With so many dental insurance plans to choose from, can be a daunting task to determine which plan is best for your needs or the needs of their employees. And take note, these needs are very important, as dental care should not be overlooked. There are five tips that can help you discover which plan is right for you.
1. Consider online comparisons - As a trusted agent can offer several options to choose from, a comparison online business and dental insurance options can be a means of ensuring greater flexibility and price. The types of plans available are varied and a comparison online can allow you to see what a plan and will not be able to do.
2. Compare Prices - can be easy to make a quick decision based on a simple query, however, if you're working with a broker there may be other options that may arise that can reduce the total cost. Again by comparing online, you may be able to see all options and all price ranges. This information can provide information that can help you select a plan that fits your budget.
3. Comparison of benefits - There are several questions you should consider when purchasing a dental insurance plan. Here are some examples to consider.
?? Will I be able to select my own dentist?
?? Are there select dates and times that a dentist may restrict visits of individuals belonging to a particular plan?
?? Do I need insurance with the co-payment?
4. Determine the needs and goals - Nobody likes change, but one wonders if certain components in a dental insurance plan is really a need or desire. You must determine what is its purpose in obtaining dental insurance. When you understand their motivations and needs that you will be better able to select a plan.
5. Understand the importance of coverage - Once you understand that a dental insurance plan removes the barrier to improving oral health and oral health is linked to improved physical health, a dental insurance plan begins to make sense.
As major medical insurance, dental insurance provides a means to manage the rising cost of dental care. In some cases, dental insurance premiums are tax deductible.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Auto glass installer sentenced, must repay $100,000
A Battle Ground auto glass installer who overbilled an insurance company for years will have to pay back $100,000 in inflated billings.
Robert T. Wooster, doing business as Dr. Bob’s Auto Glass and DRB Enterprises Auto Glass, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a felony charge of first-degree theft. He was sentenced to 1 year's probation and $100,000 in restitution on Thursday.
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler's Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant on Wooster’s business in late 2007, seizing dozens of fraudulent invoices.
The investigation found that Wooster had two schemes for illegally billing the insurer:
-He would replaced chipped or cracked windshields, but bill the company for more-expensive side- or back windows. The insurance commissioner’s office is aware of more than 100 cases in which customers had windshields replaced, but where the records showed that Wooster had billed for side- or back glass.
-He would submit bogus invoices, cutting and pasting photocopied dealer invoices to make it look like his costs for the glass were much higher than they really were. He also fabricated false invoices for parts that were never actually installed, such as new window moldings.
Robert T. Wooster, doing business as Dr. Bob’s Auto Glass and DRB Enterprises Auto Glass, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a felony charge of first-degree theft. He was sentenced to 1 year's probation and $100,000 in restitution on Thursday.
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler's Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant on Wooster’s business in late 2007, seizing dozens of fraudulent invoices.
The investigation found that Wooster had two schemes for illegally billing the insurer:
-He would replaced chipped or cracked windshields, but bill the company for more-expensive side- or back windows. The insurance commissioner’s office is aware of more than 100 cases in which customers had windshields replaced, but where the records showed that Wooster had billed for side- or back glass.
-He would submit bogus invoices, cutting and pasting photocopied dealer invoices to make it look like his costs for the glass were much higher than they really were. He also fabricated false invoices for parts that were never actually installed, such as new window moldings.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
West Seattle man pleads guilty to first-degree theft in insurance fraud case
Edward Charles Bailey, 59, of West Seattle, has pleaded guilty in King County Superior Court to first degree theft for committing insurance fraud.
Bailey, who reported an on-the-job back injury to his employer in 2006, was placed on temporary total disability and received disability pay from his employer’s insurer, Alaska National Insurance. Doctors subsequently ruled him unable to return to work.
Five weeks after the injury, investigators working for the insurance company videotaped Bailey working vigorously on his sailboat at a Seattle marina. The sanding, painting, climbing and moving of machinery were all contrary to the physical restrictions imposed by Bailey’s doctors, according to the Washington insurance commissioner’s Special Investigations Unit.
When shown the video, the independent medical examination doctors who had originally seen Mr. Bailey reversed their original opinion as to his ability to work.
According to the charges, Bailey was paid more than $26,000 in unnecessary medical expenses and disability benefits that he wasn’t entitled to.
Bailey's sentencing is slated for early next month.
Bailey, who reported an on-the-job back injury to his employer in 2006, was placed on temporary total disability and received disability pay from his employer’s insurer, Alaska National Insurance. Doctors subsequently ruled him unable to return to work.
Five weeks after the injury, investigators working for the insurance company videotaped Bailey working vigorously on his sailboat at a Seattle marina. The sanding, painting, climbing and moving of machinery were all contrary to the physical restrictions imposed by Bailey’s doctors, according to the Washington insurance commissioner’s Special Investigations Unit.
When shown the video, the independent medical examination doctors who had originally seen Mr. Bailey reversed their original opinion as to his ability to work.
According to the charges, Bailey was paid more than $26,000 in unnecessary medical expenses and disability benefits that he wasn’t entitled to.
Bailey's sentencing is slated for early next month.
Meanwhile, in Virginia...
An amendment has been introduced in the Virginia state legislature to ban insurers from requiring their customers:
Violations would be subject to a fine of $500, payable to that state's Literary Fund.
For the record, we here in Washington are unaware of any insurer planning to implant anything in your hair, fingernails, or anywhere else. The closest thing we've seen is a proposal from some auto insurers to allow their customers to voluntarily have devices installed in their cars to monitor how they drive (jackrabbit starts, speeding, etc.), for the purpose of giving good drivers a discount.
"...to have an identification/tracking device or mark implanted or permanently or semi-permanently incorporated into the body, skin, teeth, hair, or nails of such person to track, or to aid in tracking such person."
Violations would be subject to a fine of $500, payable to that state's Literary Fund.
For the record, we here in Washington are unaware of any insurer planning to implant anything in your hair, fingernails, or anywhere else. The closest thing we've seen is a proposal from some auto insurers to allow their customers to voluntarily have devices installed in their cars to monitor how they drive (jackrabbit starts, speeding, etc.), for the purpose of giving good drivers a discount.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
New online tool calculates your risks of car wrecks, burglary, wind damage, etc.
A company called Virtual Insurance Advisor has built an interesting online tool that allows you to type in a few variables (age, gender, state) to get a ballpark estimate of the risks in your life.
