For anyone concerned with home safety, a monitoring system that alerts authorities during an emergency is a clear need to maintain security and peace of mind. How do you decide what kind of solution is right for you?

Professional monitoring services are one way to maintain the continuous safety of your home and the most common route for homeowners. These services offer 24/7 alarm monitoring of your home by trained call center representatives for a monthly fee.

However, as the do-it-yourself (DIY) home security market sees continual growth, some people may prefer on-demand home monitoring instead. This option allows you to turn professional monitoring services on and off as needed.

On-Demand Home Monitoring Benefits

On-demand monitoring offers a number of benefits to the DIY home security market:

1. Affordability. One of the most intriguing aspects of DIY is the cost-savings. With on-demand monitoring, you only pay for the monitoring you want, when you need it. Never waste money on unnecessary services.
2. Flexibility. On-demand monitoring can be turned on and off based on your specific needs. This customization is useful for anyone who only wants monitoring capabilities while they’re traveling or leaving for an extended period.
3. Ease of use. On-demand home monitoring is incredibly simple to adjust to your lifestyle, allowing you to determine whether you’d like home monitoring in that moment. However, proper education of your security products and monitoring needs are essential to avoid malfunctioning equipment.
4. Mobile capability. Easily activate on-demand monitoring from your mobile device. It’s simple to turn monitoring on and off from anywhere, as long as you have access to a smart phone or tablet.
5. Peace of mind. Though you may not desire full-time monitoring, it’s comforting to know you can simply activate professional monitoring in specific situations. The flexibility of on-demand monitoring gives you ease when needed.

The proper DIY home security equipment ensures your home and valuables are safe with unmatched convenience and customization options.

Deciding which life insurance types to look at depends on each individual's specific need.

All life insurance does not fit everyone's situation.

Let us examine why a single person would buy life insurance.

What about a single parent, what kind of policy would fit this person?

Sometimes we tend to think only married people buy life coverage.

Why would we think this way? How about business people?

Why should these people consider life insurance policies?

You Choose Life Insurance Types

• Married People
  
  Let us look at the needs of married people as this seems to be the main reason people buy life policies. Let us also examine the life insurance types they tend to be interested in.
  
  You meet your soul mate and you decide to get married. You also have plans to have one or two children. Your partner and yourself work at jobs that yield a good income.
  
  You both decide it would be wise to buy a home before you have children. As you proceed with that you become very aware that you need some life insurance in case one of you should die.
  
  You want the home to be left free and clear.
  
  The life insurance types that you look at are level term policies and decreasing term insurance. With the level term policy, the death benefit remains the same throughout the life of the policy.
  
  With decreasing term, the face amount of the policy decreases as the balance of the mortgage decreases. You settle on the decreasing term policy as the premiums are cheaper.
  
  You also become aware that as you plan on having children you will have a need for more coverage. You can buy it now as it costs less or you can buy more and more as the years go by, if you can qualify for it.
  
  

  You decide to buy a term insurance policy sufficient to maintain the family at least until the youngest child graduates college. You feel a 20-year term policy would solve that problem.

  You are also aware that your spouse may need to guarantee your income up until age 65, retirement age. One of the life insurance types you look at is probably a 30-year term policy or possibly term to age 65. In some cases, a universal life policy or a whole life policy would fit the bill.

• Single Parent
  
  The needs of a single parent are similar in many ways to those of married people. These people have an even more urgent need as if this parent should die there will be no other parent to care for the children.
  
  After taking the time to make the necessary arrangements for their care a single parent now has to look at life insurance types that would best fit their particular situation.
  
  As this person has a need to be careful with money level term policies would more likely fit like a glove.
  
  If the children are young the 20 years, 25 years or 30-year policies, in the right amount, should be sufficient to carry them through from infancy to the end of their college years. If they are older you may want to use a 10 year or 15-year term policy.
• Single Person
  
  

  Does a single person need life insurance? Why? The only real life coverage needs a single person has is one that will provide sufficient cash to pay off outstanding debt, if any, and to pay funeral costs. It would probably be a good idea to use a 10-year term to do these things.

  These people should keep in mind though that coverage is much cheaper to purchase at a young age.

  It would be wise to buy a fairly larger amount of the type of policy that would be useful when they get older, that is if this person plans on marrying and having children sometime in the not too distant future. The types of life coverage types to consider here would be 20 year term or 30 year term policies.

• Business People
  
  

  Life insurance is an important consideration for any type of business. A corporation or partnership would need life insurance on the lives of each shareholder or partner which the survivors would use to buy out the shares of a deceased shareholder.

  Which life insurance types do these executives consider? Level term policies are usually used to fund this initially but they are usually converted to permanent policies later on that is if they intend to keep the business going for a long time.

