Are You A Renter? Insure Your Stuff!

By John Voket

I need a bunch of you – specifically you renters – to take a moment and consider an important piece of advice about your stuff. If you love it, then make an extra effort to protect it.

Did you know the majority of homeowners buy insurance, but just one in three college-aged renters insures their belongings? Even more shocking: at least half of all renters fail to buy any insurance protection for their possessions.

Way too many consumers are under the mistaken impression that their landlord’s policy will cover their losses, according to the Connecticut Better Business Bureau. BBB says renter’s insurance generally covers property damage or loss caused by theft, fire, vandalism or storms. In addition, most policies include liability coverage, which protects a tenant if someone gets hurt when visiting their home or apartment.

The cost of renter’s insurance is usually lower than homeowner’s insurance because it covers only personal property and liability, not the structure. The amount of the deductible can also affect the cost of premiums.

Two types of renter’s insurance coverage are available:

• Actual cash value insurance pays to replace items up to the policy’s limits, minus a deduction for depreciation.
• Replacement cost insurance pays the actual cost of replacing your possessions, regardless of depreciation, up to the limits on the policy.

Consider the value of possessions versus the cost of insurance - even a college student can have property worth several thousand dollars, such as computers, televisions, furniture, jewelry or small appliances.

When seeking a renter’s insurance quote:

• Determine if you have specific items of high value, you also may need a rider to cover those items.
• Ask what deductibles apply to the policy.
• Find out whether the policy will cover living costs if you are unable to occupy your current apartment or home.
• Inquire about exclusions, such as types of property that would not be covered.
• Ask the insurer if they give discounts for burglar alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems or deadbolts on exterior doors.
• If you are switching insurers, be sure that the new policy is in effect before dropping the old one.
• As with any insurance product, BBB advises consumers to get estimates from several companies before buying a policy.

Source: www.bbb.org.

Builder Confidence Continues Improving in December

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose for an eighth consecutive month in December to a level of 47 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This marked a two-point gain from a slightly revised November reading, and the highest level the index has attained since April of 2006.

“Builders across the country are reporting some of the best sales conditions they’ve seen in more than five years, with more serious buyers coming forward and a shrinking number of vacant and foreclosed properties on the market,” observed NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “However, one thing that is still holding back potential home sales is the difficulty that many families are encountering in getting qualified for a mortgage due to today’s overly stringent lending standards.”

“While there is still much room for improvement, the consistent upward trend in builder confidence over the past year is indicative of the gradual recovery that has been taking place in housing markets nationwide and that we expect to continue in 2013,” noted NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for the past 25 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores from each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

Two of the HMI’s three component indexes are now above the critical midpoint of 50. The component gauging current sales expectations rose two points to 51 in December, while the component gauging sales expectations in the next six months slipped one point, to 51. The component measuring traffic of prospective buyers increased one point, to 36.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/hmi.

Seniors: Have a Safe and Healthy Winter Season

By Dr. Judith S. Black

Helping older family members stay safe, secure and independent begins with preparation in the home.
Learn how to help seniors stay safe and healthy by following these tips:

• Since snow and ice and other adverse weather conditions raise the risk of falls during the winter season, it is important to wear appropriate footwear – comfortable shoes with anti-slip soles. This will help secure footing on icy or snowy walks, stairs or driveways.
• Check where you regularly walk and be aware of any surfaces that may present a slip or fall risk. Be sure rugs are flat and secure, especially since footwear in the winter tends to be a bit heavier and bulkier than in the warmer weather months.
• Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. If you haven't done so already, it is not too late to call your friends and family members to remind them to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot can help prevent complications in older adults and anyone with asthma, diabetes, anemia and other heart and lung problems. Call your doctor today to discuss and schedule your flu shot.
• I also recommend getting a pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot. Unlike the flu shot, which is different each year and is given before the start of the influenza season, the pneumococcal shot can be given at any time of the year. However, for convenience, the pneumococcal shot can be given at the same time as the flu shot.
• At this time of the year, it is also important for senior citizens to be protected from the cold temperatures. Every year, many elderly people die from hypothermia and exposure since our bodies are less able to protect us from dangerously cold weather if they have to be outdoors.
• Finally, diet and exercise should not be neglected during the winter months. While you may not want to venture outside for a walk, it is important to stay active with light exercises indoors.

