HSBR Insurance, Inc.

September 2010
News You Can Use
Brought to You By HSBR Insurance, Inc.

HSBR Insurance
9055 SE Bridge Road
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-7292
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Are You Making These Insurance Blunders?

When it comes to buying insurance, what you don’t know can hurt you…and your family…for years to come.

Learn how to identify the top ten insurance mistakes and what you can do about them with my free guide, "The Top 10 Insurance Blunders - and How to Avoid Them."

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Each month I'll give you a new question.

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What country does Waterford crystal come from?

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Recipe: Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ¾ cup white vinegar
  • Poppy seeds (optional)
Directions

Remove any stems from the spinach and wash well.

Pat or spin dry then combine with the sliced strawberries in a salad bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine condensed milk and slowly whisk in vinegar. You may have to add more or less depending on your taste.

Toss salad with enough of the dressing to coat the leaves and strawberries.

Refrigerate the leftover dressing for use on other salads. It will keep for up to three weeks refrigerated in a well-sealed container.

Sprinkle with poppy seeds and serve immediately.

Worth Quoting

Here are some famous quotes on the topic of diets.

"I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is two weeks."
 
Totie Fields
 
"Never tell anyone that you're writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course or quitting smoking. They'll encourage you to death."
 
Lynn Johnston
 
"What some call health, if purchased by perpetual anxiety about diet, isn't much better than tedious disease."
 
George Dennison Prentice
 
 

Welcome - from your Hobe Sound Insurance People

Kevin Mosenthin here from HSBR Insurance. Welcome to my newsletter!

Now, don't worry...this isn't one of those boring newsletters all about insurance. Instead, I'll be sending you a mix of useful and interesting articles. Yes, some of them are about insurance...but they are topics that show how insurance can be useful to you, rather than just a necessity.

Will you let me know what you think? You can just reply to this email. (Of course, you can unsubscribe by clickling the link at the bottom, but I hope you don't, as I've got some great stuff to share with you.)

And don't forget, you can join me on the HSBR Insurance Facebook fan page by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!

Kevin Mosenthin


How to Reduce the Risk of Household Claims

Prevention really is the best policy when it comes to reducing the risk and cost of household-related insurance claims. Fortunately, thanks to new technology and the help of a few tried-and-true old-timer tricks, it's easier than ever to prevent a small problem from growing into a major catastrophe. Following is a checklist to get you started:
 
1. Security and Surveillance: Security comes in all shapes and sizes, including dead bolts, entry alarms, complete electronic household security systems, and even motion-activated lighting and recording devices that can be remotely controlled. Perform a quick review of the house and surrounding yard to ensure secure access at every entry point.
 
2. Alarms and Alerts: Fire alarms are fairly standard in most homes, but far fewer people have taken the time to install other valuable alarms or alert systems that can save property and even lives. Carbon dioxide and natural gas detectors, radon detectors, water/moisture leak detectors, and even thermal leak detectors provide early notification of common household problems.
 
3. Prepare and Practice: Flashlights, battery backups, automatic shutoff valves and other basic emergency equipment contribute little if members of the household don't know how to use them. Have a process in place and practice age-appropriate responses for commonly encountered situations. Not only does having a procedure in place help ensure an orderly response during times of trouble, but it reduces the possibility of accidental injury and further property damage.
 
4. Quick Fixes: The final step in reducing the risk of household claims is to ensure the safety and security of visitors and household members by doing a quarterly evaluation of property maintenance and quick fixes. Remove clutter and provide nonslip surfaces for steps and walkways, evaluate plumbing and electrical systems to ensure proper performance, and take care of any areas of the home that show signs of excessive wear or deterioration. Not only will proper maintenance reduce the risk of many common claims, but it keeps your home looking its best throughout the year.


Easy Ways to Replace Those 'Bad for You' Foods

A sugar-filled donutLearning what to eat is just as important as learning what to avoid.
 
Eat the wrong foods and chances are you will undermine all attempts to control your appetite.
 
Eat the right foods and you might be surprised at how easy it is to give up even the worst habits.
 
Following are the leading culinary culprits that leave you wanting more, as well as some easy replacements sure to satisfy:
 
Salt: High sodium intake not only increases blood pressure, but it leaves you wanting more. Substitute salt with fresh herbs to enjoy the flavor without the craving.
 
Sugar: Satisfy a sweet tooth by using natural alternatives like stevia instead of sugar. Not only will eliminating sugar also control cravings associated with fluctuating glucose levels, but eliminating sugar is a great way to lose weight and reduce the risk of late-onset type 2 diabetes.
 
Fat: Fat comes in all shapes and sizes, but butter and oils are often the most frequently encountered in the modern diet. Replace fats with slow-burning carbohydrates or proteins to obtain the same fullness and fuel your body.
 
Most foods combine two or more of the above ingredients to create an even more powerful sensation designed to increase cravings.
 
Limit the ingredient list to only one of each item to minimize the impact. Better yet, replace them with an easy-to-use alternative.
 
Within weeks you will feel satisfied without the constant cravings.

Picture credit.


How to Make the Airport a More Pleasant Experience

A plane awaits boardingFrom extensive security checks to lost luggage, it's no wonder millions of Americans list a trip to the airport right up there with a visit to the dentist.
 
Fortunately, with a bit of planning and preparation it's possible to make your next trip nearly painless - if not downright pleasant.
 
1. Allow Yourself to Lounge: A one-day lounge pass is one of the best-kept secrets among those in the know. Frequent flyers are not the only ones who are able to enjoy the benefits of the VIP lounge. With a one-day lounge pass even occasional travelers can enjoy the benefits of service, comfortable seats and knowledgeable staff.
 
2. Ship Your Stuff: This is such a simple but effective idea that you might wonder why it's not more popular. Instead of paying premium prices to check your baggage only to encounter minimal reimbursement in the event of damage or loss, simply ship your bags ahead of time. Not only is it convenient and cost-effective, but the insurance is substantially better in the event of a claim.
 
3. Learn What to Ignore: Air travel involves a lot of distractions, so learning what to ignore not only makes time on the flight go by faster, but it reduces tension and fatigue associated with travel. A good set of earplugs goes a long way toward minimizing the sound of everything from crying babies to the engine. Likewise, skip the free food and focus on relaxing instead. It's a great way to arrive at your destination rested and ready to enjoy the remainder of the trip.

Picture credit.


What You Need to Know About Vision Insurance

Many regular health insurance plans cover costs for treatment related to eye disease or injury to the eye. However, the cost of routine eye exams, glasses, contacts and corrective lenses is generally not covered. To obtain coverage for these services, a vision insurance policy would be required.

Most vision insurance plans cover basic eye-related services like annual eye exams, eyeglass frames, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, and photorefractive keratectomy and laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy procedures, albeit at a discounted rate.

Some plans contract with certain eye-care professionals to provide services, while other plans allow insureds to use any eye-care provider at a discounted rate. Many of the vision care plans that are offered by vision insurance companies are preferred provider organizations (PPOs). In these plans, there is a network of eye-care providers through which the member may receive a discounted rate. With the PPO vision care plan, the member may see eye-care providers that are outside of the PPO network, but they will likely be required to pay a higher out-of-pocket amount.

Some companies offer stand-alone or individual vision insurance plans. And discounted vision-related services may also be found through a vision discount plan. However, these are not insurance policies but rather membership plans that offer their members discounted eye exams, eyeglasses and frames, and contact lenses. Prior to purchasing a vision insurance plan, be sure that it covers all needed services.

This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.
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