Month: November 2020

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Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

The convenience of shopping online can also place your identity, credit cards, and checking account information into the hands of the unscrupulous. The good news is that there are some effective strategies to follow to protect yourself while shopping online. Put these tips to work for you the next time you’re shopping online:

Avoid opening hotlinks and attachments, even if they appear to be coming from a business you trust. Hackers can mail virus-filled links using spyware or by phishing from websites they’ve constructed to look like the website of your bank or favorite boutique.

Be smart about your smartphone. Use your phone’s pass code system. It’s one more way to discourage a hacker from obtaining your personal information. The hacker will move on to the next person who isn’t using a pass code.

Pay close attention to monthly statements. Go through each statement line by line. Be sure you recognize each charge . If you’re unable to identify it, contact the credit card company right away to inquire.

Refrain from online shopping while in your favorite coffee shop or diner. Such public wifi networks are a hacker’s dream. The hacker just might be having coffee at the table right next to you.

Change passwords often. This one is tough, but worth the effort. Use capital and lower case letters with numbers and symbols. Use character names from your favorite play, book, or TV show. You can use terms from your favorite sport. Strive for passwords with 10 to 14 characters .

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Creating a Thanksgiving Feast on a Budget

Maybe you’ve always wanted to host Thanksgiving, but were concerned about the cost of feeding the largest meal of the year to a small army. The holidays and excess seem to go hand in hand. The economy still isn’t great, but fortunately, a great Thanksgiving meal can be created with a limited budget.

Implement these suggestions to create a wonderful, affordable Thanksgiving dinner:

  1. Get started early. According to the experts, the turkey is almost half of the cost of the typical Thanksgiving meal. A frozen turkey can be purchased a month or so ahead of time. Avoid waiting until close to the holidays to shop for your turkey because the prices go up and demand increases. Shop around for a good deal and you’ll be way ahead of the game.

  2. Purchase items in bulk. If you’re feeding a large group, it can be worthwhile to purchase items in larger quantities. Many of the larger stores have an aisle with bulk items. Of course, there’s also Costco, Sam’s Club, and similar stores that specialize in bulk quantities.

  3. Utilize coupons. Grocery stores are fighting for your dollars this time of year. It can be worth the time it takes to cut out and use the coupons. Start looking a month before the big day.
      • Even if you don’t typically use coupons, it might be worthwhile around Thanksgiving.

  4. Skip the appetizers. Most appetizers are expensive, and the result is a lot of leftovers. Everyone will be well fed soon enough. Let everyone focus on the main meal. Appetizers are intended to make up for a smaller main course.

  5. Consider what items are in season. Brussels sprouts are abundantly available in November, while asparagus is not. Be on the lookout for items that are harvested late in the year.

  6. Be reasonable. Most Thanksgiving meals have excessive leftovers. Try to make a realistic prediction of how much food you’ll actually need.
      • There are calculators online that can help you make an accurate estimation of your food requirements, depending on how many you’re feeding at Thanksgiving dinner.

  7. Do it yourself. Dinner rolls are quite inexpensive in the store, but you can probably save even more money if you just do it yourself. Some items, such as pecan pie, can be expensive to purchase, but cheaper to make.

  8. Stick with the basics. Many amateur chefs make the mistake of trying out new dishes that require special skills, expensive ingredients, or both. These dishes rarely turn out well, and the food may go to waste. There’s a reason why the classics became classics. Nearly everyone enjoys eating them and the costs are minimal.
      • Even Martha Stewart suggests a menu of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables, and pumpkin pie. That’s simple and inexpensive.

  9. Encourage all guests to bring a side dish. Take care of the turkey and let everyone else prepare and bring the other dishes. Assign responsibilities for the core items and take the time and cost burdens off your shoulders. Someone is sure to bring something unique and interesting.

  10. Use the leftovers to your advantage. If you have overnight guests, they will need to be fed the following day. Push that leftover turkey on them! Who doesn’t like a turkey sandwich? You already have the food, so put it to good use.

Thanksgiving is a time to create and share memories with your loved ones. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to accomplish that. Start planning early and stick to the classic dishes that everyone seems to enjoy at Thanksgiving dinner. You can host a memorable Thanksgiving and keep your budget intact.