Example: A 35-year-old man in Washington state, according to the tool, has:
-a 1 in 43 risk of dying within 10 years
-a 1 in 15 chance of having an auto collision claim this year
-a 1 in 1023 chance of having a house fire this year
-a 1 in 250 chance of suffering major wind damage to the home
-a 1 in 1064 chance of a home burglary
and so forth. All told, there are nearly three dozen situations listed.
(Lastly, this post comes with our usual disclaimer: As Washington state's insurance regulator, we do NOT endorse any company, agent, etc. Mentioning a company's website, study, press release, etc. does not mean we're endorsing them or their products. But you knew that already.)
Example: A 35-year-old man in Washington state, according to the tool, has:
-a 1 in 43 risk of dying within 10 years
-a 1 in 15 chance of having an auto collision claim this year
-a 1 in 1023 chance of having a house fire this year
-a 1 in 250 chance of suffering major wind damage to the home
-a 1 in 1064 chance of a home burglary
and so forth. All told, there are nearly three dozen situations listed.
(Lastly, this post comes with our usual disclaimer: As Washington state's insurance regulator, we do NOT endorse any company, agent, etc. Mentioning a company's website, study, press release, etc. does not mean we're endorsing them or their products. But you knew that already.)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Insurance news: Oregon opens health insurer rate filings, new legislation re: autism coverage, and Allstate says teen girl drivers "more distracted" than boys
Health insurers filing rate requests with the state of Oregon will no longer be able to keep those requests secret, the Oregonian reports today.
In Missouri, lawmakers in the House have approved a bill to require insurers to cover treatment for autistic children. The same thing happened in the Virginia state senate.
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting story about insurers getting involved on cancer treatments for their members. Headline: Insurer Plays Judge on Cancer Care.
And the Chicago Tribune reports on an Allstate study that concludes that, as the article puts it, "Differences between the sexes are becoming less noticeable when it comes to teenage driving. In what seems like a role reversal, girls are expressing a new need for speed, while aggressive driving and speeding by boys is down."
Here's the story, and here's the link to the study.
In Missouri, lawmakers in the House have approved a bill to require insurers to cover treatment for autistic children. The same thing happened in the Virginia state senate.
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting story about insurers getting involved on cancer treatments for their members. Headline: Insurer Plays Judge on Cancer Care.
And the Chicago Tribune reports on an Allstate study that concludes that, as the article puts it, "Differences between the sexes are becoming less noticeable when it comes to teenage driving. In what seems like a role reversal, girls are expressing a new need for speed, while aggressive driving and speeding by boys is down."
Here's the story, and here's the link to the study.
Percentage of uninsured motorists, by state
It's a question that our office gets periodically: What percentage of Washington drivers have no insurance?
The short answer is that we're not sure. Our office regulates insurers, agents and brokers, but not the consumers who actually buy the coverage.
But the Pennsylvania-based Insurance Research Council does an annual estimate, based on data collected from nine major auto insurers representing about half the private passenger auto market in the United States.
The states with the highest percentages, the IRC estimates, are in the South. The lowest states are about evenly split between the Midwest, intermountain West and the Northeast.
The most recent report uses 2007 data. Washington came in fairly high, with an estimated 18 percent of drivers -- one in six -- uninsured. Oregon and Idaho were much lower: 11 percent and 9 percent, respectively. The top two spots were Mississippi, with 28 percent, and New Mexico, with 29 percent.
Here is the IRC's breakdown of states, by percentage of uninsured drivers:
Alabama = 26%
Alaska = 13%
Arizona = 18%
Arkansas = 15%
California = 18%
Colorado = 15%
Connecticut = 9%
D.C. = 15%
Delaware = 10%
Florida = 23%
Georgia = 12%
Hawaii = 12%
Idaho = 9%
Illinois = 15%
Indiana = 14%
Iowa = 12%
Kansas = 10%
Kentucky = 16%
Louisiana = 12%
Maine = 4%
Maryland = 12%
Massachusetts = 1%
Michigan = 17%
Minnesota = 12%
Mississippi = 28%
Missouri = 14%
Montana = 15%
Nebraska = 8%
Nevada = 15%
New Hampshire = 11%
New Jersey = 8%
New Mexico = 29%
New York = 5%
North Carolina = 12%
North Dakota = 5%
Ohio = 16%
Oklahoma = 24%
Oregon = 11%
Pennsylvania = 7%
Rhode Island = 14%
South Carolina = 9%
South Dakota = 7%
Tennessee = 20%
Texas = 15%
Utah = 8%
Vermont = 6%
Virginia = 9%
Washington = 16%
West Virginia = 8%
Wisconsin = 15%
Wyoming = 9%
The short answer is that we're not sure. Our office regulates insurers, agents and brokers, but not the consumers who actually buy the coverage.
But the Pennsylvania-based Insurance Research Council does an annual estimate, based on data collected from nine major auto insurers representing about half the private passenger auto market in the United States.
The states with the highest percentages, the IRC estimates, are in the South. The lowest states are about evenly split between the Midwest, intermountain West and the Northeast.
The most recent report uses 2007 data. Washington came in fairly high, with an estimated 18 percent of drivers -- one in six -- uninsured. Oregon and Idaho were much lower: 11 percent and 9 percent, respectively. The top two spots were Mississippi, with 28 percent, and New Mexico, with 29 percent.
Here is the IRC's breakdown of states, by percentage of uninsured drivers:
Alabama = 26%
Alaska = 13%
Arizona = 18%
Arkansas = 15%
California = 18%
Colorado = 15%
Connecticut = 9%
D.C. = 15%
Delaware = 10%
Florida = 23%
Georgia = 12%
Hawaii = 12%
Idaho = 9%
Illinois = 15%
Indiana = 14%
Iowa = 12%
Kansas = 10%
Kentucky = 16%
Louisiana = 12%
Maine = 4%
Maryland = 12%
Massachusetts = 1%
Michigan = 17%
Minnesota = 12%
Mississippi = 28%
Missouri = 14%
Montana = 15%
Nebraska = 8%
Nevada = 15%
New Hampshire = 11%
New Jersey = 8%
New Mexico = 29%
New York = 5%
North Carolina = 12%
North Dakota = 5%
Ohio = 16%
Oklahoma = 24%
Oregon = 11%
Pennsylvania = 7%
Rhode Island = 14%
South Carolina = 9%
South Dakota = 7%
Tennessee = 20%
Texas = 15%
Utah = 8%
Vermont = 6%
Virginia = 9%
Washington = 16%
West Virginia = 8%
Wisconsin = 15%
Wyoming = 9%
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Insurance news: States to pick up health-reform push, health care premiums rising, and a Rhode Island atty draws scrutiny with his investment plan: annuities for the terminally ill...
