Decluttering is having a moment these days. Organizing guru Marie Kondo has her own show on Netflix, people everywhere are going through their things and asking, “Does this bring me joy?” and many are even exploring the...

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For many kids, the transition from summer to the new school year can be difficult. The days of staying up late playing games, listening to music, and texting or talking to friends are coming to an end. Recently, my wife...

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- Rideshare. It's a wildly popular and relatively new industry that's changing the way we think about transportation. Millions of people have become rideshare drivers, and even more have used their incredibly convenient...

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How many times a day do you have to call to ensure that your mom or dad has taken their meds? Probably five or six times. Sometimes, you’re forced to ask whether they’re sure they’ve done all they’re supposed to. The...

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It may come as a surprise to some, but hunting is actually one of the safest sports you can be a part of. Why is that? Because the people who participate have a healthy respect for the rules and regulations involved...

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You may tend to overlook your roof, but it's actually the most important component of your home - and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don't last forever! I didn'...

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Buying your first home can be a great experience, but mine has been...complicated, to say the least. The market in West Michigan (where I live) is bursting at the seams with young dreamers hoping to make their first...

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Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to...

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There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage-it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss. How...

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It's back-to-school time, and, if you have school-age children, your household is likely bustling with activity and filling up with books and backpacks. There are other households and school districts in your community,...

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Yes, it's already time to start thinking about school again. Getting a head start can pay big dividends for you and your kids as they head back to class. But, it's not just what they need for school that matters. It's...

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If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone who does), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It's a great thought, of course. But,...

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Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.) The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You...

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Swat, splat, bang. These are common sounds at my house. The reason for these sounds is mosquitos are invading us. I don’t recall them ever being this bad! Strong storms accompanied by heavy rain, and warm temperatures...

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With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip...

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Insurance coverages* available for your recreational vehicle are similar to those available for your regular automobile, but did you know there are additional coverages you can add that are specifically tailored to...

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Having your perfect wedding and buying your dream home are both exciting milestones, full of new adventure and hopeful possibility. However, both events require a significant amount of careful logistical and financial...

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For many of our neighbors, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for...

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It's one of the difficult questions for us as independent insurance agents to talk about: Do you have life insurance for your kids? Why is it difficult? On its surface, the notion is disturbing and a little morbid. Life...

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You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and...

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Springtime is here and many of us are looking to replace our cars with an upgraded vehicle. A common question people have when shopping for a new car is, “When I buy a new car, is it insured?” Yes, it is. Auto-Owners...

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April 22 marked the 49th annual Earth Day, when more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries were expected to take part in what the Earth Day Network calls “the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.”...

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It’s just rain - how much impact can it really have on your driving? The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after...

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Spring is a time for new beginnings, and cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle the monumental spring cleaning chore, read on for some helpful...

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Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were...

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Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other...

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While fall and winter have their own pleasures, longer nights mean increased danger on the roads. You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23%...

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Why should I have a home inventory? - Your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports or hobby equipment, and electronic goods are all regarded as personal property. Like many people in Minnesota, you may own much more...

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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That's why it's important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself...

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Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying-they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S....

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