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  • 5 Reasons to Visit Sicily

    If there’s one place I love to visit it is ‘old country’, Sicily that is. If there is one destination that is ‘bucket list worthy’ it is Sicily.

    1. Taormina: Sicily’s greatest resort, Taormina was built on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea.  With great shopping and panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is a must for Sicily visitors.insurance, New York City, financial services, health insurance
    2. Mount Etna: The tallest active volcano in Europe, Etna offers a variety of different hikes. I was actually on the mountain in 1994 which was the last time it erupted.
    3. Syracuse and Ortygia: Siracusa is a dramatic mix of old and new. It was once a key city in the Greek empire.  Ortygia, thousands of years old is known as the old city.  Having been bombed several times, Ortygia was rebuilt in what is called Sicilian Baroque.  These wonderful places can be seen on the same day.
    4. The Godfather tour: In Fiumefreddo  (cold river) it’s about a 30-minute drive from Taormina.  I haven’t seen it advertised, however, it’s a must for Godfather fans.  The most famous scene shot there is when Michael’s Sicilian wife Appolonia blew up in a car meant for Michael.  The property owner, Franco Platania was on the set as a kid in 1971 when Godfather 1 was filmed.
    5. Food and wine: I have had several of my best all-time dishes in Sicily including Tiramisu and rice balls.  Sicily is a must especially if you have been to Italy as many feel that it’s a different country!

  • 4 Tips to for a Better Doctor’s Visit

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    Preparing is key for your aging parents to get the most from their doctor’s visit

    If your parents are getting older and have begun to develop medical problems, now may be a good time to accompany them on their doctor’s visits. The following tips can help you make the most out of those visits.

    1. Look for signs: If they can’t remember what happened on their last visit or the reason for medications, it’s probably time to get involved. Talk about it first and let them know an extra set of eyes and ears will insure better care.
    2. Start a file and get organized: Privacy laws require you will need to receive parental permission from your parents to talk to their doctor so start with getting a HIPPA form signed by them. Copy their insurance cards, keep a list of medications and emergency contact info. Consider getting a power of attorney, living will and health care proxy.
    3. Prepare for the Doctors appointment: Develop a list of questions, issues, topics and prioritize. Take notes at the appointment and bring your file.
    4. Keep communication open: Let your parents take the lead in the beginning. Use your list of questions and ask for clarification as to why specific medications are prescribed. Ask about side effects and if there’s any food, alcohol and/or over the counter drugs they should avoid. A good website for medication clashes is www.WebMD.com. There are 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the USA. Many Americans are living well past their 70’s. This can be an unsettling role reversal for children as they now need to care for their parents. When you are participating in your parents’ health care you are providing a gift of love that can make a huge difference in their health and well-being.

    Contact Rob the Insurance Doctor today for a free no-obligation financial checkup today.

  • 5 London Attractions to See on a Budget

    5 London Attractions to See on a Budget

    After a tenten-day visit, I can say that London is a fantastic place to visit however it can burn a hole in your wallet or purse. Today’s exchange rate is about $1.30 US dollars for every 1 pound (Lb).

    Check out these 6 FREE must see options below:

    1. The British Museum: Ranked #15 of top 25 places to visit in the “world” in Lonely Planet’s August 2015 survey. It’s 1 of only 2 museums listed (the other is in Australia). This massive museum houses priceless artifacts from all 7 continents. It’s set up by country and subdivided by era. It’s also free! Was so nice I went twice. They suggest a 5-pound donation however not mandatory.

    The Borough Market, London
    The Borough Market, London

    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 5 pm the market is loaded with tasty treats. Some of the best cheeses I’ve ever had. After 5 pm it’s filled with locals getting out of work.

    3. Tate Modern Museum: 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 the unique activities for the kids. They can draw and be creative and see their drawings projected onto the wall. A 4-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. Read the captions as I was interested to see some of the pieces were given to the gallery in lieu of paying estate (inheritance) taxes. It’s located in Trafalgar square which is a really 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. Go to Abbey road and 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.

