Livingston Reporting - page 145

How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare doesn’t cover everything, which is why many seniors look to Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans to get more from their insurance policy. Medicare is health insurance for those who are 65 years and older. As the largest health insurance program in the U.S., it covers more than 40 million people. There are four parts to Medicare – A, B, C and D.

Medicare part A is hospital insurance and covers any inpatient hospital care.  Medicare Part B is medical insurance, covering services like doctors, outpatient care, home care and medical equipment.  Medicare Advantage, Part C is a health care plan that covers similar aspects of Original Medicare along with prescription drug coverage, dental and hearing for an extra premium. Medicare Supplemental Plan D is considered Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, covering the cost of prescription drugs.

Medigap insurance covers the gap that Original Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.  If you’re interested in supplemental insurance like Medigap, the best time to purchase this insurance is during the 6-month Medigap enrollment period that starts the month a person turns 65.  Participants must also be enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. After this enrollment period, you can’t purchase a policy without undergoing medical assessments and paying higher priced premiums.

If you purchase during Medigap enrollment, insurance companies can’t use underwriting to decide if they should accept you or not and how much they’ll charge you. And if you have any health problems, you’ll be able to purchase the same coverage at the same price as those in good health.  If you wait until after this period of time you may be required to undergo the underwriting policy.

To find Medicare supplemental insurance plans, do some research on providers near you. That way you can compare plans to see what’s best for you and your health needs, discuss any questions you might have with a representative and get professional insights from a licensed insurance agent.  This will allow you to compare policies and premiums before you sign up for Medigap insurance.

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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The Differences Between LTL and FTL Freight Shipping Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For businesses that ship out products throughout the nation it is important to know the differences between LTL and FTL freight shipping options. It is obviously important for businesses to save as much money as possible on shipping costs for products, but this is especially true if you want to save money on large shipments that weigh more than 100 pounds.

Your best two options in shipping large orders are Less Than Truckload Shipping (LTL) and Full Truckload Shipping (FTL).  It not only makes sense to look for an affordable trucking company to ship your products it is crucial to work with companies that offer personal customer service, on-time shipments, and guarantees that your products are delivered as intended.

Consider the following differences in shipping LTL and FTL in order to make an informed decision for your company’s products.

Full Truckload Shipping

One of two things are possible when you hire a full truckload:

  • You have a shipment that will fill an entire truck.
  • You have a shipment that will not fill the whole truck, but you want a truck dedicated to only your shipment.

Most business’s that choose FTL freight shipping do so because they are shipping more than ten pallets, any which are considered high-risk packages.  This option is also plausible if you are short on time to have your shipment delivered.  FTL is a faster shipping option than LTL.  Full truckload shipping usually costs more than less than truckload shipping mainly because it will get your shipment to where ever it needs to be much faster.

Less Than Truckload Shipping

Unlike FTL, LTL shipping is when you share one truck with multiple other customers. It’s a more budget-friendly option for companies who are shipping average or stable products. The cost of the transportation for the goods is shared with all the companies using the third-party logistics company and their freight truck.

Companies only pay for how much space their product is taking up and how far it takes to get their products to their final destination. But since the freight shipping truck will make multiple stops, it’ll take longer to ship your product.  Shipments that range from 100 pounds to 10,000 pounds can be shipped using this method, while those higher than 10,000 FTL will be the viable option.

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.

 

Matrix Transportation

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Advantages of Replacing Your Home’s Windows

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Owning a home means continuous home improvement projects to make your place your dream home. As you tackle various projects, don’t forget about your home’s windows. They’ve probably been there since the house was built and are most likely in need of replacement.

Many times, homeowners forget that windows offer high returns on the investment, which could explain why some homeowners keep their homes windows in place well past their prime.  Homeowners know that windows can be expensive and therefore put replacing them out of their minds while renovating more visible aspects of the home.  Replacement windows do more than just bring up the cost of your home and have several advantages for your household in general. If you’re considering replacing your home’s windows, here are some of the benefits of doing so:

Lower Energy Bills

If you want to lower your energy bills, replacing your windows can greatly help. If you opt for well-insulated windows, they will keep extreme outside conditions from affecting the inside of your home. When it’s hot out, your home will remain cool, which means your air conditioner doesn’t have to run as long. And when it’s cold, you won’t have to run your heater all day and night since the windows will do a great job at keeping the heat in.

Protection from The Sun’s UV Rays

And there are even window replacement options that can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays to help reduce your energy bill while also increasing comfort. If you love natural light in your home, then you most likely have your blinds open all the time. But having too much sun means excessive ultraviolet rays that can fade your home’s interior space. With the right window replacement, you can protect your floors, walls and furnishings by opting for windows that feature Low-E insulating double-pane (or triple-pane) glass.

