Best Home Insurance Quote & Health Insurance Tips

You may feel that the best home insurance quote is going to be the cheapest home insurance quote, but that’s not always, if ever, the case. The best home insurance quote is going to be the quote offered by the insurance company that thoroughly investigates your home insurance needs.

When you begin shopping for a home insurance, make sure the insurance company you speak with covers the following issues with you.

What do you want to insure? – This usually means a home, a townhouse, a condo, a mobile home, or an apartment or home you rent. This gives the home insurance agent a jumping off point.

Where is your home located? – The location of a home greatly affects the insurance quote, because it gives the home insurance agent an idea of what kinds of crime or weather elements they may be up against.

Have you taken inventory of your home? – This means, have you made a list and/or video of everything in your home, focusing especially on the most precious and valuable contents. This information may lead your insurance agent to suggest a floater policy to make sure the possessions are covered, or even suggest storing them somewhere safer than a home, such as a bank safety deposit box.

The answers to these questions will help your insurance agent determine the kind of home insurance you need, and provide you with a quote based on those needs.

Health Insurance Tips – Cheap Insurance Plan

The cost of health insurance and medical treatment is increasing day by day. As the cost of medical care and health insurance continues to rise, the demand for cheap health insurance is also on the rise.

Though cheap health insurance offers only limited service, it is an excellent alternative for those who want to get health insurance at a low cost. As an ideal option for budget minded consumers, it offers adequate health coverage at reasonable rates.

Cheap health insurance contributes to the cost of medicine, doctor visits, prescription, and hospital stays; it also provides benefits for eye care, dental work, and other medical expenses. Certain types of cheap health insurance do not cover preventative care, such as doctors’ visits. So while looking for cheap health insurance, make sure that you get what you pay for.

Low-risk indemnity plan is an ideal option for those who want a cheap health insurance. Indemnity plan requires you to pay coinsurance amounts and certain deductibles. With indemnity plan, it is possible to modify coinsurance amounts and deductible levels to fit your particular budget. Even though the coverage provided by the plan is of low quality, low-risk indemnity plan is found to be beneficial to budget minded customers.

There are several points to consider prior to purchasing cheap health insurance. The premium cost and coverage of health insurance varies from company to company. So it is necessary to compare cost as well as coverage before choosing a health insurance plan. Also, make sure that you are buying health insurance from reputed companies.

Car Insurance - Choosing a Cheap Car Insurance Company

The most common piece of advice people receive for choosing the cheap car insurance company is to shop around. It is good advice, but as you are shopping around for cheap car insurance company, what are you supposed to look for? How are you supposed to choose?

Take the following tips into consideration.

Choose a local cheap car insurance company. By choosing a local car insurance company, you do not have to do business solely over the telephone and by mail. To solve an issue, you can drive down to the company’s local office. This does not mean you have to choose a small, unknown car insurance company – you can choose a local agent of a large, well-known car insurance company if it makes you more comfortable.

Choose a cheap car insurance company licensed to do business in your state. If you do not choose a cheap insurance company in your state, you are mostly likely going to have problems in the event you need to file a claim. Plus, your state’s department of insurance will not be able to offer assistance if you have trouble with the car insurance company.

Choose the cheap car insurance company that offers the best discounts. Different car insurance companies offer different discounts, including good driver rewards, discounts for having more than one car on your policy, and discounts for teen drivers with good grades.

Choose a cheap car insurance company that offers more than one kind of insurance policy. Your home owner insurance company may also offer car insurance policies. By purchasing more than one insurance policy from the same company, not only will you be familiar with the insurance company, but you may also be eligible for additional discounts.

Auto Insurance Quotes

Auto insurance quotes are not unlike many other products for which you shop online. You truly need to shop around for them. Take a look at this list of 3 things you should do and 3 things you shouldn’t do when shopping for the best auto insurance quotes.

First we’ll take a look at 3 Do’s:

1• Make sure you get auto insurance quotes from at lease five auto insurance companies. Don’t jump at the first good rates you see. After all, you wouldn’t purchase the first auto you look at on the lot – shop around.

