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Change happens when we take massive and specific action…

Posted on by cvargas

This might shock you, but complacency kills!

 

As you know, I like to start every week with some words of wisdom, and this weeks are:

 

“Change happens when we take massive and specific action. It rarely happens by easing our way into the process. Either risk it or we don’t. Either go 100% or 0%. Gradual and timid change will lead to drawback to our comfort zone. It’s nearly impossible to move forward without a committed and courageous leap.”

-Author unknown

 

I told a friend the other day that I don’t understand people who say they are having trouble staying motivated. I said something like “If you’re passionate about what you do, you’re going to be motivated. If you’re not, get out of where you’re at, find what you are passionate about, and get to it. Life is too short!”

 

Motivation is a Choice

Motivation is part of everything you work on. It’s a task to check off. You have to motivate yourself because you have to stay on target. If your goal is to eat well, then there are times when you’re going to want to have some pizza with friends, but it’ll be your job to say, “I’ve got bigger plans, and this pizza is not a part of them.”

 

I try to workout daily, usually with my wife Kathy, or with my friends Jeff, Paulo and Jason, and I try to eat healthy. But sometimes I would MUCH rather eat lobster mac and cheese and chocolate cake than another five ounces of steamed chicken breast and broccoli. But I have to remind myself that I like the place that my healthy lifestyle journey has taken me. After all, motivation is something one must consciously choose. And remember – complacency kills:

 

“Complacency is a sword of two edges. One edge kills hard earned successes while the other end stops future glories. Complacency is a murderer and a barrier!” — Israelmore Ayivor

 

How to Motivate Yourself:

  • Work towards those goals with a plan, not with a hope and a prayer
  • Have written reminders of your goal or target everywhere – make sure you see these notes throughout the day
  • Keep a small note (I use Evernote) with a list of reminders as to why this goal is important to you
  • Review your goal, your plan, and your reminders daily
  • If you’re in jeopardy of slipping, phone a friend (or you can always call me – I would love to help you stay on target and reach your goals)
  • Remember that discomfort is temporary, and at times can even be a good thing
  • And there’s the ever delightful “suck it up, buttercup” to remind yourself to stop complaining (which saps motivation like nothing else can)

 

It’s always YOUR job to motivate yourself. Not your boss. Not your significant other. Not mom or dad. Only you own that role. It’s YOUR job. It’s YOUR choice. You can’t pass this monkey off to anyone else.

 

Target – Plan – Reminders – Review – Repeat. Just like that. Got it? That’s all there is to it!

 

Know that you are loved!

 

–Carlos

 

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Tips for Buying a Classic Car

Posted on by cvargas

 

Spring is here, and if you are like some people, you may be thinking about looking into purchasing a classic or antique automobile. When it comes to cars, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Sure, modern cars have rear-view cameras, Bluetooth, and a million other snazzy features. But for some old souls, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely drive in a classic car. I’ve done some homework, and hope that you may find these tips for buying a classic car useful!

Do a Thorough Check for Rust – Many classic car experts have one firm rule – don’t buy rusty cars. A few small spots are easily fixed, but any signs of ‘the brown stuff’ under the car, inside fenders, and under doors should be a red flag.

Perform a VIN Number Check – It’s getting harder and harder to find a number matching car. If you can find one, it may be worth more. On the other hand, pointing out that a car’s numbers don’t match could be a good point of negotiation if you’re still willing to buy.

Weigh the Mileage Numbers – Classic cars are all used, but they are not all created equal. Some buyers will only consider low-mileage classics, while others are okay with higher mileage vehicles (as long as the price tag reflects the increased use).

Be Patient – If you’re in the market for a classic vehicle, don’t jump at the first car you like. Wait for a car that you can’t live without. After all, this should be considered an investment – there are plenty of great fish in the sea if you’re willing to cast your line and wait a while.

Get an Insurance Quote – We can help you with a quote on your new Classic Car, or your current Classic car. Just give us a call 617-298-0655 to get a quote on Massachusetts insurance for the classic car of truck you’re considering.

 

Watch the video here.

I would LOVE to know your thoughts if you own a classic or antique car (or have additional tips) leave a message below.

