WOULD YOU BE PREPARED IF FIRE,

THEFT OR DISASTER DAMAGED YOUR POSSESSIONS?

What would you do if your home was ransacked and vandalized? What if it burned to the ground, was destroyed by a hurricane, or suffered irreparable damage due to some other catastrophe?

Most of us have homeowner’s insurance; perhaps you even have some additional coverage pertinent to the area you live in (ex: flood or hurricane insurance). You pay your premiums, so you probably think you are covered in the event of a catastrophe, right? But that may not be the case.

Insurance companies are very particular today. Just paying premiums isn’t enough. You must also provide proof of ownership and value of lost assets.

Consider the following example:

Home Owner: “I’m calling to make a claim against my homeowner’s insurance policy #0101010 with XYZ Company. My home was just destroyed due to fire."

Insurance Agent: “I am so sorry, but I’ll be happy to assist you. If you’ll give me a moment, I’ll pull your policy information up on my screen and we’ll see what actions need to be taken."

Home Owner: "Of course. We are so thankful, no one was injured, but we lost most of our belongings in the incident."

Insurance Agent: "That's where we come in. We’ll help you get back on your feet just as quickly as possible. First, however, I’ll need to know everything that was destroyed or damaged. You’ll need to provide all relevant information, including make, model and serial number of each item. You’ll also need purchase receipts or proof of ownership for each item. How quickly can you get these items together, complete your claim forms and submit them to me?"

Home Owner:<...home owner pauses, and slowly begins to panic as he realizes he does not have this information. Everything he had was in the house and was destroyed along with all his belongings. What will he do...>

Now, however, there is no need to panic due to a new method of assistance available to home owners. It’s called home inventory calculation and is offered by many different companies. There are a variety of “do-it-yourself” home inventory programs available commercially, as well.

It’s very easy to find these companies. Just go online to your favorite search engine and put in a web search for “personal home inventory.”

To help you get started, here are a few websites you can search for home inventory information and examples:

www.KCHomeInventory.com

 www.homeview2007.com

www.thehomejournal.com/FeatureInv.htm

www.ksinsurance.org/consumers/docs/HomeInventory.pdf

-Brandon M. Harrison
Journalist, Gunghocity.com

Back to Top

McCollough Architects

McCollough Architects is responsible for many of the unique design of buildings and homes in the area. It has become one of the leading Architect firms in the Gulf Coast Region, and after viewing their work it is easy to understand why they are so popular.

Steadmann McCollough opened the McCollough Architectural firm in 2000. He started his company in Gulf Shores, Alabama after resigning as the Director of the Alabama Building Commissioner. McCollough Architectural is made up of two parts; this includes Architectural Design and Interior Design. The McCollough staff is made up of three established architects and one highly skilled interior designer.

This skilled team has created designs including The Alabama Gulf Coast Welcome Center, The River Walk developments and the Perdido Key Real Estate office. This is only a few of the many building structures they have designed along the coast. The McCollough team is also responsible for many of the extravagant homes and condos along the beach coast. This makes this company no secret to the Gulf Coast.

The McCollough firm has built much of its success off of their great reputation. They pride themselves of producing high quality designs influenced by their clients. It is high priority for their work to be complete in a timely manner, and that the budgetary boundaries are set and meet. At the McCollough firm it is important that they work closely with their clients.

The McCollough team is included in everything from the general structural to the intimate details. If your looking for the best Architects along the gulf coast look no further then McCollough Architects.

For more information, please check out their website www.mccollougharchitecture.com or contact one of there skilled team members at (251) 968-7222.

Astrid Witherspoon – Journalist
Gungho City.com

Back to Top

The Importance Of Health Care Insurance

One of the most controversial issues in government today, is health care reform. The US Congress has considered over 100 bills on health care, but there are still over 40 million Americans who are without health care insurance. Many people are blaming this on employers and the rising cost of health premiums; this does not leave out the cost of hospitalization, outpatient care, and prescription drugs. Even though these reasons have been brought to the surface, it is extremely vital to obtain health insurance.

There are many ways to shop for reliable health care insurance. Many people look to compare rates and choose coverage that is most suitable for them. Here are a few pointers that may help you when comparing rates on health insurance. Understand that health insurance can be classified into two categories - indemnity and managed care plans. The vast difference between the two is that the indemnity insured can be seen by any doctor. Where as the managed plan have restrictions on which doctors and hospitals your insurance will cover. Many of the insurance companies offer free quotes, which is a great way to compare rates.

For a single person, including self-employed individuals, there are numerous plans to choose from. Humana’s top selling plan is titled Portrait. It’s a PPO plan for a low cost of $98.72 a month. Aetna’s most popular PPO plan for a single person is the Preventative and hospital care plan and is currently $109.00 a month. United Health care PPO top seller for singles is plan One-Hundred, which is going for $99.86 a month.

