Blog - Bowers Insurance: Hagerstown Maryland, PA, WV Insurance

Important Health Savings Account Requirements

2012-01-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Individuals who make Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, including employer contributions, will receive Form 5498-SA from their financial institution or HSA trustee and Form 1099-SA will be issued if an HSA distribution was made. All individuals who have an HSA must file Form 8889 as an attachment to their Form 1040 for any year in which they make or receive HSA contributions or for any year in which they receive an HSA distribution. For further information, visit www.irs.gov/form8889 or contact your tax accountant.

Winterizing Your Home

2011-11-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a few helpful hints from Paul Davis Restoration on winterizing your home:
1. Get the Furnace Ready:
a. Call an HVAC professional to inspect furnace and clean ducts.
b. If home is heated by a hot water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
2. Get the Fireplace Ready:
a. Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
b. If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
3. Check the Exterior, Doors, and Windows:
a. Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
b. Use weather stripping around doors to prevent warm air from creeping to your roof, causing ice dams.
4. Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts:
a. Adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof.
b. Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts.
5. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
a. Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
b. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace/water heater.
6. Prevent Plumbing Freezes:
a. Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
b. Drain all garden hoses.
c. Insulate exposed plumbing pipe.s
d. Drain AC pipes and if your AC has a shut off valve, turn it off.
e. If you go on vacation, leave the heat set to at least 55 degrees.

Reminder to Employers to Distribute Creditable Coverage Notice to Medicare-Eligible Participants by October 15, 2011

2011-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

http://emersonreid.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?wd=ArticleGateway&article_id=2163&smart_skin_id=58&viewers_email=corinne@bowersinsurance.com&id=2759&ids=57c37dac136252a6e724eb6274a29eef01e9fe8a&utm_source=DMC&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_content=G1sQC1teByFSChVUSxURWhEXR1EMAlVLAV5U&utm_campaign=2759:Market%2520Beat%2520Newsletter%2520-%2520with%2520auto%2520trigger

Health Reform Update- Small Employer Tax Credit

2011-09-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

As you know, the Affordable Care Act allows certain employers
to be eligible for a tax credit. Specifically, the credit is geared
toward employers with 25 or fewer employees with average
income of $50,000 or less. Small employers face two important
deadlines in the coming weeks:
• September 15 – Corporations that file on a calendar year
basis and requested an extension to file to September
15 can calculate the small employer health care credit on
Form 8941 and claim it as part of the general business
credit on Form 3800, which they would include with their
corporate income tax return.
• October 17 – Sole proprietors who file Form 1040 and
partners and S-corporation shareholders who report their
income on Form 1040 have until October 17 to complete
their returns. They would also use Form 8941 to
calculate the small employer health care credit and claim
it as a general business credit on Form 3800, reflected on
line 53 of Form 1040.
In addition, tax –exempt organizations that file on a calendar
year basis and requested an extension to file to November 15
can use Form 8941 and then claim the credit on Form 990-T,
Line 44f.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
along with the IRS, will be targeting small businesses and tax
preparers through a new outreach campaign that includes
YouTube videos, emails and tweets to remind employers about
the upcoming extension deadlines and provide details on other
important information about the credit including:
• Business who have already filed can still claim the
credit.
o For small businesses that have already filed and later
determine they are eligible for the credit, they can
always file an amended 2010 tax return. Corporations
use Form 1120X and individual sole proprietors use
Form 1040X.
• Businesses without tax liability this year can still
benefit.
o The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 provided that
for Tax Year 2010, eligible small businesses may carry
back unused general business credits (including
the small employer health care tax credit) five years.
Previously these credits could only be carried back one
year. Small businesses that did not have tax liability to
offset in 2010 should still evaluate eligibility for the small
business health care tax credit in light of this expanded
carry back opportunity.
• Businesses that couldn’t use the credit in 2010 can
claim it in future years.
o Some businesses that already locked into health
insurance plan structures and contributions for 2010
may not have had the opportunity to make any needed
adjustments to qualify for the credit for 2010. These
businesses may be eligible to claim the credit on 2011
returns or in years beyond. Small employers can claim
the credit for 2010 through 2013 and for two additional
years beginning in 2014.
Additional information about eligibility requirements and
calculating the credit can be found on the Small Business
Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers page of IRS.gov.

