Livingston Reporting - page 143

4 Ways Water Softeners Improve Your Waters Quality

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Water plays an important role in our everyday life and overall well-being, so it’s only prudent to ensure that we have a continuous supply of quality water for our homes, not only for our own good, but for the good of our appliances, energy bills, and of course our wallets.

The most cost-effective way of improving the quality of your water is using a water softener. Why? Water is often described as either hard or soft water.  Most often your water is hard if you have had to call a plumber a couple of times to remove an unsightly scam build-up in your drains.

Hard water is the most prevalent in many households, and it’s considered “hard” because it contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals and impurities, most predominantly calcium and magnesium collected when the water moves through soil and rocks. While they are good minerals for your health, like too much of anything, too many minerals in your homes water can wreak havoc to laundry, household appliances, clog pipes, washing machines, water tanks, boilers, and renders soaps, detergents and cleaning products less effective.

Even though hard water doesn’t seem to pose a health risk, the damages an over-abundance of minerals can do are serious.   Consider the following benefits of using a water softener system.

  • Water Softeners Remove Impurities in Your Homes Water

Water is a great carrier of impurities and installing a water softener system will remove the high concentration of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that make water hard troublesome. Using a water softener will prevent iron/rust staining, mineral build up, dry hair and skin, and an abundance of bothersome issues that arise from hard water.

  • Water Softeners Eliminate Limescale Build-Ups

The high mineral content in the form of calcium and magnesium in hard water reacts with detergents, soap, and shampoos creating an abundance of soap scum build-up.  If you’re tired of scrubbing scum build-up around the tub, sinks, or dishes then it is time to use a water softener system as this will help eliminate the build-up and improve the quality of your water.

  • Water Softeners Create Water That Is Soft Thus Better for Your Skin and Hair

Hard water is particularly harsh on the skin especially for people with conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, because it leaves the skin extra dry and very irritated, thus causing extreme discomfort and more frequent, severe outbreaks. Hard water also makes your hair feel extremely rough and prolonged use can lead to brittle hair and eventually hair breakage.

  • Water Softeners Can Save Users Money Over Time

Hard water decreases the lifespan of your appliances, makes cleaning hard, blocks your pipes. It results in using more water, energy, maintenance bills, cleaning products, and more. Not only will installing a water softener system improve the quality of your water, but it is also affordable to run and use for only a few bucks a year.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

Reynolds Water

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4 Ways Participants Benefit from Purchasing Medigap

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you 65 or is your 65th birthday around the corner? Are you enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B? You have a six-month open enrollment period that begins on the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older. Therefore, this is the best time to start shopping for a Medigap insurance policy. Also known as Medicare supplement insurance, Medigap policies are guaranteed, regardless of the condition of your health and are sold by private insurance companies to fill in some gaps in the coverage you get from Medicare, as long as purchased within your open enrollment period. Consider the following benefits of purchasing Medigap:

  • Medigap Supplements Original Medicare

Medigap is a private insurance policy that picks up where Medicare leaves off, helping you cover co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, including services such as medical care outside the U.S. This additional cover may not be “necessary” if you already have a supplemental retiree health insurance through a former employer or union. However, it is important because it provides extra protection for high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you become seriously sick or need to receive more care as you age.

  • Guaranteed Coverage

Under federal law, insurance companies cannot deny you a Medigap coverage during a six-month open enrollment period that begins the month you turn 65 and join Medicare. Additionally, even if you lose certain types of health coverage such as Medigap policy, Medicare Advantage plan including private group health insurance, you have the right to buy most Medigap policies within 63 days. Insurance carriers are obligated to offer you the best available rates regardless of your health, which brings us to the next important point.

  • Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

During the Open Enrollment Period, an insurance company can’t deny a Medicare supplement policy or charge a higher premium because of pre-existing conditions. While participants may face a six-month waiting period, but as a Medigap beneficiary, they have a “guaranteed issue rights” and will receive all Medicare benefits. Therefore, to ensure eligibility and timely approval, it is important to begin shopping for Medigap early.

