15 Cheap and Healthy Foods for Your New Diet

Name: Vargas & Vargas Insurance
Address: 1133 Washington St, Dorchester, MA, 02124
Telephone: 617-298-0655

Posted on January 16, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Two of the most common New Year’s Resolutions are to lose weight (or eat healthier) and to save money. Unfortunately, there’s a stigma that these two activities are mutually exclusive – most people believe that healthier food costs more. Thankfully, this isn’t always true. If you’re a smart shopper, you can both save money and eat healthy.

To achieve this, all you need to do is evaluate the cost per serving of some healthy food offerings at your local grocery store. We recently found this article at WebMD that breaks down 15 foods that are healthy and cost less than $1 a serving. (Note: the percentages given are based on Daily Recommended Values)

Brown Rice – 1/4 cup of dry rice per serving – $0.18 – 170 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein.

Whole-Wheat or Multigrain Pasta – 2 ounces of dry pasta – $0.24 – 200 calories, 6 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of protein.

100% Whole-Wheat Bread – 2 slices of bread – $0.18 – 120 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein.

Nonfat Greek Yogurt – 6-8 ounces of yogurt – $0.89 – (Honey Vanilla) 150 calories, 14 grams of protein

Old-Fashioned Oats – 1/2 cup dry oats – $0.13 – 150 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein.

Frozen Vegetables – 1 cup of vegetables – $0.25 – (Classic Mix) 82 calories, 6 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, plus 115% Vitamin A, 8% Vitamin C, and 7% potassium.

Russet Potato – 1 medium potato – $0.33 – 168 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, plus 20% Vitamin C, 10% iron, and 25% Potassium.

Fresh Spinach – 4 cups of spinach – $0.66 – 20 calories, 2 grams of fiber, plus 160% Vitamin A, 40% Vitamin C, 8% Calcium, and 40% Folic Acid.

Canned Refried Beans – 1/2 cup of beans – $0.34 – 140 calories, 7 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 4% Calcium, and 10% Iron.

Canned Tuna – 3 ounces of tuna – $0.70 – 60 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 0.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

Jarred Marinara Sauce – 1/2 cup of sauce – $0.28 – 90 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 15% vitamin A, 10% Vitamin C.

Whole Wheat Pita Bread – 1 pita pocket – $0.40 – 140 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein.

Generic Brand Egg Substitute – 1/4 cup egg substitute – $0.30 – 30 calories, 6 grams of protein, 10% B12, 6% Vitamin A, 4% Vitamins D and E.

Frozen Edamame – 1/2 cup (shelled) soybeans – $0.56 – 90 calories, 8 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, 10% iron, 6% calcium.

Dried Lentils – 1/4 cup dried lentils – $0.10 – 120 calories, 11 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein.

Add just a few of these items to your next grocery list and see just how much money you can save while still nurturing your body. And remember to inform your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about any lifestyle changes that you make – eating healthier and losing weight could end up saving you money on your health insurance policy! For more information, just call us at 617-298-0655.

The Benefits of Boston Condominium Insurance

Posted on January 14, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

If you live in a condominium, you have insurance needs that are truly unique. Don’t settle for any run of the mill home or renters insurance policy, because they won’t cover your situation as a condo owner. For the best Boston condominium insurance, make sure that you talk to the experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency about getting a policy that fully covers your condo, including the following specifications:

Boston Condominium Insurance

Evaluate the Condo Association’s master policy.

The first order of business when you’re looking for a Boston condominium insurance policy is to acquire a copy of your association’s insurance policy. You don’t want to personally pay to cover something that’s already covered by your association’s insurance. Letting your insurance agent see the master policy will ensure that you get the coverage that you need – no more and no less. In general, a master policy will provide coverage for the structure of the condo (walls, windows, etc) as well as protection for common areas.

Get enough protection for your possessions.

One of the most glaring types of coverage that you need to include in your Boston condominium insurance is protection for your possessions. While your condo association’s insurance policy protects the condo itself, it will not include any protection for your stuff. The best way to do this is to estimate the value of your goods and report that amount to your insurance agent. Make sure to include kitchen appliances (if you own them yourself) as well as clothes, electronics, etc.

Have plenty of liability coverage.

The other thing that probably won’t be included in your association’s master policy is liability protection. If you have guests over, and one of them injures themselves in your condo (or on the condo’s grounds) with a slip and fall or a dog bite, for example, it will be up to your personal condo insurance policy to cover the damages, like medical bills and lost wages. These costs snowball quickly – the average cost of a dog bite liability claim in 2013 was over $27,000! This just goes to show that it is important to get the right amount for your needs, based on the knowledge of an insurance professional.

Make sure there aren’t any gaps.

Once you’ve customized a condo insurance policy to fit your unique needs, your Boston insurance agent will double check to make sure that everything is covered by either your association’s policy or your own. That way, any claim will be able to be fully handled through insurance, and you won’t need to pay for any expenses out of pocket (besides your deductible, of course).

If you want to talk to an experienced insurance agent about getting a quote for a Boston condominium insurance policy, all you have to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents will follow all of the previously outlined steps to ensure that your condo is fully covered. Also make sure that you stay tuned to our Vargas and Vargas Insurance blog for useful information about home maintenance, car tips, and more!

Market Your Business On The Go – 4 Tips

Posted on January 12, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

You shouldn’t spend all of your time working – it just isn’t healthy. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t be prepared to advertise your business at a moment’s notice! One of your primary goals as a business owner is to get the word out about your business. Here are some tips about how you can share your passion with others, even when you’re not on the job!

Market Your Business on the go

Don’t be shy!

The first key to marketing your business when you’re out and about is to start talking to people. Don’t be shy about striking up a conversation with complete strangers, whether you’re standing in line, waiting for an elevator, or sitting near someone. Also don’t be hurt if someone doesn’t want to talk to you – just move on to someone else! Spreading the word about your business is never a bad thing, after all!