Easy to Maintain

Windows can be a pain to clean, but not if you choose some with advanced designs like easy-clean features, quality construction and durability. With new designs like between-the-glass blinds or shades, you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning and they can reduce the allergens or dust in your home.

Noise Reduction

Newly installed windows throughout your home can greatly reduce the outside noise, allowing you peace and quiet when you need it most!  Peace and quiet within your home is much needed.

Increased Curb Appeal

New windows can also enhance your home’s curb appeal, providing it with visual interest that will increase your home’s value.   Homeowners should be well versed on their homes curb appeal as it is one of the most important aspects.  People’s first impressions are of utmost importance.

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

 

Kearns Brothers

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Clever Bathroom Storage Items to Pull Your Renovation Together

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Now that your bathroom renovation is finished, it’s time to add additional storage to the space.  A bathroom can never have too much storage as it allows you to neatly organize everything while also providing a visually pleasing space you’ll absolutely love. Although you might have asked for and gotten lots of extra storage space for your renovation, here are a few clever bathroom storage hacks that will really pull the whole renovation together!

Hanging Baskets

Get more space in your bathroom by hanging baskets on the wall that look like floating shelves.  They can be used to house things like towels and toilet paper. Choose baskets that you like and then anchor them to whatever wall you’d like to showcase them on. It’s an easy way to add both décor and storage to your bathroom!

Storage Ideas for Pedestal Sinks

If you have a pedestal sink in your bathroom, you already know that you can’t store anything under it or else it will show. To fix that problem, you can invest in a wrap-around shelf that is made especially for pedestal sinks. This stylish option will provide you space to organize your things while still being out of sight! Or you can dress up the sink in a skirt and simply hide baskets behind it!

Wine Rack for Towels

There are plenty of gorgeous wine racks you can use to hang on a wall that will visually add to the space and hold bath towels at the same time. This is a popular option for more rustic renovators with small bathrooms where a linen closet or under the sink cabinet are not possible.

Invest in an Expandable Organizer

Make the most out of the space under your bathroom sink by investing in an expandable organizer that will easily fit around your pipes and provides an easy way to organize your products under the sink. Other options are adding storage onto the side of the cabinet doors and stackable baskets.

Shelves Over the Toilet

Adding shelves over your toilet will allow you to have a number of everyday essentials within reach.  Shelves also add additional space for towels and small appliances like blow dryers, electric razors and such.

There are a number of ways that contractors will include storage for you within your bathroom renovation however, as you know there is never enough.  Anywhere you can sneak in some hidden storage you should take full advantage.  Storing items allows everything to have its own unique spot and ensures an uncluttered space.

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.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Purchasing Refurbished Equipment Over New

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Running a business of any kind can be an expensive endeavor, especially when it comes to companies offering any kind of manufacturing.  Manufacturing equipment has a number of pieces that are constantly in motion which leads to components needing to be replaced and maintained frequently.  One way to stay within a budget while purchasing and maintaining equipment is to look into refurbished products.   Purchasing and using refurbished equipment and replacement parts can save upwards of sixty percent when compared to new.  The best part, it is as equally as reliable especially with regular maintenance.

Pros of Purchasing Refurbished

Low Upfront Costs:

When purchasing reconditioned equipment and reconditioned parts business’s can save a great deal of money.  Usually the cost of equipment, in any business, is the most expensive aspect of a new business venture.  You can start-up a new endeavor at a fraction of the cost without putting all of your money into equipment and leaving yourself without a financial cushion.

Overall Value:

Purchasing equipment that has been reconditioned, especially when it comes from a reputable source with proven knowledge and experience.  When equipment is well maintained, no matter if it was brand new or purchased refurbished, it will function for years.

Wear and Tear:

The biggest benefit of purchasing refurbished equipment is that the known wear and tear on the equipment can be addressed when it is reconditioned.  If we know that an axel always fails after 4 hours of constant use, then the issue can be addressed during the refurbishment process.  Although the exterior of reconditioned equipment can show wear and tear the internal aspects will be even better than new.

There are a number of reasons that purchasing refurbished electrical components and equipment makes sense for your business.    Reconditioned components allow you to save money without sacrificing quality.

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.

