Is your family ready for flu season? Studies of flu vaccines delivered in 2008 show that children, having the greatest risk for infection, are the least likely to actually receive flu shots. This year however, fears about the H1N1 strain are causing greater concern about flu season in general.

In some areas of the country traditional flu vaccines have been running short, but officials and pharmacies are still committed to producing and distributing vaccines to as many people as possible.

If you and your children haven’t been vaccinated yet, consider taking the time to visit a local clinic or pharmacy. Like insurance, taking steps to prevent a problem is often easier than facing that problem after it hits home.
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Yesterday The National Center for Healthy Housing released a report on the “State of Healthy Housing.”

The non-profit’s study found that over the last ten years housing conditions may actually be on the decline due to the recent housing bubble and crash. The study also confirmed the troubling divide in housing quality across the US. Metropolitan rental properties consistently ranked lower in the study in terms of overall health and upkeep.

Are you doing your part to keep your home healthy and safe? Are there repairs you could do today that would significantly improve the cost of insuring your home? Talk to us, your local agent about the benefits of keeping your home healthy and sound.
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The Credit CARD Act signed into law this May is going into effect today. What does this mean for consumers?

The new law offers some protection to consumers by requiring a 45 day advance notice of any changes in interest rates or fees. Payments won’t count as late unless a bill was sent 21 days prior to the due date.

Still, experts warn that consumers need to be wary of changes in their credit-lines. How much you are allowed to borrow through your credit card may impact your overall credit score and companies are still able to alter credit limits without notice.

The best advice anyone can give about credit cards is to read the fine print. Make sure you understand the terms of any credit card offer and make informed choices about how much credit card debt you take on.
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Being aware of a health problem before it occurs is usually a good idea, for individuals and communities.

That’s why the US government is hard at work testing out vaccines for the H1N1 virus (aka the “swine flu”) and hopes to have them ready by mid-October. The vaccine is built and tested like a traditional flu vaccine.

The current testing will help to determine the safety of the vaccine for adults, and eventually children and the elderly. Watching out for health problems before they start is a shared responsibility. If you’re worried about your health insurance coverage talk to us, your local agent, today; we can point you in the right direction.
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Economic experts and investors have been encouraged recently by a report that indicates a sharp rise in home sales. While this may not be good news for those shopping for homes in certain areas, it is a sign that things are starting to turn around.

The Commerce Department is reporting that home sales in June were up 11% from May, continuing a three-month trend of rising home sales. Sales have not risen this fast since December 2000.

Our economy is still suffering from the aftershocks of a collapsed housing bubble and a full recovery will take time. As your local insurance agency we understand what a valuable asset your home is to you, no matter what the current price-tag on it is. Contact us today and we’ll help you protect that home with affordable, quality coverage.
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