  • Popular Medigap Plan F

Baby boomers can celebrate because this plan now pays for all the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both hospital and outpatient deductible. This means zero out-of-pocket at the doctor’s office.

The financial burden of health currently and in the future, including the level of service you receive, may have huge implications and lasting impact on your life. Switching Medicare supplemental insurance plans shouldn’t be stressful, retirees can talk to a reputable Medicare brokers who will help with identifying the best possible coverage for the best possible rates by comparing Medicare plans and rates from private insurance companies that supply Medigap.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

Medigap Insurance Plans

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5 Gaps Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan Covers

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

You may know by now that Medicare supplemental plans, also known as Medigap, are policies that are sold by private insurance companies to help cover a portion of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. You can’t purchase this type of policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For this to work, you must you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) to buy a Medigap policy.

Medicare supplemental plan policies generally don’t cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term nursing home care, or private-duty nursing. The following gaps are what Medicare supplemental plans cover, each of the ten plans offers different benefits.  Not only is it important to distinguish these terms to help you understand when and how much you need to pay for your healthcare it is important to compare plans as they each offer a different combination of benefits.

  • Co-payments (copay)

Copayments are the flat fees that you pay on the spot to get a covered health service each time you pay your doctor a visit. Without a Medicare supplemental plan, you would have to pay this amount out of pocket before Medicare begins to pay.

  • Coinsurance

Coinsurance is a portion of the medical cost you pay after your deductible has been met, and your health plan takes effect. Once you have met your deductible, you and your insurance carrier each pay a share of the costs to add up to 100%. Take this, for example, if your coinsurance share is 20%, you will pay 20% of the cost of your medical bills and Medicare supplemental plan will pay the remaining 80%

  • Deductibles

Many costs for medical services count toward your deductible apart from copayments. A deductible is an amount you pay each year for eligible medical services before your insurance plan takes effect. If you don’t have any Medicare supplemental plans, you will be forced to pay for medical expenses such as bills for hospitalization, surgery, scans, lab tests, anesthesia, medical devices, etc.

  • Emergency care nationwide

Standard Medicare supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N, provide foreign travel emergency health care coverage when you travel outside the U.S if it begins during the first 60 days of your travel. The policy can also pay up to 80% of the billed charges for a medically necessary care outside the overseas after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. Always talk with your insurance carrier before traveling overseas to get more information about your Medigap coverage while traveling.

  • Benefit period

Medicare supplement plan may cover hospital costs and skilled nursing facility care after you run out of Medicare-covered days. For instance, if you have used your 90 days of hospital coverage but your still unwell and need to stay longer.

While Medigap policies sold after January 1, 2006, are not allowed to include prescription drug coverage, you can now enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) offered by a private insurance company that has been approved by Medicare.

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!

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

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5 Ways Kitchen Renovations Increase Your Homes Resale Value

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you didn’t build your current home from scratch, but instead bought it, chances are you have had to put up with someone else’s idea of a kitchen layout that does nothing to impress the eye. As we approach the hottest selling season, with billions of potential homes expected to change hands, there never has been a time like now, that you can use cost-effective strategies to help you leverage all you can against the competition.

If you shudder each time you waltz into your kitchen, then it’s time to take the plunge to upgrade and refresh one of the most important spaces in your home, the kitchen. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, a professionally remodeled kitchen will not only improve and add value to your home, but when the time comes to sell it, you can command a higher price without batting an eyelid.

  • Quick Resale

One of the main reasons that homes stay on the market for too long without receiving any offers is because the last thing a home buyer wants is to move into a home that they must renovate right away. No one wants to buy a home with an outdated kitchen where appliances aren’t working, or the cabinets and countertops are falling apart. It is easier to attract prospective buyers when the kitchen is in pristine condition and compel them to pay a premium price for the home.

