How the Government Shutdown Affects You

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As the government shutdown reaches 28 days, the effects are beginning to mount. Around 800,000 government employees are affected. Many are going to work not knowing when their next paycheck will come. The shutdown has ramifications for us all whether we realize it or not. The FDA is not doing routine food inspection. The National Parks Service has suspended trash collection and road maintenance, even completely closing down some parks. The Department of Housing and Urban Development had to send landlords letters to not evict people who use housing assistance programs. More than double the average TSA employee number has called in sick. Certain government programs do not rely on regular spending bills such as the military, Medicare and Social Security. These programs continue through shutdowns. To learn more about the byproduct of the government shutdown read this article.  

This is the longest shutdown since modern budgeting went into effect in 1976. Since then there have been 21 government shutdowns. The only President to survive his time in office without a shutdown is George W. Bush. Ronald Reagan has seen the most times shutdown at eight. To view the list of other shutdowns in this time frame click here. So what is the root cause of a government shutdown? Basically, Congress fails to pass bills or continuing resolutions to fund government agencies or programs or also, when the President does not sign the bill or continuing resolutions.  

Stay up to date on topics that are important to you on our blog page. We’re here to help no matter what – to speak with a member of the Conrey Team, call (877)-450-1872 or contact us and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

California Minimum Wage Increase

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With a new year come new laws or updates to current ones. One of these updated laws is a minimum wage increase in the state of California. The increase impacts both large and small businesses. The uptick in wages is part of the SB 3 legislation signed in 2016. With one of the highest populations in the country and most expensive housing markets, the bill was signed to help one of the largest communities of working poor in the United States to achieve a living wage. Own or manage a business? Are you thinking about starting a business? Read all about the California minimum wage laws here.

Want more interesting content? Check out our blog page. Have any questions? Want to check up on your business insurance?  We’re here to help no matter what your needs- to speak with a member of the Conrey Team, call (877)-450-1872 or contact us and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

 

New Year’s Wishes from Jerry Conrey

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Jerry Conrey proposes a toast to a joyous and Happy New Year.

 

A Holiday Message from Jerry Conrey

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On behalf of Conrey Insurance Brokers, Jerry Conrey would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Planning for Healthcare in Retirement

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Rising healthcare costs, as well as the burden they may place on your children when you’re retired, are a growing concern. Fortunately, you have options. Exploring them begins by developing a realistic view of your likely future needs.

What are the odds?

While the odds of winning a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot are millions to one, the odds of incurring expenses for your physical or mental care in retirement are 7 out of 10. As a couple, the likelihood rises to 9 out of 10 that at least one of you will incur these expenses. Financially speaking, these odds aren’t in your favor. But with proper planning, you can manage the risks and help improve your chances of a better outcome.

How much should I budget?

How much will you need to budget for your care in retirement? Take a look at this helpful resource link to learn about the cost of care in different parts of the country. It tells you county by county in each state how much it will cost for different types of care and facilities. It also has a slider that lets you calculate projected financial costs up to 30years in the future.

How could a need for care impact my family?

When a family member needs long-term care, the emotional and tangible costs are different for everyone. Click here to learn about the experiences of someone who has experienced these costs first-hand. This video shares a real-life example of a small-business owner and how the need for long-term care has impacted her business and her overall lifestyle.

Who can explain my options?

We know that planning for future healthcare needs can be bewildering. We’re here to help. At Conrey Insurance Brokers, our risk managers have access to a wide variety of resources. We’ll learn what’s important to you and tailor a plan around your personal needs and priorities. By identifying, assessing, and helping relieve you of most of the risks involved, we can help you provide your family with peace of mind for the future. The earlier you get started, the better. Acting today has many benefits, so it doesn’t pay to wait.

We’ve been helping people address the risks of long-term healthcare needs for many years. Let us help make a difference in your life so that you make a difference for your entire family. Check out our Long-Term Care section here, call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Michael A. Mazza is the Financial Services Representative at Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers. Michael makes a difference by helping people with their retirement goals and protects what matters most to them. You can learn more about Michael here.

Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction This Holiday Season

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During the holidays, time is short and quick decisions are made regarding all things – including what you are going to wear to any given holiday gathering. You want to leave an impression, but certainly not a bad one or one that endangers you or those around you!

  • Make sure that new outfits actually do fit. Although you are trying to make an impression, if your pants are too long and haven’t been hemmed properly, you can end up tripping, seriously hurting yourself, and truly impacting your holiday season.
  • Be careful about holiday trim on seasonal outfits – some of these materials are flammable. Being the life of the party could take on a whole new meaning if you pass by a lit candle and you are the one who is actually lit.
  • Bring an extra pair of shoes. Many of us fall victim to the “10-minute shoes” – The phenomenally fashionable footwear that looks festive but feels like the handiwork of a fascist. It is wise to have an optional pair to change in to so you can enjoy the entire holiday event.
  • Determine the dress code for a particular event prior to attending. Often your idea of the appropriate attire is completely different than the intended thoughts of the host or hostess and your entire experience can be affected by the fact that you are wearing jeans to a formal affair even though you might be the most comfortable person in the room!

We at Conrey Insurance Brokers offer these helpful hints as a means of keeping you safe during the holidays when things can be hectic. We know how hard you have worked and how difficult it can be to dress for success safely keeping the holiday hazards at bay! Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Happy Holidays to one and all.

Let’s Commemorate National America Recycles Day by Improving Our Recycle Habits

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November 15th is National America Recycles Day in association with Keep America Beautiful. The goal of this day is to learn what materials are recyclable in your community, reduce waste, buy products made from recycled materials and share with friends and family the positive effects of recycling. You can take the pledge here.

Currently, the national recycling rate is only 34%. Americans throw away over 200 million tons of trash each year. It is estimated that 75% of the trash that Americans throw away is actually recyclable. Did you know that a glass bottle can go from curb to store shelf in about a month, yet we toss enough glass bottles in the trash every year to fill up a line of semi-trucks from Los Angeles to New York City, and back, every year?1  According to Statista, America produced 262.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2015. Of that 67.8 million tons were recycled. Unfortunately, this means about 195 million pounds of waste was still destined for landfills.2 ­

Many items are thought to be recyclable but are actually not. Here are a few:

Disposable coffee cups: These cups are lined with a liquid-proof polyethylene which is difficult and expensive to separate from the recyclable cup.

Pizza box: These may or may not be recyclable depending on the oil and grease content. If there is a minor amount it should be okay, however, if the cardboard is completely saturated it is no good. The oil and grease go into the cardboard and belongs in the trash. But, check the top of the pizza box. Clean lids can be placed in the recycle bin!

Plastics with oil or vinegar: Many plastics are stamped with a recycle imprint on them, but if they are filled with oil or vinegar they are no longer good to go in the recycle bin. This is usually the case for pre-packaged salads or other meals. If, however, you are able to rinse out the food residue it can be saved!

There are several unique items that are created using recycled goods. These include:

Asphalt: Some asphalt companies are grinding up discarded roofing shingles. Also, glass bottles can be used as the reflective markers lining roads.

Plastic bottles: These bottles can be used to make a wide array of new products including t-shirts, jackets, sleeping bags, playground equipment, park benches, lawn furniture and many other items.

Paper Products: Things like newspaper and copy paper can become cat litter, building insulation, sheetrock, toilet paper, and facial tissues.

Electronic recycling is even more critical. Electronic waste represents about 2% of America’s trash in landfills, yet is responsible for about 70% of toxic waste according to Dosomething.org.3 According to the EPA, electronic waste is the fastest growing municipal waste stream in the United States.3 Properly disposing of e-waste helps prevent lead and other toxic compounds contaminating our landfills and groundwater.  Most electronics encompass many different precious metals. Americans alone toss out over $60 million worth of gold and silver in electronics every year.3 Many local businesses sponsor free electronic waste drop-off events.

