12 Ways to Cut Costs During Lean Times

12 Ways to Cut Costs During Lean Times

About half of all Americans have been financially affected by the coronavirus. Many have lost jobs or are dealing with reduced hours, and those still working might be anxious about what’s on the horizon. Lean times—even the possibility of them—call for fiscal prudence.

Here are some tips to cut costs and put yourself and your family on better financial footing.

Evergreen Principles

These tips are wise moves in any economy, but especially important right now.

    • Revise your budget. Depending on your family’s situation, your income and expenses might look very different from just a few months ago. Review with fresh eyes how much money is coming into and out of your household.
    • Cut the fat. What are your essential expenses? For most people, it’s rent/mortgage, groceries, loans, and utility payments. For all other expenses, reassess what you really need—and don’t be afraid to make cuts.
    • Lower your energy bill. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can translate to dollars saved. Also, check your doors and windows for easy-to-fix gaps that may be leaking air.
    • Consolidate your entertainment. Streaming services and subscriptions can add up quickly. Only keep those you use; and turn off “auto-renew.” Cutting your cable can also mean big savings.
    • Check cell phone & internet bills. Your plans may have add-ons (extra data, faster speed, etc.) that you’ve forgotten about or don’t need. Ditch those, and then call to change or negotiate your plan—and don’t be afraid to switch providers (many will lower your bill to keep your business).
    • Get smart on groceries. Plan meals ahead of time to reduce impulse buys at the store. Make large meals (soups, stews, salads) in big batches to last for days. Vegetarian meals are especially budget-friendly. Also, look at your food waste—and use what you buy.

 

Made for These Times

Sometimes crises come with opportunities; in the case of coronavirus, there are some new ways to save.

    • Coronavirus resources. The federal assistance available to those impacted by coronavirus includes resources for unemployment, healthcare, loans, stimulus checks, and business aid. Check the site to see if you’re eligible.
    • Free subscriptions. Many digital platforms are offering free subscriptions right now. From streaming services and educational programs to online workouts, you can find a lot just by doing a web search.
    • Low refinance rates. The Federal Reserve’s recent slashing of the interest rate translates to very low rates on loans. If you were considering refinancing your mortgage or another large loan, this might be a great time.
    • Lower debt interest. Federal student loan interest (along with principal) has been suspended until September 30, 2020. Check with your other creditors to see if they will work with you to lower your interest rate or temporarily suspend it.
    • Eviction, rent, and mortgage protection. Due to widespread hardship, there are assistance programs available for rent and mortgage payments, as well as protection against eviction. Check your state’s programs and the Federal website.
    • Summer Skip option. Educators who are California Casualty policyholders can opt to take a break from premium payments during the summer months.

If you’re able to, pad your healthcare and emergency savings as much as possible. If you’re expecting a tax refund (tax day has been extended to July 15), try to stash that in savings.

Hopefully, the lean times will be temporary, but you’ll never regret saving money where you could.

 

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.

Speaking to Your Students About COVID-19

Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.

 

The “discussion.”  It’s inevitable. Kids are going to want to talk about Coronavirus-COVID19 (if they haven’t asked you already).  This is a difficult, yet important, discussion. So, where do we start the conversation?    

The good news- There’s no right or wrong way to approach this topic.  However, if you are unsure of how to navigate this conversation, you may find these tips to be helpful.   

 

Be Calm

Your kids naturally react to your emotions.  When you are calm, kids are more likely to listen to you and better understand.  

 

Be Available 

Allow time in your schedule simply for talking.  Tell your kids you are available if they have questions.  Try not to force conversations. When kids are having strong feelings, validate those feelings and talk about them.        

 

Be Prepared 

Don’t be surprised if you have to repeat information to your kids; any type of crisis can be confusing.  Kids need to find ways to feel reassured, and repetition of information can satisfy this need.  

 

Be Honest

Adults want to make scary situations less frightening for kids.  It’s natural. But during times of crisis and uncertainty, it is important to be honest with kids.  Provide information using age-appropriate language and concepts. Also, remind kids that not everything they read or see is an accurate representation of the truth; we must be mindful consumers of media.   

 

Be Sensitive

We may struggle to find the answer to the big question:  Why? Please find reliable information to help you answer this question (fact sheets from CDC).  Don’t use language that blames a group of people or assumes specific races or ethnicities contract or spread the virus.  

 

Be Attentive 

Know what your kids are watching and hearing on TV and online.  It’s always a good idea to limit screen time, especially during a crisis.  Too much information can be overwhelming and may cause confusion or anxiety.  Also, be aware that kids may be listening to adult conversations.  

 

Be Proactive

Revisit proper hygiene routines with them, like: 

        • Practicing sneezing and coughing into your elbow or tissue
        • Washing hands for 30 seconds using soap and hot water (wash before eating or touching food and after blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, or using restroom) 
        • Hand sanitizing
        • Avoiding sick people

 

Be Comforting

Reassure kids that they are safe in their homes.  Try to avoid making promises to kids that no one in their families or close circles will contract the virus.  Remind them that most people who become sick from COVID19 will recover.      