2• Make sure information you submit to receive your auto insurance quotes is as accurate and complete as possible. The auto insurance quote is only as good as the information you submit.

3• Make sure the auto insurance quotes you get are for similar auto insurance policies. If the auto insurance policies are different – you won’t be able to trust the quality of the auto insurance quotes.

Now, we’ll take a look at 3 Don’ts:

1• Don’t let the sales person who contacts you with your auto insurance quotes talk to you into switching to their company until you’ve had a chance to analyze the auto insurance quotes from each insurance company.

2• Don’t let flashy auto insurance gimmicks motivate your decision to change auto insurance quotes. Often these flashy gimmicks sound good – but you probably won’t even use them.

3• Don’t forget to obtain auto insurance quotes with a wide range of deductible amounts. I’ve found that by raising my auto insurance deductible amount by only a few hundred dollars – I’ve saved thousands over the long haul.

Here’s What to Look for in a Secured Credit Card

Committing to a credit card is a big deal. If you feel some trepidation when you consider it, starting with a secured card may be a better option. These cards have features that make them somewhat safer for first-time card owners. They’re also an excellent option for those looking to build credit.

It’s a well-known vicious cycle that you need good credit to get a credit card. However, having a credit card is one of the chief ways to build credit. Secured credit cards can help you escape that cycle and begin your financial journey. In this article, you’ll learn what to look for in a secured card and which ones may work best for you.

Safe Credit Building

When choosing a secured credit card, you want something that will let you safely build credit. Safety is essential if your credit has been damaged in the past. A card that offers some level of protection to you is a huge asset. This protection can be provided in a number of ways, depending on the card.

Suggested article: A new way to build credit

A card like the Chime Credit Builder will allow you to set up automatic bill payments. This means you don’t need to worry about remembering to pay on time. Timely payments and total balance payments will do wonders for your credit. Choosing a card that lets you do that automatically can remove some of the stress of card ownership.

Default Protection

Automatic payments are a bonus feature. A crucial part of secured credit cards is their default protection. When setting up your card, the deposit you make ensures that you don’t default on your account. A late payment on your account will still negatively affect your credit. However, you won’t be in debt due to a missed payment on your card.

When deciding which secured card is right for you, make sure you’re only looking at cards that require a deposit. A card that doesn’t need one isn’t a secured credit card. The deposit, a hallmark feature of these cards, reduces the risk to the card issuer and lays it on the user instead. Don’t stress about the risk, though. As long as you maintain regular payments, you’ll get that money back.

Upgrade Options

How do you get your deposit back? By closing your secured card account or upgrading to a non-secured credit card. When you close your account, barring any problems, your initial payment should be returned to you. Better yet, choose a card that will let you upgrade your account once you’ve built up your credit.

Selecting a card that allows that process to happen automatically can help you reach your financial goals more easily. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one that provides this service. After you sign up for the card, your account is periodically checked to assess your upgrade eligibility. Once you qualify, the company will change your account status.

Reports to Credit Bureaus

Your ability to upgrade depends on your credit score. Essentially, your credit score determines your creditworthiness. That determination affects your capacity to apply for better credit cards and take out a mortgage or auto loan. Your score is assessed by credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies.

Suggested article: Equifax Complete Premier

While there are many of these agencies, only three of them are significant to consumers. These groups determine your overall credit score. It’s imperative that any card you choose reports to these bureaus so that your credit-building efforts will be recorded. All major secured cards file these reports, but it’s worth double-checking to be certain.

Low or No Annual Fees

Another thing to consider is the fees assessed on your card. Frequently, secured cards have a higher annual fee than unsecured ones. These fees make the card more expensive to maintain from year to year, impacting your ability to keep it. Fortunately, there are some low- or no-fee secured card options available.

Do some research, and you’ll be able to find a card that fits your yearly budget. A card such as Capital One’s Secured Mastercard® could be a good fit. It charges no annual fee and also offers flexibility in terms of deposit and credit limit amounts. A minimum deposit as low as $49 makes it easy for a first-time card owner to get started building credit.

