As businesses steadily become more aware that cyber risks pose a very real threat, with the potential for expensive, damaging consequences, a new demand for cyber insurance has emerged. Business leaders know that most insurance policies do not adequately cover their company’s cyber risks, so the best way to protect company assets may be with specialized coverage. What Does Cyber Insurance Cover? The specific cyber insurance coverage your company may need, as well as its cost, will vary depending on the size and scope of your business operation, the number of customers you have, your company’s presence on the Web and the type of data you collect and store. As a result, cyber risk policies tend to be more customized than other types of coverage, and also more expensive. Generally speaking, a typical cyber liability policy might include any of the following coverage Liability for breaches of security or privacy. This includes loss of confidential information by allowing or failing to prevent unauthorized access to computer systems. Costs associated with a privacy breach, including consumer notification, customer support and costs of providing credit monitoring services for affected customers. Cost of restoring, updating or replacing electronically-stored business assets and data. Expenses caused by interruption of business after a security or privacy breach. Liability associated with damage to others in the form of libel, slander, copyright infringement, etc., when the allegations involve a business website, social media or print media. Expenses related to cyber extortion or cyber terrorism. Shopping for Cyber Insurance If your business decides to seek a cyber liability policy, it may not be quite as easy as taking out other insurance policies. Cyber insurance is a relatively new arena and some of its standards are still being established. However, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has proposed an Insurance Data Security Model law that will help set standards that insurance providers can follow. The NAIC has also developed a Cybersecurity Consumer Bill of Rights detailing what consumers can expect from their insurance company following a data breach. When you seek a cyber policy an insurer will be interested in the risk management practices your business follows to protect its network and its data. They will likely want to see your business’ disaster response plan with respect to its networks, website, physical assets and intellectual property. At the very least, they will probably want to know about antivirus and anti-malware software, the frequency of software updates and the performance of network firewalls. Each business will decide what kind of cyber protection they want to acquire. With the continuing rise of data security breaches and their associated costs, having some type of coverage is a wise move. As the standards for cyber coverage become more firmly established and insurance companies expand their coverage options, cyber insurance is bound to continue becoming more commonplace for businesses worldwide. Sources: www.NAIC.org (Nat’l Assoc. of Insurance Commissioners) and the Center for Insurance Policy Research.

Importance of Cyber Security

View Resource Importance of Cyber Security
Winter is fast approaching and with it comes the tendency for many people to hibernate until spring. While you can escape the elements by staying indoors, your home is constantly exposed to the wind, snow and ice that naturally accompanies the season. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do now to protect your home for the weather ahead, helping to ensure your biggest investment stays in great shape for years to come. The good news is winterizing your home for the season doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Here are five easy and inexpensive tips that can go a long way in protecting your home for the cold ahead. Clean your gutters Free Cleaning your gutters will allow rain water, sleet, hail and melted snow to flow freely off your roof and away from your house. Leaves and other debris can obstruct the flow of water in your gutters and when the weather gets cold enough to freeze, it can cause pooled water to eventually turn into ice dams and icicles. As the cold presses on, these icicles will continue to grow in size and weight and can cause damage to your gutters and potentially your roof over time. In addition, clogged downspouts can lead to pooling water and ice near your foundation and with the addition of a few sunny slightly warmer days, this can lead to a wet basement. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, block off a few hours to clean out the gutters. This chore can extend the life of your roof and prevent it from cracks or other damage, which can cause expensive repairs down the road. Replace your furnace filters ~$10 to $20 As a rule of thumb, furnace filters should be replaced every three months, especially if you own pets. Neglecting to replace your filters will cause air flow restriction, making your furnace work much harder than it should. This will decrease heat efficiency, increase energy costs and shorten the life of your heater. Be sure to note the correct direction of air flow when replacing the filter and write down the correct size for your filters. Lastly, remember that the most expensive filters aren’t always the best options. If you have an older or smaller furnace, filters that are very dense (in order to remove allergens, etc.) can restrict air flow and harm your efficiency as well. Insulate your windows ~$20 to $40 Windows are typically the main culprits for a home’s heat loss, as well as the increase in cooling costs during the summer months. Reasons for this include cracked seals, deteriorating frames and outdated designs. While replacing windows may be a valuable update to increase your home’s value, it can be very expensive and not always a viable option for everyone. Insulating windows can help save up to 70 percent of heat loss for a small fraction of the price of replacements. Plastic film insulation kits cover the inside glass of the windows, keeping the heat inside and they can be installed in just a few hours. Caulking cracks and sealing around the windows as well as adding weather stripping can seal out cold drafts and maintain the window’s structural integrity. Turn off exterior faucets ~Free A burst pipe is not something any homeowner wants to deal with no matter the weather, but dealing with the stress and hassle in the dead of winter makes a bad situation much worse. Undrained water in pipes can freeze and cause pipes to rupture if your home doesn’t have frost-proof faucets. A simple solution is to disconnect garden hoses and other outdoor water systems and then turn off the internal valves to these faucets to drain the water thoroughly before the first freeze of the season. Chimney check-up and cleaning ~Prices vary Before you build your first roaring fire of winter and cozy up with a good book, be sure to thoroughly inspect your fireplace and chimney for any damage and clean the vents. Clean vents allow carbon monoxide and other harmful elements to properly exhaust and prevents them from entering your home. If you determine an expert is needed, research certified chimney experts in your area before hiring someone for an inspection or any repairs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take some time before the snow flies to look around your home and identify any potential hazards that should be repaired or secured before the winter weather is upon us. The little repairs and chores that can be done now could save you from much larger expenses later.