Know (and share) your elevator pitch.

One of the easiest ways to share the mission of your business with others is with a short, practiced speech. Just like you should know how to sell yourself in a minute or less, figure out how to tell someone all about your business in a succinct way. Once you’ve got your speech crafted, share it with others. Start with your family, then graduate to your friends. Not only will they get a clearer idea of what you do, they will be a good testing grounds for your pitch. Eventually, you can start telling complete strangers about your business!

Always carry business cards.

It’s a little old fashioned, but carrying a business card is still one of the best ways to get someone to remember you. They may forget your chat and your elevator pitch within a few minutes, but giving them a business card will ensure that they have a physical reminder of your positive interaction. When emptying their pockets at home, your potential customer will be more likely to look up your business’s website or Facebook page and connect with your business in a meaningful way.

Turn your vehicle into a billboard.

Does it feel like you’re out running errands constantly? Business owners are typically running from here to there all the time. Instead of feeling like your commute is time wasted, take advantage of it! Your vehicle is seen by dozens (if not hundreds) of people every day. By spending a few dollars on a magnetic car sign featuring your business’s logo, you could impact potential local customers on a daily basis. And when you don’t want to advertise? Just pull the sign off and put it in your trunk!

The passionate employees here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency are always testifying to their friends and family about the importance of a strong insurance portfolio. We love to share with our clients about how important it is to have up-to-date personal and business insurance policies, and are always willing to answer questions or give free quotes – just call us at 617-298-0655!

Most Popular Dorchester Commercial Insurance Policies

Posted on January 9, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Every business is different. That’s why Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency offers several different types of commercial insurance policies! When you call our agency for business insurance, we will help you build a policy that perfectly fits the needs of your business. We can work with you to evaluate your needs and pick all the types of coverage that your business requires. The types of Dorchester commercial insurance policies options may seem endless, but these five types of coverage are our most popular:

Dorchester Commercial Insurance Policies

Commercial Property Coverage

All businesses have to start somewhere, and your business’s physical location is a very important part of its identity – that’s why you should make sure that it has great insurance protection. A commercial insurance policy with commercial property coverage will insure your business’s structure, as well as furniture and equipment that you have. In most cases, it will even cover signs and landscaping!

Commercial Vehicle Coverage

Does your business require the use of a vehicle? While not every business needs this specific coverage, it is important for all business that regularly transport or deliver goods or services. With this policy, your business will appear as the “principal insured” on the policy if it is the owner of the vehicle, and the policy is useful even if the vehicles in question are used for both business and personal travel.

Group Benefits

If your business has employees, you should really consider adding a strong group benefits policy to your commercial insurance. Depending on the policy that you choose, you can give your employees access to health and dental insurance, retirement plans, disability, and much more. Workers tend to look for employment at businesses with good benefits packages, so working on this policy with Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you to attract a higher caliber of worker.

Workers Compensation

Unfortunately, accidents happen. To make sure that your business is ready for any accidents that may occur, make sure that you talk to us about adding a worker’s compensation policy to your commercial insurance policy. It can provide coverage for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, death benefits, and more. While we hope that you never need to use it, you can’t be too careful when it comes to your employees.

General and Excess Liability

Would your business be able to pay for a liability issue related to personal or advertising injury? These cases can get very expensive, but the right liability insurance can make sure that your business is protected financially against these situations, and many more. Almost all types of businesses can benefit from liability protection, call us and speak to an agent today to find out why this is.

To get a personalized commercial insurance policies in Dorchester, Hyde Park, South Boston, West Roxbury, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Boston, Stoughton, Canton, Randolph, Brockton, Sharon, MA for your business, all you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We will get to work right away crafting a Massachusetts business insurance policy as unique as your company. The best part is that all of our insurance quotes are free, and you have no obligation to purchase, so you can call any time, even if you’re just seeing if you can get a better deal than you’re in now!

Three Events That Always Go Over-Budget

Posted on January 7, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Three Events Always Go Over-Budget

Do you hate going over-budget? So do we! Thankfully, if you know that you’re likely to exceed your expected spending, you can prepare more ahead of time and lessen the likelihood of stretching your budget. For example, here are three events that always go over-budget, and how you can avoid spending more than planned:

Vacations

When you’re on vacation, you’re in ‘vacation mode’ – it’s all about having fun and creating memories, and you probably aren’t focusing on how often you pull out your wallet. While one extra souvenir or sweet treat won’t break the bank, consistently adding small purchases to your vacation spending will cause you to go over budget very quickly!

How to stay on budget: Be budget conscious when booking your transportation and lodging. Pack your own snacks at home, look up free or cheap activities ahead of your trip. Make a list beforehand of all the people that you want to buy souvenirs for, and how much you will spend.

Weddings

When you’re planning a wedding, it is so easy to be sucked in to all of the advertisements and Pinterest boards that target brides and grooms. It’s your big day, and you want every tiny detail to be perfect. Businesses and advertisers know this, and they will try to use that fact to persuade you to buy way more than you need. Just remember, it’s the marriage that will matter in the long run, not whether you had the perfect napkin rings or centerpieces.

How to stay on budget: If you want to save some money on your wedding, you can opt for e-invites, or have a morning or afternoon ceremony (you can get an even deeper discount at some venues for booking a weekday wedding). You may even want to look into renting a wedding dress if you’re not interested in keeping it.

Moving

Whether you move across town or across the country, you will probably end up going over your initial budget. There seem to always be lots of little added expenses, and all of those little expenses add up in the end! Maybe you needed more boxes and packing materials than you first thought, or maybe you forgot to account for the pizza and soda that you bought for the friends that helped you load and unload the truck. Regardless, you should always be aware when you move that there will be unexpected expenses.

