Homeowners Insurance - What Coverage(s) Should I Have and How Much Should I Buy?

Homeowner Insurance

Insurance is kind of a tough thing. Most of us have a love-hate relationship with insurance. Yes we may like our agent but we sure hate paying that premium. We all want our house repaired, or rebuilt, in the case of a fire. We expect somebody, mainly the insurance company, to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuild our house, pay for our rent for us to live in another place while our house is being rebuilt, and replace all our personal belongings that were ruined by the fire, smoke, and water. When that annual premium shows up in the mail however, we grumble and complain and our hand becomes very reluctant to write that check.

We are in the last days. During the next 30 plus years we are going to be having increasing pestilence, floods, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. We are told that these will be of larger magnitude and more frequent duration than anything we have collectively experienced. You will be increasingly at risk, no matter where you live, that your house could be destroyed along with everything in it in an instant. The prudent thing to do would be to have sufficient insurance to cover this.

When I refer to homeowners insurance I am including renter's insurance, condo, and landlord coverage as well. Whether you rent or own you should have homeowners insurance coverage. Similar to your auto insurance, the liability coverage of your homeowners' policy pays for damages caused by you or your dependents to others that you are legally obligated to pay. The liability coverage should meet or exceed the value of the home.

Yes, the liability portion covers things like people slipping on the ice in your driveway and getting injured or falling down the stairs in your home. It covers you if your dog attacks someone, an injury occurs at your swimming pool, or an accident on your trampoline. It also covers you for things that have nothing to do with your home.

For example, let us suppose your 8 year old son takes a can of spray paint and attempts to help "fix" all your neighbor's cars by painting the scratches. There may be several thousand dollars worth of damage that is caused by someone you are legally responsible for. Your renters' or homeowners' policy would pay for all those cars to be repainted.

Because you can be sued for a great deal of money for accidents that arise you need to have proper coverage. The Seventh Seal will be a time of brother against brother and more lawsuits. Most people do not care about their neighbors. They care about getting justice, getting even, getting revenge, and getting money for perceived wrongs. Having a low liability limit of $100,000 on your homeowners' policy is not sufficient. Just like the auto insurance policy you need to have higher limits that will cover potential liability.

People ask me how much they should be insured for. My answer is, "How much to you think someone with an attorney could sue you for?" This is not a place to be cheap. If you are 25 years old, have no assets, and no children then the $100,000 may be sufficient. If you own a home, have a dog (it can bite someone), have a couple of children, and have a bunch of assets then $500,000 may not be enough.

You could be bankrupt overnight by having your house destroyed in an earthquake and not having earthquake insurance on your home. The same goes with a flood. Floods and earthquakes are not part of a standard homeowners policy. Water is the leading cause of damage to house and property nationwide. The way homeowner's insurance defines a "flood" is any outside water that comes into your home. Floods can happen any time and anywhere from extra rain, to mud slides, to a broken sprinkler pipe. Just because you haven't had a flood in your area over the last hundred years does not mean that one can't or won't happen. Flood insurance is therefore, very important.

Floods are any water that is outside the home which enters your home. "Floods" can be from rain water, a broken sprinkler pipe, a mud slide, or a swollen river. Floods can happen any time and to any house or apartment. Flood insurance also protects the home from natural disasters other than earthquakes.

Earthquakes are more common or expected in certain areas. But in the last days there will be earthquakes in "diverse" areas. This means there will be more earthquakes and in many areas. If you live in the "Ring of Fire" zone where many earthquakes take place, or the potential for a larger earthquake is greater, you would be rather foolish not to have earthquake coverage on your home or condo.

In my opinion everyone should have flood insurance for their house, condo, or rental properties. Most people would be wise to consider earthquake insurance as well. Get with your agent and make sure you are properly covered.

You can buy Brian's new e-book: Built Upon A Rock, Financial Self Reliance in Troubled Times for a 50% discount. Visit his web site for more information at www.brianhornecfp.com/

Brian Horne, CFP
Certified Financial Planner and Consultant
http://www.BrianHorneCFP.com

Brian Horne is a Certified Financial Planner. He has been in the financial planning industry since 1988. His college courses at the University of Utah and Westminster College in Salt Lake City were geared toward Business Communication, Financing and Accounting. Brian attended the College for Financial Planning and completed the two year coursework in the CFP Professional Education Program and then passed the Certified Financial Planner examinations in 1996. At the writing of this book Brian is attending the University of Phoenix in the masters accounting program working toward his CPA certification. As a mortgage loan officer Brian gained a deeper understanding about loans and real estate.

Brian had to study and pass examinations to become licensed in insurance and securities. He passed the Life, the Health, and the Property Casualty Insurance examinations. Brian studied and passed the Series 6 and the Series 63 securities examinations. Later he studied and passed the Series 7 (General Securities), Series 65 (Registered Investment Advisor), Series 4 (Options Principal), Series 53 (Municipal Bond Principal), Series 24 (General Securities Principal) and the Series 27 (Financial Principal). In addition, Brian expanded his financial practice as an accountant helping individuals and businesses with their tax returns.