Dr. Judith S. Black has been the medical director for senior markets at Highmark Inc.

Road Trip! Four Top Tips for Safer, Holiday Travel

By Barbara Pronin

Whether you’re headed to Grandma’s house for an old-fashioned Christmas or to a place in the sun for some holiday relaxation, getting there can be cheaper and often more fun if you drive. But road trips can carry their own brand of mishaps if you don’t plan ahead, say the trip-meisters at the Automobile Club of America.

AAA suggests six ways to help make your family’s road trip enjoyable and worry-free:

Don’t advertise – Do not post your plans to leave town on your Facebook page or other public venues. An empty house can lure robbers, so keep your travel plans relatively quiet – although it’s wise to leave a copy of your route and itinerary with a trusted friend or relative.
Travel safe – Have your car checked out before you leave to minimize roadside emergencies. Stock it with flares, water, protein bars, blankets, your cell phone charger and kitty litter for tire traction if you will be traveling in icy regions. Also, put any maps or other evidence that you are traveling into the trunk or glove compartment when you stop for meals or a rest stop. You don’t want to alert thieves that there may be valuables in your car.
Make it comfy – If you’re traveling with kids, it’s best to keep them well-fed and entertained. Pack portable DVD players, handheld game systems, or travel versions of favorite board games. Check online for some popular road games, like license plate alphabet or G-H-O-S-T, and take along some on-the-go snacks like string cheese, granola bars or fruit.
Keep it relaxed – If there are two drivers in the car, switch off every few hours. Do not distract the driver with frequent requests to, “Look at that!” On the other hand, be alert to points of interests along the way that may be worth an unscheduled stop – or plan a stop or two in advance. If you can spare the time, such stops are a good way to keep everyone relaxed and happy.

Polish Your Organization Skills for 2013

Most of us have a tradition of setting a new years resolution, and hopefully at least some of us don’t let our goals fizzle out by mid February. If organization isn’t your strong point, perhaps you should center your 2013 resolution around making that a top priority.

"Organization is a process and a commitment that requires time and dedication," says Angela F. Wallace, CPO®, President of National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). "Productivity specialists and professional organizers are able to empower and guide clients with the tools and systems necessary for maintaining an organized lifestyle with less stress and greater productivity."
"Becoming more organized can reduce stress, save money, increase productivity and enhance the quality of your life," adds Wallace. For businesses wishing to implement a more organized and structured system, NAPO offers these tips:

• Create a list of priorities for your business and determine what needs immediate action. A professional organizer or productivity specialist can review your priorities and recommend a plan for getting started, without interrupting your daily business workflow.
• Practice better time management!
• Evaluate your space. Does it feel productive and calm? Physically setting up better-functioning spaces can help employees reduce stress and feel motivated.

Employees report feeling more satisfied as a result of a supportive employer providing the tools to improve productivity and reduce stress.

Organizing does not end in the workplace. Families are busier than ever before, and being organized can help reduce stress which helps lead to better health and an overall feeling of wellbeing.
NAPO offers these tips for organizing yourself, your routine, and your family calendar:

• Decide that you deserve it! Understand that you deserve to have more control over your time, your surroundings, and less stress due to feeling overwhelmed. Commit to adding structure and stability to your life.
• Create one calendar for scheduling the activities of everyone in your household, and daily/weekly/monthly checklists for each member of your family. Display the lists and calendar in a central location of your home, like the refrigerator or mudroom.
• Prioritize your organization wants and needs. What room or space needs immediate attention?
• Set realistic goals for organizing. You can achieve your organizing and productivity goals by creating a plan and sticking with it over time.