Pool Safety

2011-06-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

- Always watch children when they are in or around the pool.
- Teach children basic water safety tips (no running, how to recognize when someone is in danger of drowning, etc.)
- Know how to shut off pool equipment in case of an emergency and post instructions so others can quickly do so.
- Never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use – they can make tempting targets for toddlers to reach out for.
- Share safety instructions and pool rules with anyone who might at some point be in or around the pool.
- Teach your children to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons. Be sure you know how to swim as well.
- Learn how to do CPR on children and adults and update these skills regularly.
- Keep the pool area free from electrical devices, glass, and other hazards.
- Never let anyone swim alone.
- Limit alcohol use around the pool area. (The CDC reports that alcohol is a factor in many adolescent and adult deaths related to water recreation.)
- Place life-saving devices such as rings and poles within easy reach of the pool.
- Install pool and gate alarms along with a 4 foot tall fence around the perimeter of the pool.

June 16th Workplace Privacy Seminar

2011-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Smith & Downey will be sponsoring a free breakfast seminar on June 16th to discuss Workplace Privacy. See the attached for further details on topics and how to register.

We have seen a substantial increase in the number of inquiries regarding privacy-related issues. These questions pertain to both the acquisition of “private” information about employees and job applicants and the protection of an employer’s “private” information such as its trade secrets.

In response, we are sponsoring a breakfast seminar that will discuss the following issues:

ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION ABOUT EMPLOYEES/APPLICANTS
1. Background checks, including an overview of applicable federal (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act) and state (e.g., Maryland Job Applicant Fairness Act) laws;
2. The non-health plan-related laws governing an employer's acquisition of employee medical and genetic information;
3. Drug and alcohol testing;
4. Criminal history considerations;
5. Social media considerations;
6. Social Security numbers (and related issues); and
7. Miscellaneous privacy issues, including employee use of employer telephones and computers.

PROTECTION OF EMPLOYER’S PRIVATE INFORMATION
1. Overview of Uniform Trade Secrets Act; and
2. Use of non-disclosure, non-compete and trade secret agreements.

The seminar will be held at Abilities Network, 8503 Lasalle Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

Continental breakfast will be provided and there is no charge for the seminar. Space is limited, so please contact Jamie Pasko at jpasko@smithdowney.com or 410-321-9000 if you would like to reserve a spot.

Managing Health Care Costs

2011-05-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

With the rising cost of gas prices we all need to look for ways to reduce other expenses. One way is to review your health care costs by using generic prescription drugs and in-network health care providers. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has useful tools on their website to help you with this task. Go to the following link to see how you can reduce your health care costs.

https://member.carefirst.com/wps/portal/Member/FinancialResources/CareCosts?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wcmwps/wcm/connect/Content-Member/CareFirst/MemberPortal/FinancialResources/noTabStandard/ManagingCareCosts

Health Care Reform

2011-05-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Do you have questions on health care reform and its impact to you? If so, click on the following link to be directed to Health Care Reform Information on the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield website.

https://member.carefirst.com/wps/portal/Member/FinancialResources/HealthReformImpact?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wcmwps/wcm/connect/Content-Member/CareFirst/MemberPortal/HealthReform/Tab/hrReformNews

Construction Site Housekeeping Checklist

2011-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Construction sites can present many hazards to workers performing construction-related activities. Keeping a construction site clean of debris can help reduce these hazards. The benefits of good housekeeping far exceed the small additional effort required to establish good housekeeping practices at a construction site.

This checklist provides questions on job-site housekeeping that can help management prevent injuries and minimize losses.

Working Areas
Are safe accesses to the job site provided for all workers?
Are walking/working surfaces kept clear and any liquid spills cleaned up immediately?
Are stairways, passageways, and gangways kept free of material, supplies, or obstructions?
Is all debris and trash picked up and placed in their proper containers?
Are protruding nails, forms, scrap lumber, and other debris kept clear from work areas, passageways, and stairs, and in and around buildings or other structures?

Materials and Storage
Are items not being used (e.g., tools, cords, or chains) stored in their proper locations?
Are materials storage areas kept clean and free of unnecessary materials and debris?
Is loose scrap or light materials that may be blown off by high winds, properly secured?
Are empty cement bags and other dust-producing materials removed from the work areas?

Waste
Are trash and recyclable containers with self-closing covers placed throughout the job site,
marked for proper use, and emptied at regular intervals?
Are chutes provided to remove waste from above-grade floors?
Are drip pans used to collect oils and fluids?
Are all scrap, waste, recyclable, and surplus materials disposed of in accordance with
federal regulations and local codes?
Are all oil-soaked and paint-saturated rags, clothing, waste, or combustible refuse placed
in non-combustible receptacles with self-closing covers?
Is combustible waste scheduled for frequent collection and removal?
Are used oil containers and dumpsters locked to secure them from unwanted waste?

