Cash-saving secrets as shopping season reaches full swing

If there's a season to save, this is it. With the kids needing new clothes and supplies for school, and the holidays approaching, the coming months can be one of the costliest shopping times for families.

With everyone trying to save a little cash these days, there's no reason to pay full price on the items you'll need to buy. By shopping smart and being prepared, you'll be able to save significant money as you fulfill your family's wish list.

"As retailers look to get shoppers spending again after the recession, there are plenty of consumer-friendly deals to be had," says Ralph Bond, a Portland, Ore.-based consumer electronics reporter and radio personality. "Particularly in the area of electronics, there are always ways to shop smart and get more for your money."

Of course, nobody knows more about shopping and saving than parents themselves. A recent survey conducted in July by Haier America, a home appliance and consumer electronic company, asked 1,002 parents with kids in kindergarten through twelfth grade what their top three smartest steps are when the time comes to shop for back to school items. Here is how they responded:

* Compare prices (55 percent of respondents). By looking at newspaper ads and online resources that compare prices for certain products before you head out, you can save both money and time.

* Buy all or most of your purchases at sales (51 percent). Find information about when sales are occurring through your local newspaper, on television or on your favorite stores' websites.

* Shop at discount stores (42 percent). Discount stores can be a great resource, as many have good products that are either being discontinued or are sharply discounted for another reason.

"I also recommend shopping for products with multiple uses," says Bond. "This can especially be useful if you are looking at a few technological electronics upgrades for your home. For example, if you are looking for a new TV, consider one with multiple functions like the Haier Ultra Slim LED HDTV, which also functions as a computer monitor."

If you are in the market for a technology upgrade, you may want to consider how what you are purchasing can enhance your child's educational experience. As the numbers in the survey point out, children are using electronics to learn at home more than ever: 88 percent of parents responding to the survey considered television an educational tool, and 64 percent of parents say kids having their own computer or notebook is a necessity for kids' education. So while you might be buying a new TV for your own enjoyment, you could also consider it an educational aid for your children. For more information on these types of TVs, visit http://www.haieramerica.com/.

With a little savvy shopping and research, you can end up getting what you want out of one of the biggest shopping seasons and hopefully come out of it with some extra money that you can save or put toward next year's purchases.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Planning A Last-Minute Family Vacation

Whether it's the sudden need to get away or the last chance to escape before the kids head back to school, many families find themselves in a position to book a last-minute vacation. With the fluctuating economy wreaking havoc on the airline and hotel industries, there is now a greater chance of finding availability and bargains for savvy researchers.

So, as you begin planning your last-minute escape, consider these simple tips that can help save money and ensure a relaxing, memorable retreat:

*Book at the right time. To boost business, hotels, airlines and cruise lines will often offer discounts two weeks in advance of booking. Remember to always shop on a Tuesday or Wednesday to find the best last-minute vacation deals as it is common for hotel, flight and car rental rates to increase by the time Thursday rolls around. Note that airfares and hotel rates will soon decrease as kids go back to school and demand falls as a result. School seems to start earlier and earlier every year, which means the peak travel season does, as well.

* Book at the right place. The best place to look for bargain vacations and last-minute deals is online travel websites, such as Travel.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com and Travelocity.com, among others. You can often save big on last-minute vacations when purchasing a bundled package (hotel, car, flight). It is important to determine how important the destination is for your vacation. There are a variety of websites that offer last-minute deals by destination, and the more flexible you are, the more savings you can realize.

* Don't forget to entertain the kids along the way. While the ways to entertain kids will vary by age, it is important to come up with a few fun, simple ideas to make the journey a little more enjoyable. One idea that appeals to most is to rent a movie or two. Redbox, the fully automated DVD rental kiosk, features the latest new releases for a low nightly rate and is available at grocery stores and other popular retail locations across the country. It's the perfect road trip companion, no matter your destination, as redbox lets you rent and return movies at any one of more than 22,000 locations nationwide. Also, be sure to bring along games or other activities that you can play in the car, on a plane or at the hotel to keep the whole family entertained.

