BIG - Buechner Insurance Group Blog

BIG - Buechner Insurance Group Bloghttp://www.buechnerinsurance.com/blog/View BIG - Buechner Insurance Group's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.buechnerinsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:564facfe-ae13-40db-89f0-f06257d9cf94urn:uuid:ff700b42-b907-44db-bae3-2eefcd9ed3ffAre you an aggressive driver?Consider these questions: Do you tailgate slower vehicles to encourage them to speed up or get out of your way? Do you weave in and out of heavy traffic to make better time? Do you make inappropriate gestures, honk yo...Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:34:18 -0600<p style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; line-height: 1.6; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Consider these questions: <ul style="border: none;margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.5em; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 12px; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #454545; line-height: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Do you tailgate slower vehicles to encourage them to speed up or get out of your way?<br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Do you weave in and out of heavy traffic to make better time?<br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Do you make inappropriate gestures, honk your horn or flash your headlights at drivers who are not meeting your standards?<br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Do you push yellow lights to the point that they sometimes turn red before you are all the way through the intersection?</li> </ul> <p style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; line-height: 1.6; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If your answer is yes to any of the above, you may want to rethink your driving behavior. You Can't Control Traffic, Only Your Reaction to it: <p style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; line-height: 1.6; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For your own safety and the safety of others, drive smart and don't let the road bullies get to you. Here are some tips to help. <ul style="border: none;margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.5em; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 12px; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #454545; line-height: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Assume other drivers' mistakes are not personal; we all have bad days. <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver is not. <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">If another driver challenges you, avoid eye contact and move out of the way. <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Under no circumstances should you pull over to try and straighten out the situation.<br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> <br style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial;" /> </li> <li style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 11px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; font-size: 1em; background-image: url(http://www.amfam.com/site-assets/img/icons/li_bullet.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; line-height: 1.7; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0.667em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Report aggressive driving behavior to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel.</li> </ul> <p style="border: none;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; border-image: initial; border-collapse: collapse; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; quotes: ''; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; line-height: 1.6; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In summary, keep your composure when driving. Don't try to make others do what you want them to do, or retaliate against someone who's driving recklessly.urn:uuid:10469c99-f326-430d-92bd-5b81549e2046101 Ways To Annoy People 101 Ways To Annoy People 1. Sing the Batman theme incessantly.  2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."  ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:15:57 -0600<table class="jokeContents" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">101 Ways To Annoy People</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">1. Sing the Batman theme incessantly.  2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."  3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."  4. Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of "Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip..."  5. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. 6. Amuse yourself for endless hours by hooking a camcorder to your TV and then pointing it at the screen. < 7. Speak only in a "robot" voice.  8. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.  9. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will "swipe your grub".  10. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies.  11. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.  12. Sniffle incessantly. 13. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.  14. Name your dog "Dog." 15. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."  16. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."  17. Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."  18. Declare your apartment an independent nation, and sue your neighbors upstairs for "violating your airspace". 19. Forget the punchline to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot."  20. Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.  21. Practice making fax and modem noises.  22. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc:" them to your boss.  23. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.  24. Invent nonsense computer jargon in conversations, and see if people play along to avoid the appearance of ignorance.  25. Erect an elaborate network of ropes in your backyard, and tell the neighbors you are a "spider person."  26. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with the prophesy."  27. Wear a special hip holster for your remote control.  28. Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.  29. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.  30. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.  31. Give a play-by-play account of a persons every action in a nasal Howard Cosell voice.  32. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.  33. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."  34. Drum on every available surface.  35. Staple papers in the middle of the page.  36. Ask 1-800 operators for dates.  