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When Should You Update Your Home Insurance Coverage

Chances are you got your home insurance policy when you bought your home and you haven’t really thought about it since then. The thing is, you should review your policy each time there’s a change in your lifestyle or home. Doing this could help you save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over time. Further, reviewing your policy will also ensure that you have adequate coverage at all times. Here’s a look into 5 situations when you might want to update your coverage. 

  • You’ve Recently Renovated Your Home: If you’ve added a new bedroom, built a pool in the backyard, or completed a similar large remodeling job, you should let your insurer know about this. Keep in mind that the value of your home could have increased after the renovation, making it more expensive to rebuild if a disaster happens to destroy your home. So, you’ll likely need to increase your coverage after the remodeling job. 
  • You’ve Purchased Valuables: If you’ve recently purchased big-ticket items like artwork, furs, electronics, or jewelry, you’ll need to let your insurance company know. The insurance company can increase your coverage so the policy covers the value of these items.
  • You’ve Retired: Given that retired people spend more time at home, their homes are less likely to be broken into, thus reducing the risk taken on by the insurance. So, if you’ve recently retired, make sure to let the insurance company know about this. Many insurers offer discounts of up to 10% to retirees, provided they are over 55 years of age. 
  • You’ve Installed Security Equipment: If you installed security equipment like an alarm system in your home, informing the insurance company about this could help you get a discount since it makes it less likely for thieves to break into your home. You could secure a discount of up 5% a year by installing security equipment in your home. 
  • You’ve Quit Smoking: In addition to being great for your health, ditching nicotine could also help you save money on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Most insurance companies reduce premiums by a bit if you don’t smoke. Insurers usually consider smokers riskier to insure since there is a higher risk of a fire destroying your home if you smoke. 
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SUVs vs Sedans – Which One Should You Buy?

For a while, SUVs have been the go-to choice for most car buyers. After all, they offer more cargo room, an elevated seating position, and look great. However, if you primarily drive within the city, a sedan may be a more practical option. Here, we look at how the two types of vehicles compare.

Performance

Sedans, being a lot lighter and more aerodynamic, can help you weave in and out through traffic on city streets. They’re also easier to park, compared to SUVs. Many new sedans also come with all-wheel drive, making them easier to drive in inclement weather as well.

Many SUVs, today, have a car-like foundation, making them easier to handle compared to models from a few years back. That said, they have a higher center of gravity which could make handling a little tricky for new drivers.

Cargo Room

Sedans have a trunk, and this is especially useful if you want to keep your valuables in your car safely locked away. Some sedans like the Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu offer more trunk space.

However, you really can’t beat an SUV when it comes to cargo room. Also, many models also come with foldable or removable rear seats, which can help increase the amount of cargo storage space. What’s more, SUVs can also tow large loads.

Safety

Sedans are a lot easier to maneuver, compared to SUVs, thus, helping you swerve quickly to avoid an accident.

But, the sheer size of an SUV helps it come out of an accident in better condition. Also, the elevated seating position can help you avoid accidents since it gives you a better view of the road and the other vehicles around you.

Price

The smaller the car, the cheaper it is to build. Given this, sedans are offered at a much more affordable price point. They’re also cheaper to insure.

In comparison, SUVs are a lot more expensive to buy and insure. And, although they have become more fuel-efficient over the years, they still can’t match the gas mileage of sedans.

Comfort

Sedans are comfortable. However, if you have many co-passengers, the drive can start to feel a little cramped.

SUVs, in comparison, offer a lot more legroom, making it a more comfortable option. Most SUVs can also comfortably fit four or more co-passengers easily.

While both cars have their pros and cons, you’ll need to assess your requirements and budget and make a decision accordingly.

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Key Questions To Ask Yourself To Buy The Right Car

If you aren’t too sure of the type of car you should buy, you should begin by asking yourself certain basic questions. The objective of doing this is to find a car that will suit your needs the most.

How Many People Do You Travel With?

Most sedans and hatchbacks can hold 5 people. However, the center-rear position is quite uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time – so, this is something you’ll want to consider and, maybe, even try out during the test drive. If you usually have more than 5 co-passengers, you could get a three-row SUV or a minivan. Some SUVs give you the option of folding or removing the rear seat to increase the cargo space, so you may want to consider this option as well.

Do You Want To Drive A Manual Or Automatic Car?

Car manufacturers have increasingly started to manufacture new cars with only manual transmissions. However, many automatic cars also come with a manual-shift mode, which essentially works like manual transmission (without the clutch). If you drive in hilly areas and rough terrains often, the manual-shift mode will come in handy since it will give you more control.

