Archives: 2016

Shopify, an e-commerce company that develops software for online stores, has implemented a hybrid work environment with elements of traditional corporate offices and open concept workspaces at its headquarters in Toronto, Canada.

And the 35,600 sq. ft. (3307 m) office has business and architectural media breathless: According to CBC News, Inc. magazine dubbed it “one of the ‘world’s coolest offices.'”

As open concept offices are hardly new, and it’s notoriously difficult to impress media, what’s afoot here?

Innovation # 1: A philosophy that makes sense: not all people work or think the same way. Therefore, the environment must be conducive to extroverts and introverts. (Shopify’s employee population is half and half.)

Commented Satish Kanwar, Shopify’s director of product, in a CBC interview: “We recognized there are people who are predominantly introverts and others who are extroverts…so we wanted to create a very flexible environment that was both extremely private and extremely open.”

Witness “Sofa Boxes” – rooms on wheels, with noise-canceling cushions and one see-through wall. It’s private, but still in the open; it can be pushed together for meetings; and, bonus…it’s comfortable!

Innovation # 2: The desks, on the other hand, are the ultimate in communal working. Called “hot desking,” they’re a nod to the fluidity of work at Shopify; desks are identical – no one has a defined space.

The focus of the layout, as designed with assistance from a design firm and Shopify employees, totally reflects the employees and the work they do. Now there’s a concept!

If you’re like half the working population, you may be experiencing burnout. And if you are, the good news is, you can take action. According to the Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Lifestyle website, “Job burnout is a special type of job stress – a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion combined with doubts about your competence and the value of your work.”

In a recent online article, Dr. Travis Bradberry, coauthor of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, wrote: “You get burnt out when you feel like you’re putting more into your work than you’re getting out of it. Sometimes this happens when a job isn’t rewarding, but more often than not it’s because you aren’t taking care of yourself …” Bradberry reports that a recent Society of Human Resource Management poll found burnout “was one of the top reasons that people quit.” He lists signs to watch for:

• Health problems
• Cognitive difficulties
• Difficulty with relationships
• Fatigue
• Negativity
• Decreased satisfaction
• Decreased motivation
• Performance issues

Adds Bradberry, “If you recognize many of these symptoms in yourself, don’t worry. Fighting burnout is a simple matter of self-care.” The Mayo Clinic offers a number of self-care action steps to fight job burnout, including:

• Managing contributing stressors
• Evaluating options by assessing your skills and passions
• Adjusting your attitude
• Seeking support
• Exercising regularly and sleeping seven to eight hours a night.

This new technology provides new business opportunities, but it also comes with new insurance needs. Commercial drones can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000. They also add liability risk, with the potential to cause damage to property or personal injury if the drone malfunctions. Insurance is needed.

Coverage options

With these costs in mind, business owners employing drones must consider what insurance coverage to obtain. Several options are available: you can add unmanned air vehicle coverage to your liability and property insurance, take out a separate drone insurance policy to cover liability in case of an accident, or take out a separate drone insurance policy to cover both the drone and liability.

A solid policy protects you against damage done by or to your drone. It covers a wide range of circumstances including liability coverage for ground crew and independent contractors, manufacturers’ liability, medical payments, personal injury, and damage to your own property and contents.

Which option is best will depend on the activities the drone will undertake and its cost.

Companies using fairly inexpensive drones may not find it cost-effective to obtain damage coverage. However, liability coverage is wise and, in fact, may be required under certain circumstances.

More benefits of drone insurance

It’s about more than just the law. Obtaining insurance for a single drone or a fleet can provide additional advantages for your business. Many clients these days are likely to be interested in using your drone capabilities. And because some of your clients might not want to work with someone who isn’t fully insured, a drone policy will attract business by proving that your company is professional, reputable, and worthy of their business.

How to get coverage

Obtaining drone coverage is similar to obtaining auto insurance. If you demonstrate you are safe and prepared, you are more likely to get better rates. Most insurance companies want to see maintenance logs, operating manuals, and a record of enhancements made to the drone. You should also ensure all pilots (operators) are well-trained and provide proof of this training for your insurance company. These items lower the risk to your drone and the risk it poses to others. This, in turn, lowers insurance company costs.

