Pulling Off the Perfect Staycation

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy flickr

If you’re like most Americans, cabin fever has set in with a vengeance after two months of being cooped up with your family.  So, why am I writing a blog dedicated to glorifying staycations?  That’s because there’s a difference between loving and hating the greet indoors.  While a lot of you are still working from home, which forces many to deal with the distractions of kids cavorting in the background, there’s a way to keep from going off the deep end when you’re forced to spend most of your time indoors with the family.  The trick to turning Club Dread into Club Med is to understand the difference between family activities and forced labor. 

It Isn't Easy Going Green

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy flickr

While everyone is still focused on the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, this week I thought I’d change the channel to something that could do the entire planet some good.  That’s because while the headlines have been screaming Coronavirus for the past month, many people missed the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day that occurred on April 22.  Started in 1970, Earth Day was used as a rallying cry for people from around the world to stem the degradation of the fragile planet upon which we all live.  In a strange way, the COVID-19 crisis has done its part to assist Earth Day 2020 by forcing the eight billion people who populate Planet Earth to drive less, which has noticeably improved the air quality globally.  Below are five milestones that Earth Day has achieved as well as a few ways in which we can all reduce our carbon footprint so our grandchildren will be able to enjoy the one 100^th anniversary of this perennial environmental movement.

Is There Such a Thing as Safe Sports Anymore?

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy pikrepo

While we all have to admit that seeing everyone wearing surgical masks is still a little weird, that doesn’t mean that the fear of Corona virus should keep you from enjoying the beautiful spring weather we’re having.  If anything, COVID-19 has motivated more people to get outside.  Whether it’s to soak up some sun, mow the lawn, take a walk or ride their bikes, I’ve noticed an uptick in the number of my neighbors who seem to be unusually active these days.  I guess that’s what cabin fever will do for you.  If you’re sick and tired of being cooped up at home but are concerned about the possibility of contracting Corona virus, I thought I’d take the time to give you a head’s up on what’s considered safe athletic activities.

All About Home Warranties

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy picpedia

Now that I’ve found myself working from home for the past few weeks, I have to admit I’m spending more time watching TV than usual.  While I try to tune out most commercials, one that caught my attention was for a home warranty company.  The ad makes the case that if you own your home, the last thing you want to do is wind up plunking down a big chunk of change when any of your major appliances go on the fritz.  When you consider the cost of washers, dryers, water heaters and dishwashers cost hundreds of dollars, refrigerators and ovens can cost $1,000 or more, and central air conditioning systems cost multiple thousands to replace, then insuring them might be a good idea.  Especially since your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover these items for normal wear and tear.  So, I thought I’d look into the matter and provide my loyal readers with some food for thought.

Are Electric Vehicles Worth Getting Charged Up About?

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy flickr

I know you thought this blog was going to be all about electric vehicles, but since I don’t own one, I thought I’d start off by telling you all about my electric lawn mower.  Having owned a number of gas-powered lawn mowers over the years, I thought I’d try a battery-powered electric mower last year when my old Toro push mower gave up the ghost.  A friend of mine had bought one and he waxed poetic about how quiet and maintenance-free his electric mower was.  No gas to store in the garage, and no trips to the small engine repairman every year or so to have the spark plugs and air filter changed. What’s not to like?  While the unit he had cost about $100 more than a comparable gas mower, the savings in fuel and maintenance seemed to me like a no-brainer.  It was certainly going to cost less than paying the kid next door $40 bucks to mow my lawn every week or so.  So, I plunked down a little less than $300 and bit the bullet. 

How Does Your Roof Rate?

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy pikrepo

A roof is one of those things that most people take for granted until water starts dripping through their ceiling or a water stain appears like magic after a sudden storm.  Being out of sight and out of mind, hardly anybody ever thinks twice about their roof until it starts to leak.  And that’s a shame, since the roof over your head does a lot more than keep the rain off.  It literally protects you, your family, your furnishings and all your expensive electronics from wind, rain and the ravages of the sun.  It also keeps the wooden bones of your home from rotting.  If properly maintained, a roof should last between 20-30 years on average. 

How Does the Coronavirus Affect Your Insurance Coverage?

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy pixabay

If you’re like most Americans right now, the COVID-19 pandemic has left you for the most part sequestered to your home.  With many businesses, most stores and nearly all public places closed, there isn’t much for you to do.  Add to that the fact that many Americans have either been forced to work from home or have been temporarily laid off and it means most of us are spending the better part of the day cooped up with the family.  Many of my insurance customers have been wondering how the shelter-at- home policy is going to affect their insurance coverage, while others are wondering what will happen if they suddenly find themselves unable to pay their premiums.  To help you keep from adding any more anxiety to your already overtaxed psyche, I decided to dedicate this week’s blog to letting you know what I’ve discovered regarding the current insurance situation.