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Never Get Locked Out Again!

Posted on by cvargas

There isn’t much more inconvenient than finding yourself locked out of your own house. It happens to everyone at some point, so make sure that you are prepared when this situation rears its ugly head with these helpful hints:

Think Twice About Your Hiding Spot

Everyone has seen those fake rocks that hide your key in magazines – and that includes potential burglars! Instead of hiding your key somewhere around your front door, hide it somewhere that’s just as convenient but less obvious. Women can hide a spare key in their pocketbook, men can slip a spare between their phone and the phone’s case, or you can use a wall-mounted key box, like this one from Master Lock.

Have a Key Master

One of the most effective ways to ensure that you don’t get sidelined by a lockout is to give a spare key to someone local that you trust. After all, calling up a neighbor to use your spare will be much less of a headache than calling a locksmith!

Be Prepared for the Worst

In case you do get stuck outside your home without access to your spare keys, make sure that you are prepared. Have all the numbers you need stored in your cell phone for easy access, including a reliable locksmith and the local non-emergency police number.

Hopefully with these tips you will be able to avoid a lockout, or at least be prepared if one happens to you. If you want to be even more prepared, talk to me about getting a home insurance review. Often times, I will see people that don’t have the right coverage or people that are paying too much for the coverage they have. If you want to make sure that you have the right homeowners, automobile or business coverage at the right price, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Friends Are The Most Important Ingredient

Posted on by cvargas

“Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life.”
– Dior Yamasaki

I thought this week I would give you a few Facebook tips that I have found very helpful in our business.

In the presentations that I do, I’m often asked for tips and strategies to create and connect with friends and customers on Facebook.

Here’s a few:

  1. When a person “likes” your Facebook post, always respond with a comment with their name in it. Use their name to personalize the comment.

If you start to type their name in, Facebook will fill it in, and it will tag them.  If you want to make it more personal, you can back out their last name, which is what I suggest.

Here are some examples:

Mary, I love that you enjoyed this.

Mary, I knew this message would resonate with you.

Mary, I love it when you like what I share.

2. In the beginning of the post that you do, encourage people to share it with others. What I do is simply write on the top of the post:
“This is worth sharing with your friends.”

Or

“Please share.”

Put a message either at the top of your post or at the end of the post encouraging people to give it away.

  1. When someone shares your post, send them a “private message” thanking them for doing so.

    Here are a couple of examples:

    Mary, thank you for sharing my post.

    Mary, I am so glad that you found my post helpful, thank you for the share.

    Mary, thank you for the share! I hope that you are well and business is going well, let’s meet for coffee soon.

  2. If a person comments, always “like” their comment and respond to it with a question.

For example, if a person says, “That is really cool”, you would comment and ask them what is it about his that you found to be cool?

Just have some fun with it.  When people comment, don’t let them hang, go back and say something about what they said.  You want to encourage and facilitate a conversation and therefore build the relationship with them.

  1. Don’t forget to wish your friends a happy birthday on their birthdays.
  2. Use the list feature to sort our your friends, clients, colleagues, acquaintances, etc.  Learn more about Facebook lists here.

Why is this Key?  I call it the “Law of Familiarity”, the more communication, in whatever form, you have with people, the more familiar they become with you.

The reality is that people love to do business with the people they know, like and trust, and they love to refer others to people they are familiar with. Facebook is the ultimate way to create a high level of familiarity with others.

I LOVE connecting with people. In fact, if there was just one thing I feel that I am THE EXPERT in, it is branding and marketing. I use what I have learned to work with a few local business folks on how to connect and grow their brand both online and offline.

I am so committed to these local business friends that we have a Monday accountability call each week. The good news is that I have room for a couple more of these Monday accountability calls. So, look at 2017 – if you’re trying to START or GROW your personal brand, let me know. We’ll spend a little time together, and I will give you an assessment and a clear direction on HOW TO CRUSH 2017 to BOOST YOUR PERSONAL BRAND. Want to meet in person? We can do that too. All you have to do is comment below now, and I promise to make time for you because you are important to me.

