The Insurance Doctor

Blog

  • 7 Tips to Reduce Your Sugar Intake

    Why is America the fattest country on earth? Sugar addiction!  The food industry has 56 names to disguise sugar.  The average American consumes 19.5 teaspoons of “added” sugar/day.  One sugar packet= 4 grams of sugar.  Here are 7 tips to reduce and/or eliminate added sugar

    1. Be wary of foods labeled fat-free: Fat-free foods are usually loaded with sugar to compensate for no fat especially baked goods.insurance, New York, financial planning
    2. Opt for fresh fruit over dried fruit: Dehydrated fruits and sauces contain concentrated sugar and don’t fill you up as much so you eat more and in many cases, 3-5x’s the sugar.
    3. Choose plain over flavored yogurt: Add your own fresh fruit or honey for sweetness which will have much less sugar. Also, watch baby yogurts which are known to be loaded with added sugar.
    4. Don’t give infants juice or sweetened foods in their first year: Give babies more veggies and less fruit to train their taste buds to like less sweet foods from the beginning.
    5. Cut down your weekly dessert intake: If you have dessert every night, start with cutting back to 5 nights/week. It’s easier on the body and mind to wean off the excess added sugar cravings.
    6. Leave sugar out of recipes if possible: Try to either eliminate, reduce or substitute honey, agave or even maple syrup instead of processed sugars.
    7. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages: Nearly two-thirds of kids in the USA ages 2-19 consume at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage/day which includes soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks, coffees and teas.
  • 5 Reasons 529 Plans are a Waste of Time

    5 Reasons 529 Plans are a Waste of Time

    5 Reasons why 529’s are a waste of time

    Unless you are getting other people like grandparents to contribute money to your child’s 529 they are a waste of time for the following reasons:

    1. They reduce the amount of endowment “free” money students can qualify for:  Ex. With $100,000 in a 529 the first $25,000/year is on you!

    2. High fees, charges and broker commissions:  Most 529’s have front or back end charges as well as annual fees regardless if it’s making money.

    3. Exposure to stock market fluctuations: The market can go down 50% during your student’s high school senior year and the money is gone with no time to recover.

    4. Limited fund and investment choices: Most states have only 1 fund family to choose from.  If you choose a different fund family odds are you will lose your resident state’s income tax deduction.

    5. What happens if your only child gets a scholarship?: All funds withdrawn in this scenario would incur a 10% withdrawal penalty.

    There are several other options as to where to stash money and how to pay for college that won’t have market risk or adverse effects on potential scholarship money.

    Contact Robert today for a better way to fund your child’s college education

  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Credit Rating

    5 Tips to Improve Your Credit Rating

    Not only is credit a key factor in securing loans, potential employers may review an applicant’s credit and it’s also used to determine auto and homeowners insurance rates you pay.

    1. Don’t close old accounts: While this may seem counterintuitive, closing a card may negatively impact your credit. It reduces your credit-to-debt ratio and credit history which lower scores.improve credit rating, tips, consumer
    2. Ask for an increase on your credit line: If you have a $5,000 credit limit and you are using $2,500 on average, that’s a 50% ratio. If you get an increase to $10,000 credit limit now you are using only 25% of what’s available which will improve your scores.
    3. Limit the total amount of cards you have: People are tempted by all the great initial credit card offers but applying for too many cards can negatively impact your scores.
    4. Avoid fees: Credit card companies charge fees for late payments even when it’s just a day or two. Making late payments may trigger a higher interest rate and show up on your credit report.
    5. Pay off 100% of your balances every month: Carrying over balances from month to month is a costly way to do business and it can also show up on your report.

  • Lost? 6 Steps for Finding a Lost Life Insurance Policy

    When people die, it’s not uncommon for their life insurance benefits to remain unclaimed because their beneficiaries didn’t know about the policy.   Life insurance companies try to contact beneficiaries however people often move, don’t check their emails and sometimes change their names.  Fortunately there are solutions for tracking down policies by using these 6 tips!

