Did you learn how to get better gas mileage in your driver's education classes? If it's been a few years since you earned your driver's license, you may not remember what they taught you or if they even covered the topic of getting better gas mileage. When headlines report "record high gas prices," nearly everyone wants to know how to improve fuel economy. If a commute to work or school is a requirement in your life and you want to stretch those precious gallons of gas each week, the tips we've gathered below may be helpful.

Let's start with the basics first. What is gas mileage or fuel economy? The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for auto manufacturers, regulating how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel. CAFE standards apply to passenger vehicles and light trucks (collectively, light-duty vehicles). Current standards are 28 miles per gallon.

In April 2022, new CAFE standards were announced that will require new 2024-2026 vehicles sold in the United States to average at least 40 miles per gallon.

The NHTSA along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also regulate the fuel-economy window stickers on new vehicles that tell consumers how many miles per gallon the vehicle will get under general driving conditions.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the ways you can improve gas mileage for your vehicle.

Drive the speed limit. Speeding can lower a vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 50 mph. Now, that doesn't mean drive below posted speed limits, which can be unsafe. Be aware that vehicles will likely consume more fuel at higher rates of speed.

Mind the brakes and accelerator. Habitual aggressive driving - putting the pedal to the metal and then braking quickly to slow down - can also contribute to lower fuel economy. Avoiding this type of driving can help improve average gas mileage between 15% and 30%.

Use the cruise control. This might be a no-brainer, but using a vehicle's cruise control function, on the highway when traffic allows, helps maintain a constant speed, helping drivers achieve the first two tips we covered and, in most cases, will improve fuel efficiency.

Mind the vehicle's cargo limitations. If you're driving a truck and wondering how to improve your truck's gas mileage this tip is especially important. Each vehicle's manual includes the load carrying capacity for the vehicle itself and for towing, if applicable. This includes carrying things on top of the vehicle in any type of roof-top carrier, including cargo boxes, bikes and kayaks. Check your manual to be sure anything you carry is within the stated limits and realize that when you are carrying or towing more people or gear than normal, your gas mileage may decrease. For fuel efficiency, it's a good practice to not haul extra weight if the items are not needed on a regular basis.

Maintain the vehicle's tires. Underinflated tires can decrease overall gas milage by about .2% for every 1 psi drop in the average tire pressure of all the tires. Checking tire pressure regularly and making sure they are inflated to the vehicle's indicated tire pressure can help. Your car's owner's manual should include this information if you are unsure.

Maintain the vehicle. If a car's engine is not running properly, there's a good chance that it is not using fuel efficiently. It's a good idea to pay attention to the dashboard indicator lights, get routine maintenance and oil changes at the indicated mileage intervals, and have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to address any issues.

Consider a newer car. As mentioned earlier in this article, auto manufacturers must adhere to CAFE standards for the vehicles they sell in the US. The average fuel efficiency has increased over the years, so it follows that on average a newer vehicle should get better mileage than an older vehicle manufactured when the CAFE standards were lower. Keep in mind though, that the type of vehicle you choose also factors into the overall gas mileage. A smaller compact car and a large SUV manufactured in the same year may adhere to that year's CAFE standard, but the smaller car will most likely get better gas mileage than the large SUV. Make sure you do your research when you purchase a new or new-to-you pre-owned car, so you understand the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you choose.

Go electric or hybrid. This may not be the tip you're looking for, but if you're in the market for a new vehicle anyway, choosing a vehicle that runs on a combination of gas and electric or solely on electric can also help you cut your overall gas consumption. If you go electric, you'll want to be conscious of the vehicle's electric battery consumption. Many of the same tips we've already covered here like following the speed limit and maintaining the vehicle and its tires can also help an electric vehicle's charge last longer.

If you end up changing vehicles in a quest to improve your gas mileage and have questions about insuring your car, speak with a Foremost® agent to shop for auto insurance coverage.

Content courtesy of foremost.com

​As you purchase gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to protect any valuables you buy.  Make it a Happy and Safe New Year!

And as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or for a complimentary coverage review. We’re here to help. 

Today, we’re highlighting an essential coverage option that is perfect for commercial and residential construction projects: builders risk insurance. 

Swipe for more information, and give us a call with any questions or for a complimentary quote. We're here to help you succeed in your next construction venture!

As we gather around the table this year, we want to express our gratitude for your trust and support. To add a little extra flavor to your Thanksgiving feast, try out this simple and delicious recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon! 🍯

Enjoy your feast! And please note the office will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 2.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Restoring a classic car can be a tall task. Whether your beloved classic car has withered over the years, or you've just bought a basket case as a passion project, there's a lot that goes into getting it back in pristine condition.
But the following tips can help your classic car restoration DIY project go smoothly and help make all the work worth it!