Credit Education Tools

As a first-time card owner, you may not know a lot about how credit works. This lack of knowledge is understandable and shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a card. It can, however, make you feel uncomfortable about using your card. This sense of unease is why some companies are now offering credit education tools with their secured credit cards.

For example, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card gives you access to educational materials through a website. It also provides credit tips for those just getting started on establishing credit. A downside is that the card doesn’t offer cash back or points of any kind. Other cards that offer education may also provide those perks, so be sure to comparison shop.

Rewards Options

Though rewards aren’t common with secured credit cards, some do offer them. Secured cards associated with more prominent issuers may offer rewards comparable to those from traditional cards. Anytime you’re looking at a card with benefits of some kind, be sure to balance those with other costs. Often, robust rewards can mean a higher APR or other fees.

Reward options are helpful if you’re trying to save for a specific goal, like air miles. If it’s your first card, seek out cards that offer rewards on everyday spending, like gas and groceries. Those are small purchases that will keep your monthly bill manageable. Using them to earn points would be a great way to get the most value out of your card.

Starting — or rewriting — your credit history is a daunting task. Luckily, secured credit cards make it possible with many features that can protect you. After you make the initial deposit, they work just like a traditional card. Make credit building easier for yourself by choosing a card that eases you into the journey. Your nerves, and your credit score, will thank you.

the GOP’s gift to insurance companies

NOTE: updated to correct info about Sen. Joe Hune, Rep. Pete Lund and the House & Senate versions of the bill.

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance is the GOP’s current target for reform. In what can only be described as a gift to auto insurance companies, they are looking to remove the requirement for unlimited lifetime coverage for victims of auto accidents. The claim is that this will save Michigan insurance purchasers (i.e., auto owners) so much money that our pockets will be filled and the world will be set right once again.

Problem is, it’s a bunch of lies. The fact is that, outside of Metro Detroit, the average cost to Michiganders for auto insurance is similar to the national average of $1,000 per year or less for a single vehicle. However, if a person is involved in a catastrophic car accident requiring lifetime care, the proposed lifetime cap will shift the costs to our social welfare system, ensuring that all of us pay more in the end. In fact, according to a recent study, Michigan Medicaid costs could rise by $30 million in the first year if this cap goes through.

A new study concludes that Michigan’s Medicaid program could spend an additional $30 million during the first year if the state Legislature approves bills to change the state’s 39-year-old no-fault automobile insurance law.

One of the provisions of the four-bill legislative package would allow drivers to choose different coverage levels for personal injury protection, or PIP, including one as low as $50,000.

Michigan drivers now pay $145 annually and receive lifetime unlimited injury and rehabilitation benefits.

“Our major conclusion based on the findings of our report is there is no compelling reason to reduce the coverage at this time,” said Jane Powers, vice president of Public Sector Consultants, the Lansing firm that conducted the study.

Interestingly, the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill delivering this gift to insurance companies, Sen. Joe Hune, has frequently talked in interviews about benefit choices starting at $250,000. However, when legislation was introduced, the lowest coverage level was $50,000. The Senate bill is SB 649.

The House bill, HB 4936 sponsored by Rep. Peter Lund, also has a little suprise tucked into it in the form of a $50,000 appropriation for a “study” on the effect of the new law. Why did he put this in there? Because appropriations bills are not eligible for citizens’ referendums where they are put on the ballot for Michigan citizens to vote on. Citizens’ referendums on our no-fault insurance rules happened in 1992 and 1994 when voters smacked the “reforms” down. Lund, Hune and their Republican friends in the Legislature don’t want any chance of that happening again.

This “reform” has been highly contentious. Legislators are reporting that they have never been lobbied so hard on any other issue this year. Yesterday, after a couple of weeks of hearing testimony, the bill was passed out of the House Insurance Committee on a mostly party line vote and now goes to the full House for consideration.

If you’d like to learn more about this new legislation, I commend your attention to the website of the Coalition to Protect Auto No-Fault (CPAN). There you can keep up to date on the bill, learn the facts about this GOP gift to insurance companies and find out how you can take action. There are links there for contacting your state legislator. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CALL YOUR LEGISLATOR AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO! ON THIS BILL.

