With spring comes cleaning, and with cleaning comes a fresh opportunity to take on tired interiors and welcome the light and liveliness that summer ushers forth.

To make what might otherwise be a daunting undertaking manageable, attack it room by room. For each space, organize and declutter first, sorting items to be kept out, stored away, donated, or trashed as needed. This might be a great opportunity for children to become involved, particularly in sorting toys and taking responsibility for their spaces with age-appropriate chores and rewards.

It is also an ideal time to switch out wardrobes, bedding, and decor for seasonally appropriate choices. Deep cleaning carpets and any heavy linens or upholstery that makes the seasonal cut might be best done now, when clutter is at a minimum and any transitions in clothing, etc. have yet to be unpacked.

Flip mattresses in bedrooms and clean blinds throughout the home. Wipe down surfaces with a solid all-purpose cleaner, and sweep, mop, or vacuum under beds and furniture. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, those spaces that might have been neglected during winter months, and around dust-distributing heating vents and the like.

For cleaning deep dives, consider a few of these time-tested household solutions to the most bothersome of cleaning conundrums.

• Cut through hard water stains on faucets and fixtures with half a lemon.
• Use baking soda – add salt for additional scrubbing power to achieve sparkling stainless steel sinks.
• Soak showerheads in white vinegar to clean mineral deposits.
• Spray a combination of ¼ cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and 2 teaspoons liquid soap on glass and wipe clean with newspapers for surprisingly streak-free surfaces.
• Wet dryer sheets and leave on ceramic cooktops for at least 15 minutes to loosen burnt-on food and gunk.
• Remove fingerprints and dust from TV, tablet, and computer screens with coffee filters.
• Create a paste with cream of tartar and a little water to bring the shine back to stainless steel appliances.
• Repurpose a window squeegee to remove pesky pet hair from carpets and rugs.
• Recycle old socks for use as dusting mitts or slip them over broom handles and spritz with cleaner to tackle cobwebs and hard-to-reach spots.

Finally, open windows and let the fragrant springtime breeze clean out any lingering musty odors in your sparkling new digs.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Post Insurance and Financial today.

Wed, Apr 13th, 20222022-04-13

Post Insurance and Financial

It’s a subject we hear a lot about these days in the news: Drought. According to drought.gov in March of 2022, over 58% of the lower 48 states are currently in a drought. With a collective global force greater than all other natural disasters in the past 40 years, droughts around the globe eventuate in as much deadly destruction as any other extreme weather event. Droughts can be declared in as few as 15 days and can last a week, a month, a year, or longer.

But what causes this “creeping disaster” and what, if anything, can people in a drought area do to mitigate its impact?

Drought is defined by prolonged lack of precipitation resulting in a considerable water shortage. Though naturally occurring, drought-producing conditions can be exacerbated by human activity, including water use/management and greenhouse gas emissions. It impacts developing and developed nations alike, but developing nations are far more susceptible to related damage and loss. There, drought can create water and food insecurity issues capable of further increasing problems related to civil unrest, famine, mass migration, and displacement.

The exact parameters of drought vary regionally based on normal weather and precipitation patterns for an area: tropical areas need far more rain than desert climes, so they suffer drought at a much faster rate. Drought can be traced to sources both natural – fluctuating ocean and land temperatures, altered weather patterns, high pressure, and reduced soil moisture – and manmade – climate change, excessive water demand, and deforestation and soil degradation. Additionally, droughts are characterized by their type:

• Meteorological – When rainfall is less than needed for a given region to remain stable.
• Agricultural – When water supplies fall short of meeting crop and livestock needs.
• Hydrological – When persistent lack of rainfall depletes surface and groundwater stores.

In the United States, drought is a costly and chronic reality, with at least one area of the country typically impacted at all times throughout the year. In fact, in 2012 the U.S. experienced a historic drought – the worst since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s – with nearly two-thirds of the country affected. California has a long and difficult history with drought: Decreased rainfall, combined with increased heat, in California between 2012 and 2016 caused what is considered the state’s worst drought conditions in 1,200 years. Persistent drought, particularly in agricultural hubs throughout the U.S., can likewise create problematic water shortages, inflated food prices, and a host of regional problems.

While there was no evidence that worldwide drought was increasing when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its 2013 report, global temperatures have increased and, with them, the prevalence of extreme weather patterns and events, such as drought. This, in turn, reduces snowpack and other stores that provide some protection against drought. In essence, the polarities are becoming more extreme: dry regions are becoming drier and wet regions, wetter. If temperatures continue to increase, these trends will as well.

So, while the weather might be uncontrollable, human actions are not. Doing our part to mitigate climate change by reducing our carbon footprints, while augmenting water conservation efforts with widespread recycling and reclamation, increased stormwater capture, and improved agricultural sector water management – will all help to shift the trajectory of future extreme weather patterns like drought.