Carlos

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How Windshield Repairs Can Save You Money

Posted on by agentinsure

You may not think of your windshield glass as fixable, but often small chips or cracks can be repaired.  Small rocks kicked up by other vehicles can damage a windshield and these are commonly fixed by an auto glass shop or mobile windshield repair company in the Dorchester, MA area.  Minor windshield glass damage may be repaired because of how it is made, and repairs are less expensive than a new windshield.

For a simple explanation, windshields are made by a process in which plastic is sandwiched between two pieces of glass.  Because of this, it allows for repairs of small chips or cracks by injecting liquid plastic into the damaged area.  There are some specifics about windshield repairs, such as the damage cannot be more than two inches in diameter or three inches long, and it needs to be outside the driver’s line of sight. 

Depending on your auto windshield coverage, a repair may cost you nothing.  You should know that the damage may not completely disappear, but it can contain the damage, so it doesn’t spread.  The most effective repair is to damage that is roughly the size of a quarter.  Windshield repairs may fail, and not necessarily because the worker did a poor job, but because the windshield, in general, is compromised by the damage.  Meaning it won’t be as resistant to future gravel hits or extreme weather temperature changes as it was before it was damaged.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance

Vargas & Vargas Insurance has been providing auto insurance and making customers happy in the Dorchester, MA area for years.  They are a community trusted agency, and they want to ensure you have the right coverage at the right price for you.  Contact us today to explore your options.

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“It was character that got us out of bed.”

Posted on by cvargas

Happy Monday, and I hope that you had a great Easter Holiday weekend with family and friends!

I like to start every week with some words of wisdom, and this weeks are:

“It was character that got us out of bed,

commitment that moved us into action

and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”

-Zig Ziglar

This is a followup on my “Change is Hard” message from a few weeks ago. (If you missed that email, reach out and let me know – I would be happy to send it to you!) In that email, I stated:

“Many professionals start their businesses filled with excitement and passion for their new venture, but quickly realize that building a brand is hard work! Once that realization sets in and business problems begin to surface, it is very easy to get disgruntled and lose your motivation for what you originally set out to accomplish.

In the beginning, your passion creates energy that keeps you moving forward, builds excitement for the next project, and helps overcome fears and obstacles. However, maintaining that passion can be difficult as time goes on, and you might find yourself in a “rut,” or longing to reconnect with the spark that once drove your business. Whether this longing resonates with you currently or you’re teetering back and forth on the fence of business growth, it’s imperative to implement 6 practices into your business to regain focus and reignite your flame!”

We covered the first 3 that week, and I promised to tie all 6 together in another email. Well, I’ve kept you waiting long enough! Here are the other three practices:

4. Join a Mastermind group AND participate – A mastermind group can offer new perspectives on old problems, and provide much-needed motivation and support to keep you going when you feel overwhelmed! If you’re receiving and reading this newsletter you’re probably thinking, “Well, I am a part of a mastermind group.” Yes, that’s the first step. But the next step (and the most important step) is to get involved, participate, and implement! To get more involved, start posting in our private Facebook group with questions, ideas, and concerns (this is a safe environment of like-minded professionals, so don’t worry about any negative or uncool comments). In addition, attend your company’s weekly class and ask questions, send out emails similar to this one to the people that know, like (or love) and trust you, and follow-up consistently and persistently every week with you Dunbar’s 150 (Need help getting started? I have a strategy for that!), and ask for help when you need it

5. Systematize, automate and outsource – What’s the most valuable use of your time? To find out, create a list of tasks that you perform each week and ask yourself, “Are there items on here that could be handled by someone else?” If that’s the case, hire a virtual assistant or a right-hand person who can take care of the tasks that suck up your time and keep you from being productive. Also, invest in a time-saving client follow-up system that automates some of your communications. With this technology, setting up follow-up campaigns for past clients take only seconds of your time, and continue for years without you ever touching it again!