Newsweek: The health care reform trickle-down: What it means when states take things into their own hands
WA Post: With health-care reform stalled, debate heats up regarding state approaches
The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating story about a Rhode Island lawyer who apparently saw a sure-thing in buying annuities for the terminally ill.
WA Post: Individual insurance rates soar in 4 states
Reuters: WellPoint, facing congressional scrutiny of its premium rate increases, cancels its investor day
Kaiser Health News: interesting dispute over “Whether Health Insurance Saves Lives”
Fox News: A real solution for covering the uninsured
CBS News: Beware fake health insurance (This story references the American Trade Association, which is under fire in multiple states -- including ours -- for its health coverage offerings.)
Workerscompensation.com: WA Insurance Commissioner Fines Insurers More than $400,000 last year
WA Post: With health-care reform stalled, debate heats up regarding state approaches
The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating story about a Rhode Island lawyer who apparently saw a sure-thing in buying annuities for the terminally ill.
WA Post: Individual insurance rates soar in 4 states
Reuters: WellPoint, facing congressional scrutiny of its premium rate increases, cancels its investor day
Kaiser Health News: interesting dispute over “Whether Health Insurance Saves Lives”
Fox News: A real solution for covering the uninsured
CBS News: Beware fake health insurance (This story references the American Trade Association, which is under fire in multiple states -- including ours -- for its health coverage offerings.)
Workerscompensation.com: WA Insurance Commissioner Fines Insurers More than $400,000 last year
Monday, February 15, 2010
Questions Cat Owners Need to Ask Themselves Before Purchasing Cat Health Insurance for Their Pet
Before cat owners health insurance for their family cat there are some questions to ask. Ask themselves these questions will give the cat owner a reasonable idea of what kind of policy will best suit them.
The first thing to consider is whether or not they would like a discount insurance plan or a plan of comprehensive insurance. Cat owners need to ask next question is how attached they are to your local veterinarian. Some veterinarians will not accept health insurance from several insurance companies animal health for a variety of reasons. If the owner of a cat does not feel comfortable taking their family pet to a veterinarian must look for a different insurance company accepts your veterinary clinic. Cat owners should be aware that in some cases, the local veterinarian or animal hospital can not help their pets and can refer to the State University veterinary clinics. When purchasing a health insurance plan for its owner should review and ensure that all expenditures from the veterinary clinic of the University are covered by the insurance plan.
Before cat owners purchase a health insurance plan for your family cat must decide whether to castrate and sterilize your cat. Some pet insurance companies offer health insurance plans for pets that will cover the cost of spaying or neutering. If politics is thinking of buying does not include the spay or neuter you might want to purchase an additional pilot to help with the expense. Remember that if you adopted a cat from a local animal shelter which will be castrated and neutering your cat if the house has not been done already. This is also a good time to get the first round of annual shots of your cat off the road.
How much can you really afford to pay in addition to the monthly or annual cost of pet health insurance plan? If you have to bring your cat to the vet will be able to pay a deductible? A deductible is the amount of money you must pay the veterinarian of your pocket every time you visit. The higher the deductible you carry lower monthly premiums on your pet's health insurance plan.
If your cat is injured in an accident or become ill suddenly going to be able to pay for any medication that the vet may prescribe. Prescription drugs are expensive if they are human or pet. If you are concerned about the potential cost of prescription drugs you may want to acquire a pilot to help cover the cost. Buying a co-payment for an option of obtaining prescription drugs help reduce your annual fee.
Before buying a health plan for your cat to find out whether the plan covered only with medical attention immediately if your cat or also cover the cost of the visit of the veterinarian's office. Owner of a cat must remember that the time to research the different types of pet health insurance is usually before purchasing your pet. Most injuries and illnesses occur during early childhood pets.
The first thing to consider is whether or not they would like a discount insurance plan or a plan of comprehensive insurance. Cat owners need to ask next question is how attached they are to your local veterinarian. Some veterinarians will not accept health insurance from several insurance companies animal health for a variety of reasons. If the owner of a cat does not feel comfortable taking their family pet to a veterinarian must look for a different insurance company accepts your veterinary clinic. Cat owners should be aware that in some cases, the local veterinarian or animal hospital can not help their pets and can refer to the State University veterinary clinics. When purchasing a health insurance plan for its owner should review and ensure that all expenditures from the veterinary clinic of the University are covered by the insurance plan.
Before cat owners purchase a health insurance plan for your family cat must decide whether to castrate and sterilize your cat. Some pet insurance companies offer health insurance plans for pets that will cover the cost of spaying or neutering. If politics is thinking of buying does not include the spay or neuter you might want to purchase an additional pilot to help with the expense. Remember that if you adopted a cat from a local animal shelter which will be castrated and neutering your cat if the house has not been done already. This is also a good time to get the first round of annual shots of your cat off the road.
How much can you really afford to pay in addition to the monthly or annual cost of pet health insurance plan? If you have to bring your cat to the vet will be able to pay a deductible? A deductible is the amount of money you must pay the veterinarian of your pocket every time you visit. The higher the deductible you carry lower monthly premiums on your pet's health insurance plan.
If your cat is injured in an accident or become ill suddenly going to be able to pay for any medication that the vet may prescribe. Prescription drugs are expensive if they are human or pet. If you are concerned about the potential cost of prescription drugs you may want to acquire a pilot to help cover the cost. Buying a co-payment for an option of obtaining prescription drugs help reduce your annual fee.
Before buying a health plan for your cat to find out whether the plan covered only with medical attention immediately if your cat or also cover the cost of the visit of the veterinarian's office. Owner of a cat must remember that the time to research the different types of pet health insurance is usually before purchasing your pet. Most injuries and illnesses occur during early childhood pets.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Washington state fined insurers more than $400,000 last year
Washington state insurance commissioner Mike Kreidler issued more than $400,000 in fines in 2009, as well as revoking the licenses of several insurance agents.
“Most insurers and agents work hard to follow the rules, but when they drop the ball, they’re held accountable,” said Kreidler, the state’s top insurance regulator.
Kreidler’s office collected a total of $407,600 in fines in 2009. That’s considerably lower than the previous year, when the state fined insurers more than $1.2 million.
“Hopefully, it’s a sign that companies are getting better at following the rules,” said Kreidler. “The whole point of fines is to ensure that the consumer protections in state law are followed.”
Fines collected by the state insurance commissioner’s office do not go to the agency. The money is deposited in the state’s general fund to pay for other state services.