For any questions, call or contact Post Insurance and Financial today.

At Central, we believe that one of the best investments we can make is actively developing our employees. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and true success is based on not only meeting the needs of today, but tomorrow as well.

As a part of our commitment to excellence, we strive to foster a culture of possibility and opportunity by providing a path to growth for our people. Established in 2021, Central’s Job Rotational Program gives participants a chance to experience placements in different departments, roles and areas of interest. The program is designed to support employee development while also fostering cross-department relationships, mentorship and collaboration. 

A typical JPR placement is approximately 18 months, and includes rotations through four different roles and departments. At the end of the JRP experience, rotational members can apply to their area of interest for a role.  There are currently seven Central employees participating in the JRP. 

We recently sat down with two of our current JRP participants, LaToya Scott, Human Resources Specialist, and Cason White, Claims Transformation Specialist, to learn more about their experience in the program.

Why do you think the JRP is important to Central?  

LS: The JRP gives employees an opportunity to dabble in different jobs, but ultimately it helps ensure that the right talent is in the right place within the company.

What drew you to the JRP?

CW: I wanted to make myself a more well-rounded employee by increasing my knowledge of the business side of Central.

LS: I spent 16 years in a “claims bubble,” consumed with claims and settlements. I didn’t have time to look ahead and think about what I really wanted in my future at Central. Participating in the JRP has helped me see a career path here that goes beyond a function or role.

How does your participation in the JRP tie into Central’s core values?

CW: Moving between departments is an opportunity to build deeper relationships with different teams and leaders. Learning about other areas of the company, tackling new projects and solving business needs for the company contributes to our spirit of excellence.

LS: In working closely with new and different people, I have built so many relationships and continue to learn new things every day.  

How does the JRP contribute to Central’s culture?

CW: Our culture starts at the top and perpetuates a learning atmosphere. We’re not afraid to try new things here, and that sends a message that it’s ok to try—even if you fail—because you might also succeed.

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As we head into 2022, we’re also excited to announce the newest members of our JRP: Joanne Myers, Nichole Cox, Yixuan Du and James Garrett. Get to know them below:

Joanne Myers will be joining the Claims Transformation team as a Claims Workload Specialist. Joanne has been with Central for two-and-a-half years. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Joanne enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going to the lake in the summer.

Nichole Cox will be joining the Underwriting team as an Underwriting Analyst. Nichole will be graduating from Bowling Green State University this spring with her BSBA in Finance, Insurance Risk Management, and Sales & Service Marketing. Nichole enjoys golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with her pets.

Yixuan Du will be joining the Claims Transformation team as a Claims Compliance Analyst. Yixuan has her Bachelor of Law from China University and her Master of Law from the University of Connecticut. Yixuan enjoys traveling and cooking in her free time.

James Garrett will be joining the Enterprise Intelligence team as an Enterprise Data Analyst. James will be graduating from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing. In his spare time, James enjoys watching and participating in multiple sports, especially golf.

Want to learn more about what it’s like to work at Central? Check out our Careers page to learn more.

Internet queries for advice about finding success in life, love, and business consistently top trending charts, while self-help titles touting one route or another as the road to greatness never fail to make their mark on the New York Times Bestsellers list. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make that proverbial lemonade from the lot of lemons life may have dealt you, here are some bits of entrepreneurial wisdom from some of the world’s most successful people.

Use criticism as fuel.

Many times, proving a naysayer wrong is all the motivation necessary to make big changes.

“An insult is advice in reverse – and almost always proves to be the best advice you’ll ever hear.” – Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group.

Make your own meaning.

Nothing is inherently meaningful. So, the difference between success and failure might be more about perspective, than plot. You can bemoan the coworker that gets the promotion or see it as the final push toward an entrepreneurial investment in yourself – the choice is yours.

“Even though things looked dark and difficult, I had a choice. I could be a victim or use the opportunity to create a better version of myself and inspire others. That advice helped me reach the corporate executive suite and now helps me inspire other corporate leaders to shift their perspectives and see the possibilities.” – Michael O’Brien, executive business coach and author of Shift: Creating Better Tomorrows.

Surround yourself with people you admire.

Define your goal and develop relationships with those that have achieved it. Intrinsically motivational, following the movers and shakers in nascent industries and cultivating meaningful relationships with likeminded people and businesses can create a roadmap for support and success.

“Exposure to people who are more successful than you are has the potential to expand your thinking and catapult your income. The reality is, millionaires think differently from the middle class about money, and there’s much to be gained by being in their presence.” – Steve Siebold, CEO of Siebold Success Network and author of How Rich People Think.

Be persistent and trust yourself.

It may take years before your work yields the results you aspire toward, a concept gains traction, or the daily drudgery garners financial freedom. Consistently showing up for yourself and investing in your dreams is the best possible way to actualize them.