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Spring Cleaning Tips that Everyone Should Know

Posted on by cvargas

It’s a ritual here in the US – every spring, millions of Americans begin to clean their houses with an annual vigor. Did you know that this custom of “Spring Cleaning” may have come from Iranian, Jewish, and Chinese origins? Regardless of the reason for this custom, here are some tips that you can use to ensure that your Spring Cleaning is successful:

  • Work on your home from the top to the bottom and from one side to the other. Finishing rooms one at a time will give you a sense of accomplishment, and will also ensure that you aren’t carrying dirt or clutter between rooms.
  • If you can, multi-task. Run the washing machine or the dishwasher while you scrub or dust so that you can knock out two birds with one stone.
  • While you clean and organize, make a pile of things to donate – it will help you get rid of clutter, and can help benefit the community!
  • Go at your own pace – take breaks often to rest and rehydrate. Split big jobs into several smaller chunks so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Also, make sure that you know your limits, and hire a professional if necessary.

When you finish cleaning your house, give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call and we’ll help you clean up your insurance portfolio! One of our friendly and knowledgeable agents can review your home insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, and other insurance policies to make sure that you have all the coverage that you need, and at the right price. Don’t hesitate, call now – 617-298-0655.

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Planning Your Patriots Super Bowl Party

Posted on by cvargas

The New England Patriots have done it again – our boys will soon be on their way to Houston to play in the Big Game! Now that we know the lineup, it’s time to start planning a watch party with a red, white, and blue theme (my apologies to anyone from Atlanta).

If you’re going to have anyone over to watch the game on February 5th, make sure that you consider these party planning and safety tips from your friends at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency:

  • Ask your guests ahead of time if they have any food allergies, and plan your menu accordingly.
  • Before anyone arrives, move valuable and breakable objects to a room that isn’t a part of the festivities. If any of your belongings (or a part of your home) is damaged during the party, call your local insurance agent to start a home insurance claim!
  • Make sure that everything is safe for your guests – you don’t want any hazards around the house, like an icy sidewalk or rug that could be tripped over.
  • If you are serving alcohol, make sure that all partygoers have a designated driver, and don’t let anyone get too impaired.
  • If you’re going to be frying any of your party foods, keep guests (especially children) away from the fryer and out of the kitchen.

Have a great party, and make sure to show your Patriots pride on the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook Page! We want to see how you are rooting for the team! And remember – to make sure that you are fully prepared for any house party, call for a free home insurance review at 617-298-0655.

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Answers to Your Umbrella Insurance Questions!

Posted on by cvargas

Everyone knows the purpose of home insurance, business insurance, and car insurance. But do you know what umbrella insurance does? It’s one of the most mysterious insurance policies out there, but it is also a policy that gives you a fantastic amount of coverage for a very low price. Read more about umbrella insurance here:

What is Umbrella Insurance?

In short, umbrella insurance is coverage above and beyond your other insurance policies. For example, if you cause a car accident that results in property damage, injuries, and lost wages for the other party, your auto insurance policy will cover up to a certain amount of the damages. If the damages are more than the liability coverage limit on your insurance, you would be on the hook for the rest – unless you had umbrella insurance! The same umbrella insurance would also cover your home insurance and more.

Who needs Umbrella Insurance Coverage?

No one expects to need coverage above and beyond their home and auto insurance limits, but sometimes life has other plans. Most people could benefit from a Massachusetts umbrella insurance, especially those who own property, own a business, own a trampoline or dog, have significant savings or investments, or engage in activities that increase chances of a lawsuit.

How much Umbrella Insurance should I get?

Every person has different needs when it comes to their insurance. To find out how much umbrella insurance you should carry, talk to your local independent insurance agent. They will be able to identify your risks and recommend a policy based on your unique situation. For more information about Boston umbrella insurance, call the Vargas and Vargas Insurance team at 617-298-0655.

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“When The Leader Lacks Confidence”

Posted on by cvargas

As people, we sometimes find ourselves in situations that leave us feeling uncomfortable and uneasy. As business people, leaders, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs, that’s pretty much a constant.

Being scared is part of being alive. Accept it. Walk through it.
-Robin Sharma

You know what I mean, it could be something positive—maybe speaking to a large crowd, launching a new product, or meeting with an important client.

It could be something negative—a confrontational meeting, an unexpected call, or an ambush instead of an actual sale.

In my experience, as a business person and leader, the day is filled with a mix of both the positive and negative. And, if you’re like me, sometimes we don’t always feel up to either.