Hat tip to JC who provided me with copious amounts of information on this topic.

I am a chemist by day and progressive liberal blogger by very early morning and very late night. I live just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan with my lovely and talented photographer wife, Anne C. Savage. I am a vegetarian and an avid organic gardener who loves to cook. I’m heavily involved in county-level Democratic Party activities and am on the Washtenaw County Democratic Party Executive Board as co-vice chair for precinct organizing.

Autism Insurance Coverage Meets the Great Republican Divide

Last year, Senator Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) introduced legislation that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for autism. Evaluations, physical and occupational therapy, early interventions – all covered to give these children a chance at a life where they would be able to care for themselves, and in turn decrease the chances that they would be dependent on the system or others for expensive care in the future. The bills also would help relieve the financial burden placed on families who need this treatment to help care for their children now. There has been a national movement in the past few years to require that insurance companies offer this type of coverage, and as of today, twenty three states have signed on.

So, what happened to all this great legislation in Michigan? It was met with obstruction from the Senate Republicans, of course. Here is Senator Hunter, in a special op-ed to the Detroit News, April 4, 2009. (now archived)

It’s baffling to me that the Michigan State Senate Health Policy Committee, where these bills were properly referred last session, has been given a pass on taking up these very worthwhile bills.

It would seem that the chairman of the Health Policy Committee, a medical doctor, would best be suited to provide a professional medical opinion on policy that could help children who have been diagnosed with autism . Instead the bills have been referred to the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee, where it seems the bills have been sent to “die.” Also, the Republican-led Senate failed to address my bill to establish the autism tax check-off during our last session when I first introduced it, and none of my Republican colleagues signed on as cosponsors when I reintroduced it.

I urge Senate Republican Leadership to put politics aside and think of the needs of these children and their families.

Democrats in the MI House passed autism coverage in July of 2009. HB 4476 passed with bipartisan support 83-25, with the usual anti-government (and future Senate members) Meekhof, Hildenbrand, Jones and Schuitmaker voting against it, amongst others. HB 4183 passed 84-25, same names apply – and perhaps that is why a plea has to be made right now to make one last try at moving these bills through the Senate.

Republican Lt. Governor-elect Brian Calley has a three-year old daughter who has been diagnosed with autism, and this week he is going to meet with the Senate Republicans and make an attempt to break the logjam that has been created by his own party. He made a five-minute video in a plea to lawmakers to consider that “real people” would be condemned “to a life of dependency” if they fail to act.

But Calley is not speaking for the administration of Gov.-elect Rick Snyder, who is not taking a position on the legislation, a Snyder spokesman said last week. And the legislation, opposed by a broad range of business and labor organizations, remains a long shot for final action in the lame-duck session scheduled to end Thursday.

It’s unclear which labor organizations are opposed to this legislation. Given the strong Democratic support for these bills though, you have to wonder if including “labor” in that sentence is simply an attempt to portray yet another false equivalency on the part of the press. Whoever they are, they didn’t stop Democrats in the House from casting their votes in favor, and they didn’t speak up for this story – but the Michigan Chamber of Commerce certainly did, and naturally they automatically resort to the standard teabag talking points. Also, in what may be a preemptive strike or a tip of the hand, watch MCoC president Rich Studley throw in other conditions that they would like to see eliminated from treatment as well.

Rich Studley, president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said “these questions of insurance coverage should be decided in the workplace by employees and employers … and not by government bureaucrats.”

Studley said the specific provisions of insurance plans are best determined by those receiving and paying for the benefits. They might decide their resources are better spent on additional pay or pension benefits rather than insurance coverage for autism or mental illness or substance abuse, he said.

The money people have spoken, and so it shall be. Wish Calley the best of luck on his request, but since this version of the Republican Senate adjourns for good on Thursday, in all likelihood we will see another “no” from Bishop as he completes a Senate career that is only remarkable in the ways that he has hurt the people and the progress of the state of Michigan. Good riddance.