The enforcement orders are posted on the Office of the Insurance Commissioner website at http://www.insurance.wa.gov/orders/enforcement.asp. Here are some of the major ones:
Pacificare of Washington Inc., Pacificare Life Assurance Co., and Unitedhealthcare Insurance Co., all of Mercer Island, were fined $100,000 with $60,000 suspended for failing to file health care provider contracts and changes with the state.
Farmers Insurance Company of Washington was fined $40,000 for issuing policies that weren’t in accordance with the documents they’d filed with the state.
Nationwide Life Insurance Co. of Minneapolis, Minn. was fined $20,000 for issuing insurance documents that had not been filed with the state, among other violations.
Kawasaki Motors Corp. of Wilmington, Del. was fined $20,000 for selling service contracts before they had been registered in Washington.
“Most insurers and agents work hard to follow the rules, but when they drop the ball, they’re held accountable,” said Kreidler, the state’s top insurance regulator.
Kreidler’s office collected a total of $407,600 in fines in 2009. That’s considerably lower than the previous year, when the state fined insurers more than $1.2 million.
“Hopefully, it’s a sign that companies are getting better at following the rules,” said Kreidler. “The whole point of fines is to ensure that the consumer protections in state law are followed.”
Fines collected by the state insurance commissioner’s office do not go to the agency. The money is deposited in the state’s general fund to pay for other state services.
The enforcement orders are posted on the Office of the Insurance Commissioner website at http://www.insurance.wa.gov/orders/enforcement.asp. Here are some of the major ones:
Pacificare of Washington Inc., Pacificare Life Assurance Co., and Unitedhealthcare Insurance Co., all of Mercer Island, were fined $100,000 with $60,000 suspended for failing to file health care provider contracts and changes with the state.
Farmers Insurance Company of Washington was fined $40,000 for issuing policies that weren’t in accordance with the documents they’d filed with the state.
Nationwide Life Insurance Co. of Minneapolis, Minn. was fined $20,000 for issuing insurance documents that had not been filed with the state, among other violations.
Kawasaki Motors Corp. of Wilmington, Del. was fined $20,000 for selling service contracts before they had been registered in Washington.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
What to do if your health care claim is denied
Last week, an article in the New York Times highlighted the plight many consumers face when their health insurance claims are denied. The article gives some good general consumer tips, but Washington state consumers have extra rights.
First, you should always check your policy and follow your health plan's review process. But if that fails, you have the Patient Bill of Rights which, in part, guarantees that health care decisions providers make are based on medical standards and gives you the right to an independent third-party review of your claim. Learn more
First, you should always check your policy and follow your health plan's review process. But if that fails, you have the Patient Bill of Rights which, in part, guarantees that health care decisions providers make are based on medical standards and gives you the right to an independent third-party review of your claim. Learn more
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
WA Senate approves "joint underwriting association" bill to help businesses in flood plain get insurance
The Washington state Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to help businesses located below a weakened dam find flood insurance.
“This is a critical bill to protect businesses in King County’s Green River Valley,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who requested the legislation.
“This valley is a vital area of the state’s economy, and it’s difficult if not impossible for some businesses to find enough flood coverage there right now,” Kreidler said. “We don’t want employers leaving because they can’t protect themselves against this risk.”
Senate Bill 6240 would allow the insurance commissioner’s office to set up a “joint underwriting association” or JUA. The association, made up of insurance companies, would serve as an insurer of last resort for businesses that cannot find flood coverage.
The bill passed the Senate, 30 to 18. A similar bill, House Bill 2560, is currently in the state House of Representatives.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a weakened abutment adjacent to the Howard Hanson Dam means that the dam cannot hold back as much water as usual. Corps officials have said that the need to release that extra water means that the flood risk below the dam is about 1 in 33.
The heightened flood risk has apparently led to a sharp contraction in the local insurance market, Kreidler said. Federal flood coverage is still widely available for both homes and businesses, but only covers up to $500,000 in commercial property and $500,000 in contents.
For many businesses in the heavily industrialized valley, that’s not enough coverage. Nor does the federal flood program offer business-interruption coverage, which is critical in a major manufacturing and distribution area like the valley.
“It’s important to note that this insurance isn’t a giveaway,” said Kreidler. “JUAs are designed to be self-supporting. The coverage wouldn’t be cheap. But at least it would be available.”
The state already has a JUA set up to provide insurance for midwives. Lawmakers approved another one for day care programs, but it was never used. The regular insurance market rebounded before it was needed.
At least 24 other states have passed similar legislation.
“This is a critical bill to protect businesses in King County’s Green River Valley,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who requested the legislation.
“This valley is a vital area of the state’s economy, and it’s difficult if not impossible for some businesses to find enough flood coverage there right now,” Kreidler said. “We don’t want employers leaving because they can’t protect themselves against this risk.”
Senate Bill 6240 would allow the insurance commissioner’s office to set up a “joint underwriting association” or JUA. The association, made up of insurance companies, would serve as an insurer of last resort for businesses that cannot find flood coverage.
The bill passed the Senate, 30 to 18. A similar bill, House Bill 2560, is currently in the state House of Representatives.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a weakened abutment adjacent to the Howard Hanson Dam means that the dam cannot hold back as much water as usual. Corps officials have said that the need to release that extra water means that the flood risk below the dam is about 1 in 33.
The heightened flood risk has apparently led to a sharp contraction in the local insurance market, Kreidler said. Federal flood coverage is still widely available for both homes and businesses, but only covers up to $500,000 in commercial property and $500,000 in contents.
For many businesses in the heavily industrialized valley, that’s not enough coverage. Nor does the federal flood program offer business-interruption coverage, which is critical in a major manufacturing and distribution area like the valley.
“It’s important to note that this insurance isn’t a giveaway,” said Kreidler. “JUAs are designed to be self-supporting. The coverage wouldn’t be cheap. But at least it would be available.”
The state already has a JUA set up to provide insurance for midwives. Lawmakers approved another one for day care programs, but it was never used. The regular insurance market rebounded before it was needed.
At least 24 other states have passed similar legislation.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Insurance news: Fraud's up, fire depts are billing homeowners for putting out fires, and insurance office bomber captured
Lots of insurance news today, some of it a bit odd.
Business Week reports that lawmakers in Maine are considering removing annual and lifetime caps on health coverage.
The Huffington Post and numerous other news sites report that public health care spending is on track to exceed private insurance spending (on health care) next year.
Here in Washington, several news outlets reported on a cease and desist order issued by our office against an auto service contract company. Here's a link to one of the stories, this one in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
ABC News says that some fire departments are billing homeowners for the cost of putting out fires. Among the reported justifications: "Hey, don't worry, it's going to go to insurance."