  
  
  

  Key man or key employee life insurance is very popular with most any business. You buy a policy on that employee whose absence may hurt the company.

  You make certain that if this employee dies suddenly you have sufficient funds to tide you over until a suitable replacement is found. Long term level term insurance policies can be used for this.

  Permanent insurance is sometimes used. This could provide a lump sum or additional income for this employee at the time of his or her retirement.

You’ve probably seen tips on other insurance blogs or heard advice through auto insurers directly about how important it is to shop around for quotes. While this is a strong practice to allow yourself access to the best rates for your car make, age, and driving history, it isn’t always the best idea. For some people, staying with the same auto insurer for an extended period of time has been the most cost-effective, practical solution for their circumstances.

What many people don’t think about when deciding to switch auto insurance companies is the quality of the services, not just the quantity of cash they’ll save. Just because a car insurance company is offering cheaper rates than your current insurance policy doesn’t mean it’s a better policy. Before you switch to a different insurance company that offers you a lower quote than the insurer you’re currently dealing with, make sure you weigh the options. Staying with your current car insurance company can be a positive decision.

Renewal Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers that have been loyal to them for several years. Arbella offers an additional 1% loyalty credit for every year you renew with them. Ameriprise offers discounts to customers that have been loyal to them for three years. While some insurance companies offer discounts when you renew with them, most companies offer more substantial discounts on other fronts.

Bundling Discounts

A lot of insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle your car insurance with your home or life insurance policies. Nationwide, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and other insurance companies offer discounts to people who purchase multiple insurance policies with them. If you have bundled policies and have earned a discount as a result, you may have to prepare yourself for higher rates if you decide to switch insurance companies or forego a policy.

Accident Forgiveness

Nationwide, Allstate, Travelers, and dozens of other insurance companies offer accident forgiveness to their clients. Accident forgiveness refers to a park in which customers do not have to pay extra rates after their first at-fault accidents. Most accident forgiveness discounts can only be redeemed after 5 or 6 years of loyalty to the insurer. If you’ve been with the same company for long enough to qualify for this perk (or are close to this threshold), staying with your auto insurance company could be beneficial.

Overall Loyalty

As a general benefit from staying with your auto insurance company, you’ll have a better relationship with your insurer. Building trust with an agent creates a positive working relationship. This trust may help you in the long run; if you ever need to file a claim after an accident, this process should be simpler and more successful if you are speaking with an agent you’re very familiar with. If your agent knows your driving habits and history well, he or she will be able to recommend the best coverage for you. Getting acquainted with your insurance company is a huge perk to staying loyal to your insurance company.

If you believe none of these benefits affect you directly right now, you might want to shop around for auto insurance quotes. If one of these perks applies to your current policy, sticking with your current company could be the best option, especially if the quotes you’re seeing aren’t significantly lower than your current rate.

Whether you're shopping for a new or used car, most people have a general idea that a warranty is a good idea. Warranties are often considered to be a form of "insurance" - you pay out a fee and in exchange, your car will be fixed if anything on it breaks, but unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. There are different types of warranties and a warranty might not necessarily cover everything that you think it will. Here is everything you need to know:

What Exactly is an Auto Warranty?

A warranty is a contract between either you and your dealership or you and your manufacturer. At its simplest, a warranty sets out a specific amount of time and mileage; any defects and repairs that are necessary under that time and mileage amount are automatically covered under warranty. Warranties usually last around three years or 36,000 miles. They can also be extended upon vehicle purchase. This is very common when used vehicles are purchased. 

But an auto warranty is not a type of insurance even though it is often presented as one. Auto warranties are only designed to fix parts that are considered to be defective or faulty. They are not designed to fix parts that have broken down from wear-and-tear, collisions or other issues. There are also different types of auto warranties that you need to understand.

What Types of Warranty Coverage Exist?

• Drivetrain and powertrain warranties - These warranties are designed to ensure that the very essential components of the vehicle last: the engine, transmission and the associated parts. Drivetrain and powertrain warranties protect against manufacturer defects of these components but will be voided if they haven't been properly serviced (such as with regular oil changes).
• Bumper-to-bumper warranties - The standard bumper-to-bumper warranty is a three-year warranty (or 36,000 miles) that governs the parts of the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper. If these parts are considered to be defective, they will be repaired as needed.
• Rust or corrosion warranties - This type of warranty is rarer but may be tacked on to the other warranty. This covers rust and corrosion if it occurs due to a defect.
• Federal emissions warranties - This warranty is more popular now and will cover any repairs necessary to ensure that the vehicle meets its emissions standards.
• Roadside assistance - This is another specialty warranty that offers roadside assistance if a vehicle breaks down. Most people already have this through their insurance.

