Livingston Reporting - page 137

How Do I Choose Between Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan G?

Generally, you can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare (Part A and B) or Medicare Advantage Part C. While Original Medicare (Part A and B) pays for many of your healthcare services and supplies, it doesn’t pay for everything. Which is primarily why most people who want additional coverage will get Medicare Supplemental Insurance to help cover some of the hospital and medical costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Some Medicare Supplement plans also help pay for a few services such as emergency overseas travel coverage or Part B excess charges.  Standardized Medigap plans are available in most states and represented by the letters A-D, F, G, K, L-N and Plan F. Medicare Advantage Part C covers a substantial amount of services that Original Medicare and Medigap offer.  The difference is that with Medicare Advantage you are instructed on what providers you can see as they accept the Medicare Advantage.

Medicare supplemental insurance plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans. The benefits under Plan F are comparable but not mirror images to Medicare Advantage because Plan F pays the Part A and Part B, deductibles, including nearly all hospital expenses for the first 90 days of each benefit period. Basically, there is no limit with Plan F especially if you stay too long in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility and it also covers 80% of your foreign travel emergency in case you get sick or injured while overseas. Plan F premium is also the most expensive coverage because, with it, you will not incur any out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses.

Medicare Supplement Plan G offers the second most coverage out of all Medicare supplement plans. It covers part A and B of hospital cost, coinsurance, copayment, first three pints of blood and Part A of A hospice care coinsurance or copayment. Plan G is also a less expensive alternative to Plan F and covers skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Medicare Part A deductible, Medicare Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency up to plan limits. With only a difference in premiums, Medicare supplemental insurance plan G looks like an ideal option because you may not be covered for Part B deductible, but lower premiums do outweigh the cost of Part B deductible.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

The Lowest Bid Might Not Always Be The Right Choice

Do you ever wonder why some freight trucking companies are profitable? It takes more than knowing how to choose a good route or having the best drivers who know a trick or two about making prompt deliveries. The trucking business is incredibly competitive, and aside from having the right equipment for your company, the smart way to run such a business is to use load boards because they are not only extremely competitive, but it’s also the one way to get quality customers.

Individuals that operate freight trucking companies also know the importance of keeping on top of their expenses in the way of maintenance, truck repairs, truck and trailer payments, fuel, and the cost of their work. Therefore, they must be able to bid low enough to be competitive, but high enough to be profitable and remain relevant in their line of work.

It can be challenging to compete for jobs against other lower-biding freight trucking companies and still keep estimates at a reasonable rate. Low bids can mean anything from shipping delays, safety violations, low-quality products, all which can affect the profitability and reputation of freight trucking companies. With costs like fuel increasing every other minute, expenses can get ahead of revenues, and FTL trucking companies must always look for innovative ways to improve their cash flow to prevent issues like running out of cash-flow or the inability to pull loads until clients start paying.

Choosing low bids may prevent competitors from stealing your customers for some time, and it may also be beneficial, especially for a novice contractor that needs to build their client base, but lower bids can also tell a client a lot about how you are likely to perform and deliver in the long-term. A client may see it as your way of short-changing them in the future should the need arise where you can deliver on your promises. The lowest bids could also mean that customers don’t get additional services when they need them such as on-going support or after-sale services.

The FTL trucking business runs on efficiency and customers need to know that freight trucking companies will always deliver their goods, regardless of the bid (high or low) even in the worst of time. Therefore, bids should be just right in order to prevent the costs of deadhead miles outweighing profits.

Learn more about Matrix Transportation and the transportation services they offer including: dedicated truckloads, JIT truckloads, less than truckload (LTL), same day expedited FTL and LTL, full truckload, warehousing, cross-docking, and trailer rentals at www.matrixtransportation.com  To contact one of our trucking experts call toll free 888.896.2405 today.

 

 

Exterior Home Improvement Contractors Share Unique Porch Concepts

A perfectly executed exterior home improvement project will not only increase the value of your home, but you might also find yourself chasing off prying neighbors who want to take pictures of your home because it makes for a stunning backdrop. The average return on investment (ROI) of a professionally installed porch, deck, or patio construction is about 73% and average even higher for high-quality wooden decks.

According to exterior home improvement contractors a porch addition, such a masonry blocks are not only the most popular thing to add during a home improvement, they also come in different wall heights that you can either use as retaining walls, tree rings, fire pits, or even stack them up to create eye-catching layers of raised planting beds. Renovating a dated porch and front yard requires more than a lick of paint or a little weeding. You can transform your homes curb appeal by using uniquely designed pavers to create a stunning walkway or entrance to your renovated front porch.

Other creative ways to liven up your home’s exterior and improve the look of your front porch without breaking the bank include painting, replacing the front door, and adding masonry enhancements. Your front door is the first thing that catches your eye and using a bold color or replacing it with a decorative door is an easy and affordable way to instantly add some character and provide a more welcoming entryway into your house.