Costs for drone insurance

Costs for drone insurance varies, depending on these risk factors as well as the value of the drone and its use. Typically, coverage can be obtained for as little as $900 a year. Considering the potential cost that could result from just one incident, this expense is well worth it.

If your business currently uses drones (or could benefit from using them), discuss the various options for commercial drone insurance with your agent.

Everyone knows what research now proves: nature is good for you. Be they gardeners, dog walkers, or wilderness wanderers, people simply feel healthier in the great outdoors. But why?

In a recent column, gardening expert Mark Cullen tells us it’s all about trees. He writes, “We know we feel better when we spend time in the natural environment of a conservation area or urban park, or in our backyard. …” Referring to a University of Chicago study, Cullen adds, “In fact, 10 additional trees per city block increased…subjects’ health perception by as much as $10,000 in extra income (like winning a small lottery!).”

In a recent article in Ecologist, Richard J. Dolesh explains why: “New research reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine now provides scientific proof that walking in nature and spending time under leafy shade trees causes electrochemical changes in the brain that can lead people to enter a highly beneficial state of ‘effortless attention.'”

Psychology professors Rachel and Stephen Kaplan have been researching what they call “the restorative benefits” of nature for decades. In a cover story for the American Psychological Association, writer Rebecca A. Clay summarizes their findings: “People don’t have to head for the woods to enjoy nature’s restorative effects, the Kaplans emphasize. Even a glimpse of nature from a window helps. In one well-known study, for instance, Rachel Kaplan found that office workers with a view of nature liked their jobs more, enjoyed better health, and reported greater life satisfaction.”

So get out there! It’s good for you.

Recently, Facebook introduced five emojis to replace the thumbs-up icon. But would they catch on? At the time, Jessica Guynn wrote in USA Today, “Acknowledging that ‘like’ isn’t the right sentiment for every occasion, the giant social network is offering new options. Reactions, five emoting emojis, [are now] rolling out to Facebook’s nearly 1.6 billion users around the globe…”

Around the same time, a USA Today headline used emojis, and as writer Esme Cribb noted in the Content Strategist: “Yes, emojis have now officially graced the pages of print newspapers…”

The emoji platform, which tracks online sentiment and builds strategies through the use of emojis, found in a study that some 60% of respondents use emojis weekly, and many more frequently.

And, as Andrea Ayers wrote in the Crew blog: “Over a five-month period…emojis were used over 1.7 billion times on Twitter.” Ayers asks: “What exactly is driving our use of emoticons?” And responds: “The answer is quite simple, they make us feel good.” A lot of Facebook fans might well agree.

Hailstones range from pea-size to golf ball-size, and bigger. The Guinness World Records’ website reports that the heaviest hailstones weighed in at some two pounds (1 kg) as they crashed to earth in Bangladesh on April 14, 1986.

If your property is peppered by damaging hail, there are steps to take to file a claim and receive compensation for the damage.

First, however, you’ll need coverage. Typically, your homeowners &/or business  insurance will cover repairs to your home/business if it’s damaged by hail. But depending on your policy, you may have a deductible to pay first.

Talk to your agent, who can discuss policy options and recommend the best coverage for you.

Once you have coverage in place, you are prepared if a hailstorm hits. If damage results, follow these steps:

1. Document the storm. Not just the date and time, but the hailstones themselves. Photograph them, placing a tape measure next to one to show size.
2. Document damages. Examine your roof, and take pictures of any damaged shingles. Photograph damage to siding and don’t forget to check outdoor air conditioning units. Take a peek in the attic to check for leaks, and wander the property for indications of other damage.
3. Call your homeowners insurance claim phone number. Provide your policy number and your documentation. Your insurer will issue a claim number.
4. A claims adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property and prepare a repair estimate. After inspection, the adjuster will file a report with your claim examiner, who will review it and make a decision on your claim.
5. The outcome of the claim will depend on the severity of the damage, the way your house is built, and the insurance company’s evaluation criteria.

It’s not only humans who benefit from the boom in home technology. As a recent article from RISMedia suggests, pets are reaping the rewards, too.