How Does a Warranty Work?

To go through a warranty, you must first contact the vehicle entity you have a relationship with: either your dealer or your manufacturer. They will then direct you to the repair shop that will work with you. 

Warranties can be voided if an individual does not maintain their vehicle properly. Auto Tek provides complete auto services that will ensure that all the parts of your vehicle are well-maintained so that you can stay within your warranties. Contact our team of professionals today!

Few people are prepared to handle the financial burden of long-term health care. In fact, many people have a false sense of security when it comes to long-term care. Let’s separate fact from fiction:

“Medicare and my Medicare supplement policy will cover it.”

FACTS:

• Medicare and “Medigap” insurance were never intended to pay for ongoing, long-term care. Only about 12% of nursing home costs are paid by Medicare, for short-term skilled nursing home care following hospitalization. (Source: Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, AHIP, 2013)
• Medicare and most health insurance plans, including Medicare supplement policies, do not pay for long-term custodial care. (Source: 2017 Medicare & You, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)

“It won’t happen to me.”

FACTS:

• Almost 70% of people turning age 65 will need long term care services and supports at some point in their lives. (Source: LongTermCare.gov, November 2016)
• About 67% of nursing home residents and 70% of assisted living residents are women. (Source: Long-Term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States, February 2016, National Center for Health Statistics)

“I can afford it.”

FACTS:

• As a national average, a year in a nursing home is currently estimated to cost about $92,000. In some areas, it can easily cost well over $110,000! (Source: Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Survey, April 2016)
• The average length of a nursing home stay is 835 days. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nursing Home Care FastStats, last updated May 2014)
• The national average cost of a one bedroom in an assisted living facility in the U.S. was $43,539 per year in 2016. (Source: Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Survey, April 2016)
• Home health care is less expensive, but it still adds up. In 2016, the national average hourly rate for licensed home health aides was $20. Bringing an aide into your home for 20 hours a week can easily cost over $1,600 each month, or almost $20,000 a year. (Source: Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Survey, April 2016)

“If I can’t afford it, I’ll go on Medicaid.”

FACTS:

• Medicaid, or welfare assistance, has many “strings” attached and is only available to people who meet federal poverty guidelines.

Whether purchased for yourself, your spouse or for an aging parent, long-term care insurance can help protect assets accumulated over a lifetime from the ravages of long-term care costs.

The do-it-yourself (DIY) home security market has grown in popularity and sophistication. Some security providers report up to 30% of new product sales are comprised of DIY security products.

DIY home security is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to have total control over security equipment and costs.

Get the Most Out of Your DIY Home Security

While DIY security may seem like the perfect solution, it must be purchased from a reliable vendor and installed properly to gain maximum security benefits. Ignoring vital best practices could result in a security breach.

Let’s take a look at the top four security safeguards for your DIY equipment.

1. Educate yourself (and your loved ones) on products. Because you’ll be handing installation and setup of your DIY security devices, carefully read product specifications. Know your devices’ capabilities and features, and operation best practices. Improper installation and use will result in ineffective security.
2. Secure your network. Because many DIY security devices are wireless, ensure protection of your network and security devices from hackers. Strong passwords, antivirus software and basic Wi-Fi best practices will safeguard your network.
3. Discourage robbers. Even if you’ve implemented DIY security, complement it with tricks to give the illusion that you’re home, even when you’re not. Tactics include putting lights on timers or adjusting them remotely via smartphone, tablet or desktop, regularly collecting mail, and keeping your yard well landscaped. This will discourage anyone who could be canvassing your neighborhood looking for empty homes.
4. Prioritize monitoring. Some security vendors offer connectivity to a monitoring center, which contacts emergency personnel once they’ve confirmed with the homeowners there’s a crisis. Make it a priority to work with a vendor who provides this service so you can ensure there is always a direct connection to police, firefighters and other authorities.

Above all, it’s essential to connect with your trusted vendor. The best DIY home security equipment meets your needs, and industry standards and best practices. Your vendor can help you assess the latter, giving peace of mind in your product selection.

August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. While you’re likely focused on back-to-school shopping and planning, this is a reminder to schedule your annual eye exams as well. Eye exams are especially important at a young age since good eyesight leads to better learning.

How can an eye exam help my child?

Eye exams can identify a number of complications that are easily treated early on. Children’s eye exams can not only tell you if your child needs corrective lenses but can also spot astigmatisms and “lazy eyes” and correct them.

When should I schedule my child’s first eye exam?

The American Optometric Association (AOA), recommends that a child’s first eye exam should be at six-months old. At this age, doctors can ensure that your child’s eyes are developing normally.

The AOA suggests school-aged children receive annual examinations, especially outside of school-offered vision screenings. As children grow, their eyes can change quickly, so annual check-ups are a great way to spot and track any changes.