The LA Times covers a controversial decision by Oklahoma State University to take out $10 million life insurance policies on 27 donors, naming the school as beneficiary. Name of program: the "Gift of a Lifetime."
The Wall Street Journal reports that Metlife shares dropped on worries over potential AIG aquisition, and that Hanover Insurance's profit was up 68 percent on investment gains.
Also in the Journal: A leading anti-insurance-fraud group says that "questionable" claims rose 14 percent last year.
Marketingprofs.com says that online searches for life insurance are up 15 percent.
Lastly, the Bizarre Insurance Story of the Day: police in Darwin, Australia have nabbed a man who allegedly bombed an insurance office. He's a 45-year-old man who apparently goes by the name "Bird."
Business Week reports that lawmakers in Maine are considering removing annual and lifetime caps on health coverage.
The Huffington Post and numerous other news sites report that public health care spending is on track to exceed private insurance spending (on health care) next year.
Here in Washington, several news outlets reported on a cease and desist order issued by our office against an auto service contract company. Here's a link to one of the stories, this one in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
ABC News says that some fire departments are billing homeowners for the cost of putting out fires. Among the reported justifications: "Hey, don't worry, it's going to go to insurance."
The LA Times covers a controversial decision by Oklahoma State University to take out $10 million life insurance policies on 27 donors, naming the school as beneficiary. Name of program: the "Gift of a Lifetime."
The Wall Street Journal reports that Metlife shares dropped on worries over potential AIG aquisition, and that Hanover Insurance's profit was up 68 percent on investment gains.
Also in the Journal: A leading anti-insurance-fraud group says that "questionable" claims rose 14 percent last year.
Marketingprofs.com says that online searches for life insurance are up 15 percent.
Lastly, the Bizarre Insurance Story of the Day: police in Darwin, Australia have nabbed a man who allegedly bombed an insurance office. He's a 45-year-old man who apparently goes by the name "Bird."
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Planning a Super Bowl party?
Designating a driver should be at the top of your party-planning list -- This is a really good reminder from the Insurance Information Institute. Millions of Americans will drive to a friend or family member's house to watch the Indianapolis Colts play the New Orleans Saints (go Saints!) making Sunday's event a treacherous time to be on the road.
“Those throwing a party where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of driving safely,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.
“You don’t want to allow anyone who has been drinking to drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle while impaired. Not only do your guests risk injury or death to themselves or others, but you may be held financially responsible.”
“Those throwing a party where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of driving safely,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.
“You don’t want to allow anyone who has been drinking to drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle while impaired. Not only do your guests risk injury or death to themselves or others, but you may be held financially responsible.”
Investor Mind Control: Is It For Real?
Discovering the 'thumbscrews' of investors is crucial to getting them to take action. In over a decade of dealing with global investors there are several elements that I've discovered to be universal truths about the mind of the private investor (angel investor, accredited investor).
When talking to an investor for the first time, it's more important to listen than to speak. It's more important to ask questions than answer them. It's more important to discover their needs and wants than to exclaim your own. Your first conversation with an investor should be all about piercing the armor and finding the trigger points that prompt a reaction that gets to the center of their 'childlike' state.
What I mean by this is, investors, just like anyone else, has insecurities that are rooted in their childhood and what they are outwardly today, is typically a polar opposite of what they are on the inside. For example, an arrogant, chest beater seems proud and obnoxious on the outside but the reality is that they are over compensating for an insecurity that is rooted in an individual or collection of childhood incidents.
Maybe they were made fun of as a child, maybe they're father was verbally abusive, maybe their teachers would single them out in class opening them up to playground mockery. When talking to these individuals it's important to listen to their voice and intonation when the conversation topic changes. Take notes on their psychological adjustments to the conversation. After you feel you have discovered the triggers that induce the 'pleasurable' responses, end the call, and set your second phone appointment with them.
On that second call, you want to have your conversation ready to go using the triggers you found in the first conversation. Play off of those insecurities that you found, become their best friend without being chummy but it is your mission on this call to be the "guy that understand me" to the investor. You want the overall tone of this conversation to have the response from your target along the theme of, "wow, this guy gets me" , "I can see investing in this company".
By using this method and not coming across as 'fake', you have become an investment opportunity and a shrink all rolled into one. You want to be the one person that this investor can lower his guard to because everything he says, you seem to be the one person who understands him at his deepest level. You seem to naturally be tuned into his insecurities, emotions, needs and wants. Sound strange? Try this out on the next investor you talk to, I guaranty you will be shocked with the results.
When talking to an investor for the first time, it's more important to listen than to speak. It's more important to ask questions than answer them. It's more important to discover their needs and wants than to exclaim your own. Your first conversation with an investor should be all about piercing the armor and finding the trigger points that prompt a reaction that gets to the center of their 'childlike' state.
What I mean by this is, investors, just like anyone else, has insecurities that are rooted in their childhood and what they are outwardly today, is typically a polar opposite of what they are on the inside. For example, an arrogant, chest beater seems proud and obnoxious on the outside but the reality is that they are over compensating for an insecurity that is rooted in an individual or collection of childhood incidents.
Maybe they were made fun of as a child, maybe they're father was verbally abusive, maybe their teachers would single them out in class opening them up to playground mockery. When talking to these individuals it's important to listen to their voice and intonation when the conversation topic changes. Take notes on their psychological adjustments to the conversation. After you feel you have discovered the triggers that induce the 'pleasurable' responses, end the call, and set your second phone appointment with them.
On that second call, you want to have your conversation ready to go using the triggers you found in the first conversation. Play off of those insecurities that you found, become their best friend without being chummy but it is your mission on this call to be the "guy that understand me" to the investor. You want the overall tone of this conversation to have the response from your target along the theme of, "wow, this guy gets me" , "I can see investing in this company".
By using this method and not coming across as 'fake', you have become an investment opportunity and a shrink all rolled into one. You want to be the one person that this investor can lower his guard to because everything he says, you seem to be the one person who understands him at his deepest level. You seem to naturally be tuned into his insecurities, emotions, needs and wants. Sound strange? Try this out on the next investor you talk to, I guaranty you will be shocked with the results.
About the Author:
For Corporate Consulting or Investor Finder Services, call Princeton Corporate Solutions at 267-233-0183Take Your Company Public the easy way!
Double Reading Speed in 11 Minutes - Cost $20
I am sure you know how to read, after all you are reading this article. But just how long will it take you to read this short article. 2 minutes, 5 minutes, longer. Twenty bucks, and 11 minutes of your time will change your life in ways you never imagined, just by reading. You read this right. In just 11 minutes, you will hear about Dr. Polmar's story, and learn 3 secrets to improving your life through .... Reading.
