First Community Financial Group, Inc. Blog |
For many of our neighbors in Livingston and East Texas, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard - often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don't let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips. Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC
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' If you struggle with mental illness, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that about 1 in 5 American adults struggle with a form of mental illness, while 1 in 6 American youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. During May, we encourage you to find ways to engage in activities and events that help start conversations about mental health in your communities: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and people of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression. The good news is that there are many resources to manage depression: therapy, medication, and self-care are all part of a healthy treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. Learn the Signs for Suicide RiskIf you are concerned about someone, take it seriously. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 with the name of the person you are concerned about or call 911 if the situation presents immediate danger.
UW Forefront Suicide Prevention is focused on reducing suicide by empowering individuals and communities to take sustainable action, championing systemic change, and restoring hope. Reaching out for help for yourself or someone you care about may be uncomfortable, but it has the potential to save a life. Check In With Yourself and Others Remember to check in with yourself and those around you. Pay attention to changes in daily behavior and personality, as this may be an indicator of a shift in an individual’s mental health. Take your time to love yourself and don’t feel guilty for spending time to heal and replenish yourself. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, see a professional, learn more about mental illness or call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264). #YouAreNotAlone From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Texas residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat. Wherever you stand on the issues surrounding today’s food supply, however, there are several good reasons to start your own garden:
Clearly there are plenty of benefits to gardening. But, how do you get started? Here are some important tips from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, which, like similar services around the country, provides helpful community resources on agriculture and other topics. Pick the Right Site “Choosing a garden site is as important as selecting the vegetables to grow in it,” according to the OSU Extension website. “All vegetables need sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil, and they will contract fewer diseases if the site has good ventilation.” Here’s what to consider before marking your garden plot:
Choose What to Plant Check with a local gardening organization or search the Web for what vegetables are best for your specific situation and climate. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to plant, according to the OSU extension:
Water Wisely The best way to water is by monitoring your garden, rather than simply adhering to a set schedule. Follow guidelines for your specific plants, and avoid these common problems, as noted by the OSU Extension website:
For more specific advice on gardening in [insert city, state or region], check with the local university extension program. And, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy homegrown food. You just need to be willing to put in a little time and effort — and get your hands dirty! On April 22, the 53nd annual Earth Day is expected to include more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries taking part in what the Earth Day Network calls "the largest civic-focused day of action in the world." Since the first Earth Day in 1970 (which was connected to the passage of the Clean Air Act that year), there have been many environmental victories—such as passing and strengthening laws for cleaner air and water, expanding Marine Protected Areas, reducing overfishing, even improving our ability to predict extreme weather events. Scientists say more progress is needed if we are to slow the impact of climate change, and carbon emissions are a major threat, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Since the mid-1800s, the agency notes, carbon concentrations in the atmosphere have increased by about 40%. Because of their warming effect on the planet over time, carbon emissions can contribute to severe weather, rising sea levels, and other significant issues. You might think the problem is so big there's nothing you can do about it—but there are many ways you can help reduce these emissions. Here are three things the environmental organization Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (COTAP) recommends to lower your carbon footprint and do your part to help the planet: 1. Don't drive so much—and when you do drive, be fuel-efficient. Driving a conventional vehicle burns fossil fuels, so the less you drive, the less carbon you emit. (Even electric cars typically have a carbon footprint, depending on the type of energy used to charge them.) You also can lower your emissions by keeping your car well-maintained and driving sensibly: To maximize your gas mileage, don't speed excessively or accelerate suddenly, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. 2. Limit your air travel. Everybody loves vacations, but airplane flights generate a lot of carbon emissions: For every roundtrip transatlantic flight, 30 square feet of Arctic sea ice is lost, according to Climate Central, an independent organization of climate scientists and journalists. When you want to get away, choose shorter flights, or try "staycations" closer to home. Also, if you travel for work, consider videoconferencing tools instead. 3. Look around the house. There are plenty of other ways to lower your impact on the environment—and saving energy in your home is a great start. Make sure your home is insulated properly to keep things warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer without cranking the thermostat up or down. Choose appliances that are energy-efficient. Even something as simple as replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs (and turning lights off when you're not using them) can help. However you choose to mark Earth Day, remember that little steps can create a big impact. Maybe you can bike to work a couple of times a month. Walk to the market instead of driving. Leave the AC off until the hottest days of summer. It all adds up—for you, for those you share the planet with, and those who will come after you, too. Content provided by Safeco Ins. First Community Financial Group Incorporated (safeco.com) For many, the winter months are a welcome time to escape the short days and chilly temperatures by heading on vacation to Galveston, Florida, Mexico, or beyond. And is there a better way to celebrate the end of winter than to take a spring break? Whether you’re going to hang out at Kemah or the Galveston boardwalk, bask on a sunny, white-sand beach in the Caribbean or hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, you have to take precautions to ensure your home stays safe while you’re away. After all, what could be worse than returning from a relaxing break or an active adventure to find a disaster has occurred, such as a break-in, or water or fire damage? To ensure your vacation doesn’t end in tragedy, follow these tips before you go.
