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Vacation Ideas for the Summer

Are you contemplating taking the entire family on that excellent cross-country trip this summer time? Maybe you have been having dreams about this for some time and at long last your children are at the appropriate age to take pleasure from it. Renting an RV for an extensive family vacation could be a great way to spend the summer. You'll find numerous points that you will have to do to get ready, for instance being sure that you've sufficient RV insurance with your rental, but do not concern yourself with this checklist since it is indeed a question of planning.

Other than ensuring your insurance before you go, you may obviously also want to be sure that the particular RV you happen to be booking matches the needs of your family. It has to do with the size and options that come with the RV you decide to rent for your getaway. There are many available, so it is worth the commitment of time to check out several and study online reviews concerning the ones that you're contemplating.

More than likely you will also want to at least plan out the larger portion of your holiday. Knowing approximately where you will be vacationing, you may get a perception of the many RV parks and campsites that may be a match for you and your loved ones. Just one benefit to journeying by RV is always that your own lodging are always with you when you travel. Many people probably won't realize, for example, that Walmart permits as well as encourages RV motorists to park overnight inside their auto parking lots. The neat thing relating to this idea is actually that you should never end up being stuck for a spot to park for the night time, given that Walmart is really popular through the total U.S.

Arranging for the RV vacation of an entire life can be half the fun of the trip. Do be sure to entail the kids as you plan your own path as well as rest stops as you go along.

Your Roofing System - Tips for Repair or Replacement

If you own a home or business, you need to keep your roof in good condition. You can prevent a disaster by hiring a roofing company. A contractor can fix problems with a building's roof and install a brand new one if needed. This includes everything from framing it, laying the tar, and installing shingles. Experienced roofing contractors are educated and skilled, and you count on them for quality materials and a job done right.

All roofing contractors perform repairs in their field, so if your roof's worn out, leaking, warping, or missing shingles, you need to get it fixed. A contractor can also clean out your gutters. A contractor will examine your roof and give you proper advice. Remember that it will cost you less money to have repairs performed rather than replace it with a new roof, but you will have to decide what's best for your home or business. Contractors have many options in terms of materials, including slate and ceramic tiles, a variety of shingles like asphalt and wood, and metal roofs.

Your roof is protecting your property, so you need to keep it in good working order. If snow, hail, and debris has piled up, you may need a replacement. Old, worn out, and leaking roofs also need to be replaced.

Before you hire a contractor, make sure he is insured. The contractor should carry some kind of liability insurance, which protects you against damage. The contractor you hire should also carry worker's compensation coverage, which protects you if the workers get hurt on your property. If he does not carry this insurance, you may be held liable for the damages. Before you sign a contract, get a copy of the contractor's insurance policy.

If you want to protect yourself, make sure the contractor is licensed. Anyone can claim to be an expert, but you could have a problem if the contractor does not carry a license. If the contractor is licensed, that means that he has met your state's qualifications. Most states have high standards for licensed roofing contractors.

Before you hire a professional, find out if he guarantees his work. Most of his materials will come with guarantees, but the contractor should also offer one personally. The work should be guaranteed for a year. Make sure you get the guarantee in writing. The guarantee should protect you against leaks, defective workmanship, and defective materials. It should also explain what will be done if there is a problem where the guarantee isn't met.

You must get a signed contract if you have this type of work performed on your home or business. The contract should explain what work will be performed, the cost, schedule, and completion date. The contract should also list the materials and brands that will be used.

If you want your roof repaired or replaced correctly, you should also make sure the contractors you hire are experienced. Do your research and make sure you ask plenty of questions when you contact or meet with contractors. If you don't know the first thing about roofing systems, have a contractor come to your house and get an estimate for the work that needs to be done. You will receive an accurate estimate for the work if the contractor visits your home or business for an examination.

Most people spend a lot of money on air conditioning and heating costs, but energy efficient roofs can reduce those bills. This will help you save energy in your house or office. If you are interested energy efficiency through this means, talk to an experienced contractor and find out what options you have. These types of roofs are easy to install and are long-lasting. An energy efficient roof will keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You may also qualify for tax credits if you pursue such an energy efficient installation in your home or office.

Prescription Drug Discount Cards - A Fundraising Vehicle for Non-Profit Associations

These cards are legitimate and they are FREE. When card holders present the discount card to their pharmacist they will receive a discount of up to 85% on their medications. Discounts average 15% on brand name drugs and 55% on generics. Over 80% of the pharmacies in the U.S. participate in this program. The discounts are provided by the drug manufacturer and they are highly motivated to continue to do so. Until recently, the general public has only been marginally exposed to this savings vehicle. The drug manufacturers have been providing discounts on their medications through healthcare organizations for over five years and it appears that unless there is a major change brought about by healthcare reform, the discounts will be available for the foreseeable future. With the exception of the possibility of assistance from the pharmaceutical companies for those in the Medicare "donut hole", the Health Care Reform Bill does not address any changes that would affect the value of the prescription drug cards.

Who benefits from these programs?
In addition to the uninsured and under insured, almost everyone will have occasion to save money at the pharmacy by presenting their discount card at some point in time - even the well insured. It provides discounts on every prescription medication approved by the Federal Drug Administration including many that are not covered by insurance plans. Smoking cessation medications, sexual potency and diabetes supplies are examples of medications that are not normally covered by insurance but can be obtained at greatly reduced rates by presenting the card to a pharmacist. These cards can be a true salvation to those in the Medicare "donut hole".

How does the fundraiser work?
Not every drug card distributor offers a fundraiser program but the ones that do make it very easy to implement. The distributor supplies the organization with plastic cards "branded" to your specifications. The only cost to the organization is the printing charge. You distribute the cards to your membership through any channels that apply. Each time your member fills a prescription; your organization receives a donation from the distributor. The donation is small but it is a game of numbers. Good news travels fast. The members can refer their family, friends and relatives to a designated web site to print a card and the association receives donations from their use as well. There is even a discount card for their pets.

As fundraisers go, this one meets all of the criteria. It provides significant value to the membership, no substantial cost to the association, no creditability risk to the association, residual income that "multiplies" through members referring others, and once introduced to the members, the program requires zero maintenance.

General Golf Advice to Save Cash

The majority of people think that general golf advice is only useful to those that have just started to, or are looking to start playing. The reality is that golf is an extremely technical sport, which requires a lot of commitment. To achieve anything near a good quality game, players need to study it on a regular basis.

The fact is that the internet is a great resource, a resource that is there and ready for everyone to use. The quality and volume of information that is available to golfers online never ceases to amaze, even the most experienced golfers.

Whilst beginners can pick up simple tips on picking clubs, more experienced players can look into how to improve their golf swings and new shot techniques to further their arsenal. In fact, there are literally golf advice sources for everyone, no matter how long they have been playing, or how serious they are about golf.

Preparation is the most important part of a lot of things in life and golf is certainly no different. The first thing golfers should do is assess whether the clubs they are choosing or actually using are right for them. A lot of times, golfers realize that they have actually been using the wrong clubs and changing them for some new ones, could make all the difference to their game.

The great thing is that these days golf courses will provide golfers with the majority of the information that they need. All the costs associated with the sport and where to find the best deals are usually advertised throughout the club house. If that is not enough, a lot of club memberships actually join members together to allow them to get group discounts where possible.

This might seem minimal, but when players are spending hundreds or even thousands every year, in can make a massive difference. A lot of online retailers offer discounts for big orders, so this can really help people that are starting as they will generally buy a lot of their equipment at the same time anyway, so it makes sense to purchase it all from the same place.

One final point of advice would be to look into golf insurance. Golfers are subject to a lot of risk when they hit the greenstake to the course. The reality is that any accidents that happen on the green course are the complete responsibility of the golfer in question. This means if they damage any equipment or property, then it will have to come out of their own pocket. Of course, if they do happen to have extensive amounts of a specialist golf insurance policy, from a good broker, then they will be completely covered and their outlay will be minimal.

Value of Property Title Search

Property title search is very essential to conduct before to buy a property. By the property title search you can find all the particulars about history of the property. If you have no experience in the buying and selling of properties then it is necessary for you to investigate deep about the property before to buy it. You can perform it by many different ways. You can hire a detective company for this job. Many detective companies are offering this service. If you have money and you are willing to spend it then you can hire a reliable detective agency.

Detective agency will investigate all about the property and reveal all the issues related to its title and other matters. Detective company will also provide you detail information about the history of property, and also the details of taxes. It is a good technique but it is slow and time consuming process. If you have no experience in the dealing of property then there is another option, you can get insure the title of property. Many insurance companies are offering this opportunity to get insure the title of your property. Later on if there is an issue arises related to tile authenticity then your investment will remain safe and insurance company will pay you whole amount.

