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Tips to Keeping Kids Healthy and Happy

Posted on by cvargas

Many Vargas and Vargas Insurance customers are parents, and they will be the first to tell you that the start of school is right around the corner in Boston! This time of year, many parents like to reevaluate their kids’ happiness, and make sure that they are still on the path to success. Here are ideas of just a few of the things that you can do to make sure that your kids are happy and healthy:

Inspire an Active Lifestyle

What you teach your kids will act as the foundation for the rest of their life. Nowadays, it is easy to park kids in front of a TV or tablet to entertain them, but it is critical to limit their ‘technology time’ and have them be active. Did you know that (according to the US Department of Health and Human Services) that only one in three children is physically active every day?

Healthy Diets Start Young

Here is a statistic from the Department of Agriculture that may surprise you: “Typical American diets exceed the recommended intake levels or limits in four categories: calories from solid fats and added sugars; refined grains; sodium; and saturated fat.”

It’s no secret that American diets aren’t stellar, but you can set your kids up for success by teaching them how to put the right fuel into their bodies. The USDA’s Choose My Plate initiative is a great place to start for kids. There is even a resource for making small changes to improve a child’s diet slowly over time.

Plan Some Free Time

Planning out free time may seem a little backwards, but kids need unstructured time to let their imagination free. In today’s world, it’s easy to schedule your kids for an unending string of activities to keep them focused (and a few extracurriculars has shown time and time again to be a good idea when it comes to helping children become successful and well-rounded) but don’t pack your children’s schedules.

Sleep is Vital to a Growing Body

It is easy to let kids stay up late when they start to whine about bedtime but think twice about being overly flexible with your kid’s sleep schedule. Sleepfoundation.org recommends that school-age children get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night. They also note that at this age “school-aged children become more interested in TV, computers, the media and Internet as well as caffeine products” which could result in increased sleep resistance.

Build Healthy Habits

There are several habits that you should instill in your children while they are young:

Setting a foundation of proper oral hygiene is a critical in minimizing how much dental work a person will need as an adult. You should stress this to your child! Kids should brush their teeth twice a day – after breakfast and before bed. Brushing should last for two minutes, so get an hourglass timer or download an app to play a two minute song or short video to cut through the boredom.

Wearing a helmet while on a bike or scooter has been shown to significantly reduce head injuries in children. In the same vein, children should always wear a seat belt when riding in the car.

Help kids stay healthy and avoid getting sick by encouraging regular hand washing, especially before eating. Kids that are sick should stay home to avoid infecting other children and causing an epidemic at their school or club.

Children should also get in the habit of regularly visiting health care providers, like the doctor and dentist. Kids may put up a fight, but it’s a necessary evil in life (even for adults!)

Playdates and Sleepovers Abound

When kids are young, it is critical that they get plenty of social interaction with their peers. While it is important that they focus on their studies, make sure to also recognize that playdates and sleepovers are a critical part of children developing social skills to be a well-rounded adult. And remember – “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!”

Teach Water Safety

When kids are young, they are at a constant risk of hurting themselves. You can do your kids a huge favor by making sure that they are taught water safety at a young age. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous for a child, so make sure that they are taught to swim, and to only go in the pool when an adult is supervising.

From everyone at the Vargas and Vargas Insurance office, we wish you and your children a very happy Back to School season. And remember – if you ever have a question about your insurance policies, we’re here for you! Just call 617-298-0655 to talk to an agent about your insurance questions or get a free quote on insurance that will protect your family.

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Morning Motivation – Week of August 13, 2018

Posted on by cvargas

You know that I LOVE to start my week with some positive words of wisdom:

Before you read this week’s email, make sure that you have read the first email in the series all about FEAR and how a negative impact it can have on us, which can be found here.

Fear-Inducing Habit #2: You keep the fear a secret.

One of the biggest problems that I feel that we all have with fear is keeping it to ourselves. When you keep the fear to yourself, it can easily take charge of your imagination and build a horrific and paralyzing nightmare in your mind. Being alone with the fear makes it is easy to lose touch with reality.

What to do instead:

Share your fear with a friend, loved one, mentor, or coach. By sharing and getting some level-headed input from someone, your fear can often be quickly deflated and seen for what it really is. Even just talking about it to someone who truly listens will release a lot of your anxiety and inner tensions.