If you are a smart person, you already know what I am talking about - learning how to use your brain properly so that what you read becomes usable data, and knowledge to help you create greater success in life.
So -- the more you read of a similar subject, the faster you read that subject. The faster you read the subject that you are familiar with, the more that it becomes a part of your long-term memory. That's why when you first study basic primary school math, and you follow it and study smart, and go all the way through college - math is a thing that you become accustomed to. If you've studied really smart, it's really easy, and you can do some of it in your head without calculator or paper and pen.
It's similar with reading, yet different. Imagine it this way - you'll learn in 11 minutes how to read all kinds of materials more rapidly with greater comprehension than before, and get what you need out of it. Of course, it a beginners course, but in 11 minutes your increased your reading speed say 60-80% and as you use the techniques over the next few days the speed increase, and so does your understanding and comprehension.
You've spent $20 and studied for 11 minutes and accomplished a great deal. But, what if you learned also, how to read a book for best understanding and comprehension for test-taking or pleasure, and what if you also learn to write a paper for school, or grad school - without stress in 10 days or less, would that make your life easier.
In 11 minutes flat, you will improve the quality of your life for 20 bucks, you really can't lose. Remember also, the more you read, the better you read, the more you remember - that's how the brain works. So work your brain.
If you are a smart person, you already know what I am talking about - learning how to use your brain properly so that what you read becomes usable data, and knowledge to help you create greater success in life.
So -- the more you read of a similar subject, the faster you read that subject. The faster you read the subject that you are familiar with, the more that it becomes a part of your long-term memory. That's why when you first study basic primary school math, and you follow it and study smart, and go all the way through college - math is a thing that you become accustomed to. If you've studied really smart, it's really easy, and you can do some of it in your head without calculator or paper and pen.
It's similar with reading, yet different. Imagine it this way - you'll learn in 11 minutes how to read all kinds of materials more rapidly with greater comprehension than before, and get what you need out of it. Of course, it a beginners course, but in 11 minutes your increased your reading speed say 60-80% and as you use the techniques over the next few days the speed increase, and so does your understanding and comprehension.
You've spent $20 and studied for 11 minutes and accomplished a great deal. But, what if you learned also, how to read a book for best understanding and comprehension for test-taking or pleasure, and what if you also learn to write a paper for school, or grad school - without stress in 10 days or less, would that make your life easier.
In 11 minutes flat, you will improve the quality of your life for 20 bucks, you really can't lose. Remember also, the more you read, the better you read, the more you remember - that's how the brain works. So work your brain.
About the Author:
Read Faster in 11 minutes. We Guarantee It! Read Faster in 11 minutesover 3 decades experience teaching students worldwide to up to TRIPLE READING SPEED! A known expert teacher offers you his secrets to Read Faster in 11 minutes.Read Faster in 11 minutesYou'll know the difference when you use it!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Kreidler orders California company to stop selling illegal vehicle service contracts
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has ordered a California-based warranty company to stop selling unauthorized vehicle service contracts in Washington.
Consumer Direct Warranty Services, Inc., of Redding, Calif. was ordered to cease and desist “engaging in or transacting the unauthorized business of insurance in the state of Washington,” including advertising.
Kreidler’s office has received complaints about vehicle service contracts sold by the company, which has not registered as a motor vehicle service contract provider in the state. Neither the company nor any of the other parties listed in the order are licensed to sell insurance products in Washington.
The order also names three other companies and four individuals believed to be affiliated with Consumer Direct Warranty Services, including:
Warranty Administration Services, Inc.
Warranty Administration Solutions, Inc.
SafeData Management Services, Inc. and
Robert L. Chapman, James C. Sletner, Jennifer Shaw and Tamara Berbena.
All are based in Redding, except Berbena, who lives in Red Bluff, Calif.
The companies were also ordered to turn over a complete list of their Washington service-contract customers, and to notify those customers about the order.
Under Washington state law, the order notes, anyone selling unauthorized insurance in the state remains “individually liable for the performance of the contract and for the full amount of any loss sustained by an insured under such contract.”
Consumer Direct Warranty Services, Inc., of Redding, Calif. was ordered to cease and desist “engaging in or transacting the unauthorized business of insurance in the state of Washington,” including advertising.
Kreidler’s office has received complaints about vehicle service contracts sold by the company, which has not registered as a motor vehicle service contract provider in the state. Neither the company nor any of the other parties listed in the order are licensed to sell insurance products in Washington.
The order also names three other companies and four individuals believed to be affiliated with Consumer Direct Warranty Services, including:
Warranty Administration Services, Inc.
Warranty Administration Solutions, Inc.
SafeData Management Services, Inc. and
Robert L. Chapman, James C. Sletner, Jennifer Shaw and Tamara Berbena.
All are based in Redding, except Berbena, who lives in Red Bluff, Calif.
The companies were also ordered to turn over a complete list of their Washington service-contract customers, and to notify those customers about the order.
Under Washington state law, the order notes, anyone selling unauthorized insurance in the state remains “individually liable for the performance of the contract and for the full amount of any loss sustained by an insured under such contract.”
Monday, February 1, 2010
Insurance news and lots of it: MA will allow insurance appeals for some Toyota drivers, Iowa looks at credit scoring, and Indiana balks at climate survey for insurers
Insurance Journal: MA insurance regulators will allow some Toyota drivers who were involved in accidents linked to unintended acceleration to appeal insurance surcharges assessed by their carriers. Click here.
AMedNews: WA issues cease and desist orders to five companies allegedly selling illegal health insurance.
NY Times: Lawmakers on Thursday announced legislation designed to protect people hit by a family death or other life event that can cause their credit scores to drop and insurance rates to soar. (A death, serious illness, military deployment, identity theft or natural disaster can hurt credit score, says legislator.)
NY Times: With plans to pass sweeping healthcare reform stalled in Congress, the White House is targeting smaller efforts to improve the nation’s healthcare system, such as increasing use of cheaper, generic medicines and boosting electronic medical records.
NY Times: Indiana officials will not impose climate regulations on insurance companies, making it the first state to abandon the landmark measure before it goes into effect nationwide this spring.
AMedNews.com: Medical inflation continues to exceed inflation. (e.g.:Hospital charges rose 7.1 percent)
Denver Westword news blog: Jurors explain stunning $37 million verdict against Assurant Health: Story about rescissions and the largest bad-faith insurance verdict in Colorado history.
AMedNews: WA issues cease and desist orders to five companies allegedly selling illegal health insurance.