It is a safe technique but it might cost you some extra. You can also search about the property through online means. Online way is more convenient and easy, you can perform property title search about any property from the other side of country. For this search you just need specific address of the property and by entering this address in the defined place of website you can get exact details of the property. This search will also provide you contact particulars of the land owner. You can find the phone number of the owner and contact him personally to know more about a specific property.

If you want some more details and information then you can search with the paid sites. Paid sites will give you most up to date and authentic information. The database of paid sites is more up to dated as compare to non paid sites. They up dated their records on regular basis and also tally those records with the country office in which property is situated. You can rely on their information without any doubt.

Things You Should Keep In Mind While Travelling

While you are travelling there are various things that you need to take care of. So I am going to share some travel tips here which will be useful for you. Please read out and implement these tips if you are planning to travel and enjoy your journey. There are various important things and travel tips may vary as there is change in destination. Here I am going to share some general tips that applies to all:

Book in advance:-

If you are planning to visit any destination I would like to recommend booking your tickets in advanced. You may be able to get a last minute deal but these types of deals are not always cheap. You will get best deal if you book airline tickets early.

Research work:-

If you are planning to visit a place you have to do some research work. You can visit travel work and find out the reviews of other visitors and from this you will find some useful tips also. You can also find some destination tips also. In this way you could save your money also.

Use of cards, cash and travelers cheques:-

Credit and debit cards are known as most convenient way to pay bills and purchase things while you are travelling. But there are many banks who charges extra money while you travelling in the abroad. You can also make use of travel cheques. You have to use travel cheques.

Using your cards in abroad:-

Before the scheduled date of your journey you have to check out the expiry date of your credit cards and debit cards. If cards are about to expire then you have to replace them and fix the problem before starting your journey. You also have to note down the contact number of customer care of your card providers so that when you have any problems you can solve it.

Travel Insurance:-

It is also strongly advised that before starting your journey that you have to buy travel insurance. it will give security against the risks involved in the travelling.

Car hire and parking space:-

You should book in advanced the car hire deals and save your money. You should also book in advance the car hire deals. This will be beneficial for you and will keep your mind in the peace. SO in this way you can enjoy your journey. There are various other factors that should be kept in the mind while travelling.

A Look At A Health Savings Account

The health savings account (HSA) has only been around since 2003. It is similar to an IRA in some ways, yet the money can only be used for medical expenses. You must be under the age of 64 to have a HSA and they must always be accompanied by a HDHP, which is a high deductible health plan. They are two different things. The savings account is not part of the insurance policy, but is used to pay the high deductible and other expenses that the insurance policy may not cover.

People seem to really like this type of plan because the money they put in is considered pre-tax dollars, and if there is any money in the plan you are saving for retirement, it is tax deferred. It is a win-win situation for the employee and the employer because the cost of the plan is less.

The Minnesota Department of Health did a report for all the states, and found that last year health care expenditure was $5,283 per person. Some of this is because premiums of regular health plans are so steep. With figures like this it is important to try and cut down on the cost.

Employers have found that in order to keep employees from turning to other companies, it is vital to offer a good health plan. They can also put money into the employee health savings account as long as the combined amount does not go over the yearly limit. Helping the employee with this expense in most cases is less costly than training new hires.

This type of plan has no co-pays or prescription plan. The doctor visits and prescriptions must be paid, however they are subtracted from the deductible. Once the deductible has been met, the insurance company will start paying on claims. In some ways this sound like it would be extremely expensive, but take a few things into consideration before making that decision.

You save money by not having to pay so much income tax since the savings account is considered pre-tax dollars. Your savings account is drawing interest at the same time. The premiums are much less that you would be paying for a low deductible plan. The money out-of-pocket may very well be less by using a health savings plan with a high deductible health plan.

The choice is yours, but feel free to talk to an insurance representative to get all your questions answered. Having good health care is very important, but saving money runs a close second.

How to Choose Rental Photo Equipment

There are two main reasons to rent equipment:

  1. To try something out before you actually buy it.
  2. To use something very expensive which you would not use often enough to justify the purchase price.

When renting, here are some guidelines on what to look for.

  1. Shipping in both directions included in the rental cost. You should not have to fork out extra to either get or return the equipment you rent.
  2. Combined shipping for multiple items. If you rent more than one thing, the rental house should combine them and ship them together. This saves both of you money.
  3. Insurance. Very few insurance policies will cover high-end camera equipment. Don't fall into the trap of believing your homeowner's policy covers it. There is usually a cap (Probably around $1,000). If you have a photography related business, you may be covered by your commercial policy but double-check to make sure. Fortunately, all major rental houses sell insurance for the duration of your rental (sort of the way car rental agencies do.)
  4. Geographic restrictions. Some rental houses don't want you taking their equipment on that African safari. (Or at least they want to know that's where it's going beforehand. Failure to disclose could void your rental insurance.)
  5. Cost of the item. Rental cost will vary and generally you pay less per day for longer term rentals. Expect to pay around 5% of the purchase price for a week, and about 10% for a month. These are very rough guidelines. In any event, the total cost should be clearly spelled out with no surprises.
  6. Plan to get your equipment 2-3 days before you will actually need it. This allows for shipping delays and also gives you time to familiarize yourself with the new equipment.

If renting a very high-end lens (most common):

  • Make sure you know the size and weight. Most people who have not handled one are unprepared for just how large and heavy some of these lenses can be.
  • Make even more sure that you have a tripod capable of supporting it. Otherwise, rent one.

If renting a camera body:

  • Make sure of whether or not it comes with memory card(s) and that the battery will be fully charged.
  • Find out if a battery charger, card reader, cables or any other accessories will be included as part of the rental.

If renting lighting equipment:

  • Make sure of exactly what will be included and ensure it includes everything you will need.
  • Check on power usage and make sure the place you plan to use it can handle the draw.

Making Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury is a term many people have heard of but when one actually has to file for a claim, things may not be as easy. There are many things to consider, especially those that will involve the insurer. In many cases, people do not get the actual amount that is due them because insurance companies can play around the technicalities of their policies just to be able to reduce the sum that should be given. Unless one truly understands how these claims work, there is the danger of falling victim to these malicious insurers. Sad as it may seem, people could be taken advantage of and for this reason, it is important to hire a personal injury lawyer.

A personal injury lawyer will have the expertise and the experience needed for a claimant to be able to get the full amount that is promised in the insurance policy. Hiring this lawyer will then be the first important step when somebody has to file a claim. However, it is necessary to choose the right lawyer who can represent the claimant effectively. If you have to file a claim, look for a lawyer who can provide you with many details regarding his experience. In particular, you should inquire into the cases that a lawyer has won, along with his educational qualifications and, of course, his personal views regarding your claims. It is useless to have a lawyer who does not believe in your particular cause.

Once you have found the right lawyer, you can discuss the possibilities of your claim while taking into account the various requirements that will be needed for you to take all the legal steps that will be necessary. First and foremost, you have to be able to prove that you suffered the injury as a result of somebody's negligence. But you cannot just rely on your own words to convince the judge that you have reason to file your claims. You have to be able to support your testimony with evidence such as a police case report, medical certificates and people who have witnessed the act of negligence.

There is no fixed amount that you can demand, however, as things will depend on how serious your injury was as well as how large you financial loss has been due to the act of negligence. Again, your personal injury lawyer can give you expert advice on how much to claim and will give you a realistic basis for your expectations.

Learn How to Get Forty to Fifty Percent Returns With Out Any Risk

What is a life insurance settlement? Life settlements started in the 1980's when someone would purchase an existing life insurance policy from someone else. For example if someone had a one million dollar policy and they needed a life saving procedure then they would try to sell their million dollar insurance policy to an investor for fifty to sixty percent of the policy value.

This would be a win, win for both parties. The investor would get a good return on his or her money and the former policy owner would get the treatment they needed to extend their life.

This type of investment is guaranteed to pay off. Where can a person get a forty to fifty percent return on their money guaranteed only in life settlement. Investors can do as many of these as they want and the best part is there are no restrictions from the IRS. No guidelines that you make too much money or you have met your limit this year for investing.

The bank on yourself investment strategy only uses guaranteed investment strategies that are safe and also give a high rate of return. Insuring your investments is the smartest thing you can do for your financial future. So what should you look for in a life settlement company. One they should have been in business for at least five years. Two you should be able to find out the average time of pay out of their normal accounts. Three you need to use an American based company, never use a foreign company the rules and regulations are different than here in the United States.

This is one way in which the bank on yourself strategy will help you retire wealthy without any of the risk people take in the stock market. Warren Buffet is the right now the best investor alive people say and he gets around twenty percent a year return or less on his money. You can be a Buffet your self but with not all the press. Bank on yourself and you to will become wealthy.