    1. Search for insurance documents: Look through paper files, financial folders, safe deposits boxes or home safes. Check for bills, the insurance broker’s insurance, new york, queens, financial planninbusiness card, the cell phone or address book of the deceased for information.
    2. Check financial records: Check bank statements, financial ledgers and copies of checks to see if payments were made to any insurance companies.
    3. Contact the decedent’s employer: If the decedent was employed or recently left a job check with their employer. Many companies offer small group term policies that could cover funeral expenses.  Also these group plans may have been continued or converted into a permanent policy when the job ended.
    4. Contact the unclaimed property office: Every state has a department for unclaimed property. If a life insurance company is aware of the death of a policyholder and cannot locate the beneficiary, the policy is reported to the unclaimed property office in most cases.  The funds are submitted to the unclaimed property office in the state where the policy was purchased.  If the decedent moved several times it may be necessary to contact the offices of each state they resided in the past.
    5. Check the MIB database: The MIB group is a not-for-profit company made up of life and health insurance affiliates. They keep a database of all policies written in 1996 or after by companies that are members of the group.  Since the fee is about $75 save this as the last resort.
    6. Tell family, beneficiaries and/or friends: Many people never tell their beneficiaries about their policy because of the grim nature of the subject.  We suggest completing a simple “estate directory” which lists policies, beneficiaries and where the files are being kept.  To learn more feel free to contact us at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us.
  • 5 reasons to visit northern California

    5 reasons to visit northern California

    California vacation destinationsRecently I had the pleasure of visiting friends in the far-north reaches of California. While the southern portion of the state is well known for its beaches and metropolitan attractions, northern California holds some notable destinations for travelers who venture north. Here are five attractions I had the pleasure of visiting recently.

    1. Mount Shasta: A beautiful mountain town nestled between Redding and the Oregon border in the southern Cascade range. The town is situated at an elevation of 3,600 feet above sea level under the shadow of Mount Shasta with hiking, museums, art galleries and good cuisine.

    2. Sundial bridge: Designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and constructed in 2004, this is the only functioning sundial bridge within the United States. It’s located in the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Spanning the Sacramento River the bridge sports a glass walkway where you can see salmon in the river beneath you. Also a great variety of walking trails and a museum. It’s a great stop if driving up to Vancouver and it’s also dog-friendly.

    3. Pluto’s caves: Discovered in 1863 by a rancher looking for stray cattle these caves are not marked nor will you find them in any travel guide. We were tipped off by a local and had an outstanding hike inside of them. Bring sturdy hiking boots, water and a spirit of adventure.

    4. Whiskeytown Lake: Stunning views and turquoise colored waters attract thousands of visitors to this lake. It’s a reservoir located west of Redding in Shasta County and is a favorite for locals. Kayaking and all motorized boating are permitted. Various levels of restaurants are available in the vicinity.

    5. In and Out Burger: My favorite burger chain. Family owned restaurants who unfortunately have stated they will not expand to the east coast. Going west? Better grab one of these fantastic burgers and a tee shirt to make your east coast friends jealous.

    Make this summer a productive one and contact Robert here today for a free financial review.

  • 5 Hands-Only CPR Steps to Save a Life

    5 Hands-Only CPR Steps to Save a Life

    Crazy things can happen in split seconds especially with kids back in school.  Follow these Hands-Only CPR steps to save a life.  It might be yours one day!

    1. Take charge & delegate: Have one person call 911 on speakerphone, one wait for the ambulance and one get the AED (external defibrillator).
    2. Check their breathing: You want to check their breathing every 5 seconds to prevent overly compressing the chest.
    3. Use the heel of your hand: Using the heel of 1 hand with the other hand behind it compress the chest about 2.5 inches deep.  Pump in the middle of the chest by the nipple line.  Pump at the same pace as the “Bee Gees” Stayin Alive song.
    4. For small kids and infants too: For small children use only the heel of one hand and use 2 fingers for infants.
    5. Use only a hard surface: Lie down the distressed person on the ground or a hard surface.  DO NOT use a bed!  Hopefully, you will never need to use this.  We were told it’s going to be a mandatory part of high school curriculum’s across the country however adults need this knowledge too!

  • Back to School Shopping- 6 Money-Saving Tips

    For kids, shopping for new gear and supplies may be the coolest part of going back to school. This doesn’t mean you need to “break the bank”. Try these tips to save big money this year.

    1. Make a list then check the house first: Go through all closets, utility drawers and storage areas first. You may already have many items leftover from last year.Unknown

    2. Go to the dollar store next: The next best place to buy items before shopping at more expensive stores.

    3. Shop the big three: Old navy, Gap Kids and the Children’s Place rotate goods often. Ask when they are having sales. Also, if you see an item you bought in the past 14 days later on sale later, you can get the difference refunded as long as you have the receipt.

    4. Hold off buying trendier gear: Wait to see what is in style and buy after the school year starts instead of anticipating trends and wasting cash upgrading later.

    5. Google coupons for on-line purchases: With your list in hand go on-line and search out coupons. You will be surprised at the savings.

    6. Browse craigslist.org: You can find quality things on the cheap and can sell them as well. Just enter your location and click on “baby and kids”.

    Besides saving money on school shopping learn how you may save money on your health or life insurance policies today. Contact Rob for a free review!

