Marriage and Insurance | A Checklist for Newlyweds

by R.J. Weiss, CFP®

in Personal Insurance

Even though your wedding set you back a few dollars, there’s some good news (other than your mother-in-law can stop asking you questions about the wedding)–marriage brings about many opportunities for couples to save money on their insurance.

The purpose of this post is for you to have a checklist to go through, to identify any opportunities for savings.

Let’s start with home and auto insurance…

Marriage and Insurance | Home & Auto Insurance

  1. Merge Policies – There is substantial savings by insuring your home and cars through one company. You’ll not only get a discount for having more than one policy (multi-policy), carriers also give discounts for insuring more than one car with them (multi-car).
  2.  Adjust Contents Coverage – If you’re moving in together for the first time, you now have twice the amount of possessions. Even if you’ve been living together, expensive presents may bring your total possessions over your current contents coverage. Double check your current policy (especially if it’s a renters) and adjust the contents coverage if necessary.
  3. Schedule Jewelry – If you haven’t already, contact your agent or insurance company to add each of your rings on to your policy.
  4. Look for Additional Discounts - Ask your agent about any additional discounts you may be eligible for or visit the company’s website, which usually has a list of discounts. For example, if you now carpool to work or your new location allows you to take public transportation to work, you may be eligible to receive a low-mileage discount.

Marriage and Insurance | Health & Benefits Insurance

Your marriage is a qualifying event, which means you’re eligible to change health plans even if it’s not open enrollment.

Compare the two plans benefits, as well as the costs. See the costs of adding one another to each plan. And don’t forget that if you’re looking to have kids very soon, review how each plan provides coverage for pregnancies.

Marriage and Insurance | Life & Disability Insurance

Marriage is a perfect time to review your current life and disability coverage, especially if you expect to have kids soon or just bought a house.

Start off reviewing each person’s benefits package. Many companies provide life insurance at no cost to their employees. Others, will pay a portion of your disability insurance.

If you find you need a qualified agent to talk to who can help you save money or plan for your future, call Weiss Insurance at (630)584-1717.

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Photo by: Citranow

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Office Ergonomics Checklist

by R.J. Weiss, CFP®

in Benefits

Office ergonomics is the science of designing work stations to fit the needs of humans. The goal of ergonomics is to increase your productivity, as well as your overall health. Ergonomics accomplishes this through the design of objects such as furniture, computer monitors and keyboards, etc…

Most of us spend hours a day, in positions that were naturally not meant to be in. Although the act of typing on a keyboard seems natural to us now, it’s not what the human body was designed to do.

By implementing basic ergonomic principles, companies have been able to reduce workers compensation claims. This is why OSHA, sees it important to educate businesses regarding office ergonomics (Training tools are available on their website).

Ergonomics not only apply to businesses but individual households. Most of us spend hours in the same position doing the same things (watching TV, surfing the web, reading). Doing these habitual tasks in a non ergonomic fashion, can cause serious injury.

The Principles of Ergonomics

On your right, (click on image to enlarge) you’ll see what a proper workstation looks like. The most important things to notice are her:Office Ergonomic Checklist

  • Viewing distance is 18-24 inches away
  • Viewing angle is below eye level
  • Wrists our straight
  • Elbows are on a 90 degree angle
  • Feet are flat on the floor

There’s no need to spend thousands on new equipment, the positions above put your body in proper alignment.

Office Ergonomics Checklist

One of the most helpful resources I found, was an office ergonomic checklist evaluation produced by OSHA. Total, there are 33 factors that impact your body’s alignment. If you adjust your workstation to match OSHAs requirement, you’ll reduce your risk of serious injury, save money on insurance, and find yourself more productive.

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Common Questions About Credit Scores and Reports

November 18, 2011

Understanding how credit scores work, and therefore, having a good score can save you lot of money. In insurance, a good credit score and history can mean paying less for home and auto insurance each year. This is the 5th post in a 5 part series on your credit scores. Read: Part # 1: How Does Your [...]

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How To Get My Annual Free Credit Report

November 17, 2011

Understanding how credit scores work, and therefore, having a good score can save you  lot of money. In insurance, a good credit score and history can mean paying less for home and auto insurance each year. This is the 4th post in a 5 part series on credit scores. Read: Part # 1: How Does Your Credit [...]

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Where Should I Get My Credit Score?

November 16, 2011

This is the 2nd post, in a five part series on raising your credit score. The goal today is to answer the question, “Where should I get my credit score?” What does viewing your credit score have to do with insurance? Insurance carriers take into account your credit score, to determine the cost of your policy. [...]

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