Fear-Inducing Habit #3: You focus on aspects that will keep you stuck.

If you just focus on the negative things that could happen if you face your fear,it will be very hard to start moving forward.

What to do instead:

A change in perspective is needed. Talk to your friend, mentor, or coach and exchange ideas and experiences about what opportunities lie ahead if you move forward and face your fear. Focus on the positive and on the benefits of doing the thing that you’re afraid of.

Here are a few questions that have helped me to find the more constructive and positive perspective when I have faced a fear:

  • What are the potential upsides that I want and can have by taking these actions?
  • What are the potential upsides in one year if I start moving on this path? And in five years?
  • How will my life be in five years if I continue on the fearful path that I am on today?

Talk these questions over with someone, or take out a piece of paper and write down the answers (or do both!)

Next week, I will talk all about the perils of misinterpreting your fears.

Carlos

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Recap: Avoid These Home-Buying Mistakes

Posted on by cvargas

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” – John C. Maxwell

Looking for a new home can be a stressful experience, and many people are afraid that they will make mistakes during the process. Thankfully, you have Boston business professionals on your side! We compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes made when buying a home so that you can avoid them. Here are just a few examples. Read the full post from last week for more details.

  • Going to tour potential new homes without a definitive “Wish List” in mind.
  • Forgetting about hidden costs, like closing costs and post-move expenses.
  • Buying a home for your present needs instead of considering the future.
  • Not asking your home inspector questions about the home you’re looking to buy.
  • Avoiding negotiations and agreeing to pay full price.
  • Not buying enough Massachusetts home insurance for your new house.

If you need help with your new home purchase, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can refer you to a local professional. We know all the best loan officers and real estate agents in the area and would be happy to share their contact information. Just call 617-298-0655 and ask! Also pick up the phone and call our agency with all your home insurance questions and quote needs.

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The Best Apps for Homeowners

Posted on by cvargas

Owning a home is the American Dream – but just like anything in life that is rewarding, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Thankfully, in this day and age… “There’s an app for that!” Or several, as the case may be.

Many of our clients are on the lookout for ways that technology can improve their everyday lives. Did you know that there are several apps available for your smart-devices that can make owning a home easier? We have collected just a few examples of these apps for our customers that are looking to bring home ownership into the digital age. So, which of the following apps will you download first?

LetGo

Have you ever felt that you have too much junk in your home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Thankfully, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Find someone that will pay for the stuff you no longer want with the LetGo app on Android or iPhone.

Bubble Level

How many times as a homeowner have you wished that you could have a level without needing to make a trip to your toolbox? Did you know that your phone can be used as a level? With the Bubble Level app, you never need to say that a picture looks ‘good enough’ when you hang it – just pull out your phone and get the job done perfectly every time! The app can also be used as an AR ruler and can find wires inside your walls!

Google Maps

Want an idea for something to do, or maybe you feel like trying out a new restaurant? There is no resource for finding places in your area quite like Google Maps. Just search for what you’re looking for, and it will give you several options, along with reviews and directions. Download it on the Google Play store or the Apple App Store if you don’t already have it!

Centriq

Homeownership in the past meant having a drawer full of user manuals for every appliance you had ever owned. Now, though, you can use the Centriq app to keep everything in one (digital!) place. Add your appliances by taking a photo of their nameplate and the app will catalogue the item, as well as its user manual. It will alert you to any product recalls, and even help you find replacement parts and will show you troubleshooting videos if you have an issue with your items.

Planner 5D

Thinking about redecorating? Did you know that you can use your phone’s Virtual Reality capabilities to help you picture what the rooms in your home could look like with some new furniture or a fresh coat of paint? Download Planner 5D on your Android Phone and start making virtual changes. See what works in your space before you spend any money!

HomeSavvy

Android and Apple users will have an organized home maintenance schedule if they download and use the HomeSavvy app. Just answer a few questions about your home (like “Do you have a pool?”) and HomeSavvy will create a home maintenance schedule for you to follow. You can even schedule reminders and get tips on how to best complete your tasks, or even get recommendations for local professionals that you can hire!