  • 5 Fun Iced Coffee Money Savers

    5 Fun Iced Coffee Money Savers

    My mother Sharon and I have been enjoying and experimenting with iced coffee for many years now.  The picture shows 9 brews in my kitchen cupboard from all around the world. 

    1. Have your 1st cup @ home: 10 years ago iced coffee was half price vs hot coffee.  Now it’s usually more expensive.  Break the habit and have your first cup before leaving the house.
    2. Set weekly goals: Every Sunday I make 12 cups for the week.  Sometimes I need a late afternoon pick me up and give in to DD.  Not a Starbucks guy.
    3. Cut it with Costco Kirkland: Most flavored iced coffee is too strong.  Try mixing their medium roast 50/50 with Sarabeth’s hazelnut or your favorite flavor and enjoy the subtle aftertaste while saving lots of $$.
    4. Shop at Home Goods and Marshall’s etc.: Great deals to be had at $5/Lb. for flavored coffee instead of the $8-$12 that many supermarkets charge.
    5. Have Fun with it and share: You would be surprised how many people love iced coffee.  I’m working on a 50% medium roast, 25% TJ vanilla and 25% Sarabeth’s hazelnut blend right now.  Enjoy and talk it up!
    9 brews from around the world in my kitchen
  • 6 Great Attractions in London on a budget

    6 Great Attractions in London on a budget

    London is a fantastic place to visit however it can burn a hole in your wallet or purse.  It’s approximately $1.25 for every 1 pound (Lb).  Check out 6 must-see options below:

    1. The British Museum: Ranked in the Top 25 place in the world to visit, this massive museum houses priceless artifacts from all 7 continents.  It’s set up by the country and sub-divided by era.  It’s also free!  Twas so nice I went twice.  They suggest a 5-pound donation however not mandatory.
    2. Borough Market: A hidden gem located walking distance from London Bridge.  Words don’t describe how interesting it is (see my FB pictures).  Before 5p the market is loaded with tasty treats.  Some of the best cheeses I’ve ever had.   After 5p it’s filled with locals getting out of work.
    3. Tate Modern Museum: Is an art gallery with pieces (Picasso’s and Warhol’s) mostly from 1900-present and is 1 of 4 Tate galleries in the UK.  There’s a great balcony for pictures of the Thames river and St. Paul’s.   It’s located a short walk over the millennium bridge across from St. Paul’s cathedral.  It’s about 75% free as there’s one floor with current exhibits that they charge for.  Also, check out the lounge area with couches as there are cool things for the kids.  They can draw and be creative and see their drawings projected onto the wall.  A 5-pound donation suggested not mandatory.
    4. Camden Town: Reminds me of our Greenwich Village in Manhattan.  Cool hipster edgy area with interesting vintage clothing shopping and people watching.  Go to their Camden market which used to be horse stables that were converted into many little unique booths.  Great place to find the same goods as centre city London for less than half the price.  For you, shopaholics (you know who you are, lol) also visit Harrods department store.  It takes Saks 5th avenue to a whole new level.
    5. The National Gallery: This gallery has one of the best collections of paintings in the world.  It’s located in Trafalgar square which is a fun place to just walk around.  The architecture is breathtaking!
    6. London Rock Tour: This is a bonus tidbit although it’s not free.  There are two different mini-bus tours 9-1 and 2-6 that cost about $50 each.  They are run by a former band promoter named Bob.  Walk on Abbey road and go inside abbey road studios.  See Paul McCartney’s house, the Rolling Stones sticky fingers restaurant and get great stories of these British bands on their way up.   www.Viator.com
  • 6 Ways Father’s Day Golfers can get Best Tee Times

    6 Ways Father’s Day Golfers can get Best Tee Times

    Wishing all fathers a Happy Father’s Day!  For many working full-time, finding time to golf other than weekends and holidays can be a challenge.  Follow these 6 tips to ensure you and Dad can have a great golfing day this weekend:

    1. Plan in Advance: Most golfers book dates between 2-4 days in advance.  Try and reserve your tee time as early as possible.
    2. Book lighter times:  Most golfers book tee times between 10a-1p.  Being an early-bird or late riser can ensure getting tee times at your favorite course.
    3. Heat it up:  Don’t be afraid to golf in the middle of a hot day.  Make sure to hydrate and limit or avoid alcohol midday in the sun.
    4. Use the Internet: There are numerous websites that can assist you in booking tee times.  Try www.GolfNow.com or www.TeeOff.com depending on where you live to book tee times way in advance.
    5. Take a drive:  This is a good weekend to explore a course for the first time out of your comfort zone.  Trying a new course can help you develop your game.
    6. Pony up: When all else fails, ante up and pay the extra money for you and dad to play your favorite course.  Enjoy and don’t forget to stretch before and after playing!