 

J & P Electrical Company

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Aluminum Fencing and Gates: A Versatile and Secure Enclosure to Your Swimming Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If your backyard features a swimming pool it is crucial that you add an aluminum pool fence and self-latching, self-closing aluminum gate. You’ll be able to keep your family safe and enhance the beauty of your backyard with a long-lasting and durable aluminum fence and gate. Not only is it an affordable option but you can customize your aluminum fence and gate since they come in a variety of colors and style. There are many reasons to choose an aluminum fence to enclose your backyard swimming pool.

Provides More Privacy to Your Backyard

To provide your family more privacy from the neighbors when you’re outside swimming, an aluminum fence and gate will hide what you’re doing from others, allowing you to enjoy some privacy from peeping eyes. Your family will feel comfortable going about their swimming routine without having to worry about nosy neighbors trying to see in to your backyard.

An Enclosed Area

If you have pets, you might want to enclose them somewhere so that they don’t access certain areas in your home or yard when you’re not home. Aluminum fences and gates provide a convenient enclosure for them to roam around in without having to cage them or place them in a tiny space somewhere else.  An aluminum swimming pool fence will also keep pets out of the pool area as well.

 Safety Measure

When you have small kids and a backyard pool, you’re always worrying about them going out alone and ending up in the pool. To ease your mind and provided added safety, aluminum fences and gates will act as a barrier for little rooms who wander out into the backyard alone. They won’t be able to reach the pool and your mind will be at ease knowing you decreased the risk of them drowning.

Add Space to Your Home

By sectioning off your yard with an aluminum gate and aluminum fence, you’ll be able to add space to your home, allowing you a private section to entertain guests or simply sit back outside and relax in comfort.

Any do it yourself homeowner can install an aluminum fence in their backyard; it’s really that simple! Installing aluminum fencing surrounding your pool can take as little as an afternoon or as long as a weekend.  Aluminum fence panels and gates will more than meet your expectations!

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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Pros and Cons of Reroofing vs Repair

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Does your home need to be reroofed or repaired? Signs that it might time to consider roof maintenance include bald spots, cracked shingles, shingle edges that are curled, shingle tabs that are cupped or if your roof is at least 20 years old. If any of these apply, it may be time to think about investing in roof repair or reroofing. But you might be asking yourself if you can simply repair the existing one, hopefully saving you money instead of shelling out major bucks for an entirely new roof. Here’s some useful information on how to decide which one is better for your roof, home and wallet:

Reroofing

The process of reroofing is simply layering new shingles over the existing ones. This saves you time and money for roofing repairs since the roofing company simply needs to place new ones on top of the old ones instead of tearing it all off to start fresh. The general rule when it comes to roofing is that if you have already two layers of roofing material in place on top of your home, you have to start new and replace everything.

Roof Replacement

A new roof replacement is tearing off everything on your roof so that only the deck is left. Roofers will then place new material down and new shingles, resulting in a brand-new roof. You can opt to completely replace your roof no matter how many layers of shingles your home has. Since roof replacement requires more work and time, it’s often costlier than simply reroofing.

When You Can Go with Reroofing

Your home might be a good candidate for reroofing if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, but still not in great shape. This type of roof can have minor issues like leaks, and cracks, but it should not have major water damage, missing shingles or have lots of mildew or moss growth on it. If this is the case, you’re going to need a total roof replacement.

When You Shouldn’t Go with Reroofing

Although it might seem like a good and cost-effective way to repair your roof, reroofing isn’t a good idea all the time since you’re not lifting up existing shingles, so you don’t know what the actual roof deck looks like. Although some problems can be spotted before the shingles come off, most of the time the problem lies beneath the deck like rot or sagging. When you simply add a new layer of shingles on top, you’re not fixing any problems that may exist underneath the shingling.

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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The Importance of a User-Friendly Website Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your website is one of your company’s biggest asset. It’s the one place where anyone from across the globe can come across and see what your company has to offer. A website is essential for business these days and the importance of that website rests upon its design. The average person has a short attention span and with so much competition on the Web, your site needs to have an eye-catching design and be user friendly to really grab someone’s attention enough to make customers navigate to other pages.

This means it’s practically essential that a company’s website provides an easy-to-use and positive experience for customers.  A user-friendly website will convince potential customers to navigate into the site away from the initial landing page. If your website doesn’t feature a user-friendly design, your web-sites bounce rate will be high, meaning clients will be looking elsewhere.

What does a user-friendly website consist of?

It’s a combination of things like easy-to-use navigation tools, readability, load time, and mobile-optimization. These are all aimed at allowing users to efficiently and quickly navigate a website and locate what they want or need to find without any challenges or delays.

Readability

A site’s readability refers to it’s easy scan, meaning they can easily and quickly look for a keyword to see an answer to a question they have about your brand, site, offerings, etc. To achieve this, it’s best to use spacing, bullets, short paragraphs and subheadings, as well as play close attention as to what fonts you use.