1. Exercise patience.Even if you have every piece laid out in front of you - with a set of detailed instructions - restoring a classic car can take a lot longer than you expect.
   There are countless things that can go wrong. And many times, they do.
   Sometimes you might find that it's difficult to source some parts you need.
   Other times, the parts can be delayed.
   Further, as you become more proficient throughout your classic car restoration project, you may start to notice some of your earlier efforts don't match your updated standards.
   If (or when) that happens, you may decide to redo a few things - which can be a whole day's worth of work, or longer.
   If you go into the project expecting unexpected delays, you might not get as frustrated when they inevitably happen. You may even embrace them!
2. Know your skillset.Classic car restoration requires a diverse skillset. And it's very rare for one person to be able to complete every job at the highest professional standards.
   If you're one of those people, great!
   If not, that's ok.
   Do as best as you can. And remember, there's nothing wrong with outsourcing a few tasks to experienced professionals.
   But if you're confident enough to literally do it all yourself, cut yourself some slack if some of your work is average.
3. Stay organized.Your classic car restoration can get hectic. If you aren't keeping track of everything, you can easily double the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
   When you strip the car down, consider labeling each part.
   Additionally, it may help to take pictures of everything so you can see how all the various components fit together, as well as how all the wires and pipes are run.
   For small parts, consider placing them in freezer bags (and labeling them).
   Labeling everything and taking pictures is well worth the time you'll spend doing it.
4. Have fun!If you're taking on a classic car restoration yourself, you're probably exceptionally passionate about your vehicle.
   But once you start experiencing the ups and downs that come with the process, you can easily get frustrated and stop enjoying the process.
   Remember that there's always someone out there that has solved the problem you're facing now.
   There are countless tools, quality parts, tutorials and even trainings to help you out.
   And once you finally get your classic car out on the road, your sense of fulfillment will likely far outweigh any frustrations you experienced during the restoration process.

Good luck with your classic car restoration!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance.

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Getting into the food truck industry can be a nice way to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams, but it’s not as easy as buying a truck and food supplies, then hitting the streets. Here are tips from fellow food truck owners on how you should get started!   

61 Owners Share Secrets to Starting a Food Truck Business
roaminghunger.com/blog/13208/advice-for-starting-a-food-truck-business

10 Things to Do Before Opening a Food Truck
www.businessnewsdaily.com/8595-food-truck-tips.html

tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

Texas is synonymous with Football and Tailgating! Here at First Community Financial Group, in addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.
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• TicketsSeasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gearWhile there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill checkIf it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather checkNobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swagOnce you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• SnacksAccording to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• EnjoyFinally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

Foremost® Insurance has policies for your motor home or travel trailer. If you're looking for for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can start a quote with us today!

Moles don't come above ground often. But when they do, they make their presence known. Unfortunately, the renovations they make aren't always the most desirable.

Moles dig up dirt to create tunnels and to find insects. This can damage your grass and any plants you may have nearby.

If you start to see mounds of dirt scattered around your lawn, there's a good chance you have a mole infestation. If you want to know how to get rid of moles in your yard, you may find some helpful tips in this article.

1. Get rid of their food source.Moles love eating insects. So, eliminating them from your yard can stop moles from wanting to visit. After all, who likes visiting places with no food?
   Insecticides are a great way to keep your yard bug-free. However, they can kill your grass if used incorrectly. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions.
   
2. Try home remedies.Castor oil can be a great way to get rid of moles in your yard. Apparently, castor oil upsets their digestive tracts. Home Depot and other online sources note that castor oil does not kill moles, however.
   To create a castor oil-based mole repellant, it's suggested to mix three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. Then, add four tablespoons of the mix to a gallon of water.
   Pouring the mix into the entrance of the moles' tunnels will encourage them to leave, since they can't stand the castor oil.
   If you don't want to create a repellant mix yourself, you may find that buying one is a great alternative.
   
3. Use plants and rocks to create barriers.Plants like daffodils and marigolds produce a scent that's said to deter moles. They look good too, which can make the investment well worth it for some people.
   You can also dig trenches near the area the moles like to hang out, then fill them with rocks. The rocks are likely to stop the moles in their tracks and send them back the way they came.
   