6. Follow-through on new systems and ideas – One of the most important principles in success is follow-through. When you make a plan to implement a new idea or system into your business, the dedicated follow-through is what will make it a success or a failure. There will be obstacles to overcome with any new venture, but the key to a successful follow-through is staying the course through those frustrating and sometimes downright demanding moments of growing pains. It’s also important to compare the amount of change you’re implementing vs what you and your team can realistically handle. Think of it this way: Following-through on one new system or idea will be way more beneficial to your business than starting 10 new systems and ideas and not executing any of them!

And know that you are LOVED!

Now, go out and DOMINATE your week!

Carlos

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How to Save an Extra $1k a Year

Posted on by cvargas

What would you do if you had an extra thousand dollars at the end of the year? Would you save more, or buy something that you’ve been wanting? Maybe you’re overdue for a vacation? Regardless, it may sound like a lot, but one thousand dollars a year is less than $20 a week! It’s $19.23, to be exact. And if you follow just a few of these tips, you will find that saving that much (or more) isn’t only possible, it’s easy!

  • Lower grocery shopping cost. Two things will help bring down your bill: stick to a list, and buy generic when possible. This will make sure that you limit impulse buys, and buying store brands can save over 25%!
  • Seek out free entertainment. When you’re looking for something to do, you don’t always have to spend money to have fun. There are always free events being hosted in the Greater Boston Area, and your local library is a wonderful place to go to rent a book or movie for free.
  • Pay off your credit cards. How much are you paying each month in credit card interest alone? Bringing down the outstanding balance on your credit cards may not be easy, but the potential savings can be significant. If you’re having trouble cutting costs, consider speaking with a financial planner for help and advice.

Another terrific way to save money each year is to talk to Vargas and Vargas Insurance. We can help you review your insurance coverage and search for adjustments and discounts that could lower your premiums. Just a quick call to 617-298-0655 is all it takes to start the process, so don’t put it off any longer – call now!

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“Change is hard, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”

Posted on by cvargas

“Change is hard, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”
-Robin Sharma

Change is hard. I know this for a fact, as I’m experiencing it right now!

Picture this…I’m sitting in my house right now instead of sitting in traffic like I’ve done for 37 years.

As you probably know from my online posts, Kathy and I moved from our Stoughton home of 33 years to Dorchester Lower Mills, just around the corner from the Vargas and Vargas office. Believe me, this change has not been easy all the time, but change never is – even when we know it is the right thing to do.

One of the upsides of our move has been that we now spend less time in traffic, and have more time together, more time to get regular exercise, and more time in the wonderful community of Dorchester.

Recently, Vargas and Vargas has also made some changes. We have updated our client management system and our website (you can now send us a TEXT to our agency 617-213-2820 and much more to come, stay tuned) to help customers and friends like you contact our trusted referral partners!

We’ve always had a partners page on our site, but we hope that this will be a resource for you and anyone you know that is looking for any of the following professionals:

  • Accountant
  • Attorney
  • Contractor
  • Electrician
  • Estate Planner
  • Financial Advisor
  • Home Inspector
  • Loan Officer
  • Plumber
  • Realtor®
  • And More!

(Send me a message and I can let you know how you be on our partner’s list)

And while you are visiting our new website, don’t forget to check out our blog. It is always being updated with insurance tips, helpful advice, and much more.

How to Start Recycling – We Can Help!
Auto Insurance Q&A: Borrowing the Car
Best and Worst Places to Store Your Wedding Rings
Building Permits for Residential Renovations

So what does our change of address have to do with making you more money?

Many professionals start their businesses filled with excitement and passion for their new venture, but quickly realize that building a brand is hard work! Once that realization sets in and business problems begin to surface, it is very easy to get disgruntled and lose your motivation for what you originally set out to accomplish.

In the beginning, your passion creates energy that keeps you moving forward, builds excitement for the next project, and helps overcome fears and obstacles. However, maintaining that passion can be difficult as time goes on, and you might find yourself in a “rut,” or longing to reconnect with the spark that once drove your business. Whether this longing resonates with you currently or you’re teetering back and forth on the fence of business growth, it’s imperative to implement 6 practices into your business to regain focus and reignite your flame! We’ll cover the first 3 this week, so stay tuned for next week’s insider to tie all 6 together!