    Contact Rob here for your free financial review today

  • 6 Tips for your Financial New Year’s Resolution

    6 Tips for your Financial New Year’s Resolution

    Six out of ten American’s will make some type of financial based new year’s resolution for 2019.  Usually, there’s a triggering event like receiving your December 2018 credit card bill or spousal pressure to name two.  Follow these tips:insurance, New York, financial services

    1. Consolidate Financial accounts: Close 1 or 2 existing financial accounts that you are not tracking or have insignificant monies in. This will save brain space, reduce statement clutter and avoid paying unnecessary fees.
    2. Increase your 401k/employer retirement contributions: Raise your contributions 1%/year minimum.  You won’t feel the difference however over time it can make a major impact when entering retirement.
    1. Develop a budget and/or expense statement: Review credit card, bank, and checkbook statements to get a handle on inflow and outflow of money. Start using a program like quick books or if old-school draft a budget by hand and hang it up where you can see it.  This can cause heavy emotional denial, however, better now than later.
    2. Set up a system to save systematic money: Either something informal like putting the $20 you are saving in gas on fill-ups in a jar.  Formal ideas like buying a cash value life insurance policy or setting up an Eft thru your bank account.
    3. Protecting your health saves your wealth: We all know about the escalating cost of health insurance and health care in general. Renew that gym membership, yoga studio or dust off that treadmill in the garage.
    4. Bring balance to your life: Take that vacation you have been putting off. The rest and rejuvenation will impact your health.  Statistics show that one who works 46 weeks/year will out produce a 52 week/year worker. It will give you something to look forward to and forces one to be very productive before leaving and when returning home.  Use frequent flyer miles if need be.

    You will be amazed at how much better you will feel by following these 6 easy steps! Contact Robert here for a free consultation.

  • 4 Reasons to Wear Pocket Squares

    4 Reasons to Wear Pocket Squares

    The holiday party season is in gear right now up until the last week of December!  For guys it’s time to consider adding pocket squares to your attire.

    1. People are judging you: Unfortunately for some and fortunately for others, people judge you on what you are wearing.
    2. Bag the stuffy tie: The pocket square with a suit gives a dressy look with or without a tie.
    3. Comfortable at cocktail parties: The pocket square look works with a sports jacket and jeans instead of the traditional suit and tie everyone else is wearing.
    4. Attention to detail: Folks will notice especially a matching pocket square with a shirt or jacket and you will earn respect that carries over to their perception of your business operations.
  • 5 little known tidbits about Hanukkah

    5 little known tidbits about Hanukkah

    Since it’s Hanukkah time and my sister in law is Jewish, I decided it was time to deepen my knowledge of the holiday. The holiday with the most different spellings I have ever seen. Happy Hanukkah, here’s what I found out;

    1 ) Spinning the dreidel was originally done by students illegally studying torah . When Greek soldiers would make a surprise raid , students would whip out a dreidel pretending to play a gambling game . dreidel

    2 ) The war of the Maccabees was the first ideological war, fought by a small band of pious Talmudic scholars who engaged in cunning stealth warfare. ( In Israel you can visit the caves they hid in )

    3 ) Hanukkah is celebrated 8 days even though the miracle of the oil was only 7 ( the first day’s lighting shouldn’t count – it’s natural ) to teach us that everything in the “natural” world is really a miracle caused by God .

    4 ) Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. There is no significance to giving gifts during the holiday. But there is a tradition to give gelt ( money ) to give kids an incentive to learn torah . ( Hanukkah also comes from the word “Hinuch,” education. )

    5 ) Around 17.5 million oily doughnuts ( sufganiyot ) are eaten in Israel during Hanukkah , commemorating the miracle of oil . ( Not a good time to start a diet! )

  • 5 Tips to Save $$$ on Health Insurance

    5 Tips to Save $$$ on Health Insurance

    Yes, folks it’s that time again. Open enrollment time! Now you can enroll or switch group & individual plans, no questions asked.  Is the system broken, of course!  Follow these tips to save money on premiums and big claims.

    1. Call your important doctors now: Make a list of which company(s) AND networks they accept. Oxford has 3 NY networks Freedom, Liberty & Metro, big differences.
    2. Consider switching to from a PPO to an EPO or HMO: Do tip one correctly then you won’t need to go out of network. This will save you between 25-40%.
    3. Holistic folks: Choose a plan with a poor (Rx) drug card. You aren’t going to take pills so why pay for it?  This can save between 5-10%.
    4. Look at HSAs and high deductible plans: Look at the (MOOP) max out of pocket on each plan. Make sure you can afford to self-insure up to that limit on a big claim.  HSA’s allow you to pay for some items and deductibles with pre-tax dollars, saving 10-25%.
    5. Have your broker shop every year: Plans and premiums are changing in each state so fast. You need help to decipher these plan designs.  A mistake can cost you, your business and/or your family big money! [Ask Robert for a free health insurance quote here]
  • 6 Tips for Winning the $1.6 Billion Lottery

    6 Tips for Winning the $1.6 Billion Lottery

    Right now the Mega Millions lottery is up to $1.6 Billion!  Take a look at these tips to not let winning the lottery ruin your life.

