Five Reasons Pet Insurance Isn't as Silly as it Sounds

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According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are 164 million in-house pets in the United States. Keep in mind that this number may be underestimated. The Associated Press tells us, through information gathered via a survey, that 41 percent of pet owners are at least somewhat worried that they wouldn't be able to afford medical bills for a sick or injured animal. 

Learn More: Adopt A Pet Ultimate Guide

Are you one of those pet owners? For you, pet insurance may not be as silly as it sounds. Here are just five reasons to consider taking out an insurance policy for your furry companion:

1.Vets are Expensive

Unfortunately, there's no getting around the fact that vet care is expensive. Many people, in fact, think it's too expensive. Before you balk at your next vet bill, take a moment to consider how much that bill would have been if a human had been treated. 



Veterinarians receive more training than their human physician counterparts, and are required to have a wider range of knowledge. When is the last time you walked out of your doctor's office for less than a few hundred dollars?

A routine appointment that includes vaccinations will cost you between $100 and $250 on average, depending on where you live. Paying this for one pet, once a year is not a deal breaker. But what if your pet is involved in an accident are falls seriously ill? Your vet bill can easily climb into the thousands.

2.Policies Start Immediately

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Most pet insurance policies kick in immediately. Some have a waiting period of five to ten days. It's not uncommon for people to tell you to put the money that you would pay for your premiums into a savings account for your pet. 

This makes sense on the surface but what if your pet is hit by a car next week and needs life-saving care? That savings account you started isn't going to pay for you to walk through your vet's door. On the other hand, if you had purchased a policy, you would have the money to pay for the care your pet needs.

3.Veterinary Medicine is Changing

Even a decade ago, veterinarians had limited tools in their belt with which to treat your pet. Today, veterinarian's can perform laser surgery, endoscopy, alternative therapies, physical therapies, and chemotherapy. Your grandparents, and even your parents, had very limited options when it came to treating their pets for major illnesses and serious injuries. 

Unlike the previous generations, we have an incredible array of options when it comes to the care of our animals. It's no longer necessary to automatically have your pet euthanized after a traumatic event. 

4.A Pet's Life is Dangerous

Every pet owner thinks that they take fantastic care of their pets, and most do. No matter how well pets are taken care of, life is wrought with dangers for curious pets. Dogs get out of gates, cats push through screens, and pets wander into the road. 

Dogs eat underpants, cats eat thread, and your pet could easily break a leg running down the steps. Don't let the excellent care that you provide for your pet prevent you from purchasing pet insurance. Accidents happen and pets can surprise us. 

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The dog that hasn't done anything "bad" for seven years could all of a sudden swallow a tennis ball. Your cat that has urinated without issue for many years can suddenly become blocked. With pet insurance, you can be certain that you'll have the means to save your pet's life.

5.You Have Choices

The first pet insurance policy in the United States was issued in the 80's to the popular television dog Lassie. Since then, pet insurance has turned into a fierce competition. That competition translates into a variety of choices for the consumer. 

You can find a company that provides the type of coverages and deductibles that are right for you and your financial situation. Do you want a policy that includes routine care and dental cleanings? 

You can find it. Do you only want coverage for accidents and major illnesses? You can find that, too. Thousands of people have been able to bring their pets home from the vet thanks to their insurance policy. 

Don't put yourself in the situation of having to decide whether to treat your dog or cat or have it humanely euthanized. Pet insurance guarantees that you have the funds available to provide life-saving treatment for your beloved animal.

What’s Your Exit?

Nearing retirement age as a business owner can be a stressful time filled with questions and concerns for the future of your company — and yourself — going forward. Many issues may seem to come out of nowhere, and at times it may be difficult to imagine actually moving forward with your plan to retire.

This is where a solid exit strategy comes into play. If you don’t have one, there’s no time to waste. Some business owners come up with their strategy while drafting their original business plan. But, a solid strategy can be put into place later in the game as well.

Think through the following questions when putting together your exit strategy, and talk to an exit planning professional or business lawyer to be sure your strategy will work out in the long run.

Who Will Take Over?