How to stay on budget: Get free boxes from local stores, throw out and donate old things you no longer want so that you pack and move only what you need to, give yourself plenty of time to pack all of your stuff and clean your old home, consider moving yourself instead of hiring a moving company.

And if you’re saving for an upcoming vacation, wedding, or move, make sure that you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents can review your home insurance and auto insurance policies to make sure that you have the right coverage at the right price. We may even be able to find you a better rate than what you were paying at your old insurance company – that means more room in your budget for all of the things that you need!

Make Your 2015 Resolutions Succeed!

Posted on January 2, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Did you know that only about 8% of people were successful in achieving their resolution in 2014? When you think about it, that’s a pretty sad – less than 1 in 13 people that set a goal for this year made it happen.

Make Your 2015 Resolutions Succeed!

Don’t let this statistic get you down, though. Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we want to make sure that you reach all of your goals, so we want to share with you a few tips that will make you more likely to reach a goal, whether it is a New Year’s resolution or another objective that you want to accomplish:

Simple is best, so don’t go overboard.

The start of the new year is probably the most popular time of the year to set a goal, but that doesn’t mean that you should set a dozen goals all at once. You don’t want to get overwhelmed by making too many changes in your life all at once, so it is advisable that you stick to the one or two goals that you are most interested in making.

Make your goal specific and measurable.

“Lose weight,” “Save money,” and “Spend more time with friends and family” are all great goals, but they are very vague. When setting a goal, you need to make sure that you set specific goals. You are more likely to be successful if you have a concrete goal, like “Lose 15 pounds,” “Save $200 a month for a down payment,” or “Socialize at least once a week.”

Create a plan on how you will get there.

Once you have a specific and measurable goal, the next step is making a detailed plan on how you will get there over the specified period. Do some research to find out how to best be successful based on the goal you wish to achieve, and make your plan accordingly. How often will you exercise? How will you put money aside? Who will you spend your time with? Etc.

Share your goal with friends and family.

The last (and arguably most vital) step in the goal setting process is to make sure that you are held accountable. The easiest and most effective way to do this is to share your objective with your friends and family. Adding a social component to your intent will make you more likely to feel obliged to follow through, whereas a goal that you keep to yourself is easy to abandon without consequence. If you need serious motivation, make a wager with someone looking to achieve a similar goal. The added competition aspect may be enough to inspire you even more.

So what will your goal be for 2015? If you’re looking to save money, let the agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency help you! We can do an insurance review and search for discounts or a different provider to see if there is anywhere in your insurance policies where we could save you some money. Just call 617-298-0655!

Community Spotlight – Carney Hospital

Posted on December 31, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Here in Dorchester, we are so lucky to have such a great neighborhood. Anything that you could want or need is just a short distance away, including one of the best hospitals in the area. Our friends at Carney Hospital on Dorchester Avenue represent some of the highest quality health care professionals in the country, and we are so glad to work with them. In fact, the folks at Carney Hospital were generous enough to be sponsors of the 2014 Boston’s Best Neighbor contest.

Opened in 1863, some of the first patients at Carney Hospital were Civil War soldiers. They continued their pursuit of excellence when they performed the first abdominal surgery in Boston, and opened Boston’s first skin clinic. In 1974, Carney Hospital introduced Massachusetts’ first helistop, and the accolades continue to flow in. For a complete history of all of the ways they have advanced the study of medicine and the care of patients, just go to their About Us page.

If you need medical attention for any reason, we encourage you to consider Carney Hospital for your treatment. Here are examples of just some of the services offered at Carney Hospital, along with a short description of what you can expect from each:

Center for Cancer Care – Surgical services, outpatient chemotherapy, oncology and hematology services, health screenings and assessment of hereditary cancer syndromes, clinical research trials, and survivorship programs.

Center for Cardiac and Vascular Care – Prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive heart disease, heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmia, valvular heart disease, and more. Carney Hospital was also recognized with the American Heart Association Gold Award for Stroke Care.

Diagnostic Imaging – Carney Hospital offers state-of-the-art imaging technology, including 24/7 diagnostic services. They also offer MRI services and mobile PET-CT scanning and a staff of board-certified radiologists.

Emergency Medicine – If you have a medical emergency, Carney Hospital will be there to take care of you. They have board-certified physicians available 24 hours a day, and you can always find the current ER wait time on their website’s home page. In addition, they offer non-emergency services from 10 am until 8 pm seven days a week.

Geriatrics – If there is an elderly person in your life, get them the care they deserve at Carney Hospital. They aim to maximize patient independence while trying to understand the disease and disability that so often comes with old age.

Maternity Services – At Carney Hospital, you will find women’s health care providers with a broad spectrum of specializations, including obstetrics, gynecology, infertility, menopause, laser surgery, and more.

Orthopedics – The orthopedic department cares for those people who have been previously seen in the emergency room, and offers treatment for trauma, fractured and broken bones, ligaments and cartilage injuries, and much more.

Women’s Health – Carney Hospital has a special center specifically attuned to the needs of their female patients. It offers tailored treatments such as annual checkups, mammograms, other screenings. The women of your life will be in good hands with their staff.

Carney Hospital is located at 2100 Dorchester Avenue. Their general phone number is 617-296-4000, and you can find the telephone number or extension number for each of their departments on their Contact Us page.

Our Best Blogs of 2014

Posted on December 29, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Every six months here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we compile a list of our best blogs of the last half of the year for those of you that may have missed a few of our posts. Our last recap was for the first half of 2014, and it’s already time to finish up the year with the last six months of blogs! Can you believe that the year is almost over?

July – Boost Your Business This Summer

Our business owners aren’t forgotten on the blog, and we love to occasionally post content about how to improve businesses. This article specifically focused on the things that business owners could do to harness the warm weather and improve their bottom line, including holding a staff outing and creating a summer contest for customers.