How To Save Money on Contractor Bonds

I have sold many contractors bonds over the years and I feel that there is a big misconception about what drives bond prices for contractors. I know everyday that I am going to get the question, "why is that so much higher than what my friends are paying?" Sometimes I have to explain to a construction business owner what drives the price of a bond and how they can lower that dollar cost and reduce/eliminate time spent searching aimlessly. Here is a quick article about getting your contractors bond, either a license or performance bond as cheaply as possible.

Here are a few points to remember when shopping for a contractors bond.

Steps In the Process
1. Check Your Credit Before Shopping-The insurance agent on the other end of the line has many different surety companies that can write bonds. Knowing that you have perfect, less than perfect credit, or even poor credit can determine which application for what surety company quickly. Respect your insurance agents time on the phone. Example-Inaccurate information on your credit report that could double the price of your bond then find out later that you could have paid a parking ticket and received the standard rate.
2. Shop 30 Days in Advance. Allow the insurance agent to find which company is going to charge the least amount. Also save money on postage-having a few extra days can reduce the price of mailing the bond. If you don't have to pay $36 for overnight shipping every year because you got it done a month in advance. You will save money and reduce your stress.
3. Get your bond file together. Start a file on your computer or a paper file. Use your taxes, bank statements, irrevocable letters of credit from your bank or credit union to start your file. Ask your agent about "anything else she/he may need to get this bond approved." Having an up-to-date resume with project examples also makes underwriters feel "warm and fuzzy" because they know that this $600,000 car wash project is not only one of your average projects but it is something that you excel at as you have built 32 other car washes in the past 12 years.
3. Have a good relationship with your bond company. Having a long term relationship with your sutety company will improve the ability to get bonds approved. Sometimes surety companies pass because the bond is needed is so last minute. On large scale projects having been a past performance bond, current/past license bonds, and having been prequalified for your bonding capacity will allow you to get your bond approved THAT DAY! You are finalizing/submitting your bid while your competitors are shopping for a bond.
4. Don't make them pay out if possible. Everyone gets a complaint. It's part of the construction world. The last thing that you want to do is have a bond company pay a surety claim. Not only will the new bond companies decline, your current one could take a pass on writing your bond if you avoided correcting the issue in the first place. Example: Contact your agent about filing an insurance claim instead of dodging phone calls for three weeks from a customer about a leaky shower drain.

In closing for you to get the best price for your bond you need to check your credit, shop 30 days in advance, get your bond file together, establish a relationship with your bond company, and take care of complaints before they reach the point where the state files a bond claim against the surety.

Cautionary Note:
Don't over shop your bond. This WILL DAMAGE your credit! There are many agencies that write bonds and few surety companies.

Which Dental Plan Is Right for You?

Now that our new President has promised us that Health Care is coming our way, many questions arise as to whether the government option will include any type of dental care if the Health Program doesn't get revoked by the new 2011 Congress - will Obama Care include dental care? If so, how much will it cost? Can I select my own dentist?

The questions are ones that no one can answer at the moment. I have heard that major insurance companies are severely reducing their coverage amount on existing dental insurance policies - and even canceling policies starting Jan. 2011. The sensible option might be to select a discount dental plan in lieu of traditional dental insurance. There are MANY different companies in this country that offer a discount dental plan, and as a consumer it's going to be your responsibility to select the program that's st for you and your family.

The advantages of a discount dental plan is that there is no waiting period (customers can sign up online and literally print out a temporary ID card and go to the dentist the very next day), there are no exclusions (except for orthodontic work in progress) and no maximum annual benefits - which means that you can go to the dentist for more than one root canal or one crown! The average annual benefits that insurance companies offer range between $1,000 a year and $1,800 a year and we all know that one major dental procedure such as a crown or a root canal can burn THAT amount up in one visit.

When you start your online research for a discount plan there are a few factors that you should consider:

  1. Does the plan have a provider that's close to me?
  2. How much does the dental plan cost? Some companies that offer several choices to consumers actually "up charge" the costs to pocket some extra cash, so be sure and research more than one web site!
  3. Can you cancel the dental plan when you want?
  4. What does the dental plan provide?

Is Canada A Car-Obsessed Nation?

Canada's auto manufacturing industry may be facing tough economic times, but the nation's drivers are still as eager as ever to get out on the roads with their vehicles - especially when it comes to embracing new technologies.

Claims that Canada is a country obsessed with cars are not borne out by the declining growth of the manufacturing industry, which is increasingly moving southwards across the US border as the nation becomes more dependent on foreign imports. Formerly reaching the heights of the world's fourth largest auto manufacturer in 1999, Canada may have slipped down the charts, but that doesn't mean its drivers are any less keen to upgrade to the latest models.

Canada is ahead of the game when it comes to adoption of hybrid cars, for example. These vehicles not only lessen the driver's impact on the environment, by supplementing the traditional engine with battery-powered electronics, but hybrids are also an increasingly desirable option in the face of rising gas prices.

Jumping on board the hybrid car bandwagon can lead to more than just fuel savings as well. Because hybrid drivers are generally viewed as more responsible, and thus a lower risk group, many insurers offer discounts of up to 10% when insuring hybrid vehicles.

There are also government incentives to consider, with hybrid drivers in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island being eligible for a tax rebate or credit of between $1,000 and $3,000 for playing their part in helping to conserve the environment. The perception that hybrid cars are more expensive to maintain is also somewhat inaccurate, with many manufacturers offering extended warranties to cover more areas of the vehicle if they become damaged and need repair or replacement.

According to insurance website Kanetix.ca, the five most popular hybrid models in Canada at the start of this year were the Toyota Prius and Camry Hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Lexus RX400h - demonstrating the range available for drivers when making the switch over to hybrid cars.

As hybrid models become even more widespread across Canada, drivers will be able to benefit from standardised rates for insurance and mobile glass repair services, which could work out cheaper than traditional car models. Canada is still a world leader when it comes to setting standards for vehicles, and more countries may soon follow its lead in developing greener transport.

Home Loan Modification - What Are Recurring and Non-Recurring Fees?

When it comes time to refinance or buy a house, it is essential to make yourself knowledgeable on the expense details associated with the closing costs and how you can possibly cut costs associated with your home loan.

There are two differing kinds of closing costs associate with a home loan.

1) Non-recurring costs, such as, application/origination costs and any costs charged by a third party.
2) Recurring costs, such as, prepaid costs and costs associated with escrow payments.

It is very important to peruse your GFE disclosure document. A GFE disclosure document is also known as a good faith estimate disclosure. Making sure you know what is said on this document is extremely important. If you do not take the time to peruse this piece of paper, you could be paying more than you need to be. Your GFE disclosure document is the same as the price sticker on something you are considering purchasing in a store.

The closing fees associated with a home loan include any and all origination fees, point fees, and fees from third party persons. The origination fees and point fees will account for approximately 1 to 3%. Keep in mind that this fee is somewhat negotiable. It is important to look around and compare from differing companies. If in your findings you see that a certain company has service that you would love to deal with but another company has lower fees, ask the preferred company to match to fees of the other company in order to get your business. Make sure that you have complete good faith estimates from each company before you begin the negotiations. One way you will be able to find out if your loan officer is good at his job is if he asks to see all the good faith estimates prior to negotiating anything with anyone. Seeing it in print assures the loan officer that what you say is true and that you didn't get confused on numbers.

Some of the other types of non-recurring fees will be fees charged by third parties for items such as, appraisals, credit report fee, title fee, processing fee, and so on. It is normal for these fees to total anywhere from $1500 to $2500. These costs are not negotiable. It is important to remember that there is no free appraisal out there. If a company offers a free appraisal to you, they are paying for it and offering you the discount as a special offer.

Prepaid and escrow fees are usually your taxes and your homeowners insurance premium. Keep in mind that prepaid and escrow fees are recurring expenses. These are to be paid again and again. Most will be on a monthly payment plan. Many times you can have these fees built into your home loan so that the payment is made at the same time with your mortgage payment. If you decide to go this way so it is paid together, you will need to set up an escrow account.

Your homeowners insurance and your property taxes will usually be paid for a six month period of time, in advance. When you make your mortgage payment and pay your taxes and insurance at the same time, that money will be placed in your escrow account. When the time comes for the payment to be made to the company, the money will be sitting there for payment to the insurance company and the Government. This can help you out in the long run about not having to come up with the money to cover these expenses all at once.

When you are close to the end of your loan's term, the mortgage company will request that you place a certain amount of money into your escrow account for future payments. The amount of money that you will be asked to place in this account will vary on what month it is and when you loan will end.

As you can see, the recurring fees are not negotiable because they are more like a payment instead of a fee that you will be charged for something. You will place your money into the escrow account and if you sell your house or refinance the remaining amount of your loan, your escrow account will be closed and any amount left in the account will be returned to you in the form of a check.