  • Energy Efficiency

Anything that can save a potential homebuyer some money is a prime motivating factor for purchasing a home. Installing modern appliances and solar panels will not only increase the energy efficiency of the kitchen but adding skylights in place of artificial lighting will flood the kitchen with more natural light without spending any energy, therefore, contribute greatly toward energy savings, and who doesn’t want to save a buck or two?

  • Lifestyle

According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, your kitchen’s design not only needs to meet your current needs but those of future buyers.  Some basic concepts to keep in mind during your project design is open space, easy to access cabinetry, and accessible storage.  These are trends that are good for meeting most family’s needs.

  • Modernity

Provided a space doesn’t feel cold or clinical, remodeling your kitchen to bring it to the 21st century will yield great results in increasing the value of your home and making a big impression in both the young and old homebuyers.  Choose colors and styles that create a space that is clean, comfortable, and allows people the ability to relax and stay awhile.

  • Return on Investment

If your kitchen is too outdated, consider spending about 15 to 25% of your home’s value for new cabinet doors, appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, paint, and hardware. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations will increase your homes resale value and yield a higher return.  Especially if you are going to be in the house awhile and enjoying the renovation. A kitchen renovation is a terrific way to add value to your home while enjoying the new space.

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

Kearns Brothers

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5 Ways Aluminum Fencing Secures Your Swimming Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

While having a swimming pool in the backyard is a wonderful addition to a home, not only for families to enjoy during hot summers, but to also increase the value of a property, this wonderful addition poses a variety of hazards. According to the National Swimming Pool Foundation, there are more than 200 reported accidental drownings each year, which why homeowners are implored to make swimming pool safety a priority, especially where there are unsupervised children and pets around the home.

A lot of weight has been placed on regulating and enforcing swimming pool fence requirements, which has saved many lives and ornamental aluminum pool fence is the most popular type of fence option particularly due to its durability and low maintenance properties.

  • Provides a sturdy connection

Aluminum pool fencing installation can be complete by homeowners looking for DYI and takes little to no time to put together, which begs the question; are aluminum fences sturdy enough that they won’t collapse? Is the fence loosely fitted and flimsy-looking?  Can a child or dog can knock it over? An aluminum pool fence requires surface mount posts or factory-welded flanges to mount it on after boring holes on the concrete around the swimming pool areas then re-cementing the poles. This installation process is what makes an aluminum swimming pool fence very strong and the best fence option to secure swimming pool areas.

  • Relatively conspicuous

When choosing a suitable fence for a swimming pool area, among the many things it should provide is visibility. Unlike other pool fence types such as vinyl or wood, an aluminum swimming pool fence is quite visible even in the dark and from afar.

  • Multiple applications

Choosing a fence for your property is a big decision and not only should you consider the security and aesthetics part, but a fence should also fit multiple functions. Aluminum fences are very strong and durable, and they fit in with any area and terrain.  This makes them ideal for homes or larger establishes to mark property lines and provide security.  Aluminum gates are also the best in that they come with self-closing and self-latching hardware making them

  • Design

Although an aluminum swimming pool fence has an open design, the spaces in between are small, which ensures that children or pets can’t squeeze between the poles to go into the pool area. The height of a swimming pool fence is equally important and a fence that’s being installed around a pool must meet with the state and local ordinances. Pool fences need to be high enough to keep people, especially kids, from climbing over and aluminum fences can be designed to meet the height safety requirements for a swimming pool fence.

  • Ground clearance and locking mechanism

The space between the bottom of a pool fence and the ground should be very small to keep children from crawling underneath or getting stuck in between. An aluminum pool gate should also be equipped with mechanically self-closing hinges and a reliable latch that automatically engages to secure your swimming pool area.

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.

iFenceUSA

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5 Ways in Which Roofing Contractors Improve Your Roofs Longevity

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your home is one of the most important investments that you will make in your life and it only makes perfect sense to protect this investment by ensuring that you carry out regular maintenance and repairs to keep it in pristine conditions. Even though the roof is a fundamental element of a home, many homeowners are guilty of giving it little to no thought up until there is an issue or irreparable damage. Repairing a badly damaged roof is not only a costly undertaking, but it is also can be disrupting to everyday life.