Changing dated items on your porch such as light fixtures, locks, handles, or house numbers can help you call attention to certain features you want people to notice. According to exterior home improvement contractors, if you’re happy with the look of your door, you can spend money on upgrading the front porch color and light fixtures. Soft porch lights can enhance your home’s overall look and make it appear more inviting. Most importantly, exterior lighting such as solar lights don’t use any electricity from the house, and they improve security by reducing dark spots around your home.

If you have a seating area, even the smallest space on your porch, contractors can help you create a warm and welcoming entry.  As well as the installation a few low-maintenance flowers, porch furniture and outdoor artwork to create an attractive focal point. Get creative with your flower containers as well as outdoor rugs to bring life and color to the front of your home.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Using Bus Plugs and Ducts in Manufacturing

There are millions of different pieces of manufacturing equipment and electrical components on the market today that only make sense to those who use them in their line of work.  Most of which make little to no sense to those of us who don’t use them. For example, what use would you have for bus plugs and bus ducts, what are they and how do they improve manufacturing.

Bus duct and bus plugs are used to distribute power around manufacturing facilities and industrial buildings such as processing plants, metal fabricating plants, and throughout heavy manufacturing areas where the machines aren’t stationary or need to be moved around from time to time.

All manufacturing buildings are powered differently.  For example, power is distributed through hardwiring in the walls of residential buildings so as to connect to all of the electrical outlets in a room. Industrial buildings such as factories, on the other hand, feature larger open floor plans with various machinery dispersed all around the facility, none of which are near any wall or permanent structure. They require a source of power, and in this case, a giant industrial electrical plug, which is where bus plugs and ducts come in.

A bus plug is essentially a component of a busway (industrial extension cord) that is used for delivering power to the appropriate equipment and circuits. Think of a busway as the extension cord you have at home that you use to plug in several connectors, the same applies to the busway and bus plug system, they enable flexibility and can be disconnected and rearranged to allow whatever manufacturing equipment that needs to be powered on virtually any floor of an industrial building. There is no physical hard wiring to the building, a manufacturing business can bring in more equipment without having to wire or rewire the entire electrical system; they simply have to plug in a bus plug into a busway, and voila, they are up and running.

Like with many electrical systems, bus plugs also require circuit protection, which in this case, is through a circuit breaker or a fuse depending on the application. Using bus plugs and ducts is the most economical and efficient way to power large commercial facilities or manufacturing plants and feed all manufacturing equipment, particularly, in areas of the building where the power distribution keeps changing.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Preparing For Renovations

Are you preparing for a new construction project? Have you hired a licensed contractor? Whether it’s a small or large construction, managing a project can feel like a full-time job, and you are on the right track if you’re looking to hire a licensed general contractor to take up the responsibility for every aspect of your new construction build, from the footers to the roof.

Hiring a licensed contractor can ease your mind knowing that they will ensure all aspects of the project are up to code.  Hiring a contractor that has a worker’s compensation policy and a liability insurance policy to protect themselves and you against any unforeseen mishaps that may occur on site.

Working close with a licensed contractor will also guarantee that you have access to high-quality materials for every aspect of the job, which they can get at a more favorable rate and save you quite a bit of pocket change. Now that you have that covered, there are a few more things you need to do when preparing for a home renovation that will make the whole experience stress-free and perhaps a bit enjoyable.

  • Ask the licensed contractor you are considering to work with to let you see one or two of their project sites to determine that they are indeed good at what they do and most importantly, they are in good standing with their existing clients.
  • Be realistic when it comes to the scope of work that will go into your new construction by having a realistic timeline, budget, cost of material and equipment, as well as labor. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
  • Invest in quality items or materials that will serve you longer, especially when it comes to common room items such as appliances or high-quality flooring and cabinets. The items you purchase should withstand years of use and cost you nothing to in the way of maintenance.
  • Determine some tasks that you can do yourself during the construction period to not only save time and labor costs but also to make you part of your new construction project.
  • It’s also prudent to consult with a few contractors who can give you a different approach to some designs on your board and advise you what is feasible and financially sound to avoid being entirely disappointed in your new construction project when it’s all done, and you can’t do anything about it.

 

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

 

The Essential Guide to a DIY Aluminum Pool Fence Installation

When it comes to your home, there is no better way to ensure the safety and privacy of your property, enhance its aesthetic appeal, increase your home value, and most importantly, define the boundaries of your house, than with the installation of an aluminum fence.

Metal pool fences are the best when it comes to helping you regulate who enters the pool area and of course the sturdiness of aluminum pool fencing and gates make it the ideal choice in fencing that will not only keep the kids and pets safe and will also turn your entire pool area into a secure and private space for your family’s enjoyment.