August – Be #1 on Tailgating Safety

With Preseason Football in full swing, we wanted to make sure that all of our readers were aware of the basics of tailgating safety, including staying hydrated, wearing plenty of sunscreen, being aware of food safety rules, and having the right home and auto insurance to protect your valuables during the game.

September – Make a Strong Password for Your Online Accounts

Are you serious enough about your internet safety? If you’re like most people, you store a lot of sensitive information online, so it’s important that you protect it properly. To do so, you can read this blog and learn to create a strong password for all of your online accounts.

October – Medical Insurance: Inclusions and Exclusions

In October, our blog moved! We are now able to post directly to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance website, so you can continue to look here for all of our future blogs (make sure that you add it to your RSS feed so that you can read each update). Our first blog in October was all about health insurance – what a policy typically includes, and what coverage you shouldn’t expect to get.

November – What is Renters Insurance?

Many of our clients rent their homes or apartments. For those people that don’t own their own dwelling, and instead pay rent to a landlord, we explained the difference between renters insurance and home insurance. We also stressed the importance of having a home inventory and making sure that your landlord has a good rental property insurance policy.

December – Prepare for the Cold by Winterizing Your Home

Massachusetts winters can be brutal. To help all of our customers prepare for the upcoming bitter cold and snow, we posted a guide on how to make sure that your home was protected for the winter, including making sure that gutters are clean, branches are trimmed, winter equipment was ready, and your chimney was clean.

Here at the Vargas and Vargas Insurance office, we are preparing for another year of selling the best insurance in Boston. We wish you and yours the happiest of New Years, and look forward to working with you in 2015 and beyond! And if you are interested in seeing more articles like these several times a week, make sure that you stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog!

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Posted on December 26, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

If you’ve lived here in Massachusetts for any amount of time, you are no stranger to dealing with the winter weather that we have each year. Snow is festive and beautiful, but it can also cause roads to become very dangerous. If you’re going to be doing any driving in the next few months (as most of us will), make sure to brush up on the following winter driving tips, and share them with your friends and family too.

Keep your vehicle up to date on its maintenance

The first tip to being safe when driving is always to make sure that all parts of your car are working as intended. Make sure that your car has been evaluated by a mechanic, and that all fluids are at the proper level before hitting the road.

Have a Snow Emergency Kit in your car

At the start of winter, you should always add a few things to your car’s emergency kit. These items include extra sets of warm clothing and blankets and de-icing equipment, like a scraper. You can also use a small bag of kitty litter in a pinch if your car wheels don’t have enough traction to get going.

Start your vehicle safely

It may be tempting to start your car without opening the garage door (after all, it’s cold outside!) but don’t do it. Starting a car in an enclosed space can cause a harmful buildup of carbon monoxide.

Keep your tank full

To avoid gasoline freezing in your tank or gas lines, you should always keep your gas tank more than half full during the winter.

Accelerate, decelerate, and drive slowly

Speed is one of the most common causes of accidents in the winter. Because everything is wet and slick, it is more difficult to stop a car, so avoid going too fast, and don’t slam on the brakes to stop or you could hydroplane.

Avoid using cruise control

In addition to watching your speed, you should be very careful about when you use your car’s cruise control. Using it on slick surfaces can cause your car to accelerate when it has little traction, causing an accident. This is equally true in the summer during rainstorms.

Maintain a safe following distance

As noted above, slick roads mean that you should decelerate more slowly than in normal conditions. Since this is the case, you should also increase the distance that you allow between your car and the car in front of you. This will ensure that there is enough room for you to stop safely without sliding forward and causing an accident.

Avoid making trips out if the weather is bad

Truly, the only way to guarantee that you won’t have a winter-related car accident is by avoiding the roads altogether, especially if the weather is worse than usual. If you can, combine trips to limit your time spent driving, and wait for more favorable conditions to go out on the road.

One final tip that we would like to add to the list is “Make sure that your car insurance is updated.” We deal with a lot of people making claims on their car insurance policies during the winter months, and we hate to see insurance policies that aren’t up to par. Call us at 617-298-0655 for a free auto insurance policy check – before it’s too late!

2014 Holiday Pet Hazards

Posted on December 24, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

You are doing all that you can to make this holiday season the merriest and brightest yet, but make sure that you consider your furry friends when you’re celebrating. Some of the things that humans consider pretty and fun can be dangerous to dogs and cats.

2014 Holiday Pet Hazards

Here are a list of a few of the things that you need to be careful of this winter if you have a pet in your home:

Ornaments and Tinsel

When you hang ornaments and tinsel on your tree, make sure that you are thoughtful about where it is placed. Anything bright and shiny should be placed higher up on the tree, especially if it is made out of a material that is potentially harmful, like glass.

Shiny ornaments and tinsel are especially attractive to cats, who may try to jump on or into your tree to get at the item of interest. Try to teach your pet that the tree is not a plaything, or leave off the dangerous items altogether to ensure that your pets will be safe.

Candles and Lights

Lighting your home with strings of twinkling lights and scented candles is a great way to set the mood for the holiday season. Unfortunately, it is also a great way to allow your pets to cause havoc.

Strands of lights can spell danger for pets that like to chew, so make sure that there aren’t any exposed wires that could cause shocks. Also make sure that you never leave a lit candle unattended. We don’t want you to have to deal with a home insurance policy claim because a pet knocks over a candle and causes a fire (though, we would be happy to help if you do need to submit a claim – just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 617-298-0655).

Gift Ribbons

After you unwrap gifts, it may be tempting to fashion your dog or cat a new collar out of holiday ribbons, but please don’t. These types of ribbons aren’t meant to be tied around necks, and constitute a major choking hazard.

Festive Foods

Did you know that many of the treats that people love during the holidays are dangerous to pets? Make sure that the following treats are kept safely away from pets:

Chocolate
Most types of nuts
Fat trimmings and bones
Alcohol and coffee
Nutmeg
Onions and garlic
Raw meat
Unbaked yeast dough

To keep your cats or dogs safe, make sure that you don’t give them these items, and that they are kept out of reach and safely stored away where curious pets can’t get to them.