1. Stay focused on your core business – There are a million money making ideas out there that can distract you from what your core business is all about. If you can’t draw a direct connection from a new loan or listing to your new venture, scrap it! It will only distract you from making money and growing your business.

2. Take inspiration from SUCCESSFUL professionals – Surround yourself with positive individuals who have achieved success and are passionate about what they do. They’ll motivate, excite and remind you of why you’re in business. The right individuals will build you up with a “can do” attitude, and offer you proven methods of achieving your goals.

3. Manage your time effectively – Unfortunately, if you don’t set aside time to do important tasks like following up with new clients and building referral relationships (making FROG calls), phone calls and emails can keep you busy all day long! Make sure that you schedule time in your day that’s committed to taking care of the fundamentals of business development which make you money and keep you excited! If you need assistance with time blocking, I can help!

And know that you are LOVED!

Carlos

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How to Start Recycling – We Can Help!

Posted on by cvargas

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – it’s a phrase we hear as early as Elementary School. More than a phrase, it’s a way to make sure that each person does their part to create less waste and help the environment. Most people will admit that they could be doing more to recycle. If you’re someone that wants to do more to help the environment, start with these tips:

Pre-cycle When You Shop

Often, the biggest concern about what we buy is the product itself – and that’s understandable. But don’t forget to consider the packaging! Once in a while, opt for items that come in packages that are made of previously recycled materials, and/or that you can recycle when you’re done with them.

More than Just Newspapers and Cardboard

Nowadays, many types of material can be recycled. So, sure – still recycle the tried and true items, but make sure that you are recycling all eligible items by refreshing your knowledge of what is recyclable in the Boston area.

Get Items Ready for Recycling

Before you toss items into your recycling bin, use these tips to save on space and correctly process your recyclables:

  • Rinse out any items that held food or drink.
  • Remove both ends of aluminum and steel cans and crush.
  • Remove all packing materials from cardboard boxes and crush.
  • Keep cardboard dry and free from food waste.
  • Don’t recycle tissues, waxed paper, or carbon paper with other papers.
  • Ensure plastics are labeled with the Recycle symbol that is accompanied by a number 1-7.

How We Can Help

If you want to start doing more to reduce your waste, Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about going paperless. Most insurance providers have a paperless billing option, and it may even reduce your premium on certain products – like home insurance and auto insurance. Call 617-298-0655 to ask if you can lower your insurance bill and help save paper!

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Auto Insurance Q&A: Borrowing the Car

Posted on by cvargas

As a knowledgeable Boston insurance agency, Vargas and Vargas Insurance gets questions from clients all the time, and we are happy to help! One such client sent a message on Facebook recently, and her question was an interesting one:

The Scenario

The woman’s sister-in-law has no auto or renter’s insurance of her own and lives in Massachusetts. She wants to borrow a car from her Father-in-law that lives in NY for a month or so. The woman wanted to know how her sister-in-law should handle coverage for the car, and if her father-in-law’s auto insurance would cover this unusual situation.

The Solution

The woman should tell her Father-in-law to call his auto insurance agent. He should proceed to list the sister-in-law as the principal operator on the vehicle (on his current NY auto policy) and further update the policy with her Massachusetts driver’s license number and MA garaging address for the vehicle. That way she will be covered under the NY policy while driving in Massachusetts. As always, make sure to keep a current Proof of Insurance in the vehicle at all times.

Do you have an insurance question? Just ask the expert Massachusetts insurance agents at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency! We love to answer our clients’ questions, and we are only a phone call away. One quick call to 617-298-0655 and we can help you with all of your insurance needs, whether you need a question answered or want an insurance quote or review.

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Get The Recognition You Deserve With NAHREP’s Top 250 Award!

Posted on by cvargas

Get the Recognition You Deserve with NAHREP’s Top 250 Award! 

