We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting Sales Support Specialist, Dailen Terry
Let’s get to know, Dailen!
Where are you from?
Colorado Springs, CO
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I was my high school’s class valedictorian.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Working out
Watching movies
Playing video games with my friends
What made you want to start your new career at California Casualty?
I wanted to be somewhere that was flexible with my school schedule and join a loving work family.
If you want to learn more about Dailen or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
If your bill at the grocery store is higher than you’d like, you’re not alone. The average cost of groceries is 13% higher than this time last year. A family of four can spend as much as $932 on their monthly food bill…
Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. From how you pay for groceries to where and when you shop, here are our top tips for saving money on groceries and feeding your family on a budget.
1. Redefine dinner.
Who says that dinner has to be a three-course affair with meat, veggies, a starch, and a dessert? Take the pressure off and serve breakfast for dinner a few times a week. Omelets are a relatively inexpensive meal and very filling. You also can have soup and sandwich night or a big salad. Be creative. Try going meatless to save money or adding beans to ground beef to increase the amount of food. Put shredded chicken over a soup, salad, or pasta and you’ll use a lot less than when serving pieces of chicken.
Pro Tip: Plan to cook so that you definitely will have leftovers. It’s easier and often cheaper to make a large portion than to plan a whole new meal with new ingredients.
2. Make a list and actually stick to it.
Make a meal plan for the week so you know exactly what to put on your shopping list. Pre-planning cuts down on impulse purchases, which can put you over budget. Then shop only for those items on your list. To help stick to your list, always make sure to eat before shopping,
3. Raid your pantry.
When meal planning, remember that you likely have plenty of food at home that you can incorporate. Look through your pantry and see if you can create a recipe around the food that is there. Check your freezer too. That way, you may just need a few items on your list to create some delicious meals.
Pro Tip: Check out websites that can help you build a recipe with ingredients that you already have like MyFridgeFood or SuperCook.
4. Sign up for the store’s loyalty program.
Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. You can get discounts automatically deducted at checkout. If you’re not on your store’s program, sign up the next time you’re there.
5. Clip coupons and look for sales.
Look at the weekly circular in print or digitally for sales, and clip/save coupons for the items you use. Digital coupons can even be loaded directly onto your loyalty card. Remember to do the math, however. Not all sales are the same good deal. Look at the unit price per ounce to compare the costs of different brands. Plus, if you’re not sure that you’ll use it, don’t buy it. Spoiled fruit in the garbage is the same as throwing away money.
6. Buy store brands.
The cost of store brands is usually 20-25% less. Try them out next time and see if you notice enough of a difference to justify buying the name brand. If you can’t buy all generic brands, at least try store brands for staples like salt and sugar.
7. Avoid pre-made items.
Convenience comes at a price. That means if something is prepared for you, you’re likely paying more for it. When you’re shopping, try to find food closest to its natural state. Buy block cheese instead of shredded cheese, and a box of pasta rather than a heat-and-eat variety. Snacks are some of the priciest items to buy. You can really save a lot here if you prepare them yourself.
8. Tally as you go.
Use the calculator on your phone to add up your order as you shop. You’ll be less likely to add items this way, and there will be no surprises when you get to the checkout. It might cause you to think, “do I really need this?”
9. When you shop matters.
Shop midweek when many grocery stores restock their shelves. That’s also when they change the discounts. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the price cut from last week’s sale. If you’re looking for clearance specials, shop first thing in the morning – or right after a holiday. If you’re looking for specials in the bakery, deli, or prepared foods section, shop right before closing. Many supermarkets mark down their rotisserie chickens, for example.
10. Pay with a rewards credit card or cash.
You might as well get some cash back when you shop. Pay with a grocery rewards card and you can automatically see some savings. Or if you can, pay with cash. Bring only the amount you want to spend, and when the cash runs out, you can’t buy anything else.
11. Compare prices at different stores.
Compare prices at different nearby grocery stores. Switch to a store that’s known for more affordable food prices like Walmart, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s. Even Dollar Tree has grocery items. Or you can join a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club. These stores stock items in bulk at often lower prices. You’ll have to spend more upfront but you’ll save in the long run. That might not be for everyone but it’s a good value for large families.