Chore Pad

Chore wheels and charts are a thing of the past thanks to Chore Pad. Your kids will love getting to check off their chores on their favorite device, and you can even set rewards for kids as they earn stars. According to their website, “Chore Pad helps you teach your child responsibility in a way that is fun and engaging.” Just be aware that this app isn’t free – but it could be well worth the price if it gets your kids to do their chores!

Remember the Milk

When you own a home in Massachusetts, there is a lot on your mind. Wouldn’t it be helpful to have an app that could help you remember all the things that you need to do? That’s where this “Smart to-do App” comes in! As the name implies, it is the perfect place to create a grocery list! It is also good for personal and professional use. Remind yourself to make an important phone call, pick up your kids from practice, or write a performance review for work. The app syncs among many platforms, and can even be shared between connected users, making it a great place for your ‘honey-do’ list.

And there’s one more thing that your phone can do – help you get an insurance policy for your home! Instead of downloading an app, open your dialer and type in 617-298-0655 – the phone number for Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. We can give you a little bit of human help to ensure that your home is fully protected, and that your insurance rates aren’t through the roof.

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Morning Motivation – Week of August 6, 2018

Posted on by cvargas

You know that I LOVE to start my week with some positive words of wisdom:

Fear. It’s so easy to get stuck in it, to let it hold you back and keep you from being successful! I have been there many times in my life and I am sure you have also.

Fear holds us back from:

  • Trying new things. It has holds us back from trying something new for lunch or starting a new hobby because we fear we would have a bad experience or fail. And so we stick to our usual routine and choices. It also keeps us from moving from our current job to a potential better job.
  • Asking someone for the sale, what I call your “CTA” (call to action). Because we don’t want to risk being rejected or looking like a fool in the eyes of other people.
  • Living our life’s full potential, the fear has held us in its grip and calmly explained to us that it would be best and most comfortable for us to stay where we are and to do nothing new. Many times we have sadly believed the fear and gotten ourselves stuck in a place where we honestly deep down, didn’t want to be.

The fears we have are based on how we think about things and how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes we don’t think that we can ever measure up to make a big move, and these destructive thought habits can create a lot of fear that is really unnecessary and damaging.

But there are ways to handle these habits when they pop up and to – over time – replace them with healthier habits.

So today I’d like to share with you the first of a few destructive and fear inducing thought habits and what to do instead of letting them roam free in your head.

Fear-Inducing Habit #1: You keep the fear foggy and undefined.

As long as your fear of doing something is foggy and undefined and just floating around in your head it will hold you back and often grow stronger with time.

What to do instead:

Ask yourself this question: what is the worst that could realistically happen? Don’t just take a second or two to answer it. Sit down with a pen and piece of paper. Take time to really think about it and to write out the realistic worst-case scenario.

This will:

  • Bring clarity to what you truly fear.
  • Defuse the fuzzy fears or disaster scenarios that may have been bouncing around in your mind.
  • Help you to realize that you can often bounce back pretty quickly even if the worst-case scenario somehow becomes reality.

Next week, I will talk about the second fear-inducing habit: keeping your fear to yourself.

Carlos

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Recap: Update Your Home Insurance

Posted on by cvargas

“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

You have a home insurance policy to make sure that your home and your possessions are protected, but an insurance policy isn’t a passive investment! There are times when you need to call your Massachusetts insurance agent to update your insurance policy. Make sure to read the full post to find out more about when to talk to your agent, for example:

  • If you make changes or updates to your property, like putting on an addition, adding a pool, or doing any other type of construction.
  • If the housing market adjusts and the value of your home changes.
  • If you purchase something of value and want to ensure that it is covered by your insurance policy.
  • If you decide to rent out a room, whether on a short-term or long-term basis.
  • If you adopt a pet.
  • If you add an alarm or monitoring system to your home.

Do you think it may be time to talk to your insurance agent about updating your Boston home insurance policy? Don’t hesitate to call your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent at 617-298-0655. They can review your current policy to see if you have the right amount of coverage and will also make sure that you are getting all the discounts for which you qualify.