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor temperature in each room and adjust for weather conditions from their smartphones or tablets. This can be a lifesaver for pets, who often suffer when owners are away and temperatures dip or rise drastically.

Owners also can control remotely when their pet’s food will be dispensed, and even be notified if supplies are running low.

And for owners who have to leave their dogs alone for the day, there are “smart doggy doors” that use radio frequencies to communicate with a tag on the dog’s collar and let puppy in and out.

These days, it truly is a dog’s world!

Along with nice weather, summer brings together two important pastimes: grilling and baseball. These popular activities share a common culinary theme: hot dogs.

Enjoyed in thousands of backyards each year, and by sports fans in stadiums across the country, the hot dog has become a summer staple. But where did the idea originate to grill a tube of meat, insert it in a bun, and load it with toppings?

In fact, both Austrians and Germans lay claim to the honor. Germans claim the “frankfurter” was created in Frankfurt, where Germans made thick, fatty sausages and coined the term “franks.” But the Viennese point out that the name given to the first hot dogs was “wienerwurst.” In the Austrian language (which is slightly different from standard German), “Wein” means Vienna, and “wurst” means sausage, so clearly they were Austrian sausages first!

Either way, we can thank German immigrants for bringing their native sausages with them to the New World, where they first sold hot dogs from pushcarts in New York City in the 1860s. Some stories claim the bun (or roll) was added simply so customers wouldn’t burn their hands on the hot sausages.

As for the moniker “hot dog,” legend has it the term was coined in 1902 at a New York Giants baseball game. The cold weather prompted one vendor to switch from supplying ice cream and sodas to hot sausages as a particularly apropos alternative. The call went out: “Get your dachshund sausages, red hot!” and the hot “dog” was born.

Proper insurance for you: As the traveler, you should be covered by your homeowners insurance policy in two ways:

• Liability: If you accidentally damage someone else’s property, your policy will help pay for the damage. So if the kids’ indoor soccer game gets out of hand, you’re covered.
• Personal property: Your homeowners policy will protect your personal belongings, even away from home. However, coverage limits may be lower in this case. Additionally, recreational equipment such as boats usually requires a separate policy. Consult with your agent to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Proper insurance for them: The owner of the rental property should have proper coverage for the home. Be sure to verify that the owner has a homeowners policy with appropriate liability coverage, in case anyone is injured on the property as a result of owner negligence. The owner’s homeowners policy should also cover any damage to the home that occurs from natural disasters.

1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Tell them what happened, providing as much information as possible. Have your policy number or the name of your agent available. If you are unable to stay in your home, be sure to let them know where you can be reached. Keep in mind some companies offer mobile apps to make filing even easier.
2. Complete any necessary paperwork. This may sound daunting, but your agent can walk you through it. Required paperwork includes a proof-of-loss form. As well, an adjuster may come to the site to confirm damage and complete a report. If your home was burglarized or vandalized, you’ll also need to file a police report. For your own records, document your contacts with insurance representatives and officers, writing down their names, titles, and dates.
3. Document damage. Take pictures. Use your home inventory to help with this process. If possible, safely make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage.
4. Record your expenses. If you complete temporary repairs or incur additional living expenses, track these costs for reimbursement.

As you complete this process, stay in contact with your insurance agent, who can partner with you to navigate these steps.

Unsure if you should file a claim call your insurance agent first for advice.

Self-checkout options first appeared in grocery stores more than a decade ago, offering shoppers a “quick” and “easy” alternative to lining up. Now, self-serve alternatives appear everywhere, from fast food restaurants to movie theatres. But do they truly offer consumers ease, speed, and convenience? Maybe not.

In a recent episode of the television show Marketplace, shoppers were provided with identical grocery lists; some were asked to use the self-checkout, while others lined up for a cashier. Interestingly, the cashier was faster, and made fewer mistakes. The show noted that mistakes are common among self-serve customers, who often enter the incorrect code or push the wrong buttons. Employee input is required to fix the mistakes.

The technology does offer companies proven benefits. As Marketplace reported, an early experiment by McDonald’s found that consumers spent an average of 30 percent more when using self-checkouts, possibly because they might be too embarrassed to upsize their order in front of the cashier.