If we all pitch in a little we can make a huge impact.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, we strive to help make the world a better place by informing you of topics that are important to us all. That’s the Conrey difference. If you have questions about coverage, we’re always here to help. Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

 

  1. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-recycling
  2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/193923/recycling-of-us-municipal-solid-waste-since-1960/
  3. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-e-waste

Protecting Holiday Packages From Theft: An Easy Guide

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As online holiday shopping continues to increase in popularity, it should be no surprise that package thefts are on the rise. For thieves, stealing a package often involves less risk than shoplifting and the packages themselves often contain a number of valuable items that are prime for resale. As the holidays approach, the number of these packages grows exponentially leaving thieves salivating at the easy and numerous pickings. If you are planning on ordering off of websites such as Amazon, there are several steps you can take to minimize damages and avoid the heartbreak and stress of losing a package to theft.

Utilize Special Delivery Instructions

Many online retailers will have a place to add special delivery instructions. In this area, consider putting clear instructions detailing a safe, hidden place to leave packages. This can be somewhere off to the side of the house, in some densely clustered bushes, or over a fence of some sort. Very few thieves will go looking for packages, especially when neighbors may have theirs readily visible and easy to take.

Require a Signature

Consider marking the package as requiring a signature so that the delivery is given to a trusted person. If you are close with your neighbors, you may consider asking them to sign for you and hold the package if you are not home.

Choose a Delivery Date/Place Strategically

In the age of two-day shipping, it may seem as though sooner is better. However, there are often different shipping options that can be chosen at checkout. Consider choosing a day that you or another family member will be home or have them delivered to your place of work. Alternatively, you can ask for packages to be held at your local post office or delivered to the house of a trusted family member or friend until it is convenient for you to retrieve them. Choosing these options will keep packages from being out in the open for any period of time.

Security Devices: For Packages and More

Lately, home security has become easier than ever with many affordable camera services. These security measures can record video evidence or deter thieves from taking a package, even if it does end up placed on your porch. Options like the Ring doorbell system will alert you of people approaching your door via your phone and even allow you to talk to visitors.

Insurance from the Carrier

Finally, you may want to check and see what insurance is available from the carrier. Many carriers insure items that cost $100 or less. For more expensive packages, you may be able to buy more insurance from the carrier. Be sure to check and see what packages and to what extent they are covered.

If Package Theft Occurs

You can file a credit card dispute with the sender (if it is a big company like Amazon) and they will take care of the issue from their end since they are the ones utilizing the mail service. If the package was sent by a relative, you will need to make a claim of theft.

From all of us here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we want you to have happy and safe holidays; that’s why we encourage everyone to take proper precautions during this season. We hope that you’ll keep these tips in mind when ordering presents online. Additionally, now is a good time to brush up on homeowner’s insurance or consider an umbrella policy. These policies may compensate in cases of theft allowing you to be reimbursed for the content of your packages. For more information, schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to review your policy; whether it’s with us or another insurance brokerage.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself.

Make an Impact With Your Donations This Thanksgiving

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On Thanksgiving, it is important to remember that there are many people who could use something to be thankful for. Around 4,700 people are homeless in Orange County and a whopping 11% of the population lives below the poverty line; that’s almost 350,000 people. As a result, canned food drives, donations, and volunteer work can really benefit those who have fallen on hard times. You can help make their season bright for just a few dollars and a stop by your local donation center. Here are a few centers that serve the Orange County area, as well as some tips so that your donations can go farther to help those in need.

Where to Serve: Donation Centers in OC

There are several donation centers and charitable organizations that serve Orange County.

South County Outreach is one of our favorite programs here at Conrey Insurance Brokers. This organization sponsors independence and helps those in need through food distribution, clothing vouchers, affordable childcare, and job skills training. In addition to being able to choose where monetary donations go, they offer many easy ways to donate, including by mail, in person, or online. For more information on the organization, their most needed items, or how to make monetary donations, click here.