The Top 250 Award has become one of the most recognized and decorated programs in real estate. Honorees earn recognition from their peers and industry leaders as drivers who set the industry standard. Nominate a real estate agent or a mortgage originator for the Top 250 award before March 31.
Click here to learn more

Also, check out NAHREP Boston’s  1st Annual Business Rally #BETOP10

Topics Include:
– NAHREP 10: Principle 2- Be in the Top 10% of your profession
– How To use Social Media to promote your business
– How to Grow Your Business Through Networking and Referrals

Thursday, April 6th, 2017 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Registration starts at 2:30 PM
Networking from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Food will be provided, Performance by Pachanga Latina

Hilton Boston/Woburn: 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA 01801

MEMBERS: $39, MEMBERSHIP & EVENT BUNDLE: $69

ATTENTION MEMBERS:
Please click on “Enter Promotional Code.” Type in your email address used to register to NAHREP. Click on “Apply,” member tickets will be shown. Choose the number of tickets. Click on “Register.” For help, please call (857) 288-1493
For questions and sponsorship opportunities Email us at boston@nahrep.org or call (857) 288-1493
Click here to learn more

Hispanic homeownership increased for the second consecutive year, click here to read more.

We are here to help you or anyone your are working with, with their home or condominium closing. Whether it’s to review their current insurance policy or provide them with a quote, we would love to hear from you.  Just send an email to our team at quotes@vargasinsurance.com with your buyers’ information and we will do the rest!

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Best and Worst Places to Store Your Wedding Rings

Posted on by cvargas

When you get married, you may think that you will never take your wedding rings off. And while some people don’t, many prefer to err on the side of caution occasionally, like when things in the kitchen get messy (mixing meatloaf or kneading dough), when using harsh cleaning products, or when exercising.

If you are the kind of person that occasionally takes your ring or rings off, where do you put it? Here are some tips on what to do (and what not to do) with your precious jewelry:

  • DO store your rings in a fabric pouch or a ring box
  • DO put your rings in a memorable place
  • DON’T put your rings on the edge of a sink or counter
  • DO opt for a drawer where the rings can’t fall into the drain or trash
  • DON’T leave your rings in a locker when you’re at the gym
  • DON’T put your rings in your pocket – they could fall out or go through the wash
  • DO thread your rings onto a necklace if you need to take them off in a pinch

To make sure that your expensive jewelry is protected, ask your Massachusetts insurance agent about using a jewelry rider. This rider is typically an addition to your home insurance, renters insurance or condominium insurance that covers expensive items, like jewelry, art, collections, and more. This is especially important because your home or renters insurance may not fully protect expensive items like these – call 617-298-0655 and ask your insurance agent for a full explanation.

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Building Permits for Residential Renovations

Posted on by cvargas

They say that the only constant in life is change, and I tend to agree. If you’re in the mood for a change in your life, why not make an improvement to your home? A home renovation can be a great way to improve the value of your house, as well as give you a fresh new take on your living space.

If you want to make a modification to your home, you will probably need a permit. The types of projects that almost always require a permit include, but are not limited to:

  • Electrical Updates
  • Changes to sewer or plumbing
  • Mechanical Improvements
  • Alterations to the roofline
  • Adding a fireplace

Things that sometimes require a permit include building a deck, replacing siding, and building a fence. Just remember – it is always worth checking with the proper parties before taking on a project that may require a permit, even for small projects that probably don’t need one. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Remember – while getting a permit for your renovation may seem like an unnecessary obstacle, it is a requirement to keep everyone safe. Ensuring that building improvements are up to code means that new structures and changes to existing structures follow the current laws and regulations.

It’s also important to let your Massachusetts insurance agent know about any changes you plan to make to your home, so that your home insurance policy may be updated accordingly. Your home insurance policy covers your home for the replacement cost of your home and not the market value.  So as you do improvements or increase the living space of your home, your insurance agent should be kept current of the changes. And remember – keeping things up to code, and installing safety features, will keep your insurance premiums low!

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is always here to help answer any questions you may have.

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The Mentor (and me YIKES)

Posted on by cvargas

As always I like to start the day with some positive words:

“I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
-Thomas A. Edison

Even though we can see that the circumstances of today are different than those of our past, our tendency is to write today’s story using our past circumstances.

  • We tell this year’s story using last year’s point of view.
  • We enter a new relationship with baggage from the old one.
  • We start a creative project with judgments and biases of the past.