Challenges are a constant, but confidence is not. It comes and goes. It ebbs and flows, but we have to learn from both and become better at dealing with our uncomfortable zone.

I experience the greatest doubt and anxiety at the start of something new and big. Whether it’s good or bad, I’m usually fine once I’m going. But until then, I’m like the person on the tip of a black diamond ski slope, overlooking way too much white powder.

Here’s the problem: If you’re a leader, going back isn’t optional. You have to go—and you have to go first.

So, how can we kick fear to the curb long enough to get off the slopes? For me, it comes down to connecting with three critical truths. And I think these can help anyone facing a moment of doubt or uncertainty.

Truth No. 1: They Matter

Whoever you’re dealing with, whatever their circumstances, they matter. This is non-negotiable for gaining confidence. Why? Because it draws us out of ourselves and our own concerns and doubts.

Truth No. 2: It Matters

Not only do others matter, but so do our solutions. As business people and leaders, our job is to meet needs. We could also say—just as easily and accurately—our job is to show how our offer meets our client’s needs.

Truth No. 3: I Matter

Frankly, this truth might be the hardest for some of us to believe. The people you’re dealing with matter. And yes, you know what best addresses their situation, even if it’s bad news.

You have to believe in yourself. Let these thoughts fill your mind and  see how they sound:

  • I am not here by accident. God sent me. To this person (or people or company). At exactly this time.
  • What I have to share is vitally important. It matters, to them, to their loved ones, and to the world.
  • I have all the resources I need to make a positive difference in this situation.

Go ahead and jump!.

This is not going to solve all your problems. You’ll still have the uncomfortable meeting and the angry clients. But who cares?

QUESTION: What big move, positive or negative are you dreading right now? I would love to know, leave a comment below.

That’s it for this week!

Now, go out and DOMINATE your week!

Carlos

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What Happens to a Mortgage When the Owner Dies?

Posted on by cvargas

It’s a topic that no one wants to discuss, but that everyone should be talking about. Have you done any estate planning? After all, the fact is that we will all die one day, and it would be a huge burden lifted from the shoulders of your loved ones if you were prepared. Thankfully, there are lots of resources available to help make sure that your affairs are in order when your time comes.

One of the most important things that you should iron out is what will happen to your home. If you have a mortgage, there are several things that you need to consider. After all, the mortgage payments won’t just disappear!

If you have a co-borrower, the mortgage will automatically pass to them. If there is no co-borrower, a co-signer is the next person who would assume the property. If neither of these positions are filled, a Boston estate planning lawyer can help you construct a plan regarding passing your home to a person of your choice, whether it’s a child, grandchild, or someone else. When you die, your home (and your mortgage) will be transferred to that person, and it will be up to them whether to continue payments or sell the property.

Have you thought about having some extra life insurance or mortgage protection insurance to help pay for your property when you pass on? If you want to explore your options, call our agency and speak to a knowledgeable agent about what you can do to leave a parting gift for your loved ones.

Do you have any more questions about your mortgage? If so, please let me know! I have many friends in the mortgage industry and would be happy to help you find all the answers you are looking for. Also, we are always ready to answer your homeowners, automobile, homeowners, business insurance questions! Call or email me at cvargas@vargasinsurance.com, and we can find a time to chat and answer all your questions.

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Helping the Seniors in Your Life This Winter

Posted on by cvargas

Whether it is a family member or a neighbor, everyone knows an elderly person that may need a little bit of extra help this time of year. Do your part to help the seniors in our area, especially in the harsh winters of Massachusetts. Here are three things you can help with:

Prevent Falls – During the winter here in Massachusetts, things are often slick. This is a concern for everyone, but most of all for seniors, who are at an increased risk for injury from slip and fall accidents. To decrease the risk of a slip, keep sidewalks and driveways de-iced.

Ensure Warmth and Comfort – When the temperature drops, you should make sure that the seniors in your life stay warm and comfortable. Monitor the air temperature in their home, and ensure that heating devices like space heaters are used properly to reduce the risk of fire.

Prepare for a Storm – Seniors need to be somewhere safe during a storm. Ideally, they would have someone with them – this could mean that someone stays with them until the storm blows over, or that the senior is relocated to stay somewhere safe during bad weather.

