey every night. All the meals I am going to give you are quick and easy and the meat can be frozen and added to a few other key ingredients and you can have a fresh turkey taste.

My favorite is of course the cold turkey sandwich.  I usually slice some of the left over breast and keep in the fridge for a couple of turkey sandwiches.  I usually have leftover rolls too so I just slice, add a little mayo, salt and pepper and a generous slice of turkey and presto.. turkey sandwich.

I usually leave the other breast whole, wrap in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, you can also use freezer bags but just be sure to get all the air out to prevent freezer burn.  I will place this into the freezer and save for another meal down the road.  The breast will keep for 6 months, but I rarely wait that long to actually eat it. 

When I am ready I take out of the freezer, let thaw in the fridge and slice for future cold turkey sandwiches or sometimes make hot turkey sandwiches too!  I usually store any leftover gravy in the freezer too.  If I don't have leftover gravy, the powdered packet is my favorite above the jar version.

Next after I have removed the breast I usually place the entire turkey, bones and all into a big soup pot add some onions, celery and a little seasoning (garlic,salt, pepper).  I have the pot with the strainer built right in.  I almost cover about 3/4 with water, bring to a rapid boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for two hours.  Then I remove from heat take the turkey out of the juices and set aside. Now you have instant turkey broth.  Once this is cool, I put 1/2 into a container in the freezer and save for future recipes.

Once the turkey is cool I separate all the meat from the bones.  Throw out the bones.  I use 1/2 of the meat, the entire carrot and celery and dice and put into the 1/2 of the broth that didn't make it into the freezer.  Instant turkey soup!  I usually just freeze that too, and when I want to serve it I cook up a few egg noodles and throw it it! This is so incredibly quick and easy, I just love it.

The other 1/2 of the meat I use with all the remaining leftovers.  I always hope i have leftover stuffing.  For some reason when you use a cast iron skillet this comes out best but you can also use a non stick pan for easy clean up!  I take the leftover meat that I didn't add to the soup, and place in a pan with any leftover stuffing.  My family also uses some other kind of vegetable - besides squash, like green beans (even casserole works), peas, or corn - I usually add that too, and any remaining gravy, heat it all up and plate.  It is so yummy!

I hope you enjoy your holiday leftovers as much as you did the first time!

Let's Talk Turkey.....

Many families will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday by having a turkey on your dinner table.  In the past I have blogged about ways to avoid kitchen fires...so please read that blog regarding fire prevention. Today lets talk about the turkey specifically.

How to pick the right size turkey:  Typically the rule is one pound of turkey for every 1 person, and only use a 1/2 pound per child.  You may want to use 1lb for everyone so you have plenty of leftovers.

How to thaw your turkey: If it is a frozen turkey you should take it out of the freezer and leave in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days. For larger turkeys it could take up to 6 days.

How to prepare your turkey:  Once your turkey is thawed, remove the neck and giblets.  I recommend rubbing butter and spices, garlic, salt, pepper on the skin.  Some people like to use poultry seasoning as well. You can also rub this between the meat and the skin.  I then put that in a dutch oven or deep dish baking pan. I throw the giblets and neck right in the bottom of the pan along with 2-3 cups of water.  Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.  If you use aluminum foil - stick some tooth picks into the top of the turkey so the foil does not touch the skin.

How long to cook your turkey:  Normally the rule is 30 minutes per pound.  If it is a twelve pound turkey I cook covered for 5.5 hours, then I uncover, stuff with stuffing, butter the skin again, drain out as much juice as possible and set aside in a separate container or pan, along with the neck and giblets, and place back into the oven uncovered for the half-hour.

While the turkey is back in the oven for the last half hour, I normally make the gravy.   I let the pan juices sit for a few minutes, in a clear container is best. The liquid will settle and the fat will sit on top.   I take 3-4 tablespoons of that fat and place in a separate pan on high heat on top of the stove, as soon as it starts to boil I turn down the heat to low, add 3 tablespoons of flour, mix thoroughly and then whisk in the remaining pan juices.  I also cut up my giblets and throw in at this point.

I hope you have an enjoyable holiday.. enjoy!