Of course, the self-serve option saves money that would otherwise be spent by businesses to staff checkout lanes, supply desks, and kiosks. According to a report on self-service published by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the cost of an airline staff member check-in is $3. The cost of a passenger checking in via a self-service kiosk is 14 cents.

For many consumers, it’s not about time savings or convenience; it’s about doing it yourself. These days, many shoppers prefer to take control of the process and navigate the checkout or check-in process by themselves.

Summer vacation time is approaching, and now’s the time to start planning. Vacations aren’t a luxury; they’re crucial. Spend the time, and money, to make it great for everyone. Book good hotels. Consider nonstop flights. Fill your itinerary with must-see items.

Consult the kids. Going on vacation is a team effort. Choose activities with everyone – including you – in mind. Go to where the locals are and enjoy what they enjoy. The kids will love the energy, and you’ll love giving them the chance learn about other cultures.

Strike up conversations with strangers; it’s amazing what you can discover from other travelers.

Be active. We all spend too much time in front of screens. Swim. Snorkel. Surf. The key to your relaxation-and rejuvenation-could be breaking a sweat.

But embrace the quiet, too. Not every trip should be a meticulously planned whirlwind educational tour. Plan some time to be alone as a family. It’s something everyone will enjoy…and remember.

• For one thing, aging systems don’t work like they used to. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that the average age of U.S. sewer lines is over 30 years.
• Combined pipelines fail to prevent backups. Some systems drain both storm water and raw sewage. When a big storm hits, they can’t always handle the volume.
• Systems get uprooted. Tree roots often grow around or through pipes, causing damage.
• Sanitary main blockages occur. When the city’s sanitary main backs up, many homes can be affected.

Fortunately, insurance coverage is available to assist homeowners with this less-than-pleasant event. Typically you can add sewer backup coverage to your insurance for $40 to $50 annually. Of course, you’d like to avoid the disaster altogether. Here are some actions you can take to prevent sewer backups before they happen:

• Don’t pour grease down the drain. Even if it passes through your system, it will solidify in the main sewer line, eventually causing a clog.
• Trim your trees. It’s not the branches you need to worry about; tree roots can require occasional trimming to prevent pipe damage.
• Use plastic piping. This will provide further protection against tree roots.
• Avoid illegal connections. It is illegal to connect French drains (weeping tile), sump pumps, and other flood-control systems to your sanitary sewer.
• Use a backwater prevention valve. This valve prevents backflow, allowing sewage to flow out but not in.

Unfortunately, these precautions don’t guarantee a backup-free zone. If a backup does occur, you should photograph the affected areas, make a list of losses, and track all your expenses for repairs, cleaning, and other costs. But most important: contact your insurance company ASAP!

Increased workload: If your company is heavily seasonal, such as landscaping or construction, your workload is likely much higher in the summer. Do you hire extra employees during this time? Ensure your workers’ compensation policy is adequate. Do you purchase or lease additional equipment? Verify that this additional equipment is covered, and check any limits on your policies.

Increased driving: Summertime may mean more driving time. Check commercial auto insurance policies to ensure you have proper coverage for every vehicle and driver. It’s important to keep in mind that coverage for the vehicles is different from the coverage for employees.

Increased time off: Summer is also prime vacation time. While regular employees are away, you may hire temporary staff to keep things running smoothly. Check whether your commercial policies provide appropriate workers’ compensation for temporary staff, as well as whether you’ll incur any additional liability.

It may be necessary to get extra riders on your commercial policies to carry you through the summer season. Or you may need to rethink your yearly coverage. Contact your insurance agent to review your policies and determine if your current coverage meets your summer business needs.

In the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) world, hours are long, tasks seem endless, and responsibilities are often onerous. There’s barely time to eat and sleep, let alone keep up with business trends. Yet accessing the wisdom of thought leaders is critical to success in today’s global economy.

Books provide insights into people who have faced down challenges and learned the kind of critical lessons the rest of us need to learn. This is why company book clubs are currently having a moment.

A company book club not only is a way to learn and leverage this knowledge, it also can foster a learning culture, challenge employees’ mental models, and provide a forum for them to exchange ideas.

