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

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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

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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

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