Damage to your roof is inevitable, however, if it does occur and left untreated, several things can go wrong due to the insufficient care of shingles, which in turn, will shorten the life of your roof significantly. Your roof also serves as a great selling point and if it is well-maintained it will increase the resale value, therefore, hiring the professional services of roofing contractors for periodic inspections and installation will ensure your roof is free of insidious damages that may be occurring without your knowledge.

The most important part of the check-up is to follow through with repairs to the roofing problems. Consider the following ways which roofing contractors can improve your roofs longevity.

  • Uncover hidden damages

Preventative maintenance conducted by roofing contractors can expose small leaks and remedy them before they became major problems. The slightest leak that goes unattended can cause damage to the framing of the house and cause structural damage and can also compromise insulation and promote old growth that can lead to health problems. Additionally, leaks can contact electrical wiring and can create an open circuit that could lead to a fire if there is any break in the insulation.

  • Debris removal

The roof collects a lot of debris that can cause major damage to shingles and the roof structure. Before attending to any damages, shingle roofers will address the underlying problem, which is to clear the roof of debris that may block water flow in the gutters. Doing this beforehand will maintain the longevity of your roof because it’s free of fungal and algae growth that weaken the roofing structure.

  • Saves heating and cooling costs

Hiring roofing contractors will help in keeping the roof vents well ventilated because when heat and humidity become trapped, they cause damage to underpinnings and wood rafters in the attic of your home. Keeping a well-ventilated roof is a sure-fire way to save money on heating and cooling.

  • Climatic knowledge

Roofing contractors are the best people to seek advice from about the most climate-suitable roofing product for your region to prevent inclement weather from causing irreparable damage to your roof.

  • Building code familiarity

Hiring roofing contractors who are well-versed in the building codes in your area will ensure your home complies with the latest requirements, thus keeping your roof protected from the elements in the future.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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5 Ways Managed IT Services Benefit Your Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

All businesses need proactive support to identify and manage IT issues before they occur and regardless of the business niche or size, companies can benefit from outsourcing a skilled managed IT services provider to handle issues with their IT infrastructure. In essence, a managed IT service or IT consulting firm allows a business to offload its IT operation.  The IT company assumes the ongoing responsibility for 24-hour monitoring, managing, and problem resolution for the IT systems and network within the company.

Businesses that need to compete effectively and remain relevant require technology to operate efficiently in this increasingly complex IT environment.  A business operating with a managed IT service focuses on the prevention of critical networking devices fail issues before they disrupt employees, management as well as clients. It is quite clear that a company will notice a significant improvement in their operations when they have a well-maintained and proactive IT services, network monitoring, and system optimization.

  • Unlimited Access

It is frustrating to suddenly have a systems issue in the middle of a busy day and even more frustrating if you are unable to access the support you need in a timely manner. Managed IT services provide network monitoring 24 hours per day and clients also have immediate access to the latest technology and innovative business grade solutions that maximize uptime and profitability such as remote monitoring and management (RMM), cloud computing, as well as backup and disaster recovery and, commercial IT services.

  • Reduced Operating Cost

Outsourcing the services of an IT computing consulting firm enables companies to hire highly skilled consultants as opposed to hiring, training and retaining a new worker, which can be costly. It lowers salary, marketing, training costs, and gives a business the flexibility to scale rapidly or slow down their operations as needed.

  • Enhance Security

There is a growing need for businesses to protect confidential information of their company and that of their clients from headline-grabbing stories we’ve all heard about such as security breaches, information theft, or software bugs. It’s the responsibility of a managed IT services provider to be aware of such risks and apply the appropriate data and compliance protection procedures that ensure a business doesn’t fall victim to security threats.

  • Disaster Recovery Services

Having an IT disaster recovery plan in place is a critical requirement for any business to prepare itself in the event of any hardware failure, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, human error, data loss. Managed IT services cover all the bases by taking into account the complete spectrum of potential interruptions and use advanced approaches and solutions to guarantee IT systems resilience, uptime, availability, and disaster recovery.