    1. Take the annual installments: Why pay Uncle Sam up front?
    2. Hire a good estate lawyer: Wills and trusts will need to be drafted immediately.
    3. Stay anonymous as long as possible: There will be lines of people looking for handouts including family and friends.
    4. Take an immediate long vacation: Hope that interest dies down by the time you return.
    5. Hire a financial planner: You would be surprised how many lottery winners are broke inside of 5 years.
    6. Give to charity: It’s the right thing to do and can help with badly needed write-offs.
  • 10 Tailgating Tips

    10 Tailgating Tips

    One of the best things about the fall aside from the foliage is football season which means tailgating.  Over the years I’ve seen some crazy things at tailgates such as 6 cars going on fire at the Jet’s opening day game in 2016.  Follow these tips to ensure a safe and fun tailgate.

    1. Time it right: Try to arrive about 3 hours before kickoff to get the perfect spot.  If you are not tailgating postgame, pack up 30 minutes before kickoff.tg-jets

    2. Invest in real estate: Seek out spaces (or send somebody else to go early) by the grass, edge of the parking lot and close to the bathroom.  Fewer neighbors mean fewer issues.

    3. Be a tool: Fill a toolbox with your favorite grilling essentials (utensils, zip lock bags, napkins, bottle opener etc).

    4. Rethink your drink: We suggest multi-colored cups to identify which is yours as drinks can get nasty.  Also use cups with straws to protect from insects.

    5. Reduce, reuse, recycle:  Cardboard drink carriers make good snack holders.  Less is more and makes cleanups easier.

    6. Koozie up:  Always keep between 5-10 koozies in your car for guests.

    7. Freeze it: Putting your water in the freezer the night before equals a giant ice cube which comes in very handy on game day .

    8. Dress in layers:  There can be huge temperature swings this time of year especially 4p games when the sun goes down in the middle of the game.

    9. Keep a duffle bag in your trunk:  keep extra clothes, hats, flashlights, batteries, bungee cords and a fire extinguisher can etc.

    10. Dump coals in specified bins:  Almost all stadiums have specified bins for dumping hot coals.  Leaving smoldering coals is hazardous to you and everybody else!

  • 5 Tips How to Find a Good Insurance Broker

    5 Tips How to Find a Good Insurance Broker

    Insurance brokers and agents are trusted with fitting their clients into suitable life, health, homeowners & business policies to name a few.

    There are numerous insurance providers and they are not all the same.  It’s important that the broker you choose is well-versed in policy differences from company to company and informed of the latest news, trends, and products. He/she also needs to be concerned with your personal planning needs and capable of explaining your options in a way you can understand.

    Follow these tips on what to look for in finding a right insurance broker or agent:

    TIP 1: Knowledge and experience:  There is no substitute for experience! Look for brokers that have been in their field for a minimum of 5 years.  Proficient brokers will usually also have advanced planning designations (insurance degrees) next to their names.  Look for at least one of the following 3 designations: CLU (chartered life underwriter) CFP (certified financial planner) or CSA (certified senior advisor).

    TIP 2: Independent brokers, not agents:  This may be counter-intuitive.  In reality, independent brokers are in a better position to help you than “captive agents”.  The independent broker represents numerous insurance companies and must be well-versed on all their policies in order to find the best one for you.  The captive agent (i.e. Allstate or New York Life) often promote their own company products first in order to qualify for their company-sponsored trips and subsidized health insurance.  Make sure your broker places your needs before their own!

    TIP 3: Fee structure:  Most of the established independent brokers don’t charge a fee for time and/or services.  They receive compensation from whichever insurance company you decide to do business with.  Beware of agents/planners and advisors that charge steep upfront consultation fees.

    TIP 4: Get a second opinion:  Most people are already working with an agent/broker.  Do yourself a favor and get a second opinion using the tips given in this article.  You will be surprised at what you can learn from a free consultation with an independent broker.

    TIP 5:  Due diligence:  Invest the time to call 2 or 3 brokers.  Start a small list and ask around.  Friends, family or colleagues that are satisfied with their broker are a good place to start.  Check for their presence and reviews on the internet and gather as much information as possible.