iPhone 7 Plus Release

iPhone 7 Plus Release

Apple lovers are jumping for joy now that Apple has officially released the new iPhone 7 Plus. One of the first exciting features of the new device is the dual lens system. The phone is also now available in the new color option of blue! Along with these changes there has been a change in the way you’ll be using your headphones. “The new device will indeed not have a headphone jack and may be even equipped for wireless charging – the “docking” magnets on the back look similar to the ones on the Watch.”

Many consumers have mixed feelings about the “missing” headphone jack. Some love it, and some are not very fond of the idea just yet.

Will you be upgrading your phone for the new iPhone 7 Plus?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Important Things To Know About Life Insurance

Important Things To Know About Life Insurance

September is Life Insurance Awareness month. Most Americans who do have life insurance, are not carrying enough, life insurance. Then, there is the rest of Americans (about 40%) who have no life insurance whatsoever.

According to research, the two most common reasons why an individual does not carry life insurance is because they have competing financial priorities, or they think they can’t afford it.

This is why every September, our agency helps spread awareness and educate our clients on the facts and importance of life insurance.

Here are some interesting and important things to know about Life Insurance:

  • The first ancient civilization to use life insurance was the Roman Empire. Burial clubs would go around and collect money from the poor to pay for their funerals.
  • Every U.S. Citizen is eligible for guaranteed issued life insurance, regardless of age, sex or medical condition.
  • Term life insurance can cost as little as the price of one cup of coffee, per week.
  • You’re never too old or too young to buy life insurance. In fact, the younger you buy, the better off you will be.
  • The goal of life insurance is to provide financial security for your family after you are gone.
  • The term of a life insurance policy can be for as long as you decide.
  • The beneficiary of a life insurance policy is the individual that relies on you for an income.
  • Men are more likely to pay more for life insurance than women due to health conditions, dangerous hobbies, and lack of seeking medical attention.
  • If you have a dependent relying on your life, you should have life insurance.
  • Young professionals are the largest buyers of life insurance.
  • The most common reason for retired individuals to buy life insurance is to pay for funeral costs.
  • Business owners have the option to name their business as a beneficiary on their life insurance policy.

Our life insurance specialists at C.H. Edwards, Inc., recommend that individuals carry eight times their annual salary in life insurance. If you do not already have life insurance or you would like to review your current life insurance policy, contact our office at
(516) 249-5200 and we will be happy to assist you.

Don’t wait another day. Make an investment in your families future by purchasing  life insurance today.

 

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Although hurricane season officially began on June 1st, we are now entering the peak for this year’s season. From mid-August through mid-October, the Atlantic coast is at a higher risk for hurricanes and tropical storms.

With that said, here are some hurricane safety tips to help you prepare for this year’s peak season.

1. Know if you are in a high risk area. Find out if you live in an area where you are exposed to flood risks and high winds. Speak to your local emergency management agency.

2. Make an emergency plan. Sit down with the members of your household and come up with an evacuation and safety procedure in the event of a severe storm.

3. Put together a basic survival kit. Fill a water safe bin with items such as water, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, flashlights, cash, chargers, and batteries. Store this bin in an easy to reach, safe place in case of an emergency.

4. Be sure to stay tuned with local emergency alerts, TV, radio, and weather updates. Knowing if there is a storm headed your way will help you to prepare properly.

5. Consider buying flood insurance. Flood can happen anywhere at any time. Even if you do not live in a flood area! Keep in mind that Flood insurance must be in force a minimum of 30 days before a claim can be made.  Flood is NOT covered on a typical homeowners policy.

Don’t get caught unprepared this flood season. For more information on flood insurance and whether it is right for you, please give our office a call at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.  Act now.  Don’t wait for a disaster to strike!

by Denise Visco

 

TSA PreCheck Program

TSA PreCheck Program

Have you ever wondered how to get through the airport faster? Well one way can be to shorten the security line. This is easily done with TSA PreCheck.

The TSA PreCheck program allows trusted travelers to go through an accelerated security screening process when departing from participating U.S. airports. More than 160 airports and 16 airlines allow TSA pre-approved members to clear airport security checkpoints efficiently and hassle free. Approved PreCheck members are given a Known Traveler Number, or a “KTN,” to be used during the flight reservation process so that airlines can print the KTN directly on a member’s boarding pass as an indicator. Expedited TSA PreCheck screenings are not guaranteed in all cases as TSA security measures are unpredictable.

Now that you know what it is, you are probably thinking how do you get into this program. We have the answers for you! Individuals who can get TSA PreCheck approval include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents who have never been convicted of certain crimes. Also eligible for TSA PreCheck enrollment are members of other Trusted Traveler programs belonging to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, like Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Furthermore, the following groups are all considered

TSA pre-approved:
• U.S. active-duty military members
• National Guard members
• Reserve members
• Department of Defense civilian employees
• Federal employees with security clearance

There are many benefits to this program. Especially if you are a frequent flyer. Airline customers with TSA PreCheck approval have the benefit of going through a separate, shorter TSA PreCheck screening security queue so that they can clear the checkpoint and get to their gate faster. Additionally, TSA fast pass members are allowed to keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on their bodies and travel-size liquids and laptops in their bags. TSA PreCheck status members are generally exempt from undergoing body scans and pat downs. These adjustments to the regular screening process allow for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect the car to be equipped with all of the basic features a new car would have. Features such as adaptive headlights, air bags, seat belts, backup cameras, and brake assistance. How about the spare tire? A decade ago, the spare tire was an important feature when purchasing a new car.

According to a study conducted by AAA, automakers are ditching the spare tire in favor of tire inflator kits. Over a third of new vehicles sold in 2015 alone were driven without a spare tire.

Stringent fuel economy standards have forced automakers to shed weight from their vehicles; these changes have generally benefited drivers by lowering pollution and consumer gas budgets. Substituting a tire inflator for a spare tire only saves about 30 pounds from the vehicle. The 30 pounds saved is equivalent to saving less than a penny per gallon of gas.

Meanwhile, tire inflator kits can cost up to $300 to repair after a single use. Not only are the tire inflators more expensive to repair than changing a tire, but they also have limited utility. When a puncture occurs in the center of the tire’s tread, on the side wall, or in case of a blowout, the tire inflator is not effective.

Flat tires aren’t disappearing anytime soon, so why should spare tires?

If you are shopping for a new car this season, do not hesitate to ask your dealer if your vehicle comes with a spare tire. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire inflator, learn how to use the kit. It’s better to find out now, than to be surprised on the side of the road.