I’m all for wisdom and learning from our mistakes, the key is to strike a balance between what you already know and the willingness to look at what lies ahead of you as a blank canvas. If you clutter the canvas with your existing biases, knowledge, and judgment, you leave little room for innovation.

Once you realize that every single moment of your life is temporary, you can finally separate yourself from your circumstances. But sometimes our temporary circumstances last longer than we want them to.

  • It takes a bit longer for you to lose the weight
  • Your business grows slower than you thought it would
  • Debt is not paid off as soon as you had hoped
  • You’re single for longer than you thought you’d be

When your temporary circumstances last longer than you hoped they would, it’s easy to fall back into believing they are your identity.

This is one of the most important times to remember that everything is temporary. I know it can be hard to see something that lasts for many years as temporary. But I believe that anyone who has achieved anything of great significance sees their struggle as short-lived.

  • I’m single, but the next one will be the girl of my dreams
  • I am unemployed (or underemployed) but I know that things will change if I give it time
  • I may be at rock bottom but what’s coming is a spectacular take off

You have to believe in a future that doesn’t look like today. I was having breakfast with my friend and mentor Vasco Rodrigues this morning at his favorite breakfast joint (can you guess where it is? Hit reply now and let me know) and he said “People who do great things always believe their idea at that moment is the best idea in the world – even when it’s not.”  POWERFUL!

They believe so strongly in the future that “THIS IS TEMPORARY” becomes the lens through which they see the world.

I hope that you have someone like Vasco in your life, (read this Forbes article on why most successful people have a mentor)!  He is responsible for all that I am and all that I have, as he saw “something” in a two job working 20-year-old community college dropout and hired me. (Do you see what he saw? Scroll down – just don’t laugh). And as Paul Harvey use to say “now you know the rest of the story”.

03-03-2017 We’ve been meeting for breakfast for over 30 years, taken at one of our breakfast places

03-27-2012 UMASS Boston’s Chancellor’s Award for Longstanding Community Commitment and Service

03-17-2015 Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration Norwood MA.

YIKES 🙂

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5 Things You Should Always Tell Your Houseguests

Posted on by cvargas

When you are planning to play host for a group of houseguests, whether for a weekend or an indeterminate amount of time, there are things that they should know. You need to tell them where to find their clean towels, and where the coffee is, for example.

According to the American Red Cross, there are a few other things you should go over with overnight guests for safety reasons, and they are easy to forget when a guest walks in for the first time. These tips include:

  1. The rules of the pool or hot tub, if either will be in use, especially if there are children visiting.
  2. Potential hazards for young children, including breakables and unsecured furniture. Designate an ‘off-limits’ room in which to store items that are hazardous.
  3. A health emergency plan, for events like allergic reactions (make sure to ask about allergens and special diets ahead of time and warn guests of foods to stay away from).
  4. The escape plan in case of fire, including locations of all emergency exits from your home.
  5. Location of a nearby shelter if severe weather strikes.

If you want some suggestions for activities in the Boston area that your guests will love, follow the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook Page! We are always posting about upcoming events that can help you fill your time making great memories. And know that you can also always call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for a simple and free insurance review for all your Massachusetts insurance policies.

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Safety Tips for Massachusetts Small Businesses

Posted on by cvargas

As a business owner, safety should be your number one priority. To make sure that you always have your safety in mind, here are a few tips that you can use to protect your business, your assets, and your employees:

  • Businesses should be well lit to avoid both prying eyes during non-business hours, and to avoid customers having an accident due to poorly lit areas.
  • Store all important business documents in a safe place. This might include a safe deposit box, or a bolted down safe – just make sure that the place you choose is waterproof, fireproof, and safe from burglars.
  • You can’t be at your business 24/7, but it’s easy to keep an eye on things whenever you want with a security system that includes surveillance cameras.
  • Your employees may have ideas for how to make your workplace safer. Ask for their ideas and implement changes based on their suggestions.
  • Keep emergency plans simple, and keep emergency supplies convenient. These supplies should include the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and emergency contact list.
  • If your business requires the use of vehicles, make sure that they are serviced regularly, and that they have a great commercial auto insurance

While it is crucial to do everything that you can to protect your business, there is always the chance that something could happen. To make sure that your business can bounce back quickly from an event like a flood, fire, break-in, or another peril, call 617-298-0655 to talk to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about your business insurance policies.