Home Office • 100 Erie Insurance Place • Erie, PA 16530 • 814.870.2000
Visit our Website at www.erieinsurance.com
COPYRIGHT ©2007, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

Actions to Prevent Back Injuries

2011-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Back injuries represent the largest single contributor to injury cost and insurance claims for most occupational environments. Back-injury prevention programs generally include administrative controls and/or engineering controls. Relying solely on administrative controls, such as training, to reduce costs has not proven successful. And, while engineering controls can be successful, they are most effective when coupled with administrative concepts. Listed below are some examples of management actions, administrative controls, and industrial engineering concepts that, when properly applied, will help to reduce the risk of back injuries. Management Actions • Identify the jobs and tasks that result in back injuries. • Modify or eliminate the task(s) causing back injuries. • Rotate personnel in and out of the jobs that cause back injuries. • Decrease the weight of objects being carried. • Provide nonskid footwear to workers. • Provide adequate lighting, work temperature, noise control, and good housekeeping. • Provide carts, hand trucks, utility vehicles, and wheelbarrows with large wheels. • Provide scissor lifts and spring lift tables. • Mark containers with the weight of the contents. • Provide handles on bags, boxes, and containers. Industrial Work Concepts to Reduce Back Injuries • Minimize body movements by reducing bending, twisting, and reaching motions. • Decrease the forces on the body by reducing the weight of the object and the forces due to moments (load x distance) or the distance between the load and the body. • Decrease carrying forces by eliminating the need to carry or by converting to push or pull actions. • Minimize the push or pull force needed to move an object or reduce the distance that has to be covered. • Reduce the weight of the object and/or reduce the traveling distance the object is carried. Workstation Design Actions • Fit the workstation to the worker (ergonomics). • Design workstations to accommodate the worker in both the sitting and standing positions. • Locate tools, materials, and controls close to the point of use. • Provide gravity feed bins and containers to deliver materials close to the point of use. • Equip workstations with mats to cushion floors and provide a nonskid surface. COPYRIGHT ©2006, ISO Services Properties, Inc. CH-50-24 10/9/06 The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.

Wage & Hour Compliance Seminar - Friday February 25, 2011

2011-02-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

From: Smith & Downey

Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in inquiries relating to compliance with wage and hour laws, especially the Fair Labor Standards Act. Several factors are contributing to this surge, including a significant increase in Department of Labor investigations and an ever-increasing number of overtime lawsuits filed under the FLSA.
In order to assist our clients and friends in complying with wage and hour laws, we are sponsoring a breakfast seminar that will discuss these issues from three perspectives:
1. Employer Compliance:
Doug Desmarais will share observations from his perspective of representing employers in this area.
2. Employee Rights:
Steve Lebau, from the plaintiff's law firm of Lebau & Neuworth, has agreed to share his point of view during the seminar. Naturally, this portion of the seminar should be invaluable to our employer clients.
3. Government Enforcement:
Richard Castleton from our Firm will share insights from his previous work as an investigator for the DOL Wage and Hour Division.
The seminar will be held at Abilities Network, located at 8503 Lasalle Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 25, 2011.
Continental breakfast will be provided and there is no charge for the seminar. Space is limited, so please contact Jamie Pasko at mailto:jpasko@smithdowney.com or410-321-9000 if you would like to reserve a spot.
As always, thank you for your interest and support.

New Rules on Medicare and MD Workers' Comp Settlements

2011-01-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

http://ifawebnews.com/2011/01/10/expert-new-rules-on-medicare-and-md-workers-comp-settlements/

Healthcare Reform

2010-11-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

On November 3rd, Henry Smith, III, a partner of Smith & Downey, a law firm specializing in employee benefits, executive compensation, and labor and employment law presented valuable information on Healthcare Reform to our clients and prospective clients. Important tasks facing employers include identifying if their health plan is grandfathered or nongrandfathered, maintaining their grandfathered status, and providing the required grandfathered plan notices; provide required notice regarding coverage for children until age 26; and determining if they are eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If you need more information on these or other topics relating to Healthcare Reform, please contact me via email at corinne@bowersinsurance.com or at 301-791-7910 x106.

Five Things To Discuss With Your ERIE Agent Before Sending Off Your College Student

2010-11-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

1. Auto Insurance - Your household might get a discount when your child goes off to school and leaves his or her car behind.

