The Insurance Doctor

Month: May 2020

  • Phase One Reopening

    Phase One Reopening

    As you probably already know, other than the 5 boroughs, New York State has reopened this week.  What does this mean for Rockaway and Queens?

    The way business owners decide to spend their CARES Act stimulus package Payroll Protection Program (AKA the Triple PPP) money, will have a direct effect on our economy and the unemployment rate through this summer and probably the rest of the calendar year. 

    In Rockaway, it will be interesting to see which restaurants can adapt first to efficient takeout and then when able to fully open (see the Phases below). 

    Earlier this week, I was listening to the Jim Kerr Q104.3 Morning Rock-n-Roll Show and Shelley Sunstein (Jim’s sidekick who can cook) mentioned that she’s accustomed to cooking at home now and will start ordering takeout from restaurants with food she’s not capable of cooking at home.  If this theory is correct, then restaurants like Uma’s and Kimo’s should do well right off their reopening.

    Although I have had my issues with Governor Cuomo (like his ego-based forcing out Rockstar Andy Byford from the MTA); he has done an effective job on a daily basis communicating Covid-19 expectations to lower death rates currently under 100/day in New York State.  By tying performance-based Covid-19 goals to open regions, he helped people focus on Phase One “TEAM GOALS.”

    Phase One:

    • Construction
    • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
    • Retail – (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
    • Manufacturing
    • Wholesale Trade

    Phase Two:

    • Professional Services
    • Retail
    • Administrative Support
    • Real Estate / Rental & Leasing

    Phase Three:

    • Restaurants / Food Services

    Phase Four:

    • Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
    • Education

    During these times there are opportunities everywhere for those seeking them.  I’ve been saying since this outbreak that EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE during the Covid-19 era. 

    Earlier in the week I sat on a great Zoom webinar presentation given by a HIGH-LEVEL CONCIERGE TRAVEL AGENT.  I asked a question about getting a full refund on my flights to Buffalo (to see the Rolling Stones show now postponed) next week and she said the airlines are only giving credits for 12-24 months.  This motivated me to call Jet Blue immediately after the webinar ended.  After an hour wait, I calmly stated my position to the Jet Blue representative and he gave me a full refund with no arguments.  I couldn’t believe it!  Jet Blue had inundated me with emails and changed my flights about 5 times and asked for a reply to confirm, which I never did.  Turns out, their rule is if the flight is changed more than 2 hours from the original itinerary, then you are entitled to full refund!  Who knew?

    Try it yourself and KEEP THE FAITH!

    -Robert

  • 10 Smart Things to do at Home during CV-19

    10 Smart Things to do at Home during CV-19

         The question everyone is asking is; how can I maximize my time at home during this temporary COVID-19 “new normal” ? Try a few of these options:

    1. Take the Online New York State defensive driving course: You get a 10% discount for three years on your auto insurance premiums.  Groupon has it for $19.   Use their online coupon code “SALE3”.  It gets you 20% off, bringing the cost down to $15.20.  You can start it and stop it and have 30 days to finish the course.  AAA, AARP, and a variety of others offer the same course at different prices.
    2. Learn a new language: Babbel’s FREE registration gets you the first lesson on every course for free.  If you like it, you can register for $12.95 for one month or a 3-month plan for $26.85.  Further discounts available for 6 and 12-month memberships.
    3. Organize your finances:  Scan statements digitally, set up hard copy binders, and/or order financial “accordion files” at Staples.com online.  They have pre-labeled auto insurance, mutual funds, and retirement tabs for you to file your hard-copy statements.
    4. Take on-line Zoom classes: Take a class on how to “Zoom” if you don’t know-how.  I took one last week myself and have started running my own Zoom meetings.  Set a goal of how many Zoom classes you take (or run) every week or month and watch your productivity increase dramatically!
    5. Improve your diet: It’s easy to slip into bad eating habits while comfort food is on the rise.  Remember, your diet starts at the supermarket or on-line ordering.  I find that buying fresh veggies forces me to eat them quickly before they go bad.  It’s cheaper to eat healthy which could prevent you from getting sick.
    6. Learn to cook new dishes: Refer to #5.  Every meal you cook is one less meal of take-out food.  I’m still a work in progress myself, lol. This helps both your body and wallet or purse.
    7. Try to exercise at least every other day: This will help your energy, cardiovascular fitness, and concentration while boosting your metabolism.  It’s a healthy part of any routine during this “COVID-Era”.
    8. Go through photos and make an album: Something that people say they’re going to do; however, they never do it.
    9. Positive letter and writing ‘thank you’ notes: You will be amazed at the response you get when writing letters and “thank you” letters to those that have helped you.  When is the last time you received a thank you or personal letter in the mail?  Try it and let me know what happens.
    10. Read positive books: I suggest choosing positive books at this time; self-help, business start-up, or whatever else you are passionate about.  These are good times for introspection.