Catastrophic losses such as fire, flood and tornados can hit without warning.  Have a plan so your family can reunite if they are separated.  Be sure your homeowners or renters insurance is up-to-date and that you’ve added coverage for any additions or new valuables.  Flood insurance is not part of most standard homeowner’s policies so obtain additional coverage if needed. 

Know if your coverage is for actual cash value or full replacement cost and be sure your policy coverage keeps up with inflation.

Did You Know?

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted.  It’s time to take cover and to stay safe. 

A Tornado Watch means that the weather conditions are perfect for tornados to develop.  Make sure your family has a plan in action for those situations

These tips can help in the processing of insurance claims:

• Complete a Home Inventory List
• Take inventory and photos of your home and belongings.  When applicable, note model and serial numbers and keep sales receipts or canceled checks.
• Photograph the exterior of your home, include landscaping and other items that might increase the value of your property
• Photograph cars, boats, and recreational vehicles
• Consider special coverage like flood insurance
• If you rent, buy renters insurance
• Store inventory lists, photos and insurance policies away from your home or in a disaster-resistant, fireproof or waterproof container
• Review and update your insurance policy annually, understand exactly what is covered
• Keep a list of 24-hour contact information for each of your insurance providers

April is Financial Literacy Month

Establishing Credit
Do you want to establish credit? Here is information to get you started in the right direction.

April Fool’s Day
Don’t be caught the fool for not checking on your professionals license and to verify their good standing!

April 15
Tax Day…Is your Accountant licensed?  Tax Tips for 2009

Understanding your Credit Report
Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something significant like a mortgage, you'll want to get and review a copy of your credit report.

Credit Scoring
About credit scores
When you apply for credit – whether for a credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage – lenders want to know what risk they'd take by loaning money to you.

Using Credit Cards Responsibly
Most of us aren't born knowing how to use credit cards. Still, it’s important to learn the rules of the credit card game – preferably before you start playing.

Avoiding Credit Scams
Cleaning up your history could get you into bigger trouble if you get taken in. Here's how to see through a con game.

Do you have a student or a college loan that needs to be paid?  Spring time is usually when we start thinking about paying off our college loans and we need to do some research when applying for scholarships.  Scholarship scams are becoming more prevalent with today’s market.  Educate yourself on how to spot and avoid scholarship scams.