How to Light Your Yard

As night falls, your backyard can take on a certain gloom that may be too inviting to unwelcome guests. By lighting your yard, you can have the peace of mind that your property is protected, and with the right kind of lighting, you can also enjoy additional decorative elements.

Select The Yard Lights

There are many kinds of lighting options available. A flood light may make sense by a garage, but it might also be too harsh for nearby neighbors. If you do invest in a floodlight, hang it so that the glare is only directly visible on your property and the light isn’t shining into any windows.

If a floodlight is too much, or you’d rather have more decorative lighting, consider lights along pathways or in the landscaping. Path lights and accent lights give off a bit less light than a full spot light or flood light, but they will illuminate your yard enough to see while you walk outside after dark or if you’re curious about a noise.

You can install electric lights which may be less expensive, but more complicated to install. You can also install solar lights which derive power from solar energy and automatically light up after dark. These are simple to install and often require nothing more than placing them in the ground where you wish the accent lights to be, or mounting the light to the wall if you’re installing a solar flood light or spot light.

Install Lights

If you’ve selected solar lights, you have little to do but decide where to actually place the light. If you’ve selected electrical lights, you have a bit more work ahead. Turn off the power before working to install the lights. Carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer. If at all unsure, consult with an electrician or have your lights professionally installed. This will keep you safe and ensure your lights are installed properly.

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How to Secure Your Home on a Budget

Home security systems can be expensive. If you are working on a tight budget, but would like to be sure your home is as secure as possible without expensive alarms and cameras, you can. Here’s how to secure your home on a budget.

Secure Your Locks

The least expensive way to secure your property is to be sure the locks that are supposed to be keeping people out are up to par. Check all of your locks to be sure none are broken, and then invest in new locks for the front and back door. If you have a sliding door, be sure you have a bar to prevent the door from sliding open without your permission should the lock be jimmied.

Backdoors are often less secure than front, and most intruders know this. Purchase a chain, deadbolt, or combination of locks for the backdoor as well as the front. This is your first measure of defense, and you want it to be a good one. Check your window locks and see about installing additional locks on these as well.

Set Up Surveillance

Notable cameras are off-putting to intruders as they don’t want their actions recorded. Fake security cameras are inexpensive and may provide an excellent deterrent. If you’d rather have the real thing, but can’t afford a full-blown security system, a simple webcam or nanny cam hooked up through your computer can record short bursts of activity for you to monitor while you’re away or at the end of the day. Just be sure you set up the camera in a location where it can “see” as much as possible.

Install Lights

A motion activated floodlight in the backyard or along the driveway is another good deterrent to intruders. Someone sneaking up in the dark would suddenly become flooded with light making it hard to act nonchalant. Of course, the neighbor’s cat would also become flooded with light, so consider your wattage and sensitivity when installing these.

Decorative lights that illuminate the yard in both the front and the back can also provide a measure of security by eliminating the darkness that makes it easy for intruders to sneak through. These lights are also attractive, so you’d be killing two birds with one stone.

Be Vigilant

Once you have your locks, lights and cameras in place, you must be vigilant about maintaining them. Don’t get lazy and forget to lock up at night or sleep with a window open if you’re on the first floor. Locks and lights are terrific at helping to keep intruders out, but you must utilize the systems properly for them to work correctly. Be vigilant and be your home’s best protector.

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How to Protect Your Home

Your home is your biggest investment, and your most precious items, including your family, are kept inside it. You want your home to be secure and here’s how.

A Professional Security System

Have a professional come to your home to consult with you about a security system. A system can be as simple as wiring the windows and doors so you know when one opens to a system of motion activated cameras and sensors. A security system uses a keypad that lets you set the alarm in the evenings and while you are away. If a door is opened, the alarm will trigger, but a quick code will stop it.

Security Monitoring

If the alarm is triggered, but the intruder doesn’t have your code, the system will continue blaring letting neighbors know something is amiss. You can also have your security system monitored by a company. With security monitoring, a company will call your home after a set amount of time following an ongoing alarm. If you turn the alarm off in less than two minutes, the company will assume you are present and all is well. If, however, the alarm goes on for more than two minutes, the company will call your home.