What Do You Primarily Need Your Car For?

Taking a look at what exactly you need your car for will help you choose the right type of vehicle. For instance, say you need a practical car to commute to work. In such a case, you may want to buy yourself a compact hatchback. If you are a driving enthusiast who enjoys driving, you’ll want to get a car that offers great handling. If you want a sporty car that’s perfect for off-roading adventures, buy an SUV.

Fuel Economy Or Power?

Most cars are available with different transmission and engine combinations. The more powerful a car is, the less fuel-efficient it is likely to be and vice versa. Smaller cars are usually fitted with four-cylinder engines that are fuel-efficient but lack the smoothness and power of a V6. Hybrids and diesels are also good options if you are looking for fuel-efficient cars.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, make sure to also take your budget into account. Don’t spend more than what you can afford on a car – remember that a car is not an investment. It will only depreciate in value over time.

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Tips To Cut The Cost Of Your Auto Loan

While you may not be able to avoid taking out an auto loan to buy a car, there’s no reason for you to pay a high rate of interest. Here, we share some tips that can help you cut the cost of your loan, which can, in turn, help you save money.

Get Your Credit Score Up

Most lenders base the terms of your loan on your credit score. If you have an excellent credit score, it’s quite easy to get an extremely competitive interest rate. However, if you have poor credit, your lender will likely raise the interest rate to offset the risk they will be taking on. So, make sure to check your credit score and credit reports and work on improving your score. The easiest way to do this is by looking for errors on your credit reports and disputing these errors.

Research Your Options

Although your dealership may provide you a quote, it’s best to check if you can get an auto loan for cheaper from elsewhere. To get the best deal, check the terms and interest rates of loans offered by traditional brick-and-mortar banks, credit unions, and online banks. It’s likely that you’ll be able to find a loan at a good rate by shopping around.

Buy A More Affordable Car

If the loan payments are still coming up to a lot, the best thing you can do is get a more affordable car. The fact is that you don’t want to buy a car that you can barely afford to pay off. Just in case there is a change in your financial situation in the future, you still want to be able to afford your car payments. So, if you were only looking at luxury cars, you may want to consider buying a mid-range car instead.

Refinance

If you already have an auto loan and your financial situation has improved considerably over time, you could refinance to a loan with better terms. If you do this, ensure that you pick a loan that not only has a lower interest rate but also a lower lifetime interest charge. In addition to helping you save money on interest, you can also pay off your loan faster when you refinance your loan.

Don’t Borrow A Small Amount

If your loan amount is rather small, consider just saving up for the car rather than taking out a loan. Since banks charge higher interest rates for small loans, you’ll end up saving a lot of money by just paying for it upfront.

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Do You Require An Auto Insurance Policy To Buy A New Car?

If you’ve never owned a car before but plan on getting one soon, you may be wondering whether you need auto insurance at the time of buying the car. In most states across the U.S., car buyers are mandatorily required to have at least a minimum amount of coverage to be able to drive the newly-purchased vehicle off the dealership’s lot. But how do you apply for insurance if you don’t have a car yet? Read on to know!

When Is Auto Insurance Required To Buy A Car?

You need auto insurance to be able to drive your car back to your home after buying it. Regardless of whether the car is bought on loan or with cash, you are still required to have auto insurance.

How To Buy Insurance Without A Car

Even before you buy a car, you can get quotes from insurance providers. All you’ll need to do is provide some basic information about the vehicle that you wish to purchase. If you’ve already selected the vehicle that you intend to purchase, you can ask the dealership for the VIN, after which you can purchase your auto insurance policy. Make sure that the date on which the policy coverage starts coincides with the date on which you intend to bring the car home.

Is It Legal To Drive A New Car Without Insurance?

Most states require you to have insurance before you drive a new car. Keep in mind you could get into a lot of trouble for driving without insurance even if you get into an accident right outside the dealership. Even if your state does not require you to have auto insurance, you will still be held financially responsible for the accident if it was your fault.

Not buying insurance will also create a gap in your insurance history, which could make auto insurance companies consider you a more significant risk. This, in turn, will cause your premium to rise.

How To Buy Auto Insurance

If you are looking to buy an auto insurance policy, follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Gather details of your vehicle
  • Assess how much coverage you require
  • Research companies that offer auto insurance policies
  • Compare the coverage benefits, pricing, and reviews of these companies
  • Contact at least 3 companies for their auto insurance quotes
  • Proceed with the company that offers the best coverage at a competitive rate

Buying auto insurance is a relatively easy procedure. It’s researching different policies and comparing rates that take time. So, assess your coverage needs and buy a suitable policy before you get your car.

