Insights

Becoming a home owner means becoming responsible for a dizzying range of appliances, fixtures and home systems. While many items will require professional attention, it also pays to be able to handle a lot of the small stuff yourself. If you are moving from apartment living to a home of your own, stock your toolkit as soon as possible with the...

Finding the right mechanic for you can be a tough and intimidating process. It can be hard to know who you can trust and who you should avoid. To be sure that you are putting your vehicle in trustworthy hands, find the answers to these questions before you commit: 1. What certifications do your mechanics have? Mechanics working for any...

Millennials now make up the largest worker demographic in the workplace. In fact, by 2025, three out of four workers will be Millennials. Despite how large and entrenched this group is, many companies are having a hard time attracting and retaining top talent in this age group. To be an appealing workplace means offering perks and advantages that...

When you are looking at remodeling your home, you are often thinking in terms of recouping the costs when you wish to sell. However, it is important to choose where to invest your money wisely. Not every home improvement can give you the improvement in selling price that you want. When it comes to home renovations, some are more likely to result...

Last year’s hurricane season was highly active, with more than twice as many named storms as average. Experts are predicting an even more severe year for 2018. Hurricanes have often been a deadly and highly damaging force. Among the most historic and damaging hurricanes in US history: Hurricane Maria – September 16, 2017 A new report from the New...

Adequate insurance coverage, paired with due diligence and care, can help protect both businesses and individuals from devastating losses. While most claims are normal and manageable, in some cases, significant losses have led to historic payouts. Read on to learn about some of the largest and most unusual claims in history: Man sues self for...

The people we hire can be the most valuable assets our companies have. To preserve good relationships, it is imperative to make sure that you are always complying with the most recent minimum wage and overtime laws for your area. Revisiting the laws regularly can help you maintain your familiarity and stay compliant. Meeting Minimum Wage At the...

We live in an age of instant gratification. Want something to eat, but don’t want to cook? UberEats or GrubHub can deliver from any restaurant in your area. Want a waffle iron? Amazon has 72 distinct models that can be delivered to your house in with free one-day shipping. Want a new life insurance policy? The company that can offer an instant...

In the modern era, it is possible to access services that range from insurance to banking to healthcare information all from your desktop computer or mobile phone. While many new services emerge every year, many have been around long enough that there are now adults who have had access to the internet their entire lives. Is the way that people...

It often seems that a month cannot go by without reading about catastrophic flooding somewhere. These floods can present high risk of property damage and even loss of life. When you are considering purchasing property that is in a flood plain or otherwise vulnerable to flooding, it is important to understand the level of risk you are taking on....

We pick up our smartphones dozens of times a day to perform actions that range from looking at friend’s photos, paying bills, or checking our bank statements. But, we often do not think enough about the security of the information that we send. Developing good security habits can keep your information safe, and prevent costly and inconvenient...

Frightening headlines about obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other lifestyle-related illnesses are increasing. While many people may look at headlines and despair, there is a great deal of reason for hope. Evidence shows that many Americans are becoming more health conscious and adopting habits that will help them stay vibrant and active...

Winter weather doesn’t just mean bundling up against the cold. It also means additional responsibilities for property owners. Make sure that you keep up on maintenance tasks like the ones below to keep your properties safe: Inspect trees for hazards. High winds and the weight of snow can take down limbs and present a hazard. Remember that each...

The start of a new year is the perfect time to add healthy habits into your life. About 40% of US adults make some sort of New Year’s Resolution every year. Not sure where to start with a positive life change that can yield some healthy dividends? Consider any of the following new habits: Do some strength training once a week. A vague commitment...

Digital marketing has become essential for businesses in virtually all industries and niches. It is vital that you and your team are well-informed of the ways that your prospects look for information to help them make decisions. In the new year, work on these areas to build rapport with prospects and increase your conversion rate. Develop a...

The holiday season is a favorite time for charitable giving. However, when embracing the spirit of the season, be sure to choose your recipient wisely. To ensure that your gifts go where they will do the most good, keep the following in mind: Make sure that the charity is the one you think it is Many less ethical organizations take advantage of...

When you are away for the season, it makes sense to make your unoccupied property work for you. To ensure rental income is a net positive instead of a liability, make sure you take these considerations into account: Is your home in good condition for renting? Any needed repairs and updates should be in place before you start looking for renters....

When hackers successfully encrypt the computers of a large public company, the media pays attention.   In 2016, around $1 billion in ransomware payments were paid, over four times as much as was paid the year before. It’s likely that 2017 will see an even higher number.  There is no doubt that ransomware demands will continue to increase. While...

Properties become vacant or unoccupied for a number of reasons…Tenants move out, elderly owners pass away, prior owners list the homes for sale, etc. The number of vacancies tends to increase as the economy gets tougher as well. Whether it is a large commercial building or a small single-family dwelling, being aware of the potential hazards...