Winterizing Your Home: Protecting Your Investment

View Resource Winterizing Your Home: Protecting Your Investment
A homeowners association (HOA) provides you with the chance of living in an orderly and well-run neighborhood that’s managed by an organization that sets the rules and regulations under which you and other community members agree to live. While some people may welcome the chance to be a part of this organized living arrangement, others might not like the aspect of having restrictions on how they can manage their property. If you are thinking about moving into a community run by an HOA, there are things you should first take into consideration. Homeowner’s Associations Overview The HOA in the neighborhood you are considering moving was probably originally founded by the real estate developer who wanted to set standards for managing a community of condominiums, houses, or townhomes. The association gave the developer (and subsequent governing board) the authority to administrate the conditions, covenants, and restrictions of the development and manage its common elements. Pros There are several advantages of living in a homeowners association community. Some include the following. You Live in a Well-Groomed Neighborhood There are strict guidelines put in place to ensure the neighborhood looks good. For instance, typically lawns are meticulously groomed and manicured, there are limitations imposed on the colors of exterior paint, and there are restrictions on parking large vehicles and boats on the street. You Have Access to Amenities When living in an HOA community, you often have access to amenities like a fitness center, pool, children’s play area, parks, security gates and more. You Have Most Maintenance Done for You Your HOA will likely manage and maintain all of the community’s common areas and take care of tasks like mowing the lawn, weeding the flower beds, shoveling snow and other outside maintenance work for those parts of the neighborhood. Your Home Owners Association Handles Neighbor Disputes When a dispute occurs between neighbors, your HOA generally steps in to mediate. So, if a neighbor has a barking dog or is throwing a party that’s loud, the HOA will contact the offender instead of you having to do it. An HOA enforces a rule against after-hours noise. Cons There are also disadvantages of living in an HOA community, such as: You Risk Foreclosure if Dues Aren’t Paid If you fail to pay your dues for living in the community, an HOA can foreclose on your home. Of course, it depends on your state laws. In some cases, an HOA has certain limitations on when they can foreclose. You Don’t Have as Much Freedom When you live in an HOA-governed community, you have to abide by its rules and regulations, even if you do not agree with them. While you often have the ability to petition the HOA to get a rule changed, they are not usually altered unless a majority of residents support it. However, petitioning them does not always mean you will get what you want. If you lose, you have to live with the rule. You Have to Live with Certain Restrictions Running a particular home-based business that involves commercial activities is frowned upon by some HOAs. If this is your source of income and your HOA disallows it, you may have to consider changing it if you want to stay a member. Many HOAs also place restrictions on your ability to rent out your home. They may also screen all future residents to the point where it may jeopardize your ability to sell. You Have to Pay HOA Fees For you to live in and belong to an HOA community, you have to pay certain dues, which can be as little as $100 a year to more than $1,000 a month, depending on the community. For some people, living in an HOA-controlled community is the right place for them. Others prefer the freedom and independence of living in a property free of outside oversight. As you select a home or community to live in, a good realtor will help you learn the ins and outs of each neighborhood so that you make the decision that is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of an HOA