2. Homeowners Insurance - Usually the belongings of your child are covered by your homeowners, but it is still a good idea to make sure.

3. Renters Insurance - Very important to discuss if your child is moving from a dorm to an apartment.

4. Life Insurance- If student loans are involved, life insurance can help in the case of an unexpected tragedy. Hopefully this never happens and if it doesn't then a student can opt to carry the life insurance to the next stage in life.

5. Personal Catastrophe Liability - For those unexpected accidents, the extra liability coverage can help protect you should a lawsuit ensue from a big mistake.

Extra Erie Features When Purchasing Comp & Coll.

2010-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Some of the extra features included in an ERIE auto insurance policy when comprenhensive or collision coverage is purchased are:

- Collision deductible will be waived if you are involved in an accident with another auto insured by ERIE Insurance.

- Comprehensive deductible will be waived when a damaged windshield is repaired instead of replaced.

- Will pay up to $75 per person for travel costs, including meals & lodging, if your car is disabled because of a covered loss.

- Will pay up to $350 for loss to personal property, such as clothing & luggage, because of a covered loss while the personal property is in an auto ERIE insures. Theft losses are covered if the entire vehicle is stolen.

- Will pay up to $50 for locksmith charges if keys are accidentally locked in covered auto.

- Will pay your transportation expenses beginning immediately after a covered comprehensive loss up to $20 per day/$900 per loss.

Halloween Safety

2010-10-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

This Halloween, stay safe from scary surprises.

Oct. 16, 2009 - Whether it’s ghosts and goblins or Freddy and Jason, everyone’s afraid of something. And Halloween is a favorite time of year for hair-raising, bone-chilling and goose-bumping. But while most scares are harmless fun, others can have more frightening consequences.

Are you prepared to enjoy a spirited yet safe All Hallow’s Eve? Take this Halloween safety quiz to find out. And to steer clear of Halloween hazards, check out these not-so-haunted hints.
Halloween safety tips for parties

* If you’re using dry ice in a punch bowl, make sure to keep the chips out — if ingested, they can cause severe injury. Refer to these safety suggestions from the National Weather Service.
* Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

Halloween safety tips for drivers, parents and children

Review these trick-or-treating safety tips, based on suggestions from the the National Safety Council.

Drivers:

* Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
* Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
* At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents:

* Have an adult or responsible older child supervise trick-or-treating outings for kids under 12.
* Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
* Use a flashlight to help you see and others see you.
* Only walk on the sidewalk, if available, or far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
* Remind kids never to enter a stranger's home.
* Tell children to refrain from eating any treats until they get home.

Costume design:

* Get costumes made of fire-retardant materials.
* Make sure they’re loose so warm layers can be worn underneath.
* If kids will be out after dark, use light-colored materials or retro-reflective tape to increase visibility.

Treats:

* Feed kids an early meal before trick-or-treating begins.
* Inspect all treats before any are eaten.
* If fruit is received, wash it and slice into small pieces.
* When in doubt, throw it out.

For more information visit www.erieinsurance.com

2011 Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits

2010-10-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

2011 HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) LIMITS
Following are the 2011 & 2010 HSA limits determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
Coverage Type Regulation 2011 Amount 2010 Amount

Individual Annual Contribution Maximum $3,050 $3,050
Minimum Deductible $1,200 $1,200
Maximum Out-of-Pocket $5,950 $5,950

Family Annual Contribution Maximum $6,150 $6,150
Minimum Deductible $2,400 $2,400
Maximum Out-of-Pocket $11,900 $11,900
NOTE: Catch up contributions for individuals who are age 55 or older remains at $1,000 for 2011.
REMINDERS
• Individuals who are eligible individuals on the first day of the last month of the taxable year (December for most taxpayers) are allowed the full annual contribution (plus catch up contributions, if 55 or older by year end) regardless of the number of months the individual was an eligible individual in the year. However, the individual must be covered by a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) during the last month of the individual’s tax year through the next 11 months. For individuals who are no longer HSA eligible individuals, both the HSA contribution and catch up contribution apply pro rata based on the number of months of the year a taxpayer is an HSA eligible individual and penalties may apply.

• Individuals who make contributions (including employer contributions) to a Health Savings Account will receive Form 5498-SA from their HSA trustee (financial institution) and if they received any distribution, Form 1099-SA will also be issued.