4. Irriate them.Moles like areas that are peaceful and quiet. Any disturbances can cause them to flee. There are sonic spikes you can insert into the ground that use electronic pules to create sounds moles hate to hear.
   If you have any pets, you can also have them treat the moles holes with urine. It may sound wild, but the scent can do a great job of making moles leave.
   It's also one of the least invasive methods on this list, so it may be worth a try.
   
5. Trap and release.There are traps you can use to capture moles without killing them. This is called a trap and release. If you opt for one of these, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
   
   Each of these methods is a potential solution for handling mole activity. Please use your best judgement in determining the best way to get rid of moles from your lawn.
   
   Once you succeed in removing the moles, you may have some patching up to do. If so, you may be interested in our list of front yard landscaping ideas.
   

If you're looking for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can get a quote with Foremost® today!

You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice.

They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out?

This article will provide some suggestions.

How to mouse proof a camper. Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place.

Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:

• Holes in the floors
• Cracks in the doors
• Cracks in the walls
• Gaps around wires and plumbing

Mice can squeeze through almost any small opening.

Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out.

Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper:

1. Close up any access points. You'll have to examine your entire camper very carefully, both inside and out.
   When you find access points, you can close them up with:
   • Steel wool
   • Spray foam
   • Mesh screens
2. Keep your food put away. This one might be a given, but you should never leave food out if you want to keep mice away.
   If you're in your active camping season, it may be too much work to keep taking 100% of your food out every time you leave your camper. But removing anything that you can’t reseal is a good idea.
   And sweeping up crumbs off the floor can go a long way.
3. Use mice deterrents. Mice deterrents are solutions with smells that mice don't like. Some options include:
   • Mothballs
   • Peppermint oil
   • Fabric softener sheets
   • Professionally made products
   Professionally made products may work best, but consider doing in-depth research on multiple solutions to determine which one(s) you want to try.
4. Keep it light and bright. Mice are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy the dark.
   You can consider using small nightlights in your RV, to make it less attractive to them. You can also consider having bright lights on the outside of your RV, so they never want to come near in the first place.
   Now you know how to keep mice out of campers (or at least how to try), but what if they're already in?

How to get rid of mice in a camper. Some options include:

• Mouse traps
• Rat poison
• Glue traps
• A professional exterminator

These methods, like many others, each have pros and cons.

For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible.
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And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use.

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​Is clutter overpowering your manufactured home? Here's a list of some things you can do to optimize the space you have.

Use bookshelves as dividers

You can divide one room into two without making structural changes by making use of a free-standing bookcase – and at the same time, gain added space not only for books but for utilitarian, decorative and collectible items. For example, a bedroom can be divided to retain the sleeping area on one side and a study on the other. Since most bookcases are meant to be placed against a wall, the backs may be unfinished. Solve the problem by coverage the back with panels of colorful fabric that coordinate with your room's décor.

Create a multi-purpose room

Even available 6 x 9 space can be converted into a combination office, hobby, sewing and ironing room. Set one side apart for the office, to include a desk built of 2x4s and Mylar-covered hard-board. You can store account books and business papers in stackable plastic vegetable bins above the desk and in a plastic storage box beneath the desk. Mylar-covered work surfaces are also used on the sewing/laundry side of the space, along with additional plastic storage drawers (using contrasting colors for opposite sides of the room) for fabrics, patterns and thread. Hang the ironing board from the wall hooks when not in use; poles can be positioned above the work surfaces from which to hang laundry.

Make use of screens

A folding floor-to-ceiling screen can serve both a decorative and a practical purpose. For example, a three-panel screen designed with picture frames can display family memories and conceal storage space.

Guest towel display

If having plenty of hand towels available for guests is a problem, here's an idea you may find useful. Roll up the towels like magazines and store them in a wine rack. It's a colorful way to display towels and they're always handy. Depending on the weight of the wine rack you choose, the rack can be hung from the wall, or simply set on the toilet tank.

Enjoying your memories

If you have a drawer or box filled with memorabilia, but never seem to get around to organizing it, here's a tip that will make the project fun. Put the items in a photograph album or scrap book. Whatever kind of book you use, make sure the pages are acid free so your memorabilia will be safe.
Not only will assembling the book be fun, but then you can share the scraps of family history with guests and friends!

Storage trunk

An antique trunk is a sure bet for great storage. Trunks are available at antique dealers and estate sales, sometimes quite reasonably priced. You might need to paint or refinish the trunk. If the inside needs attention, clean it and put adhesive-backed vinyl or wallpaper in as a liner. Add a couple of sachets, and you can store blankets, spare bedding for a fold-out sofa, off-season clothing or hobby and crafts materials. Depending on its size, the trunk can be used to hold a television, stereo components, plants, or even as a coffee table.
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