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Three Reasons Why You Need Renters Insurance

Posted on by cvargas

You would never drive a car without auto insurance, and you should never rent an apartment or a home without the proper renters insurance policy. Here are three reasons why you and your loved ones that rent their living space should make sure that they are always covered by a Massachusetts renters insurance policy:

1. You shouldn’t rely on your landlord for coverage.

Some people believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover them. While it is true that landlords do have insurance, it is a special type of policy that only covers their belongings – typically the structure of the building and any appliances that they own and lend out with the unit (like ovens and refrigerators).

2. Your belongings are probably more valuable than you think.

It’s easy to think at first that your belongings aren’t all that valuable, but think again! If there was a fire, for example, and you lost everything, you would probably spend hundreds of dollars replacing just your clothing – let alone your furniture and electronics.

3. It’s about more than just your possessions.

Renters insurance provides many types of protection. It will cover the replacement cost of your stuff, as discussed above, but it will also cover you for accidents that could occur. For example, most policies will provide coverage if you break a neighbor’s furniture, or if someone sustains an injury tripping on an unsecured rug in your apartment.

If you want to speak to a knowledgeable Massachusetts insurance agent about getting a renters insurance quote, just call 617-298-0655. And at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we also offer special insurance for people in condos and townhomes. Don’t go unprotected any longer – call our agency for a free insurance quote today.

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Happy Presidents Day!

Posted on by cvargas

Happy Presidents Day!

Our offices are open today.

“Not in vain has Lincoln lived, for he has helped to make this republic an example of justice, with no caste but the caste of humanity.”  ~George Bancroft

We hope that you are planning a great weekend with your #family and #friends!

Check out all of the goings on in and around #Boston this Presidents Day weekend, Click here

With spring-like temperatures upon us this weekend, please consider reading our blog on how to prevent ice dams. Click here to read our blog.

#HappyPresidentsDay

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Fear And Confidence

Posted on by cvargas

 

“If every lover was treated like they matter every day, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be so special.”
-Mokokoma Mokhonoana

I am enjoying a great cup of Brazilian Mogiana coffee locally roasted by our friends at Flat Black Coffee. What are you drinking? Reply below and let me know!

I thought that I would drink this coffee and write a Valentine’s Day message, but nothing has come to me. It’s Thursday and it’s snowing outside, so Instead, I have decided to write about Fear and Confidence.

You remember my message from the past on Fear, and it seems only natural to follow that up by walking through how to build up your Confidence. I can tell you that one of the core element of being successful in business (and in life) is confidence. But you know this – mostly because you know how bad it feels when you lack confidence.

How is your confidence?

It turns out that the more small successes you rack up, the more you’ll feel ready to take on something bigger. You need wins. Believe it or not, I learned this from playing video games with my sons. In most games, the first few minutes are dedicated to teaching you the mechanics. Angry Birds teaches you how to hit a green pig with a bird. Super Mario Brothers teaches you to hop on goombas and break bricks. Pac Man (my all time favorite game) starts out simple and gets more complex.

The real world is a bit more tricky, but you can steal the same mechanics of gaming to build your confidence. When you take on a job, no one gives you an “easy” level when you’re starting out. When you go into business for yourself, it’s often that sense of being “thrown into the deep end.”

However, you are the owner of your experience. You can decide that you want to “level up” the way you do in video games. How? The answer is simple – “wins.”

Confidence runs on wins: More wins = More confidence

Let’s take sales, for example. If you’re in business of any kind, you need more customers. Of this, I have no doubt. So what are you doing right now? Most of the people who read this newsletter are wondering just how much blogging, Tweeting, Snapchatting, and Facebooking they have to do to get a customer. You’re probably losing faith. Your confidence is dipping.