Source: www.napo.net

Fannie Mae: Fiscal Cliff Remains Key Risk Factor to Near-Term Growth

By Pete Bakel

The accelerated pace of economic activity seen in the third quarter has ebbed, revealing a continued sluggish recovery in the fourth quarter, according to Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research Group. Full data regarding the disruptions from Hurricane Sandy and the effect on consumer and business confidence due to fiscal cliff uncertainties are not yet available, but both are likely to restrain growth in the current quarter and near term. Other factors including the Euro zone recession, sovereign debt crisis, and tensions in the Middle East also continue to pose potential risks to future growth. However, despite an expected 1.2 percentage point drag due to fiscal tightening, modest economic growth of sub-2 percent remains forecasted through early 2013 with a pickup in activity beginning in the second half of the year.

"With data pointing to soft economic conditions and the fiscal policy debate hanging in the balance, we expect growth in the current quarter to moderate from the pace seen last quarter," says Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. "On the bright side, the housing market has stayed resilient and continues to show signs of a strong, sustained recovery. Mortgage rates remain close to historic lows and home sales and home prices are trending positively. For the first time since 2005, residential investment is poised to contribute to annual economic growth this year, albeit on a small scale."

“Despite unsteady macroeconomic conditions, we anticipate housing and mortgage activity to gain momentum in 2013,” continues Duncan. “As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee’s action last week shifts monetary policy into cruise control, as long as the unemployment rate remains elevated and inflation stays under control. We expect mortgage rates to remain low next year, continuing to support the housing market. Total home sales should increase by approximately 8 percent in 2013, following an estimated 10 percent rise in 2012. Although home prices have dipped during the seasonally weak fall and winter seasons, year-over-year gains have strengthened significantly above 2011 levels, and we expect that trend to continue in coming years.”

For an audio synopsis of the December 2012 Economic Outlook, listen to the podcast on the Economic & Strategic Research site at www.fanniemae.com.

For more information, visit www.fanniemae.com.

Power Questions to Utilize at Your Office Holiday Party

It’s that very special time of the year when many Americans are receiving invitations to their annual office holiday party. If you’re one of them, you’ll probably look forward to the event with great excitement—until you start to recall the blunders of years past. Like the time you ran out of things to say to your CEO and awkwardly asked if his divorce was finalized.

Yes, while office holiday parties can be hit or miss, many people find their past experiences fall more often in the “miss” category. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way, says Andrew Sobel, coauthor along with Jerold Panas of Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others. He explains that with the right approach, your office holiday party can provide a great opportunity to build relationships and strengthen your position at your company.

“At the office holiday party, new relationships can be formed but they can also be ruined before they even have a chance to blossom,” says Sobel. “Old relationships can be nourished and celebrated, or they can be compromised and endangered. You can leave feeling great.

“The first is not drinking too much. Alcohol makes your inhibitions and common sense come tumbling down, and it vastly increases the chance that you will say or do something that’s at best silly or at worst truly regrettable. Second, don’t worry about being smart or clever—go prepared to ask thoughtful questions. Lots of them. The way to endear yourself to colleagues—and to get noticed by senior management—isn’t to talk more about yourself and your plans; it’s to ask engaging and inspiring questions.”

Sobel shows in his book, the most underutilized strategy for building relationships, getting to know others more deeply, and exercising influence is asking what he calls power questions. These are questions that get to the heart of the issue. They help you engage with others more deeply. They uncover people’s passions. They give people new perspectives on their challenges. Power questions, at the most basic level, enable you to get to know others more deeply and ensure that you’re talking about meaningful issues.

“When you use power questions, you can really make your office holiday party—or any party you attend over the holiday season—count,” says Sobel. “You don’t have to dread the event and then head straight for the bar for some liquid courage when you arrive. If you think about power questions beforehand, you can go in feeling confident and prepared. And you’ll come away having really used that time to your advantage. You will have engaged your leaders and coworkers, and I think you’ll find that you’ve strengthened valuable relationships.”