And if you want to further help your senior family members, friends, and neighbors, make sure that they have optimized their home, health, and life insurance policies. If you suspect that one of your elderly loved ones could use a thorough insurance review, please let me know – I would love to help and make sure that they are fully prepared for the rest of their life’s journey.

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How Podcasts Saved My Life

Posted on by cvargas

Did I grab your attention with my headline?

Good!

When I say that podcasts saved my life, what I mean is that listening to podcasts has made my daily workout much more enjoyable. Here’s my story – a few years ago I was in a funk. I did not like the size that I was approaching (I am 5’5” and at my heaviest, I weighed more than 200 pounds), PLUS I was always exhausted. I love food, and socializing, so what was I supposed to do?

During Lent of 2015 my son challenged me. Matthew said, “Dad, I challenge to give up for lent  you to stop your daily glasses of wine at lunch and dinner, and add daily exercise into your day.” I accepted the challenge. While it was not hard to stop the wine drinking, I found it difficult to get daily exercise. After all, I have always found exercise boring, and I could only listen to so much music… so I  started listening to podcasts!

Do you listen to podcasts? If you don’t, I challenge you to do so! Whether you are an entrepreneur, solopreneur, or someone who just wants a little bit of self-improvement, you can get so much value from listening to podcasts (I even started a podcast, more on that later). Check out my ‘Top 10’ list below for some inspiration if you are new to the podcasting world.
Here are my top 10 podcasts:

Do you make it a point to get the recommended amount of exercise each week? According to the American Heart Association, the average person needs about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. In addition to aiding weight loss and heart health, exercise provides these invisible benefits:

  • Higher Pain Tolerance – Did you know that athletes have a higher tolerance for pain than sedentary people? This means that they are also less affected by day-to-day annoyances and stress.
  • Better Eating Habits – After a workout, people are less likely to crave high-calorie foods. This means that people that exercise are less likely to reach for junk food! It’s a win-win!
  • Less Stress and Anxiety – Exercise causes the release of GABA in the brain, which has been shown to quiet brain activity and minimizes anxiety. This means that spending a few minutes at the gym each day could make you a happier person, especially when you consider the endorphin rush you also get when working out!
  • Improved Immune System – In addition to lessening your chances of heart disease and diabetes, regular exercise has been proven to decrease the likelihood of contracting common illnesses like colds and flus.

How do you like to exercise? Hit reply now, I would love to know. Some people prefer zoning out on a treadmill, others (like me) prefer going out on nature walks in the community… thankfully, your body will appreciate the activity no matter how you chose to work out. So don’t wait any longer – get moving! And make sure that you let me know if you have any questions about health or health insurance policies

That’s it for this week!

Now, go out and DOMINATE your week!

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Resolutions for You and Your Home Insurance

Posted on by cvargas

It’s almost the start of a new year, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start focusing on your goals and resolutions! If you’re looking for a resolution for the New Year, consider one of the following. They will not only improve your life but could also help you save money on your Massachusetts home insurance policy!

Get Organized – One popular resolution that people make for a new year is to get more organized. Whether you’re planning on cleaning your home from top to bottom, or even paring down some of your stuff, now would be a great time to update (or start) a home inventory! Having an up-to-date list of your valuables can be a huge help if you ever need to make a home insurance claim.

Quit Smoking – Getting healthy is a big goal for people when new year rolls around, and ‘Quit Smoking’ is on a lot of resolution lists. Did you know, though, that quitting could also save on your home insurance? Some insurance providers offer a discount if no one in the home smokes!

Go Green – If you’re aiming to do your part to help the planet this coming year, your insurance agent could help you! In some cases, eco-friendly and energy efficient appliances could reduce your home insurance premiums.

Save Money – There are lots of ways that you can save money. In addition to monitoring your spending and creating a budget, consider calling your home insurance agent or automobile insurance agent and asking what you could do to lower your insurance payment. We have several suggestions on how to make a big difference on your premium’s bottom line.

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Auto Insurance Changes for Interstate Moves

Posted on by cvargas

Some people can go their whole lives without ever moving from one state to another. If you aren’t one of those people, though, you will need to figure out the intricacies of an inter-state move. Whether you are moving to or from our great state of Massachusetts, here are three things for you to consider when it comes to your auto insurance policy:

Minimum Coverage

If you’re moving to Massachusetts, you need to make sure that your auto insurance meets the state required minimums (which are outlined here). If you are moving out of Massachusetts, you should realize that the minimum amount of coverage that you are required to purchase may increase or decrease, depending on your destination.