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Top 10 Budgeting Strategies That Help Curb Overspending

If your spending habits have you digging for pennies before the next payday, maybe it’s time for a change. Unfortunately, running out of money before payday, especially if you do it over and over, causes a lot of undue stress that can negatively affect your health as well as your pocketbook.

However, you can reduce this stress and get back on track with your finances by altering your spending habits.

How will you do it?

Try these budgeting techniques:

  1. Make a Master List. Develop a list of all your loan payments and credit card bills. You’ll expand your awareness about the number of creditors you have, the total amount you owe, and the due dates of your monthly payments.
      • On the list, have 5 columns: the name of the creditor, your monthly payment, the due date of each month’s payment, the amount of interest you’re charged, and the total amount you owe.

  2. Add other monthly expenditures to your Master List. Next, list things like your rent or mortgage payment, grocery costs, gasoline costs, and anything else you pay monthly. Estimate the amounts for your cable, water, garbage, cell phone, and utility bills, using last month’s statements. Your Master List should reflect all your outgoing expenditures.

  3. Establish priorities. Which bills do you see as the most important? Mark them in some way by highlighting or circling them.

  4. Survey the remaining bills. In looking at these non-priority bills, you can most likely discover some areas in which you can lower your costs.

  5. Examine frivolous expenditures. Are you spending $30 a week on fancy coffees? Do you stop after work for a few beers with co-workers two or three days a week? If so, consider the amount of money you spend for these sorts of activities. Which expenditures can you reduce? Which can you cut out completely, at least for a three-month period?

  6. Call your credit card companies to request lower interest rates. Make a notation on your Master List of the reduced rates you receive. Also note any companies that refuse to reduce your rates. Make the decision to stop using credit cards with high interest rates.

  7. Take decisive steps to reduce your expenses. For example, if you’re paying out $180 a month for premium cable channels, you have the power to cut your cable bill simply by picking up the phone and calling the cable company.

  8. Determine how you can bring in additional dollars. Consider a second job. Then, use the extra money you earn to pay off debts. Recognize you have the power to change things.

  9. Keep your Master List with you throughout the day. Each time you’re about to make a purchase, glance at the list and reflect on your bills. Ask yourself if you truly need what you’re about to purchase. Allow yourself to feel proud about this new routine.

  10. Record your thoughts and feelings about the changes you’re making. It’s a challenge to try to change something about yourself, and how you manage your finances is no different. Write down how you’re feeling about adjusting your spending habits. Be optimistic that you can and will change your financial situation.

If you consistently find yourself running out of money, vow to follow these strategies to change your unhelpful behaviors. You have the choice to alter your financial habits in powerful ways. You can do it!

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RV Insurance: Types of RVs

Note: RV insurance varies with each carrier. Engarde Financial Group has working relationships with multiple insurance carriers and will work with you to find the insurance carrier that is the best fit for you. 

RVs are for road schooling. They are for traveling to visit family. They are for road trips with friends. They are for enjoying the great outdoors. 

No matter where your RV adventures take you, be sure to have peace of mind knowing you and your RV are covered in the case of an unfortunate event. 

RV insurance offers both standard coverage and optional coverage. Listed below are some of the common types of RVs that can be covered by RV insurance policies. 

    • Pop-up campers – a small trailer used for camping with collapsible walls.

    • Fifth-wheel trailers – a trailer with a raised section in the front to provide additional living space.

    • Conventional trailers – a trailer between 12 – 40 feet in length used for camping and/or vacationing.

    • Class A motorhomes – a motorhome between 21 – 40 feet in length. It is the largest type of motorhome.

    • Class B motorhomes – a motorhome usually no longer than 21 feet in length. It is the smallest type of motorhome.

    • Class C motorhomes – a motorhome between 20 – 33 feet in length. It is a mid-size motorhome. 

Obtaining RV insurance ensures peace of mind while enjoying one of your favorite past times; RVing. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss RV insurance today. 

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Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

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RV Insurance: Optional Coverage Part Two

Note: RV insurance varies with each carrier. Engarde Financial Group has working relationships with multiple insurance carriers and will work with you to find the insurance carrier that is the best fit for you. 