This issue does set-up what could be a very interesting dynamic that may play out for both the Republicans and the Snyder administration in the future though: Will the extreme members of a Republican-led legislature block common-sense measures such as this from seeing daylight? And, let’s say those measures do somehow reach the floor, will Democrats then be called on to help pass legislation that would still be opposed by anti-government forces, but if passed also would be considered a “victory” for a Republican governor and a public that wants to see government work for them for a change?

Can the Republicans have it both ways? Looks like we may find out.

More…

… on Lt Gov Elect Brian Calley in the LSJ today:

Calley, whose 3-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with autism, is scheduled to meet with the Republican caucus in the state Senate when members return this week to the state Capitol. He is urging the Senate (where he will be the presiding officer beginning in January) to approve autism legislation adopted by the House in 2009.

In a five-minute video delivered to lawmakers last week, Calley makes an emotional plea for mandated autism coverage, saying the failure to do so “condemn(s) people – real people – to a life of dependency.”

The Calley VIDEO was posted by Autism Alliance of Michigan with the description:

“I will no longer remain silent.” Lt Gov Elect Brian Calley advocates for reforming Michigan insurance law to require insurers to cover proven treatments for autism. He discusses the benefits of the legislation for Michigan taxpayers as well as children with autism. Calley also reflects on his family’s personal journey with autism.

Calley Quote from video:

“Until we’re willing to stand up and say that ‘I’m going to do the politically correct thing, to make everyone else comfortable, and stay home and shut up… I’m just not going to do it.”

Well Brian, get used to it. The wolves drunk on whiskey talk and tea, are at your door buddy.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Spinach

When it comes to nutrition, spinach is an excellent choice. High in vitamins and minerals, this leafy green vegetable is packed with health benefits. From boosting energy levels to improving digestion, this nutrient-rich superfood can have a positive impact on your overall health. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 health benefits of spinach that you may not have known. Read on to discover just how beneficial this nutritious vegetable can be for your health and wellbeing.

1) Improves Digestion

Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins and minerals essential for good health. Among its many benefits, spinach can help improve digestion and overall gut health.
The fiber in spinach helps to promote regularity and digestion of food, while also reducing constipation. Fiber also helps to keep you feeling full longer which can aid in weight loss. The high water content in spinach helps to keep the digestive tract clean and hydrated, improving absorption of nutrients in the body.
Another way spinach improves digestion is by providing antioxidants that can protect your gut from inflammation and harmful bacteria. This can help to reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating. The iron and folate content in spinach can also help your body to break down and absorb protein more efficiently.

2) Aids in Weight Loss

First, spinach is a nutrient-dense food packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. These components give spinach its power to reduce hunger and cravings, helping people eat fewer calories overall. In addition, the high fiber content in spinach helps regulate digestion, which can lead to greater weight loss.
Eating spinach can also help you feel fuller for longer. This is because spinach contains a compound called thylakoids, which have been found to increase satiety levels. Research has shown that consuming thylakoids helps suppress the appetite and reduce cravings throughout the day.
Finally, spinach is incredibly low in calories and provides essential micronutrients. This makes it an ideal food choice for weight loss because it gives you the nutrition you need without the added calories..

3) Reduces Inflammation

Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition and has many health benefits, especially for reducing inflammation. This leafy green vegetable is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the body. The antioxidants, like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, help to protect cells from free radicals that can cause damage to the body. Spinach also contains vitamin C and E, which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. By eating spinach regularly, you can help reduce inflammation in your body and boost your overall health.

4) Boosts Immunity

One of the most important health benefits of spinach is its ability to boost your immunity. Spinach is packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as iron and magnesium. These nutrients help support a healthy immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fight off infection and disease. Additionally, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body. This helps your body protect itself from oxidative stress and fight off infections.

5) Lowers Blood Pressure

Spinach is packed with nutrients that are essential for overall health, and one of its most impressive health benefits is its ability to lower blood pressure. Studies have found that adding spinach to your diet can help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as help protect the heart from disease. This is because spinach is high in potassium, a mineral that helps balance out sodium levels in the body and regulates blood pressure. It also contains folate and magnesium, both of which have been linked to reducing blood pressure levels. Additionally, the high fiber content in spinach can help reduce cholesterol levels, further promoting better cardiovascular health.