* Include the kids in your vacation plans. Whether it's a short trip down the road or a two-week vacation to another country, it is important to make your kids part of the vacation planning process. Ask them to do some research about potential entertainment options at your destination. Give them the opportunity to provide recommendations as to what you are going to see or do while you're there. Not only will this save you time, but including the kids in this process will also provide more fun for everyone.

One last reminder that may help when planning your last-minute vacation is to keep an open mind and be flexible. As long as you follow these cardinal rules of traveling last-minute, there's always an opportunity to book and enjoy a great trip at a good price.

To find a redbox location near you, download the free iPhone app from redbox or reserve a movie online, visit http://www.redbox.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Four Ways to Improve Your Home's Beauty and Resale Value

In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions:

Timeless decks with natural looks

In the past decade, alternatives to wood decking products have made many claims of low-maintenance. However, if your deck has stains and is in an environment that breeds mold and mildew, maybe it's time to look at some new options on the market. If your decking product contains wood fibers, it may be absorbing stains and getting scratched in everyday use.

"There are low-maintenance products that give homeowners a rich selection of deeper deck shades, tropical hardwood looks and durable, sturdy railings that complement these colors," says Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. He says the secret is cellular PVC technology, which resists food stains - even red wine - and stands up to the most high energy kids, dogs or neighborhood deck parties. Low-maintenance decks also increase your home's value because they economically add living space and are easy to clean.

Lattice entertain you

If you think your outdoor planters and window boxes cannot have detailed lattice work and scrolled designs because of a high moisture environment, think again. There are natural looking materials that support plant life and won't rot, split or warp, even with continuous watering and sunlight. For example, Walpole Woodworkers features the Freeport Collection of low-maintenance cellular vinyl boxes and planters that look like the real thing and have classic detail and lattice designs.

These durable items do not need liners and come with pre-drilled drainage holes. Beautifully crafted window boxes are charming accents to your home and bring color right outside your window. Adding architectural details also makes your home stand out in the neighborhood. The company offers free catalogs at (800) 343-6948 or visit http://www.walpolewoodworkers.com/.

Stay pumped, go green

Following one of the wettest winters on record in many areas of the country, keeping your home safe from damaging flood waters is critical. Now, there are sump pumps that offer maximum protection, save energy and are very easy to install. They also feature backup battery pumps and alarms for extra protection in case of power outages. This increases peace of mind for homeowners and could be a make or break selling point.

The experts at WAYNE Pumps advise that if your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may need to be replaced with new technology. "Our sump pump hydraulic expertise has evolved to where we can offer pumps that move more water faster using up to 50 percent less energy," says President Joe Mauro. "We've also developed features like quieter operation and the new iSwitch that uses a microprocessor to sense rising water levels before they could become a problem." He points out that investment in a reliable sump pump and battery backup system is minor compared to the damage water can do to valuables, family heirlooms and your home's resale value. Self-testing features to keep backup pumps in top shape and wireless alarms offer even more layers of protection for your home. For more information, visit http://www.waynepumps.com/.

Repair cracks to prevent future damage

A small crack in your driveway or cement steps can become a crater, due to harsh weather and temperature changes. Crumbling concrete or cracked driveways can detract from curb appeal and reduce resale value. However, if properly sealed with the right caulk product, your outdoor masonry or blacktop areas can be repaired without continuing to deteriorate. You can also seal off energy leaks and keep out damaging moisture, indoors and out, such as around windows, receptacles and under the door step.

"We've been developing new caulks, such as our new RD 3000 advanced sealant line formulated to move and remain flexible once cured, allowing more stability through climate changes or pressure," says Jason Ringling, marketing director at Red Devil, Inc.

He noted that driveways, concrete steps and walkways can experience movement from car and foot traffic and endure the freeze/thaw cycles of the seasons. "You need a durable sealant that stands up to the elements to prevent the damage from spreading," he says. Always look for products specifically for concrete, blacktop, gutters and windows and doors. A simple caulk job reportedly can save you up to 20 percent in energy bills and big bucks in outdoor repairs.

Homeowners can make informed, smart choices about products that will improve their home's resale value and add enjoyment to their current lifestyle.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Why Flood Insurance?

