Insurance Online : Love and Mortgage: Should Newlyweds Buy or Rent a Home?

Somewhere in your mind, you might have an idealized image of a newly married couple triumphantly sweeping into a dream home with the wife in the husband’s arms. As corny as the tradition might seem, you can also see it as a powerful symbol — two people making their first entrance into the home they now share as owners.

Should you and your new spouse follow that example, or do you have reservations about adding a mortgage to the mix? Consider some of the pros and cons of renting vs. buying as newlyweds, and then take your time in deciding whether homeownership is another threshold you want to cross together.

Your Solution Depends on Your Situation

You’ve probably made dozens of decisions together on your way to the altar, making the call on everything from the registry to the diplomatically arranged seating chart at the reception. And now’s not the time to give in to judgment fatigue.

Take some time to evaluate the respective merits. You may find that personal finances, career aspirations and even the value you place on independence vs. convenience could influence your decision of whether to rent or buy.

The Case for Renting

Some of the reasons that could make renting a home preferable to buying include:

Lower Start-Up Costs — Moving into an apartment typically means paying some moderate expenses, such as first and last month’s rent, specified deposits and the like. Buying a home typically means spending several thousand dollars on a down payment, closing costs, agent’s commission, attorney’s fees and more. If you still haven’t figured out how to pay off the honeymoon, the initial investment could loom large in your decision-making.

More Mobility — The U.S. Census Bureau reports that after age 18, the typical American can expect to move nine times. If you happen to get a new job in a different state, you’ll have a much easier time (relatively speaking) breaking a lease than you would selling a house.

Repairs Aren’t Your Responsibility — If the toilet springs a leak at 3 a.m., a renter can call the landlord to get it fixed. For homeowners, the burden of arranging and paying for repairs, and possibly filing an insurance claim, falls entirely on them. When it comes to upkeep, a conscientious landlord can be a real convenience.

The Case for Buying

Factors such as these could tip the scales in favor of homeownership:

It’s Usually More Economical — For couples who plan to stay in the same area for several years, buying a house is generally considered the more affordable choice. The expert consensus favors ownership as a much better source of value than renting in just about every U.S. housing market. Also, you can help protect your investment with a home insurance policy that may provide coverage for weather damage, break-ins and other hazards.

Ownership Builds More Wealth — One aspect of the pro-buying argument revolves around the central idea of wealth accumulation: Homeowners nurture an investment in something that will one day belong to them, rather than simply renting space from month-to-month or year-to-year. Even if you move to a new house before you pay off the mortgage, you still have the equity you’ve built up in your current home.

A Sunnier Market Outlook — Although memories of the housing bubble bust still linger, many indicators point to a stabilized recovery. New regulations have helped curtail risky lending practices, home prices have reached realistic levels and the economy has rebounded. With mortgage rates at historic lows, 2016 could be an advantageous time to become homeowners.

Whichever Way You Go, Go Thoughtfully

The decision to buy or rent as newlyweds depends on immediate realities and long-term possibilities. Do you have plenty of money on hand? Do you have job security? When might you start a family?

You’ll need to consider all these factors, and more, as you figure out whether crossing the threshold right away is a realistic option or just a romantic notion.

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Insurance Online : Love and Mortgage: Should Newlyweds Buy or Rent a Home?

Somewhere in your mind, you might have an idealized image of a newly married couple triumphantly sweeping into a dream home with the wife in the husband’s arms. As corny as the tradition might seem, you can also see it as a powerful symbol — two people making their first entrance into the home they now share as owners.

Should you and your new spouse follow that example, or do you have reservations about adding a mortgage to the mix? Consider some of the pros and cons of renting vs. buying as newlyweds, and then take your time in deciding whether homeownership is another threshold you want to cross together.

Your Solution Depends on Your Situation

You’ve probably made dozens of decisions together on your way to the altar, making the call on everything from the registry to the diplomatically arranged seating chart at the reception. And now’s not the time to give in to judgment fatigue.

Take some time to evaluate the respective merits. You may find that personal finances, career aspirations and even the value you place on independence vs. convenience could influence your decision of whether to rent or buy.

The Case for Renting

Some of the reasons that could make renting a home preferable to buying include:

Lower Start-Up Costs — Moving into an apartment typically means paying some moderate expenses, such as first and last month’s rent, specified deposits and the like. Buying a home typically means spending several thousand dollars on a down payment, closing costs, agent’s commission, attorney’s fees and more. If you still haven’t figured out how to pay off the honeymoon, the initial investment could loom large in your decision-making.

More Mobility — The U.S. Census Bureau reports that after age 18, the typical American can expect to move nine times. If you happen to get a new job in a different state, you’ll have a much easier time (relatively speaking) breaking a lease than you would selling a house.

Repairs Aren’t Your Responsibility — If the toilet springs a leak at 3 a.m., a renter can call the landlord to get it fixed. For homeowners, the burden of arranging and paying for repairs, and possibly filing an insurance claim, falls entirely on them. When it comes to upkeep, a conscientious landlord can be a real convenience.

The Case for Buying

Factors such as these could tip the scales in favor of homeownership:

It’s Usually More Economical — For couples who plan to stay in the same area for several years, buying a house is generally considered the more affordable choice. The expert consensus favors ownership as a much better source of value than renting in just about every U.S. housing market. Also, you can help protect your investment with a home insurance policy that may provide coverage for weather damage, break-ins and other hazards.

Ownership Builds More Wealth — One aspect of the pro-buying argument revolves around the central idea of wealth accumulation: Homeowners nurture an investment in something that will one day belong to them, rather than simply renting space from month-to-month or year-to-year. Even if you move to a new house before you pay off the mortgage, you still have the equity you’ve built up in your current home.

A Sunnier Market Outlook — Although memories of the housing bubble bust still linger, many indicators point to a stabilized recovery. New regulations have helped curtail risky lending practices, home prices have reached realistic levels and the economy has rebounded. With mortgage rates at historic lows, 2016 could be an advantageous time to become homeowners.

Whichever Way You Go, Go Thoughtfully

The decision to buy or rent as newlyweds depends on immediate realities and long-term possibilities. Do you have plenty of money on hand? Do you have job security? When might you start a family?

You’ll need to consider all these factors, and more, as you figure out whether crossing the threshold right away is a realistic option or just a romantic notion.

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Insurance Online : Seeing Green: Simple Tips to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Maintaining a home comes with many costs. According to PURE Energies, an average home utility bill in the United States is a hefty $163 per month—a number that can fluctuate based upon usage and location. If you want to save money on your water and power bill to put toward that summer beach trip, follow these tips.

Go with the low-flow.

Installing low flow-faucets and showerheads can save gallons of water — and money.  Standard showerheads use five to 10 gallons of water each minute, while low-flow versions use just over two in the same amount of time.

Toilet won’t stop running? Catch the leak.

Even toilet tanks that have a slow leak can waste several gallons of water each day. The cost of this wasted water will drain your wallet over time. To see if your toilet is leaking, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If you start to see color in the bowl after 30 minutes without flushing it, you likely have a leak.

Insulate, insulate, insulate.

According to Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, 50% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation. Inadequate insulation allows warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer. Improving your insulation is an easy way to help your home stay comfortable and keep your energy bill at a minimum.

Keep drafts at bay.

Drafty windows and doorways take a toll on your home’s energy efficiency. To keep your heating and cooling system from working overtime, recaulk the places where air could easily escape. According to EnergyStar, the leader in home energy efficiency, homeowners could save up to $200 a year through this simple repair.

Invest in efficient appliances.

Although it initially seems like an unnecessary expense, replacing appliances with energy-efficient models will be worth the investment. These appliances require less power to do the same job, and your neighbors will be green with envy when they hear about the decrease in your bill.

Keep the green in your pocket.

Spending data collected by Mint.com shows that utility costs are going up—but you have the power to lower your bill. With a few simple home upgrades and routine maintenance, you’ll start to see a decrease in how much you pay for water and utilities.

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Insurance Online : Seeing Green: Simple Tips to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Maintaining a home comes with many costs. According to PURE Energies, an average home utility bill in the United States is a hefty $163 per month—a number that can fluctuate based upon usage and location. If you want to save money on your water and power bill to put toward that summer beach trip, follow these tips.

Go with the low-flow.

Installing low flow-faucets and showerheads can save gallons of water — and money.  Standard showerheads use five to 10 gallons of water each minute, while low-flow versions use just over two in the same amount of time.

Toilet won’t stop running? Catch the leak.

Even toilet tanks that have a slow leak can waste several gallons of water each day. The cost of this wasted water will drain your wallet over time. To see if your toilet is leaking, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If you start to see color in the bowl after 30 minutes without flushing it, you likely have a leak.

Insulate, insulate, insulate.

According to Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, 50% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation. Inadequate insulation allows warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer. Improving your insulation is an easy way to help your home stay comfortable and keep your energy bill at a minimum.

Keep drafts at bay.

Drafty windows and doorways take a toll on your home’s energy efficiency. To keep your heating and cooling system from working overtime, recaulk the places where air could easily escape. According to EnergyStar, the leader in home energy efficiency, homeowners could save up to $200 a year through this simple repair.

Invest in efficient appliances.