 

Be Inspiring

This is a great time to show kids how helpful people can be during times of crisis.  Even though many people have been affected by this virus, there are also many people who are reaching out to help.  Ask your kids if they’d want to help during this time. Focusing our attention on positive actions can have a tremendous effect on our well-being. 
A few ways kids can help:

        • Give blood (must be 17 years old)
        • Support your local food bank  
        • Donate money to reputable non-profits
        • Write letters or make pictures to send to doctors and nurses at local hospitals
        • Send letters or pictures to people living in residential centers (local retirement centers and nursing homes)  

One last thing to remember: kids are resilient.  The way adults respond and offer support to kids can help mitigate the potential negative emotional consequences related to this traumatic event.  Our kids will bounce back, and perhaps even grow, from this experience.    

 

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.

 

For more information visit:

www.cdc.gov

www.aacap.org

How to Combat Stress & Anxiety Caused by COVID-19

How to Combat Stress & Anxiety Caused by COVID-19

Stress is a normal part of life; however, the anxiety caused by Coronavirus may be a new level of stress, many of us have never dealt with before. We’re having to navigate life in a way in a completely new way; working from home, schooling from home, and isolating ourselves from one another. All while not knowing what a day, a month, or a year might bring. 

Some of us are slowly figuring out the “new normal”, while others seem to be having a harder time figuring out how to adjust. Thankfully, there are some simple strategies you can use at home to relieve stress and help get you through these tough times.

Here are some easy ways you and your family can combat stress & anxiety caused by COVID-19.

 

Exercise

Exercise increases your body’s production of endorphins (those feel-good hormones that can improve your mood).  Any kind of physical movement will work. Take a short walk, do some chores around the house, or pop on a workout video.  

If you are looking for fun exercises for your kids to try, we have a guide here that is full of YouTube channels that will get your child up and moving!

 

Consume Healthy Foods

It’s no secret that eating well is hard to do when you’re stressed. When we get stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol, which can cause us to crave fats and sugars. Try keeping a variety of fruits, veggies, and nuts at the ready in the event of a snack attack. The more nutritious the food, the more energy your body will receive and the better you will feel.        

 

Take a Bath 

Stress can cause tense muscles.  A hot bath loosens muscles while also providing a relaxing atmosphere. Light a candle and pour some bubble bath and relax.

If baths aren’t your thing, consider deep stretching or a massage (ask someone you live with to help you with this one). 

 

Stretch Your Funny Bone

Laughter is the best medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing can stimulate your organs, activate your stress relief response, and soothe tension. There is also evidence that laughter can improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve your mood.  So, what are you waiting for? Tell some cheesy jokes, watch a funny movie, have a family game night, or read a fun book.      

 

Put it Down on Paper

Journaling your thoughts is cathartic. Let the juices flow, write whatever you are thinking, no need to worry about grammar or technical errors. When you’re done, you may choose to keep your writing to revisit later or toss it.

Many parents have also encouraged their children to keep daily journals during this time, so they can easily look back when they are older and remember how their day-to-day lives completely changed. When you read over their journal entries you can also get a better sense of how your child is coping.

 

Try Meditation

Create a sense of calm for your body and mind through meditation.  There are many forms of mediation, like visualization, deep breathing, and even guided meditation.  You can find a variety of free meditation apps, websites, and videos by just simply Googling, “Free Meditation”.

 

Get Your Beauty Rest

Loss of sleep causes stress on your body.  Sleeping recharges your body and your brain.  Stick to a consistent bedtime routine that helps you to wind down before slipping under the covers.  No devices or caffeine before bed. 

While it is important to rest, it is also just as important to not over-rest. To function at your best level, try and get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.        

 

Stay Connected

Even in the midst of a global pandemic requiring many cities and states to enact stay-at-home orders, we can still connect with family and friends through technology.  Using virtual meeting platforms and video chat apps, we can spend valuable face time with loved ones and friends thanks to technology like WhatsApp, Skype, Houseparty, Google Hangouts Meet, Zoom, FaceTime.

Talking on the phone and sending/receiving letters can also fulfill this need for human interaction.    

    

Find a Hobby

Distract yourself with an enjoyable activity.  Maybe you pick up a new hobby, or you rediscover a love for a hobby you once adored like, sewing, playing an instrument, jewelry making, painting, DIY projects, baking, making TikTok videos, reading, gardening, working out, or even adopting a shelter pet and training it.  

Either way, keeping your mind occupied with something you love can keep the stress at bay.  You might even consider sharing your hobby with a friend or loved one.      

 

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried coping with stress on your own, but are still having trouble kicking stress to the curb, it might be time to seek the help of a professional. 

Mental health professionals can help you determine what triggers your stress. They can also assist you in developing a plan for coping by providing you with tools to fit your needs.  

 

 

For more information visit:

www.apa.org

www.mayoclinic.org  

 

 

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.