Personal Injury Protection

In Massachusetts, drivers are required to carry PIP – Personal Injury Protection – as a part of their auto insurance. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages if you are involved in an accident. Ask your new insurance agent how much PIP they recommend, especially if you are moving out of state.

No-Fault State

Did you know that Massachusetts is a “No Fault” state? There are only about a dozen states that are “No Fault” – this means that drivers and passengers recover damages from their own insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault. If you are moving, read up on how this coverage will change your claims.

And remember – you must maintain auto insurance at all times, so never cancel your old policy before you have set up something new. If you have any questions about switching your automobile insurance, home insurance or business insurance over for your big move, don’t hesitate to call Vargas & Vargas Insurance 617-298-0655!

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Winter Weather Part 3: After the Storm (the storm has passed, now what?)

Posted on by cvargas

10-19-16-winter-weather-part-3-after-imgHave you read the blogs on what to do before and during a winter storm? If so, then you’re ready for the third and final part to this blog series – what to do after the storm passes. It’s easy to think that you’re free and clear once the storm blows over, but there are still a few things that you should check off your ‘to-do’ list:

  • If your home lost power during the storm and you need a safe place to stay warm, find a local shelter by texting SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA).
  • Learn from the storm. Make a note of anything that you could do in the future to be more prepared, including supplies that you should add to your emergency kit, and improvements you could make to your family communication plan.
  • Make sure to restock any items in your emergency kit that you may have used during the storm, including batteries, medicines, food, water, and more.
  • If your home was damaged due to the storm, call your local independent insurance agent to find out if the damage is covered by your home insurance policy. They can get started making a claim for you right away!

If you need any help with your home insurance or want some general insurance advice, please let me know. And make sure that you stay tuned to this blog for more tips on winterizing your home and car, and on how to get the most out of your insurance policies.

Hopefully, our series of winter storms has been beneficial to understanding what to do, before, during and after a winter storm. If you need help with a Massachusetts auto, home or business insurance, we are the experts at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, just call 617-298-0655. We will be happy to help you understand all of your insurance needs and coverage options, and select the plan that’s best for your unique needs.

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Driving Tips for Winter Months

Posted on by cvargas

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Like it or not, it’s just going to get colder from here. We know that many of our customers are seasoned New Englanders who have driven in the snow and cold year after year, but it’s never a bad idea to brush up on safety! When you have to hit the road this winter, make sure that you keep yourself (and your passengers) safe by following these suggestions:

  • Never allow your car to warm up or run in an enclosed space, like a closed garage.
  • Ensure that your tires are properly inflated according to your manufacturer’s instruction.
  • Make sure that your gas tank is always more than half full in case of an emergency.
  • If your car gets buried in snow, take the time to clear it off completely before driving.
  • Never use hot water to de-ice your windshield.
  • Never use cruise control when driving on a slick surface.
  • When roads are snowy, accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction.
  • Increase your follow distance when the roads are slippery.
  • If conditions get bad, don’t drive unless absolutely necessary.
  • Make sure that your car’s emergency kit is fully stocked at all times.

For more winter survival tips, stay tuned to our blog! And remember, it only takes a few minutes to get an auto insurance quote from your favorite local insurance agency! Your agent can ensure that you are getting all of the discounts for which you qualify, as well as ensuring that you have all of the coverage that you and your vehicle require.

Hopefully, this will help you If you fins yourself in a bad situation, or if you would like to speak with a Massachusetts insurance expert from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, just call 617-298-0655. We will be happy to help you understand your automobile, homeowners, and business insurance coverage options, and select the plan that’s best for your unique needs.

 

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Winter Weather Part 2: During the Storm (what to do once a storm blows in)

Posted on by cvargas

 

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Now that you know what to do to prepare for a winter storm, we are ready to cover what to do once a storm blows in. When you’re stuck in the middle of a blizzard, here are some tips that you and your family should follow in order to stay safe:

  • During the storm, everyone should stay indoors.
  • If anyone must go outside, make sure that they dress for the weather, and tell them to walk carefully – black ice can be very dangerous!
  • Drive only if absolutely necessary. If someone goes out on the roads, know their destination and route just in case.
  • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Know what to do if anyone is affected by either of these conditions.
  • Stay tuned to your local weather station for updates on the storm.
  • Have plenty of activities ready in case of a power outage, especially if there are kids in the house. In fact, you may consider adding a few new games, books, crafts, and toys to your emergency kit to keep your kids occupied during a storm.