12. Use a rebate app.
Sign up for apps like Ibotta and Rakuten. They give you cash back for buying groceries, among other items. Stores pay these apps a commission for sending them your way. Find out which apps link to your grocery store to make sure that they are an affiliate partner.
Happy shopping!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting Fraud Examiner, Bruce Madison
Let’s get to know, Bruce
Where are you from?
Lincoln, Nebraska
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
While in the USAF I was one of the “Camo Dudes”/ Security Police forces assigned to Area 51 in Nevada.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Attending my son’s baseball games
Tinkering with my 1971 Camaro and 1972 Thunderbird
Eating pizza
If you want to learn more about Bruce or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Malawi, Africa. Currently working in our Arizona Office.
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I am a book worm
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Reading
Cooking
Listening to music
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
It’s a family-owned business!
If you want to learn more about Caroline or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
Mark D. Pitchford has been elected Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of California Casualty Management Company (“CCMC”) effective July 25, 2022. In this role, Pitchford will lead the marketing and sales efforts of the company.
Pitchford has more than 30 years of wide-ranging experience, including in marketing, service, and sales, as a senior executive in the insurance industry. He holds an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Harvey Mudd College.
Pitchford was most recently head of the insurance practice for Afiniti, applied artificial intelligence provider. Prior to Afiniti, Pitchford was the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Esurance. In this role, he was responsible for Esurance’s advertising, sales and customer service operations, customer experience, and digital transformation. His other previous experience includes leading Allstate’s direct business and time in various senior-level marketing, sales/service, and product management positions at Lumen/Qwest and AT&T/Pacific Bell.
“I am excited about this opportunity,” Pitchford said. “The mission of California Casualty to serve those who are heroes in our communities is inspiring.”
Jonathan D. Adkisson, CCMC’s President & CEO, stated, “Mark brings incredible experience and capabilities which will strengthen our executive management team. I am looking forward to working with him again as we move forward.”
California Casualty is an affinity-based auto and home insurance provider with group partnerships across the nation, offering the highest level of care, service, compassion, and understanding, to people who make a difference for our communities – educators, education support professionals, peace officers, firefighters, and nurses.
Carl B. “Beau” Brown, CCMC’s Chair, commented: “Adding Mark to our team will help ensure that California Casualty can keep delivering on our promise to our members who serve our communities.”
About California Casualty: Founded in 1914 and headquartered in San Mateo, CA, California Casualty has service centers in Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas. The company provides auto and home insurance with special rates, generous discounts, and unique benefits not available to the general public to educators, education support professionals, peace officers, firefighters, and nurses across the country. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.
It’s summertime and the living is easy—or rather it will be with these clever summer hacks.
Here are our all-time favorite tips and tricks for entertaining, keeping the bugs away, summer fun, and staying cool and comfortable in the summertime heat.
Entertaining hacks
#1:Cupcake liners for popsicles: Insert the stick of a popsicle or ice pop through the center of a cupcake liner and voila! There are no drips and no mess. The liner catches it all so your hands stay clean and dry. (Keep some extra cupcake liners for the tops of open drink cans to keep the bugs out!)
#2:Quick ice-cold drinks: Forgot to chill the beer, wine, or soda? No worries. Wrap a wet paper towel around the bottle or can and put it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Have more time? Fill some water bottles halfway with water and lay them on their side in the freezer. When they’re frozen, fill them up with your beverage of choice. It will stay chilled for hours.
#3. Condiment carrier: Don’t throw away that cardboard six-pack carrier! Repurpose it to carry your mustard, ketchup, napkins, and fixings. Reinforce it and make it fancier by adding some contact paper to the sides and bottom.
#4. Unstick marshmallows: If you’ve bought a bag of marshmallows only to discover they’re stuck together, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can make them “s’mores ready” with this trick. Add at least 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the bag and shake it. It will absorb the moisture and unstick your marshmallows. Store them in a container for easy use.