Raul Ramirez, health insurance expert, serving out of Gulf Breeze, Florida quotes "health insurance could save consumers money in the instance of any unexpected accidents, or illness.” Ramirez also explained, the benefits in customizing your health care plan for this enables you to add and take away from the policy. Many of the single person plans can be customized. Raul Ramirez’s company, Gulf Breeze Insurance, offers Single, Family and Child only Plans. The Gulf Breeze Insurance Company insures that you receive the best coverage for the best rate. Since we are all individuals and our needs vary, it is important to shop smart for health insurance.

For more information regarding health care premiums visit www.gulfbreezeinsurance.com, or Contact Raul Ramirez at (850) 943-7992.

Astrid Witherspoon – Journalist
Gungho City

Back to Top

Fabre Engineering & Surveying – Quality and Price in One-stop

Located in downtown Pensacola, the employee owned business has been providing clients with quality professional, civil and environmental engineering and land surveying services for more than twenty-five years.

Owner Frank J. Fabre’s philosophy is simple: “We emphasize engineering and surveying excellence and the highest level of professional service, based on principles of accuracy, efficiency, safety, serviceability, and economy on all projects, regardless of scope.” The firm is licensed in Florida, Alabama, and Colorado, with plans for Mississippi in the immediate future.

Projects range from residential subdivisions, commercial developments, roadways and parks, to educational and medical institutions, shopping centers, and marinas, to name a few. Fabre’s also has extensive experience in projects involving potable water supply / treatment / storage and distribution systems, wastewater collection / conveyance / treatment / disposal and reuse systems, lift stations, stormwater management, and solid waste management.

Projects are frequently taken from concept, through planning, design, permitting; construction and certification. As testament to the firm’s track record, the Pace Treatment Wetlands Project won a 2000 Grand Award from the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers. Many of Fabre’s clients are counties, cities, utility companies, the Department of Defense, and other governmental agencies. “Our team understands the critical nature in maintaining schedules and meeting budgets,” explained Frank Fabre.

“We have extensive experience in the preparation of all types of permit applications and
provide complete construction administration services for all projects.” The firm’s commitment to each project includes monitoring construction to ensure the engineering designs called for in construction documents are adhered to. As a result of excellent design, change orders are minimized, thus reducing financial overruns and lessening liability for the client.

Additionally, Fabre is recognized for its ability to look beyond standard grant and loan funding sources for individual projects. Successful grant and loans have been received from the both the States of Florida and Alabama, Rural Development, Northwest Florida Water Management District, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Community Affairs, FEMA, and Housing and Urban Development, among others.
“We are also adept at obtaining funding through Revenue Bond Issues, Municipal Service Benefit Units, the State Revolving Fund, and other types of special assessments,” added Fabre. And finally, Fabre’s responsive, friendly service results in repeat business. Just ask their clients!

Fabre Engineering & Surveying
119 Gregory Square
Pensacola, FL 32502
850-433-6438
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm
Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Fabre Engineering provides free estimates and written proposals for engineering and
surveying. For more information, visit their website, www.fabreinc.com

The Stockbroker’s Guide to the Galaxy:

Tips on Investing in Stocks and Bonds

            Investing in stocks and bonds can be tricky business, if you do not know what market, or stock, to invest in. If you are a first time investor, Hill Turner, a stockbroker for A.G. Edwards, says to “always stay conservative and diversify.” Turner advices a shareholder not to gamble with his or her money. It is important to diversify because it avoids across-the-board losses in economic news.

This is important to remember because stocks are a bit riskier than bonds, but they do have the potential to help you build long-term growth into your overall financial plan. Stocks have in fact out performed every other type of investment over long periods. If you are a stockholder, then you certainly want to understand the stock’s products, services, market, and projected earnings estimates, as well as if it has a sound cash-flow management and competent directors.

            Bonds refer to investments having to do with corporations and governments. A bond is similar to a loan. Turner advices those interested in bonds to remember, “a bond is a securitized loan. For example, if GM needs to burrow money, they go to the investor for the money. You’re basically buying a loan when you buy a bond.” Bonds do provide a more steady stream of income and one who invests in a bond wants to keep an eye on interest rates, since this is the most significant factor affecting the bond’s value. Economic conditions can also cause bonds to fluctuate, so keeping up with the economy can help determine bondholder’s investment decisions as well.

            Of course, before you invest in any stock or bond, you will want to check your local paper for the value of stock, the cost of stock, and what companies are going public.

Aura New
Journalist / Gungho City

Back to Top