If and when there is a storm, please be careful and try to stay as safe as possible until the weather clears up. And make sure that you don’t miss the third and final part of this blog series, which will go into what you should do after a major storm, including tips for making home insurance claims if there is major damage to your home.

Hopefully, this information will help you If you are in a bad situation, or if you would like to speak with a Massachusetts insurance expert from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, just call 617-298-0655. We will be happy to help you understand your automobile, homeowners, and business insurance coverage options, and select the plan that’s best for your unique needs.

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What to Do After a Break-In

Posted on by cvargas

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It’s a nightmare come true for every homeowner – you come in from being away only to find that your home has been broken into. Once the initial shock wears off, what should you do? Here are four steps that you can take to start down the road to normalcy:

Immediately Call the Police

The first thing that you should do is immediately call the police. Wait outside or at a neighbor’s home for the police to arrive, and do not touch anything in your home until the police are able to investigate. File a police report, and keep a copy for insurance purposes.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

Your insurance provider will want to know about the break in right away, and may want to send an adjuster to assess the damage. They will likely need a copy of the police report, as well as a list of the items that were stolen or damaged.

Begin the Cleaning and Repairs

It can be very emotional to have your home invaded. When you finally need to start the process of cleaning up, consider rearranging the furniture or painting the walls to make the space feel fresh and new. This could help you and your family overcome some of the bitter emotions that often come with this kind of event.

Evaluate Your Home’s Security

If your home security system could use an upgrade, now is the perfect time to do so. Your local insurance agent may be able to help you get a discount on your home insurance policy if you have certain security features installed, such as a monitored security system and video surveillance.

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Must Have Apps for Real Estate Professionals

Posted on by cvargas

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A smartphone is a must in today’s world, especially for a Real Estate agent. You probably use yours several times a day to talk to clients and schedule showings, but are you using your phone to its fullest potential? Here are four areas where you may be able to leverage your app store to make your life easier:

  • Social Media – Social Media doesn’t rest, so you need to be prepared to post and interact with clients and followers at all times. Your phone is a key player in having your profiles at your fingertips. You obviously need Facebook, but also try apps like Instagram, Vine, Snapchat, HootSuite and (my favorite) Buffer
  • Organization – Staying organized on the go is a key trait for Realtor success. Apps like Dropbox, Tempo, and (my favorite) Evernote and more will help you have all of your documents and appointments at your fingertips, no matter where you are.
  • For Showings – Did you know that there are apps that you can use to help you with your listing appointments? Route 4 Me helps you determine an optimal route to get clients around town efficiently, and Supra eKey can turn your smartphone into a lockbox key!
  • For Listings – In addition to using your social media accounts to promote your listings, you can use apps like Camera+ to take and edit pictures of your listings for your social media posts, or you can use your iphone like I do.  There is also a DocuSign app to help you send, track, and sign documents digitally to help sales go through smoothly.

What are the apps that you can’t live without? Tell us about the apps that we missed, and we may use them for another app feature in the future! And, as always, stay tuned to the blog for more technology tips.

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Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Posted on by cvargas

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The end of the year is quickly approaching, and for many people that means it’s time to start shopping. Whether you need presents or hostess gifts, you’re going to have a lot of options of where to shop this holiday season. Instead of going to a big box store or ordering online, try shopping at local small businesses! There are many amazing small businesses in our area, and supporting local small businesses has lots of benefits:

  • Encourages local character by promoting individuality
  • Increases community involvement and well-being
  • Keeps wealth local and encourages local prosperity
  • Boosts the local economy with more jobs and better wages
  • Fuels entrepreneurship and innovation in the community
  • Helps sustain the environment and reduce pollution by reducing sprawl

In addition to helping the community, you may find that you benefit personally from doing your shopping at smaller establishments. You will find more unique items than at larger retailers, and you will often receive more personalized and more attentive customer service while at smaller businesses.