How can I pay for my child’s eye exam?

Paying for glasses and contacts can be expensive. However, vision insurance can help cover the costs of eye exams, as well as part of the costs associated with glasses and contacts.

How can I get the most out of my vision insurance?

There are multiple ways to get the most out of your vision insurance aside from scheduling annual check-ups. At your checkup, ask to try on glasses so a doctor can give you accurate measurements for your glasses size. Consider buying glasses and contacts online rather than at the eye doctor. Purchasing online is most often the cheaper route, and sites like Warby Parker even offer a free home try on the package.

We asked some top advisors what their advice is for being financially fit. Here’s what they shared with us. How many of these can you tick off?

It’s about the flow. Watch your cash flow and live within your means—that’s the starting point. Once that’s under control, plan for the future, including what if something happens to you. What is the impact of that on those left behind and especially if there is debt left behind? That’s where life insurance comes in.

—Aurora Tancock, CFP, FLMI, AIAA, president of Aurora Tancock Financial Services

Set goals. Just as exercise becomes a key tool to achieve health goals, life insurance is the same in your financial fitness program. Among the many goals you can achieve through life insurance are: saving for future projects, plan for retirement and protecting the financial well-being of your family.

—Ana Sofía Rodríguez D, M.B.A., associate director of Grupo Inverseguros

See no evil. Make sure you can leave your family no worse off than they currently are. A lot of people are insurance poor. There’s nothing evil about insurance. It allows your family to maintain same standard of living that they’re accustomed to if something were to happen.

The second is to buy products before the need is there. If you can’t afford all of what you need, start off with what you can afford. For example, start with term life insurance, instead of permanent, and then when you can, change it to a permanent solution.

—Corry Collins, CFP, ChFC, CHS, of Maritime Wealth Management

Get help. I would suggest people start working with an advisor as soon as possible. It’s much easier to fix the financial “mess” of 30-year-old than a 55-year-old. And then, don’t let life get in the way of keeping up with your plan. I think annual reviews are great for keeping people on track.

—Jennifer Mann, LUTCF, CLU, ChFC, CFP, vice president of the Chicago office of Lenox Advisors

Give it a dry run. I’d ask, “Do you have a spending or savings plan?” You need something to help you understand if you are spending more than you’re earning and whether you’re saving enough. It’s great if you can get on a spending plan and stick to it and reevaluate it periodically.

Then reduce and eliminate your debt—but you’ve have to want to do it! Remember, 98% of the people work for 2% of the people. The lenders are the ones you’re working for.

Then have a dry run, what happens if … You have to go through your plan to see if you have enough life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care … what are the survivor needs going to be? etc. and then create a plan to live on that budget, so you can fund the things for later. By saving to today, you can have your earnings pay for your salary later.

As a homeowner, it’s always a good idea to protect your home from expensive damage or loss, whether it’s caused by extreme weather or daily wear and tear. Investing in both home insurance and a home warranty plan is essential, as they cover different things. 

Why do you need both plans and how do they differ?  

Home insurance policies
The main difference between a home warranty and home insurance policy is what they cover. Home insurance is often mandatory when homeowners buy a new house. The bank will usually require you to purchase a policy before issuing a mortgage and keep it for the length of the mortgage.

Home insurance covers four primary areas of the home, including personal property and general liability if someone were to be injured on your property. In addition to theft, home insurance policies will only cover costs for damages caused by perils like fires, floods and other natural disasters. 

If your basement were to flood due to a storm or an earthquake were to ruin the structure of your home, an insurance adjuster would come to your house and fill out a claim for repair of any damaged belongings. After the claim is approved, your insurance company issues you a payment after subtracting the amount of your deductible from the total balance to cover the cost of the repair. 

Home warranty plan
While home insurance policies are usually required for homeowners, home warranties are not mandatory. However, because insurance policies don’t cover costs when home appliances and systems break down from normal wear and tear, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money by investing in a warranty plan. Unfortunately, things like your A/C and washing machine breakdown –and when they do they’re expensive to fix.

A home warranty is a plan to help cover the expense of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems when they fail due to normal, everyday use. Warranties generally cover essential items in the home such as your plumbing and electrical systems, major appliances, HVAC system and washer and dryer. 

Similar to home insurance, there are different pricing options available. You can choose the deductible that works best for you. When something breaks down, simply file a claim online. AMEZones will connect you with a pre-screened service provider in your area who will visit your home to diagnose and remedy the problem. Your deductible should cover the repair cost, even if the item needs to be replaced.  

While a home warranty plan and your insurance policy can protect your home in different ways, both give you peace of mind that your home and budget are taken care of when even the most unexpected problems arise.