Risk Management and the Challenges With Drug Legalization and Employee Recreational Use

If you fly an airliner, there is a rule that can be summed up very quickly "eight hours between bottle and throttle," which means you cannot drink any alcohol whatsoever eight hours before you will fly a passenger jet. That's a good law if you are an airline passenger, and we know there have been cases where pilots have shown up drunk to fly the airplane, and they were dutifully booted off the plane and arrested forthwith. That's also a good thing from a risk management standpoint, not to mention from Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) safety procedures perspective.

Now then, if they legalize marijuana in California that opens up a whole can of worms with regards to risk management. If employees are allowed to use recreational drugs on their personal time, how many hours are they allowed to use those drugs prior to coming to work? If they stay up late the night before and party with friends smoking marijuana, and they get up for five hours later while there are still tired and semi-impaired - and come to work, can they do so safely?

Remember they still have the THC in their bloodstream, and it could cause them to have slower reaction times, and perhaps cause an accident at work. Formerly, I was in the car washing industry, and as you know it's a mechanized robotic system that cleans the cars. An employee that is around that equipment could easily get caught up in it and get injured or even killed in extreme cases, it happens all the time, I at least read about one case per month in the car wash industry trade journals.

Companies buy insurance to protect against risks, but the more claims they have the higher their insurance goes. And it doesn't necessarily have to be the company that has an accident, it could be another company in the same industry or several companies in that industry, and then all the insurance carriers raise the prices and premiums for the whole industry you see. The higher the cost for workers compensation and insurance means less profit for businesses, and that means the businesses may not be financially viable at some point and they will either have to lay off people, or close the businesses, and in that case everyone loses their job.

If you are a pot smoker you probably think I'm going overboard and blowing this out of proportion, but I assure you I am not, I've been in business 27 years, and we've dealt with employees that we had the fire to for substance abuse - still I understand the other side of the perspective, because I really do love freedom, and don't want to tell people what to do or how to live their lives.

Also realize if it is legal, it's no longer considered substance abuse, it's just a recreational drug which is now legalized. But that doesn't take away the danger, and as much as folks who smoke marijuana will tell you that it's not a dangerous drug, that's not entirely true, and these new "hybrid plants" which are being grown today have a lot more THC in them, they are much more potent than they were in the 60s.

And realize I've never smoked pot my life or done any illegal drugs (heck I won't even take an aspirin), but this is what I hear from the medical reports, and from folks who are involved in medical marijuana. This is a serious issue from a risk management standpoint, and on the business side of the issues. That's why the chambers of commerce are against the legalization of marijuana in California. We will see how the vote goes during the election, but it's going to be a problem for business, that I assure you. Please consider all this.

TV Medical Leads

You might have watched TV either early in the morning, in the afternoon, or on the weekend, and saw many commercials that instructed you to call a toll free number regarding Medicare information, or more information for diabetes. This is how companies that market products and services for this population get their Medicare leads, and their diabetic Leads.

Who are the companies that go after Medicare leads? To start with, many private healthcare insurance providers want to obtain Medicare leads. They are in the business of offering healthcare insurance, and certainly those who are old enough for Medicare benefits needs lots of healthcare. These healthcare companies want the opportunity to provide their insurance to the middle-aged, and the elderly. In addition to this, there were changes a few years back to the Medicare program. These changes were known as Medicare part D. Medicare part D was instituted to provide health coverage for prescription drugs. Medicare part D is available to all who participate in the Medicare program. However, the plan is administered via private health care insurance. So these healthcare companies were left to find millions and millions of Medicare recipients to cover. The best way for them to accomplish getting the attention of so many people, was to create TV ads to get their Medicare leads.

TV ads are very beneficial for healthcare companies who are looking to attract diabetic leads also. The diabetic population is another group that needs lots of healthcare, and will have medical needs for the rest of their lives. In addition to private health care plans, there are many companies that make products for diabetics. For example, there are companies that make diabetic blood monitoring devices and strips. These companies use TV ads and toll free numbers to get diabetic leads. Some companies will provide these products to diabetics for free. So most certainly, they need diabetic leads to reach out to the patients needing these products. There is a famous mail order company that offers testing strips, monitors, and needles for insulin. There are many mail order prescription companies that will need diabetic leads to keep these people informed that they have diabetic supplies, insulin, and other related products.

TV medical leads are a cost efficient way for the types of companies mentioned to reach out to the population of patients that they need to keep their businesses going strong. It's more cost efficient for companies to reach out to patients in this way, because print ads get ignored, or they end up in the trash. Furthermore, many of these patients have eye problems, and they can't read. However, they can hear the TV either naturally, or with a device. It's easier for the patients to pick up the phone while they are at home watching TV. If they get a print ad, they will have to remember to call the number. TV ads for medical leads give the patient an immediate call to action.

Purchasing a Second User Caravan Privately

Purchasing a second user caravan from a dealership has several benefits but the most essential purpose is that sellers do their very own checks to make sure caravans are in perfect working functionality. As such they are able to frequently give you a restricted verification that if something does go incorrect then they're going to either repair it or refund your cash.

That stated, there are numerous bargains available privately and this information outlines the stuff you must always look out for within the event you do determine to do the leg work your self and purchase privately.

The first actual thing to bear in mind is that purchasing privately goes to need more than heading to a dealership because the fashions are definitely unfold out over a huge space quite than in a single place, which suggests that maintaining your eye out for the best caravan is vitally very important.

When taking a look at a potential caravan, do not be afraid to request the clumsy questions like if there were any repairs to the caravan, and if the vendor has documentation to reveal it was seen by a credible repairer. Similarly, when a vendor is being upfront regarding any issues it's normally a perfect signal that you are not going for getting any bad surprises -and keep in mind, if it sounds too perfect to be real, it truly is!

Probably the most essential stuff you wish to ascertain for any caravan is that there are not any signs of humid, mould or mold. This is brought on by water operating its approach throughout the bodywork or panels and into the caravan alone, or by very bad ventilation over a protracted time, inflicting condensation and damping out the way out. Test it for any signal of damp beneath carpets, beneath the bathe basins and refrigerator, within cabinets and wardrobes - principally anyplace that touches the outside walls on the caravan, whether the roof, or the ground panels.

Shifting to the outer side of the caravan, look for indicators of rust towards the bodywork and chassis, above all in areas like the wheel arches to see if water could fray away paint and sealants. Rust and humid are both very tough to eliminate and within the worst cases may afford a caravan totally unusable, so these two things should always be peak of your checklist of things to search out for.

Additionally, be certain that before you get it, you have observed the caravans beds well, and verified that the devices and hinges are robust and in complete working order. It is always better, when you do that yourself moderately than letting the proprietor do it on your behalf, however ensure you get permission firstly and listen moderately to how it may be done as the very final thing you need is to wreck the caravan before you have bought it!

Once you have determined the caravan you need, before you surrender any money, it is crucial that you verify the caravan is not stolen by telephoning HPI and asking them to visualize the CRiS quantity into their database. This is often a tiny low commission, so solely worthy doing once you're able to buy. The quantity may frequently be discovered engraved onto the windows and can generally be found someplace at the chassis. Understand that solely caravans after the year 1992 may have a CRiS enrollment quantity.

Eventually, don't put out of your mind to insure your caravan, so you pull it away to make sure your caravanning desires are not ended, even before they get began. Most automobile insurance coverage policies will conceal third party liability sides such as harm to other folks' estate brought on by the caravan while it's being towed. Nevertheless, harm to the caravan alone and robbery of the caravan or its apparatus will solely be protected by a consultant caravan insurance coverage policy. Caravan insurance coverage premiums generally start at under £80; however, they are suffering from a large vary of components like the caravan's cost, your towing expertise, and claims expertise... In addition, where you select to store your caravan, if not in use and what safety mechanisms are deployed after the caravan is left unattended.

How To Obtain The Best Annuity Rates

Financial hardship can cause people to do strange things. This is why one has to be careful when looking at buying financial services. Brokers or agents who are not making enough money may be tempted to ill advise clients so that they make more commission on the sale. Many people are gullible and many not know how to discern when having to get the best annuity rates possible.

Increased prices and less disposable income have made things rather tough for the average person in the street. Furthermore, retirement is on the horizon for many people and they may not be financially prepared for this. Other people who are younger should be preparing for their retirement and for this reason they need to get the best deal possible when looking at retirement plans.

As certain insurance was deemed unsuitable for retirement, the annuity was born. This is where a policyholder is paid a monthly allowance from money that has been invested over many rears with an insurance company. Many people who have retired are living on this income.

Many people are now looking to this as a vehicle to live after they have stopped working. These make a nice addition to any pension income and social security income that one might have. Annuities help, as more often than not these other two income streams are insufficient to provide for retirees. Mostly people will buy this from insurance companies however some banks and other financial institutions will sell this as well.

Annuities like most things in life are different and can be priced differently as well. Some companies will have certain features that others will not. For this reason people should shop around to get the best deal available. The bottom line is that it is about saving money now and having sufficient to retire on when that time comes around.