NY Times: Lawmakers on Thursday announced legislation designed to protect people hit by a family death or other life event that can cause their credit scores to drop and insurance rates to soar. (A death, serious illness, military deployment, identity theft or natural disaster can hurt credit score, says legislator.)
NY Times: With plans to pass sweeping healthcare reform stalled in Congress, the White House is targeting smaller efforts to improve the nation’s healthcare system, such as increasing use of cheaper, generic medicines and boosting electronic medical records.
NY Times: Indiana officials will not impose climate regulations on insurance companies, making it the first state to abandon the landmark measure before it goes into effect nationwide this spring.
AMedNews.com: Medical inflation continues to exceed inflation. (e.g.:Hospital charges rose 7.1 percent)
Denver Westword news blog: Jurors explain stunning $37 million verdict against Assurant Health: Story about rescissions and the largest bad-faith insurance verdict in Colorado history.
Insurance and winter storms: What's covered, what's not, and what to do now...
If a tree limb falls on your car, is it covered by insurance? How about the food in your freezer during a power outage, or your TV when a power surge wrecks it? And what about the cleanup costs for all those wind-damaged branches and storm debris in your yard?
Here's our list of tips about insurance and winter storms.
How To Choose The Correct Dentist For You
Finding the correct dentist for you is very essential . A great dentist hears your concerns eagerly and explains the best choices for you. Getting a dentist with the same philosophy as yours is very important.
Select a dentist that realizes your trouble and gives you available options. A dentist should build a healthy communication between him and his patient. He should present the drawbacks and benefits of the alternatives for your concerns. If the options for you has some problems, a dentist should give you alternative treatments.
You should also look at a dentist that follow new developments in dental field. He should actively engaged in seminars and conferences about recent techniques in his field. He should also recognize the restrictions and advantages of the changes in the dental world.
You should also look at the equipments, techniques, and materials used by the dentist. Check if the dentist utilises state-of-the-art equipments and most updated techniques in his dental services. Have a keen eye in observing his clinic. A good dentist should maintain a clean environment and uses safe materials such as mask, gloves, and sterilized tools.
The dentist should also keep tracks on his patient's medical and dental record. The dentist should ask you whether you are having any prescriptions and what it is for. He should be conscious of his patient's general health condition because dental works can activate certain health conditions.
Ask the dentist about his expertise. Most dentists do not perform specialisation processes such as root canal or oral surgery. They only practice basic oral cleaning, dental restoration, and some crown works. If you think you need specialty dental services, look for a dentist that can execute the work.
Select a dentist that realizes your trouble and gives you available options. A dentist should build a healthy communication between him and his patient. He should present the drawbacks and benefits of the alternatives for your concerns. If the options for you has some problems, a dentist should give you alternative treatments.
You should also look at a dentist that follow new developments in dental field. He should actively engaged in seminars and conferences about recent techniques in his field. He should also recognize the restrictions and advantages of the changes in the dental world.
You should also look at the equipments, techniques, and materials used by the dentist. Check if the dentist utilises state-of-the-art equipments and most updated techniques in his dental services. Have a keen eye in observing his clinic. A good dentist should maintain a clean environment and uses safe materials such as mask, gloves, and sterilized tools.
The dentist should also keep tracks on his patient's medical and dental record. The dentist should ask you whether you are having any prescriptions and what it is for. He should be conscious of his patient's general health condition because dental works can activate certain health conditions.
Ask the dentist about his expertise. Most dentists do not perform specialisation processes such as root canal or oral surgery. They only practice basic oral cleaning, dental restoration, and some crown works. If you think you need specialty dental services, look for a dentist that can execute the work.
About the Author:
Learn more about the qualities of a good Dentist and discover more about dental braces for a beautiful smile. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory
Use The Power Of Giving To Market Your Business
Awareness of corporate gifts is much lesser than that of personal gifts, which are given to friends and families by individuals. The rising business practice of giving special gifts to clients is not known to people as the gifts given by people to loved ones. Corporate gifts are very different in that they grow customer and brand loyalty often for a very small price. After all everyone loves to receive a gift.
Corporate gifts are usually costly items and they do not carry any company symbol or brand name, as they are not meant for marketing or promotion. However, sometimes organizations also give employees and prospects promotional items such as pen drives, mouse-pads, key-chains and stationery items that are marked with the business logo.
While giving a corporate gift, it is critical to keep in mind the interests of the individual to whom the gift is being presented, and to customize it accordingly. Although exclusive and costly gift items are given to key customers of the company, the company personnel are usually given a standard gift, which is not very expensive, but has good utility.
The apparent worth of a corporate gift is its most critical feature. It is this factor which has the desired impact on the client or employee, helping to build and maintain a good working relationship with them. Referring to in house lawyers of your company before giving corporate gifts is a good idea, because in some countries the law might prohibit it.
It is advisable to plan corporate gift-giving beforehand by setting a budget, estimating the number of gifts to procure, and looking for bulk deals with retailers. In terms of gifts to clients, planning may not be as important, but for gifts to be given to employees it is necessary. You should procure the right number of gifts so that no employee whom you wish to thank is missed out.
To sum it up, giving corporate gifts is a smart business practice, which helps you develop a closer and healthier relationship with both your employees and your customers. Always keep the legal and financial factors in mind.
Corporate gifts are usually costly items and they do not carry any company symbol or brand name, as they are not meant for marketing or promotion. However, sometimes organizations also give employees and prospects promotional items such as pen drives, mouse-pads, key-chains and stationery items that are marked with the business logo.
While giving a corporate gift, it is critical to keep in mind the interests of the individual to whom the gift is being presented, and to customize it accordingly. Although exclusive and costly gift items are given to key customers of the company, the company personnel are usually given a standard gift, which is not very expensive, but has good utility.
The apparent worth of a corporate gift is its most critical feature. It is this factor which has the desired impact on the client or employee, helping to build and maintain a good working relationship with them. Referring to in house lawyers of your company before giving corporate gifts is a good idea, because in some countries the law might prohibit it.
It is advisable to plan corporate gift-giving beforehand by setting a budget, estimating the number of gifts to procure, and looking for bulk deals with retailers. In terms of gifts to clients, planning may not be as important, but for gifts to be given to employees it is necessary. You should procure the right number of gifts so that no employee whom you wish to thank is missed out.
To sum it up, giving corporate gifts is a smart business practice, which helps you develop a closer and healthier relationship with both your employees and your customers. Always keep the legal and financial factors in mind.
About the Author:
Learn how Corporate Gifts can enhance your marketing now. Visit us to have some great Corporate Giftideas. This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.