If you want to connect more effectively with colleagues, deepen your existing relationships, and stick to the straight-and-narrow to stay out of trouble at your upcoming office holiday party, read on for a few power questions to help you out:

Questions about work. Don’t spend your time gossiping about coworkers and what’s been happening at the office. Instead, ask thought-provoking questions about how your colleagues feel about and experience their work. A few options:

1. What was your best day and worst day at work during this past year?

2. What was the most fulfilling experience you had this year?

3. What do you think is the best part of working here? The worst part?

4. What’s the most challenging part of your job?

5. How did you get your start? (This is an especially good question to ask your boss or a senior leader in your organization. It’s a simple but powerful way to draw someone out).

Questions about goals and challenges. If the foundation of relationships is trust, the engine that moves them forward is helping others reach their goals and confront their most challenging issues. You can do this, however, only if you understand what the other person’s needs are. So ask questions like:

6. So what’s on your agenda in your work for next year? Any particular projects or initiatives you’re focused on?

7. If you suddenly had a couple of extra hours per week outside of work, how would you spend them?
Questions about others’ passions. We have many activities going on in our lives, but usually we each harbor just a few true passions. If you can discover someone else’s passions, you’ll be able to connect much more effectively. Here’s how to do it:

8. Tell me about your favorites. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Favorite restaurant? Favorite book you’ve read in the last couple of years? Favorite way to relax?

9. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but have never been able to get around to it? A sport, a hobby, an event, a challenge, a trip, whatever?

10. As you think about next year, what are you most excited about—at work or at home?

11. What’s been the most gratifying experience you’ve had this year?

Questions to learn more about them as people. Ask people about themselves. The more you learn about them, the more you may find in common, and the more you’ll understand what makes them tick.

12. So, when you’re not shaking things up at the office, how do you like to spend your time?

13. When you were younger, how did your family spend the holidays? What are your plans this year?

14. If you hadn’t gone into (business, law, banking, medicine, teaching, etc.), what do you think you might have done?

15. Where did you grow up? What was that like?

“Of course,” notes Sobel, “there are also questions you shouldn’t ask and things you shouldn’t say. And it can never hurt to go over what not to say before heading out for your party.”

Here’s a sampler of the most important ones:

Appearances. “Unless you know the other person very well, do not make remarks or give compliments to a member of the opposite sex about their appearance or dress,” cautions Sobel. “It’s not appropriate and it could be either misleading or at some level offensive. Compliment them instead on their abilities and accomplishments. Period.”

Intimate Details. “Don’t ask someone who isn’t a pretty close friend about intimate personal details,” says Sobel. “A general question like ‘Do you have a family?’ is okay, but not questions about girlfriends or boyfriends, divorce, dating, romance, and so on. You get the idea. Everyone has slightly different tolerances and comfort around going into subjects like this, and you need to err on the side of caution.”

Tipsy Revelations. “Don’t have a few drinks and then confront someone abruptly with your pent-up emotions,” advises Sobel. “For example, don’t say, ‘You know, I just feel like you don’t like me very much!’ or, ‘I want to be your friend.’ At best it might be cute, but most likely it’ll be embarrassing for both of you.”

Light of Day. “Always apply the ‘light of day’ test to your behavior,” says Sobel. “If someone reported your conversation and behavior the next day to your boss, your family, or a client, would you be embarrassed in any way? How would they feel about pictures or videos of those moments if they were posted on Facebook?”

“For many people, the holiday office party can bring with it more anxiety and dread than good cheer,” says Sobel. “And there is really just no need for that. When you arrive with a few power questions ready to go, you can make the event not only enjoyable but you can turn it into a valuable relationship-building night that could benefit you for a long time to come.”

Andrew Sobel is a widely published author on client loyalty and the capabilities required to build trusted business relationships.