If there has been some sort of honest mistake you can let the company know and they may be able to stop the alarm remotely with a pin or password. But if you don’t answer the phone or claim you need assistance, the monitoring company will immediately alert authorities to come to your home and investigate.

Outside Protection

Some of the best ways to protect your home are to keep intruders well away from it. A privacy fence and locking gate will help to provide a buffer around your home. Backdoors and sliding doors are often less protected than front doors, so a locking gate will help to keep intruders away from these more vulnerable access points.

A camera and intercom system at your front door will allow you to see visitors before you approach the front door. The intercom will allow you to speak to them without having to crack the front door which might allow an intruder to force his way inside. Driveway alarms can signal when a car or person has entered your property giving you time to inspect your visitor for any suspicious signs.

Vigilance

Even the best security system is worthless if you fail to use it correctly. Set your alarm, maintain your monitoring service, and be sure you always close and lock all gates, windows and doors. Keep your car doors locked as well as these are easy access points and be sure to periodically test your alarm as well as all locks to see if anything has come loose or broken.

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How to Buy Life Insurance

All adults, especially those with dependents or children, need to have some form of life insurance. The life insurance offered in company benefit packages is often a token gesture, but almost never enough to provide for your family satisfactorily after your death. You need to plan ahead, and you need to know how to buy life insurance.

Determine Your Need For Insurance

Life insurance in Canada, the United States and most developed nations comes with essentially the same terms and is offered in similar formats. There is term life insurance, which is essentially rented for a set amount of time, or there is whole life insurance which is a policy purchased over time which may be considered a form of investment.

To buy life insurance, you must determine what sort of policy you need. Is it likely your dependents will be off and successful on their own in a matter of twenty years or less? Or do you like the security of knowing you have life insurance right up to the end? Term life insurance is less expensive than whole life and it is most often purchased to last through your child rearing years or while you are the primary breadwinner. A smaller (less expensive) policy may be purchased after that if necessary. Whole life is more expensive, but you are able to show a purchased policy at the end of the payments which will be with you for good.

Determine the Amount of Insurance

The amount of your life insurance should be enough to:

• Fully cover your funeral, burial and maintenance expenses
• Settle all outstanding debts including credit cards, loans, medical payments, and liens.
• Pay off your home is your dependents will still be living there.
• Provide adequate living expenses for your spouse and dependents for an appropriate amount of time.
• Possibly pay for your children’s higher education.

There is a difference between buying life insurance with children and without. If your spouse works and you have no children, your policy need only cover what would be required to clear your accounts after your death and possibly pay off half or all of your major expenses to keep your spouse from going under from trying to keep up with all the bills.

If you have children, however, your spouse may not be working out of the home. You must plan for what your spouse will do in the event of your death. Will you need to pay for childcare if she is working? What sort of job is she qualified for? It is always best to leave as much as possible to cover your children’s living expenses until they are legal adults to make the strain of your absence bearable.

Buy the Life Insurance Policy

Discuss your options and selections with a life insurance broker. Compare plans from competing companies either through representatives or online. When you’ve found the plan that is right for you and your family, purchase it and then never lag on payments. Life insurance isn’t about you – it’s about keeping your family safe and comfortable when you are gone.

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How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

The easiest way to apply for Social Security benefits including Social Security disability benefits is to use the Social Security Administration’s website. You can also apply over the phone, but why bother when the internet is so much more convenient? The only exception would be if you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits can’t be done over the internet, so you’d do best to call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with someone who can help with your specific situation.

To Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

Almost all Social Security Benefits can be applied for through the Social Security Benefits Application.

To apply for benefits, first be sure you’re applying for Retirement, Disability, or Spouse’s Benefits. You can’t apply for just Medicare if you’re still working and you can’t apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Once you’ve determined you’re in the right place for your needs, navigate to the application form.

Gather Your Documents and Information

Before actually beginning the application, be sure you have all of the necessary documentation on hand.

You may need:

• Birth certificate or other proof of birth
• Naturalization papers;
• U.S. military discharge paper(s)
• W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year.

And you will be asked to complete items such as the following:

• Your name, birth name, gender and social security number
• Your date of birth and place of birth including any records there may be
• When you became unable to work if disabled
• Military service information
• You employment history in any government entities
• Your marriage status and spousal information (current and former)
• Dates and situations for all marriages
• The names of any unmarried children under 18, 18 -19 and in secondary school or disabled before age 22
• Employment and earnings information
• Any outstanding legal issues
• The month you want your benefits to begin and enrollment decisions about Medicare B.