One should consult with a variety of consultants, brokers or agents to see what the best options are. Brokers are best as they work with numerous companies and should therefore be able to get the best quotes possible. Agents who work for companies will only be able to sell for that company and this can be somewhat limiting.

Brokers, are able to get as much as thirty different quotes, this gives much more options. It is helpful in seeing what is available and will help in getting the best investment. Brokers should explain everything carefully to the prospect so that the prospect is very clear as to what he or she is buying.

Competition is stiff among the insurance companies and therefore brokers are able to negotiate good deals on behalf of the prospects. Hopefully the broker will have the prospect's best interests at heart. Prospects should be advised about matters such as inflation linking. Inflation linking is a good idea, as the prospect does not know how long he or she may live for. The rate of inflation fights against annuities as they may only come into effect in twenty years time. Furthermore, the prospect, may live another twenty years. Inflation linked plans are very important if the prospect wants the best annuity rates possible

Best Foot Drop Braces - Causes and Treatment - Ankle Foot Orthosis and Where to Find One!

Do you suffer from foot drop?

You may know that you drag your toes when you walk, from time to time, or maybe it seems like it is happening all the time! - We understand where you are coming from and want to help. This is free information.

1.) The Term Foot Drop & Its Double Meaning

The term "foot drop" is a recognized medical phrase that can mean different things. For example, if your toes drag when you walk then your medical professional will see this and call it foot drop. However, the severity of the problem can range from being a slight "foot drop" where your muscles are struggling to lift your foot up to something quite different. The term foot drop can also be used to describe a foot that is pointed downward. The difference this time is that the foot drop is actually in a contracted plantarflexed position. - What does this mean? - When the foot is pointed downward in a contracted plantarflexed position, this means that your muscles are actively pushing the toes down farther past the relative height of your heel. In this plantarflexed state (toes pointing downward) it appears that your muscles are actually quite active, not weak.

Medical professionals may say that a person has a "flexible" or "ridged" foot drop depending on how much range of motion you have at your ankle joint, when they try to bring your foot into a neutral position.

2.) Braces For Foot Drop - Ankle Foot Orthosis

One of the best things a person can do for themselves, when they have a foot drop is to see an orthotist. An orthotist, who is a licensed brace provider, can help your gait return to a more fluid progression. There are actually electrical stimulator now out that can trigger your muscle to fire but they are very expensive and your insurance might not cover it, based on your diagnosis.

An orthotist can provide you with an off the shelf or custom ankle foot orthosis which can help you walk better. The term orthosis here refers to a brace for your ankle and foot. This can fit into a shoe and what it does is help to hold your foot up when you walk. This way you are not going to drag your toe when you swing your leg through or slap your foot down when you start to move over the foot in your gait cycle. - These braces can also be constructed so that they help to give your ankle side to side support while also helping to give your knee support indirectly, so it does not snap back (hyperextend) or buckle forward.

There are different kinds of ankle foot orthoses (braces). For the most part, these braces are made from a thermoplastic and others are made from metal and leather, which attach to your shoe with an internal stirrup. - Your orthotist will be able to help you get the best brace for your needs based on the presentation of your weakness and diagnosis.

3.) Why Its Important to Work With A Brace Professional

As you know, with experience you can develop an eye for detail. Orthotists are strictly devoted to the medical profession of bracing and they have probably provided more of these braces than you probably currently realize. A licensed orthotist also needs to get their credentials by passing exams based on the topic of orthotics. These exams are not easy either. Moreover, a licensed orthotist needs to protect their credentials with continuing education after their exams have been passed. - All this means is that you will benefit most if you get a brace from them.

Lastly, if you work with an orthotist in your area, they can help facilitate a health insurance claim on your behalf for the orthosis (brace). Many times people can have 100 percent of the brace covered by their insurance, but this is all dictated by the terms of your policy. Your orthotist will be able to assist you with determining your health insurance benefits at your visit.

In conclusion, if you have foot drop, using a brace for support can make all the difference for you in the way you walk. You will have more energy and be able to walk faster often times, due to the support that they provide.

* Note: This is health information. Speak to your local orthotist about medical advice pertaining to your new brace.

Doing Research on Roofing Companies

There are some roof issues that you can tackle yourself or ask a couple of friends to help you with. On the other hand when it comes to needing a new roof or a serious roofing problem then be sensible and find a company that is experienced in this area. There are many different roofing companies around so you should browse around and find out what options are out there as opposed to simply hiring the first one you come across in the telephone book or over the Internet.

There are certain items about roofing companies that are essential to know before you decide to hire any particular business to do your roofing work for you. You need to know pertinent business information about the companies you are considering. This means you need to find out about the contracting licenses as well as their insurance information. You also need to know if the roofers in the company's employ are bondable. Research is something you must do before a project gets underway. It is not good for you to find out something less than complimentary about the company you have hired to work on your roof halfway through the project.

The work experience and level of experience of the roofing company you decide upon is a relevant piece of information that should factor into your decision making process. You want to ensure that the company has plenty of experience in working with the type of roof that you have. Inexperience in this area can lead to future problems and future costs that could have been avoided. You also want to choose a business that hires contractors with expertise. The quality of the contractors means a great deal in this case. Hire a roofing business that has a track record that is proven and an excellent portfolio.

Licensing for roofers is not the same in every state. The purpose of this is to offer customers a safety net because there are standards that a company must pass in order to be granted a contractor's license. Always ask the company to show you their license. If they are unwilling to produce a license that is valid then this is reason for you to be suspicious and to run, not walk, away from them. Roofing companies that do not have a license will cause the onus of risk to fall on your shoulders. Do not risk this happening to you!

A professional business that is in the roofing industry will be bonded as required and will have enough insurance. A contractor who is fully bonded will be able to guarantee you that he will stick around to see the project through to its completion.

You also need to select a company that has a significant amount of insurance. A reputable company will have this. If the contractor does not carry enough insurance (or worse none at all!) then you will be financially liable for any accidents or injuries that occur on the premises while the work is being done. The same goes for any damage to property that takes place. A business that you should consider hiring for your roof is one that will be more than willing to provide you with the documents and the information you seek before beginning the project.

Chiropractic Care Resources

Making a decision about Chiropractic care in Panama City or any town can present a possible patient with a lot of daunting challenges. Because of the small size of our area and the many different municipalities finding the right one should never be left to chance. Here are some key points to consider when deciding on a chiropractor in our area as well as others.

Does the chiropractor offer the services that I need? Many local chiropractic offices limit the type of services in their offices based on where they went to school. Some colleges teach physical therapy in their schools and others frown on additional services. Try to find an office that offers a complete package which makes decision making easier. Chiropractic services as well as medical services in the same office can be helpful so that deciding whether or not you need a chiropractor or a medical doctor is handled for you. If you just want chiropractic only make sure you will not be forced to undergo other tests or procedures. If you desire an office with a medical staff make sure the medical personnel are trained in Pain Management and that the office is fully equipped to do procedural pain management in house which saves having to make appointments with outside offices which in Panama City can take weeks.

Do they offer the latest training and technologies? Look for years in practice and additional training. Have they been in Panama City long or do they move around? Do they offer services like decompression therapy? I recommend the DRX9000C. This device has offered many patients relief from herniated and bulging discs as well as spinal degeneration in both the Lumbar and Cervical regions and is a state of the art unit. Do not be fooled by copy cat machines which cannot perform at the same level as this unit as it is the only ones that provide significant Spinal Decompression. There are currently only three of these units in the Panhandle of Florida but if you need decompression treatment they are worth the search. The Zerona laser again is rare in our area and is not just for melting fat off the body as the lasers on this machine can be used for post surgical healing and wound healing after an accident. Many injuries can hide to regular x-rays so the use of a Video Fluoroscopy unit in a pain management suite will allow doctors to find and detect hidden fractures and ligamentous damage. This can be of paramount importance should you be involved in an auto accident or suffer a serious injury as commonly these injuries can go undetected and lead to later permanent damage.

Do they take my insurance such as Medicare? You will find that in our area many Bay County practices are no longer taking Medicare and even fewer are taking Medicaid. This should be very important in your decision making if you plan on using your insurance and not paying for services as rendered. Many time reimbursement from insurances do not come in as fast or cover as much as you think.

Do they accept active military? Because Panama City has multiple military facilities including Tyndall AFB and the Naval Coastal Systems Station. You may want to consider if the office will accept these type of patients and do they support our fighting men and women in uniform.
Does the chiropractor respect my time? Many Panama City area practices especially some of the medical ones can make you wait weeks for appointments and if you are in pain then this is unacceptable. The outer lying areas can be quicker but usually offer less services. When you are missing work due to pain you need relief fast and waiting will not work. This can force the patient to make quick decisions and sometimes the wrong ones as a result. Personal service and understanding wait times should be of utmost importance in any office. Understanding that your time is precious and that you have other things on your plate will make all of your visits more pleasant and waste less of your limited time. Offices should strive to keep that in mind when scheduling and work with you as much as possible about unforeseen events.