  • Minimize Downtime

Downtime is not only wasted time and resources, but it also hurts a business financially and its credibility. A managed IT services provider can identify and fix a potential problem before they occur, which in turn, reduces downtime significantly, increases productivity and limits unnecessary business expenses.

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.

Creative Programs and Systems

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5 Ways Flexible Product Packaging Can Improve Sales

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Did you know that forty percent of online shoppers say they are more inclined to buy a product that is well-presented? Having a great product on the market is one thing, but what the above statistic suggests is that business owners have a unique opportunity to control how consumers view and engage with their products. Packaging is an extension of your brand identity. How you chose to present your products to the world should speak volumes about your business and innovative packaging can generate a buzz effortlessly without you having to hold a full-blown campaign to advertise or market your product.

Exactly what flexible packaging does. It functions as a cost-effective advertising technique that simultaneously protects your product, enhances its aesthetics, inspires confidence, and makes your products stand out. Customers will always respond positively to personalized and creative packaging, therefore, details matter, which is why any effort you put toward making your products as enticing as possible goes a long way.

The following are ways that flexible packaging can improve sales:

  • Increased Safety

Flexible packing such as stand up pouch bags or resealable zipper pouches are made from FDA approved high-grade materials, which are contaminant-free, safe and strong enough to protect packaged products from physical damage during transportation and exposure from environmental hazards. Consumers are bound to purchase a product that they are confident that it won’t be harmful to them.

  • Convenience

Label specialists have ensured that flexible packages are designed with added features such as zip locks, sprouts, resealable seals, to make them re-usable and continent. This ease of convenience has been well-received especially by parents who look are constantly looking for manageable ways to pack their kid’s lunches and its also good news for manufacturers and entrepreneurs because they know that their product will move instead of stalling on the supermarket shelves.

  • Inspires Loyalty

Attractive packaging evokes a positive reaction from consumers looking through a wide variety of products. Flexible packaging makes products stand out on the shelves from the competition’s, it increases brand visibility and most importantly, it leads to repeat purchases, increased sales, and referrals from satisfied customers.

  • Environmentally Friendly

In addition to enhancing product safety, flexible packaging’s unique attributes allow brands to achieve compactness and durable barrier while leaving the lowest possible carbon footprint. Not only are flexible packages recyclable, but they also reduce, transportation costs, energy output and most importantly, reduce carbon emissions because it’s easier to ship than rigid materials and manufactures can move more products with fewer trucks. Businesses that use sustainable business practices to meet both environmental and consumer demands yield benefits because environmentally-conscious consumers are more likely to become loyal customers.

  • Attractive Packaging

How many times have you bought something even though you weren’t planning to just because it looked attractive? The flexible packaging design process produces vivid graphics that not only elicit interest from buyers, but it also evokes impulse buying, which in turn increases sales.  Ninety percent of all product purchases are made on instinct, another great reason for an attractive, eye-catching package and label design.

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at http://anchorprinting.com/flexible-packaging.php.  To contact one of our label specialists, call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

Anchor Printing

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5 Ways Purchasing Refurbished Equipment Benefits Your Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Any credible method that you can use to cut costs, lower your overhead, and still make money while growing their business, without compromising quality is always recommended. Therefore, don’t close the door on getting what you need when you are on a limited budget as tends to happen in many businesses because there are cost-effective ways to make significant savings when you purchase refurbished equipment. You may just shave a few hundred dollars off your operating costs. Consider the following:

  • Cost Savings

Take this, for example, if you are a medical or radiation oncologist running a private clinic to treat cancer patients, you already know that a linear accelerator costs a pretty penny, therefore, you do all you can to avoid purchasing a new one, right? Buying a refurbished linear accelerator from a reputable service company that specializes in the upgrade, repair and maintenance of linear accelerators and CT scanners would save you a lot of money.