Apply Online

Complete the online form once all of your information is assembled. If you can’t locate certain items, complete the form anyway, but expect to work with someone over the phone or in person to finalize the application. Starting it online can save time and effort.

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How to Apply for Medicare

If you qualify for Social Security, you qualify for Medicare. Medicare is the medical insurance plan available for those over sixty-five or disabled individuals. There have been many proposed changes to Medicare recently, but the application process has remained essentially the same.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a government program designed to ensure all elderly citizens of the United States have adequate health insurance. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be sixty-five or older. You may be younger with a disability or long-term disease. You must also have earned coverage by working (or being married to someone who worked) in a Medicare qualifying position for ten years.

Medicare helps to cover doctor’s visits, prescriptions and special items such as hearing aids or insulin pumps. Medicare Part A is free for those eligible, and Medicare Part B is an additional payment of about $50 taken directly from your Social Security check. There is also a program called Medigap insurance which helps to cover anything not already covered by Medicare Part A or B.

Applying for Medicare

If you’re already receiving Social Security payments, you’ll automatically be registered for Medicare three months before you turn 65. If you’re not already receiving Social Security, you can apply yourself three months before you turn 65 or wait and apply in the next general enrollment period following your birthday.

You can only enroll in Medicare through the Social Security office. You can arrange forms over the phone at (800) 772-1213 or in your local Social Security office. When you’re applying you’ll need your Social Security Card, your driver’s license or identification card, your birth certificate and any other insurance you may have. You should also strongly consider bringing your medical records such as doctors and previous treatments, especially if you’re apply for Medicare with a disability.

For additional questions about applying for Medicare, contact your local Social Security office or visit the Social Security website.

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How To Find Cheap Auto Insurance

Most of us are looking for the best auto insurance for the cheapest price. We see commercials, newspaper ads and flyers on how to get the best rates for your cars. But, sifting through all the hype can be daunting and quite confusing. So, how do you make sense of it all, avoid the auto insurance scams, and still find the best rate? Believe it or not, it’s quite simple; All you have to do is “Shop and Compare.” You can find cheap auto insurance with a

Use your computer

Instead of going from office to office & asking each agent how you qualify and what rates you can get, you can jump on your computer and save all of that travel time and hassle. There are many sites that will make you fill out extensive forms and what not. However, there are some great sites that also get you through the process very quickly. Your goal is to get a quote, not a life survey. By shopping online for an auto insurance rate, you can compare rates very quickly to see where you stand.

When you go online to a insurance quote site, you will be asked to answer a few questions. These questions are to help understand your situation and to get you the best insurance quote available from the listed “Class-A” companies.

You can further reduce your rates and find the cheapest auto insurance by:

1. Lowering your collision and comprehensive coverage – If you have an older car that you don’t care much for, you may want to drop your comprehensive or collision coverage. If your annual premium for collision and comprehensive is 10% of the cars value, you should lower the coverage.
2. Raise your deductible – The more you raise your deductible, the less money you have to pay. This means that instead of paying the first $250 for an accident, you would pay the first $500.
3. Add a security device – Many insurance companies give great discounts for installing anti-theft devices and auto alarms. You increase your chances of having your car stay safe and unharmed when you install these items.
4. Checking your credit – Credit checks are almost a standard in the car insurance industry these days. In fact, you can have a perfect driving record and still get rates worse that someone with dozens of accidents, all because of a low credit score. If you find that you seem to be paying a lot more for insurance that you expected, chances are your credit is playing a big factor. Increase your credit score and you will lower your insurance rates a lot!
5. Combine polices – Often you can combine your home insurance and auto insurance policies. Doing so will give you a combined insurance discount and can lower your rates by several hundred dollars.

As always, ask around to your friends and family to see who likes their coverage and why. Most importantly however, “shop and compare”. Never assume that the first deal you see is the bet you can find. If you want cheap auto insurance, you have to find it.

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How to Protect Your Car

If you drive a nondescript sedan, or any car for that matter, you should be worried about potential theft. Sedans such as the Camry and Taurus are among the most commonly stolen vehicles, but every vehicle can be at risk if you don’t keep it safe.