Although it initially seems like an unnecessary expense, replacing appliances with energy-efficient models will be worth the investment. These appliances require less power to do the same job, and your neighbors will be green with envy when they hear about the decrease in your bill.

Keep the green in your pocket.

Spending data collected by Mint.com shows that utility costs are going up—but you have the power to lower your bill. With a few simple home upgrades and routine maintenance, you’ll start to see a decrease in how much you pay for water and utilities.

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Insurance Online : Sports Injury Insurance Gives Student-Athletes an Assist

The final seconds are ticking off the shot clock. The senior point guard drives down the lane hoping to get the shot and draw a foul to tie the game and potentially take the lead. When he goes up for the layup, he’s fouled and falls hard to the court. The arena goes silent, wondering how badly he’s been injured. The coaches and trainer run to his side to provide assistance. And joining them in spirit, if not in person, is an insurance agent.

Although very few college sports injuries are severe enough for surgery, many of them do require a level of treatment beyond bandages and braces. And when the subject turns to medical care, insurance coverage inevitably follows.

With the men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournaments kicking off this month, several hundred student-athletes will be pushing their bodies to their limits. What happens to the ones who get injured? How does injury insurance work? And, perhaps most importantly, who pays for it?

The Basics of Student-Athlete Insurance

Insurance for college sports injuries differs from regular health care coverage. The NCAA calls it accident insurance, and it applies specifically to injuries and illnesses that take place while playing sports.

Colleges and universities must verify that their student-athletes have coverage for medical expenses before they can compete, or even practice. Coverage can be provided in one of three ways:

1. By the college or university. NCAA institutions have the option to provide coverage but aren’t required to.
2. By parents or guardians.
3. By the student-athletes themselves.

Student-athletes and families who purchase their own insurance coverage must bear in mind that regular medical insurance policies may exclude sports injuries. Fortunately, a number of companies can provide injury protection for college and high school athletes.

The NCAA has insurance coverage for big events such as March Madness, which can assist with medical expenses up to $90,000.

 

Special Cases and Elite-Level Athletes

What happens when injuries result in medical costs that exceed $90,000? In those cases, the NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program applies. This program, paid for entirely by the NCAA, can cover all student-athletes competing in special events, such as March Madness.

The NCAA’s catastrophic coverage can be implemented when serious injuries occur, such as an athlete becoming disabled and unable to compete. The coverage can have a maximum payout of $20 million, according to the NCAA, which can include funds for the student-athlete to complete his or her degree. The deductible for the catastrophic protection is set at $90,000.

When you think of injuries and March Madness, it’s nearly impossible to forget the horrific injury to Louisville guard Kevin Ware during the 2013 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Ware was chasing down the ball during the Elite Eight game versus Duke when he sustained a compound fracture to his right tibia – causing the bone to snap and protrude through the skin. Ware was rushed into surgery, which consisted of resetting the bone and inserting a rod to act as a splint. After surgery, he spent time in the hospital so doctors could observe him and make sure he was on the road to recovery before starting the long road of rehabilitation.

With Ware’s injury, his family’s insurance policy, combined with Louisville’s, would only begin to cover the medical expenses. The NCAA’s supplemental coverage – in place for the tournament – stepped in to pay for the remainder, up to $90,000. Ware did not have to pay out of pocket for his medical needs.

What about college athletes with the potential to play at the professional level? The NCAA’s Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance Program can allow competitors in certain sports, including basketball, to purchase a disability insurance contract that could offer protection if an injury ended their chances of turning pro.

This disability coverage differs from “loss-of-value” insurance, which the NCAA does not provide. An elite athlete predicted to be a high draft pick can purchase a loss-of-value policy before becoming draft-eligible. This type of policy can come in handy if an athlete is significantly injured during his or her season and is either picked much later than projected prior to the injury, or the athlete decides to wait another year to enter the draft. The policy’s underwriters may be obligated to provide compensation if an injury substantially lowers the athlete’s position in the draft.

Some elite athletes who elect to stay in school past their draft eligibility purchase loss-of-value policies as a way to minimize risk. However, cases of former student-athletes collecting on loss-of-value claims are exceedingly rare.

Providing Coverage on the Court

When players take the court for the Big Dance this month, risking harm on the hardwood as they vie for glory, they can have peace of mind knowing their policies, any coverage provided by their respective schools and the NCAA’s protection can help pay for medical expenses that may be necessary in the event of an injury.

So as you enjoy college basketball’s biggest spectacle, remember the role that insurance plays in helping protect student-athletes, their dreams and their futures. You might even think of injury insurance as a “sixth man” — ready to come off the bench and contribute if needed.

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Insurance Online : Sports Injury Insurance Gives Student-Athletes an Assist

The final seconds are ticking off the shot clock. The senior point guard drives down the lane hoping to get the shot and draw a foul to tie the game and potentially take the lead. When he goes up for the layup, he’s fouled and falls hard to the court. The arena goes silent, wondering how badly he’s been injured. The coaches and trainer run to his side to provide assistance. And joining them in spirit, if not in person, is an insurance agent.

Although very few college sports injuries are severe enough for surgery, many of them do require a level of treatment beyond bandages and braces. And when the subject turns to medical care, insurance coverage inevitably follows.

With the men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournaments kicking off this month, several hundred student-athletes will be pushing their bodies to their limits. What happens to the ones who get injured? How does injury insurance work? And, perhaps most importantly, who pays for it?

The Basics of Student-Athlete Insurance

Insurance for college sports injuries differs from regular health care coverage. The NCAA calls it accident insurance, and it applies specifically to injuries and illnesses that take place while playing sports.

Colleges and universities must verify that their student-athletes have coverage for medical expenses before they can compete, or even practice. Coverage can be provided in one of three ways:

1. By the college or university. NCAA institutions have the option to provide coverage but aren’t required to.
2. By parents or guardians.
3. By the student-athletes themselves.

Student-athletes and families who purchase their own insurance coverage must bear in mind that regular medical insurance policies may exclude sports injuries. Fortunately, a number of companies can provide injury protection for college and high school athletes.

The NCAA has insurance coverage for big events such as March Madness, which can assist with medical expenses up to $90,000.

 

Special Cases and Elite-Level Athletes

What happens when injuries result in medical costs that exceed $90,000? In those cases, the NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program applies. This program, paid for entirely by the NCAA, can cover all student-athletes competing in special events, such as March Madness.

The NCAA’s catastrophic coverage can be implemented when serious injuries occur, such as an athlete becoming disabled and unable to compete. The coverage can have a maximum payout of $20 million, according to the NCAA, which can include funds for the student-athlete to complete his or her degree. The deductible for the catastrophic protection is set at $90,000.

When you think of injuries and March Madness, it’s nearly impossible to forget the horrific injury to Louisville guard Kevin Ware during the 2013 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Ware was chasing down the ball during the Elite Eight game versus Duke when he sustained a compound fracture to his right tibia – causing the bone to snap and protrude through the skin. Ware was rushed into surgery, which consisted of resetting the bone and inserting a rod to act as a splint. After surgery, he spent time in the hospital so doctors could observe him and make sure he was on the road to recovery before starting the long road of rehabilitation.

With Ware’s injury, his family’s insurance policy, combined with Louisville’s, would only begin to cover the medical expenses. The NCAA’s supplemental coverage – in place for the tournament – stepped in to pay for the remainder, up to $90,000. Ware did not have to pay out of pocket for his medical needs.

What about college athletes with the potential to play at the professional level? The NCAA’s Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance Program can allow competitors in certain sports, including basketball, to purchase a disability insurance contract that could offer protection if an injury ended their chances of turning pro.

This disability coverage differs from “loss-of-value” insurance, which the NCAA does not provide. An elite athlete predicted to be a high draft pick can purchase a loss-of-value policy before becoming draft-eligible. This type of policy can come in handy if an athlete is significantly injured during his or her season and is either picked much later than projected prior to the injury, or the athlete decides to wait another year to enter the draft. The policy’s underwriters may be obligated to provide compensation if an injury substantially lowers the athlete’s position in the draft.

Some elite athletes who elect to stay in school past their draft eligibility purchase loss-of-value policies as a way to minimize risk. However, cases of former student-athletes collecting on loss-of-value claims are exceedingly rare.

Providing Coverage on the Court

When players take the court for the Big Dance this month, risking harm on the hardwood as they vie for glory, they can have peace of mind knowing their policies, any coverage provided by their respective schools and the NCAA’s protection can help pay for medical expenses that may be necessary in the event of an injury.

So as you enjoy college basketball’s biggest spectacle, remember the role that insurance plays in helping protect student-athletes, their dreams and their futures. You might even think of injury insurance as a “sixth man” — ready to come off the bench and contribute if needed.

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Insurance Online : Don’t Rely on the Luck of the Irish: Make Sure Your Property is Protected on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States, with roughly 97% of the population planning to celebrate each year, according to Survey Analytics and PR Newswire. Ranked as the second most popular drinking day of the year by Time magazine, the excessive alcohol consumption involved with the holiday’s festivities can result in poor decisions and questionable behavior by many of those who choose to celebrate.