View Resource The Pros and Cons of an HOA
Tipping is a familiar dilemma, but one that leaves many people unsure about whom to tip and how much. You find yourself in an uncomfortable position when you are not sure how much to tip for the particular service you just received. The proper tipping etiquette for tipping your server at a restaurant differs from your hairstylist or your taxi driver. To help take the mystery out of the standards for tipping, below are some tips. Where to Tip There is much confusion over where it is appropriate to tip. Tipping should be a personal decision and a way to acknowledge and attribute the value of the service you received. However, it is often clouded by cultural traditions. For instance, although it is not mandatory in most of the U.S. to tip, it is customary in most situations such as sitting down in a restaurant and being served. The wait staff often relies on tips as a significant portion of their wages. They generally “expect” the gratuity, viewing it as a social contract. When you sit at their table and accept their service, it is as if you have acknowledged your obligation to provide a tip at the end of your visit even though it is not legally required for you to do so. When to Tip The anxiety around tipping develops from the need to know the full terms of gratuity, including when it tipping is expected or appropriate. If you fail to tip, you could offend someone that’s providing a service to you. Not knowing when it is appropriate to leave a tip is another concern for many people. With gratuity, there’s no definitive guide. It is sometimes complicated and far from being straightforward. That is because tipping to reward for service well done is not the only reason these days. Now, many Americans do it out of a sense of obligation, guilt reduction and social approval. How Much to Tip The confusion regarding proper tipping protocol does not end with where and when to tip, often the biggest decision regarding tipping has to do with how much to tip. If you do not tip enough, you risk offending your service provider. On the other hand, if you tip too much, you could impact your budget. There are some standard guidelines on how much you should tip according to Real Simple, which include the following:
  • Restaurant: The standard tip here is 15 to 20 percent, depending on how you felt the service was.

  • Bartender: The standard tip is $1.00 per drink.

  • Food Delivery: Between $2 to $4.

  • Hair Stylists:Between 15 to 20 percent is the norm.

  • Movers: Around $20 to $50 (per mover), but generally the bigger the load, the bigger the tip.

  • Valet Parking: Between $2 to $5.

  • Hotel: Typically around $1 to $2 to have your bags brought to your room and $2 to $5 for maid service.

  • Room Service: This is around $5, unless your bill includes it already.
Of course, there are other opportunities for you to tip such as when you receive services from a door attendant, delivery person, dog groomer, and more. Since you may tip for emotional or social reasons, there may be cases where you leave a bigger tip than normal. For example, if you are dining out and your server tells you about their life story, which hits your heartstrings, you may feel that you would like to leave a bigger tip. Before you leave a gratuity, make sure it was not already factored into your bill. Tip respectfully and discreetly using the full amount to calculate your tip, even if you use a gift certificate or coupon. Remember, giving a tip is your personal decision. Because it is customary in many circumstances, it is a good idea to learn the standard guidelines for tipping. When in doubt, there’s no reason why you cannot just ask if leaving a tip is customary and how much would be appropriate.