Navigation

Navigation is how easy it is to move around in your site, providing organized content that and menus so that they can find what they need. Organized menus help users go through your site to see what it’s, how to purchase or contact you for more information.

Mobile-Optimization

And since many users are using their mobile phones it is important your site is mobile friendly and optimized for use on a smart device.  Mobile-optimization refers to where your website ranks within mobile search engines.  Much of where your site will land on a mobile search engine has to do with how is easy your website is to see while on a tablet or smartphone.   If your company’s site takes too long to load it is not considered user friendly.  A websites mobile upload should take no more than five seconds.   Anything over this and your site needs to be updated.

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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7 Ways To Prepare For Buying A Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you’re looking into buying a home soon we recommend that you prepare a few things before you make the big purchase. Buying a home is a huge decision and the process can be quite complex especially for first-time homeowners.  It’s best if you can be as prepared as possible with these few things first:

  1. Saving for a Down Payment and Closing Costs

Buying a home isn’t cheap and will take a huge chunk of savings for the down payment. Although many would love to own their own home, not many do because they can’t afford such a large down payment. Ideally, you should have been saving for your home for a couple of years. The good news is that there are a number of different loan options you might qualify for without even having to come up with the usual 20% it takes for a conventional loan. It is important to look at your budget and speak to a professional mortgage broker and real estate agent before starting to look for a home.

 

  1. Obtain Your Credit Report

In order to get the best loan out there it helps to have a pretty high credit score. This will get you a lower interest rate on your mortgage. You should have between a 670 FICO and a 730 FICO, which is ideal for getting the best interest rates.

 

  1. Hire a Realtor

The key to finding your home is having a good real estate agent which should be a priority for you when you are first embarking on the journey to owning your first home. Ask family and friends for recommendations or look for local agents in the area you would like to buy a home in.

 

  1. Consult with a Mortgage Broker

Usually, your real estate agent will recommend you a mortgage broker that they work in conjunction with. But if not, you’ll have to find one that will help you with your loan to buy the home. They’ll get you prequalified for a home and then help you through the entire process.

 

  1. Research Local Neighborhoods

Doing a bit of research will help you find your dream home which is why you need to narrow down the different neighborhoods you are interested in and see the price range that the houses are going for.

 

  1. Wants vs Needs

Going out and seeing the actual homes is the fun part but before you go out and do that you’ll need to decide on a list of things you’d like your perfect house to have. This way you’ll be able to search homes that have everything on your list instead of wasting your time looking at every home on the market.

 

  1. Strategize

Sit down with your realtor and figure out a home buying strategy so that the entire process runs seamlessly. Are you looking for a fixer upper or maybe you’ll want to write contingent offers? Your real estate agent can help you figure this all out so that there will not be any surprises.

 

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.

 

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Creative Label and Packaging Design Trends

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Product packaging is important since it’s the first thing customers see and can make all the difference in them buying your product or not. Labeling and packaging is everywhere and because there’s so much competition out there, it’s important that you make yours stand out. People are visual creatures, so their eyes are naturally drawn to visually appealing packaging, which they are more likely to purchase. And like any other industry, there are certain trends that the industry sees each year. Here are some label and packaging design trends for 2018:

Minimalist Design Labels and Packaging

Sometimes less is more. Minimalist design is a huge trend at the moment within the industry. Even though some might call it primitive, going for simplicity can help customers access their intuitive side. The only hard part about these sorts of flexible packaging is finding signs and symbols that everyone can relate to. But once you do find it, you’ll be able to send a message with practically no words at all!

Pastel Colors

Pastel colors are having a moment in a number of creative industries, including packaging. The use of such feminine and calming package design are everywhere these days, speaking to a person’s softer side. If you want to give customers a candid and warm feel, labels and packages in pastel colors will intrigue buyers.

Bold Words

Some companies want to send a clear and concise message in their packaging and right now big words is a hot trend in the industry. Using bold, big print can send a clear message about your product, just as long as it’s in a readable font.

Doodle Art

Everyone loves to doodle, and this sort of art is taking over the packaging industry. Consumers are attracted to it because it’s fun and happy, making them remember times when they were kids and doodling. Doodles on projects are whimsical and cartoonish, making them nostalgic to customers.

Photography

Lately, photography has been picking up steam in the label and packaging niche and it’s really no surprise since it’s been lined to design for a long time. When a product showcases a powerful photo, it has the ability to cause people to stop and pause to see what’s going on, enticing them to find out more about your product.

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://www.anchorprinting.com.  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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