Which is more likely to occur, a fire loss or a flood loss? According to FEMA, a flood loss is 30 times more likely to happen than a fire loss. Regardless what how you add that up, 30 times anything is a lot!

So if that is the case, what is considered a flood? Many think of the recent floods in Tennessee or Hurricane Katrina, but the actual definition of a flood is “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property)” per FEMA.

In other words, flood can happen anywhere. Flood insurance cannot be bought with your homeowners insurance. The United States government has a monopoly on flood insurance. Depending on were you live, it is a requirement by law that banks and mortgage companies require Flood insurance on any residential or commercial building in a high risk flood zone.

Effective October 1, 2010, State Farm is no longer assisting in obtaining flood insurance. This is shocking, only because the heighten request for flood insurance has increased over the last few years.

We at Thomas and Associates have the ability to obtain flood insurance for you. If we write your homeowners insurance, then we can help you write and service your flood insurance through FEMA.

With a flood loss 30 times more likely to happen than a fire, even in a low risk flood zone, it is important to protect your assets.

Summer Weather Precautions

Summer is here!  Throughout the nation, the temperatures have risen from the 80's to over 100 degrees!  While it is fun to be in the sun, it is important to take precautions. It just may even save your life!  Here are some important tips to abide by:

Avoid overexposure of the sun

With the sun beating down, it is important to wear your sunscreen!  It is good to catch some rays, for it supplies vitamin D to the body, but overdoing it can cause dehydration and even heat stroke.  Especially for those who play in sports, drink lots of fluids!  Please, those who are coaching sports teams, make sure your team is consuming fluids and have shade to rest in.

NEVER leave children or animals in park cars!!!!

Since 1998, there has been an estimated over 500 deaths of children left in cars!  Within minutes of leaving them in a parked car, it can cause serious heat stroke.

Find ways to cool down

With those who don't have air conditioning, and your place of living became an oven, there are several places were you can go to cool off.  For example going to your local grocery store, movie theatre, or mall.  Just walk around or sit in the lobby and relax!  Be creative and think of ways to keep cool and have fun while doing it!

Have fun this summer!  Just watch out for yourself and others around so that everyone has fun is the sun.

Independence Day

Independence Day, the day for all Americans to celebrate individual and national freedom and rights. We have stood at the perils of defeat, and through faith and stubborn dedication, we have withstood the adversities of tyranny, social and economic woes, and have unified to fight not just for our freedoms, but the freedoms for all people throughout the world.

As we light our barbecue grills and enjoy the lights and festivities with fireworks glowing in the air, let’s take a moment of silence to remember our freedom and what it means to be an American.

Here are some pictures of the sights of Washington D.C. taken by personal lines manager Hans Eskelsen!

Have A Happy and Safe 4th of July from Thomas & Associates!

Insurance On the Go

Having access to your insurance information is extremely important, especially after an auto accident or damage to your home.  Luckily, a few of our insurance providers have made it easy for you to get such information using your smart phone.  These sites or apps allow you to access resources such as bill pay, claim support, accident checklist, and many more.   Here are a few our our providers and their features for smart phone users.

Safeco
Safeco has launched a mobile version of their website www.safeco.com.  All you have to do is type in their address in your phone's browser and you will be automatically redirected to their mobile site.  Their site features resources such as: get a quote, find an agent, report a claim, and more.  They will also give you directions on what to do after you've had an accident.

The Hartford
The Hartford has a useful application for you iPhone users.  This application has handy roadside guides, an accident claim checklist, lets you locate repair facilities, and a great report a claim feature.  Directly from your iPhone you will be able to collect and exchange driver and accident information, and even take photos of the accident being reported.  You can get this application by clicking here, or searching for "The Hartford" in your iPhone's App Store.

Progressive
Like Safeco and The Hartford, Progressive has made it easy for customers to access information on the go. You can access Progressive's mobile website by typing in http://www.progressive.com/ in your phone's browser.  Progressive also has applications for IPhone or Android users.  Click here to see how to get the app.  Each application or the mobile site lets you report a claim, pay your bill, find a service center, or get a quote. 

Be at ease knowing wherever you go, your insurance company will be with you.