RVs are for taking learning on the road. They are for traveling to visit family. They are for road trips with friends. They are for enjoying the great outdoors. 

No matter where your RV adventures take you, be sure to have peace of mind knowing you and your RV are covered in the case of an unfortunate event. 

RV insurance offers both standard coverage and optional coverage. Listed below are some of the optional coverage choices you can add to your policy. 

No matter all the care you put into taking care of your RV and outside your RV, someone could still get injured. 

    • Vacation liability pays for the medical bills if someone is injured in or around your RV while you are on vacation. 

Think about how much you would need to spend if you had to replace personal items. 

    • Replacement cost covers the cost of personal items inside of your RV. 

Lastly, emergencies happen. Have peace of mind knowing you will have a safe place to stay and transportation if an emergency arises. 

    • Emergency expense coverage pays for transportation and lodging in the event your RV breaks down while on vacation. 

Obtaining RV insurance ensures peace of mind while enjoying one of your favorite past times; RVing. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss RV insurance today. 

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Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

EXPLORE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
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RV Insurance: Optional Coverage Part One

Note: RV insurance varies with each carrier. Engarde Financial Group has working relationships with multiple insurance carriers and will work with you to find the insurance carrier that is the best fit for you. 

RVs are for adventures. They are for long cross-country trips. They are for living off the grid with family. They are for exploring. 

No matter where your RV adventures take you, be sure to have peace of mind knowing you and your RV are covered in the case of an unfortunate event. 

RV insurance offers both standard coverage and optional coverage. Listed below are some of the optional coverage choices you can add to your policy. 

Because your car may break down or you may experience a flat tire or a dead battery, rest assured in knowing roadside assistance is there to handle the unexpected. 

    • Roadside assistance pays for the expense to have your RV towed to the nearest auto shop. 

Let’s face it, sometimes an accident occurs where you call home. Liability insurance covers you. 

    • Full timer’s liability pays for injuries that happen in or around your RV when you use it as a full-time residence. 

Lastly, sometimes your beloved pet may get injured while on an adventure with you in your RV. 

    • Pet injury coverage pays for the vet bills if your pet is injured while riding in your RV. 

Obtaining RV insurance ensures peace of mind while enjoying one of your favorite past times; RVing. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss RV insurance today. 

GO BACK TO RV INSURANCE

Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

EXPLORE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
CONTACT US
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RV Insurance: Standard Coverages Part Two

Note: RV insurance varies with each carrier. Engarde Financial Group has working relationships with multiple insurance carriers and will work with you to find the insurance carrier that is the best fit for you. 

RVs are for adventures. They are for long cross-country trips. They are for living off the grid with family. They are for exploring. 

No matter where your RV adventures take you, be sure to have peace of mind knowing you and your RV are covered in the case of an unfortunate event. 

RV insurance offers both standard coverage and optional coverage. Listed below are the standard coverages covered by RV insurance. 

Because accidents can happen, no matter how much you are enjoying yourself, think about who would pay for medical bills if an accident were to occur. 

    • Medical payments pay for the medical bills when you or someone else is injured. 

Let’s face it, sometimes an accident occurs, and you are at fault. Liability insurance covers you. 

    • Liability pays for damages and injuries when you are at fault in an accident. 

Unfortunately, there are times when you may find yourself in an accident and to make matters worse, the other party is either uninsured or underinsured. Do not get caught footing the bill. 

    • Uninsured and underinsured motorist pays for medical bills incurred due to bodily injury or bills from damages to your motorcycle that the motorist at fault I unable to pay for. 

Lastly, rest easy knowing that your RV is covered when things out of your control take place. 

    • Comprehensive and collision pays for repairs to your RV or the replacement of your RV when damages occur from such events as vandalism or fire. Collision pays for repairs or replacement when you are involved in an accident. 

Obtaining RV insurance ensures peace of mind while enjoying one of your favorite past times; RVing. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss RV insurance today. 

GO BACK TO RV INSURANCE

Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

EXPLORE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
CONTACT US

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RV Insurance: Standard Coverages Part One

Note: RV insurance varies with each carrier. Engarde Financial Group has working relationships with multiple insurance carriers and will work with you to find the insurance carrier that is the best fit for you. 