Standards for Tipping

View Resource Standards for Tipping
As parents, you want to give your kids the best of everything. Most parents want their children to have everything they missed out on in childhood, as well as all the things they enjoyed. For many parents that means having your kids involved in sports. In many cases, it means lots of different ones too. Encouraging your children to try a variety of sports is a smart plan for parents, but the rising costs of exposing your children to multiple sports can price many families out of participation. Importance of Sports It is true that sports have many benefits to offer youth today. The first benefit is that it takes them away from their favorite screens and gets them on their feet and active. In a world where childhood obesity is running rampant, this is crucial for parents and children alike. The second thing sports offers children is helping them understand how to be part of a team. That often makes participation a worthy investment. They provide opportunities for children to learn the valuable lessons of how to interact, communicate, lead, and follow. Finally, kids’ sports teach important life lessons about winning and losing. Whether participation prizes are handed out or not, the kids know the score. They are keeping track and understand the thrill of winning and the disappointment of losing. Why is this so important? Because it prepares them for wins and losses that will occur later in life – when the stakes are much higher. Expectations Meet Budget The problem is that it is not only the initial costs that are the problem – even though they can be high enough. The Simple Dollar reports that parents spend $671 per year, on average, on youth sports per child, with 20 percent of parents spending upward of $1,000 per child. These fees include a wide range of things, including:
  • Facility Fees

  • Enrollment Fees

  • Coaches

  • Equipment
It doesn’t include other things that drive the costs for youth sports, especially for kids in competitive leagues or on travel teams, like:
  • Tournament Fees

  • Gas for Travel

  • Lodging

  • Food for Travel

  • Special Uniforms and Equipment
These costs can add up quickly – especially for parents who have more than one child playing competitively. It is wise for parents to consider the variations in costs from one sport to the next when enrolling kids in sports. Football and hockey, for instance, require the greatest amount of equipment and often cost more money. That is especially the case when compared to sports like basketball or gymnastics which require little additional equipment. Keep costs in check and be realistic with your budget by joining recreational and neighborhood leagues rather than travel teams, clubs, and competitive leagues. It is one thing to do so if your child is going to concentrate on one sport and shows promise in it. For broader exposure and a fun way to exercise, though, it is best to stick with recreational venues that charge lower fees and may offer things like equipment lending programs to cut down on expenses. Estimates by Sport USA Today provides an excellent breakdown of approximate costs for youth sports by sport. Bear in mind that there will be regional differences and competitive leagues that require tryouts may need a larger investment.
  • Basketball. A sturdy pair of sneakers and a good ball and you are ready to get started with basketball. You can often find leagues that cost $100 or less to participate as well. However, you can get up into the stratosphere with costs going as high as $1,500 – $2000 annually if you get your child involved in travel ball and year-round leagues.

  • Swimming. Until private coaching becomes involved, Swimming is another sport that can be affordable at lower levels but can grow to one or two thousand as involvement and competition increases.

  • Soccer. Recreational soccer can be an inexpensive pursuit, requiring a solid pair of soccer cleats and shin guards. When your child becomes part of travel teams and soccer clubs the costs can soar to $5,000 per year easily.

  • Baseball. From gloves and cleats to baseball uniforms, bats, helmets, protective masks, and uniforms, baseball can be a costly pursuit once you leave the coach-pitch leagues – especially when playing competitively. That does not even include travel expenses that will likely include overnight trips and tournaments.

  • Ice Hockey. Considering skates (which can easily run $600 a pair), costly ice time, pads, uniforms, and league fees, hockey can easily run more than $6,000 a season.
Setting Boundaries Ultimately, as parents, you are going to have to establish a sports and activity budget for each of your children and work with your kids to choose the best avenue of pursuit when it comes to youth sports. It is never easy telling your child no, and no parent wants to discourage activities that have so much to offer, but including your child in this decision teaches your child important life lessons about budgeting money, time, and energy too. Youth sports are outstanding for teaching your child important life lessons as long as you do not travel straight into dire financial straits to do so. Keep it simple, set boundaries, and explain the realities and economics (big picture economics) to your child for yet another great lesson in life.

Are Kids Sports Draining Your Bank Account?