37. Produce a rental video consisting entirely of dire FBI copyright warnings.  38. Sew anti-theft detector strips into peoples backpacks. 39. Hide dairy products in inaccessible places.  40. Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page. 41. Set alarms for random times.  42. Order a side of pork rinds with your filet mignon.  43. Instead of Gallo, serve Night Train next Thanksgiving. 44. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a "croaking" noise.  45. Honk and wave to strangers.  46. Dress only in clothes colored Hunters Orange.  47. Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.  48. Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.  49. Wear your pants backwards.  50. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.  51. Begin all your sentences with "ooh la la!"  52. ONLY TYPE IN UPPERCASE.  53. only type in lowercase.  54. dont use any punctuation either  55. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.  56. Pay for your dinner with pennies.  57. Tie jingle bells to all your clothes.  58. Repeat everything someone says, as a question.  59. Write "X - BURIED TREASURE" in random spots on all of someone's roadmaps.  60. Inform everyone you meet of your personal Kennedy assassination/UFO/ O.J Simpson conspiracy theories.  61. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, its gone now."  62. Light road flares on a birthday cake.  63. Wander around a restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.  64. Leave tips in Bolivian currency.  65. Demand that everyone address you as "Conquistador."  66. At the laundromat, use one dryer for each of your socks. 67. When Christmas caroling, sing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells" until physically restrained.  68. Wear a cape that says "Magnificent One."  69. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.  70. Stand over someone's shoulder, mumbling, as they read. 71. Pretend your computer's mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.  72. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "no, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.  73. Drive half a block.  74. Inform others that they exist only in your imagination. 75. Ask people what gender they are.  76. Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back. 77. Cultivate a Norwegian accent. If Norwegian, affect a Southern drawl.  78. Routinely handcuff yourself to furniture, informing the curious that you don't want to fall off "in case the big one comes".  79. Deliberately hum songs that will remain lodged in co-workers brains, such as "Feliz Navidad", the Archies "Sugar" or the Mr. Rogers theme song.  80. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head. like a parakeet.  81. Lie obviously about trivial things such as the time of day.  82. Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September. 83. Change your name to "AaJohn Aaaaasmith" for the great glory of being first in the phone book. Claim it's a Hawaiian name, and demand that people pronounce each "a." 84. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.  85. Chew on pens that you've borrowed.  86. Wear a LOT of cologne.  87. Listen to 33rpm records at 45rpm speed, and claim the faster speed is necessary because of your "superior mental processing."  88. Sing along at the opera. 89. Mow your lawn with scissors.  90. At a golf tournament, chant "swing-batabatabata-suhWING-batter!"  91. Ask the waitress for an extra seat for your "imaginary friend."  92. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.  93. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions, and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something  about "psychological profiles."  94. Stare at static on the TV and claim you can see a "magic picture."  95. Select the same song on the jukebox fifty times.  96. Never make eye contact.  97. Never break eye contact.  98. Construct elaborate "crop circles" in your front lawn. 99. Construct your own pretend "tricorder," and "scan" people with it, announcing the results.  100. Make appointments for the 31st of September.  101. Invite lots of people to other people's parties.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>urn:uuid:ae0a3c48-3b6e-4362-81ce-fe89528ea13dUse Candles with CareCandle Statistics Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year. Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too...Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:37:14 -0600<h3 style="color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 3em; margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Candle Statistics</h3> <p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.35em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year. <ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; margin-bottom: 1em; font-size: 13px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6am.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">December is the peak month for candle fires; Christmas is the peak day.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when candles are used for light.</li> </ul> <h3 style="color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 3em; margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tragic and Preventable Candle Fires</h3> <ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; margin-bottom: 1em; font-size: 13px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Three sleeping boys died when a candle left burning in the living room ignited nearby combustibles.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A man and his three children died in a fire when hot wax from an unattended candle dripped on curtains, igniting them.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Eleven members of a family died in a fire when a lighted candle ignited a mattress.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Two children died in a fire when a lighted candle rolled under the Christmas tree.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A mother and young baby died when a burning candle used for religious observances ignited cabinetry.</li> </ul> <p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.35em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Fact: The majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence. <h3 style="color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 3em; margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Candle Fire Safety Tips</h3> <ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; margin-bottom: 1em; font-size: 13px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Avoid using lighted candles.