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Common Home-Buying Mistakes You Should Avoid

Posted on by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we have a lot of clients that are looking to buy home insurance for a new house. Since we see a lot of folks that are going through the home insurance process, we want to share just a few of the more common mistakes that you should aim to avoid when you purchase a Massachusetts home:

Not making a “Wish List”

When you’re looking to buy a home in Boston, you will probably look at many different options. After a while, they will begin to blend together, so it is up to you to stay organized. Sit down with everyone that is involved in making the home-buying decision and make a “Wish List” for what you would ideally want in your new home. Take a copy of your list to each home you tour, and mark off the items on your list, taking notes as you go. This will make it much easier to decide on a home in the end.

Forgetting to budget for closing costs

Many home buyers (especially first-time buyers) are so focused on saving up the money for a down payment on a home that they forget that they will also likely be responsible for the cost to close, which can be significant. Instead of struggling to deal with these costs at the last minute, remember to include them when creating your budget as you prepare to search for your new home.

Not saving to cover move-in expenses

Unfortunately, closing costs aren’t the only bill that home-buyers forget to account for. After you pay your closing costs and get the keys to your new home, you will probably need to spend some money to get your home ready for occupation. This could mean making a few repairs or improvements, or simply buying some additional furniture to fit the new space. Budgeting for these costs ahead of buying your home – your wallet will thank you later!

Not doing your homework about an inspection

An inspection is a home buyer’s best friend. That being said, though, every inspection has its limitations. It’s important to know what your home inspection isn’t testing for. Ask your inspector if he or she will be looking for mold, pests, and radon, and anything else you should be on the lookout for that won’t be covered in the inspection.

You should also make sure to attend the full inspection and take your own notes. You can learn a lot about the house you are buying from the inspector, and they are often happy to answer all your questions, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Buying a home for the present

A home is a long-term investment, so it is important to consider your future before you choose a property. If you’re planning to expand your family, you may want to look for a home you can grow into. If you have kids leaving the nest soon, you may want to get a slightly smaller home knowing that their room will become the guest room when they leave.

Failing to negotiate

If you’re not negotiating when you buy your home, you may be missing out on major savings. There are many different things that you can use in a negotiation. The first thing that many people think of is the price of the home, and this is often where negotiations start. In addition, consider negotiating with the homeowner to have them cover repairs that need to be done, or ask them to include an allowance for you to upgrade the home (new carpeting, for example). You can also ask for the seller to pay all or part of the closing costs.

While you may not have much opportunity to negotiate on hot properties where there is a bidding war happening, these strategies will often pay off on homes that have been on the market for a while, where the seller is starting to feel the pressure to sell quickly.

Not buying enough home insurance

At Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we always aim to make sure that our clients have the perfect amount of Boston home insurance. After all, having too little insurance can be a financial disaster if you are ever involved in a major incident, whether it’s damage to your home or a liability issue.

To find out if your current home insurance policy has enough coverage, or to get a quote on a Massachusetts home insurance policy for your new home, call our agency at 617-298-0655. One of our agents can help you with all your home insurance needs. And if you need a referral to a Massachusetts real estate agent, just let us know! We have a vast network of local professionals and can connect you with someone to help you find the perfect home for you and your future.

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Recap: Tips for Tipping

Posted on by cvargas

“If you fear change, leave it in the tip jar.” – Unknown

Does your business have employees that receive tips? Tips can cause confusion for employers when running a business. Read our full article from last week, where we covered many of the frequently asked questions about running a business where employees receive tips, including:

  • What conditions must be met in order for money given to be considered a ‘tip’
  • How much an employee must receive in order to be considered a ‘tipped employee’
  • The ways you can collect and report tips
  • Details on the way that tips work when issued from a customer’s credit card
  • How tips will affect your taxes

This information will be useful for any new small business owner looking for information about how to deal with tipped employees, and for more established business owners it never hurts to brush up on these types of issues. And business owners new and old can always count on Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for their Massachusetts small business insurance. For a free business insurance quote, call 617-298-0655. One of our agents can create a policy that is tailored to the needs of your business, so don’t delay – call now to see if we can improve your coverage or lower your premiums!

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Is It Time to Update Your Home Insurance?

Posted on by cvargas

Owning a home can be a lot of work. The home maintenance tasks alone will keep you busy, but thankfully keeping your home insurance up to date is simple! Your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent is always available to help you ensure that your home is covered against all types of perils.