If you have the opportunity to get away for_spring_break, we wish you happy trails, and hope you come home to a safe and welcoming home! Contact Us! At First Community Financial Group, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 936-327-4364 or send us a note at info@firstcfg.com (please use the contact buttons at the top of the page). We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected! Content provided by Safeco Insurance Livingston, TX parents, March 2 was Read Across America Day! We here at First Community Financial believe there are so many reasons to encourage children to read. First of all, it’s fun! It’s also an activity that promotes learning and independent thought. But, perhaps most important, becoming a reader can mean the difference between success and difficulty later in life. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate from high school than those who don’t. They also are more likely to be economically successful as adults. The National Education Association (NEA) is well aware of the impact that literacy can have on a young person’s life. That’s why the organization started Read Across America in 1998. Held on the school day closest to the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss (March 2), the event goes beyond promoting reading for just one day. It also provides tools for educators and parents to create lifelong readers. We here at [insert agency name] want you to have a few tricks up your sleeve to promote reading at home. After all, one of the most crucial factors for the success of young readers is parental involvement. According to the U.S. Department of Education, when involvement is low, reading scores are 46 points below the national average. So how can you encourage your child to read? Here are some tips from the NEA and the Public Broadcasting Service’s “Between the Lions” show:
Too often, our hectic schedules mean we take less time to do the things we enjoy. So, remember, reading with children isn’t just fun for them — it should be fun for you, too! After all, as Dr. Seuss himself wrote, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” If you love the water, few things are better than boating season. Summer just wouldn’t be summer without spending those long, hot days on Lake Livingston, cooling off with a lazy dip in the water, dropping a line in hopes of catching a “big one,” or having an action-packed day of waterskiing and tubing. Boating is not without its share of pre-summer preparation. If you’re not on the ball early, it’s easy to find yourself midway through July still on dry land. At First Community Financial Group, we want to ensure you’re first in line at the boat launch at the first sign of the season change, so here are a few tips for being ahead of the game.
We at First Community Financial Group wish you a fun-filled and safe boating season on all of the beautiful waters of the State of Texas! Call us today to get a boat quote or check your coverage. We'd love to help! The cost to rebuild your home is its replacement value. This can be very different from the estimated market value or actual purchase price. In most cases, it costs more to rebuild the home you own than to buy a new one.
Texas - How much home insurance is right for you? Based in Livingston, TX, First Community Financial Group understands the home insurance needs of our customers. We’ll work with you to estimate the replacement cost for your home and to adjust your policy limits from time to time as needed. It is critical that you provide us with accurate, updated information about your home and contents. If your dwelling limit accurately reflects your home’s true replacement cost, some companies will pay more than the limit if a covered loss is greater than the limit on your policy. Once a review of your home and possessions indicates you are properly insured, it’s a good idea to reexamine your coverages and limits from time to time, especially whenever you make additions or improvements. First Community Financial Group can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 936-327-4364 to speak with one of our agents. Texas - Be Sure You Have Enough Homeowners Insurance Here are some steps you can take to reduce the danger of being seriously underinsured:
Consider whether you should have more coverage for personal property (contents) than your policy provides. Personal property coverage is usually 70% of the coverage limit for the structure. Your limit may be lower than 70%. Supplemental protection is available for a small additional premium. Inventory your home. Prepare an inventory of personal property items, update it periodically, and keep it in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. It will save you hours of time trying to list everything damaged or destroyed if you need to make a claim. It will also help ensure you don’t forget some items. First Community Financial Group can advise you on ways to simplify the job of preparing a personal property inventory such as videotaping each room with descriptive information on the sound track. Personal Liability Besides making sure you have enough protection to cover possible damage to your own home and contents, you should also evaluate your exposure to liability risks. These result from damage to the property of another, or injury to a person, not a member of your household, for which you can be responsible. In recent years it’s become common for homeowners to be sued for injuries or damages to others, even when there is no evidence of negligence by the homeowner. The reality today is if you have any appreciable assets, you are exposed to the risk of being sued. Even if you ultimately