Because this is one of the country’s wilder holidays, many people who live in cities known for raucous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations – think Savannah, Boston, Chicago – choose to rent out their residences for the weekend to make some extra cash. If you’re one of these residents and don’t have adequate insurance for mishaps that may ensue, getting covered as soon as possible is a must.

Protection for the unexpected

Short-term home rental services, such as Airbnb and VRBO, offer property protection that could help replace your wood floors in certain instances – such as your guests getting too inebriated and deciding to turn your hallway into a slip ‘n slide. Although this is an extreme scenario, you wouldn’t want to be caught without insurance if a renter damages your property. If additional coverage would make you feel more comfortable, consider adding an endorsement or rider – a separate policy that provides additional liability or another specified coverage – to your existing homeowners or renters policy for an extra layer of protection.

It’s better to be safe than sorry if you’re planning on opening your home to strangers. Crime, including theft and vandalism, spikes during this holiday. Keep all valuables in your home or car locked away and out of sight to deter thieves. You should also consider getting a floater policy to insure high-value items, as standard home insurance policies typically wouldn’t cover the replacement of expensive jewelry or works of art.

Most importantly, follow your instincts—if you’re feeling uneasy about a possible guest, chances are your gut is probably right. And if you live in one of the aforementioned cities that people flock to for St. Patrick’s Day, you can be picky about who stays in your residence for a few days.

If your town is a hotspot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities and you’d rather head out of town to avoid the inevitable drunk crowds and chaos, make sure your insurance can protect you no matter what traveling nightmare may be thrown your way. Purchasing travelers insurance may be a wise choice, as it can protect your assets, including your luggage and airline tickets, and may help you maintain peace of mind.

Planning on celebrating with a brew? Drink responsibly.

With 13 million pints of Guinness traditionally consumed during this Irish holiday, St. Paddy’s can be dangerous if participants are not committed to drinking responsibly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 276 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day from 2009 – 2013. What’s worse? Eighty percent of drivers involved in these collisions had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) amounting to two times more than the legal limit (.08).

If you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by imbibing, please keep yourself and others safe by not getting behind the wheel under any circumstances. Instead, have a designated driver in place, call a cab or use a ride share service, such as Uber or Lyft. If you choose to drink and drive and are convicted of a DUI – even if you don’t harm another party – auto insurers will see you as a high risk. When you become a high-risk policyholder, you could see your premium costs increase tremendously – that is if your auto insurer is still willing to cover you.

May the road rise up to meet you, and may you always be properly insured.

The chaos of St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just limited to crime, vandalism or automobile-related incidents. When alcohol and large crowds are combined, mishaps can—and sometimes will—occur. Unless you’re confident you’ll find the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day, you probably won’t want to pay out-of-pocket to cover any mishaps to your property.

Be sure to speak with your insurance provider to analyze your coverage and purchase additional protection if needed so you can travel, or simply celebrate, worry-free. Most importantly, may the blessing of the Irish be upon you, and may you have a memorable and safe holiday.

Sláinte!

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Insurance Online : Don’t Rely on the Luck of the Irish: Make Sure Your Property is Protected on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States, with roughly 97% of the population planning to celebrate each year, according to Survey Analytics and PR Newswire. Ranked as the second most popular drinking day of the year by Time magazine, the excessive alcohol consumption involved with the holiday’s festivities can result in poor decisions and questionable behavior by many of those who choose to celebrate.

Because this is one of the country’s wilder holidays, many people who live in cities known for raucous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations – think Savannah, Boston, Chicago – choose to rent out their residences for the weekend to make some extra cash. If you’re one of these residents and don’t have adequate insurance for mishaps that may ensue, getting covered as soon as possible is a must.

Protection for the unexpected

Short-term home rental services, such as Airbnb and VRBO, offer property protection that could help replace your wood floors in certain instances – such as your guests getting too inebriated and deciding to turn your hallway into a slip ‘n slide. Although this is an extreme scenario, you wouldn’t want to be caught without insurance if a renter damages your property. If additional coverage would make you feel more comfortable, consider adding an endorsement or rider – a separate policy that provides additional liability or another specified coverage – to your existing homeowners or renters policy for an extra layer of protection.

It’s better to be safe than sorry if you’re planning on opening your home to strangers. Crime, including theft and vandalism, spikes during this holiday. Keep all valuables in your home or car locked away and out of sight to deter thieves. You should also consider getting a floater policy to insure high-value items, as standard home insurance policies typically wouldn’t cover the replacement of expensive jewelry or works of art.

Most importantly, follow your instincts—if you’re feeling uneasy about a possible guest, chances are your gut is probably right. And if you live in one of the aforementioned cities that people flock to for St. Patrick’s Day, you can be picky about who stays in your residence for a few days.

If your town is a hotspot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities and you’d rather head out of town to avoid the inevitable drunk crowds and chaos, make sure your insurance can protect you no matter what traveling nightmare may be thrown your way. Purchasing travelers insurance may be a wise choice, as it can protect your assets, including your luggage and airline tickets, and may help you maintain peace of mind.

Planning on celebrating with a brew? Drink responsibly.

With 13 million pints of Guinness traditionally consumed during this Irish holiday, St. Paddy’s can be dangerous if participants are not committed to drinking responsibly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 276 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day from 2009 – 2013. What’s worse? Eighty percent of drivers involved in these collisions had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) amounting to two times more than the legal limit (.08).

If you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by imbibing, please keep yourself and others safe by not getting behind the wheel under any circumstances. Instead, have a designated driver in place, call a cab or use a ride share service, such as Uber or Lyft. If you choose to drink and drive and are convicted of a DUI – even if you don’t harm another party – auto insurers will see you as a high risk. When you become a high-risk policyholder, you could see your premium costs increase tremendously – that is if your auto insurer is still willing to cover you.

May the road rise up to meet you, and may you always be properly insured.

The chaos of St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just limited to crime, vandalism or automobile-related incidents. When alcohol and large crowds are combined, mishaps can—and sometimes will—occur. Unless you’re confident you’ll find the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day, you probably won’t want to pay out-of-pocket to cover any mishaps to your property.

Be sure to speak with your insurance provider to analyze your coverage and purchase additional protection if needed so you can travel, or simply celebrate, worry-free. Most importantly, may the blessing of the Irish be upon you, and may you have a memorable and safe holiday.

Sláinte!

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Insurance Online : The Top Car Commercials of Super Bowl 50

According to overnight Nielsen ratings data, Sunday night’s almost record-breaking Super Bowl 50 was the second highest rated Super Bowl in football history. Forty-nine percent of households with a television tuned in to watch the national event.

Even those who aren’t loyal to either participating team or fans of football watch solely for the much-talked about ads. Commercials are a large part of the quintessential Super Bowl viewing experience and tend to be talked about long after the national event.

A 30-second advertisement during this year’s Super Bowl cost an extravagant $5 million, which checks in at $166,666 per second of air time. And that $5 million doesn’t include production costs or celebrity endorsements, meaning the finalized product costs companies a pretty penny, to say the least.

The USA Today Ad Meter, a live poll administered to several focus groups during the annual telecast of the Super Bowl, tracked reactions to the commercials on a zero-to-10 scale, with 10 being the most popular and zero being the least.

If you were too distracted by consuming copious amounts of chips and guacamole during the commercial breaks and missed a few of the ads, HomeInsurance.com has you covered. We took a look at the highest rated car commercials according to the Ad Meter — because new cars and auto insurance go hand-in-hand, right?

1. Hyundai

Hyundai stole the airwaves, dominating the first quarter, second quarter and halftime with a total of four 30-second ads, three of which came in close to the top according to the Ad Meter. With so much air time, it’s no surprise that the manufacturer ranked at the coveted No. 1 spot when compared to the ad metrics of competitors in their market space. The ad for the Hyundai Genesis highlighted the tech-savvy practicality of the car’s vehicle-tracking capabilities.

“First Date,” receiving a 6.9 metrics score, featured comedian Kevin Hart as an overly protective father taking full advantage of this feature by lending his daughter’s date the vehicle and keeping tabs on their whereabouts throughout the evening.

Hyundai’s second-highest ranking ad, “Ryanville,” earned a score of 6.27 and primarily focused on the safety features of its Genesis sedan, including auto-braking capabilities that engage if you get distracted behind the wheel, helping keep you and your passengers safe.

“The Chase,” Hyundai’s third-highest ranking ad, scored a 6.19 with an ad featuring an adventurous high-speed chase between a couple and two bears, crediting the vehicle’s voice-activated self-starting capabilities.

2. Honda

A 6.13 Ad Meter score for Honda’s “A New Truck to Love” ad caused the automobile manufacturer to come in at second place with its 30-second commercial. Humor is often effective in ads, and this one was no exception. Featuring a herd of sheep singing Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” Honda took a lighthearted approach to advertising its new Ridgeline truck equipped with truck bed audio – the only truck on the market with this capability.

3. Audi

Adventure. Freedom. Reliving youthful glory days. Audi’s “Commander,” with a rating of 6.04, comes in third with its stunningly ethereal 30-second ad. The commercial appealed to adrenaline junkies by comparing the adventure of space exploration to driving the new R8, which has a promised top speed of 205 miles per hour. It also tugged at viewers’ heartstrings with its inclusion of audio from the late David Bowie.