Sometimes, though, you will need to let your insurance agent know that there has been a change in your home or in your life that requires a change to your Massachusetts home insurance policy. Here are just a few examples of times that you should pick up the phone and call your agent:

When you make changes to the property

This should come as no surprise, but you will need to update your home insurance if you make any structural changes to your property. This could mean putting on an addition or any sort of remodeling work. Talk to your insurance agent to tell them about the changing value of your home, and make sure that your insurance is adjusted accordingly.

Putting in a swimming pool also requires a call to your Dorchester insurance agent, both to account for the increasing value of your property and also to add some liability coverage in case of a pool-related accident.

When you purchase something valuable

Home insurance typically provides coverage for all of your possessions, but sometimes it is worth calling your insurance agent to make sure that a new purchase will be properly covered. This is especially true for big ticket items, like artwork, jewelry, and expensive electronics. Talking to your insurance agent will help you guarantee that these items are covered for their replacement value, so that you will be made whole again if they are ever part of a Massachusetts home insurance claim.

When you rent out a room

You have a spare room, so why not put it to work for you? If you have a long-term renter or even if you just rent out your room to vacationers for a few nights at a time through a site like Airbnb, you need to inform your insurance agent. They will be able to help you figure out if you need a landlord’s insurance policy, or just a little extra liability coverage due to your increased exposure to risk.

When you adopt a pet

Adding a furry member to your family is a reason to celebrate! It’s also a reason to call your insurance agent for a home insurance update. Often, especially with dogs, it’s a good idea to have a little extra liability coverage in case of an incident. Remember – you never expect to have an issue, but it’s better to be safe than sorry with these sorts of things!

When you add a security system

Have you considered boosting your home security? Adding a security system can be a great idea for your home, and in addition to keeping you and your loved ones safe, letting your home insurance agent know that you have installed a security system can help you earn a discount on your premium! This is also the case with adding fire and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors.

When your lifestyle changes

Did you know that you should talk to your insurance agent when you make certain changes to your lifestyle? For example, when you retire you will likely spend a lot more time at home, making you more likely to catch a potential issue. This may mean that your insurance rates are decreased! The same is true for those of you that may quit smoking since the disappearance of cigarettes will make your home safer (and make you healthier).

When you want to protect against disasters

Your home insurance will protect your property and your possessions against many types of perils, but some disasters are not inherently covered. If you want to make sure that you are totally covered, talk to your insurance agent about adding Boston flood insurance and earthquake insurance to your home insurance policy. You can also protect against financial disasters – namely lawsuits – with the proper umbrella insurance policy. These types of coverage are very affordable, especially considering how much protection you will be getting from them!

When you want to change your deductible amount

As the owner of an insurance policy, you know that the deductible and the premium are related. This means that a quick call to your insurance agent to raise your deductible will lower your premium payments, and vice versa. Updating your deductible amount is a great way to either save some out-of-pocket money each month, or to ensure that you pay less if you ever make a home insurance claim.

Updating your home insurance policy couldn’t be easier! All you need to do is talk to an agent at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One quick call to our office at 617-298-0655 can get you on the road to making sure that your home has all of the protection that it needs to weather any storm (whether literal or figurative). Don’t wait until it’s too late – check your policy for free today!

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Recap: RE Agents Good Appearances

Posted on by cvargas

“People sometimes talk about the power of first impressions, and believe me, there is truth to it.” – Ann Brashares

When a client starts the search for a real estate agent to help buy or sell a Massachusetts home, it is known that they will make their decision at least partially based on intuitions and gut feelings. Because of this, it is critical that you do everything in your power to ensure that you make a good first impression on your potential clients. Think about what kind of impact you are making with the following:

  • Your ‘first point of contact’ with the client, often an advertisement or your website.
  • Your office location and décor.
  • Your personal wardrobe and presentation.
  • Your attitude and interactions when you first meet someone.
  • Your vehicle, especially if you are using it to transport buyers.

Take a minute to ask yourself, “What could I be doing to make a better first impression on my potential clients?” If you need help, ask a friend to give their unbiased opinion on how they feel about any and all of the items in the above list, and where they see the most room for improvement.

To continue improving your relationship with your clients, refer them to a great home insurance agent! Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency will take care of all of your client’s home insurance needs, and we will keep you informed of every step along the way as you’re working toward closing day. To find out more about how we can help your clients, call us at 617-298-0655 and ask about why you should refer your clients to our agency.

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