Holiday Plants

Another threat to your pets during the holiday season is the plants that you bring in to your home. Pine needles, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias (among others) are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested.

The moral of this story is that decorating for the holidays is a fun tradition, but you need to make sure that you keep your pets in mind when you deck the halls. Be careful about what you use to spread the cheer, and don’t use anything that could cause harm to your furry family members. Also make sure that your pets are covered by their own pet insurance policies so that they are protected in case of a holiday emergency.

Choosing Between Insurance Companies

Posted on December 22, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

When you look for a new insurance policy, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the endless number of insurance companies that exist. Each offers a wide array of coverage options, and each and every one will claim to be the best for you and your family.

Choosing Between Right Insurance Companies

How do you know which provider to use?

Here are a few considerations that you should take into account when you are looking for a new insurance policy:

Consider the Coverage

Every person has a unique set of needs when it comes to an insurance policy, whether it’s home insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, or another type of insurance. In the same vein, each insurance provider offers products that are slightly different. Your goal should be to find an insurance provider that sells a product that is in line with your needs.

Differentiate between Discounts

Just like the coverage varies between providers, so too do the discounts offered. While there may be a few similar discounts between providers, there will no doubt be one sole provider that can offer you the lowest price based on your distinctive situation.

Read the Reviews

Another important piece of the ‘insurance provider’ puzzle is customer service – you can have great coverage at a great price, but that doesn’t help you if you need to make a claim and can’t get a hold of anyone to help you. Before you decide which of the many insurance companies is right for you, make sure to do your research and find out about the quality of customer service at each one you are considering.

When in doubt, talk to a local independent insurance agent!

All of this may seem a bit overwhelming… thankfully, there is an easy solution to choosing the right insurance provider! Instead of wading through an unending number of insurance companies by yourself, get help from an agent at your local independent insurance agency – Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

When you talk to an independent insurance agent, they will gather all the necessary information from you, and then go on a hunt for the policy that best fits your needs. This means that you will only have to give your information once (instead of filling it out for each and every quote that you want) and your agent will do all of the work for you! They will search through several insurance providers to find the one with the right coverage, and discounts for which you are eligible.

If you would like to find out how much money you could save on your insurance premiums by going through an independent insurance agency, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. One of our experienced and friendly agents will be happy to get you several insurance quotes for your product of choice, and can even help you pick the policy that is best for you. And remember – you can save even more on your insurance premiums if you bundle your policies through the same insurance companies!

Business Insurance Scenario: Employee Stress

Posted on December 19, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves in helping you with your business insurance policy. That’s not all that we want to help with, though. We want to aid you in running your business effectively and efficiently – we want your business to be at its best. That is why we write blog posts about all aspects of the day to day process of running a business.

Business Insurance Scenario- Employee Stress

In today’s blog, we want to discuss a topic that affects most every business: the stress level of employees. It is your job as a business owner to make sure that your employees are being productive, but uncontrolled stress could be negatively affecting your employees, and the quality of their work. If you have noticed that your employees are more stressed than usual, try executing one or more of the following tips to reduce employee stress level:

Learn the signs of excessive stress

The first step in dealing with the stress levels in your employees is being able to identify when one of your workers is feeling overwhelmed. Here are some of the most common signs of workplace stress:

Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed.
Loss of interest in work.
Problems sleeping.
Fatigue and trouble concentrating.
Social withdrawal.

If you see any of your employees exhibiting these symptoms, you should realize that you may have a stress-related issue. Start helping your employees with their stress as soon as you can to avoid any long term issues.

Support mental and physical health in the workplace

Being healthy in both mind and body will help employees perform at their best, and can even go as far as to reduce employee’s stress levels. As a business owner, you can help promote a healthy environment by enacting workplace rules and by providing ergonomic chairs and desks for your employees.

Just make sure to let your business insurance agent know if you make any large purchase for your workplace – a quick update to the coverage in your business insurance policy will ensure that your new furniture is covered in the event of a covered peril.

Recognize even the small achievements

Your employees might feel less stressed out if they know that you appreciate the work that they do. Instead of expecting or demanding consistent production – and making stress levels skyrocket – appreciate an employee when they provide exemplary results. As the saying goes, you attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. In the same vein, a positive attitude toward good work will leave employees more satisfied than if they feel like giving less than 100% will get them in trouble.

Let employees know about the resources available to them

If you provide a health package as a part of your business insurance or workers compensation package, do your due diligence and research what options stressed employees have as a part of the plan you offer. In most cases, there is a hotline available where your employees can talk to a professional about their issues. Make sure that this information is posted in a central location (like a lounge or break room), and send out an email to all employees at key times of the year, like around their annual review.

Remember, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is always here for you and your business. If you have any questions about your Massachusetts business insurance policy, all you have to do is call 617-298-0655 and speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

Free Activities for Snow Days

Posted on December 17, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

The temperatures are dropping now, and it’s only a matter of time until your kids get a day off because of heavy snowfall. If you find yourself needing to entertain a bored family on short notice, here are a few activity ideas that you can use:

Free Activities for Snow Days

Plan ahead and stock up on entertainment

If you get advance warning that a storm is headed your way, you can take advantage of the heads-up and make sure that you have lots of entertainment options available for each member of your family. Drop by your local library and pick up some books or movies that your loved ones will enjoy. You can also get a couple of arts and crafts kits from a store near you – these can entertain kids (and adults) for hours. You could even do some family baking or cooking while the snow is falling.

Learn a new skill

Is there something that you’ve always wanted to learn to do, but never had the chance? While it may not be the time to learn how to do a butterfly stroke, a snow day is the perfect day to start learning a new language or taking one of the hundreds of classes offered online for free like these from Coursera.