Company book clubs generally meet monthly, and participation is always voluntary. A facilitator is usually designated to keep the group focused and the discussion flowing. Groups often choose to discuss books that align with issues the company is facing, such as growth, talent retention, marketing, and competition.

The group may simply talk about a book’s main points and highlight any ideas that seem to resonate. Or participants may try to relate the material to the firm’s operations or strategic road map. Usually, it’s a combination of the two: learning and applying.

A company book club can also be a way to encourage continuous learning, foster team building, and help employees de-stress and pull away from their busy workdays.

Many companies have discovered it’s a tradition that enriches the team, the culture, and the company. But best of all is knowing that everyone’s on the same page.

The Internet adds new access, enhancements, and abilities to businesses. Most of its offerings are beneficial, but the downside to the Internet is cyber threats. In today’s world, businesses must be prepared for these risks, which come in many forms, including:

• Intellectual property threats. Depending on the business, hackers may be seeking technical plans, blueprints, patents, or other secure information.
• Hacktivists. These tech pros are on a mission to make a political point or simply make a company look bad.
• Criminal hackers. On a different mission from hacktivists, these masterminds are trying to accumulate funds illegally. Think of them as online thieves.
• Terrorism. These hackers aren’t looking for monetary gain, and they are definitely in it for more than an embarrassing prank. Terrorists may want to hurt the economy or steal information that aids in a physical attack.
• Disgruntled employees. The other four types of cyber threats come from outside sources; this is an inside job, involving employees with access to passwords and other insider information. A disgruntled employee wants to hurt you and your business.
• Phishing threats from email are on the rise.  Be super careful before you click on that link!

Raised awareness can help businesses identify vulnerabilities and take protective measures. Because these attacks are almost inevitable, company owners must take steps now. While your primary goal is to prevent breaches, should they happen, your next goals are to act quickly to minimize damage.

Please contact your insurance agent to review your insurance coverage options.

Depending on whether a business is small, medium, or large, it has different insurance needs. It may be difficult for owners to determine how to categorize their company, especially as it grows. To establish the size of your business, look at the number of employees, total sales, and earnings. Following is the breakdown of generally accepted numbers for the three size categories and the appropriate insurance for each.

Small businesses

Typically, businesses with 50 or fewer employees are small businesses. They are independently owned and operated and are not industry leaders. The small-business sector, however, is considered the engine of the economy and employs 94 million employees (some 77.8% of private sector US workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

For small businesses with fewer than 100 employees and revenue of $5 million or less, insurers usually offer a Business Owners Policy, or BOP. These standard policies are generally sufficient to provide coverage for your company against common risks. If your business has unique needs that you feel might not be covered, consult with your insurance agent to determine if you need a customized policy.

Medium-size businesses

If you employ between 50 and 1,000 staff and generate between $10 million and $1 billion, you are considered a medium-size business. This medium-size status makes you large enough to need additional insurance coverage. Insurers offer policies specifically designed for medium-size businesses that may combine liability and property coverage. Medium-size-business owners with expensive equipment or locations in several states may need specialized policies.

Large businesses

When a business has more than 500 employees, it’s considered a large business. And it faces multimillion-dollar risks. Commercial insurance policies for this level of business are customized to meet the specific needs of each company. One (or more) of the 500+ employees is likely responsible for risk management. This involves identifying areas of potential losses, recommending insurance coverage, and managing claims with the insurance carrier.

What about home-based businesses?

If you are running a business out of your home, you are likely the sole employee and are not yet generating a great deal of revenue. But this doesn’t mean you should skip business insurance. More than 500,000 American businesses are located in their owners’ homes, and many don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Homeowners insurance is often not enough to cover your home-based business; property loss or liability related to your company may require a different policy. Check with your insurance agent on the coverage you need based on the type, size, and scope of your home business.

Are you still unsure about your business size? Does your company have special services, products, or circumstances you feel might not fall into a typical category? Your agent will review your options and help ensure your business has the protection it needs.

First, it’s important to understand how life insurance works. Traditionally, you buy a policy for its death benefit.

In other words, it is designed simply so that it will pay a sum to your loved ones upon your death. That sum will cover lost income and/or end-of-life expenses.

But life insurance can also be used for retirement planning.

When it’s working as it should, you buy a policy with underlying investment vehicles, and the cash builds up over time.

