For families who have a dependent with special needs, financial planning often takes a back seat to the necessities of daily life; but it also bears an increased importance.
“April’s Autism Awareness Month offers a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of planning for families who are caring for a dependent child, sibling or spouse with special needs,” said Ruthann Driscoll, JD, CLU, CFP®, director of advanced planning at Northwestern Mutual. “Crafting a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of the dependent with special needs — for today and for tomorrow — and balancing that with the needs of the rest of the family is essential to achieving lifelong financial security.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7422151-northwestern-mutual-autism-awareness/
Now that spring is here, flooding will be a major concern for many parts of the country.
The Northeast and Midwest received an abundance of snow this winter. Boston alone received more than 108 inches, making 2014-2015 the snowiest season in the city’s history. Until the frozen ground thaws, melting snow and heavy rains cannot be absorbed and the excess water can overflow streams, rivers, and lakes. The average National Flood Insurance Program flood claim between 2010 and 2014 was more than $42,000. Without flood insurance, you could be left to carry the financial burden of flood damage.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7338651-iii-weather-flood-insurance/
Following a long winter, most people are excited to get outside and enjoy the warm temperatures that accompany the spring season. In an ironic twist, the warm temperature brings an increased risk of ice balls falling from the sky in the form of hail. Damage to homes and cars as a result of hail cost State Farm policyholders more than $2.4 billion in 2014. Hail is one of the most frequent causes of property damage. While hail storms most frequently impact the Great Plains and Midwest, every state in the nation is susceptible.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7452831-state-farm-weather-preparedness/
More than ever, Americans are looking for small steps that lead them to healthier, longer lives. They’re avoiding the office vending machine, they’re walking that extra mile, and they’re getting to the doctor’s office for their regular checkups. Now, a life insurance company wants to recognize people for these healthy habits. John Hancock, in partnership with Vitality, is offering a whole new kind of life insurance product that rewards consumers for living healthy, while protecting their loved ones. The company has teamed up with Chris O’Donnell, star of the hit drama NCIS: Los Angeles, to help consumers recognize they are in control of their physical, emotional, and financial health, and – even with a busy schedule – can take small steps to truly improve their quality of life, now.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7491151-john-hancock-5-more-now/
One in four children has an undetected vision problem, and ten million American students have vision conditions that can impact learning. An annual comprehensive eye exam can ensure that correctable visual problems don’t become permanent. What if your vision insurance helped more people see? VSP® Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company in the U.S., is doing just that by launching #EyeGiveBack. Now through June 30, 2015, when a VSP Direct™ individual vision insurance plan is purchased through VSPDirect.com/EyeGiveBack, VSP will donate an eye exam and glasses to a child in need – up to a retail value of $1 million. Learn more at VSPDirect.com/EyeGiveBack.
Tornado and high winds are some of the most destructive forces of nature. While tornadoes are frequent in the Great Plains, South, and Midwest, there is no state in the country that isn’t at risk. As the nation’s largest property insurer, State Farm wants to make sure you and your family are prepared for the destructive and potentially deadly force of a tornado.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7452831-state-farm-weather-preparedness/
The number of vehicles earning either of two awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has jumped to 71 from 39 this time last year, giving consumers more choices for optimum protection in crashes. The number of winners in the top tier — TOP SAFETY PICK+ — has increased by 11 for 2015, despite a tougher standard for front crash prevention.
While the bar has been raised for TOP SAFETY PICK+, the criteria for TOP SAFETY PICK are unchanged from 2014: a good or acceptable rating in the challenging small overlap front test and a good rating in each of the Institute's four other crashworthiness evaluations — moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. The 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is awarded to vehicles that meet those criteria and also have an available front crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating.
Only twenty nine percent of Hispanics who rent their homes report having renters insurance, according to a new survey by State Farm. In fact, among respondents without renters insurance more than one third (34%) said they had never heard of renters insurance. Further, most overestimated the cost of coverage and underestimated the value of their property. Not having renters insurance could leave Hispanic families vulnerable to a financial catastrophe especially during the holiday season.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/72928515-state-farm-hispanic-renters-survey/
The Los Angeles Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) are warning motorists of a growing problem with unauthorized tow truck operators in the LA area.
These “bandit” tow truck operators monitor police radios and respond to accidents seeking to hook up vehicles and tow them to body shops or storage facilities where they are held hostage until the motorists and their insurance companies pay inflated towing, storage and possibly repair charges to get the vehicle back.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/70506514-nicb-lapd-bandit-tow-truck-scams/
Celebrate My Drive, powered by State Farm,® is proud to announce winners of the campaign designed to raise awareness and promote teen driver safety. One hundred high schools will share in a total of $3.28 million in grants connected to their participation in the program.
Over 3,200 high schools across North America participated, generating more than 6.1 million online safe driving commitments. Winning high schools generated the most commitments, while amplifying conversations around teen driver safety and addressing the leading cause of death for teens.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7271031-state-farm-celebrate-my-drive-2014/
Planning a holiday road trip? For some handy hints, watch whitewater kayaker Jim as he prepares to hit the road.
Jim's Road Trip Essentials
• Maps or a GPS
• Mobile phone & charger
• Water and food
• Car Insurance details
• First aid kit and torch
For safety tips on domestic or international travel click here:
http://www.nrma.com.au/travel-insurance/domestic-travel-insurance
http://www.nrma.com.au/travel-insurance/international-travel-insurance
If you are planning to visit a beach on holiday then follow some simple tips to protect your belongings.
Sam's Beach Security Tips
• Take as few valuables as you can
• Keep belongings out of sight
• Watch your things while you unload
• Carry your key in a secure pocket
• Consider a waterproof wallet
• Take turns to keep guard
If you are travelling interstate or overseas, visit NRMA Insurance Australia (http://www.nrma.com.au) for safety tips on domestic or international travel: http://www.nrma.com.au/travel-insurance