Will you see the same doctor each time? Many local offices rotate multiple doctors and sometimes the patient feels like they have to start over each time they go in. Make sure that the doctor you get will be able to follow through with your care.

Does the chiropractor offer weight loss options? Few doctors honestly will spend time working with weight loss because of the way insurance handles this issue and there is so much noncompliance. Some offices but not many offer treatment with the Zerona Laser. This non invasive treatment option can reduce fat on your body with no diet, no surgery, and no downtime. This device has received FDA clearance as a body sculpting machine and is painless and on average causes patients to lose between 4-7 inches with no major change in lifestyle. Generally, offices will ask that patients start living a better lifestyle to maintain loses that they receive in their offices.

Are there ways to check out the office? Yes, in many cases a quick online search can tell you a lot about an office. We invite you to go to Google maps and look at the reviews of offices online and compare each chiropractic office and pain management offices as well. Many offices can now be found online and we encourage research and questions. Online referral services can also sometimes be of help like 123 Chiropractors.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home Warranty?

When making the decision to buy a home warranty, there is no time like the present. Stay with me a minute and I will explain myself. Most of the time, for first time home buyers, the first time they hear of this type of insurance is when they go to close on their first home. And most of them are just not sure what to do and they are full of questions. That's where I am going to point you in the right direction so you can make a decision for yourself.

Who needs to purchase appliance repair insurance?

Buying insurance of any kind just seems to be a necessary evil. But first time home buyers generally don't have extra money just lying around to cover any major repairs in their new home. But with the purchase of a warranty, you are buying peace of mind so you don't have to worry about shelling out thousands of dollars to fix a broken heat pump.

What kind of coverage do you need?

Not all problems in your new home will cost you thousands of dollars. Some of them can be fixed for a few hundred dollars and a little bit of know how. That is why you need to make sure that you do not purchase more coverage than you need. This is where many home owners over insure themselves. If you just purchased a new washer and dryer, it will probably have a manufactures warranty so you don't need to cover those.

So when is the best time to buy a home warranty? In my opinion, your best option is to purchase your warranty at the closing of your home. Why, because you will probably get the best deal at that point. Many times real estate agents have a relationship with the different companies, and you can take advantage of that fact.

What Is The New HECM Saver Reverse Mortgage?

The fees on a reverse mortgage have been steadily decreasing over the past several months, and now the introduction of a program called the HECM Saver has all but eliminated the fees in a reverse loan. If you have shopped for a loan in the past but thought the fees were too high, I would suggest taking another look, because the savings can be huge. Let's go through the fees and see what you could save.

Mortgage insurance - FHA Loans have mortgage insurance (MI), and this does include reverse mortgages. While there are two kinds of MI on an FHA loan, upfront and monthly, we are going to address the upfront mortgage insurance. If your home appraised for $400,000, and the upfront mortgage insurance was 2% of the value, it would have cost you $8,000. Now this fee can be waived, saving you this upfront cost.

Origination -This fee is collected by the loan company to pay the loan officers. The maximum fee allowed is calculated with a formula, but it works out to no more than $6,000, assuming a value of properties worth $400,000 or more. Well, for several months, we have been able to waive the origination fee because the lenders are paying us directly, so you don't have to.

Service Charges - Most reverse loans had a service fee of at least 30 dollars a month that was pre-collected and called a service set aside fee. This was about $4,000 to $5,000, depending on how old you are. Currently, most of the reverse loans do not have a service fee, so this allows you access to the set aside fee.

Prior to the current loan programs and changes in the industry, you may have found yourself paying upwards of $20,000 for a loan. But now, most or all of the fees are gone or waived, so you have access to this money. I think the name HECM Saver is a good fit because it does save you quite a bit of money compared to the old program, making a reverse mortgage a very affordable loan.

Answers to Your Biggest Small Package Shipping Questions

Unless you work in the shipping industry or do a high volume of small package shipping, you probably don't know everything about shipping. In fact, you may have some questions you need answered, and there could even be some things that you don't know that are costing you money every time you ship a package.

Now, that will no longer be the case. With this question and answer guide to small package shipping, you'll have all the information you need to know for easy shipping.

Here are some of the most common questions about small package shipping.

What should I consider when choosing a small package shipping company?

First and foremost, you want to find an experienced SPS company you can trust. Look for a shipping company that has been in business for several years, providing satisfactory service to customers across the world.

You also want to choose a company that offer feature-rich small package shipping services. In other words, you want to make sure you're getting the best service at an excellent value. Top shipping companies offer expedited handling, fast transit times, and accept packages on short notice. Always make sure you're getting the level of service you deserve.

How much does small package shipping cost?

This depends on a number of factors, but most importantly, the shipping company you choose determines how much you're going to pay. Thankfully, it's easy to compare rates from multiple vendors. Just find a few trustworthy small package shipping companies online. Most shipping companies have forms on their website for getting a free quote. Just complete all the required details, and you get a quote. Gather these quotes from different shipping companies and compare to find the best price for the service you need.

One thing you should look for is a shipping company that offers flat rate shipping. With flat rate shipping, you pay a low flat rate as long as your shipment doesn't exceed the weight limits set by the company. It's the best way to get a good value on small package shipping.

Does it matter how I package my shipment?

Yes. The level of care you put into packing up your shipment determines whether or not it'll reach its destination in good condition. If you haphazardly throw the contents into a box and ship it out, it will probably get damaged during shipping.

However, if you take the time to wrap the contents of the package up carefully, choose a study box, and fill any empty space with padding, you'll give your shipment the protection it needs to safely survive the trip.

Is shipping insurance necessary?

It's not mandatory that you buy shipping insurance, but it's still a smart idea to do so. With shipping insurance, you can rest easy knowing you'll be fully reimbursed for the value of your shipment if it gets lost or damaged while in transit. Without shipping insurance, there are no guarantees. It's a sound investment you should always make.

If you still have questions about small package shipping, your shipping company should be able to help you.

Tips About How to Build a Fireplace to Your Home

With winter coming soon, you may want to add something that will make your home feel the warm that you want for this kind of season. You don't want to wake up feeling sick because you weren't able to add this one thing to your house. Adding a fireplace to your home will only not benefit you but also benefit your family and the friends who will visit you sometimes. A fireplace can also add attraction and style to your house and can also create a centerpiece to it. This place can be a meeting place for you and your friends or can become a center of activity for your family. Below are some tips on helping you to add a fireplace to your house.

Finding the right place for your fireplace will help you make your house much lovelier than before. Because installing one may change the style of your house so you want to put this thing in its right place. And because many people consider this place as their place for activity or resting place, you want this to be put in the right one so this won't affect the model of your home.

Then you may want to choose what kind of fireplace you want to add to your house. There are different kinds of fireplace- the electrical or the manual, the gas or the wood type. Picking out the right one will benefit you and your house. But there may be some work to do in installing the right one. When you choose the gas type, you need to ask for a permit as it has to have the gas lines in installing it. You also need a venting place for this kind of fireplace. In installing the wood type, you need to make a chimney and a place to burn the wood or the firebox.

When you purchased the house you're living to right now, there may be an insurance you got from an insurance company to help you protect your house. So, you have to ask your insurance company if adding a fireplace to your house may become a problem for you. There are some companies who only give their customers the warranty if a fireplace is already installed to your house before you have bought it. So, they may not consider including this warranty to your insurance because this thing was only installed after you have purchased the house.

Asking a professional in putting up a fireplace may help you in some ways. They are the ones who will help you choose the right materials in adding a fireplace to your house. If you would do it on your own, you need to read the instructions in making a fireplace and follow them carefully. You don't want any problems in the future so maybe asking for some professionals to do it may help you avoid circumstances. Remember an inappropriate installing of fireplace can be the start of a fire and this will be the last thing you want to happen in your precious house.

How to Choose Between Fiber Cement Siding Contractors

Fiber cement siding can be a smart addition to your home, but it must be installed correctly. With all the fiber cement siding contractors out there, how do you decide on just one?

5 Steps to Choosing the Best Fiber Cement Siding Contractors

Selecting the right contractor is important. These tips can help ensure you get the job done right:

  1. Is the company registered and licensed? A good siding contractor will be licensed and registered appropriately, and will probably have good standing in a trade association as well. Don't accept any excuses if these requirements are not in place.
  2. How long have they been in business? Contractors build up their good reputation over time. Ninety percent of contracting companies close their doors within five years, so if a company has made it that long, they deserve a second look.
  3. Do they have adequate insurance? A good contractor will hold adequate and up-to-date insurance. They should also have a clear safety plan in place. If a contractor does not have insurance or the insurance is not adequate, reject them immediately.
  4. How do they handle complaints? How a complaint is handled should hold more weight than the complaint itself. Was the issue resolved? Did the contractor go above and beyond to make it right? Take that good customer service into consideration.
  5. How's the warranty? Fiber cement siding contractors often provide warranties of one year or more. But what matters more is whether they will stand by their warranty--and that's where longevity comes in. A contractor in business for many years is much more likely to honor their warranty.