• All individuals who have an HSA must file Form 8889 (Health Savings Accounts) as an attachment to their Form 1040 for any year in which they make or receive HSA contributions (including employer contributions) or for any year in which they take an HSA distribution.

ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Effective January 1, 2011, payments or reimbursements for medicines or drugs are restricted to prescribed drugs, insulin, and over-the-counter drugs that are prescribed. This means that a valid prescription is required for over-the-counter drugs to be an eligible HSA item.

For further information, please contact your tax advisor or visit the U.S. Treasury site at www.treas.gov.

Corinne A. Stone, Benefits Account Executive
Telephone: 301-791-7910 x106
Email: corinne@bowersinsurance.com

Health Insurers Plan Hikes

2010-09-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703720004575478200948908976.html

Reduce Your Risk of a Deer-Vehicle Collision

2010-09-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

- Stay alert and maintain a safe distance and speed.
- Use high beams when there is no opposing traffic.
- Be especially vigilant around dusk and dawn.
- Never try to drive around a deer or swerve to avoid hitting one.

For more tips, visit http://www.erieinsurance.com/

10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession

2010-09-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

1.) Attorney/Judge
2.) Financial Professionals
3.) Government Worker
4.) Bartender or Waiter
5.) Other - Professional
6.) Dog Groomer
7.) Marketing/Advertising
8.) Barber/Stylist
9.) Coach
10.) Nurse

**Least dangerous drivers - Athletes and Homemakers

Compiled from 2010 insurance.com data.

Pet Injury Coverage

2010-09-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Call our office today to add Pet Injury Coverage to your auto policy, at no cost. Coverage is provided for up to two dogs/cats when injured in an auto accident when riding with you. Erie will pay $500 for each pet to receive veterinarian/medical care or $1,000 to cover their loss.

Think You Don't Need Life Insurance? Think Again!

2010-08-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jeff Bowers
Bowers Advisory Group, LLC
THINK YOU DON’T NEED LIFE INSURANCE? THINK AGAIN!
If Anyone Depends on You Financially, You Need It, Says Local Insurance Expert
Hagerstown, Maryland - If you died tomorrow, how would your loved ones fare financially? It’s not a pleasant scenario to think about, but not doing so can have serious consequences. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and Jeff Bowers, CFP, CFBS with Bowers Advisory Group, LLC in Hagerstown, Maryland is asking people to think about their life insurance needs and make sure their families would be protected if the worst were to happen.
”The fact is, most Americans need life insurance,” says Bowers. “If someone depends on you financially, you need life insurance. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, roughly 70 million adult Americans have no coverage at all, and most of those who do have far less coverage than financial experts recommend.”
Life insurance, Bowers points out, provides cash to your family after your death. Known as the death benefit, it can help your family pay for the funeral and other final expenses, eliminate credit-card balances and car loans, and provide loved ones with income to live on for a period of time.
Whether a person needs life insurance depends on his or her particular situation and financial objectives. For help determining if you need life insurance, Bowers describes why coverage needs to be an important consideration for each of the following six scenarios:
You’re Married. Married people share a life with one another, but also share financial obligations. If you died suddenly, would your surviving spouse have enough money to pay for your final expenses and buy time to adjust to a new way of life? Life insurance can help ensure that these financial goals will be met.

You’re Married With Kids. Having kids is the most obvious reason to own life insurance. If you and your income were suddenly gone, would your spouse and kids be okay financially? Life insurance replaces lost income to help make sure those who depend on you will be provided for, no matter what life throws your way.

You’re a Single Parent. As a single parent, you're the caregiver, breadwinner, cook, chauffeur, and so much more. You need to make doubly sure that you have safeguarded your children’s future in case you are no longer there to care for them. Make sure you have enough life insurance and designate who will take care of your children in case the unthinkable were to happen.

You’re a Stay-at-Home Parent. Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you don't make contributions to your family that would be expensive to replace. If you were no longer there, could your spouse afford to pay someone to provide the childcare, transportation, cleaning, cooking and other household responsibilities that you handle every day?

You’re Approaching Retirement. The kids may be gone and the mortgage paid off, but that doesn't mean Social Security or your savings will necessarily take care of everything that lies ahead. If you died tomorrow, would your financial strategy, without insurance, enable your spouse to maintain the lifestyle that the two of you worked so hard to achieve?

You’re a Small Business Owner. Life insurance can help protect your business in a number of ways in the event you, your partner, or a key employee dies prematurely. A buy-sell agreement funded with life insurance allows surviving business owners to buy the company interests of a deceased business owner at a previously agreed-on price. Key-person insurance can provide business owners with the flexibility to hire a replacement when the key employee dies.