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Never put candles on a Christmas tree.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Never leave the house with candles burning.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Extinguish candles after use.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping environment.</li> <li style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 8px; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!</li> </ul> Visit our website for more info on our company: www.buechnerinsurancegroup.com urn:uuid:55acf698-044a-435a-b36d-71c917a6c9bcWhat to say about that ‘special’ giftWhat to say about that ‘special’ gift Hey! There’s a gift! Well, well, well ... Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes that would’ve fit. This is perfect for wearing around the basement. Gosh. I hop...Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:57:03 -0600What to say about that ‘special’ gift <ul style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"> <li>Hey! There’s a gift!</li> <li>Well, well, well ...</li> <li>Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes that would’ve fit.</li> <li>This is perfect for wearing around the basement.</li> <li>Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.</li> <li>If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!</li> <li>I love it—but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.</li> <li>Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.</li> <li>To think—this is the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.</li> <li>I really don’t deserve this.</li> </ul>urn:uuid:2d196742-51e2-4365-b745-1785c18fd231Holiday Shopping Safety TipsHoliday Shopping Safety Tips: Though most people are full of the holiday spirit and good will this time of year, criminals look for the opportunity to take advantage. For extra-safe brick-and-mortar shopping: Use the buddy system and sho...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:08:11 -0600Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: Though most people are full of the holiday spirit and good will this time of year, criminals look for the opportunity to take advantage. For extra-safe brick-and-mortar shopping: <ul style="color: #212121; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'open sans', arial, sans-serif;"> <li>Use the buddy system and shop with a friend.  You are more likely to become a target if you are alone.</li> <li>Park your car in a well-lit area and keep track of where it’s parked. This will get you in your car and on your way faster.</li> <li>Be careful what you post online. Don't alert others that you aren’t at home.</li> <li>Consolidate packages so you're a less desirable target for criminals looking to steal your belongings.</li> <li>Wear your purse across the body to keep your hands free for your keys, both when heading to your car and into your home.</li> <li>Hide purchases from view in your parked car to prevent breakins.</li> <li>Be just as vigilant about your surroundings during the daylight hours. A crime can occur at any time.</li> <li>Take extra precautions. For example, StreetSafe is a new mobile personal security system that uses your smart phone’s GPS technology to connect to help instantly, before a situation turns into an emergency. Street Safe’s "Walk With Me" service offers a live connection to a professional safety advisor to keep you safe when walking in unfamiliar or threatening surroundings and provides instant access to 911 if needed.</li> <li>Stay alert while you are walking to your car. Talking or texting on your phone or digging in your purse for your keys while walking is a distraction and makes you an easy target.</li> <li>Check the back seat for potential criminals before getting back in your car. Carry your keys in your hand while you are walking toward your vehicle, and pick a parking space that's easy to back out of so that you can leave the parking lot quickly.</li> <li>Ask to have your packages delivered. Though this costs a little, you won't have to deal with the hassle of carrying your things to the car and then unloading them when you get home. Women carrying a lot of packages are often targets for criminals because such shoppers are distracted and not as mobile.</li> </ul>urn:uuid:df25326c-2efc-41ce-8ef7-1908bea0e20aTips for cleaning a fireplaceCleaning the Fireplace (tips): First order of business: I move everything in and around the base out of the way and put down several old sheets or plastic shower curtains to protect the surrounding carpet. Once that's covered, I remove the fireplace ...Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:31:27 -0600Cleaning the Fireplace (tips): First order of business: I move everything in and around the base out of the way and put down several old sheets or plastic shower curtains to protect the surrounding carpet. Once that's covered, I remove the fireplace grate to clean it separately by wiping it with a damp towel and letting it dry. Then, using a shop vacuum (not a regular vacuum, because the fine ashes can clog the filter), I suck up as much debris and ash as possible — inside, on the bottom and walls, and around the outside base. For the fine layer of soot that remains, I use several damp paper towels to wipe it away. Next, with a handled scrub brush and a bucket of warm water with detergent (a squirt or two per gallon of water), I scrub the inside floor, followed by the sides — doing one small spot at a time and rinsing before moving on. Last, I rinse it all with water on a sponge or a terry cloth and wipe dry with an old towel. A final safety hint for folks who may use their fireplaces frequently: Have your chimney inspected by a pro each year.urn:uuid:19a5386e-4e1b-4280-b1e8-359439d26e53Christmas Tree TipsChristmas Tree Tips For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday. The National Safety Council offers some safety tips to make sure a mishap doesn't spoil your holiday season. Christmas Trees Natural and artificia...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:47:31 -0600Christmas Tree Tips For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday. The National Safety Council offers some safety tips to make sure a mishap doesn't spoil your holiday season. Christmas Trees Natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 14 deaths, 26 injuries and $13.8 million in property damage yearly. Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap. Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways. If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 7 deaths, 17 injuries and $7.9 million in property damage yearly. Tree lights Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets. Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Tree ornaments Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans and spray cans. Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials. Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them. Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible. urn:uuid:04b68991-c0df-4480-8574-6460e6d751827 recommended ways to develop a reputation for being trustworthyHere are my top 7 recommended ways to develop a reputation for being trustworthy. 1. Be on time: Consider that being consistently late sends a very loud message, not just about your reliability, but about your lack of respect for and commitment...Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:55:40 -0600Here are my top 7 recommended ways to develop a reputation for being trustworthy. 1. Be on time: Consider that being consistently late sends a very loud message, not just about your reliability, but about your lack of respect for and commitment to the other people who have to wait for you. If there is a pattern of people showing up late, you do not get a free pass from this one. Showing up consistently on time in an organization that has this costly habit is an opportunity to lead. Why not take advantage of the opportunity? 2. Prepare. We use the excuse of having to go to so many meetings or back to back meetings not only as a reason for being late, but for not preparing adequately. As one of my coaches, Gordon Star, used to say: failing to prepare is preparing to fail. It also wastes peoples’ time, including yours. If you waste my time, how likely am I to trust you with something else that matters to me? 3. Do not gossip: If you have an issue with someone, work it out with them. From what I have seen there is way too much gossip occurring under the guise of venting. What’s the difference? When you vent you actually have a commitment to working things out with the person with whom you have an issue. Venting is one thing you do to prepare to have what could be a difficult conversation. Gossiping is venting without commitment. Besides, what message are you sending to the person you are gossiping to? They may be left wondering if they will be next. 4. Keep confidential conversations confidential: Knowing something others are not supposed to know is a big responsibility. It can also be a bit intoxicating. If you have to mention to someone else that you shouldn’t be telling them this, do you really think that qualifies as keeping a confidence? You may experience a moment of power, but consider whether it is worth the risk to your reputation or to others. 5. Honor your promises. I use the word “honor” instead of “keep” your promises deliberately because no one keeps all of their promises. Stuff happens and we are, after all, human. So this means EITHER do what you said you would do OR tell someone in advance of the due date that you can’t deliver. When you can’t deliver and you tell someone in advance, you can figure out together how to deal with the potential breakdown. That doesn’t count as keeping your promise, but it does honor your commitment and your relationship. 6. Admit when you don’t know something. It is an illusion to think that if we hide what we don’t know we will protect the perception that we are competent. Reality is that the more competent we are the more aware we are of what we don’t know and the more confident we will be that we can find out. Admitting you don’t know something is a sign of strength, not weakness. Also consider that, as a manager, if I know you will admit when you don’t know, I am actually more likely to entrust you with something that may be a stretch for you. 7. Own your mistakes. Admitting your mistakes is a good start because it demonstrates honesty. Want to demonstrate reliability, too? Take full responsibility by dealing with the consequences of your mistakes and taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn.urn:uuid:0725a0e6-4c34-421d-809f-5a25a9d856e5Buying Life Insurance? What You To Know....If you are considering buying life insurance, how do you know if the agent will show you all the products available so that you can choose the one that will best meet you and your family’s needs and goals? I am a firm believer in “compar...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:50:19 -0600<p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">If you are considering buying life insurance, how do you know if the agent will show you all the products available so that you can choose the one that will best meet you and your family’s needs and goals? I am a firm believer in “comparison shopping”. The key here is making sure you know what to ask for so that you have the right things to compare. You have to ask the right questions to get the answers and information you need to make an informed choice. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">When dealing with the average agent you will most likely be presented with policies that are of a type that is referred to, (in the industry), as “cash value” or “permanent” insurance. These products are often called “Whole Life”, “Universal Life”, “Variable Universal Life” or some variation of those names. These are products where, in essence, the insurance company has bundled together a death benefit and some type of account that accumulates a balance of cash, (often called an accumulation account). The way these policies work is part of the monthly amount paid to the insurance company is used to purchase the death benefit, (i.e. pay the premium), pay any required fees, and then remaining amount of the monthly payment is placed in an account where it is supposed to earn interest and grow. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">What most people don’t know is that there is another option available that the agent has somehow “neglected” to present. This other option is very rarely offered to the consumer on a regular basis. This is unfortunate. I feel it is a very powerful alternative to the other products available. What is it? It is an option where the customer purchases a term insurance policy and invests the difference of the cost in a stand-alone savings/investment “vehicle”. Here is an illustration*. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">First let’s look at one type of insurance plan that is often presented by agents. We’ll call it, “Plan A” <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Let’s pretend that Mr & Mrs Smith want to have life insurance, (and yes, they should have it). They are both in their mid thirties and have two children. Their budget is such that they can afford to spend about $150 a month. The first type of insurance under consideration is the “whole life” policy. The Smiths are probably able to get a policy that provides $100,000 death benefit on him, and $75,000 on her. The coverage will last from now until age 100. When the Smiths reach the age of 100, the insurance company promises to pay them $100,000. If they decide they want to “take the money and run” before that, (at age 65, for example), they can terminate the policy, (end the insurance), and take what ever cash has accumulated to that point, (probably about $50,000 to $65,000). Ok, that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Let’s look at the other option. We’ll call it, “Plan B” <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">With a 30 year, renewable term policy, Mr. Smith can get about $200,000 of coverage, Mrs Smith about $150,000, and they can get $10,000 on each of the kids. Total monthly cost, about $53. Remember, they budgeted $150 per month for this, so what would happen if they took the $97 and put it into some type of savings “vehicle”? Over the course of 30 years, $97 a month could grow to about $300,000 **. This is what is referred to as, “buy term and invest the difference”. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">With this type of policy, at age 65, Mr & Mrs Smith would have the choice of continuing their insurance coverage if they felt they needed it, AND they could also take the $300,000 and use it how ever they see fit, (without ending their insurance coverage). Some agents might argue that the premium on the term policy will be higher at re-newal. That may be true, but the $300,000 would also be creating about $2500 in interest income each month**. More than enough money to pay for any modest rise in the premium costs. (Besides, if the Smiths have $300,000 saved up, do they really need to buy that much insurance any more?) <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">So which would you choose? <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">(A) Pay $150 per month for $100,000 in coverage and get $100,000 at age 100 <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">-OR- <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">(B) Pay $53 per month for $200,000 in coverage and set aside $97 per month in savings, and have $300,000 at age 65 ** <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">So why don’t insurance agents present this second option? (I’ll let you answer that one yourself) <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">There are some other differences between the two plans. For example, what happens if the Smiths need to use some of the money that was accumulated? <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">If the Smiths had gone with Plan (A), in order to get the money they needed, they would have two choices. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">(1) They can terminate the policy and take the entire amount of what has accumulated. They would have their money, but now they don’t have any insurance coverage. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">(2) The other choice is to borrow the money they need from the insurance company, using their account as collateral. Their coverage would still be there, but they would have to make payments on the loan, (including interest), in addition to their monthly premium payment. If one of them should die before the loan is paid off, the outstanding loan balance is subtracted from the death benefit. For example, if Mr Smith dies and they still owe $5,000 on the loan, the death benefit paid to his wife would be $95,000. ($100,000 - $5,000). Also the $5000 could become taxable as non-death benefit income. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">With Plan (B), the savings account is separate from the insurance policy so the Smiths can take money out of their account, and it would not have any effect on the insurance coverage. The policy does not have to be canceled, and the amount of the death benefit paid is not reduced. Depending on the type of savings “vehicle” the Smiths use, they might have to pay some type of tax or interest penalty on the money they withdraw, but again, there is no effect on the insurance coverage. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">As you can see there can be some clear advantages to buying term coverage over a “cash value” type of policy. Which type of policy works best for you is strictly a matter of personal choice, but that is the key word, “CHOICE”. You deserve to be shown ALL of the options available that best meet YOUR needs and not be steered into something just because the agent gets more commission. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">* The insurance plan costs and coverages described are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. A actual comparison can only occur using actual policy documents issued by an insurer. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">** This is an illustration only and is not a representation of a specific investment product or plan. <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5em; widows: 2; text-transform: none; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; margin: 1.2em 0px; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">This above information is provided for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to conduct any type of business or transaction. For more information on life insurance please call or visit our office. BIG (Buechner Insurance Group) 1278 Woodville Pike Milford, Oh 45150 (513) 831-4544 <a href="http://www.buechnerinsurancegroup.com">www.buechnerinsurancegroup.com</a> urn:uuid:b9dd20ca-1415-4669-8b1c-798c2dda8ddfRepublicans in Hell Republicans in Hell While walking down the street one day, a Republican head of state is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance "Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settl...Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:33:44 -0600<div id="abw" style="position: relative; text-align: left; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255,255,255); margin: 0px auto 0.75em; padding-left: 0px; width: 984px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 0px; background-clip: initial;"></div> Republicans in Hell While walking down the street one day, a Republican head of state is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance "Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in." says the Republican. "Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up.   What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the Republican head of state. "I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts the Republican to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course.   