Brian has worked for CUNA, the Credit Union National Association helping credit union members with financial planning. He was the CFO of a regional broker dealer for a number of years, a compliance officer for several years, owned and managed an insurance agency, and he has worked as an independent Certified Financial Planner since 1996. Brian's goal is to help the reader prepare for the troubled economic times that lie ahead through proper planning. Like the wise man who built his house upon a rock, you can have your financial house built to withstand the economic tempests that are coming.

Your Pooch is Getting Older, Things You Should Know

It's mind boggling how time can fly by, it seems not so long ago your dog was an energetic puppy. The years have a way of creeping up on us and sooner than you would expect, you're dealing with an older dog and you will have to accept and adapt to certain changes in your dog's behavior and needs. There are subtle signs that signal your dog is getting on in his years that you will have to look out for, some are normal due to the natural aging process while some can be avoided. Observing your dog as he ages can make the difference between your dog aging gracefully or aging badly.

The majority of dogs slow down as they age. You may notice your dog's energy levels decreasing and as a result so will his metabolism. This can lead to obesity so you have to watch out for that and adapt your dog's diet to suit his activity levels. Obesity, especially in an older pet, can lead to very serious health concerns. It is important to introduce any dietary changes gradually to avoid upsetting your older dog's fragile dietary system.

As they age, a dog's protein requirements may decrease. Increased fiber content may be helpful as well as lower fat content. If your dog's appetite seems to be waning you should consider providing supplements to ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs. If your dog experiences any sudden changes in weight you should take him to the vet as this generally indicates something is seriously wrong with your pet.

Just as humans go grey as they age, so do dogs. You may notice your dog developing white hair around the muzzle and eyes. Your dog's coat may become less shiny and this could be an indication that there may be a nutritional deficiency so consult with your vet to make sure you are feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age. You dog's skin may also lose condition becoming thinner and less elastic, this could be a symptom of dehydration, you should always make sure your dog is drinking enough. Excessive drinking, on the other hand, could be a sign of serious problems so always observe your dog's drinking habits. Fish oil supplements can be very beneficial for older pets so check with your vet on which supplements will help your dog.

A common problem many owners of aging dogs may face is urinary incontinence. A formerly housetrained dog may begin to have frequent "accidents" in the house or may even leak urine while asleep. There could be underlying medical reasons for this and you should consult with your vet to see what can be done. Hormonal treatment is sometimes given in these instances and can correct the situation. Letting your dog out more frequently to "do his business" is also helpful. Aging is a sad part of life, and you should have some comfort in the fact that your dog has lived to a ripe old age, not all dog owners are so lucky. Be sure to take good care of your pet in his old age and remember the many years of love and joy he's given you.

This article was provided by Josh Hall of Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the Garmin Astro and Tri-tronics products.

Should You Show Your Dog

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Sometimes you run into the pet owner who is so proud of his dog that he has their pictures in his wallet as if they were his children. In fact, some pet owners think of their dogs as their fur children. For this extremely proud pet owner, maybe it would make sense to funnel some of that pride into showing their dog competitively. But how does one get started showing one's dog, and what kind of competitions are there for dogs these days? For pet owners there are many options for showing off your dog's talents, all you need to do is look in the right place.
Conformation Show

When people think of a dog show, this is generally what comes to mind. The Westminster, for example, is a conformation show. These types of shows judge the dog based on its conformation to the breed standard, which is determined by the breed organization. This organization is in turn headed by a parent organization, such as the American Kennel Club in the US. For this type of show your dog must be pure bred with AKC papers to be shown. He or she must also be whole (not spayed or neutered). This narrows the candidates quite a bit, but for people with a passion for a singular breed, this is a great arena of competition.
Obedience Trial

This type of competition tests the ability of a dog to obey the handler's commands. This includes commands such as sit, stay, and come along with more complex commands. Obedience trials are held by the AKC, which allows only pure bred dogs, but also by other organizations such as the American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry. This means that even if your dog is not pure bred he or she can still compete. Depending on the level of performance, the dog can earn a title ranging from "CD" (Companion Dog) to "OTCh" (Obedience Trial Champion).
Dog Agility

One of the most fun competitions for both dog and owner, agility tests the ability of a dog to negotiate an obstacle course quickly and accurately. Dogs run through tunnels, soar over jumps, and balance on teeter-tots like circus performers. Handlers cannot touch the dog or course, only motion and give commands. Many organizations allow dogs of any breed to enter, as long as the dog is healthy. Dogs are matched by size, and judging is based on accuracy and quickness. These shows are great fun just to watch. Expect the border collies to take the cake almost every time.
Herding Trials

These competitions test the abilities of herding dogs to direct sheep. A flock is set on unfenced land, and the dog has to herd the sheep through several test elements before herding them into a pen. The handler uses voice commands, but much of the burden is on the dog. Scoring is based on pints given for each test element and for time. Some organizations allow any dog that has been trained to herd to enter, while others allow only herding breeds. This is a great competition to show of the skills of a working dog.
Field Trials

These competitions test the abilities of hunting dogs in the field. Dogs are usually divided into four sub-groups depending on function including: Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels, Sporting Spaniels, Pointers and Setters, Breeds that Hunt, Point, and Retrieve. Game is shot live in the field, and points are given for how well the dog performs its specific function. Some trials are hosted by gun clubs, while others are hosted by dog clubs. For a well trained working dog, these competitions can be greatly stimulating.