#5.Clean your grill with an onion: Cut a raw onion in half. Stick a BBQ fork into the rounded part and rub the cut side along the grill grates. The onion’s juices will create steam and help to remove the bits of food residue.
BONUS TIP: Instead of putting out a whole spread to entertain your guests, try some simple Jarcuterie!
Keeping the bugs away
#6. Coffee grounds prevent ants: Coffee’s high nitrogen content actually burns bugs. Sprinkle some coffee grounds outside entrances to your home or other places where ants might enter. They won’t walk across it.
#7.A fruity bug repellent: Limes or lemons and cloves make a great natural mosquito repellent as well as a great table decoration. They also work for wasps. Simply slice the lime or lemon in half and press a few whole cloves into the inside. The scent will help to keep mosquitos away from your table, too.
#8.Burn sage or rosemary on your fire: The scent of sage and rosemary helps keep flying bugs of all sorts away. Buy a bundle of one or the other from your local grocery store. Both herbs will catch fire easily. You can put them on your fire pit or even on your barbecue.
#9.Debug your car: Summer often means sticky, smashed bugs on your car’s windshield and grille. Give your car a spritz of nonstick cooking spray and wipe them off easily.
#10:Take the plunge: If you’re searching for a place to hold the citronella candles that keep bugs away, look no further than your local plumbing store. A toilet plunger is the perfect candle holder. Simply put the plunger handle in the ground, and the candle in the rubber top. Use a new plunger, and then you can keep it for its usual use later.
Summer fun hacks
#11.Applique your kiddie pool: Kiddie pools can be slippery. Make them easier to navigate for little feet with bathtub appliques. Add some to the sides, too, for places to grip. Your kids can even help you to apply them!
#12.Camping trick for toilet paper: Bring an empty coffee can container along for your next camping trip. It’s the perfect size to store toilet paper and keep it dry, in high humidity or when it rains. It works for canoe and boat trips too.
#13.Brush off your beach chairs: Use a large clean and dry paintbrush to remove sand from your beach chairs, toys, and even the kids! Do it before you get in the car and you’ll have a lot less to clean up.
#14.Firefly collection hack: Kids love to catch fireflies. Instead of piercing holes into the metal lid of a jar, cut a 6-inch square from old pantyhose. Attach it with a rubber band. This will let plenty of air in and out, and be easier when it’s time to let the bugs go.
#15.Makeup blender sponge for sunscreen: Use a makeup blender sponge to apply sunscreen to young faces. This will help for a more even application and keep sunscreen out of their eyes.
#16.Change direction for your ceiling fan: Make sure your fan’s blades are rotating counterclockwise in warmer months. This will help push cooler air down.
#17.Make your own dehumidifier: Since lower humidity feels cooler, a dehumidifier will allow you to reduce the use of your air conditioner, thus reducing your cooling costs. Though not as effective as a dehumidifier, you can try DIY versions:
A basket or can of charcoal briquettes can absorb humidity in a room. Replace it every 2-3 months.
Rock salt or kitty litter also absorbs moisture in the air. Take two similarly size buckets. Drill holes in the bottom of one. Stack the drilled bucket inside the other bucket – making sure to leave a gap. You may wish to put an object in between the buckets to create that space. Fill the top-drilled bucket with salt or kitty litter. Then, check it every few days. Water will collect in the bottom bucket. Empty as needed.
#18.Freeze your pillow: Bunch up your pillow. Put it in a plastic bag and place it in your freezer for 10 minutes. You can also save some space and just freeze your pillowcase. Keep some extra pillowcases in the freezer if you want to switch them out.
#19.Window dressing: No air conditioning? Hang a damp sheet in front of an open window. The hot air will evaporate the water in the sheet and the result is a cooling breeze.
#20.Trade-in your ice pack for a rice pack: Ice packs are great but condensation can create dampness where you may not want it. Instead, fill a clean sock with rice and put it in the freezer. Bring it out whenever you need a cold pack that’s moldable to your body.
Have a favorite summer hack that’s not listed here? Share it with us!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
