by California Casualty | Health, Safety |
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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
by California Casualty | Safety |
Our world has changed seemingly overnight. As we deal with the immediate crisis—and learn behaviors that ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and others—we all have an opportunity to make our world a kinder and more generous one.
Here are 8 ways to be a good neighbor during trying times.
Stay safe, stay home
Across the country, various forms of shelter-in-place and social distancing orders have gone into effect. Stay up to date on your city’s instructions and follow the orders and advice of local officials. By slowing and limiting the spread of infection, we can “flatten the curve”—protecting vulnerable community members and preventing local hospitals and emergency services from overwhelm.
Check-in
For the elderly, immunocompromised or otherwise vulnerable, these are especially scary times. Reach out to those neighbors and friends (on the phone, email, through a closed door) and see if there’s anything you can do for them. A grocery run, food pickup or dog walk could make a huge difference. Let them know you’re there for them. If you yourself are in the vulnerable cohort, make it easy for others to know how they can help—there are plenty who want to help but don’t know how.
Donate blood
In the midst of coronavirus anxiety, blood drives have been canceled and donations have dropped. However, maintaining our nation’s blood supply is still critical: Every 2 seconds, a patient needs a blood transfusion. If you’re healthy, consider giving blood. Donation centers are skilled in infection control practices and adhere to strict safety procedures.
Do a virtual food drive
You can deliver needed groceries to families and community members right from your computer. Check the websites of your local food banks, city or city health departments or non-profits that focus on food insecurity. You can sign up as an individual or as a group. For the latter, get creative and launch a drive with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.
Volunteer
Check with local non-profits, charities or your city for volunteer needs. Many neighborhoods are also forming their own emergency response teams. Volunteers can sign up for a range of activities or projects. If you have the gift of health and security, volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to pay it forward.
Shop local
Local businesses are hurting, and some may not recover. Patronage right now is more crucial than ever. Place orders online; buy gift cards; keep up your membership. Many restaurants are staying afloat by offering take-out and delivery—if you can afford it, mix up your in-home creations with local cuisine. And if you can be generous in tipping your delivery drivers, you’ll be helping them through a rough time.
Donate
Public health crises spotlight the gaps in our communities and this crisis is no different. Many hospitals are in need of gloves, goggles, N95 masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, gowns, and other PPE. Look through your closets and garage and see if you’ve got extras (new and unused) you can donate to local hospitals. Also check in with your favorite charities, causes or non-profits and see how you can help.
Spread kindness
These are stressful times, and a little kindness goes a long way. For those workers on the front lines (who themselves are at increased risk), receiving some patience, kindness, and compassion from customers will buoy their spirits. Be generous where you can. Remember too, that just as with the oxygen mask in the airplane, you can only take care of others after taking care of yourself. So, find ways to make self-care and mental health a priority.
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.
by California Casualty | Educators |
Collecting and analyzing student data doesn’t have to be burdensome. Using the right data-tracking tools, teachers can efficiently use student data to guide instruction. Check out some different ways you can easily track student data.
Google Forms – If you are into technology as a means for data collection, Google Forms may be beneficial to you. This survey tool can gather student data for you in a Google spreadsheet. Try these tips on using Google Forms for formative assessment checklists.
Data Folders for Students – I ask my students to graph their own progress on weekly assessments and quizzes. Tracking their own data gives students ownership over their accomplishments or struggles, and, in many cases, helps students to improve. I use data folders similar to this free one from Bunting, Books, and Bright Ideas. I provide folders and keep them in an easily accessible basket. These are also great to show parents at conference time!
Classroom Data Walls – Displaying student data creatively on a bulletin board is a debatable method of tracking student data. However, WeAreTeachers says “the key to these boards is that they are limited to a single skill set of foundational skills that mostly require memorization. Giving students permission to monitor their own progress makes it feel more like a game than a report card.” To make your data wall more confidential, use student numbers in lieu of student names. I have found these data walls to be motivating for many students.
Teacher Data Binder – Keeping all of your student data in one, organized, central location keeps you up-to-date on student progress. When you need to access student information quickly, a data binder comes in handy. This free, printable data binder from The Curriculum Corner contains everything you need to make your own. Or, try these free data tracking sheets from Brandy Shoemaker.
Data Clipboards – Clipboards are especially useful for small groups. Color code your clipboards or mark them in a way that makes them easy to identify when you need to grab one quickly. Hang them on the wall near where your groups meet. Students can track data themselves using the clipboards or the teacher can use them as an assessment-tracking tool.
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.
by California Casualty | Health |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Celebrate the wins. Make sure positive recognition is a part of the process. Praise can go a long way.
- 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.
by California Casualty | Nurses |
As a night shift nurse, your schedule is anything but normal (not that a nurse’s schedule is normal). While the rest of us are sound asleep in our beds, you – the night time warrior of the caring – are on a different time shift.
Nurses who have to sleep during the day face troubles people wouldn’t think about at night, all the lights are off, it’s mostly quiet outside, and usually, everything seems calm BUT as a night shift nurse, everything is backward. Because your night time is during the daytime, you need the know the secrets to getting the best sleep you can.
Turn off the distractions: Put your phone on silent, turn off the tv, and get your mind ready for some sleep.
Darken the room: Hang up dark curtains, grab an eye mask to wear, and even consider earplugs to blackout the light and noise.
Exercise Daily: Hit the gym or just go on a 30-minute walk, anything that will help you release stress and pent up energy.
Cool Temperature: Keeping the room at a cooler temp can help your body relax.
Avoid Caffeine: As the shift winds down, slowly stop drinking that coffee or soda and by the time you get home your body won’t feel as stimulated.
Exercise: Eating right, exercising daily, and drinking water also keeps your body on a natural daily routine.
The more you make your environment look and feel like nighttime, the easier it will be for your body to adapt for daytime sleeping.
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.