While a professionally installed metal pool fencing will go a long way to increase the value of your home, you no longer need to break the bank to have an aluminum pool fence installed. Not only do the fences come with a clear self-installation guides, you can also make it a fun DIY project that you can be proud of.  Consider the following essential guide on how to install aluminum pool fencing:

First, you will need to get a municipal order that allows you to install a fence and secondly, you are off to a good start if you already have and can safely handle a 12V drill driver kit. You will also need to order an aluminum pool fence and gate, self latching latches, hardware fittings, screwdrivers, a spirit level, a tape measure, a medium carpenters pencil, a couple of clamps, and your safety gear.

  • It’s important that you chose and mark out where you want your fence to go in ensuring that you leave a 3 to 4-foot distance from the edges of your pool where people can move around freely.
  • Dig your holes for setting the posts and once you install them firmly, fill the gaps with pebbles or filler mud.
  • Following the diagram printed on the pack, connect the fence pieces, then hook them up to the mounting posts through the joints on the surface of the aluminum pool fencing.
  • Put up the self-locking gate at the extreme end of the fence ensuring that you screw in the hinges firmly to the hooks of the fence posts.
  • Check with the installation instruction to see that everything is in order, then sit back and enjoy your newly installed DIY aluminum pool fencing.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need.  Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/.  For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Tips To Prepare For Your Roof Installation

You probably have given it a great deal of thought if you are reading this article. A roof replacement is often a costly and thoughtful undertaking that will not only render your home a construction site for a couple of days, but without the proper preparation and planning the whole construction project may not go as smooth as it should. Even though local roofing contractors go out of their way to assure you that the installation will be as easy as” taking candy from a baby”.  It pays to be prepared. Consider the following tips:

  • Do research on the different types of roofing materials available to you. You will want to have an understanding of the pros and cons of each material and how the materials will best serve your home and family.
  • Check with local roofing contractors and plan for them to install the roof during their off-peak season unless you require an emergency roof installation. Spring and summer are usually their busiest months, however, with clear communication and consultation, they can accommodate your needs. It also pays to be strategic with scheduling because some roof installation (depending on the size of the project) may take longer than others.  You also may be able to get a better deal on your new roof installation if you choose to have the roof installed outside of peak roofing season.
  • There is also the issue of changes in weather to contend with. If you live in an area where it rains 24/7 you will want to have great patience and understanding in working to get the roof installed.
  • Remember that you might be away from your home for most of the roof installation duration, therefore, take the necessary precautions to cover and secure belongings to protect them from falling debris and dust although unlikely can occur. Your local roofer may provide coverings for the exterior part of the house.  Remember to park your vehicle outside of the area to avoid damage.
  • Talk to your local roofer to find out what they need from you. For example, they might require an outside electrical or water source that you may not have and notifying them beforehand will help them come prepared with an alternative.
  • It is also important to board your pets or take them with you because noises during a roof installation may prove too much for them. Roofing is loud.   The last thing that you would want is for your pet to be startled and spooked.
  • Ensure you have a contract signed ahead of time. Also make sure, before you sign on the dotted line, that the roofing contractor that you have chosen is both licensed and insured.

 

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Challenges of Planning A Wedding Without A Consultant

Weddings restore our hope and belief in Love. They have a way of opening our hearts and uplifting our spirits.  It’s a day where people get dressed up and come together to celebrate the union of two people in love. There is a lot to love about a wedding however, not so much the planning of a wedding. Most brides-to-be don’t even know where to start. Most brides to be end up feeling like they need to quit their day job to get everything done. Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, especially for those planning it without a wedding consultant.

Challenges of Planning a Wedding Without a Consultant

Where to Budget vs Where to Splurge

Every couple wants a wedding that stands out; a wedding where every vision is realized without worry about a budget.  Is it possible to plan a wedding within a budget without sacrificing on the vision you have for your wedding?  The answer is simple; yes, you are able to plan a beautiful extravaganza without blowing your budget with the help of an experienced wedding consultant.  A wedding coordinator will help you prioritize your desires and work to stretch your budget.  Event planners also have their own connections within the wedding industry which can often help.  Whether it is saving on catering, invitations, décor, flowers, transportation, entertainment, venues, or more a wedding planner and their connections can help brides on a budget stretch their dollars to make sure every detail is met.

Vendor Relations

If you think choosing your bridal attire is a challenge, then dealing with multiple vendors and getting them to deliver on their promises in a timely manner is going to really test your patience.  Wedding consultants are used to working with multiple vendors at one time and getting them to coordinate with one another which can save couples money.  Often vendors will offer multiple vendor discounts that are only advertised within the industry.