Take the chance to slow down and relax

A snow day is a day off, so treat it as such! Since work and school are cancelled, take the day to deal with less pressing issues, like that neglected armchair in the living room. After all, when was the last time that you took a good, long afternoon nap? You can also relax by catching up with loved ones, or having a hot bath to ward off the chill.

Enjoy the new powder

A snow day is the perfect time to go out and do all of the snow-related activities that your family loves. Build a snowman, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, and more. Just remember to stay safe while you play outside. These Rules for Safe Snow Days from parents.com suggest dressing in lots of bright layers, making sure that everyone stays hydrated, and making sure that sun protection is worn at all times, among other tips.

Catch up on your “To-Do” list

It seems inevitable that there are a few tasks on your ‘To-Do’ list that you avoid because of how involved they are, or how long they’ll take. A snow day is a perfect time to finally tackle these more foreboding tasks, especially ones that are primarily indoors. So take this time to rebalance your budget or want to do a complicated DIY project.

You can even take advantage of a snow day to do some of the less complicated tasks on your list, like check up on your home and auto insurance policies. Check the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency Facebook page to find out if we’re open. If so, you can call 617-298-0655 to talk to one of our agents and review your policies. We can double check that you have enough coverage, update your information, and even double check that you’re getting all of the appropriate discounts.

Holiday Mistakes to Avoid this Winter

Posted on December 15, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

The end of the year is supposed to be a time of cheer, fellowship, and love. Instead, though, sometimes things happen that can leave you feeling more like Mr. Scrooge than Tiny Tim. If you want to get the most out of this year’s holiday season, make sure that you avoid making the following mistakes:

Holiday Mistakes to Avoid this Winter

Holiday Mistakes to Avoid this Winter:

Treating Yourself Too Much

The holidays are all about indulging in little treats, but too many can leave you feeling sluggish and guilty. Not to mention how it will affect your waistline.

While it’s okay to loosen your caloric standards (and your belt buckle) a little bit during the holidays, make sure that treats stay exactly that – something outside of the norm that you get to occasionally enjoy. You can also help your body by planning ahead. If you know that you want to have a slice of pie after dinner, have some fruit for breakfast or a salad for lunch. The calories that you save earlier in the day can help cover the splurge later.

Saying “Yes” to Every Gathering

Does it seem like every single one of your friends and neighbors is having a holiday party? You shouldn’t feel obliged to attend every single one. Instead, be more picky with the gatherings that you attend. It will help you feel less like you’re spending all winter running from party to party, and will leave you with more quality time to spend with your family around your own fire.

Skipping on the Hostess Gift

For those handful of gatherings that you do attend, make sure that you bring some sort of small gift for the host or hostess. A bottle of wine, box of chocolates, or winter floral arrangement are perfect ways to show your appreciation for being invited. Typically, bringing a hostess gift is also a great way to make a positive first impression, which is especially important in a party being hosted by a coworker or boss.

Shopping at the Last Minute

Whatever you do this holiday season, do not leave your gift shopping until the last possible minute. If you do, you will be in a world of unbelievable crowds, “Out of Stock” signs, and long waits at the checkout counter.

Missing the Meaning of the Holidays

Ask yourself this question: What are the holidays all about? The answer will differ for everyone, but it’s important that you stay true to whatever you prize most about this season, whether it be spending time with your loved ones, giving to the less fortunate, or celebrating religious events. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with social obligations, or if your wallet starts to get a little too thin, just remind yourself about why you celebrate the holidays, and retune your holiday activities around that main focus.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, our reason for celebrating during the holiday season is you – our customer. If you need any help with your insurance policies over the winter, just give us a call at 617-298-0655. Also make sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page for any unplanned office closings due to severe weather.

Lower Your Energy Spending in Winter

Posted on December 12, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

As it gets colder, most people are preparing for high energy costs that come with dipping temperatures. Instead of jacking up the heat (and your utility bills) follow these simple tips that can help you spend less energy in the winter months, and keep your money where it belongs – in your pocket!

Lower Your Energy Spending in Winter

Get rid of drafts.

You could be squandering the warmth in your home if air is escaping through tiny holes in your walls and ceilings. Take some time to tour your home with some caulk, sealing all of the draft-prone areas, like around doors and windows, air vents, electrical outlets, and switch plates. Less air escaping means that the warm air in your home won’t get out, and the cold air from outside won’t get in.

Keep the thermostat turned down.

Resist the urge to crank up the heat when your home starts feeling chilly. Instead, curl up with a hot drink and a fluffy blanket. You’ll be just as comfortable, and you’ll be saving up to 5% on your energy spending for every degree that you turn down your thermostat.

Take advantage of your curtains.

Proper curtain use is critical when you’re looking to manipulate your home’s temperature without use of your thermostat. Allow the sun’s energy to warm up your home by opening the curtains in the morning and afternoon, but close them at dusk. Once the sun has heated up your home, you need to seal in the heat, preferably with insulated curtains that will prevent heat from escaping out your windows.

Keep your furnace clean.

How well do you stay on top of your home maintenance tasks? One of the things that should be on your list each year is to have your home’s furnace cleaned and inspected by a professional. Not only will this make sure that your furnace is safe (furnaces can sometimes have a carbon monoxide leak or other issues that could hurt you) but it will make sure that your heating system runs smoothly through the winter in an efficient manner.

Add attic insulation.

If you have done everything that you can to cut energy spending, but you aren’t seeing sufficient results, you could need more insulation in your attic. If an attic isn’t properly insulated, it can allow lots of heat to escape, and you will pay a lot to make up for what’s lost. If you need help determining if you need more insulation, call a professional for help. They can also help to ensure that you get the right type of insulation for your home, and that you install it in the right places.