Another outreach program that plays a role in helping local families is the Orange County Rescue Mission. In addition to offering transitional housing, meals, job training programs, and other resources, the rescue mission serves over 300,000 meals to needy families during the holiday season. A donation of just $1.50 helps them to provide a real Thanksgiving dinner to families in need and their Turkey Trot is a fun way for runners of all skill levels to help give back and raise awareness. For more information, visit them on their website.

Tips for Donating: How to Do the Most

  • Canned and non-perishable donations are amazing gifts that can be used by families year-round, however, they are often high in sodium. If you are purchasing canned food at the store, consider looking for low sodium options or donating often forgotten items such as peanut butter.
  • If you are cleaning out your pantry for donations, be sure to check the expiration dates on the cans.
  • Consider making a monetary donation. Often times, rescue organizations have partnerships with local grocers and growers and can often procure a large amount of fresh, healthy food for a small amount of money. For this reason, the organization itself can often make better use of money that would otherwise go to canned foods.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we want to encourage you to support those who need a bit of extra help. The holidays are a great time to reflect on what we’re thankful for and how we can help those who may struggle with the things we often take for granted. Families of all circumstances, types, and sizes matter. We believe that whether a business or an individual, making a difference in our local community is one of the most important things we all can do; that’s The Conrey Difference.

43 Percent of Cyber Attacks are Aimed at Small Businesses. Here’s How to Prepare.

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Despite hearing about data breaches often while listening to the news, it is easy to believe that a small business will not be targeted. After all, wouldn’t there be more information to gather from big names like Amazon, Wells Fargo or Google? Though it may seem as though small businesses would be the last targets, they are often the easiest targets due to having insecure websites, fewer resources to quickly patch security issues, and the inability to fight back and recover after an attack. With this in mind, it is important that business owners have a recovery plan in mind. This plan can help save the reputation of your business while also reducing overall financial responsibility and saving you money in the long run. Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to creating a response plan, which can be downloaded here. Here is a quick look so that you know what to expect when creating your plan and how to further protect yourself from vulnerabilities.

The 5 Phases

There are 5 phases that you will need to go through to develop a sufficient response to a breach. In the first phase, you will plan and prepare, making sure that others in your organization are aware of your response plan, tightening security, and forming a team to directly respond to the breach. In phase two, you will detect and report, being sure to look out for signs of a breach. Phase three will be the first phase dealing with the aftermath of an actual attack; it requires you to assess and decide both the severity of the breach and how to report it. You will then respond in phase four, neutralizing any threats and containing the incident. Finally, during phase five you will reflect on what could be improved in the future.

Responsibility – What You Are Obligated to Do After a Breach

Depending on what industry you are a part of, there may be laws regarding how businesses must handle security breaches. These laws outline when consumers must be told if they have been affected by a breach as well as to what extent. If your website accepts card payments, there are regulations outlined by the payment card industry called the Data Security Standards. Whether you process one credit card or many through your platform, it is important that you comply with these standards.

Insurance Options – How Can Cyber Liability Coverage Help Me?

For those who run the risk of data breaches, cyber liability insurance may be able to help mitigate some of the damages (both monetary and legal) that arise following a cyber-attack. For more information on what is covered, we invite you to review our blog article from September which covers everything you’ll need to know about Cyber Liability Insurance here.

Learn More

For a more in-depth review of these crucial aspects of cybersecurity and preparedness, download our free, comprehensive guide to navigating cybersecurity breaches, prevention, and recovery. You can download it here.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we stay ahead of the curve in order to help you mitigate the risks that pose a threat to your business; that’s The Conrey Difference. To review your business liability insurance, to check your liability coverage, or if you are interested in purchasing additional coverage, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to recommend an insurance solution that is designed to properly protect your business.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

 

Source: https://smallbiztrends.com/2017/01/cyber-security-statistics-small-business.html