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CHECKLIST: Things You Should Consider When Buying A Used Car

Buying a pre-owned car can help you save a lot of money. However, unless you do your research, you could end up regretting your purchase. While getting the right used car can sometimes seem like a gamble, here’s a checklist of things that you can go over to ensure you buy the right car. 

  • Research Your Options: Before you start contacting car owners or visiting dealerships, it’s important to do a little groundwork. You can start doing this by understanding what type of car you need. For instance, if you need a car to commute to work on a daily basis, you may want to consider buying a hatchback, which is compact and perfect for city driving conditions. On the other hand, if you go off-roading quite often, you may want to buy an SUV instead. Also, make sure to check the basic maintenance costs, features and options, aging price points, and the type of problems that are likely to occur in the type of car you intend to purchase, 
  • Inspect the Car: Once you’ve done your research, you can contact dealerships or private car owners, and then go check out the car. When you go to see the vehicle, check the exterior for dents, uneven panels, condition of the tire tread, light function, etc. The interior should also not have any offensive smells, moisture damage, overly worn upholstery, etc. You should also check whether all the switches and controls inside the car are working properly. Check under the hood for any leakages too. 
  • Take the Car on a Test Drive: This is the most important aspect of your inspection. Your test drive should ideally last at least 20 minutes, if not more, so you get a feel of the car’s handling. Look out for any unusual sounds, check if the car accelerates smoothly, and make sure the brakes are performing well. Doing this will give you a good idea of how the car has been used and maintained by the previous owner. 

After the test drive, it’s best to get the car inspected by a professional mechanic. Also, get the vehicle history report. It’s also best that you check whether the seller has the registration and title of the vehicle in hand. 

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How To Choose The Right Medicare Plan

You become eligible for Medicare once you turn 65. Medicare plans are broken into multiple parts, and it is important to understand the basics before you sign up, as making the wrong choice can prove to be expensive later. 

To start, let’s take a look at the options out there:

Original Medical comprises Part A & Part B.

  • Part A: Covers hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and home health care up to a certain extent. 
  • Part B: Covers doctor visits, preventive care, outpatient care and hospitals, home health care up to a certain extent. 
  • Part C: Also known as the Medicare Advantage plan is offered by private companies and includes all Part A and Part B benefits. Some of the plans include vision, dental and hearing, and Part D drug coverage.
  • Part D: Covers prescription drugs.

Part A is free if you or your spouse have at least ten years of Social Security work history. It can cost up to $413 per month if you don’t have the requisite work credits. 

In addition to original Medicare (Parts A and B), most people opt for a Medigap plan from the ten choices available to cover out-of-pocket costs. This supplemental policy is offered by private insurers and costs vary considerably. They help you pay for what Medicare doesn’t.

Medicare Advantage plans have low or no monthly premiums, but you’ll have access to fewer doctors and hospitals. 

Most people find themselves with two choices – sign up for original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Keep in mind that both options include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance – where beneficiaries pay a percentage of the bill.

If you’re relatively healthy, a Medicare Advantage plan may be cheaper, and possibly your best option if you absolutely can’t afford a Medigap supplement. That said, those who can afford it may want to choose traditional Medicare with a supplement because it provides access to top specialists.

No matter what your retirement age, you can sign up the three months before your birthday, during your birth month, or in the three months after it. Even if you’re still working, it is crucial to sign up during these seven months, or you may face a long-term penalty.

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Cancer: Symptoms To Watch Out For

Your chances of beating cancer are higher when it is detected early. But more often than not, we tend to ignore symptoms or are simply unaware of what they could indicate. Listed below are some general symptoms of cancer worth knowing about. See a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms lasting for long periods or getting worse.

  • Unexplained Weight Loss: An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
  • Fatigue: Extreme tiredness can be an early indicator of leukemia. 
  • Pain: Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary while persistent headaches may indicate the presence of a brain tumor. 
  • Skin Changes: Changes in the color, size, or shape of warts, moles, or freckles, hyperpigmentation, yellowish skin and eyes, redness, itching, or excessive hair growth may be symptoms of skin cancer or other cancers. 
  • Changes in Bowel Habits: Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or change in stool size are possible indicators of colon cancer. 
  • Changes in Bladder Function: Experiencing pain or having to pass urine more or less often than usual may be symptoms of bladder or prostate cancer.
  • Sores that are Slow to Heal: A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be oral cancer. 
  • White Patches: White spots inside the mouth and on the tongue may be leukoplakia that if left untreated, can develop into mouth cancer.
  • Abnormal Bleeding: Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Vaginal bleeding may indicate cancer of the cervix or the endometrium. Bloody urine could indicate bladder or kidney cancer while bloody stool may indicate colon or rectal cancer. Breast cancer can cause bloody discharges from the nipples.
  • Lumps in the Breast or Other Parts of the Body: Cancers occurring in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body can be felt through the skin. Check for lumps or red or thickened skin.
  • Nagging Cough: Persistent coughing may be a sign of lung cancer.
  • Hoarseness: An abnormal change in your voice may indicate cancer of the larynx or thyroid gland.
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Top Air Purifiers For Allergies And Asthma Reviewed