Thank You Cards and Gifts

Not only does your wedding party deserve personalized thank you gifts and cards but so do your wedding guests.  A wedding coordinator can not only ensure you don’t forget anyone they can make personalized gifts and thank you cards easy.  With a planners help you will be sure not to miss the goodie bags at the hotel that welcome out of town guests and the little personalized trinkets to remind your bridal party just how much they mean to you.  These small, personalized touches can take up a lot of the bride and grooms time however wedding consultants do this day in and day out and really know how to make the little details stand out to your guests and wedding party.

Minimizing Stress Before, During, and After

Often brides want to be in control of every aspect, down to the color of the nail polish their bridesmaids wear, which can turn them into Bridezilla.  When working with a wedding planner brides can remain in complete control of the decision-making process, streamlining the entire process.  Minor details and aggravations from behind the scenes will all be handled by the consultant without compromising the wedding integrity of the wedding and you will be none the wiser.

Focusing on Yourself

It is normal for women to want to focus on everything but themselves however on your wedding day that is not even an option.  Since you can’t be in ten places at one time and really don’t need to stress about the flower arrangements arriving at 6 instead of 5:30 take a step back and allow the wedding coordinator to take complete control the day of the wedding.  They will send out an agenda to the entire wedding party that is customized allowing even the bride to follow a step by step guide to the perfect day while they coordinate the day coming together for you.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  Contact the professionals at Event Planning DC http://www.eventplanningdc.com today!

 

Custom App Programming Vs. Platform App Development

Anyone that tells you that they aren’t dependent on technology to fulfill virtually every purpose in their daily life is probably lying. It is quite evident that software development technology is rapidly growing and it’s not pausing for a breather anytime soon because the demand for it is on the increase. In fact, almost every electronic device, machine, or equipment that we use is a by-product of some software development.

Each app development company: custom or platform follows a series of steps known as the software development life cycle.  This includes planning, analysis, design, development & implementation, testing & deployment and maintenance. Each of these steps is vital for the success of app development. Once the software pass through all the stages without any hiccups, then the apps can be placed in the market place for our daily use.

Custom app programing entails designing software applications for a specific user or group to address their needs. For example, customized software development can be tailored to a single or specific entity such as iPhone app development, to be used by that company for which it was designed, in this case iPhone. Companies that require custom app programming work done for them are in control of how the app is configured, which can be anything from the look, feel, functionality, dashboards, etc. to match their businesses’ unique needs and operations.

When it comes to platform app development, there are businesses that need a space where they can not only manage multiple projects within the organization in one central place, they need a platform where they can also monitor their team. A platform app can also have features where a business can upload vital documents within the organization. Such an app can also allow them to keep track of their customers, including tracking the performance of the team and the time they spend on their tasks.  A platform app is designed to be an app that can be used across multiple platforms.

Designing a custom application with an organization’s needs in mind can increase levels of productivity because it provides features that an off-the-shelf software probably wouldn’t. Also, some of mobile apps we use every day have changed the way we conduct business and enabled us to engage in more interesting and innovative ways than ever before. Additionally, the Android app development platform is open source, dynamic and collectively enriching, which simplifies the job of the users and can be used by multiple people in ways that are dynamic to their needs.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

For Sale by Owner Vs. Listing by Agent

Let’s say, for example, you’ve done a great job building your nest egg, then you see a lakefront property for sale by owner sign, would you be confident enough to consider buying the property or would you rather buy a home for sale listed by an agent? Many buyers do not consider for sale by owner homes because they prefer working with a real estate agent who can cut through a few red tapes on their behalf.

When you are new to the home buying or selling game, it helps to have professional by your side who will do more than guide you through the process. Having a house for sale listed by an agent has proven beneficial to many homeowners because for starters, a listing agent has connections and they will know where on the countless websites to list your house, how to up-sell it and how to find cheaper ways to advertise the property.

Also, since you can easily underestimate the value of your property, a listing agent can provide an accurate home value based on a complete market analysis for the right listing price. Realtors are pit bulls when it comes to networking, negotiating better sale contract terms, and preparing intricate and often lengthy paperwork on a client’s behalf. They don’t quit until they make a sale and a homeowner is satisfied.

Realtors know how to present your home to buyers to sell it at top dollar.  Most of us don’t have the eye for detail that real estate agents have especially when it comes to staging our homes.  Real estate agents know what should head into storage and what can stay on display.  The way that your home is presented can matter a great deal to the overall asking price you will receive.

Another benefit of having a real estate agent working on your behalf is that they will help negotiate up until the homes closing date.  You may think once the deal is signed and agreed upon it is over however this is not the case.  After the homes inspection has been completed often buyers will come back to the table with issues that they want the seller to take care of before they close on the home.

This aspect of negotiations is best sorted out between realtors.  Buyers often over estimate the cost of repairs that are needed to the home that they are about to purchase.  This often occurs because of the anxiety that is felt when making decisions of this magnitude.  Real estate agents on both sides have experience that will allow them to make a decision that is best for both parties, wrap up negotiations, and close on the home.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.