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.

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!

Why Insurance Agents Worry About Their Clients: Hotel Safety Tips

In my blog yesterday we talked about the holidays fast approaching and the highway travel that would be most likely taking place and some ways to be sure your reach your destination and return home safely. Today lets talk about when you actually arrive. If you are staying in a hotel there are some very important safety precautions you will want to take to be sure you and your family are protected.  Even if you think you know the area and you feel 'safe', you can not be too careful.  Crime is on the rise.

Before your stay, know your hotel:  Don't be afraid to call and ask questions before you make your reservation.  Select a hotel that has installed modern electronic guest room locks. Be aware of your hotels surroundings and location.  If you are visiting a foreign country, be aware of the security situation there.  Call ahead and make sure the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Jewelry, luggage and valuables should be photographed before your trip.  Be sure your cell phone works even if there is a phone in your room.

Once you arrive, be aware of your surroundings:  Immediately familiarize yourself with the fire escape route. Ask the front desk what number should be dialed in case of emergency.   Be aware of anyone listening in on your conversation as you check in. Don't let the front desk associate publicize your room number.

During your stay, be on guard:  Keep your room key, wallet, flashlight and cell phone on your nightstand. Check the locks on doors and windows as soon as you arrive. At night, use the main entrance.  Keep cash, credit cards and checks in separate pockets or areas of your purse. Never open your door to someone unless you are sure of their identity and expecting them.

Below is an infographic offering more safety tips before and during your stay.  You should also check with your insurance agent to be sure your belongings will be covered.  Some homeowners or renters policies provide coverage anywhere in the world, some in the US only and there is often limitations for jewelry.

If you would like a free review of your insurance policy, please visit us on the web or give us a call at one of our three locations.

Why Insurance Agents Worry About Their Clients..Road Trips!

As the holiday season approaches more and more individuals and families will be hitting the highway traveling to visit family and friends.  We want to make sure you take every precaution to stay safe while traveling near and far. 

There is some basic maintenance that should be done to your vehicle to be sure it gets you to and from where you need to be.  Like checking your battery, oil, coolant and other fluid levels.  Check your tire pressure, air filter, and be sure you have a spare tire. Most importantly, get those repairs done if needed. You may think this is silly but when loading in any potential passengers and all the extra belongings you should also check your vehicles load capacity.

There are some things  you need to do to be sure you have everything you need.  Make sure your latest insurance Identification Card contains accurate information and is located in your glove box with a copy of your registration.  We normally give our insurance handy plastic holders to keep these important documents in. It also lists our contact number on the back in case you need to reach us on the road.  You should also make a quick call to be sure you know what coverages you have, like towing, rental reimbursement and in some cases trip interruption.

Lastly there should be some things you should have on hand in the event of an emergency. Buy a road atlas or map, GPS or cell phone technology is great when they work.  Have a backup plan just in case.  Be sure your electronic devices are fully charged, like your GPS or cell phone.  A GPS may help so that you are aware of any detours.  Buy snacks, bottled water and a first aid kit, including any regular medications.  You should also have a blanket during this time of year.

Here is an infographic for easy visual reference about the things I mentioned an a pre-filled list for easy packing!  Have a safe trip, a fun holiday and most importantly feel free to contact us with questions.

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday

Is anyone else terrified of the Black Friday festivities that are about to commence? I have heard that some people turn selfish and greedy during the shopping process. I decided to attend Black Friday a few years ago because there was a bargain I just HAD TO HAVE.  Even though I was well aware that it is known as the busiest shopping day of the year.  I was faced with elbow to elbow crowds in every store and mall I dared to venture in.   I saw people pushing, shoving, even grabbing... it was horrible.

I promised myself I will never brave Black Friday shopping again. This year the stores will be open for early savings on Thanksgiving as well.  I think that is going too far.  It is mostly the large chains of retail stores that have decided to open, like Walmart, Target etc.  They will reap the rewards by getting some extra revenue they were not able to collect in prior years.  The employees will really suffer, instead of enjoying a day off with their families they most likely are being forced to work.  Cyber Monday offers a safer, more civil shopping experience that can be enjoyed from home, local coffee shop, or any other place with internet. Today’s infographic offers some interesting stories and information about Cyber Monday and Black Friday. Good luck to all you brave shoppers out there, get those deals and stay strong! [via]

reprinted in parts from dailyinfographic.com

Make sure all your purchases are covered properly, give us a call for a free review of your renters or homeowner policy or for a free quote.