Along with using an inhaler or taking medication, air purifiers can help people suffering from asthma breathe a little easier. While many air purifiers in the market claim to strip the air of allergens and environmental triggers and help with long-term asthma relief, here are our top picks:

Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier

If you’re looking to purify the air in medium to large rooms, this is your best bet. Its special 6-stage air cleaning process filters out asthma-inducing toxins.

The True HEPA filter captures the finest particles, and users also have the option to add an additional layer of protection by choosing between a set of four customized filters including Germ Defense, Toxin Absorber, Odor Neutralizer, and Pet Allergy Reducer.

The air purifier can be wall-mounted or set on the floor, is inexpensive, and powerful enough to purify an area up to 700 square feet.

Blueair 203 Air Purifier

This device has a special verification by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

It traps 99.97% of asthma-inducing particles down to 0.3 microns using a True HEPA filter and is cheaper than our first pick.

It can only purify an area of up to 240 square feet, so it’s ideal for a small bedroom. Thanks to its sleek design and small size it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space and is easily portable.

IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier

Ideal for people suffering from severe asthma, this air purifier’s advanced HyperHEPA filter traps 99.95% of particles down to 0.003 microns. It can purify the air in spaces up to 1,125 square feet and is also equipped with a special V-5 Cell Gas and Odor Filter.

Although expensive, it removes a wide range of chemical pollutants and household odors, making it a great choice for asthmatics.

Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier

This air purifier covers up to 465 square feet, making it ideal for most living rooms and bedrooms. It’s also great for open apartment spaces and comes highly recommended by allergists.

The Honeywell HPA300 circulates the air in the room five times per hour. Three internal True HEPA filters filter 99.97% of contaminants down to 0.3 microns out of the air. An activated carbon filter helps reduce chemical gases that can irritate your lungs.

Levoit Vista 200 Air PurifierLevoit Vista 200

This compact, lightweight air purifier is ideal for personal use, travel, or a small room.

The internal air filter draws air in from every side of the machine to eliminate allergens, dust, and other asthma triggers.

It’s virtually silent on the lowest fan speed and quite affordable.

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Tips To Effectively Manage Your Diabetes

Keeping a constant eye out for signs of low blood sugar and managing diabetes on a day-to-day basis can be challenging at times. But chasing healthy glucose levels shouldn’t get in the way of chasing your dreams.

Follow these tips to live your best life and keep your diabetes under control:

  • Keep Calm: Stress can cause your blood sugar to rise, so find enjoyable activities like walking or gardening that can help you relax.
  • Skip the Bar: Processing alcohol leaves the liver with little time to release stored sugar in response to low blood levels, so cut down on your alcohol consumption.
  • Change Your Plan According to Your Stage of Life: Your medication, meal plan, or exercise level will have to change to accommodate the body’s hormonal changes, as these can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate.
  • Be Aware of What Medications You’re Taking: Medication may affect your blood sugar level in several ways – especially if sweetened.
  • Be Mindful of Oral Hygiene: Diabetes lowers your ability to fight infection from bacteria in the mouth, putting you at greater risk for gum disease. 
  • Plan Ahead Before Traveling: Traveling can disrupt your normal routine, so talk to your doctor about how to adjust and ensure you have enough medication till you return.
  • Add Your Own Sweeteners: Reduce the sugar in your diet by sweetening your food yourself. This will give you more control over your diabetes nutrition strategy, and help you cut down calories and carbs.
  • Get Yourself Vaccinated: Diabetes makes you more vulnerable to infection and illnesses including the flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. So, make sure you’re immunized against them. 
  • Stay One Step Ahead: Monitoring your glucose level continuously is essential to be able to manage your diabetes better since it enables you to quickly address high or low sugar levels.
  • Don’t Be Tempted to Break From the Plan: Especially on days that you’re feeling good, which may actually be a sign that the plan set with your doctor is working. 

With these simple tips, you’ll be able to manage your diabetes better, improve your energy, and reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack, nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, gum disease, and other health complications.

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