“Life Insurance Awareness Month is the ideal time for a life insurance review,” says Bowers. “I urge everyone in Washington County to take a few minutes out of their busy schedules this month to make sure they have adequate life insurance protection.”

According to Bowers, consumers can get a general sense of their life insurance needs by going to www.lifehappens.org/lifecalculator and using the online calculator offered by the LIFE Foundation, a nonprofit insurance education group. The next step, suggests Bowers, should be to contact a local insurance professional, who can conduct a more comprehensive needs analysis and help you find the right products to fit your specific needs and budget.

About Life Insurance Awareness Month
Held each September, Life Insurance Awareness Month is an industry-wide effort that is coordinated by the nonprofit LIFE Foundation. The campaign was created in response to growing concern about the large number of Americans who lack adequate life insurance protection. Roughly 70 million adult Americans have no life insurance, and most of those who do have far less coverage than most financial experts recommend. For more information on life insurance, visit LIFE’s website at www.lifehappens.org.

About Jeff Bowers, CFP, CFBS
Bowers Advisory Group, LLC

The Affordable Care Act's New Patient's Bill of Rights

2010-08-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.healthreform.gov/newsroom/new_patients_bill_of_rights.html

Use of Handheld Phones While Driving

2010-07-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Effective October 1, 2010, in the state of Maryland, Senate Bill 321 prohibits the driver of a school vehicle that is carrying passengers and is in motion from using a handheld telephone. The prohibition also applies to the holder of a learner's permit or provisional driver's license. Any other driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use a handheld telephone; instead, the driver may only use his or her hands to initiate or terminate a wireless phone call or turn the handheld telephone on or off. The prohibitions do not apply to the emergency use of a handheld phone, including calls to a 911, hospital, ambulance service provider, fire department, law enforcement agency, or first aid squad. The prohibition is also inapplicable to law enforcement or emergency personnel when acting within the scope of official duty and to the use of a handheld phone as a text messaging device.

The offense is enforceable as a secondary action only. For a first offense, the violator is subject to a maximum fine of $40 and points may not be assessed against their driver's license unless the offense contributes to an accident. The court is authorized to waive the fine for a first time conviction if the person proves that they have acquired a hands free accessory attachment, add on or built in feature for the handheld phone that will allow them to operate a motor vehicle in compliance with the bill's provisions. For a second or subsequent offense, the fine is $100.

Flood Insurance

2010-05-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Homeowners insurance policies DO NOT cover flooding. Flood insurance covers physical damage to your building and your personal property, once a flood has been deemed by FEMA. Please visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions On Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

2010-05-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

The IRS has issued frequently asked questions on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220839,00.html

Young Adults and the Affordable Care Act

2010-05-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Department of Labor has issued the following fact sheet on the Affordable Care Act which allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health care plan until age 26.

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/fsdependentcoverage.pdf

HOME SAFETY BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON VACATION

2010-05-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

1. Put your mail and newspaper on hold or have a neighbor gather each day.
2. Timers on you lights to go on and off at various times. If possible, have your television or radio come on to give the effect someone is home.
3. If possible, park a car in your driveway.
4. Let a responsible neighbor know that you are going away and a contact number to reach you in an emergency.
5. If you have an answering machine, make sure the message indicates you can’t get to the phone not that you are away.
6. Make sure window and doors are secure and locked. Sometimes when rushing to leave on vacation, the locking of the door is overlooked.
7. Arm the security system and advise Alarm Company you are out of town.
8. Hire a house sitter that you trust.
9. Check that all electrical appliances are turned off.
10. Remove perishable foods from the refrigerator.
11. Adjust thermostats to save on electricity.
12. Arrange for lawn care if going for a long period of time.

Home Safety Check List

2010-05-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

1.) Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested and new batteries installed annually.
2.) Fire extinguishers located on each floor of home and every household member knows where they are located and how to operate.
3.) Electrical cords are not frayed and are not under rugs. Electrical outlets are not overloaded. Consider adding outlets to avoid using extension cords.
4.) Hire a chimney sweep and have flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.
Inspect water heaters annually and keep combustible materials away from heater.
5.) Clean clothes dryer vents.
6.) Inspect washing machine hoses for signs of leaking.
7.) Install a sturdy deadbolt on every door to the outside – including door to garage.
8.) Trim shrubs and trees near windows and doors that provide hiding places for burglars.
9.) Install motion-sensing floodlights.
10.)Put your street number on your mailbox not your name.