One of the most important aspects of a solid, successful exit strategy is figuring out who will take your place upon your exit. This is critical for the future of your business. Will it be a family member, one of your kids? What about a partner who’s been in the business for a long time? Or are you looking to sell to an outside investor?

Considering your plan for moving forward must include serious thought about who will take over and whether or not they’ll be capable of carrying out the goals you have for your business. Put some time into this as the rest of your exit strategy may depend on it.

What’s Your Goal?

Once you’ve decided who will take over, think about yourself. Where do you see yourself living out your retirement, Lititz, Pennsylvania or Los Angeles, California? Your choice of residence determines the amount you’ll need to have set aside. Don’t forget to consider taxes.

What about the lifestyle you hope to live? Would you prefer a simple, laid back retirement or a luxurious retirement traveling the globe? If applicable, consider your spouse and his or her savings, pensions and retirement plans. Will he or she be able to contribute to your retirement plan or will the entire plan rely on your savings?

By taking an honest look at the lifestyle you hope to live following your business exit, you’ll be better equipped to plan for the finances required to make that dream a reality.

Will You Remain Involved?

Are you prepared to cut all involvement from your company, leaving it completely in the hands of someone else? Or, do you see yourself sitting on the board, or even working part-time? If so, for how long?

One of the most important parts of an exit plan is taking an honest look at your goals. If you’d like to totally cut ties with the business, that’s fine; just decide that up-front and build your plan around that goal.

The choices you make now, prior to retirement, are critical and will cut down on the confusion as the time draws nearer. Answer the questions above and start considering your exit strategy today.

5 Home Improvement Ideas To Help You Retire In Style

You have waited for 40 long working years for this day. Now it is here. The golden retirement years are upon you. You have finished your last day of work. Your co-workers have thrown a party for you, complete with cake with black icing so you all can go home looking like your teeth are falling out. Now what do you do?

The first job to tackle is home improvement. You are not getting any younger. That is apparent. Therefore, time is of the essence. Your home needs some improvements in order for you to actually have a relaxing retirement. Here are a few changes you can make to keep your home stylish while you age comfortably in your retirement years.

1. Remodel the Bathroom

As you age, you may be plagued with arthritis. It would be a good idea to redo that tiny bathroom to make it more conducive to your body. Expand the room, if possible. There may be a wheelchair in your future, so be ready for it. Add grab bars to the shower, bath tub and by the toilet.

2. Add an Exercise Room

If you have an extra bedroom that you do not need, an exercise room would be a great addition. As we age, our bones become weaker. With weight bearing exercises, you can gain back some of that bone mass with daily exercise. A home gym would do the trick.

3. Landscaping

With retirement comes travel. Less time for yard work. A good landscaper can show you how to redo your lawn to eliminate some of that work. Replacing mulch with rock will eliminate yearly re-mulching. Add bushes and trees that tend to themselves and do not require constant trimming.

4. Add a Spa

You may be feeling your age already. Imagine how nice a spa would be? Customize a spa or hot tub for your back yard and feel those aches and pains diminish as the hot water swirls around you. Imagine relaxing in your spa with a good book to while away your time.

5. Patio

A beautiful refurbished patio surrounding your new customized spa will add to the ambiance of your hot tub experience. Your guests will love it as well.

Retirement is a time for fun, relaxing and enjoying your home. With these improvements, you will be well on your way to your golden years of relaxation.

Companies Still Risk Averse as Economy Grows

The financial markets are watching the recent stock market records with a great deal of interest relative to a potential renewal of significant merger and acquisition activities. This indicator that the downturn that started in 2008 is now history is only one reason for expectation of increased M&A announcements. 

The fact that many companies now carry record cash balances while they experience historically low interest rates would normally drive an interest in aggressive hunting for industry-shaping deals. This is especially the case in light of the relatively limited global opportunities for strong organic growth. 

Evaluating the reasons for so many CEOs remaining risk averse can be found, in part, in the ongoing concerns over major market-shaping events. The continuing issues of problems in the Eurozone, the U.S. budgetary fiscal cliff, and several large deals that were announced but failed to happen are examples. 

These traumas all weigh heavily on companies and their boards when any consideration of major transactions takes place. While macro factors affect every industry, there are indications that some areas are more inclined to aggressive actions than others. 