In the distance is a club and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at expense of the people.   They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil (a Republican, too), who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven." So 24 hours pass with the Republican head of state joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity." He reflects for a minute, then the head of state answers: "Well, I would never have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell." So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to the Republican and lays an arm on his neck. "I don't understand," stammers the Republican head of state. Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.  The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning.  Today you voted for us!"urn:uuid:62307974-5684-4935-bc3c-c5baaf1ca952The 10 Most Popular Cars of All TimeThe 10 Most Popular Cars of All Time:   There’s got to be a logic to car buying. Some lots you walk into have hundreds of cars, or at least, seemingly hundreds of cars. Add in pushy salespeople, hot sun, cold snow, overzealous air conditi...Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:55:32 -0600The 10 Most Popular Cars of All Time:   There’s got to be a logic to car buying. Some lots you walk into have hundreds of cars, or at least, seemingly hundreds of cars. Add in pushy salespeople, hot sun, cold snow, overzealous air conditioning, driving rain, burnt coffee, and any other disasters that could occur, and you’ve got a mess. Which one do you test drive? Do you joy-ride in the sweetest ride there is? Do you go 13 miles per hour in a school zone and test the brakes for response time? Do you take a lunch break and think about it, or go with your instincts? Do you keep asking questions? (Questions stop here.) Whether you’re looking for the most attractive car, the best deal, the highest safety rating, or the yummiest new-car smell, everyone has some criteria dictating what they’re looking for. Everyone feels comfortable in a different environment, too. See what you can deduce about the trends making these ten cars the best-selling models of all time. <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#1 Toyota Corolla</h3> §  This car has sold an estimated 32 million units as of 2009. §  The Corolla is manufactured in sixteen different countries. §  One Corolla is sold every 40 seconds around the world. §  The Corolla is a product of Japan. §  It’s been produced from 1966 to present day. §  MSRP then: $1,816 §  MSRP now: $15,900 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#2 Ford F-Series</h3> §  This truck series has sold an estimated 30 million units as of 2009. §  The F-Series was the best selling automobile for 23 years. §  It was also the best selling truck for 31 years. §  The F-Series is a product of the United States of America. §  It’s been produced from 1948 to present day. §  MSRP then: $1,239 §  MSRP now: $22,790 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#3 Volkswagen Golf</h3> §  This car has sold an estimated 25 million units as of 2009. §  The Golf was the first successful replacement for the VW Beetle. §  It’s a product of Germany. §  Golfs have been produced from 1974 to present day. §  MSRP then: $3,330 §  MSRP now: $17,995 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#4 Original Volkswagen Beetle</h3> §  The Beetle has an estimated 21 million units sold as of 2009. §  The initial funding for development of the Beetle came largely from Hitler’s Third Reich. §  This car is a product of Germany. §  The Original Beetle was produced from 1938 to 1979. (Modern versions are vastly different from the original model.) §  MSRP then: $1,290 §  MSRP now: $19,795 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#5 Ford Escort</h3> §  The UK version of this car has an estimated 20 million units sold as of 2009. §  The Escort is the best-selling car of all time in the United Kingdom. §  The Escort was a product of the United Kingdom. §  It was produced from 1967 to 2003. §  MSRP then: $1,316 §  MSRP now: $12,815 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#6 Honda Civic</h3> §  The Civic has an estimated 17 million units sold as of 2009. §  Civics were the second most stolen vehicle in the United States of America in 2010. §  This car is a product of Japan. §  Civics have been produced from 1972 to present day. §  MSRP then: $2,150 §  MSRP now: $15,805 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#7 Ford Model T</h3> §  The now obsolete car had an estimated 16.5 million units sold as of 2009. §  The Model T reached a total assembly time of 93 minutes by 1914. §  Ford Model Ts were a product of the United States of America. §  They were produced from 1908 to 1927. §  MSRP then: $366 §  MSRP now: $28,000 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#8 Honda Accord</h3> §  This car has an estimated 15.8 million units sold as of 2009. §  The Accord was the top selling Japanese car in the United States for 15 years. §  The Accord is a product of Japan. §  It’s been produced from 1976 to present day. §  MSRP then: $3,999 §  MSRP now: $21,380 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#9 Volkswagen Passat</h3> §  The VW Passat has an estimated 14.1 million units sold as of 2009. §  Previous names for the Passat include Dasher, Santana, and Quantum. §  The Passat is a product of Germany. §  It’s been produced from 1973 to present day. §  MSRP then: $4,110 §  MSRP now: $19,995 <h3 style="line-height: 15pt; widows: 2; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt; orphans: 2; background: white; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">#10 Chevrolet Impala</h3> §  The Chevy Impala has an estimated 14 million units sold as of 2009. §  The original model was known for its distinctive pairs of three tail lights. §  The stylish car sold 1,074,925 units in the year 1964 alone. §  The Impala is a product of the United States of America. §  The Impala has been produced from 1958 to present day. §  MSRP then: $2,586 §  MSRP now: $25,645urn:uuid:82768668-e613-46e9-a4bc-fdf5236dadb9A Thanksgiving taleA Thanksgiving tale A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. "You've got to help me," he said. "I told my wife I'd bring home a turkey for tomorrow's dinner, and I forgot! Do you have any turkeys left?" "We...