View Resource Are Kids Sports Draining Your Bank Account?
Many people love the idea of becoming car-free for a variety of reasons. They stay fit, save money, help the planet, reduce traffic jams, and open up parking spaces for others, to name just a few. Making a choice to live car-free may feel like a journey and may even leave you a little panicked. However, being able to help your budget, while also reducing your eco-footprint and help Mother Earth might make it worth it. Sure, it will probably be uncomfortable at first leading a car-free lifestyle. You may feel inconvenienced and “different” from many others, but those feelings could eventually dissipate. Below are things to consider if you are planning on leading a car-free life. Costs of Car Ownership The first thing to examine when considering a transition to a car-free life is your actual cost of car ownership. Review your financial accounts to see how much you spend every month on car expenses, like parking, gas, car insurance, and maintenance. To get a better estimate of all costs you may have overlooked during your monthly review, be sure to review expenses back for at least a year. Factor in the cost of your car, any interest on a loan if you took one out, and how much you pay each year in deductibles and insurance. Factor in depreciation, too. Your car is less in value the minute you drive off the dealer’s lot. Each day you have it parked in your garage or driveway, it is losing value. Don’t forget about any speeding tickets or parking tickets you may have received. Yes, they are expenses too. Evaluating Car Usage Now it is time to assess your vehicle usage. Ask yourself some questions such as:
  • Where do you frequently drive?

  • How often do you go there?

  • How long does it take to get there (how far away)?

  • Why do you have to go there?

  • Does going to this place support a goal or fulfill a need?

  • Are your typical stops near your other stops?
By asking yourself these questions, you may find that most of your regular stops are not that far from your home and could be in walking or biking distance. Alternative Transportation Methods To live car-free, you need alternative transportation options. What methods do you plan on using? You could:
  • Walk

  • Bike

  • Take a bus

  • Take a train

  • Take a taxi

  • Take an Uber, Lyft, or Zipcar

  • Skateboard
If you live in a rural area, it might be more challenging to live without a car, but that does not mean it is impossible. Now, not everyone can live without a vehicle. In many parts of the U.S., it is, necessary to have a car, but this does not mean you cannot use it less. Side Benefits There are several potential advantages of living a car-free life which include: Better Health. Although you may have gotten used to the luxury and convenience of having a car, in many situations, you can get where you need to go by walking. Also, as you know, walking (or biking) is exercise, which contributes to good health. Your feet might hurt a little at first, but walking can do wonders for your heart and shed off some of those unwanted pounds. Walking can also help to clear your mind and improve stress, as endorphin levels increase when you exercise. Being Part of Your Community. When you own a car, it can be too simple to hop in, crank your music and forget you are a part of a community of other people. If you are introverted, you may welcome this avoidance. However, it cannot hurt to take yourself a little bit outside your comfort zone. Walking or even riding a bus can lead to you meeting people and having interesting conversations. You may even make a friend. Besides, when you walk, you can take in the scenery like the blue sky, white clouds, the sun, and the sights and sounds around you. You cannot do this when you are too focused on traffic, lights, and signs. Being Kind to the Environment. Most experts believe that global warming is real, and if you can make a difference, wouldn’t you want to? Walking and biking are emission-free, and many of the public transportation options are hybrid vehicles and eco-friendly. Living without a car may not only be better for your health but for the planet too. If it is impossible for you to be totally car-less, maybe you can try using your car less. You can walk or bike for local errands and only use your vehicle when you cannot walk that far. Choices, as mentioned, are car share programs and Zipcars that you could use now and then. While you are still “technically driving” with these programs, they are cheaper than owning a car. Anything you can do to minimize your time behind the wheel can help save you money.