Car Safety

Car safety is relatively straightforward. For the most part it’s common sense. You should have a safe place to store your car, it should be locked, and there should be theft deterrent systems in place. Car security can get deluxe with extra deterrent and notification systems, and these can never hurt – especially if you live in an area with a high rate of theft or damage. 

Car Storage

The first step to protect your car is to give it someplace safe to live. The best place is a garage that locks every night. If you lock your car up inside its own garage, you already have the utmost in security – at least at night and when the car isn’t out and about. Of course, we don’t all have the option of a garage, but the more safety measures you can arrange – a parking lot with gated entry, a protected ally versus the main street, covered parking, etc… the safer your car will be. Remember, you’re not only protecting your car from theft, you’re also protecting it from the weather and falling objects, such as tree limbs.  

Basic Car Security

A lot of the basic security for your vehicle is up to you. Locking your doors and keeping valuables out of site will help keep criminals away. Locking the doors while you drive, especially if you’re stopping and starting at streetlights can also keep carjackers and other criminals out of your vehicle if they try to hop in. Keeping your windows up and only cracking it at the top should you need to speak to someone outside will protect you as well. Never open it wide enough to let a hand in – unless you’re in the drive-thru or cruising on the highway.  

Theft Deterrent

You should also have a theft deterrent system on board if possible. The more systems you have the better. The old school system was an alarm which blared or talked to the world should your car be jostled at all. Unfortunately, these alarms go off so frequently for other reasons, they are ignored for the most part and aren’t a deterrent at all. The newer standard deterrent is a chip in the key that must be present for the engine to start. This makes for large keys, but it keeps your car safe from hotwiring or copied keys. 

Read your owner’s manual to see what theft deterrent systems you already have on board and visit an auto shop or electronics store to see what other options you have. Products range from basic to the very high end including vehicle tracking systems should your car be taken.  

The more systems in place, the better – but only if you do your part by locking your doors and parking in safe place when your vehicle isn’t in use.

Easy Step By Step

1. 1. Always find a secure place to park
2. 2. Make sure the vehicle is always locked
3. 3. Use a theft deterrent device if possible
4. 4. Use common sense

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Common sense will take you a long way to protecting your vehicle but, sometimes all the prevention in the world will not make any difference. Be sure to keep your insurance up to date, and have a plan should something happen to your only means of transportation.

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How to Install a License Plate

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It might sound like a simple process, but installation of a license plate can sometimes prove to be quite tricky. If not installed correctly, your license plate could come off when you are driving, quickly becoming a dangerous road hazard for you and other drivers. A lost license plate can also result in a ticket and hefty fine if you are pulled over by the highway patrol.

Before Installing Your License Plate

Before you install your license plate, check with your local DMV office to see if you are required to display a license plate on the front and back of your car. Most states require both front and rear tags but, it never hurts to check. Not having both could result in another ticket.

Using a License Plate Holder

Most vehicles will come with a license plate holder, or attachment. Often simply screwing the license plate onto the license plate attachment will provide a secure installation. Rear mounted license plates are often a little easier so, start there. Remove the old license plate if there is one by unscrewing the two screws along the top of the plate. Once the old plate is off, attach the new license plate by sliding the license plate into the holder and securing it with the two screws at the top of the plate. Each license plate holder is different but the concept of installation remains the same. If a screw will not work, try using a bolt and nut (found in any hardware store) to attach your plate.

Installing With No License Plate Holder

If you are missing a license plate attachment or holder, installing a license plate becomes quite a hassle. Your best bet in this situation is to purchase and install a license plate holder first. Again, you can find license plate holders at almost any automotive or hardware store.

Once your license plate has been installed, double check to ensure that you have a license plate light. Not having one can cause you to be stopped by a police officer and ticketed.

You might want to look into a license plate security kit as well. More and more often, license plates are being stolen, after all, all someone has to do is unscrew your plate and take off. A license plate security kit will allow you to mount the plate using special screws that make it almost impossible for a crook to take off with your plates.

Easy Step By Step Instructions

• Determine if you need both a front and rear license plate
• If possible, use a license plate holder
• Attached the license plate

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Be sure to check the license plate is secure. I loose license plate can come off while driving and damage another vehicle.