4. Toyota

Toyota produced two ads – “The Longest Chase” and “Heck on Wheels” – which took lighthearted approaches to advertising its Prius. “The Longest Chase” earned an Ad Meter score of 5.97, while the score for “Heck on Wheels” was unavailable. The manufacturer humorously poked fun at the car’s less-than-exciting image by portraying bank robbers escaping the clutches of police officers during a days-long chase, and a morning commute that’s actually enjoyable, respectively. The commercials’ goals were to prove that the vehicle can be both an incredible, powerful car and easy on the environment.

5. Jeep

Perhaps one of the most poignant and emotional ads of the top five, Jeep effectively pulled at its viewers’ heartstrings through a black and white ad aptly named “Portraits,” which earned a ranking of 5.70. The ad’s beautiful storytelling spoke about how Jeep’s drivers are the true creators of the vehicle and that a lifetime of meaningful moments and memories produced while driving a Jeep were what truly made the automobile great. <span></span> “4x4ever,” Jeep’s 60-second ad, scored a 5.21 and aired during the final quarter of the game. Using unique, catchy music and stunning imagery, the ad effectively appealed to the millennial generation with the unspoken promise that owning a Jeep could provide a lifetime of adventure and memories.

HomeInsurance.com Editor Picks

Since not all auto manufacturers’ ads made the cut for the top five based on Ad Meter results, a few of our HomeInsurance.com editors gathered and picked those that we felt deserved a shout.

“The Big Game Meets the Big Day”

Ensuing quite a few laughs from our editorial team and arguably being the most fitting commercial of the big game, Buick’s ad for their new Cascada convertible featured NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and Emily Ratajkowski. The setting for this ad was a wedding, where a bridesmaid “totally Odell’d” the catch of the bouquet, much to the surprise of the wedding guests. But the biggest surprise (aside from Beckham Jr. being in attendance at the wedding)? The fact that the bride and groom’s stunning getaway car was, in fact, a Buick.

“The Walken Closet”

At HomeInsurance.com, we love a good pun. Kia’s commercial to advertise its newest midsize sedan features Christopher Walken sitting in a couple’s walk-in closet. Walken criticizes the husband in the ad for blending in and walking through life like “beige socks.” Walken encourages him to purchase the new Kia Optima, which he refers to as being like the “world’s most exciting pair of socks.” According to the company’s website, the Optima is “Not Your Average Midsize Sedan,” and stands out with its sleek, sophisticated design and enviable safety features.

“Defy Labels”

Mini Cooper’s “Defy Labels” ad challenged the status quo and the labels that are commonly put on drivers of the vehicle. The ad featured a multitude of celebrities and called out specific stereotypes, making the statement that the Mini Cooper’s new Mini Clubman is an outstanding vehicle for anyone and everyone, regardless of demographic or lifestyle.

“Simply Put”

Though not a car commercial, our editors agreed that “Simply Put” was arguably the best ad of the Super Bowl.

Budweiser’s phenomenal ad in the form of a public service announcement featured Helen Mirren and used a touch of humor while effectively sending a clear, important message regarding the dangers of driving under the influence. Since Mirren is “notoriously frank and insensitive,” she states that anyone who drives drunk is a “short-sighted, utterly useless, oxygen-wasting, human form of pollution.” This advertisement promoted the beer company’s #GiveADamn campaign, which donates one dollar to safe ride programs, such as Uber and Lyft, with every tweeted hashtag.

At HomeInsurance.com, we were incredibly grateful for this announcement and love the fact that such a well-done PSA has garnered so much attention.

Buying a new car? Make sure you’re covered!

If the ads from Super Bowl 50 have you considering purchasing a new vehicle, keep your excitement at bay while searching for an auto insurance policy to protect it. Make sure you find a policy that has enough liability coverage and additional protections to grant you peace of mind on the road.

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Insurance Online : The Top Car Commercials of Super Bowl 50

According to overnight Nielsen ratings data, Sunday night’s almost record-breaking Super Bowl 50 was the second highest rated Super Bowl in football history. Forty-nine percent of households with a television tuned in to watch the national event.

Even those who aren’t loyal to either participating team or fans of football watch solely for the much-talked about ads. Commercials are a large part of the quintessential Super Bowl viewing experience and tend to be talked about long after the national event.

A 30-second advertisement during this year’s Super Bowl cost an extravagant $5 million, which checks in at $166,666 per second of air time. And that $5 million doesn’t include production costs or celebrity endorsements, meaning the finalized product costs companies a pretty penny, to say the least.

The USA Today Ad Meter, a live poll administered to several focus groups during the annual telecast of the Super Bowl, tracked reactions to the commercials on a zero-to-10 scale, with 10 being the most popular and zero being the least.

If you were too distracted by consuming copious amounts of chips and guacamole during the commercial breaks and missed a few of the ads, HomeInsurance.com has you covered. We took a look at the highest rated car commercials according to the Ad Meter — because new cars and auto insurance go hand-in-hand, right?

1. Hyundai

Hyundai stole the airwaves, dominating the first quarter, second quarter and halftime with a total of four 30-second ads, three of which came in close to the top according to the Ad Meter. With so much air time, it’s no surprise that the manufacturer ranked at the coveted No. 1 spot when compared to the ad metrics of competitors in their market space. The ad for the Hyundai Genesis highlighted the tech-savvy practicality of the car’s vehicle-tracking capabilities.

“First Date,” receiving a 6.9 metrics score, featured comedian Kevin Hart as an overly protective father taking full advantage of this feature by lending his daughter’s date the vehicle and keeping tabs on their whereabouts throughout the evening.

Hyundai’s second-highest ranking ad, “Ryanville,” earned a score of 6.27 and primarily focused on the safety features of its Genesis sedan, including auto-braking capabilities that engage if you get distracted behind the wheel, helping keep you and your passengers safe.

“The Chase,” Hyundai’s third-highest ranking ad, scored a 6.19 with an ad featuring an adventurous high-speed chase between a couple and two bears, crediting the vehicle’s voice-activated self-starting capabilities.

2. Honda

A 6.13 Ad Meter score for Honda’s “A New Truck to Love” ad caused the automobile manufacturer to come in at second place with its 30-second commercial. Humor is often effective in ads, and this one was no exception. Featuring a herd of sheep singing Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” Honda took a lighthearted approach to advertising its new Ridgeline truck equipped with truck bed audio – the only truck on the market with this capability.

3. Audi

Adventure. Freedom. Reliving youthful glory days. Audi’s “Commander,” with a rating of 6.04, comes in third with its stunningly ethereal 30-second ad. The commercial appealed to adrenaline junkies by comparing the adventure of space exploration to driving the new R8, which has a promised top speed of 205 miles per hour. It also tugged at viewers’ heartstrings with its inclusion of audio from the late David Bowie.

4. Toyota

Toyota produced two ads – “The Longest Chase” and “Heck on Wheels” – which took lighthearted approaches to advertising its Prius. “The Longest Chase” earned an Ad Meter score of 5.97, while the score for “Heck on Wheels” was unavailable. The manufacturer humorously poked fun at the car’s less-than-exciting image by portraying bank robbers escaping the clutches of police officers during a days-long chase, and a morning commute that’s actually enjoyable, respectively. The commercials’ goals were to prove that the vehicle can be both an incredible, powerful car and easy on the environment.

5. Jeep

Perhaps one of the most poignant and emotional ads of the top five, Jeep effectively pulled at its viewers’ heartstrings through a black and white ad aptly named “Portraits,” which earned a ranking of 5.70. The ad’s beautiful storytelling spoke about how Jeep’s drivers are the true creators of the vehicle and that a lifetime of meaningful moments and memories produced while driving a Jeep were what truly made the automobile great. <span></span> “4x4ever,” Jeep’s 60-second ad, scored a 5.21 and aired during the final quarter of the game. Using unique, catchy music and stunning imagery, the ad effectively appealed to the millennial generation with the unspoken promise that owning a Jeep could provide a lifetime of adventure and memories.

HomeInsurance.com Editor Picks

Since not all auto manufacturers’ ads made the cut for the top five based on Ad Meter results, a few of our HomeInsurance.com editors gathered and picked those that we felt deserved a shout.

“The Big Game Meets the Big Day”

Ensuing quite a few laughs from our editorial team and arguably being the most fitting commercial of the big game, Buick’s ad for their new Cascada convertible featured NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and Emily Ratajkowski. The setting for this ad was a wedding, where a bridesmaid “totally Odell’d” the catch of the bouquet, much to the surprise of the wedding guests. But the biggest surprise (aside from Beckham Jr. being in attendance at the wedding)? The fact that the bride and groom’s stunning getaway car was, in fact, a Buick.

“The Walken Closet”

At HomeInsurance.com, we love a good pun. Kia’s commercial to advertise its newest midsize sedan features Christopher Walken sitting in a couple’s walk-in closet. Walken criticizes the husband in the ad for blending in and walking through life like “beige socks.” Walken encourages him to purchase the new Kia Optima, which he refers to as being like the “world’s most exciting pair of socks.” According to the company’s website, the Optima is “Not Your Average Midsize Sedan,” and stands out with its sleek, sophisticated design and enviable safety features.