Leading a Car-Free Life

View Resource Leading a Car-Free Life
So, you’re starting a new business? Congratulations! You’ve probably already chosen a great name, but have you thought about how that name will appear on your bank account? Titling your business’ bank account is an important early step in setting up a successful business. Business owners often choose one name for their business that appears on official paperwork while using a second name that’s more familiar to the public. For example, a vintage store may be called “XYZ Collectibles, LLC” on paper, but the name on their storefront is “Vicky’s Vintage.” Customers paying by check will likely make their checks out to the latter name. If you have more than one name associated with your business, consider titling your account with the primary name (XYZ Collectibles, LLC) and adding a DBA, or “doing business as” name (Vicky’s Vintage). This will help eliminate any confusion or delays when the bank processes your checks. It’s best to add your DBA name when you first open your business account to help simplify the steps you’ll need to take. If you add a DBA name later, you will need to update the signature card on file at the bank and register your new name with your state’s Secretary of State. You may want to get the help of a CPA when filing your paperwork, to ensure everything is filed correctly in order for your account to receive checks under both names. You can also get help with filing your new name on the official State of Ohio website, www.business.ohio.gov/filings. Also note that if you ever decide to open a second business, you cannot just add its name as another DBA under your first business. Instead, your new business will need its own Tax I.D. number (T.I.N.) and its own bank account. Again, a visit to the State of Ohio website or a conversation with a CPA will help guide you through these steps. The Business Banking team at First Federal Lakewood would be more than happy to help you create your new business account, set up Online Business Banking, or help with any other services your new endeavor may need. Let’s help your business grow!

Choosing the Right Name for Your Business Account

View Resource Choosing the Right Name for Your Business Account
Ransomware is a particularly destructive type of malware that encrypts a computer’s files, effectively holding them hostage until the user pays a ransom (often hundreds or thousands of dollars) to have the files unlocked. Because only the cybercriminals behind the ransomware have the key to decrypt the files, the victims are effectively helpless, and their files completely unusable, until the ransom is paid. Typically, ransomware is spread through phishing scams via emails containing macro-enabled documents or Zip files with Java scripts as attachments, though criminals are finding new ways to infiltrate. Once a computer is infected, the user receives a warning screen message announcing the encryption, followed by instructions for paying a ransom in exchange for a security key that unlocks their files. Why It’s on the Rise. In short, ransomware is very profitable. In the past, cybercriminals had to steal credit card numbers or personal information and try to sell it on the black market to make money. While somewhat profitable, this info was only worth a couple of dollars per account. With ransomware criminals get money directly from the victim, and at a much higher rate. And while ransomware was once riskier for cybercriminals because it involved direct interaction with the victim and could leave a paper trail, new payment methods like Bitcoin have changed the game. These cryptocurrencies allow cybercriminals to collect payments while remaining completely anonymous. Protect Your Business From Ransomware. First Federal Lakewood takes the threat of ransomware very seriously, and has several solutions in place to help safeguard our system against it. The protocols below can serve as a helpful guide for steps your business should be taking to protect its own system.
  • Email Quarantine All inbound emails pass through the quarantine and network security system, and any emails with Zip file attachments containing Java scripts are automatically sent to an Administrator to be quarantined and reviewed for legitimacy. Anyone who sends a fraudulent email is blacklisted to prevent future issues.
    • Limit Computer Rights All current forms of ransomware can only infect a computer if the victim has Administrator rights or elevated rights. To reduce the risk of infection limit and monitor the use of local Admin rights.
    • Disable Word Macros Macros in Microsoft Word files are a popular vehicle for spreading ransomware. Configuring your system to disable Word macros by default provides additional protection should a fraudulent email make it through.
    • Programs are Blocked From Running off the Temp Directory A computer’s Temporary Directory is the default location for criminals to initiate ransomware. You may want to set your computer policy to block programs from being downloaded and launched from this directory.
    • Frequent System Backups Scheduling frequent system backups may help to mitigate the damage in the unlikely event that a ransomware attack makes it past other safeguards.
    Additional Safeguards – For Work and Home. Beyond what your business’ IT person may be doing to safeguard the company’s system, there are steps you can take yourself to protect both your company’s computers and any personal computers you may use for work at home.
    • Be Careful with Email Never open attachments or click on links from people you don’t know or whose email you weren’t expecting.
    • Be Smart with Web Browsing Cybercriminals are likely to expand into exploiting website vulnerabilities and similar avenues as a way to spread ransomware. Try to resist any sites with questionable content as well as any pop-up ads or links that appear.
    • Don’t Use Admin Rights on Your Home Computer Instead, create a non-administrator User account for day-to-day usage at home. Malware, especially ransomware, typically requires an Administrator account to infect a computer.
    • Report Suspicious Activity If you ever receive a message saying that your files have been locked or encrypted and you’re given instructions to follow in order to unlock them, contact your nearest FBI field office and report the incident right away.
    While ransomware still presents a very serious threat to the well-being of businesses worldwide, your company does not have to become a victim. By taking the steps to protect your computer system, educating your staff or co-workers about prevention, and practicing a few smart tips for safe online activity, you can thwart a would-be attack before it happens to you.