Continuing Extension Act of 2010

2010-04-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Continuing Extension Act of 2010 was passed by the House and Senate on April 15th, 2010 and signed by the President which extends the COBRA subsidy through May 31, 2010. Unemployment benefits were extended through June 2, 2010.

Evacuation

2010-03-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Someone knocks on your door and tells you that you have 15 minutes to evacuate – what would you take?

Besides your wallet/pocketbook, jewelry, pets, etc., your important papers should be organized and ready to take with you in an emergency.

What important papers? Insurance policies, passports, wills, medications, health insurance cards, banking information, birth certificates, property records, legal records, credit card information, vehicle titles. If documents are kept in your bank deposit box, keep a list of policy numbers, medications, and photo copies of all pertinent documents.

Documents should be kept in a home fireproof safe or box. Information can be stored on a computer disc/flash drive.

Grab and Go Bags can be kept in a closet by the door to include flash drive with important documentation, flash light/batteries and plastic bags to protect what belongings you are able to gather. Emergency kits are available for purchase at the Red Cross or create your own.

A recent photograph of each family is very important for identification purposes.
Gathering and organizing your information may be time consuming but will make it easier to cope with an emergency situation. Organizing now will protect you, your family and your future.

Before an emergency happens, take the time to review your auto, home and life insurance policies with your agent.

Driving Distractions

2010-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Driving Distractions

50% of all vehicle accidents are caused by driving distractions such as:
• Eating
• Drinking
• Reading maps or other printed material
• Fumbling w/ CD’s
• Changing radio
• Fumbling w/ on-board computers
• Lighting/smoking tobacco products
• Taking medication while driving
• GPS devices
• Conversations w/ passengers
• Reaching for fallen objects
• Combing hair
• Shaving
• Applying Make-up
• Cell phones

Identity Theft

2010-03-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is on the rise, in 2008 the cases of identity theft increased by 22%. Victims will spend anywhere from 3 to 6,000 hours trying to get their identity repaired. There are many forms of Identity Theft. Credit Card Fraud is using someone using your credit card to make purchases. Utility Fraud is starting a utility under someone else’s name, even their own child’s name. Bank Fraud includes stolen checks, changing amount on checks and ATM Passcode theft. Employment Fraud happens when someone uses your social security number when filling out paperwork for an employer. Loan Fraud is when someone takes out a loan in your name.
How do you prevent it? Don’t carry more than you need to in your purse or wallet. Review your credit score on a regular basis. Always look over your credit card statements. Shred credit card offers and anything that has sensitive information. Keep an account of all of your credit card numbers and bank account numbers in a safe protected place. Don’t give out more information than you need to give out. Purchase Identity Theft Protection from your insurance company, bank or credit card. The money you spend can be well worth it to help you restore your good name and have experts help you in a time of need.

Google Announces Google Biking Directions at the League of American Bicyclists' 2010 National Bike Summit

2010-03-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
March 10, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Meghan Cahill
League of American Bicyclists
202.822.1333

Google Announces Google Biking Directions at the
League of American Bicyclists'
2010 National Bike Summit

Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2010 - The League of American Bicyclists is proud to be the forum for Google to announce what all bike riders have been waiting for - Grab Your Bike and Go with Google Maps. Google is announcing at the Opening Plenary Session at the National Bike Summit that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps."This new tool will open people's eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We know people want to ride more, and we know it's good for people and communities when they do ride more - this makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting,"

Users can now choose biking when deciding how to get to their destination, starting today, March 10, 2010. If you're one of the 57 million Americans who ride a bike, mapping your daily commute, and planning recreational or trail rides just became easier. According to Google this has been the most requested addition to Google Maps, and the League is delighted that they have chosen the National Bike Summit to unveil this new feature. Google's announcement further proves the importance of the Summit and the bicycle movement in helping our nation become a more Bicycle Friendly America. The Google biking directions will make it that much easier for bicyclists to get to work, school or play.

This new feature includes: step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. The directions feature provides step-by-step, bike-specific routing suggestions - similar to the directions provided by our driving, walking, or public transit modes. Simply enter a start point and destination and select "Bicycling" from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling, taking advantage of bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets and avoiding hilly terrain whenever possible.