Instead of getting down, make some small wins for yourself. Here are a few examples of tasks that will create these wins to boost your confidence:

  • I’m going to make 10 specific “asks” to 10 different people who might be the right fit for what I sell. The WIN is that you ask, not whether they buy.
  • I’m going to write a sales letter by Monday afternoon. The win is that the letter is written.
  • I’ll send that letter Tuesday (another win).
  • I’ll follow up in personalized emails. I’ll make sure I do 20 a day. Another win.
  • I am going to call 10 of my past clients today, and see how they are doing (don’t start thinking that they will be upset, it’s too long since I last called, etc. Here’s a secret – people think a lot less about us than we think they do).
  • Everyone that I meet I will FROG (ask about their Family, Recreation, Occupation and Goals).
  • I will add to my referral network (if you need help doing this, I’d love to help)
  • I will get at least one more sale this week than I did last week. Win.

See what I’m doing? Take the bigger task and break it down a bit. Find what will constitute a victory and accomplish it. Stack up more and more of those and you’ll see your confidence rise.

This is true of everything you want to accomplish. Need to lose 30 pounds? Make a win be going to the gym for 3 days this week. Make another win be drinking one gallon of water every day. Once those little victories start stacking up, you’ll have more confidence to tackle bigger tasks.

Are you scared of public speaking? Start with a blog post. Then a video. Then a free speech to a small group. Then a bigger group, etc.

Set up paths that take you from the simple wins to the bigger ones. Everything works better this way, I promise. The world may not line up neatly, but you, the owner of your destiny (and your fear), can line it up.

Go! Do it now.

And know that you are loved.

PS: Should you know of anyone who has an insurance question or need an honest insurance quote or review, I would be honored if you would keep our agency in mind. Click here

PPS: Here’s what I learned today ” How to spot a fake friend request” Click here

 

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Valentine’s Day – Time to Rekindle with Your… Insurance Agent?

Posted on by cvargas

When was the last time you had a real ‘heart-to-heart’ with your insurance agent? Even though it may have been a while, now is the perfect time to rekindle your relationship – it is Valentine’s Day, after all!

Did you know that you should talk to your insurance agent at least once a year to ensure that all your policies are up to date, and that you have the right amount of coverage?

As you chat with your agent, you can expect to review all the major changes in your life, including:

  • Changes in relationship status (marriage or divorce)
  • Children being born, starting to drive, or leaving the household
  • Windfalls or (hopefully not) major monetary losses
  • New ‘toys,’ including cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles
  • Other purchases – like Valentine’s Day jewelry, perhaps?

In addition to updating your insurance policies to reflect the recent changes in your life, your insurance agent will use your annual meeting as a chance to search for any new discounts for which you may qualify. This means that you may come out of your meeting with a decreased insurance premium! Wouldn’t that be nice?

If you’re ready to rekindle your relationship with your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent, just call 617-298-0655. We can set you up with an appointment and let you know what to bring to get the most out of your meeting. Also bring a list of all your insurance questions – we love to make sure our clients are well-informed about their insurance!

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Our Top Tips for First Time Car Insurance Customers

Posted on by cvargas

Recently, we’ve had a lot of questions regarding first-time car insurance buyers. Turns out lots of new drivers are going to be on the road soon, and they will be needing top of the line car insurance from the experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

If you know a teenager that will soon be driving, make sure to share these tips with them, and have them call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 for their first car insurance quote!

  • There is a minimum amount of insurance that you need to have, and that is defined by the state in which you live.
  • If you could not easily replace your vehicle with cash on hand, you should probably have extra comprehensive and collision coverage.
  • Insurance policies have a maximum – if you need to make a claim, this is the most that insurance will pay out, and you will be liable for anything above and beyond this number, unless you have umbrella insurance.
  • If you use an independent insurance agent (like Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency), your agent will comparison shop for you, and make sure that you have great coverage at a low rate.
  • As a teenager, you probably don’t qualify for discounts like home and auto insurance bundling, but there are other discounts that you may get – like for being a good student or taking driver’s ed.
  • Your insurance premiums may seem high right now – that’s because you’re riskier as a new driver. As you age and have more experience behind the wheel, your premium will decrease.

We look forward to speaking to the new drivers in your life about their Boston auto and home insurance options. After all, making sure that the members of our community are educated about the benefits of proper insurance is our goal!

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