“Too often we look for immediate results, but anything of value takes time. As they say, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” – Marcello Arrambide, founder of Day Trading Academy and co-founder of SpeedUpTrader, a funding company for aspiring day traders.

Manifest, manifest, manifest.

Set clear, specific goals and visualize yourself achieving them. Take that vision and use it to define the activities of your daily life, the places you invest your energy, and the people with whom you surround yourself. There is wealth and abundance aplenty; you just have to seize it.

“The number one reason most people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want. Rich people are totally clear that they want wealth.” – T. Harv Eker, self-made millionaire and author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.

Focus on earning and develop multiple streams of income.

Quitting the 9-to-5 and increasing your streams of income. Investments, side hustles, or real estate can exponentially increase earning potential.

“Three streams of income seems to be the magic number for the self-made millionaires in my Rich Habits study, but the more income streams you can create in life, the more secure will your financial house be.” – Thomas C. Corley, author of Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.

Invest your savings.

The only way to build income from savings is through investment. Take advantage of employer match 401(k) programs. Open a Roth or traditional IRA. Low-cost index funds, a Warren Buffett recommendation, can also be a great place to funnel income surplus. And, to make your savings efforts consistent, opt for automatic strategies: you won’t miss what you learn to live without.

“The only reason to save money is to invest it. Put your saved money into secured, sacred (untouchable) accounts. Never use these accounts for anything, not even an emergency. To this day, at least twice a year, I am broke because I always invest my surpluses into ventures I cannot access.” – Grant Cardone, self-made millionaire, author, and real estate mogul.

Be decisive.

Making decisions requires energy: gathering information, weighing costs/benefits, forecasting possible results. The more efficiently you make decisions, particularly those that can easily be reversed, the more energy and attention you have for navigating the unexpected and investing in yourself.

“Analysis of several hundred people who had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million dollar mark disclosed the fact that every one of them had the habit of reaching decisions promptly.” – Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Post Insurance and Financial today.

Winter is almost over and trees are budding with the first signs that spring is in the air. A crocus pops its sweet purple plumes through the last ice crystals and we heave a collective sigh of relief that, with the winter chills, the myriad of mucus-producing viruses is finally leaving the building. And then, for many, that first fatal sneeze. Spring, in all her verdant glory, has ushered back in seasonal allergies and the snotty noses and congestion we hoped not to revisit until the fall. For many of us in Florida, seasonal allergies aren’t just a nuisance, they prevent outdoor recreation, socialization, yard maintenance, and a host of other activities that make summer, well, summer.

But what are seasonal allergies? Why are some affected, while others aren’t? And the million-dollar question: what, if anything, can we do to prevent them?

First, it’s important to understand that allergies develop when the immune system reacts, often overly so, to environmental factors ranging from pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen to insect bites and food additives. Some people’s immune systems simply react more energetically to these factors than others, and, thus, an allergy is born. Common symptoms of an allergic response are sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion, headache, itchy/watery eyes, and rash (contact dermatitis). Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are just that: intense allergic responses that tend to develop during specific seasons, most commonly during times of high pollination, like spring and summer.

Depending on location, spring allergies can begin as early as February and last through the first month of summer. Then, summer allergies take over for the next few months and, if you’re one of the unlucky few, fall allergies, replete with a nice sprinkling of early colds and other viruses, make solid misery for many of the last few days before the snow flies again.

As one might expect, climate plays a large role in seasonal allergy specifics and severity. Tropical climates might mean grass, a common seasonal allergen, could pollinate year-round, while rainy areas might see greater mold growth. However, certain allergens consistently rank at the top of the list for spring/summer allergies, and others in the fall.

As aforementioned, the nature and timing of allergens will vary depending on climate; however, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, a few factors consistently determine prevalence.

• Pollens flourish during cool night/warm day seasons and peak during the morning.
• Molds thrive in heat and high humidity.
• Pollen counts skyrocket after rain.
• Windless days might provide some relief, as airborne allergens are less mobile; conversely, warm, windy days mean high pollen counts.

So, how do we help ourselves and our seasonal allergy-affected friends and family? The bad news: allergens are everywhere and moving anywhere other than the surface of the sun or Antarctica – arguably problematic locales for other reasons – won’t help. Treatment options, however, are innumerable.

First, do what you can to minimize the culprits:

• Watch mold/pollen counts and avoid outdoor activities when they’re at their highest
• Keep windows and doors in your house, office, and car shut during high allergy seasons
• Shower and change clothes following time outdoors
• Wear a mask when working outdoors.

It also might make sense to initially try some over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. Readily available at most drugstores and supermarkets in a range of options, seasonal allergy medications can do wonders to mitigate the severity of symptoms. If OTC medications prove ineffective, it might be time to see an allergist. Allergists can help you do more than just treat symptoms. They may complete testing to determine which allergens are the most problematic, offer prescription medication options, and initiate immunotherapy, or “allergy shots,” if indicated.