There are many options for you if you want to show your dog, and all are a great way to become closer to your canine companion. Take the process with a light heart, and remember that if he doesn't win, your dog does not take the verdict personally. He's just happy to be close to you.

Puppies For Sale NY Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. Their website is www.WorldwidePups.com. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it.

Preparing Your Cocker Spaniel For Show - Eight Things Every Handler Should Know

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Showing your dog can be a very rewarding experience, for both you and your pet. But there are some things you need to know first, and knowing them before you just start throwing yourself out there can attribute greatly to your future success in the ring. Everything from equipment to training must be assessed, and you will need a show budget just for starters.

1. Make sure your dog has what it takes to go the distance, this doesn't mean a Westminster qualifier, but he should be a decent representation of a Cocker Spaniel, and cannot be neutered or spayed.


2. Your dog's coat should be in show coat condition. If you are not qualified to give this sort of clip to your Spaniel, find a good local groomer with prior show experience to do one for you. They may even help you learn to do it yourself.


3. Dogs in any sort of competition require high quality dog food to look and feel their best in the ring. Poor quality dog chow will result in a poor coat and body condition.


4. Parasites, none should ever exist in your home. There are no exceptions to this rule.


5. Find a local club or breeder of Spaniels to befriend, offer to be their helping hand and "go for" at some of the big shows, they will in most cases be happy to show you the ropes, give you the run down on whose who, and get you a start in the ring.


6. Brush your Cocker Spaniel daily, those beautiful feathers require a ton of upkeep to keep them in top shape, and remember to pick apart, not tear out, the tangles or your beautiful show coat will be pretty short.


7. Add a little Show Sheen (a product used on the manes and tails of horses) to the dog's coat. This will help keep it from tangling and collecting rubbish from around the house.


8. Keep the dog as indoors as possible, the more contact it has with the outside world, the more breakage that goes on with that hair.

Don't think you have to be a multi millionaire living a jet set lifestyle to be able to compete in this arena; you might be surprised at how little it takes to get you started. Follow these rules of thumb and you are sure to go far.

There is lots to learn about other spaniel breeds. You can also learn about other animals too at TheGenusGenius.

Copywriters and Article Marketing: What Should You Write?

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So you've decided to market your home-based copywriting business through article writing. Fantastic! Now comes the hard part: narrowing it down to a topic. What the heck are you going to say in your article?

A friend of mine recently suggested that I write more articles about copywriting. Not such a bad idea, being a copywriter and all. But here's a thought: if all you ever write about is writing, where is the proof that you can actually write? At some point, your prospects WILL ask for samples of work for their specific niches; that is, if you plan to serve clients, and I'm sure you do as that's what a "freelance copywriter" does for a living!

To the copywriter especially, article marketing is a beautiful thing. Why? It allows you to target any audience in any category that YOU choose.

Let's say someone out there in the great beyond is perusing a vegetable garden website... and this person also has some vague plans to create a gardening website of his own. YOU want to be a gardening writer. Now, if your gardening article is placed the aforementioned garden website, along with a bio that describes you as a gardening writer, guess what? Good old Broccoli Rob is probably checking out your work. If he likes what he sees, you've got yourself one paid garden writing project! Brilliant.

Another example. You're a pet person. You'd love to write web copy about dogs, cats, gerbils... any and all of God's creatures. But, uh-oh, you have no *official* experience! So what? Start writing, my friend. The assignment: one web article about How to Paper Train Your Puppy. In your bio, give a brief summary of your copywriting experience and throw in a line about how you're a pet writer. Pretty soon, what do you know... the Westminster Dog Show people are knocking on your door asking for an E-book about dogs. Way to go, pet writer!

Don't forget the context in which your web articles appear. YOU see the articles as they exist on a submission website. But the reader has an entirely different perspective! Imagine your article in all its shining glory on the delivery page. What's that bio say? Who are you and why would these people want to call you for a paid assignment? You must tell them in your article!

Still convinced you want to write about copywriting and copywriting alone? Okay, but keep this in mind: nine times out of ten, the folks who are interested in reading articles about copywriting are looking to become copywriters themselves.

You can offer them some free advice if you think it will help just to get your name out there. But, don't expect huge contracted jobs to come from "writing about writing." As the Copywriting Guru, you darn well better have some revenue-generating product to pitch on your own website. Think copywriting tips, templates and tools that would-be writers might want to purchase from YOU, the expert!

Article marketing is every writer's dream come true. It's the chance to mold yourself into something hugely successful on the web... and that something can be whatever you want. Just think of the hundreds of different markets out there waiting for you to bestow your expert copywriting talents upon them. Okay, now stop thinking... and start WRITING!

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

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