If you want to save even more money this winter, call 617-298-0655 for an insurance review from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One of our friendly and knowledgeable agents will be happy to analyze your current home and/or auto insurance policies to see if they can save you money on your premium with some of our spectacular discounts!

Prepare for the Cold by Winterizing Your Home

Posted on December 8, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Have you started preparing your home for the winter yet? Here in the Boston area, we’ve already had a few snow storms, and it’s only going to get worse. Before you fall behind, make sure that you spend some time on the following activities so that you are ready for winter’s chill.

Prepare for the Cold by Winterizing Your Home

Empty Your Gutters

When the snow starts to stick, you don’t want to invite it to stay on your roof – this could cause the formation of ice dams and dangerous icicles. One way to prevent this is to clean out your rain gutters in the fall or early winter… before the snow starts to fall in earnest.

By spending part of an afternoon removing leaves and debris from your gutters, you can ensure that water and ice will drain away quickly, and not allow a buildup on your roof. If you hate cleaning your gutters, you can invest in gutter guards, or simply hire someone to do the job for you. Just make sure that they are careful. Cleaning the gutters is a dangerous job, and you don’t want to have to make a liability clam on your home insurance policy!

Trim Any Dangerous Branches

Here in Massachusetts, we seem to get at least one strong winter storm every year (remember the Nor’easter named Nemo from February of 2013?) In advance of a polar vortex or other blizzard, check the trees around your home. If you see any branches that could cause damage to your home or car, you should have them trimmed back. Also be on the lookout for branches that seem weak – they are more likely to fall and cause damage during heavy snowfall or high winds.

Check Your Winter Equipment

Again, now is the time to start preparing for the snow and frigid temperatures. This is especially true of all your winter equipment. Check the following equipment and gear to make sure that it is ready for use:

Snow blower
Shovels
Driveway and sidewalk salt
Car scrapers

If you find that anything needs fixing or replacing, now is the time to get that done! If you wait until you need it, you may find that stores have run out due to high demand.

Clean Your Chimney

Before you use your fireplace for the first time this winter, make sure that you have it professionally inspected and cleaned. Making sure that it is free of deposits or nesting animals will mean a lower risk of fire when it is in use, and lower your chance of puff-backs. If you do experience a fire or puff back (or if you just want some help cleaning your carpets) call our friends at ServiceMaster South Shore at 888-545-2700.

Home maintenance can be a bit of a pain, but the work that you do getting your home ready for winter will be well worth the effort. For more tips on how to stay safe and be efficient this winter, stay tuned to our blog, and remember to call 617-298-0655 for all of your insurance needs!

The Best Auto Insurance Policies Cover Underinsured Motorists

Posted on December 5, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance agency, we pride ourselves in providing the best auto insurance policies available to our clients. As a part of this goal, we want to make sure that your car insurance has coverage for underinsured motorists.

Auto Insurance Policies Cover

You should know if this coverage is included in your policies, and also know why this coverage is essential to all drivers. If you don’t, here are a couple of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that we get about underinsured motorists and how they affect your Massachusetts car insurance:

What is an underinsured motorist?

In the simplest possible terms, an underinsured motorist is someone that doesn’t have enough car insurance to cover the expenses of a car accident where they were at fault. Similarly, an uninsured motorist is someone who (illegally) is driving without insurance coverage for their vehicle.

What happens if an underinsured driver hits me?

If you are in an accident, and an underinsured (or uninsured) driver was at fault, you may have issues getting your insurance provider to pay to repair your vehicle or pay medical bills.

While there are minimum amounts of liability insurance that Massachusetts motorists must purchase, it is not always guaranteed that a driver with the minimum amount of coverage will be able to fully cover the damage of an accident that they cause. Unfortunately, there is always the chance that you will be involved in a crash where the other driver is at fault and is unable to fully cover the damages that they cause with their car insurance policy.

What does underinsured motorist coverage typically include?

When you have underinsured motorist coverage as a part of your Massachusetts auto insurance policy, you are guaranteed to be financially protected by your insurance provider if the driver at fault isn’t able to cover the damage. This means that you won’t have to worry about having your car repaired or your medical bills paid if you get into an accident, because you will always be covered – even if the other driver isn’t!

In addition to covering car repairs and medical expenses, some underinsured motorist coverage options also include coverage for other miscellaneous bills or expenses that you run into because of an accident, sometimes even including medical coverage for passengers of your vehicle, pain and suffering caused by the accident, and lost wages.

What about “Hit and Run” accidents?

In most cases, if another driver hits you and then flees the scene, they will be considered an uninsured motorist. This means that an underinsured/uninsured motorist addition to your current Massachusetts auto insurance policy can protect you from the potential financial burden of a “hit and run” accident!

How can I get underinsured motorist coverage?

That’s easy! Just call 617-298-0655 and speak to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency representative. One of our agents will be happy to review your current policy and make sure to upgrade your coverage so that you have the best auto insurance possible. It’s always our pleasure to help our customers, so don’t hesitate – call now!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Posted on December 3, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

As the holidays inch ever closer, you may soon find yourself in a situation that you need a quick and inexpensive gift for someone, like a neighbor, a teacher, a deliveryman, etc. It has happened to us all, so we polled the Vargas and Vargas Insurance staff to find out what their favorite ‘last minute’ holiday gift ideas are. Here are some of the ideas that we got.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Homemade treats – Who doesn’t love to receive something homemade for the holidays, especially if it’s edible? Make your signature cookies if you’re a baker, or just whip up some homemade hot chocolate mix if you’re in a pinch. You should be able to find a recipe online that will take advantage of all that you have in your pantry, and one batch of baked goods is enough for several small gifts, making this option a great time saver for gifts to coworkers or your children’s teachers.

Cooking equipment– Most people will be doing a lot of cooking during the coming holidays, so a small cooking related gift basket will be the perfect gift for some of the people on your list. Fill a small serving bowl or measuring cup with ingredients and tools. For a personal touch, include a favorite cookbook or a family recipe that you can share with the recipient.