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:25:53 -0600<h1 style="line-height: 25px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(175,55,38); font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">A Thanksgiving tale</h1> <p style="line-height: 16px; widows: 2; text-transform: none; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(0,0,0); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. "You've got to help me," he said. "I told my wife I'd bring home a turkey for tomorrow's dinner, and I forgot! Do you have any turkeys left?" "Well, I'll see," the butcher said, and he went into the walk-in fridge.  He found only one thin, scrawny turkey, and he brought it for the customer to look over.  The man shook his head. "Are you sure you haven't got anything else?"  Hiding his irritation, the butcher headed back to the walk-in fridge, taking the turkey with him.  There were no others, so after a few minutes he brought the original turkey out again. "Took me a while, but I found this one." The customer sighed. "All right. I'll take 'em both."urn:uuid:1b29aa3d-a3d1-4b62-8779-5617903bf414How Much Do I Need to Save to Retire?The Tip: Most of us worry about having enough for retirement because we don't know how much we'll need and how we're going to get it. With the right advice and a few quick calculations, you can answer both these questions! Retirement planning poll...Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:08:25 -0500The Tip: Most of us worry about having enough for retirement because we don't know how much we'll need and how we're going to get it. With the right advice and a few quick calculations, you can answer both these questions! Retirement planning polls and studies consistently show that Americans are increasingly concerned they won't have enough money for retirement. That's not surprising since half of us simply guess how much we'll need, and almost as many don't even have a plan to reach our retirement goals. Answering these two important questions will go a long way to bringing you peace of mind about retirement. How Much Will It Take? Let's be honest. Nailing down a dollar figure that will give you a comfortable retirement is going to take some work. In fact, this is the perfect question to ask an expert. Financial advisors will help you estimate your retirement expenses, but here are a few things you'll need to consider: No debt: Being and staying debt-free is the key to building wealth, and it will stretch your retirement dollars. Medical costs: The average couple retiring at age 65 will spend $285,000 in health care costs in retirement. You could end up spending significantly more or less. Long-term care needs: Folks who reach age 65 have a 60% chance of needing long-term care either in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Long-term care insurance will protect your retirement savings, so factor those costs into your planning. These issues are just for starters. You'll also need to consider what you'll do with your home, what sources of income you'll have, and what type of lifestyle you plan to live. Will you travel? Start a new business? Go back to school? There's no better time to get these answers than right now. Do The Math Once you've got a goal, you can take steps to reach it. Let's say your goal is to have a $60,000 annual income in retirement. How large will your nest egg need to be to provide that income? With your investments earning an average of 12% per year, we'll estimate inflation at 4% per year. To keep your nest egg intact, you'll live on 8%. Annual income you wish to retire on:    $60,000                                             Divide by:                  .08                             Retirement goal:          $750,000 So how much do you need to put away each month to reach your goal? That depends on how long you have to invest. Check the chart to find the factor that matches your timeline: Retirement goal:     $750,000 Multiply by factor:      .000436 (for a 30-year-old with 35 years until retirement)                                     $327 per month <span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa;"> 8% Factors Your Age          Years To Save          Factor    25                         40                    .000286        30                         35                    .000436    35                         30                    .000671    40                         25                    .001051    45                         20                    .001698    50                         15                    .002890    55                         10                    .005466     60                           5                    .013610                  urn:uuid:d035a240-1fc4-4ae4-9953-a5794bad760cYes, home insurance companies check credit scores.According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), insurance companies have been looking at their customer’s credit score ratings for decades.  Now, with the modern computerization of data, insurance companies are able to calculat...Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:33:06 -0500According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), insurance companies have been looking at their customer’s credit score ratings for decades.  Now, with the modern computerization of data, insurance companies are able to calculate what is called an "insurance score" based on an applicant's credit rating. An insurance score is a numerical ranking that takes into consideration a customer's credit score, credit history and other metrics. (Note: income, race, etc. are never used to calculate an insurance score). The reason your insurance company will look at your insurance score is because studies have for a long time found a definite correlation between a homeowners negative credit rating and their likelihood of filing an insurance claim. Customers more likely to file an insurance claim are more of a risk to insurance companies- and therefore may pay slightly higher premiums. Not only this- but customers with a better credit score are more likely to pay their premiums on time. This works similar to mortgage qualification. The worse your credit score- the higher interest rate you are going to have to pay on a loan. This is because a lender also associates credit history with financial risk. A poor credit history shows that you may be more likely not to pay your mortgage payments on time or in the worst case scenario- to default on your loan. The good news is, for those customers who have maintained good credit history, you will benefit from this process. This is because since home insurance companies are able to accurately assess risk- they are also able to set rates at appropriate levels for each customer. If they were not able to rate customer's risk level- insurance premiums would be subsidized- and all customers would pay an average rate. For customers with poor credit history this scenario would be beneficial- but for homeowners with