Eventually you reach a point where you no longer need to pay premiums. Then, when you retire, you can withdraw cash from the policy in the form of a tax-free loan – a loan you never have to repay.

When you use life insurance for retirement income, the only consequence is a reduced death benefit. Which, depending on your circumstances, you may not be concerned with.

This approach can work for many individuals, but success isn’t guaranteed.

The underlying investment vehicles might not perform as well as expected. And if you go about it the wrong way, your withdrawals can trigger a tax penalty.

So before using life insurance this way, you may want to ensure you’ve exhausted other alternatives first. Have you fully funded all available qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and IRAs? Have you looked into an annuity?

If you do want to consider life insurance as a retirement-savings tool, it’s a good idea to talk to your advisor before you do.

He or she can help you investigate the quality of the underlying investments in the policy you’re considering, ensure that you understand the fees, and monitor the policy for you to ensure it’s performing as intended and that there are no undesired tax events.

For many parents, it can be difficult finding time to spend with their children.

But there is one easy and inexpensive way for parents to connect with their kids in a meaningful way: in the kitchen.

When parents and children cook together, the shared experience can be special. Older children feel valued when asked for their input around the stove, and, for the very young, an invitation to help out in the kitchen will make them feel like a “big kid.”

You can even use baking as an opportunity for kids to learn, in a very real way, about fractions and measuring.

Building memories is as important as learning how to peel vegetables or dress a salad. While it can be especially difficult for parents to connect with their teenage children, dinner prep can help them develop skills that will stand them in good stead when they move out.

As one now-grown tween said: “I knew that someday I’d need these skills. And I still remember cooking with my mom.”

Following are some suggestions for kids’ tasks, ranked from beginner to expert: washing produce and mixing for the beginner; chopping, boiling, and following a recipe for children with some experience in the kitchen; and for your chef-to-be, well, take a chance on letting him or her experiment with tweaking recipes.

Working together in the kitchen is fun; so is eating the results together. Sure, they’ll make mistakes, but aside from overcooked vegetables, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And so do they.

A home that is always squeaky clean and organized is everyone’s dream. But sadly, when you do find the time to tidy and scrub, the mess seems to come back within 24 hours. Experts say the trick is not to do a big cleaning every few months, but to divide and conquer. Do some tasks daily, some weekly, and some monthly.

Here’s how, courtesy of RISmedia.com  and TidyMom.net:

Once a day

Make the beds in the morning. Sweep the kitchen after dinner. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters. Before bed, the whole family should do a quick survey of their bedrooms and the living areas, and put their own items back.

Once a week

Once a week, give your house a wipe-down: dust surfaces, clean mirrors, and wipe cabinets and the fronts and handles of appliances. Scrub the toilet bowl and clean the shower walls with a squeegee. Vacuum and mop all floors.

Once a month

Once a month, set aside time for a thorough cleaning. Wipe the tops of shelves, baseboards, etc. Clean out the fridge and freezer; check expiration dates on items and throw away anything moldy. Vacuum upholstered items and turn mattresses over.

Once a year

TidyMom.net  suggests you assign yearly chores to certain months. For example, this month (April) wash windows both inside and out. In January, clean out medicine cabinets and check medicines’ expiration dates. Clean hard-to-reach spots (like behind heavy sofas and appliances) in February. In August, sort through drawers and closets. Wash your walls in September. And before each new year, go through all your personal files, sorting and organizing receipts and tax forms.

While this may sound just a bit too organized, consider the alternative. With this checklist, you’ll have a more pleasant and healthier environment for you and your family. And there’s a bonus: getting the kids involved teaches them some good life lessons for the future.

The first step is to talk frankly with your doctor, who may not know your financial situation. Explore your drug cost options, including a switch to a generic drug.

If you’re on specialty drugs, your doctor may have coupons for them. Also, many manufacturers of high-cost drugs offer a co-pay waiver plan. Ask your doctor, who also may be able to contact the manufacturer directly on your behalf.

Your health insurer may offer or require use of their partner mail-order pharmacy. When you’ve ensured the medication works, order a 90-day supply to save money.