    Ransomware: Protect Your Business Against The Growing Threat

    View Resource Ransomware: Protect Your Business Against The Growing Threat
    When you are single and the only person in the household, grocery shopping can be challenging. The only person your grocery list has to appease is you, and it is too simple to shop impulsively, end up purchasing too much — and wrecking your budget. Not to worry, there are tips you can follow in planning your next shopping trip. Meal Planning Carefully planning out your meals helps you shop in both a less wasteful and economical way. The primary goal here is to take as much time to prepare and plan your trip to the grocery store as you do grocery shopping. Here’s a breakdown of essential food items you will likely need when you are just buying for yourself. Also, they are easy foods to combine with others to ensure you have a healthy meal or snack. They include:
    • A carton of eggs

    • Yogurt

    • Protein

    • Complex Carbohydrates

    • Cheese

    • Fruits and vegetables

    • Bread
    Some items you should always stock in your cupboards are ketchup, olive oil, chopped garlic, balsamic vinegar, and peanut butter. Where to Shop In earlier times, you would buy in just one local store in town or make your food. Today, you have a handful of options available to you to get your food, and it can be difficult to decide which one is your best choice. Below are some standard options.
    • Traditional Supermarkets: These stores, like Wal-Mart, chain and local neighborhood stores, carry a big selection of products, vegetables and fruits out of season, and in-store specials. They also accept coupons and offer discount cards for customer loyalty.

    • Warehouse Stores: These stores offer discounts on groceries you buy in bulk. These stores, such as Costco, Sam’s Club require a paid membership. Since you are buying groceries for yourself and not for a large family, warehouse stores may not be the best option for you.

    • Organic/Health/Natural/Specialty Grocery Stores: You get a huge selection of fresh organic or natural foods along with specialty items like vitamins/supplements, gluten-free products, and food for vegetarians.

    • Farmer’s Market: Food is tasty and fresh and gives you an opportunity to support your local farmers. One thing to note, availability of foods at a farmer’s market change with the seasons.
    Weigh your options carefully. You may benefit from shopping in a couple of these stores. Shopping Tips To get in and out of your grocery store quickly with just the right amount of food to prepare your meals, here are a few shopping tips. Make it a point to never shop without a list. Before heading out to the store, always create a shopping list and don’t deviate from it. Some grocery store industry studies conducted showed that around 70 percent of grocery store purchases are unplanned, which can lead to impulsive shopping or over-spending. When making your list, don’t just jot down what pops up in your head on the way out your door. Instead, allow yourself 15 minutes to consider what you wish to eat that week. Take some time to go through your fridge and cupboards to see what you need. Meal plan your breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week and make sure you buy appropriate amounts. Buying too much means you are tossing good money in the trash. It can be helpful to visualize the store aisles (if you regularly shop at the same store) and mentally go through the items. Have a snack before you shop. Never go to the grocery store hungry. That is a sure way of buying impulsively. Studies show that going to the grocery store on an empty stomach leads to more money spent on food. So, have a snack before you go. It will save you money. Be wary of the “buy more save more specials”. Do you honestly need ten packages of cheese or 20 containers of yogurt? These specials typically aren’t for you. When advertised specials say “10 for $10”, it usually means you can buy 5 for $5 as well. Go generic when possible. In many cases, generic products are only given a different label but manufactured in the same factory. The only reason they are lower priced is that they do not have to pay to advertise to keep up with ‘brand awareness”. Buy with caution, however, as some generic foods are not made as well and are not worth the savings. It is a good idea to experiment with generic products to save yourself some money and only switch to the brand name item if you are not satisfied with a particular generic item. It only takes a small amount of planning to shop efficiently for your groceries. Overspending often means a lot of food waste. Careful planning will save money.