a good credit rating- this would likely mean higher rates. For homeowners who may not have the best credit rating- don't fret. You can lower your premiums many different ways. For example, if you maintain a safe home you may be less likely to file an insurance claim. For example, maintaining your roof might prevent wind damage; fixing a broken step might help avoid an injury and lawsuit; clearing dead tree branches might prevent damage to your home from a fallen tree limb. In this case, your home insurance company may offer you a "No Claims" discount if you maintain a claims free record for a specific period of time. (Of course, some claims cannot be avoided and we are in no way suggesting that you should not file a home insurance claim if you need to.) Also, additional discounts for safety features like deadbolts, smoke alarms and burglar alarms should help reduce your rate. Lastly, work on improving your credit score. Get your credit report and try to resolve any negative items. Make an effort to always pay your bills on time- especially loans like a mortgage or auto loan. This can go a long way in saving you money in the future- not just on your insurance. Homeowners premiums are still increasing due to the claim activity in Ohio.  Keep an eye on your renewal and call our office so we can make sure your paying the lowest premium possible.  At BIG (Buechner Insurance Group) we are always looking for ways to save your family money. BIG – Buechner Insurance Group   (513) 831-4544     <a href="http://www.buechnerinsurancegroup.com/">www.buechnerinsurancegroup.com</a>      Milford, OHurn:uuid:080b318c-dfef-453b-b5cc-50b4e1423fc5GAP Insurance?There’s nothing like buying a new car. That new car smell. The joy of putting those first miles on the odometer. The huge decrease in your car’s value the minute you drive it off the dealer’s lot! A new car can depreciate up to 30%...Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:59:12 -0500There’s nothing like buying a new car. That new car smell. The joy of putting those first miles on the odometer. The huge decrease in your car’s value the minute you drive it off the dealer’s lot! A new car can depreciate up to 30% during the first year. Ouch! So what happens if you owe $20,000 on a car that is now worth $14,000 and it’s totaled in an accident? On a standard auto insurance policy, you would receive “actual cash value”, or in this case $14,000. And the $6,000 difference? You’ll still owe it and your bank or finance company will come to you looking for it. However, you can prevent this financial pitfall by adding “Gap Insurance” to your auto policy. Gap Insurance can cover the “gap” between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the amount you still owe. In the example above, Gap insurance could cover the $6,000 difference you would otherwise get stuck paying. Simply put, it can pay off your entire auto loan, even if your vehicle is no longer worth what you owe and anyone taking out a lease or a large loan on a new auto should purchase it. Gap coverage is usually available on new vehicles only and insurance companies normally require that it be added at the purchase or lease date or within a few weeks of purchase. However, be aware that some insurance companies have caps on the amount the Gap insurance will pay and some insurance companies may not offer Gap coverage at all. So it is a good idea to not only add the coverage but ask if the coverage has limitations and restrictions. The devil can be in the details! Dealers and leasing agents may also offer Gap insurance, but it is often a better value and easier to file a claim if it is part of your current auto insurance coverage. Enjoy your new car without the fear of a financial backlash and fully protect one of your most valuable assets with Gap coverage on all your new vehicles. Call our office or check out our website for more information.  <a href="http://www.buechnerinsurance.com">www.buechnerinsurance.com</a> (513) 831-4544urn:uuid:360a5283-4834-4707-855e-4a7ad1f9481fFree Windshield RepairFree Windshield Repair It’s free so just do it! That may just be a small crack in your windshield, but don't wait to have it repaired. Left untreated, windshield damage is likely to spread, and today's small problem can quickly become tomorrow'...Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:48:27 -0500Free Windshield Repair It’s free so just do it! That may just be a small crack in your windshield, but don't wait to have it repaired. Left untreated, windshield damage is likely to spread, and today's small problem can quickly become tomorrow's big headache. It's important to remember that the windshield is an important structural element of your car. In fact, auto glass is designed and manufactured for safety in the event of a crash. Windshields stay intact in a collision because they are made of laminated safety glass - two pieces of glass with a layer of vinyl sandwiched between. However, if weakened due to untended damage, they will not provide optimal protection in an accident. When to Repair Many small chips or surface cracks only affect the outer layer of the windshield and can be mended before they get any worse – and require more time and money to fix. Repair is possible when only the outer layer of the glass is damaged. There are many types of windshield damage that can be repaired using special equipment and glass repair resin. Common types of breaks such as the bullseye, half moon and star can be repaired if they are less than the size of a quarter, and are not in the driver's direct line of sight. Some skilled technicians can repair breaks that have rays extending from them up to the diameter of a half dollar. Combination breaks can be more difficult to repair properly, especially by an unskilled technician. Since failed repair requires the windshield to be replaced, it is best to ask glass companies about their training and experience before you have work completed. Repairing the windshield not only saves you the cost of replacement but often insurance companies will waive your deductible (which means it’s FREE). To repair a small crack takes about 30 minutes and may only leave a slight blemish where the glass was broken. Consumers who are wary of repairing their windshields usually don’t understand the types of damage that can be safely repaired and what to expect from a quality repair technician. Clean breaks – and breaks that are repaired early – result in the best quality repairs. So don’t wait call your agent and have that windshield repaired today! Brett Buechner BIG - Buechner Insurance Group (513) 831-4544 <a href="http://www.buechnerinsurance.com">www.buechnerinsurance.com</a>