If you want to take your support of small businesses to the next level, shop locally for the ingredients to your holiday meals! You can find great local produce around the Greater Boston area, and it will be fresher than what you get at the grocery store.

And one more thing – if you need insurance, you can get the same benefits that are listed above by shopping locally. Ask us for more information about why getting insurance from a local independent insurance agency is the way to go.   We can help you with your Massachusetts automobile, homeowners, business and life insurance.

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Have You Checked Your Car for These Problems Lately?

Posted on by cvargas

Simple ways to keep your car running

If a car is taken care of properly, it can easily last you for many years. Routine maintenance is a key factor in ensuring that your vehicle is in great shape, and there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your vehicle stays as healthy as possible:

  • If a dashboard light illuminates, have the issue checked by a professional right away.
  • Have someone help you check all of your car’s lights occasionally – headlights, turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights should all be operational.
  • Use an air pressure gauge to ensure that your tire’s PSI is within the manufacturer’s suggested range.
  • Check the amount of wear and tear on your tires, and replace your tires if it is significant.
  • Evaluate your fluid levels and top off fluid levels if needed, including engine oil, windshield wiper fluid, power steering fluid, and more.
  • Assess the state of your car’s windshield. If there are cracks or chips, have it repaired or replaced by a professional.
  • Make sure that windshield wipers are replaced at least once a year, or when they begin to leave streaks when in use.
  • Don’t be surprised by a dead battery – test your battery and cables and replace as needed.

Performing these rather simple checks occasionally will help you to ensure that your car runs smoothly for many years to come. Also remember to occasionally check on your auto insurance policy! You never know when you will need to use your coverage, so having an up-to-date policy is essential for all cars and their drivers.

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Winter Weather Part 1: Before the Storm

Posted on by cvargas
Winter Storm #1
Winter Storm #1

It’s that time of year again – winter weather will be here before we know it. Are you prepared? As an insurance expert, I have seen firsthand what happens when people aren’t prepared, and I don’t want that to happen to you! So make sure that you add these three simple but critical tasks to your ‘to-do’ list so that you and your family are prepared for the upcoming winter:

  • Build your emergency kits: You need two types of emergency kits. One will help you stay safe at home when you’re weathering out a storm, and one will keep you safe on the road if you need to evacuate. Ensure that both are stocked with all of the recommended necessities.
  • Have a communication plan: Sometimes bad weather can strike without warning. For these times, it is crucial to have a family communication plan, and to review it often. If you need to build a new communication plan, you can use this template from FEMA to get started.
  • Prepare your smartphone: You should always make sure that your cell phone is fully charged before a storm (have an external battery on hand just to be safe). Make sure that up-to-date weather information is just a tap away with apps from The Weather Channel and The Red Cross.

There are two more things that you can do to prepare. First, share this post with your friends and family so that they can prepare. Then, make sure that your home insurance is ready in case of a disaster with a free home insurance review. And make sure to stay tuned to parts two and three of this series, that will detail what to do during and after a winter storm!

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Avoid Kitchen Fires this Holiday Season

Posted on by cvargas

11-03-16-kitchen-fires-img

 

Did you know that the peak season for kitchen fires is during the fall and winter? It’s not surprising, especially when you consider that this is the time of year that families get together over a holiday meal. When you and your relatives gather during the holidays this year, make sure that you follow these kitchen tips so that everyone stays happy and healthy:

  • Wear the right clothing. Loose clothing (especially long, open sleeves) can be a fire hazard while cooking. Roll up sleeves when in the kitchen, and tie long hair back so that it doesn’t get in the way.
  • If you’re going to fry a turkey for one of your holiday meals, be very cautious, and make sure to read the instructions that came with your fryer thoroughly before you even begin to prepare your bird.
  • Make sure you always have the right tools on hand in case of a fire. For oven fires, turn off the oven’s heat and keep the door closed until the fire is out and cooled. Pots and pans are the same – carefully put a lid on the pan, then turn off the heat (if you can do so safely). And remember never to douse a grease fire with water!

Here’s one last tip to help you feel at ease when you’re hosting a crowd: Make sure that your home insurance is up to date! If it’s been a while since you last talked to your local insurance agent, touch base for a few minutes to make sure that you’re fully covered for any potential bumps in the road during the upcoming year. Updating your home insurance policy is a quick and easy process, but it could save you a lot of headaches in the future.

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