“Defy Labels”

Mini Cooper’s “Defy Labels” ad challenged the status quo and the labels that are commonly put on drivers of the vehicle. The ad featured a multitude of celebrities and called out specific stereotypes, making the statement that the Mini Cooper’s new Mini Clubman is an outstanding vehicle for anyone and everyone, regardless of demographic or lifestyle.

“Simply Put”

Though not a car commercial, our editors agreed that “Simply Put” was arguably the best ad of the Super Bowl.

Budweiser’s phenomenal ad in the form of a public service announcement featured Helen Mirren and used a touch of humor while effectively sending a clear, important message regarding the dangers of driving under the influence. Since Mirren is “notoriously frank and insensitive,” she states that anyone who drives drunk is a “short-sighted, utterly useless, oxygen-wasting, human form of pollution.” This advertisement promoted the beer company’s #GiveADamn campaign, which donates one dollar to safe ride programs, such as Uber and Lyft, with every tweeted hashtag.

At HomeInsurance.com, we were incredibly grateful for this announcement and love the fact that such a well-done PSA has garnered so much attention.

Buying a new car? Make sure you’re covered!

If the ads from Super Bowl 50 have you considering purchasing a new vehicle, keep your excitement at bay while searching for an auto insurance policy to protect it. Make sure you find a policy that has enough liability coverage and additional protections to grant you peace of mind on the road.

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Insurance Online : What the Millennium Falcon Can Teach Us about Auto Insurance

Automobile enthusiasts are passionate about their cars. That’s no surprise. Many owners of luxury, foreign or collector cars tend to treat their vehicles more like a treasured member of the family than a mere possession, so finding the right auto insurance is of the utmost importance.

If galactic insurance in the Star Wars universe was a real thing, Han Solo would be searching far and wide to find the right protection for his beloved Millennium Falcon. Although referred to as “garbage” in The Force Awakens, this legendary ship would likely cost a pretty penny to insure. Originally owned by the quick-witted swindler Lando Calrissian and awarded to Han Solo in a lucky game of Sabaac, the Falcon was more than gently loved. There are many factors that affect an auto insurance premium, so let’s take a look at how each would weigh in during the process of getting an insurance quote for the Millennium Falcon.

Collision and claims history

A vehicle’s collision and claims history is one of the biggest factors that helps to determine an auto insurance premium, and the Millennium Falcon would have far from a clean record. Having appeared in countless journeys and more than eight battles—including the Galactic Civil War—the collision and comprehensive coverages and bodily injury and property damage liability on this ship would be astronomical.

Because being at fault in a wreck and filing lots of claims can raise the price of your coverage, some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness, which can go into effect if you remain collision-free for a specified period of time after being involved in a wreck. That being said, it’s doubtful that the Falcon would be eligible for said forgiveness, given Solo and Chewie’s tendencies to blow up every rival spacecraft.

Credit score

Although he became a hero and valued member of the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo was known for having an extremely colorful criminal history as a smuggler, once majorly indebted to a crime lord who put a bounty on his head. Some insurance providers could take one look at his credit score, see this negative history and possibly refuse to insure his treasured Falcon.

Why are credit scores often used to help determine insurance premiums? Some providers believe there is a correlation between credit scores and an insured’s likelihood of filing a claim – the higher the credit score, the less likely policyholders have been to file claims and vice versa. However, this practice is thought to be controversial and is banned in some U.S. states. In a galaxy far, far away, however, we’ll likely never know if Solo gets the insurance he needs.

Licensed drivers on the policy

The primary pilots of the Falcon were Han Solo and Chewbacca, yet other pilots, including Rey in The Force Awakens, shared driving privileges. It’s a best practice to list all licensed drivers that may get behind the wheel on your auto policy. This practice is to protect you and your family members in the event of a wreck and to cut down on out-of-pocket expenses.

It’s doubtful that Solo would actually follow through with this requirement, which means he’d likely be out of luck when trying to file a claim if one of the other pilots were controlling the ship when a collision occurred.

Type of vehicle

The Millennium Falcon—one of the largest starships in the galaxy— would likely fall into the classic and collector vehicle category. The cars that fall into this category are typically rare and of high value, meaning basic auto insurance may not adequately cover possible damage and replacement costs and specialized protections may be needed. Boasting a length of more than 114 feet and equipped with enough space to haul 100 metric tons of cargo, the Falcon’s massive size is one of the first indicators that may determine just how lofty its insurance premium could be. Despite having a shoddy appearance, the starship had been modified to incomprehensible—yet somewhat illegal—levels, with an alarming top speed of roughly 6,252 trillion miles per hour. That’s around 1,042 light years per hour, in case you’re wondering.

Speed and size aside, the ship’s impressive armament alone—two CEC AG-26 quad laser cannons, two Arakyd ST2 concussion missile tubes, one BasTech Ax-108 “Ground Buzzer” blaster cannon and tractor beam projectors—would make the ship quite the liability given the chances that it may explode if involved in a collision. Before a classic or collector car insurance quote can be given, a “guaranteed value” of the car must be agreed upon by both the owner and insurer. The more expensive the vehicle, the higher the insurance quote may be. If a policy is created, the vehicle could then be covered for possible replacement up to that amount without depreciation and may potentially need to be adjusted if the value were to appreciate throughout time.

Address and chance of theft

If your primary address is “a galaxy far, far away,” getting an insurance policy wouldn’t be easy. Since the chance of damage from asteroids, debris and inclement galactic weather is quite high, the premium would probably skyrocket due to hefty comprehensive coverage needs. However, since Han Solo is rather sly, he’d likely skip adding the comprehensive coverage, steal some spare parts and put the Wookie to work to help fix the ship instead of filing a claim. Most insurers also look at less safe neighborhoods to determine the likelihood of the vehicle being stolen or vandalized, which plays a role in determining how much insurance could cost. Factors such as claims for stolen vehicles or property, vandalism or fraudulent injury claims in a given area can directly affect the cost of the premium. Given the Falcon’s history of being stolen and recovered numerous times, it would likely only be insurable at a very high rate, if at all.

Looking for auto insurance? May the Force be with you.

All of these factors considered, it’s safe to assume that most insurance companies would run full-speed away from the prospect of insuring the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Though Solo could probably smooth talk his way into getting a good quote like the “scoundrel” Princess Leia considered him to be. If you’re looking for affordable auto insurance, don’t follow in Solo’s footsteps. It’s important to shop around for coverage and to have a licensed agent walk you through your options so that you get exactly the protection you need at a price that fits your budget.

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Insurance Online : What the Millennium Falcon Can Teach Us about Auto Insurance

Automobile enthusiasts are passionate about their cars. That’s no surprise. Many owners of luxury, foreign or collector cars tend to treat their vehicles more like a treasured member of the family than a mere possession, so finding the right auto insurance is of the utmost importance.

If galactic insurance in the Star Wars universe was a real thing, Han Solo would be searching far and wide to find the right protection for his beloved Millennium Falcon. Although referred to as “garbage” in The Force Awakens, this legendary ship would likely cost a pretty penny to insure. Originally owned by the quick-witted swindler Lando Calrissian and awarded to Han Solo in a lucky game of Sabaac, the Falcon was more than gently loved. There are many factors that affect an auto insurance premium, so let’s take a look at how each would weigh in during the process of getting an insurance quote for the Millennium Falcon.

Collision and claims history

A vehicle’s collision and claims history is one of the biggest factors that helps to determine an auto insurance premium, and the Millennium Falcon would have far from a clean record. Having appeared in countless journeys and more than eight battles—including the Galactic Civil War—the collision and comprehensive coverages and bodily injury and property damage liability on this ship would be astronomical.

Because being at fault in a wreck and filing lots of claims can raise the price of your coverage, some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness, which can go into effect if you remain collision-free for a specified period of time after being involved in a wreck. That being said, it’s doubtful that the Falcon would be eligible for said forgiveness, given Solo and Chewie’s tendencies to blow up every rival spacecraft.

Credit score

Although he became a hero and valued member of the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo was known for having an extremely colorful criminal history as a smuggler, once majorly indebted to a crime lord who put a bounty on his head. Some insurance providers could take one look at his credit score, see this negative history and possibly refuse to insure his treasured Falcon.

Why are credit scores often used to help determine insurance premiums? Some providers believe there is a correlation between credit scores and an insured’s likelihood of filing a claim – the higher the credit score, the less likely policyholders have been to file claims and vice versa. However, this practice is thought to be controversial and is banned in some U.S. states. In a galaxy far, far away, however, we’ll likely never know if Solo gets the insurance he needs.

Licensed drivers on the policy

The primary pilots of the Falcon were Han Solo and Chewbacca, yet other pilots, including Rey in The Force Awakens, shared driving privileges. It’s a best practice to list all licensed drivers that may get behind the wheel on your auto policy. This practice is to protect you and your family members in the event of a wreck and to cut down on out-of-pocket expenses.

It’s doubtful that Solo would actually follow through with this requirement, which means he’d likely be out of luck when trying to file a claim if one of the other pilots were controlling the ship when a collision occurred.