Visit http://maps.google.com/biking to try out this new feature. Biking directions for Google Maps is currently in Beta. Follow the League's news feed on the new Google feature on the League's Blog, Facebook and Twitter. If you have any further questions, contact Meghan Cahill at 202.822.1333 or meghan@bikeleague.org.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

2010-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Check your deck for weaknesses- If you have a deck, look for water stains, mold, moss, warped boards, loose nails, or any other signs of weakness. Left alone, small problems like these can significantly impact the structural integrity of your deck, even leading to potential collapse. Pressure washing and staining your deck are excellent preventative measures.

Clean your air conditioner – If you have a window air conditioner, disconnect the power and carefully clean the exterior of leaves and other debris. You can use a blower, garden hose, brush, or vacuum.

Examine your foundation – Look for any cracks or fissures that are new or have enlarged from an earlier check. If they are stable, you can fill the cracks with epoxy; otherwise contact a structural engineer.

Clean the gutters - Beyond cleaning out the leaves and debris, check all fasteners and joints for corrosion or separation. Flush out your downspouts and unclog any leader pipers, which should extend at least five feet away from your foundation.

Spot any weakened trees or branches – If there are any trees near or over your home, take a good look for any rotten or broken trunks or branches that could damage your home. Call an arborist if necessary.

Get rid of the clutter – Clean up, organize, or get rid of clutter in your basement, attic, and garage.
Clean your chimney(s) – Call a professional chimney sweep to examine and clean your chimney(s) of soot and creosote buildup.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s February Wellness Webinar

2010-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

The topic for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield's February Wellness Webinar for employers and benefits managers is WalkingWorks. This seminar will be held Thursday, February 25, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. For further information visit www.carefirst.com/employers/WorkplaceWellness.

COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance Under ARRA

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), as amended on December 19, 2009 by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (2010 DOD Act) provides for premium reductions for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. To qualify, individuals must experience a COBRA qualifying event that is the involuntary termination of a covered employee's employment. The involuntary termination must occur during the period that began September 1, 2008 and ends on February 28, 2010. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to 15 months.

Further information is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html.

Winter Driving Tips

2010-01-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

As temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter, winter quickly approaches. The coming months offer hazardous driving conditions. During winter storms, the leading cause of death is transportation accidents. Being proactive with your vehicle and emergency protocol can make the difference!

Install good tires. Remember, all tires need the recommended amount of tread in order to function properly. Make sure air levels are at the pressure level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (You can usually find this information printed in the manual). Some jurisdictions even require vehicles to be equipped with chains and/or snow tires.

Windshield scrapers and brushes should be on-hand to aid in snow and ice removal.

Holiday travel should be planned carefully. Keep an eye on the weather report in the week leading up to your trip. Try to aim for daylight driving.

Dress warm – from head to toe. Wear layers and always have a coat.

Tune in to your local radio stations frequently. Typically, these stations will have the most accurate weather conditions for your geographic area.

Have food and water on hand. Keep “munchies” and a few bottles of water in your trunk or glove box along with a blanket and up-to-date phonebook.

Maintain a half tank of gas and a safe antifreeze level.

Slow down and keep a safe distance between you and other drivers.

Watch for bad weather - If the weather is getting progressively worse but you still need to leave home, use public transportation if possible.

12 Days of Christmas to Financial Success

2009-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

The following is repeated from the Finance and Markets Newsletter of December 13, 2003, and is intended as a holiday tradition for Leimberg Information Services:

"As we approach the holiday season, a time of tradition and thanksgiving, of cheer and renewal, let's reflect through song on the things that are truly important in our lives:

♫ On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me -a savings plan to accumulate 3-6 months of after-tax income to meet emergencies, unexpected layoffs, etc.

♫ On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –life insurance coverage equal to six times annual income.

♫ On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –A valid will

♫ On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a "Durable Power of Attorney," giving someone the ability to make financial and/or medical decisions on my behalf if I am unable to do so.

♫ On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a "living will" indicating actions to be taken (or withheld) in the event of a debilitating illness, accident, etc.

♫ One the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –an organ donor card in the event of my death

♫ On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a safe deposit box to hold valuable papers such as home mortgages, life insurance policies, wills, etc.

♫ On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a list of email addresses, computer IDs, passwords, and other computer-related information

♫ On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a list of pre-authorized payments and other monthly debit transactions that automatically occur in bank or brokerage accounts

♫ On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me –a long-term care insurance policy to provide inflation-adjusted coverage

♫ On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me – A retirement plan, which may include IRAs, 401(k)s, SEPs, and other tax-qualified savings programs

♫ On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me - A Section 529 plan to fund college education for the children in my family