For example, chemical M&A advisors see an increasing necessity to return to acquisitions and mergers as a viable way for larger companies to achieve their strategic growth objectives. 

When evaluating the most productive ways to put their cash hoards to work in a way that will increase earnings, there are simply limited opportunities to grow organic revenue streams. Analysts are most focused on the possibility of a sustained period of market and global stability to light the fires in the M&A market segment.

Are You Mr. Handyman? Six Ways to Save Money on DIY Projects

Well-intended DIY home projects provide an excellent way to spend less on awesome upgrades to any home. The trick is to make sure the quality does not suffer and that the end result is the same high quality that a professional would deliver. While saving money is a very important reason for taking on projects yourself, it is also equally important to save money in ways that do not compromise the project results.

Below are six recommended ways to save money.

1. Obtain advice and plan the project before jumping in with both feet.

Getting advice from experts is always a good idea. Consulting with professionals before getting started can definitely save a novice from making costly mistakes. There are many unfortunate stories about projects taking on a life of their own and costing a bundle.

2. Rent expensive tools to get the best quality and to save money.

There are often many rental shops that offer high-quality tools. For example Tool Rental San Francisco loans tools out. The other benefit provided by tool rental stores is that they will also show you how to use their tools and answer questions you have. In addition to renting tools that are of the highest quality and would be unaffordable for purchase, there is free advice available.

3. Do not consider tackling plumbing or electrical issues on your own.

It is illegal and unsafe to take on these projects without a licensed professional. Considering the amount of damage that plumbing and electrical mistakes can create, it is critical that professionals be called upon to handle any related project word in these areas.

4. Get all necessary permits before starting any project.

One of the quickest ways to go over budget on any project is by paying for fines levied by municipalities that require permits for certain projects.

5. When in doubt, put quality as the top priority ahead of cutting costs.

Otherwise you might end up having to redo the project later from using inferior products that wear out prematurely.

6. Select one color of paint for the entire project whenever possible.

In any DIY project, combining a good plan with quality tools and materials will reward you with good results. It is important to avoid the impulse to get started before you are fully prepared. The rewards of a job well done and money saved are worth the effort.

Beware of Payday Loan Firms

Payday Loans Neon Sign (Photo credit: rinkjustice)

In this current financial climate, our wages barely cover the cost of our living expenses. For this reason, thousands of us now turn to payday loan firms each and every week. If managed properly, payday loans can be useful over a short period of time, particularly if you have a one off expense towards the end of the month that you are able to pay back immediately the week after. 

Should I Get a Payday Loan?

If you are drowning in a sea of debt, you may think that a Payday loan is the answer to your prayers. However, problems commonly occur with these loans, and for that reason, we must be very wary of them. For example, large loan amounts that are taken out some way before the repayment date carry a very high rate of interest. If you take these out and incur another cost during the next month and you are unable to pay off your loan as a result then you are forced to take out another loan to cover the interest rates of the one you had taken out previously. From here, the process becomes cyclical and you can soon spiral into large volumes of debt that can become impossible to pay. From here, these companies immediately consider repossession of your assets under the terms of your contract! Due to this, it is vitally important that you check the fine print details of your contract so that you know the details of your repayment agreement. 

Payday Loans-What Could Go Wrong?

If you dive in head first without fully understanding the consequences, you can wind up in serious financial difficulties, and a zero bank balance can seem a world away. We are currently seeing an increasing number of people become unable to pay their loans, and as has been mentioned previously, the consequences are dire. Due to this, the government has stepped in to try and control the loans offered by these companies.

In stepping in, the government is aiming to help those who are vulnerable to the lure of these companies and they are trying to ensure that loans are only provided to those who can repay them. 

I Got a Payday Loan-Now What?

Despite all of the work that the Government are doing, many people are still left with the financial burden of the loans they have already acquired. If you are one of these people, consolidate your loans in order to avoid excessive repayment fees.

As has been mentioned, getting a payday loan is not an issue if it is a short term payment to help with an additional cost. But, make sure you can afford it and always check the fine print before you take one out. Whatever you do, taking action is the best way to dig your way out of debt. Don’t bury your head in the sand, talk to a debt specialist today.