    Grocery Shopping Tips for Singles

    View Resource Grocery Shopping Tips for Singles
    Most everyone has medical bills. In many cases, their health insurance picks up the tab, so to speak, minus the copay and perhaps a deductible. Most people can work these smaller medical expenses into their budget. Larger medical bills, on the other hand, are a different debt. They do not come from your traditional type of lender, such as a bank, and they can put you in debt quickly with just one bill. Often, this debt comes on unexpectedly, as a result of a medical emergency or unexpected health issue. One minute you have excellent credit and are debt-free, the next minute you owe thousands you might not be able to afford to pay, potentially leaving your credit score to suffer. The good news, there are ways to deal with large medical bills, including questioning costs, negotiating charges, and setting up a payment plan. Questioning Costs There are a couple of ways you can question costs. Get Information. The first thing you should do is research and arm yourself with price range data. This way you will have some knowledge to begin a discussion. Check the website of your insurance company. Most insurers allow their members to view their negotiated rates. You can check other websites too like Healthcare Blue Book or New Choice Health to get an idea of the figures and see how much doctors and hospitals are charging. You can even get a sense of the average discount amount that insurers get. Review for Clerical Errors. Many medical bills (between 50 to 80 percent) contain clerical errors that lead to overcharges. A recent analysis found there were errors in 49 percent of Medicare claims. However, most medical billing advocates claim they find around 80 percent of them contain errors. These advocates work for the patients by looking for errors on medical bills and lower them on behalf of the patients. Negotiating Charges Most times, people do not even realize they can negotiate medical bills. You can negotiate medical bills not just through your doctor or hospital, but through your health insurance company too. It may take more effort to work with your insurer than to speak with a billing manager to get errors corrected, but the effort is worth it. It is important that the person you speak with is the right person, such as the medical billing manager. Talking with a representative is not likely to get you very far. Although they may sympathize with your predicament, they are not authorized (in most cases) to fix the errors or provide you with a discount you negotiate. Don’t let this deter you. It may take you several attempts before you can persuade a correction or reduction in a bill. When making phone calls, emailing and faxing doesn’t work, your next step is a formal letter that documents your request to have your bill discounted sent to the organization’s management team. Setting Up Payment Plans If it is impossible to pay your medical bill immediately, see if you can set up a payment plan. You can often negotiate monthly payments that are reasonable and fit within your budget with your provider. Since the provider only wants their money, they typically don’t charge interest on payment plans. When you work out a payment plan with your medical provider, it should not involve a hit to your credit score. When setting this payment plan, be sure you set the monthly payment amount to be under what you can afford. Higher payments are too easy to get behind on, and it could take just a single missed payment to violate your agreement. If you cannot get the doctor or hospital to work with you, you can enlist the help of a professional or nonprofit to work on your behalf. You may have to hire a lawyer. They have experience working with larger institutions like hospitals to get debt cleared or discounted. You may not prefer this way of dealing with the situation, but it may be your only course of action when you are facing thousands and thousands of dollars in medical bills you cannot pay. Last, but not least, don’t overlook the power of crowdfunding. It is becoming a popular way to gather small donations from kind and caring people to support a worthy cause. Gofundme.com and GiveForward.com are just two crowdfunding websites where you can set up a medical campaign and goal amount.

    Dealing with Large Medical Bills

    View Resource Dealing with Large Medical Bills