Choosing fiber cement siding is a wise decision; your choice of contractor should be, too.

How To Find An Efficient Annuity Advisor

Because there are many ways to judge the ability of an annuity advisor, it is smart to choose one that has the proper education and experience. Depending on the state you live in, each investor must be sure of the licensure and certification of the advisors they decide to work with.

Insurance commissioners, in each state, regulate annuities because they are considered products of insurance. Those who sell them may be required to secure certain licenses, participate in supplemental education, and test frequently to ensure that information is kept current.

There are particular rules when selling annuities. They are governed very closely by a licensing board, called the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are also required to be registered with a group of regulators. The reason for this is because when an investor purchases these notes, part of the sale price is put into mutual funds. The dividends are based on the performance of the stock market.

When annuities are purchased, the agent must conform to standards called suitability. They have to be certain that the investment is appropriate for the people who want to buy it, and they decide on the investors behalf if it is suitable. Once this is determined, the sale can proceed regardless of whether or not the agent makes money from it. Suitability can be defined many different ways, and can be derived from the total income and financial reality of each investor.

With this said, financial planners play a big part in the functions of the people who sell annuities, as they offer very important advice while holding on to the set rules of the transactions.

A financial planner must also subscribe to a certain amount of education, geared towards investment procedures. These procedures have to cover things from estate and tax planning, and a satisfactory conclusion of these courses must be met. This is a board certified position.

Utilizing the services of a financial planner is invaluable to an investor because he or she can base future purchases on their entire financial situation, not just a single part of it. Other programs that advisors can become certified in are an advisors certification and consultant.

Advisors can be awarded certain distinctions once they complete all of the required course studies. These awards qualify those who successfully graduate to guide clients who are looking for retirement plans, and assorted financial planning that include income pensions and allowances that grow interest.

It is fairly common for those who deal with pension plans and the like to work within one company. However, it is advisable to employ one that is an independent provider. This allows the agent to work with a number of different companies, while not being encumbered by one particular insurance company. This also gives the client the opportunity to be versatile with his or her own portfolio.

An annuity advisor who can offer many options should be well versed in all aspects of the financial world. If an investor that is nearing the time of his retirement wants to find someplace to put his money so it will grow, his agent needs to know the best ways to make that happen. Knowing the most lucrative way to yield the best returns for their clients will give advisors an edge in the field.

5 Key Steps To A Successful Autobody Repair

Autobody repair can really be a daunting task and surely requires a great deal of effort to successfully accomplish. This is particularly true if you are not fully aware of the basic information on getting a vehicle repaired. Here is an overview of the basic steps which may make the process easier:

1. Get an Estimate
In order to provide the most precise estimate possible, the collision estimator in most larger autobody shops will enter all the details regarding your repairs into a programmed estimating system. A report will then be generated outlining the amount of repair that your car needs along with the costs involved.

2. Get an Insurance Approval
Once you get a repair estimate from a reputable collision repair shop, an agent from your car insurance company may require to inspect the vehicle and project their own estimate for comparison. In most cases, your local body shop work with the insurance company to ensure the figures on the car repair estimate is in line with the amount from the insurance company as well as the repair procedures to fix the damages.

3. Ordering Parts
Before any car repair work begins and in most cases, before you are asked to bring your damaged car into the autobody shop, all parts are to be ordered to ensure they are available when the actual work begins. This is to guarantee that the repairs are done as quickly and efficiently as possible, having the least amount of inconvenience to you as their customer. Occasionally, there may be the need to place a special order for parts which can then add time to the repair process.

4. Body Repair and Finishing
Depending on the severity and nature of the damage to your car, there may be a need to perform major body repairs. This repair process involves replacing damaged exterior parts and performing any necessary metal painting and finishing.

5. Inspection
When everything in your car has been put back together, a test-drive of your car is necessary in order to perform a quality control system check. This must be done to ensure that everything functions correctly after the repair. Only when you and the technician are both satisfied that the car repair process is successfully completed.

Home Emergency Cover - Don't Keep Up With The Jones's, Be The Jones's

We've all done it, standing at the window, gazing at next doors new car. We've all spent ages watching our neighbour marching up and down with his new lawn mower with envious eyes. It is all part of life's rich pageant, or so we are told. But haven't you always wanted to be the one who leads the way with new technology or the first to have the latest Mobile Phone for example? The guy who everyone goes to first when they want advice about which car to purchase, or what is the best garden compost!

We would all like to think of ourselves as the font of all wisdom, however, we need to make sure that we do not also become the `smart-alec` neighbour that everyone despises.

It was with those thoughts in mind that I always kept to myself, any arrangements I made in respect of insurance. I did get involved once or twice with our neighbours, who were considerably older than we were when we first moved into our house, but only really to pay lip service, and nod encouragingly in their direction as they waffled on about the garden, their house and their car. It did occur to me that they never once mentioned home emergency cover in their many sermons, but I just assumed that a couple entering their twilight years would have the sense to make sure that such events were covered and they were not left vulnerable to any unforeseen event.

Little did I know that I was soon to become the target fro not their admiration, but the combined praise of their aged friends.

After we had lived in the house for a few years, we had three children and they started to grow up. As the oldest of our children got to about six or seven years old, we were unexpectedly offered the chance to have an evening out by our aging neighbours. It was one of those `over the fence` discussions and we did not need to be asked twice! They had noticed that we did not get out much and remembered when they were our age and wanted to have a night out, but they couldn't because of their kids. We did not go very far as it happened and we told our geriatric babysitters where we were going.

When we came home later that evening, we were met with lots of hand wringing and grim expressions. The old man had used the toilet and when he tried to turn off the tap in the hand basin, it jammed. It was still running but it was not yet overflowing the bowl. I think that he expected me to panic, however, I just reassured them both and went into the front room where I kept a little desk and came back with our home emergency cover details. I wish I'd had a camera for their expressions whilst I calmly rang the emergency number and arranged for a plumber to come out straightaway.

Once I had expounded the virtues of home emergency cover they arranged their own cover. They also got their friends to do the same. I was instantly transformed as the new incumbent of the `ask that guy` position in our little community. We were the new Jones's!

How A Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Could Really Benefit You in a Personal Injury Case?

It surely makes a great deal of different for someone who has hired an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your personal injury law case such as being injured in a car accident or been injured by someone else's action, as compared to someone who don't get any professionals to assist them. Although the cost of hiring such attorney is not cheap, for one has to pay certain percentage ( ranging between 5-10% ) of the settlement amount for the legal service, however it is definitely worth the money to seek for a such legal expert to represent you in this case.

What are those great benefits which one can obtain by getting an experienced personal injury attorney -

• They know all the in's and out's of personal injury law:
No one knows as much details as a personal injury attorney in this specific space from legal perspective. Many people believe that they know as much as the legal expert, however this is not true. Many people believed that they are entitled to the full or rightful compensation amount for the injuries which they have had from the accident, however little do they being made aware that most states do not recognize contributory negligence nowadays such as car accidents or machine malfunctions. Also, only the attorney is well aware of all the possible claims which the victim is entitled in when it comes to concluding the settlement amount. This is beyond what a non-lawyer would know of.

• They are well aware of the approximate worth of the settlement amount:
Those attorneys who have massive experience in handling such cases can easily tell the approximate worth of the settlement amount which you ought to file for your case. They know best on what kind of dependencies may increase or decrease the amount of the compensated amount which you are entitled for. With this strong knowledge, no one can get into your way by understating or misinterpreting the value of the personal injury claim which you should be rightfully receiving in this lawsuit.

• They are aware of the Insurance law as well:
There are under state insurance law which no one will ever disclose to you in the case of car accidents or any types of personal claim. In such cases, after assessing the impact of the accident in terms of the damage and injury, the insurance adjuster will inform you that $20,000 is the maximum insurance value which you will be granted because you have a good personal injury claim with excellent supporting facts. You are happy with the $20,000 settlement I am sure. However what you have not being told is that, there are under state ways which you may can receive even more than $20,000 for your particular case.

• Increase your winning chances for the claim:
Don't forget that filing for a claim is one thing, while winning for the settlement is another. There are no standard interpretations of any particular law and no one knows the outcome of your case before the case is presented and decided in the court. Many things may happen in the court, therefore it is crucial to have a leading attorney in this space to fight for your right to win the case for it takes a lot of in-depth knowledge in law to win what you rightfully own in actual in the court.