RVs are for adventures. They are for long cross-country trips. They are for living off the grid with family. They are for exploring. 

No matter where your RV adventures take you, be sure to have peace of mind knowing you and your RV are covered in the case of an unfortunate event. 

RV insurance offers both standard coverage and optional coverage. Listed below are the standard coverages covered by RV insurance. 

Because accidents can happen, no matter how much you are enjoying yourself, think about who would pay for medical bills if an accident were to occur. 

    • Medical payments pay for the medical bills when you or someone else is injured. 

Let’s face it, sometimes an accident occurs, and you are at fault. Liability insurance covers you. 

    • Liability pays for damages and injuries when you are at fault in an accident. 

Unfortunately, there are times when you may find yourself in an accident and to make matters worse, the other party is either uninsured or underinsured. Do not get caught footing the bill. 

    • Uninsured and underinsured motorist pays for medical bills incurred due to bodily injury or bills from damages to your motorcycle that the motorist at fault I unable to pay for. 

Lastly, rest easy knowing that your RV is covered when things out of your control take place. 

    • Comprehensive and collision pays for repairs to your RV or the replacement of your RV when damages occur from such events as vandalism or fire. Collision pays for repairs or replacement when you are involved in an accident. 

Obtaining RV insurance ensures peace of mind while enjoying one of your favorite past times; RVing. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss RV insurance today. 

GO BACK TO RV INSURANCE

Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

EXPLORE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
CONTACT US

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Advantages of Term Insurance

Life is filled with choices. Choosing the life insurance that is the right fit for you is one of them. We, at Engarde Financial Group, are here to help you make an informed choice. We strive to help our clients choose what is best for them and their family. 

Term life insurance provides reliable coverage giving you a sense of security. You can rest assured that your family will be taken care of after you are gone and no longer can provide for them. Term insurance is an investment in your family’s future. Listed below are some of the many advantages of term insurance. 

One advantage of term insurance is affordability.  

Term insurance provides the coverage you need with less money coming out of your pocket. 

Another advantage of term insurance is flexibility.  

Term insurance puts you, the policy owner, in control. When you decide to invest in purchasing term insurance, you have the power to choose 10, 15, 20 or 30 year coverage, which are the most common. You also have the power to choose the amount of money you need. 

A third advantage of term insurance is tax – free payouts. 

You can feel confident in knowing that death benefits from an insurance policy generally do not count as taxable income. 

A fourth advantage of term insurance is fixed premiums. 

Simply put, your premium does not change during your policy term. 

Lastly, another advantage of term insurance is guaranteed protection. 

You do not have to worry if your family will be financially secure in the event of your death. Death benefits are guaranteed.  

With that said, life is not filled with many guarantees, but term insurance is the exception. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss life insurance options today. 

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Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

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Whole Life Insurance Cash Value Component

Many of our clients are interested in building their savings. Some are saving for retirement. Some are saving for their dream vacation. Others may save to have enough money for a down payment to purchase their first home. No matter what the occasion, if you are interested in obtaining an insurance policy with a cash value component, then a whole life insurance policy may be the right fit for you.  

Helping you choose the life insurance that is the right fit for you is what we are here to help you do. We, at Engarde Financial Group, are here to help you make an informed decision. We strive to help our clients choose what is best for them and their family. 

One of the main reasons clients choose whole life policies is because of the cash value component that comes along with whole life insurance policies. The cash value component works like a savings account. With this type of policy, the cash value of the policy grows year by year. As the cash value increases this will create financial stability, provide money in the event of an emergency or give you the freedom to add things to your life you couldn’t add without the cash value component. 

As stated above, if you are looking to build your savings, a whole life insurance policy may be the right fit for you. Allow us to provide the information you need to make an informed decision. Contact Engarde Financial Group at 412-533-2373 to discuss life insurance options today. 

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Engarde Financial Group is positioned to educate and serve its clients with other insurance coverages.

We understand that your personal items that you possess are of significance to you. Here at EFG we look at every situation differently. When it comes to your needs there is no such thing as one size fits all. Speak to a insurance professional today so that we can design a policy to cover all the things you love.

EXPLORE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
CONTACT US