Something from a local small business – There are so many great places in our area where you can get a small gift for someone. Whether it’s something from the Langwater Farmstand (they’re open until December 23rd), a treat from Hilliards Chocolates, a gift certificate to one of the dozens of amazing local restaurants, or a flower bouquet from Cedar Grove Gardens, just make sure to let your recipient know where the gift came from so that they can spread the word about the wonderful local products!

Pampering supplies – Men and women alike can occasionally use a break, and these relaxing gifts are sure to please even the pickiest of recipients. Lotions, soaps, candles, and scrubbing brushes are a great place to start. You can even make a great sugar or salt scrub from items that you probably have in your home right now. If you want to take this to the next level, go ahead and purchase a gift certificate to a local spa. You can use it as a gift during the holidays, but you can also be sure that it won’t go to waste if it isn’t given away!

Remember, too, that these small gifts can be combined to make bigger gifts. All you need is a pretty basket or container and a few small trinkets, and you have a more meaningful gift in seconds flat!

Do you have another favorite last minute holiday gift idea that you would like to share with other Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency clients? Just post it to our Facebook page! That is also where you can go to learn more about our office’s holiday hours. For your insurance needs, just call 617-298-0655 and speak to one of our agents! Happy holidays!

How to Spend Less on Groceries

Posted on December 1, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

When was the last time that you looked over your household’s budget? If it’s been a while, it may be time to sit down and see where you could be saving. Your grocery budget is likely one of your biggest (and most flexible) categories. If you use the following tips, you could probably save a bit of your allotted grocery budget each month:

How To Spend Less on Groceries

Take the time to do it yourself.

At the grocery store, you may for convenience. That means that the pre-made items, such as bakery goods, spice mixes, prepared meals, etc, are all going to cost you more than if you were to buy the ingredients and make it yourself.

Stick to the edges of the store instead of the aisles.

While we’re on the subject of doing it yourself, you will save yourself money by buying most of your groceries from the edge of the store. This includes the Dairy section, the Meat and Seafood counters, and the Produce section. Buying the basic, raw ingredients is also healthier than buying the processed foods that they stock in the aisles. This, of course, doesn’t count for staples like flour and sugar, which most home cooks aren’t equipped to make themselves.

Buy in bulk for a lower price per unit.

When you are looking at what size product to buy, you always want to consider the price per unit (it’s often listed on the item’s shelf label). More often than not, the bigger size will cost less per unit. This means that buying a large – or bulk – size will cost you less in the long run.

Never shop on an empty stomach.

If you go grocery shopping with a stomach that is begging to be filled, you are more likely to purchase foods that are high in calories, according to this article from the New York Times.

Use a list of meals for the week.

Have a plan before you even think about stepping foot into the store. Before you shop, you need to know two things: what you already have in your pantry and fridge, and what you need to buy for the week (or until the next time that you plan to shop). Your grocery list should include all of the ingredients that you need to make a preplanned list of meals for your family.

Be careful with your coupons.

Coupons can save you money, but only if you plan to buy the item in question. Don’t use a coupon simply for the sake of saving – it can backfire if you end up purchasing items that you wouldn’t otherwise have put in your cart.

Now that you know how to cut back on your grocery budget, call 617-298-0655 to find out how you can save on your home insurance and auto insurance budgets! Get in touch with an agent at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, and we will check your current insurance policy to ensure that you are receiving all the discounts to which you are entitled. The call is easy, and the policy check is free, so pick up the phone today!

Money Advice for 20-Somethings

Posted on November 27, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Is there someone in your life that is in their 20s? Those people are just finishing up their academic career, and starting out in the workforce. Even though their working life is barely starting, they need to start thinking about that time that they will no longer want to bring in a paycheck. In the 20s may seem a bit early to start retirement planning, but many financial planners will tell you that starting as early as possible can help alleviate many headaches in the future.

Money Advice as early as your 20s

If you want to help out the 20-somethings in your life, share the following money advice with them:

Spend less than you earn.

When you first start getting a paycheck, you might think that the amount on that you receive is the amount that you can spend. This is actually far from true. Instead of going broke between paychecks, try to live below your means – even if you have the money to go to an expensive and fancy steak dinner, save your money and order some takeout Chinese, or (even better) cook for yourself. The less money that you spend, the more you will be able to save.

Make saving part of your budget.

In the same thread, you should make a certain amount of saving a part of your budget. Figure out how much out of each paycheck that you can put into your emergency fund or retirement account, and move it over as soon as you are paid. That way, you can guarantee that it will be saved instead of spent.

Have a financial parachute.

An emergency fund is absolutely necessary. You never know when the worst will occur, so you should have a financial safety net in case you lose your job or have a large unexpected expense. Most financial experts say a single person should have three months worth of expenses, and a married couple should have six months worth of expenses.

Pay down your debt.

In addition to building up an emergency fund, you should concentrate on paying down your debt. Some 20-somethings get trapped in a debt snowball – between student loans, credit cards, car payments, and the like. Instead of increasing the amount that you owe to others, work on paying off all of your obligations while you are still young.

Increase your earning potential.

In addition to decreasing your spending and increasing your savings, you should do what you can to increase the amount that you can potentially earn in the future. Take classes, earn certifications, get involved in extracurricular activities, and go to networking events.

Your budget should be analyzed and changed.

As your spending habits change, so too should your budget. This means that you need to reevaluate your budget often – more than just when you get a raise or a new job. Make a date with your piggy bank every month or two and review your recent spending, adjusting your budget as needed. This is also a good chance to notice if you have been overspending on any of your categories (food or entertainment, for example) and adjust your spending accordingly.

If you need additional assistance with your money, all you have to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We offer financial planning services that can set you on the right track, or get you back on the path to financial success.

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