January 2011 Archive

Cutting Your Energy Costs Can Mean More Lattes!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

It’s a new year and many people are looking to makeover their expenses while they makeover their bodies. While my specialty may be insurance, I am mindful of helping all of my clients – whether businesses or families – to look at their whole life and as a result, have helped clients save hundreds or sometimes, thousands of dollars a year.

One of the easiest areas to cut expenses is in the luxuries you may splurge on; magazine subscriptions or shopping sprees for instance. However, many people have already eliminated these types of expenses from their budget. Another place to look to save without drastically changing your lifestyle is in reducing your energy costs. Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce that energy bill and help reduce your environmental footprint in the process:

• Consider switching to a natural-gas water heater and turn the setting down to 120 degrees. This will cut energy use by half!
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) in your lamps. They not only last much longer, but provide a warm glow and 70 percent more energy efficiency!
• Seal your home or business: close the fireplace damper; seal ductwork and caulk any unnecessary openings that may permit drafting of air.
• If you cannot afford to install all Energy Star appliances, then install Energy Star–certified ceiling fans which are 50 percent more energy efficient.  
• Unplug your computer and other appliances when they are not in use.

With these simple steps, you could easily save more than $600 annually on your energy bill. That’s extra cash you can use for those Starbucks lattes, toward a down payment on a car, or even more importantly, for retirement! Call our experts at Salmon Agency at 407-365-1766 to discuss your financial goals and insurance needs – helping you achieve your dreams is our goal!

New Year's Resolutions: Often Overlooked Resolutions to Tackle in 2011

Monday, January 3, 2011

Every new year, you not only have a fresh start, but a wholly new perspective for your life and your work. Oftentimes, we approach the New Year with a mind fixed on shedding those pounds we gained over the holidays. We commit to fad diets or to actually using our gym memberships.

While these resolutions have great intentions and paying attention to diet and exercise are critical for a healthy, full life; you may be ignoring some other key goals that are necessary for what I call a “whole life.” Here are some resolutions you may want to consider along with your new workout plan:

1) Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA):

FSAs allow you to use pre-tax income for anything from purchasing aspirin to other eligible medical expenses. The benefits are huge; according to FSAFEDs, with an FSA, you can both reduce your taxes and get more for your money by saving at least 20 percent of what you would normally pay for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with after-tax (as opposed to taxed) dollars!

2) Review Your Insurance Policies

It may have been a year, or perhaps even over five years since you last reviewed your insurance policies. You may be able to increase or lower your deductibles and save on your premiums, helping you to lower your bills. Your life situation may have also changed (marriage, children, divorce, career, property sale or purchase) and your insurance needs may have changed significantly. This year, make sure you and your loved ones are properly protected. For your insurance review, contact Salmon Agency at 407-365-1766.

3) Consider Your Investment Options

The economy is looking up and as the country’s economic situation improves, you may be considering your own investment options but feel unsure. Make sure you speak with a trusted financial planner before proceeding. There are options such as fixed annuities - a guaranteed income stream for retirement – that you may want to consider. Our Salmon Agency financial experts can help you to make sense of what works for you from where you are currently at in your “whole life.”

We hope our “overlooked resolutions” will help you to have a more prosperous and healthy future ahead. Happy New Year from our Salmon Agency family to yours!