Type of vehicle

The Millennium Falcon—one of the largest starships in the galaxy— would likely fall into the classic and collector vehicle category. The cars that fall into this category are typically rare and of high value, meaning basic auto insurance may not adequately cover possible damage and replacement costs and specialized protections may be needed. Boasting a length of more than 114 feet and equipped with enough space to haul 100 metric tons of cargo, the Falcon’s massive size is one of the first indicators that may determine just how lofty its insurance premium could be. Despite having a shoddy appearance, the starship had been modified to incomprehensible—yet somewhat illegal—levels, with an alarming top speed of roughly 6,252 trillion miles per hour. That’s around 1,042 light years per hour, in case you’re wondering.

Speed and size aside, the ship’s impressive armament alone—two CEC AG-26 quad laser cannons, two Arakyd ST2 concussion missile tubes, one BasTech Ax-108 “Ground Buzzer” blaster cannon and tractor beam projectors—would make the ship quite the liability given the chances that it may explode if involved in a collision. Before a classic or collector car insurance quote can be given, a “guaranteed value” of the car must be agreed upon by both the owner and insurer. The more expensive the vehicle, the higher the insurance quote may be. If a policy is created, the vehicle could then be covered for possible replacement up to that amount without depreciation and may potentially need to be adjusted if the value were to appreciate throughout time.

Address and chance of theft

If your primary address is “a galaxy far, far away,” getting an insurance policy wouldn’t be easy. Since the chance of damage from asteroids, debris and inclement galactic weather is quite high, the premium would probably skyrocket due to hefty comprehensive coverage needs. However, since Han Solo is rather sly, he’d likely skip adding the comprehensive coverage, steal some spare parts and put the Wookie to work to help fix the ship instead of filing a claim. Most insurers also look at less safe neighborhoods to determine the likelihood of the vehicle being stolen or vandalized, which plays a role in determining how much insurance could cost. Factors such as claims for stolen vehicles or property, vandalism or fraudulent injury claims in a given area can directly affect the cost of the premium. Given the Falcon’s history of being stolen and recovered numerous times, it would likely only be insurable at a very high rate, if at all.

Looking for auto insurance? May the Force be with you.

All of these factors considered, it’s safe to assume that most insurance companies would run full-speed away from the prospect of insuring the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Though Solo could probably smooth talk his way into getting a good quote like the “scoundrel” Princess Leia considered him to be. If you’re looking for affordable auto insurance, don’t follow in Solo’s footsteps. It’s important to shop around for coverage and to have a licensed agent walk you through your options so that you get exactly the protection you need at a price that fits your budget.

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Insurance Online : Top 15 Cities in the U.S. Melting Pot

Thanksgiving is the time for gathering friends and family, blending cultures, giving thanks, and feasting on a spread that would satisfy the most regal of kings and queens.
While you’re gathered around the dinner table reflecting on your life and listing the things you’re thankful for, consider tacking on home insurance. Think about it; your home insurance is a small fee to keep your home, your family, and your guests safe in the event of a disaster.

For example, did you know that there are more residential fires reported on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year? It’s true, and the National Fire Protection Association reported that cooking fires on the holiday account for nearly three times as many residential fires than any other day of the year. And the U.S. Fire Administration says each Thanksgiving during the three-year span starting in 2011 resulted in 2,100 residential building fires, $28 million in property damage, 10 deaths, and 50 injuries.

The good news? Fires are typically covered by home insurance policies.

But enough of the grim parts of Thanksgiving. With the holiday just around the corner, we at HomeInsurance.com decided to find out which cities across the country have multiple ancestral ties. Here are our findings:

1. Duluth, MN

Duluth was incorporated in 1857 along the shores of Lake Superior and has a population of more than 86,200. The city tops our list for reporting the highest concentration of multiple ancestries, with the most popular being German, Norwegian, and Swedish.

Because of Duluth’s strong roots, unique Thanksgiving dinner items may include a Swedish dish called Gravlax – salmon fillet with a mustard-dill sauce – as opposed to turkey and gravy; Jansson’s Temptation in place of twice baked potatoes; or Norwegian rhubarb pudding instead of pumpkin pie.

But if you serve up pie à la mode for Thanksgiving dessert, know that you have John Gieriet, a Duluth resident, to thank for inventing the delectable treat back in 1885. And when you jet off to the mall to get the best Black Friday deals, be thankful for Duluth then, too, because the nation’s first mall was constructed there in 1915.

2. (tie) Fargo, ND

Photo credit: Flickr user/Matt Dente

Fargo, known as the ‘Gateway to the West,’ is home to 115,863 North Dakotans and is the largest city in the state. The city was founded in 1871 and inspired the 1996 Academy Award-winning film, Fargo, though none of the scenes in the movie were shot in or near the city. A TV series of the same name was adapted from the movie in 2014, and to date, just one episode features the city of Fargo.

Residents reported high numbers of German, Norwegian, and Irish ancestry. An alternative Thanksgiving spread might be goose or duck in lieu of turkey for those of German descent; Colcannon, an Irish dish combining mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale; or a Black Forest Tart.

Kingston, NY

Kingston has a population of more than 23,800 and occupies 8.6 square miles of the southeastern portion of the state. The city was named the first capital of New York in 1777 and was burned to the ground by the British later that same year after the conclusion of the Battles of Saratoga.

Kingston’s most popular ancestries are Irish, German, and Italian. On these Thanksgiving tables, one might see lasagna, especially since it’s quick and easy to prepare, which is ideal for large families; mashed potatoes; or Prinzregententorte, a seven-layer chocolate buttercream cake.

Scranton, PA

Scranton is home to more than 76,000 Pennsylvanians. The city is located in the northeastern part of the state and was the setting of popular television sitcom, The Office, which focused on the employees of a paper distribution company called Dunder Mifflin.

Most residents of Scranton reported being of Irish, German, and/or Polish descent. An alternative Thanksgiving menu could include Kielbasa, which is Polish sausage; Kartoffelsalat, a German take on potato salad; and soda bread to tie in the three most popular cultures.

5. (tie) Madison, WI

Madison is the capital of the state and its more than 94 square miles provide homes to more than 243,300 Wisconsinites. The city was incorporated in 1848 and named for former president, James Madison.

Madison’s residents revealed that the most common ancestries among the city are German, Irish, and Norwegian. To accommodate these cultures, Thanksgiving dishes could include Fårikål, a mutton stew that’s the national dish of Norway; Irish potato and leek soup; or Topfenstrudel, a strudel filled with topfen, which is a type of dairy product.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, also known as the ‘Steel City’ or the ‘City of Bridges,’ was founded in 1758 and has a population of more than 305,800. Pittsburgh is a city full of innovation and is the location where Jonas Salk created the polio vaccine and Paul Lauterbur invented the MRI, among many other healthcare discoveries and developments.

Pittsburgh’s top three ancestries are German, Irish, and Italian. Families attempting to incorporate the city’s roots into Thanksgiving dinner might serve cacciatore; spargel, an asparagus dish commonly combined with potatoes and hollandaise sauce; and Irish Cream Bundt Cake.

7. (tie) Torrington, CT

Torrington was incorporated as a town in 1740 and as a city in 1923. The city has a population of more than 35,900 and occupies 40.4 square miles of northwestern Connecticut. The city is the home of the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, which hones the skills of ballet dancers. Those dancers perform recitals at the Warner Theatre, which was built in Torrington by Warner Brothers Studios as a movie theater.

Torrington’s roots are deepest with the Irish, Italian, and German ancestries. Alternative Thanksgiving dishes that could be served are Shepherd’s pie; caprese or bruschetta; or Butterkuchen, a sheet cake made from yeast dough topped with butter and sugar.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has more than 407,200 residents and was incorporated in 1867. Minneapolis was named by its first schoolteacher who combined ‘mni,’ which means water, with the Greek word for city, ‘polis.’ Minneapolis is situated along both banks of the Mississippi River, has 20 lakes and wetlands, and numerous creeks and waterfalls, making the city especially scenic.

Most Minneapolitans reported being of German, Irish, or Norwegian descent.  Combining these ancestries could be done by featuring bangers and mash; Gedadschde, pan-fried dumplings made of mashed potatoes; or Krumkake, a thinly rolled cake filled with whipped cream, at the dinner table.

Eau Claire, WI

Eau Claire was named after the Eau Claire River. When French explorers were traveling through the area, they became excited to see the translucent river after countless encounters with muddied water along their route. ‘Eau Claire’ translates to ‘clear water’ in French. The city is now home to more than 65,800 residents and occupies 34.14 square miles of west-central Wisconsin.

With reports that the most popular heritages in Eau Claire are German, Norwegian, and Irish, you could spice up Thanksgiving dinner and include traditional dishes such as Lutefisk; boxty, potato cakes using mashed and grated potatoes; and Franzbrötchen, a pastry made of Phyllo dough and topped with cinnamon and sugar.

Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins has a population of more than 156,400 and is located in the north-central portion of Colorado. Fort Collins is known for its craft breweries, such as New Belgium and Odell brewing companies, among many others. The city is home to the Colorado Brewer’s Festival and the Tour de Fat, which average more than 30,000 and 20,000 people in attendance, respectively.

The most-reported heritages in Fort Collins are German, Irish, and English. To incorporate these ancestries into the holiday meal, one could prepare Beef Wellington; corned beef and cabbage casserole; and Schwedeneisbecher, which is vanilla ice cream served with applesauce, whipped cream, and a waffle.