prevail in court, your legal fees and the months or years of worry and uncertainty can be a terrible burden on you and your family. The Personal Liability coverage provided by your Homeowners Policy usually provides a limit of $100,000 or $300,000. We recommend increasing this protection with a personal umbrella policy. Not only will it increase your personal liability, but also your auto liability. Limits are available from $1 million to $10 million and beyond. The cost of this coverage is usually very reasonable. Keep in mind that Texas can require certain minimum levels of coverage. The right coverage for you is unique – talk to the agents at First Community Financial Group today to find out how to get the best price and value on home insurance for you. Thinking about a DIY home improvement project? Maybe a new kitchen or bathroom makeover? If project excites you, you’re not alone. The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) says do-it-yourselfers complete two-thirds of home improvement projects — and spend less than those who depend solely on contractors. While saving money is satisfying, the sense of accomplishment DIYers feel is even better. But before you pick up a hammer or grab a paintbrush, you’ll need to do some homework. As you draw plans, budget, purchase materials and secure permits, you also need to think about insurance. Talk to your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent® at First Community Financial Group before you start work. Your agent can help you assess the unexpected risks of your project. Here are five common renovation projects that may require additional insurance: Kitchen renovation Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen, one with quartz countertops and Wi-Fi-enabled appliances. Kitchen remodels can add convenience and significant value to your home, but there are a few insurance considerations: • Depending on your level of experience, you may need the help of a plumber or electrician. Make sure the contractors you hire are bonded and insured. Do they carry liability insurance? Ask to see their certificate of coverage. • Check with your agent to see if you should increase your homeowners coverage. If your renovation substantially increases the value of your house, you could be underinsured if you haven’t raised your limits. Generally, you need enough insurance to replace 80% of your home’s value. • Will friends be helping you? Ask your agent about adding no-fault coverage or raising your medical expenses coverage. Bathroom makeover You have visions of a soaking tub, new vanities and imported marble tile. Sounds delightful, but keep these points in mind: • You may need a plumber to help you move a water line or drain. Bear in mind that water damage caused by your faulty workmanship won’t be covered by your homeowners policy. On the other hand, if you use a contractor, their business insurance should cover the damage to your home. • Will that expensive marble be sitting in your driveway after it’s delivered? Costly materials have a way of walking away from a job site. Check to see if your policy covers theft or damage to your building materials. Home office You’ve decided to convert a spare bedroom into a home office. It’s an easy renovation, but here are some insurance considerations: • Most homeowners policies only provide limited coverage (up to about $2,500) for office equipment. If you have items that exceed that amount, you’ll need additional coverage. Your agent can recommend some options. • If you’re doing work for your firm at home, make sure you’re covered by the company’s business and workers’ compensation policies. If you’re self-employed, you may need a separate business policy, especially if clients visit your house. Sunroom You’ve always wanted a room off the kitchen to take advantage of the morning sun. Sunrooms can provide enjoyment year-round, but you do need to keep a few things in mind: • Talk to your agent about adding a new room to your homeowners policy. You may be able to get a discount if you install energy-efficient windows or heavy-duty locks on an exterior door. • Is the project insured against severe weather? Theft or vandalism? You may need a builders risk policy. Finished basement You’re planning to create extra living space in the basement for your growing family. You’ve contracted to have a French drain and a sump pump installed to prevent water from leaking in. You’ve also decided to live in a friend’s house while you work on the project. Other Considerations: •If your house is unoccupied during construction, you may need vacant home insurance. • Be sure to get a warranty on the French drain. Flooding isn’t covered by homeowners insurance. However, you can add water backup coverage to your policy to pay for damage if your sump pump fails. • Game room? Home theater? Extra bathroom? You may need to increase the limits on your homeowners policy. n the other hand, upgrading old wiring or installing a security system could lower your premiums. If you’ve got the home renovation bug, maybe it’s time you joined the ranks of millions of satisfied DIYers. Just remember to contact your Trusted Choice agent at First Community Financial Group to get your insurance needs squared away. Then you can hammer to your heart’s content. As the weather begins to cool off, you may be thinking about getting your grill out for a backyard barbecue. However, if you don't follow the proper safety protocols, it can be dangerous. Keep these safety tips in mind before firing up your grill!
Grilling Safety Tips - YouTube Learn Some Grilling Safety Tips from NFPA - YouTube |
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