A Practical Look At The Cost Of Raising An Infant

How much money will it cost to have and raise a baby? This is an important question on the minds of most would-be parents at one time or another. And it's a question that often guides their decision to have one.

Sometimes, the expenses are obvious. For example, you'll need to buy diapers and food for your little one. Other times, however, the costs are less clear. You may lose your household's second income (if you decide to stay home); you might need to pay for child care (if you decide to continue working); and you'll need to purchase an assortment of baby gear, including a stroller, crib, and car seat.

This article will provide a closer look at the real cost of raising a baby. Most moms and dads discover it is far higher than they imagined, especially during their infants' first twelve months. Use the following information as a guide to expenses you may have overlooked.

A Decline In Household Income

When you have a baby, you'll either stay home or continue working. Chances are, you will have already made the decision. Many new parents decide that one partner will stay home, but underestimate the effect on their household budget. The situation can become particularly serious if the new mom and dad are trying to pay off school loans, car loans, and a mortgage. A lot of moms and dads, after choosing to stay at home, decide to get part-time jobs to supplement their single-income budget.

Also, keep in mind maternity leave is rarely paid. If you decide to stay home with your little one, make sure your savings, insurance, and other means will fill the income gap. A lot of new parents return to work earlier than planned due to the financial strain.

Trips To The Doctor And ER

You may believe your health insurance will cover the entire cost of delivery. But are you certain? Many people are surprised to learn following their babies' births that their insurance only covers a percentage of the services provided. For example, if you need or want an epidural, is the entire expense covered? If you require a C-section, will your coverage suffice? A typical delivery may cost up to $30,000 (or more) depending on your needs, generating multiple invoices from the hospital and doctors. Health insurance often covers less than the full amount.

You'll also need to pay a co-payment each time your baby needs to visit her doctor. Add to this expenses related to prescriptions and immunizations, and the $20 or $30 per visit can quickly erode your budget.

Increase In Food-Related Costs

At first, when it comes to food, it's tempting to only consider the price of formula (if you choose not to breastfeed). But there are other food expenses related to the arrival of your baby. For example, a lot of moms and dads begin to eat out rather than prepare meals at home. The reason? Taking care of a little one can be exhausting, and leave little energy for cooking. Unfortunately, eating out can also be expensive.

If you decide to breastfeed, you might be tempted to think your little one's food bill is essentially zero. Consider, however, that you may need to purchase a breast pump. You might also need to buy nursing bras, and other clothes that can accommodate your baby's nursing schedule.

Splurging On Special Occasions

Because your baby's first birthday is special, you may want to organize a party to celebrate the occasion. Bear in mind that doing so can be expensive. Decorations, food, and gifts can cost two or three hundred dollars, and even more if you invite a large number of guests. Special occasions can also include traveling to see family, trips to amusement parks, and family vacations. Having a baby in tow increases the cost of each of these activities.

You already know that having and raising an infant poses a high cost. But a lot of new moms and dads neglect to plan for the items mentioned above. If forgotten, they can quickly cause unexpected financial stress.

Cloud Computing: The Answer Is Blowin' in the Wind

Private clouds. Public Clouds. Hybrid clouds. We're being bombarded by those who claim that these are new, revolutionary, and potentially insecure IT configurations which will challenge our notions of data privacy and compliance. Unknowns. Big risks.

To this I say it's all a bunch of hot air. In my humble opinion private clouds will make as much sense ten years from now as owning your own power plant does today. Every industry goes through broad adoption curves. The IT industry is firmly on the last stages of the move from broad adoption to ubiquity to, ultimately, utility service.

Yes... I'd like a T3 data link, 35 email mailboxes, and 4000 MIPS of server. Oh, and add 1.5 PB of storage...

Press 1 to continue, 2 to change...

Private versus Public

A private cloud is a corporate resource. It may be virtualized, which would be handy to support the dolling out of resources. It could be segmented (think Domains, LDOMS, Containers, or a Resource Manager created fair-share slices). It could be stand-alone systems sharing common infrastructure, cooling and floor space. Such a data center would have multiple tenants - owners of specific divisions, projects, or tiers (think production / staging / QA / Testing / Development / Archiving / DR). And if the managers of those resources are clever, they will arrange for a hierarchy of responsibilities, proactive tracking of what each administrator is doing, and good reporting to keep system users, owners, and those who bear ultimate responsibility for uptime informed.

A public cloud is completely different, right? Well, not so much. It is a resource which is leased by a corporation. It may consist of dolled-out resources of which some may be virtualized while others may be stand-alone. There are costs associated with the required infrastructure to keep all the bits flowing, processed and stored. And a necessity of any shared environment would be a clear hierarchy of responsibilities, tracking and reporting. There would be the absolute necessity to insure isolation of users - different firms - just as there would be the necessity of isolating their divisions, projects and tiers. The only real difference is that the administrators of all this rich, fudgy goodness could be geographically located and reporting to different management chains and... wait... no... that's true for private clouds too.

So if a private cloud is a new way to look at, plan or manage corporate resources and if a public cloud is a resource that can be segmented into isolated islands of resources that look, and can be planned and managed as corporate resources, then where is the difference? Where is the risk? That a hypervisor has an inherent exploitable weakness? That a switch has a backdoor by which one VLAN's users can snoop on the traffic of another? Could be. But the serious players and aspiring want to-bees in virtualization, cloud computing and "unified infrastructures" will throw all they have at insuring that such situations never arise. Because they smell blood in the water and want to richly profit by being the winners in this conversion of our industry from enterprise specific to utility service.

Risk? What Risk?

Aside from insuring that the software (operating systems, hypervisors, virtual switches, etc.), physical infrastructure and storage you buy, or use within a cloud, are from known, respected, vetted vendors, I'd bet on the security of this environment over what almost any corporate team can throw together. All those vying for your business will do their damndest to insure they are not the 'Weakest Link' by which your customer's credit cards or your intellectual property gets harvested and shipped to China. And because they're addressing these needs in software (and, in some cases, hardware), all this security will be cheaper than what you have today... because in the end it's less expensive to solve a problem once and replicate a million times than to pay humans day after day to watch your goodies. So my prediction:

Cloud Security Risks Fade Significantly - 60%

I give our industry better than an even chance of figuring out that despite all the faster hardware, deeper storage and wider switches, it's all about the software. And the best and the brightest are working through these details now. So a year from now... two at most... we'll be thinking about billing and SLAs and DR site sufficiencies, and not about largely solved issues such as public cloud security. Hmmm... that CISSP I earned may not be worth all I thought it was going to be. Drats!

Tanning Business - Tips On How To Start

If you want to open a tanning business, you will have to learn as much as you can about the tanning industry. Meet others who have also put up their own tanning salon and get their advice. They will be a better source of advice than a tanning bed dealer or supplier. Join associations related to the tanning industry and sign up for seminars and trade shows. You can also get a lot of info on the net.

Let's start with basic tips on how to get financing. If you are short in cash to open a tanning business, get help from your bank or a lending firm. before they can lend you money, you will need to show them a business plan that outlines how you will start it and how you can make it profitable. A business plan is also useful for you to stay focused on your goals.

Once you begin searching for a location for your tanning business, check the building regulations, zoning laws, and federal regulations for new tanning salon owners. The rules for new tanning salon businesses may vary in each state. Go to your local Chamber of Commerce and get copies of requirements and regulations. Be aware of any restrictions that might limit your operations.

Find out which tanning equipment and supplies you will need. These an be anything from tanning lotions, tanning beds, upright tanning booths, spray on tanning equipment, replacement parts like extra bulbs for your tanning beds, eye protection like goggles. You will also need to get other furniture like couches and seats, office tables, counters and shelves. A good tip is to get a complete list from a tanning association or beauty school.

Always put safety ahead of profit. Get a list of tanning safety rules from the US FDA and educate clients how to tan safely depending on their skin type. Let customers sign a waiver to protect yourself of any lawsuits from injury in case your customer insists on tanning carelessly.

Distribute fliers with info on how to tan safely and with the list of benefits of tanning. Print these along with advertisement about your new tanning business. Some people don't tan indoors from fear that indoor tanning is not safe. Letting them know that it is if done in moderation may encourage them to go for the benefits.

Buy insurance for your tanning business. No matter how careful you are with your service, accidents do happen whether they are your fault or not. As a tanning salon owner, you may be liable to pay damages. Inquire about commercial liability insurance with an insurance agency near you. You might also want to get an umbrella policy in case someone gets insured while in your salon.

There's still a lot to learn about the tanning industry such as where to get cheap supplies, tanning beds and how to market your tanning business. Proper marketing can get you many clients to help you earn more. Ask someone who knows the tanning industry in and out like a former salon owner. They can give you better advice than a tanning bed dealer or supplier who are just after more sales.