For any questions, call or contact Post Insurance and Financial today.

While the bluster and bite of winter may still reign over much of the country, spring melts and the months of outdoor recreation they usher forth are just around the corner. Now is the time to survey summer gear and prepare for the active months ahead. Boating, camping, and cycling gear can all benefit from a seasonal tune-up. Here are some recommendations for fun summer adventuring.

Boating:

Boat maintenance is critical for the longevity and safety of your vessel, both on and off the water. The following should be completed prior to your craft’s maiden voyage each season.

• Register – Make sure your registration is current to avoid expensive fines.
• Clean – A quick wash inside and out with mild detergent prevents mold, stains, and the spread of invasive aquatic species. A final scrub and rinse with a boat hull cleaner will make your boat shine.
• Inspect and Repair – Check for and repair any scratches, cracks, or damage that may impair safety and seaworthiness. Examine trolling motor and power trim as well.
• Battery and Engine – Check that your boat’s battery has a sufficient charge and clean corrosion off terminals with baking soda and water. Then, drain old engine fuel, change the oil if necessary, and start it to ensure it’s running properly.
• Lights – Test any lights that may be legally necessary for early morning or late night trips.
• Trailer – Check trailer tire pressure, test the wheels independently, and confirm lights are in working order.
• Safety Gear – Review gear for size and state law requirements to verify compliance. Finally, check for a functional fire extinguisher and first aid kit, as well.

Camping:

Taking a few minutes to inspect all your camping gear can save time, energy, and a host of headaches when camping season arrives. Give tents and sleeping bags a good shake, air out or clean if possible, and check seams for any necessary repairs. For tent camping, make sure you have all tent poles and stakes, sleeping mats, and supplies for inclement weather. Gather, clean, and/or replace cooking tools and supplies that may have expired. Finally, make sure you have functional lanterns and flashlights, with batteries for both, and any necessary safety, first aid, and survival gear.

Cycling:

Whether you’re headed up into the mountains or just taking a lazy trip around town, your bike will benefit from a quick tune-up prior to regular use. An initial wipe down to clear away last year’s grime may reveal areas of rust that require attention or replacement, particularly with brake cables and chains. Regardless, all chains benefit from a quick cleaning with degreasing solvent and a smear of chain lubricant. Comprehensive chain cleaning kits can be a great option, as well. Next, review and tighten brake cables, nuts, and bolts, making adjustments and further lubricating if needed. Make sure your fork is properly aligned and secure. Check all quick releases and tighten if necessary. Fill your tires and check reflective and other bike lights. Finally, take your bike for a quick spin, shifting through all gears to check for any further issues. If anything needs expert attention, take it to a local bike shop for a professional tune-up.

For any questions, call or contact Post Insurance and Financial today.

Whenever your car meets with an accident, you have to inform the car insurance company in relation to the accident and submit all the necessary documents. The car insurance company then sends a surveyor who submits a report to the car insurance company on the settlement amount to be given.

If you have made a claim of Rs 1,00,000 but the car insurance company gives you only Rs 75,000. You then get the incident investigated by your own surveyor, he/she reports that you are entitled for a higher claim. In this case, the steps that you can take are discussed below.

You can approach the car insurance company with your arguments, if that does not materialize then you can approach the insurance ombudsman, then Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). If you are still not satisfied with the result then you can take the legal route and approach courts.

In such cases, a resolution is not easily forthcoming. As per law surveyors need to be appointed for all claims above Rs 20, 000 which relates to vehicle or building damage. IRDAI allows either the policyholder or the car insurance company to appoint one and it is common that policyholders do appoint surveyors. They are independent authorities who can work either on appointed by policyholder or car insurance company.

It is not binding that the car insurance company accepts the report from surveyor appointed by the policyholder. The steps policyholder can take in such a scenario includes

Leave the Accident Site Untouched

You need to leave the accident site untouched, it is better to get things repaired only after surveyor completes the investigation of the incident. If you use the car then the insurance company may reject your claim. In case of accident of your car don’t tow the vehicle.

Present a Completed Claims Report

Your claims report should be thorough and needs to have proper justification. In case of damage to your car, you would have to describe the damages properly, if you leave out to mention about some dents and submit them as a separate claim then the car insurance company can reject it, in cases of accident always submit copy of FIR especially if there is injury to the third party, photographs of incident, your injuries and statement of witnesses would help your case.

Saving Records of Dealings

It is suggested that you have a copy of the discussions that you have had with an insurance agent and surveyor. All the emails should also be saved. If surveyor changes report later then these documents can come in handy.

Differentiate between old and new damage

While making a report for a claim, it is your responsibility to prove the latest damage on insured. If you don’t report new damage on time then the car insurance company would say it is an old claim and reject your claim.

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