Bremerton, WA

Bremerton has a population of more than 39,000 and is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington, occupying 32.29 square miles. The city is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap.

Bremerton reported having primarily German, Irish, and English roots. To celebrate these cultures this Thanksgiving, consider adding Turducken, or Gooducken for a more traditional English spin; Dublin Coddle, a dish that combines sausage, bacon, onions, and potatoes; and Kerscheblotzer, a German dessert consisting of bread pudding and cherries, topped with a vanilla sauce to the menu.

12. (tie) Norwich, CT

Norwich, known as the “Rose of New England,” was founded in 1659 and provides a home for more than 40,400 individuals. Norwich is rather scenic as three rivers – the Shetucket, the Quinebaug, and the Yantic – flow into the city and form a harbor, which connects with the Thames River.

With Norwich’s roots being deeply placed in Irish, Italian, and English heritages, an alternative Thanksgiving feast could include purple cabbage and pecan salad as an appetizer; gnocchi, spaghetti, or baked ziti as the main course; and a trifle for dessert.

Kahului, HI

Kahului is located among 16.3 square miles on the island of Maui and has a population of more than 26,300. The city is a census-designated place and serves as a hub for retail for Maui, offering multiple malls and recognizable stores.

The most popular heritages identified from those who are of multiple ancestries in Kahului are German, Irish, and Portuguese. This menu could feature a salted cod dish called bacalhau or carne de porco à Alentajana, which is pork marinated in wine and garnished with clams; twice baked potato casserole and beer bread; and/or arroz doce, a rice pudding flavored with lemon and cinnamon or Pfefferkuchen, which is a kind of German gingerbread, to channel each culture.

Albany, NY

More than 97,800 people reside in Albany, which was settled in 1614 by Dutch colonists – making it the first European settlement in the state – and was named the capital city of New York in 1797. The city thrived due to innovation and was one of the earliest in the world to have a working railroad system, along with public water mains, natural gas lines, sewer lines, and electricity, and, years later, a commercial airport.

Albany reported that most of its residents are of Irish, German, and Italian ancestry. To incorporate these cultures, consider serving stuffed cabbage rolls to start; wiener schnitzel, German rouladen, or jagerschnitzel as the main course; and cannolis or gelato for dessert.

Janesville, WI

Janesville is located in south-central Wisconsin and has more than 63,500 residents. Founded in 1835 by Henry Janes – and named after him – Janesville’s population grew thanks to new industrial developments such as flour and lumber mills springing up along the Rock River. Now, Janesville is home to 20% of the Wisconsin buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Janesville’s most popular ancestries are German, Irish and Norwegian. That could mean pretzels and beer cheese; Kjøttboller, which is meatballs served with mashed potatoes and a cream sauce, or Pinnekjøtt, a dish comprised of lamb or mutton ribs; or Guinness cake, whiskey cake, or Irish cream brownies make appearances on the dinner table.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, it’s important to protect them and your family this Thanksgiving with a home insurance policy. If you’re lacking quality coverage, shop our HomeInsurance.com marketplace and receive quotes from up to eight top carriers in minutes.

Methodology

The data was taken from the United States Census Bureau at factfinder.census.gov. The tables used were B04005, People Reporting Multiple Ancestry, from the 2013 ACS 5-year estimates and B01003, Total Population, also from the 2013 ACS 5-year estimates.

Top cities were determined by taking the total number of people reporting multiple ancestry in that city and dividing by the total population of that city to get a percentage. Cities were then sorted to rank the top 15 cities in terms of percentage of the population reporting multiple ancestry.

Once the top 15 cities were determined, we then looked at the ancestry distributions of people reporting multiple ancestry in that city (for example, the number of people who reported having multiple ancestry and identified Irish as one of their multiple ancestries). From this, we reported the top three ancestries (of people who reported having multiple ancestry in that city).

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Insurance Online : Top 15 Cities in the U.S. Melting Pot

Thanksgiving is the time for gathering friends and family, blending cultures, giving thanks, and feasting on a spread that would satisfy the most regal of kings and queens.
While you’re gathered around the dinner table reflecting on your life and listing the things you’re thankful for, consider tacking on home insurance. Think about it; your home insurance is a small fee to keep your home, your family, and your guests safe in the event of a disaster.

For example, did you know that there are more residential fires reported on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year? It’s true, and the National Fire Protection Association reported that cooking fires on the holiday account for nearly three times as many residential fires than any other day of the year. And the U.S. Fire Administration says each Thanksgiving during the three-year span starting in 2011 resulted in 2,100 residential building fires, $28 million in property damage, 10 deaths, and 50 injuries.

The good news? Fires are typically covered by home insurance policies.

But enough of the grim parts of Thanksgiving. With the holiday just around the corner, we at HomeInsurance.com decided to find out which cities across the country have multiple ancestral ties. Here are our findings:

1. Duluth, MN

Duluth was incorporated in 1857 along the shores of Lake Superior and has a population of more than 86,200. The city tops our list for reporting the highest concentration of multiple ancestries, with the most popular being German, Norwegian, and Swedish.

Because of Duluth’s strong roots, unique Thanksgiving dinner items may include a Swedish dish called Gravlax – salmon fillet with a mustard-dill sauce – as opposed to turkey and gravy; Jansson’s Temptation in place of twice baked potatoes; or Norwegian rhubarb pudding instead of pumpkin pie.

But if you serve up pie à la mode for Thanksgiving dessert, know that you have John Gieriet, a Duluth resident, to thank for inventing the delectable treat back in 1885. And when you jet off to the mall to get the best Black Friday deals, be thankful for Duluth then, too, because the nation’s first mall was constructed there in 1915.

2. (tie) Fargo, ND

Photo credit: Flickr user/Matt Dente

Fargo, known as the ‘Gateway to the West,’ is home to 115,863 North Dakotans and is the largest city in the state. The city was founded in 1871 and inspired the 1996 Academy Award-winning film, Fargo, though none of the scenes in the movie were shot in or near the city. A TV series of the same name was adapted from the movie in 2014, and to date, just one episode features the city of Fargo.

Residents reported high numbers of German, Norwegian, and Irish ancestry. An alternative Thanksgiving spread might be goose or duck in lieu of turkey for those of German descent; Colcannon, an Irish dish combining mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale; or a Black Forest Tart.

Kingston, NY

Kingston has a population of more than 23,800 and occupies 8.6 square miles of the southeastern portion of the state. The city was named the first capital of New York in 1777 and was burned to the ground by the British later that same year after the conclusion of the Battles of Saratoga.

Kingston’s most popular ancestries are Irish, German, and Italian. On these Thanksgiving tables, one might see lasagna, especially since it’s quick and easy to prepare, which is ideal for large families; mashed potatoes; or Prinzregententorte, a seven-layer chocolate buttercream cake.

Scranton, PA

Scranton is home to more than 76,000 Pennsylvanians. The city is located in the northeastern part of the state and was the setting of popular television sitcom, The Office, which focused on the employees of a paper distribution company called Dunder Mifflin.

Most residents of Scranton reported being of Irish, German, and/or Polish descent. An alternative Thanksgiving menu could include Kielbasa, which is Polish sausage; Kartoffelsalat, a German take on potato salad; and soda bread to tie in the three most popular cultures.

5. (tie) Madison, WI

Madison is the capital of the state and its more than 94 square miles provide homes to more than 243,300 Wisconsinites. The city was incorporated in 1848 and named for former president, James Madison.

Madison’s residents revealed that the most common ancestries among the city are German, Irish, and Norwegian. To accommodate these cultures, Thanksgiving dishes could include Fårikål, a mutton stew that’s the national dish of Norway; Irish potato and leek soup; or Topfenstrudel, a strudel filled with topfen, which is a type of dairy product.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, also known as the ‘Steel City’ or the ‘City of Bridges,’ was founded in 1758 and has a population of more than 305,800. Pittsburgh is a city full of innovation and is the location where Jonas Salk created the polio vaccine and Paul Lauterbur invented the MRI, among many other healthcare discoveries and developments.

Pittsburgh’s top three ancestries are German, Irish, and Italian. Families attempting to incorporate the city’s roots into Thanksgiving dinner might serve cacciatore; spargel, an asparagus dish commonly combined with potatoes and hollandaise sauce; and Irish Cream Bundt Cake.

7. (tie) Torrington, CT

Torrington was incorporated as a town in 1740 and as a city in 1923. The city has a population of more than 35,900 and occupies 40.4 square miles of northwestern Connecticut. The city is the home of the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, which hones the skills of ballet dancers. Those dancers perform recitals at the Warner Theatre, which was built in Torrington by Warner Brothers Studios as a movie theater.

Torrington’s roots are deepest with the Irish, Italian, and German ancestries. Alternative Thanksgiving dishes that could be served are Shepherd’s pie; caprese or bruschetta; or Butterkuchen, a sheet cake made from yeast dough topped with butter and sugar.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has more than 407,200 residents and was incorporated in 1867. Minneapolis was named by its first schoolteacher who combined ‘mni,’ which means water, with the Greek word for city, ‘polis.’ Minneapolis is situated along both banks of the Mississippi River, has 20 lakes and wetlands, and numerous creeks and waterfalls, making the city especially scenic.