  • Preserving Compatibility

When you need to replace broken equipment or parts, and you must use the same equipment with the same specifications (as some policies may stipulate), it’s easy to find the exact match from a supplier of refurbished linear accelerator or CT scanners, that will be much cheaper than a purchasing the original parts. If you are purchasing parts from a reputable service company, the good thing is that they ensure that the refurbished equipment is thoroughly tested before re-selling it to ensure that it’s safe to use.

  • Save On Software Licensing

If you have been using an older version of a linear accelerator and you want to upgrade it, buying a license for new parts will cost you more than buying the same refurbished parts for a whole lot less, and chances are, they may still have the original license. Recycling licenses will reduce spending, support and maintenance costs as well as increase the efficiency and value of your equipment without breaking the bank.

  • Sustainability

You will be doing your small part in the way of reducing the increasing volumes of e-waste being generated every year by purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator or CT scanners. The sheer amount of electronic equipment that is disposed of every day contain materials that render them hazardous. While such equipment can be reused, refurbished, or recycled but our reliance on new products has led to the rise of e-waste. Therefore, before you buy a brand-new device, it’s important to consider upgrading the hardware or software of your old equipment if it hasn’t reached its end of life or usefulness.

  • Reliability

Very little is known about the latest model of any device in the market, and you can experience unknown issues with such equipment and not have anyone that fully understands how to fix it. Buying a refurbished linear accelerator that has had plenty of time to be tested and certified to be safe can save you a lot of bother and unnecessary downtime.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

http://acceletronics.com/

Acceletronics

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5 Essential Estate Planning Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many individuals think that estate planning is only for the elderly; something to consider only after you have hit the golden years of retirement.  However, the truth of the matter is that an estate plan is something that should be in place no matter what stage of life you are in. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your 20s, 30s or even 60s; you should plan out your estate just in case an emergency happens. There are more things to estate planning than just a will such as trusts, health care directives, and power of attorney. These legal documents will ensure that your wishes are known at the end of your life through your passing. Here are some very basic tips on estate planning:

  1. Living Wills

Life is uncertain, so if you aren’t capable of making decisions for yourself, a living will is a must. It’s a legal document that sets forth what you want in the event that you are in a coma or vegetative state. It will detail instructions and decisions for yourself when you are still alive. For reasons of legitimacy it is important to have an attorney assist in drawing up a living will for you.  This will help to ensure that your desires are followed.

 

  1. Draw Up a Will or Trust

Besides a living will, you should also create a will, trust or both.  These are documents that sets out your wishes after you die for your family and loved ones. This details everything from personal items to financial assets and what you’d like to do with them.  An estate planning attorney should be hired to help minimize tax liabilities to your heirs upon your passing.  A will is a complex document that spells out in detail what your desires are.  It should be updated throughout the year as major life changes occur that need to be taken into account.

 

  1. Appoint a Power of Attorney (POA)

If anything happens to you, it’s important to have someone you trust make decisions for you they will be the power of attorney over your estate. This person will distribute your assets as you have stated within your estate plan.  A medical power of attorney is an individual that you have appointed to make decisions regarding your medical care.   You can have one person for both positions or split the duties between two people that you know will make sure your wishes are met.

 

  1. Designate Guardians

If you have kids under 18 years old, then you’ll have to figure out who will take care of them when you no longer can. If your spouse or partner is still alive, guardianship will automatically go to them.  Before you make the decision, you should ask whoever you are thinking about making a guardian to see how they feel about such a responsibility. If they do not want this responsibility it is in your children’s best interest to make alternative arrangements.

The best advice that you can be given regrading your estate is to meet with an attorney that will serve as a personal representative of your legal desires.  Creating an estate plan is simple with the right guidance and with regular maintenance will stay current to ensure your loved ones are not burdened by probate upon your passing.

Learn more about attorney Sean J. Nichols and the legal services he provides for clients including: estate planning, elder law issues, Medicaid planning, elder care, probate law, guardianships, and power of attorney (POA) at www.seanjnichols.com.  To contact the offices of Sean J Nichols, call 734.386.0224 today.

 

Sean J. Nichols

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