The Insurance Doctor

Tag: shopping

  • Fall Shopping Tips for Allergy Sufferers

    Fall Shopping Tips for Allergy Sufferers

    The fall is here bringing with it another allergy season!  The USA loses millions of dollars in annual production from employees calling in sick due to allergies.  Many persons (like myself) suffer from adult-onset allergies, while others have been suffering since childhood.

    Did you know that only 8 types of foods account for approximately 90 percent of allergic reactions? 

    As per the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) the top 8 most highly allergic foods are:

    1. Peanuts
    2. Cow’s Milk
    3. Eggs
    4. Tree Nuts
    5. Fish
    6. Shellfish
    7. Soybeans

    There is no current cure for peanut allergies, the most highly allergic food. The ONLY way to prevent allergic reactions to peanuts is to AVOID ALL FOOD and food products containing peanuts in any form.  Peanuts or peanut products can be disguised on labels as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” ground nuts, goober nuts and beer nuts!  Additional foods to avoid include chili, eggrolls, certain Thai dishes such as satay sauce, Chinese food, and macaroons to name a few.

    I suffer from allergies to fragrances, which seem to be in almost everything.  Bathroom and Kitchen products, such as shampoo, hair conditioner, dishwasher fluid, and soaps, as well as candles.   I was forced to change all my household supplies to avoid allergic reactions.

    Heed these 6 shopping tips if you have allergies and/or asthma:

    1. Look for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Mark: Being selective and attentive to what you purchase can prevent you from creating your own allergic problem.  Look for the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) mark and go to www.AAFA.org/certified for more information.
    2. Avoid Certain Cleaning Products: Removing allergens at home requires cleaning regularly.  Stay away from fragrances and consider wearing a mask while cleaning.  Detergents like ALL “Free and Clear” have no allergens or fragrances.  Costco’s house brand, Kirkland makes a detergent called “Ultra Clean” that is free and clear of dyes and perfumes!
    3. Buy Breathable Bedding for Better Sleep: We spend almost 1/3 of our lives in bed so it is important to purchase products that will not trigger allergic reactions.  Read labels and consider am “allergen free” mattress cover.
    4. Consider Air Cleaners: Good indoor air quality is critical for everyone in the family!  Read independent testing reports before buying air cleaners and humidifiers.
    5. Use a High-Quality Vacuum:  Cheap vacuums redistribute the allergens during use, and also when changing the cleaning bag.
    6. Gift Toys that Inspire Smiles, not Sniffles: Brain stimulating toys are best for kids.  Try to avoid stuffed animals.  Beware of those stuffed with allergen filled bedding products.

    Label reading is crucial for food, bathroom, kitchen, cleaning, and all products for the home.  The USA does a poor job with labeling and there needs to be an overhaul to the system.  In the meantime, reading labels can prevent getting sick!

  • 6 Tips to save $$$ on Holiday Shopping

    6 Tips to save $$$ on Holiday Shopping

    Last year people spent on average $1,000 per child for the holidays.  Heed these tips to avoid out of control spending:

    1. JoinHoney.com: On your iPad, desktop or laptop click www.JoinHoney.com and add the extension.  This extension (not for phones) automatically searches for the best price and attaches coupons, often cheaper than Amazon when you are checking out!
    2. Make a budget: Budget X dollars per person and keep the list with you while shopping.
    3. Points, Points, Points Credit cards, Verizon, AAR, and many other companies offer points to discount prices.
    4. Buy Toys early others late: Statistics show prices are best on Toys early so buy those first and wait on other goods and services.
    5. Search out Free Shipping: This can add up over multiple purchases.
    6. Secret Santa: For Christmas celebrants consider a “secret Santa” where each person is assigned 1 person to buy for instead of buying for everyone. Set a price max and watch your stress levels go down.  My family adopted this strategy years ago after my Mother calculated she was buying 80% of all family gifts.
  • 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.