Heart Health- 6 Foods You Need To Be Eating

Heart Health- 6 Foods You Need To Be Eating

Food is life. It’s something we think about all day, we scroll through pictures of it, we even host social gatherings with it front and center; but if we aren’t consistently putting the right food into our bodies, it can cut our lives short. Obesity and heart disease account for nearly 22 million deaths worldwide every year.

How do we prevent this from happening to us? By changing our diet.

When we are consistently eating out and ordering fried foods, it takes a toll on our bodies. Not only does it make us sluggish and cause weight gain, but on the inside, it causes blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rise, and this puts us at a very high risk to develop heart disease or have a heart attack.

So, let’s talk about our diets and where to start. It’s as easy as switching out one meal a day. Instead of stopping at the closest food truck or calling UberEats for lunch, try swapping it out for some of these heart-healthy foods:

Green-Leafy Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. Some great foods to try are:

    • Spinach
    • Kale
    • Romaine Lettuce
    • Collard Greens

 

Whole Grains not to be confused with refined grains, are high in fiber and reduce cholesterol, which leads to better heart health. Try eating:

    • Whole Wheat
    • Brown Rice
    • Oats
    • Quinoa

Fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients that prevent and manage heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke. Try eating:

    • Salmon
    • Sardines
    • Tuna
    • Lake Trout

 

Berries are among the healthiest foods you can eat.  They fight inflammation, are high in fiber, and have the highest antioxidant count among all fruit, next to pomegranates. Try eating:

    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Blackberries
    • Raspberries

 

Nuts are high in healthy fats, packed with vitamins and minerals, and are good sources of fiber and protein. Try eating:

    • Almonds
    • Pistachios
    • Walnuts
    • Cashews

 

Beans are a rich source of fiber and protein that have many other health benefits, like reducing cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Try eating:

    • Chickpeas
    • Lentils
    • Black Beans
    • Kidney Beans

 

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.

 

5 Foolproof Ways to Stick to your New Year’s Resolution

5 Foolproof Ways to Stick to your New Year’s Resolution

New Year, new you. Right? That’s what everyone says. Statistics say that 80% of resolutions fail by February. Remember, you can achieve what you put your mind to, you just have to stick to your goals!

Here are some simple steps to keep from feeling overwhelmed and help you keep your new year resolutions.

  1. Keep it simple. If your plan is to lose weight, figure out how much you want to shred and then divide that into 11 months. This helps break down a long term goal to small accomplishable goals.
  2. Accountability. You are more likely to keep at your resolution if your goal is reinforced and encouraged by others. Rely on your support system for the hard days when you’re tempted to give up.
  3. Track Progress. Include an easy way to track your success to match your goal. A vision board or a journal are some great examples to use.
  4. Celebrate the wins. Make sure positive recognition is a part of the process. Praise can go a long way.
  5. Small stumbles will happen. It’s important to remember that bumps will come along the way. That doesn’t mean that you have failed. Write it down on your progress tracker and understand it as a learning lesson.

Change takes time and patience. Don’t give up!

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.

A Safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween

A Safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween

Halloween is almost here and that means little superheroes, princesses, and ghosts will soon be roaming the streets in search of their favorite sugary treats. Halloween safety

As you spend time planning, decorating and carving pumpkins, remember that a safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween. Whether you’re headed out with the trick-or-treaters or manning the door to pass out candy at home, here are some Halloween safety tips to keep in mind:

 

Trick-or-Treating with Children:

  1. Make sure all swords or similar costume accessories are soft, short, and flexible
  2. Never let children trick-or-treat alone
  3. Map out a safe route with your kids
  4. Set a designated time for them to return home or check-in with you
  5. Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters
  6. Attach your child’s name, address, and phone number somewhere inside their costume
  7. Try to walk on the sidewalks as much as possible.
  8. Carry a flashlight with you—and give one to each child–to help you and others see
  9. Check to make sure kids are wearing well-fitted masks (or better yet- face paint!), costumes, and shoes to avoid tripping or blocking your vision
  10. Check over treats before letting kids start eating them- check to make sure they are still commercially wrapped and not tampered with and that they do not present a choking hazard
  11. Always test make-up in a small area first to check for allergies before applying it to large areas like the face. Be sure to remove all makeup before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation
  12. Remind kids:
    • Walk from house to house, never run
    • Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult
    • Only visit well-lit homes
    • Look both ways before crossing the street
    • Never accept rides from strangers
    • Never walk near lit candles or luminaries

 

Prepare Your Home for Trick-or-Treaters:

  1. Make sure the outside areas of your home is well-lit and free of obstacles
  2. Be sure to turn on all your exterior lights
  3. Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Use battery-operated candles in any outdoor or child-accessible decorations
  4. Keep pets away from the door so they don’t scare—or get scared by—trick-or-treaters
  5. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police department or sheriff’s office
  6. Make sure you do not pass out candy that is a choking hazard to younger children

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

 

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 visit www.calcas.com.

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