If you shop at a drugstore, the cost can vary: shop smart with online help and don’t be shy about asking for cash discounts at your local pharmacy.

Many stores offer a reduced price through a membership card, and the Consumer Reports website has an online tool to compare drug costs. Individuals on Medicare with extremely low incomes may qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program, which reduces their drug spend.

One of the best ways to cut drug costs on Medicare is to shop your prescription drug plan during open enrollment. Plan to consult your insurance agent before the busy open enrollment season next October. Your agent can help you compare your drug costs by plan so you can make the best choice for the medications you’ve been prescribed.

For many parents, it can be difficult finding time to spend with their children.

But there is one easy and inexpensive way for parents to connect with their kids in a meaningful way: in the kitchen.

When parents and children cook together, the shared experience can be special. Older children feel valued when asked for their input around the stove, and, for the very young, an invitation to help out in the kitchen will make them feel like a “big kid.”

You can even use baking as an opportunity for kids to learn, in a very real way, about fractions and measuring.

Building memories is as important as learning how to peel vegetables or dress a salad. While it can be especially difficult for parents to connect with their teenage children, dinner prep can help them develop skills that will stand them in good stead when they move out.

As one now-grown tween said: “I knew that someday I’d need these skills. And I still remember cooking with my mom.”

Following are some suggestions for kids’ tasks, ranked from beginner to expert: washing produce and mixing for the beginner; chopping, boiling, and following a recipe for children with some experience in the kitchen; and for your chef-to-be, well, take a chance on letting him or her experiment with tweaking recipes.

Working together in the kitchen is fun; so is eating the results together. Sure, they’ll make mistakes, but aside from overcooked vegetables, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And so do they.

A home that is always squeaky clean and organized is everyone’s dream. But sadly, when you do find the time to tidy and scrub, the mess seems to come back within 24 hours. Experts say the trick is not to do a big cleaning every few months, but to divide and conquer. Do some tasks daily, some weekly, and some monthly.

Here’s how, courtesy of RISmedia.com  and TidyMom.net:

Once a day

Make the beds in the morning. Sweep the kitchen after dinner. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters. Before bed, the whole family should do a quick survey of their bedrooms and the living areas, and put their own items back.

Once a week

Once a week, give your house a wipe-down: dust surfaces, clean mirrors, and wipe cabinets and the fronts and handles of appliances. Scrub the toilet bowl and clean the shower walls with a squeegee. Vacuum and mop all floors.

Once a month

Once a month, set aside time for a thorough cleaning. Wipe the tops of shelves, baseboards, etc. Clean out the fridge and freezer; check expiration dates on items and throw away anything moldy. Vacuum upholstered items and turn mattresses over.

Once a year

TidyMom.net  suggests you assign yearly chores to certain months. For example, this month (April) wash windows both inside and out. In January, clean out medicine cabinets and check medicines’ expiration dates. Clean hard-to-reach spots (like behind heavy sofas and appliances) in February. In August, sort through drawers and closets. Wash your walls in September. And before each new year, go through all your personal files, sorting and organizing receipts and tax forms.

While this may sound just a bit too organized, consider the alternative. With this checklist, you’ll have a more pleasant and healthier environment for you and your family. And there’s a bonus: getting the kids involved teaches them some good life lessons for the future.

When your identity is stolen, the thief will pretend to be you and use your personal information to help himself or herself to your bank account or make purchases on your credit card; even worse, he or she can also set up insurance policies, take out loans, and buy a home. All in your name.

To protect yourself against such schemes, start with insurance. Some homeowners policies include identity theft coverage, but most often this coverage is a stand-alone policy or endorsement. Typically, for an additional $25 to $50 per year, you can get coverage to reimburse you for the cost of restoring your identity and repairing credit reports. While the proper insurance can help if your identity is stolen, you should protect it diligently so you won’t need it. Take the following steps:

• Don’t discard ATM receipts in public containers or leave them where they could be taken.
• Use caution when shopping online.
• Install and update anti-spyware and antivirus programs on your devices.
• Monitor your bank account activity and credit card statements carefully.
• Check your credit report annually.
• Use strong passwords online.
• Shred documents that contain personal financial information.
• Minimize the personal information you carry with you in your wallet or purse.