Holiday traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include: Picking out the perfect Christmas tree;Participating in secret gift exchanges;Baking cookies;...

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Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up-whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time...

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It's become almost as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and football: Black Friday, the morning-after (or in some cases evening-after) shopping spree. It's the biggest shopping day of the year, an event in its own...

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For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are participating in homecoming festivities and many families are making trips to their local...

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As a small business (SMB) owner, you already know that whatever your business lacks in size, it makes up for in hard work. The majority of owners report working well over the standard 40-hour work week. In fact, ...

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Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now-as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we...

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House fires are something most homeowners live in fear of, but today’s technology can help you ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home. Here are five high-tech ways you can reduce fire risk. 1. Install...

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Isn’t technology great? Every day we see new technology that makes our lives better, more efficient, and safer. Cellphones have facetime capabilities and great cameras. Fit bits track our active lifestyles. Hover boards...

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Finally, we're welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves and, of course, football season in Minnesota. Football brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities...

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Fall brings more than just changing leaves and shorter days. In many areas, it also comes with a shift in weather conditions that can have a serious impact on your home. And, don’t forget, winter is right around the...

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Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your...

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Most people do not like to think about their mortality, but in order to have a more secure financial future for your family, having a plan in place for the inevitable is essential. According to a recent AAA Consumer...

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In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be...

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Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:Car...

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As fall approaches we need to remind ourselves of some safety issues that come with warm days and nights, but a loss of daylight. Fall is the time of year that has the highest occurrence of accidents involving motorists...

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Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...

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Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of...

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Summer’s almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too. As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and...

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Traveling with your family is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether traveling to a new destination or a traditional family destination, planning for each trip is important. If you’re...

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For many families, summer vacations are the highlight of their year. Hectic schedules are put aside for rest, relaxation, and quality family time. No matter where you go this summer, family memories will be made that...

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If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you’ve probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It’s a great thought, of course. But,...

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Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend)...

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When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water - whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for...

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It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad...

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From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear. A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm,” according to safety consulting and...

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You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars - but unfortunately, we’re still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone)....

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As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more...

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Depending on where you live, spring may have sprung. For some of us in the Midwest, we’re still waiting. No matter where you live, weather can cause damage to your home. Bonnie Pesch, senior personal lines underwriter...

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Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people in the U.S. die from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning-and the invisible, odorless gas sickens thousands more. The numbers seem...

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You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize-4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for...

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A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling...

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It's no secret independent insurance agents love to shop for their clients. Think of them as the best gift-givers around! When it comes to shopping for Workers' Compensation insurance, your agent's job is to find a...

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- - You’ve taken the plunge and opted for condo life. Now that the papers are signed, it seems like everything is taken care of for you-building maintenance, roof repairs, landscaping, insurance, etc. It’s time to relax...

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If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm. For others, though, it’s time to get...

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With renters insurance, your stuff is protected no matter where it is. Do you rent an apartment, condo or home or you have a college student that rent an apartment? Are the personal belongings in the apartment insured?...

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The following ice safety tips can help keep you safe this winter. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends the following ice thickness: 2 inches or less ................... STAY OFF! 4 inches .........

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