The 6 Smartest Things You Can Do Every Night and Morning

Waking up and getting the day started is one of the toughest parts of the day. Everything you have to do is jumbled and floating around in your head. You want nothing more than to just stay in bed. But you can’t because you have a life and people that depend on you. It’s bad enough that you have responsibilities, but you have to dress nice too? I don’t know about you all, but picking clothes in the morning is one of the most frustrating things about starting my day.

We want to do it all. We want to feel energized from our morning exercise. We want to actually get a decent breakfast in. And we want to look good for the day to come. Often striving for these things is what keeps people from being the “morning person” that so many hate at work. Whether we admit it or not we are jealous of the morning people. We envy their positivity and the ease in which they handle the start to their day.


Planning ahead is what is going to get us there. In this infographic, we are shown a few tips and tricks to making the new day a better and easier one. Organizing your thoughts will help you visualize how to efficiently achieve your to-do’s. Doing something that’s going to make you feel good about yourself is a must in the morning. Make yourself a routine to ensure you can be a happier and more successful you. [via]

Some of the Most Amazing Houses in the World!

Little boxes on the hillside aren't’ for everyone.  While some people might be content with a cookie-cutter home in a bland suburban neighbor hood, others create truly one-of-a-kind homes with incredible imaginative shapes and materials. Here are a few extraordinary examples:

The Upside Down House—Szymbark, Poland

Polish businessman and philanthropist  Daniel Czapiewski built The Upside Down House as a statement about the communist era and the end of the world.  It took 114 days to build because the workers were so disoriented by the angles of the walls.  It certainly attracts its fair share of tourists to the tiny village of Szymbar, who often become dizzy and ‘seasick’ after just a few moments inside.

(Images via: Fresh Home)

The Toilet –Shaped House—Suweon, South Korea

The world’s one and only toilet-shaped house was built to mark the launch of the World Toilet Association, a campaign for more sanitary restrooms worldwide.  Sim Jae-Duck, nicknamed “Mayor Toilet”, had the 4,508 square foot concrete and glass structure built in his native city of Suweon, South Korea.  At the center of the home is a glass-walled “showcase-loo” that produces mist to make users feel more secure.  Sim, who was born into a toilet and has made clean restrooms his life work, now lives in the home.  

               

(Image via: Reuters)

The Pod House in New York State

Also known as the Mushroom House, architect James H. Johnson was inspired by the shape of the local wildflower Queen Anne’s Lace, when he designed this unusual home in Powder Mills Park, near Rochester, NY.  The home is actually a complex of several pods with connecting walkways. Perched atop thin stems, the pods are amusing yet eerie examples of organic architecture. 

(Image via: pointclickhome.com)

For more homes like these check out www.weburbanist.com or architecture.about.com.

Please visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations to get a quote or for a FREE insurance review.

What's Your Insurance IQ?

Think you know all you need to know about Insurance?  According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) the majority of Americans believe they are smart about insurance, but a deeper look at the issue tells a different story.  How insurance savvy are you?

Test your knowledge with these questions :

1. Auto rates are the same in every state.

A. True                 B.   False

2. What factors can affect your auto insurance?

A. Your age and marital status

B. Where you live and how you use your vehicle

C. Your accident history and safety features on your car

D. Your credit based insurance score

E. All of the above can affect your policy, depending on the type of coverage and the state in which you live

3. If you have personal auto insurance, will it always cover a rental car?

A. Yes B.  No

4. If you let a friend drive your car and he or she is at fault in an accident, does your personal auto policy cover damage to the other vehicle?

A. Yes, coverage typically extends to the permitted user of the car.

B. No, my friends insurance covers it.

5. What kind of insurance provides coverage if a person is injured in an accident and decides to file a lawsuit?

A. Liability coverage associated with auto and homeowners insurance

B. An Umbrella Policy

C. A personal Catastrophe Liability Policy

D. All of the above

6. What type of life insurance is less expensive, but only lasts a particular length of time?

A. Term life B.   Whole Life

C.    Universal life D.  All of the above

7. In general,, how much life insurance should I have?

A. Half your annual salary B. Two times your annual salary

B. 5-7 times your annual salary D.  10 times your annual salary

8. If you operate a small business out of your home, will your homeowners policy automatically cover any damage to your equipment (computer, supplies, etc.) and any liability exposure associated with the business?

A. Yes B.     No C.     It may provide limited coverage

9.    A flood has recently left several inches of water in your house.  Does your homeowners insurance cover the damages?

A. Yes B.    No

10. Can your insurance help if someone has stolen your identity of your credit card?

A. Yes B.  No C.   Maybe

Answers:  1-b, 2-e, 3-b,4-a,5-d,6-a,7-c,8-c,9-b,10-c  

Want to know more visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations.