Most Minneapolitans reported being of German, Irish, or Norwegian descent.  Combining these ancestries could be done by featuring bangers and mash; Gedadschde, pan-fried dumplings made of mashed potatoes; or Krumkake, a thinly rolled cake filled with whipped cream, at the dinner table.

Eau Claire, WI

Eau Claire was named after the Eau Claire River. When French explorers were traveling through the area, they became excited to see the translucent river after countless encounters with muddied water along their route. ‘Eau Claire’ translates to ‘clear water’ in French. The city is now home to more than 65,800 residents and occupies 34.14 square miles of west-central Wisconsin.

With reports that the most popular heritages in Eau Claire are German, Norwegian, and Irish, you could spice up Thanksgiving dinner and include traditional dishes such as Lutefisk; boxty, potato cakes using mashed and grated potatoes; and Franzbrötchen, a pastry made of Phyllo dough and topped with cinnamon and sugar.

Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins has a population of more than 156,400 and is located in the north-central portion of Colorado. Fort Collins is known for its craft breweries, such as New Belgium and Odell brewing companies, among many others. The city is home to the Colorado Brewer’s Festival and the Tour de Fat, which average more than 30,000 and 20,000 people in attendance, respectively.

The most-reported heritages in Fort Collins are German, Irish, and English. To incorporate these ancestries into the holiday meal, one could prepare Beef Wellington; corned beef and cabbage casserole; and Schwedeneisbecher, which is vanilla ice cream served with applesauce, whipped cream, and a waffle.

Bremerton, WA

Bremerton has a population of more than 39,000 and is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington, occupying 32.29 square miles. The city is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap.

Bremerton reported having primarily German, Irish, and English roots. To celebrate these cultures this Thanksgiving, consider adding Turducken, or Gooducken for a more traditional English spin; Dublin Coddle, a dish that combines sausage, bacon, onions, and potatoes; and Kerscheblotzer, a German dessert consisting of bread pudding and cherries, topped with a vanilla sauce to the menu.

12. (tie) Norwich, CT

Norwich, known as the “Rose of New England,” was founded in 1659 and provides a home for more than 40,400 individuals. Norwich is rather scenic as three rivers – the Shetucket, the Quinebaug, and the Yantic – flow into the city and form a harbor, which connects with the Thames River.

With Norwich’s roots being deeply placed in Irish, Italian, and English heritages, an alternative Thanksgiving feast could include purple cabbage and pecan salad as an appetizer; gnocchi, spaghetti, or baked ziti as the main course; and a trifle for dessert.

Kahului, HI

Kahului is located among 16.3 square miles on the island of Maui and has a population of more than 26,300. The city is a census-designated place and serves as a hub for retail for Maui, offering multiple malls and recognizable stores.

The most popular heritages identified from those who are of multiple ancestries in Kahului are German, Irish, and Portuguese. This menu could feature a salted cod dish called bacalhau or carne de porco à Alentajana, which is pork marinated in wine and garnished with clams; twice baked potato casserole and beer bread; and/or arroz doce, a rice pudding flavored with lemon and cinnamon or Pfefferkuchen, which is a kind of German gingerbread, to channel each culture.

Albany, NY

More than 97,800 people reside in Albany, which was settled in 1614 by Dutch colonists – making it the first European settlement in the state – and was named the capital city of New York in 1797. The city thrived due to innovation and was one of the earliest in the world to have a working railroad system, along with public water mains, natural gas lines, sewer lines, and electricity, and, years later, a commercial airport.

Albany reported that most of its residents are of Irish, German, and Italian ancestry. To incorporate these cultures, consider serving stuffed cabbage rolls to start; wiener schnitzel, German rouladen, or jagerschnitzel as the main course; and cannolis or gelato for dessert.

Janesville, WI

Janesville is located in south-central Wisconsin and has more than 63,500 residents. Founded in 1835 by Henry Janes – and named after him – Janesville’s population grew thanks to new industrial developments such as flour and lumber mills springing up along the Rock River. Now, Janesville is home to 20% of the Wisconsin buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Janesville’s most popular ancestries are German, Irish and Norwegian. That could mean pretzels and beer cheese; Kjøttboller, which is meatballs served with mashed potatoes and a cream sauce, or Pinnekjøtt, a dish comprised of lamb or mutton ribs; or Guinness cake, whiskey cake, or Irish cream brownies make appearances on the dinner table.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, it’s important to protect them and your family this Thanksgiving with a home insurance policy. If you’re lacking quality coverage, shop our HomeInsurance.com marketplace and receive quotes from up to eight top carriers in minutes.

Methodology

The data was taken from the United States Census Bureau at factfinder.census.gov. The tables used were B04005, People Reporting Multiple Ancestry, from the 2013 ACS 5-year estimates and B01003, Total Population, also from the 2013 ACS 5-year estimates.

Top cities were determined by taking the total number of people reporting multiple ancestry in that city and dividing by the total population of that city to get a percentage. Cities were then sorted to rank the top 15 cities in terms of percentage of the population reporting multiple ancestry.

Once the top 15 cities were determined, we then looked at the ancestry distributions of people reporting multiple ancestry in that city (for example, the number of people who reported having multiple ancestry and identified Irish as one of their multiple ancestries). From this, we reported the top three ancestries (of people who reported having multiple ancestry in that city).

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Insurance Online : Beef Up Your Backyard This Fall

Temperatures continue to dip, but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun has to come to a screeching halt. You can still find plenty of ways to enjoy the vibrant scenery of fall and the serene beauty of winter beyond just looking out the window.

Dust off the chunky sweaters hidden in the depths of your closet under sleeveless T-shirts, and consider these tips and additions to squeeze more life out of your backyard.

Take advantage of the grill

Cookouts aren’t just a summer activity. Just think: What’s better than having a backyard barbecue with fall foliage surrounding you? Plus, it’s a lot more fun when it’s just the food cooking and not you.

Whether you’re gearing up to watch your favorite football team during its rivalry game or just getting some friends and family together, fall cookouts are great for those who aren’t ready to retreat indoors just yet. Throw some burgers, brats, hot dogs, kebabs, or some other treat on the grill and have s’mores supplies handy for dessert.

Draw inspiration from tailgates

Grilling isn’t the only activity tailgates have going for them. The games that football fans play in parking lots provide fun for all ages.

• Cornhole, or ‘bags’ in some parts of the country, is a traditional tailgating game which has two boards set at angles 27 feet apart. Each board has a hole near the top and the objective is to toss a beanbag so that it lands either on the board (which awards a player 1 point) or in the hole (+3 points). This game is fun for kids and adults alike and you can play with one hand, which is important for the 21 and up crowd. You can buy a set of boards online or make them yourself. Either way, you won’t regret having this game on hand.
• Hillbilly golf is a setup of two three-rung ladders and players have a rope with a rubber golf ball on each end. The objective is to throw the rope so that it wraps around one of the rungs. Each rung varies in point values and if the rope wraps around the rung multiple times, you get additional points. Again, this game can be played one-handed, which frees up your non-dominant hand for a burger or a drink, or both, if you’re ambitious.
• Remember the game ‘Jenga’ that you played as a kid? Well, now there’s an adult version called Lawn Jenga. Lawn Jenga is an oversized take on the traditional game where you try to slide tiles out of the formation without knocking over the tower.

Adding any or all of these games to your backyard will allow you to enjoy crisp fall weather while having a blast.

Additions for families

If you have children and you don’t have a swing set, tire swing, or other playground essentials such as a slide in the backyard, now could be the time to add them. Kids can enjoy them until winter temperatures make their way in and they’ll be ecstatic to be able to have a personal playground for spring and summer.

For the big spenders…

If you’ve got spare cash burning a hole in your pocket and/or an appetite for a DIY project, you can seriously spruce up your yard.

Want to be outside through the fall and winter? A hot tub is a great addition to your yard that allows you to stay warm and be outside all year long.

A quick DIY project to add flair to your home is a fire pit. You and your family will love this setup for chillier fall nights. Roast marshmallows and tell a few ghost stories around the fire for a fun fall activity.

Lastly, a project that’s more involved is constructing a screened-in or three-season porch. These types of porches provide a space to enjoy the outdoors with some protection from the elements such as bugs and rain.

Any of these additions will increase the value of your home and make resale easier. They’re great for you to enjoy while you live in your home and for whenever you want to sell.

Don’t forget about your home insurance

All of these suggestions will vamp up your backyard, but keep in mind that your home insurance will need to be adjusted.

Say you add a fire pit or a hot tub. You’ll need to add more liability coverage, too, because the risks of having a fire or someone getting injured because of the hot tub or swing set have increased. Make sure that you have enough liability coverage to protect you in the event of an incident.

If you add a porch, you’ve increased the square footage of your home. When you increase the square footage, your dwelling coverage – the amount that it would take to rebuild your home – could increase. Otherwise, if a fire or other covered peril destroys the porch, you might not receive any help with the rebuilding or repair costs.

Speak with your insurance agent if you have specific questions about coverage adjustments that need to be made, and enjoy the last opportunities for the year to get outside before snow falls!

Photo credit for preview image: Flickr user/Steven Depolo

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