Why Trophies And Plaques Are The Best Corporate Gifts For Staff
The significance of a corporate gift is understood by most companies. It lifts the morale of the employees and recognizes their good work, and therefore helps in retaining the best talents, as they feel cared for by the company. Employees are encouraged to outperform their colleagues as a result of incentive driven approach of the company. Given its immense importance, a corporate gift should be chosen after much deliberation.
A corporate gift must be commemorative, so that the possessor can cherish the memories and achievements associated with it. That is why trophies and plaques have always been regarded as the ideal gifts, as they always serve as a reminder of past accomplishments. Everyone likes to exhibit them in the drawing room and they provide motivation and encouragement.
Plaques are quite versatile and perhaps that is why they have remained popular as a gift item for a long time. A variety of materials such as stone, plastic, metal etc. can be used to make plaques. But when it comes to popular preference and pure grace, nothing compares to a wooden plaque. Different kinds of wood, each having its unique essence, are used to create wooden plaques, but wood from oak or cedar trees are the sought after choices.
A good looking trophy with the employee's name carved on it can also serve as an excellent corporate gift. Several varieties of trophies, in terms of style and material, can be purchased from the market. The size of a trophy is contingent upon how much you are keen to spend on it, but in most cases, moderately sized trophies are the best bet.
There are a lot of different varieties of corporate gifts available in the market, but keep in mind that the permanent impression that plaques or trophies develop remains unmatched.
A corporate gift must be commemorative, so that the possessor can cherish the memories and achievements associated with it. That is why trophies and plaques have always been regarded as the ideal gifts, as they always serve as a reminder of past accomplishments. Everyone likes to exhibit them in the drawing room and they provide motivation and encouragement.
Plaques are quite versatile and perhaps that is why they have remained popular as a gift item for a long time. A variety of materials such as stone, plastic, metal etc. can be used to make plaques. But when it comes to popular preference and pure grace, nothing compares to a wooden plaque. Different kinds of wood, each having its unique essence, are used to create wooden plaques, but wood from oak or cedar trees are the sought after choices.
A good looking trophy with the employee's name carved on it can also serve as an excellent corporate gift. Several varieties of trophies, in terms of style and material, can be purchased from the market. The size of a trophy is contingent upon how much you are keen to spend on it, but in most cases, moderately sized trophies are the best bet.
There are a lot of different varieties of corporate gifts available in the market, but keep in mind that the permanent impression that plaques or trophies develop remains unmatched.
About the Author:
Find out more about a unique corporate gift and an affordable award memorabilia such as trophy. This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.
Tips to Balance between Study and Part Time Job
Working while studying is a good idea to learn new things and develop your skills. It is not just about the academic skills, but also soft skills that will be valued a lot when you later work professionally or start a business. But as part time jobs also mean more responsibility, students often find difficulties in balancing between their study and work. For sure, there are more to consider, manage, and sacrifice. But part time jobs really help you to learn the steps ahead earlier. They can be good for your resume too. Here are some tips to help you find the middle point between study and part time work.
1. Plan your time well. There should be no conflict between study and work. Once you know your class schedule, you can make arrangement about the work shifts and study schedules. It is not easy to be discipline with time, but that is the important thing you learn when taking part time jobs. Set the time, and try your best to finish all on schedule. Of course it does not need to be that strict. Some people do better with "spontaneous" scheduling, some can not. The point is to fulfill all your responsibilities. Make evaluation. When every college task is finished on time, when your grade does not go worse, and when you still get praises at the work place, then it means you are doing all right.
2. Be efficient and flexible. Part time jobs can take from 18 to over 30 hours per week. You lose that much for study and fun time. There is no way to keep the days run the same. What is possible is to learn to be efficient and flexible. You need to understand about the 'sacrifices' you have committed to. It is not necessarily so, but it is really about better time management.
By being efficient, you can think of bringing your text book or small notes during commuting and read them while waiting, or focusing on one work at a time so that it finishes right at the time and you can move on to the next task. If you know the schedule is strict, then get prepared for the day. By being flexible, you can think of doing what you like and need to do in unplanned but still controllable manners. You have to let go some things, for sure. But they can be offset pretty well if you love what you do and try to be flexible. Part time is not killing you.
3. Keep your body fit. Eat good food, do enough exercise, and take enough sleep at night. Now it starts to sound like health tips. But this is just the general rules of long term health we all need to know. What is worrying is that students often forget this, especially when they live out of the home. Make sure you maintain enough nutrients intake and exercise routinely. They will keep you fit all day long to do the tasks. Take enough sleep so that you can concentrate and feel energetic until the end of the day. Avoid junk foods, alcohols, other junk drinks like soda, and greasy foods. Take enough vegetables and fruits. They will cost you cheaper too in long term.
1. Plan your time well. There should be no conflict between study and work. Once you know your class schedule, you can make arrangement about the work shifts and study schedules. It is not easy to be discipline with time, but that is the important thing you learn when taking part time jobs. Set the time, and try your best to finish all on schedule. Of course it does not need to be that strict. Some people do better with "spontaneous" scheduling, some can not. The point is to fulfill all your responsibilities. Make evaluation. When every college task is finished on time, when your grade does not go worse, and when you still get praises at the work place, then it means you are doing all right.
2. Be efficient and flexible. Part time jobs can take from 18 to over 30 hours per week. You lose that much for study and fun time. There is no way to keep the days run the same. What is possible is to learn to be efficient and flexible. You need to understand about the 'sacrifices' you have committed to. It is not necessarily so, but it is really about better time management.
By being efficient, you can think of bringing your text book or small notes during commuting and read them while waiting, or focusing on one work at a time so that it finishes right at the time and you can move on to the next task. If you know the schedule is strict, then get prepared for the day. By being flexible, you can think of doing what you like and need to do in unplanned but still controllable manners. You have to let go some things, for sure. But they can be offset pretty well if you love what you do and try to be flexible. Part time is not killing you.
3. Keep your body fit. Eat good food, do enough exercise, and take enough sleep at night. Now it starts to sound like health tips. But this is just the general rules of long term health we all need to know. What is worrying is that students often forget this, especially when they live out of the home. Make sure you maintain enough nutrients intake and exercise routinely. They will keep you fit all day long to do the tasks. Take enough sleep so that you can concentrate and feel energetic until the end of the day. Avoid junk foods, alcohols, other junk drinks like soda, and greasy foods. Take enough vegetables and fruits. They will cost you cheaper too in long term.
About the Author:
Alex Wu operates a classifieds website that lets people advertise, build groups, and connect. He hopes to create an active environment for businesses to place their part time jobs.
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