Bizarre Driving Laws

Following are a list of some, lets just say "different" laws on the books by state.  For all my fellow New Yorkers please find an appropriate place to change into your bathing suit while in Sag Harbor. 

Alabama: Illegal to Drive While Blindfolded.

Alaska:  Illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car

Arkansas:  Illegal to blare a car horn where ice cold  beverages or sandwiches are served after 9pm.

California:   It is illegal in Eureka CA to use the road as a bed.

It is illegal in Chico CA to plant rutabagas in roadways.

It is illegal in Glendale CA to jump from a vehicle at 65mph.

It is illegal in Hermosa Beach CA to spill your margarita on any street.

Connecticut:  Hunting from cars is illegal even in deer season.

Georgia:  It is illegal in Dublin GA to drive through playgrounds.

Illinois:  Beware if you own a bicycle in Galesburg, IL.  There is a no tolerance law for “fancy riding”.

Iowa:  In Mt. Vernon IA it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway.

Kansas:  In Derby KS it is considered a misdemeanor to screech your tires while driving.  This act could cost you 30 days in jail.

Kentucky:  Make sure your canine does not have a weird fetish for tailgate lights or trailer hitches while in Ft. Thomas KY .  You’ll be fined if your pet molests a vehicle.

Maine:  In South Berwick ME you will be ticketed if you park in front of Dunkin Donuts.

Maryland:  Using profanity from a vehicle is Rockville is considered a misdemeanor.

Minnesota:  In Minnetonka MN if you drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road you will be considered a public nuisance that is harming the peace, safety and general welfare of the town.

Nevada:  It is illegal to place a bench or chair in the middle of the road.

New Jersey:  New Jersey residents are required by law to honk before passing.  It is illegal in Blairstown NJ to plant trees in the middle of the street.

New York:  Be sure to enter your vehicle sartorially content while in Sag Harbor, NY  Officials have made it illegal to disrobe while in your car.

North Carolina:  It is illegal to play in traffic, Illegal to drive on sidewalks and  It is illegal to drive through a cemetery unless you are there to dig a grave or bury someone—so if you just want to visit the grave of a loved one bring binoculars!

Ohio:  In Canton OH  people wearing roller skates cannot share the streets with cars. 

Oregon:  In Oregon you can be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer then deemed necessary.  You will receive a class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.

If you opt for driving on a sidewalk while in Oregon, be sure not to attract the wrath of the law by not yielding to pedestrians.

Rhode Island:  In Scituate RI, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened.  So in other words, if  you are a beer delivery driver your in trouble.

South Carolina:  It is illegal to store trash in your vehicle due to rat problems.

West Virginia:  Virginia may be for lovers, but West Virginia is for meat lovers.  Officials in the Mountain State have deemed it perfectly legal for anyone to scavenge road kill.

For more fun information about the lighter side of driving check out Http://www.dmv.org/funstuff

Visit us on the web at www.tiains.com

Times Have Changed

Times have changed and we have learned a lot over the past several decades (we hope).  Here is a look back at some of the print advertisements were published in the past.

"Gee, Dad, you always get the best of everything…even Marlboro" is just one of the many slogans the cigarette brand has used over the years - this one from the 1950's. My favorite, "Before you scold me, Mom…maybe you’d better light up a Marlboro".  Hopefully again we are a little wiser now.. Please don't smoke but especially around children.  Especially in the car or house. More slogans like this can be found here.

Now hopefully parents try to not to give soda to a baby... but apparently this is something most parents have learned fairly recently!  This advertisement was sponsored by "The Soda Pop Board of America" - this actually was a reproduction created in 2002 by RJ White as a joke.

This also is from the 1950's - a time where advertising and comments were very sexist.  It was believed a woman's place was in the kitchen.  Here is a food blog that talks more about this ad and more.

This ad is for a Kenwood Chef Mixer, but in the larger print at the top the sexist ad really jumps out at you.  The rest of the ad which is not shown here is equally amusing, it can be found here.

The first advertisment in the USA was placed in 1789 and was a tobacco ad in a newspaper.  Today, we have learned about the dangers and long term affects of cigarette smoking and in 1997 censorship of these types of advertising began with banning outdoor, billboard, public transportation and advertising to youth.  In 2010 the Tobacco Control Act was signed placing even more restrictions. More on tobacco advertising can be found here.

You don't find ads portraying 'betty homemaker' anymore either.  Now you see working women, and ways to improve your life, more equality among gender and roles displayed through advertising.  Here is a blog on this topic I enjoyed. 

and lastly.. I will leave you with this one...in honor of domestic violence awareness month:

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and let us "Save you a buck" on your car insurance!