Livingston Reporting - page 317

Exploring Options In Home Security Systems

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Home security is something we are all looking for.  Today home alarm systems have several different designs, functionalities and activated response mechanisms.  Before you choose an option for your home and family it is important to understand each difference and choose the best fit for your home security situation.

First let us take a look at some of the features that are common to most home alarm systems.  With a keypad entry access control system you will note that there usually is a panic button built in that is designed to alert the police, fire department and EMS in an emergency situation.   Another common feature home alarms and home monitoring systems have now-a-days is the ability to self diagnosis a system failure.  This is a valuable feature in that a service technician does not have to come out each time the system has a glitch.  Back up rechargeable batteries is another common feature that allows the alarm system to function normally in cases of power outages.  This of course is important as we have come to realize our society is full of thieves that lurk and wait for a situation of vulnerability to strike.

Most systems used for home security purposes are designed to monitor and detect fire or burglary. The alarm is triggered when a sequence, however short or long, of events happens that to trigger the alarm.  Usually fire alarm systems are activated by smoke or a steep rise in temperature.  Of course flames also set the system off.  Burglary alarm systems are triggered when a circuit that has been created is broken.  This can happen when a door or window is opened or closed.  Also censors for motion and the high pitch of breaking glass can set off the home security alarm system.

One of the benefits of having a personalized alarm system is your ability to customize the alarms sensitivity.  This is important for households of all kinds.  Some alarm systems have been none to be set off from high pitched snoring.  Another common alarm trigger is pet movement.  It is important when having a system installed that you take into consideration where the motion detectors are placed to avoid conflict.

There are several types of alarm systems that are common in homes today.  The first, most basic type is a simple on premise alarm.  All homes should be equipped in this manner.  These alarms are set to sound to alert homeowners of a single danger.  Most commonly found in fire detection and carbon monoxide monitoring.  Some families even use small wedges placed in doors that sound if disturbed to signal an intruder.  This is the most basic form of home security.

Another simple, effective alarm system is a localized system that signals with a siren or loud bell on the inside and outside of the home when the system has been compromised.  This type of system relies on outside sources to relay the problem to proper authorities.

A third type of systems is a phone based dialing system.   When an alarm is triggered a central phone number is alerted.  From there the alarm company monitoring the home sends calls out to the home owner to determine if crews should be sent.   This is the most often type of system that is triggered and often falsely.   Systems have improved ten-fold over systems of the past and are becoming more reliable.  Being able to custom set the sensitivity of the system has helped improve the reliability of this alarm set up.

The most effective type of home alarm system is one that can be continually monitored.  As soon as an alarm, fire, smoke or burglar is triggered a central center is notified.  This center is run on a constant 24/7 basis and immediately sends a validation call back to the source of the alarm.  If the call is validated to be real or if no contact can be made police and emergency responders are immediately dispatched to scene.  This process happens in a matter of seconds as everything is automatic.

Home security and monitoring is a personal decision left up to each and every household.  Take into consideration your lifestyle and determine what will give you the most peace of mind while you are home or away.

 

All Star Alarm

Medicare Supplement Health Insurance Tips For Seniors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Researching health insurance for you or a loved one can prove to be quite difficult.  This is true with Medicare and supplemental plans as well.  The hard part of choosing coverage is deciphering what each policy actually covers or doesn’t.  The one thing we do know is that having health insurance, no matter the age is important.  Without it you could be leading a path into financial ruin.  This applies to seniors as well.  We don’t financially plan for a disaster to occur when thinking about retirement.  Making sure you have the right medical coverage, including Medicare supplemental insurance is essential.

When you are handling the application details for your Medicare coverage it is important to be on top of the process.  Waiting to enroll can cost you with late enrollment fees.  You should start receiving information the year before you turn sixty-five, the age which Medicare eligible individuals can start participating in the Medicare program. If you have not received information you can check online to find out more.

With Medicare an important fact to know is that the supplemental plans are all the same no matter what insurance provider you choose to purchase it through.  Medicare supplement plan G is the same plan through any insurance company the difference may come about in the amount you pay to purchase the insurance.  It is odd but yes the coverage is the same although the rate may not be.  Seems odd right?  A great way to find the coverage you want at the price you are willing to pay is online.

Sites are available online that offer Medicare eligible participants to input some minor information such as age, city, tobacco use and come up with prices on Medicare supplemental insurance as well as providers in their area.  Most sites also offer a side by side comparison of the supplemental plans with a convenient, toll free number to call for assistance.

One thing to remember when purchasing Medicare supplement insurance as well as any other health insurance plan is that the amount you pay is more than just the monthly premium.  You will want to take into account the monthly amount as well as the co-pay for each visit to the doctor or hospital.  Each supplemental plan covers differently and co-pays and deductibles on all supplemental plans differ.  It is important to research exactly what you will be paying monthly as well as out of pocket if something does happen that requires you to use the Medicare supplement plan.

Another thing to consider is if the doctors you currently use are able to be seen with the Medicare parts and plans you choose.  For instance, with the Medicare Advantage Plan only doctors who contract their services with Medicare can be seen.  These doctors have pre-approved a set dollar amount per services that Medicare has agreed upon as long as you see a certain circle of doctors.  This may not bode well if you have been with your doctor for 30 plus years and are not wanting such a drastic change in health care providers at this point in time.

Finding the right health insurance does take time, research and patience. The benefits of purchasing the coverage that will most benefit you can mean a world of difference for your future health and financial future.  It is important that you choose reputable sources for information and work with companies that offer assistance via telephone as well as online.  Often times directly speaking with advisor will help clear up any confusion you may have.

Senior Health Direct

Ensuring You Have The Coverage You Need

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Purchasing health care coverage is one of the most daunting tasks.  Navigating through health insurance companies, choosing coverage and ensure you have received the best coverage at the best price, with the best service.  This is all a bit overwhelming.  It doesn’t get any easier dealing with Medigap supplement insurance plans either. There are a number of policies to choose from and a variety of private insurance companies willing to sell you the coverage.  This makes it all the more frustrating when seeking out coverage that makes since to fill in the gaps left by your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare is government sponsored insurance for seniors who are eligible and have reached the age of sixty-five.  You can also become eligible for Medicare if you are under sixty-five and become permanently disabled.  The one issue that arises with Medicare coverage is that it does not cover everything.  To fill in these holes the government has come up with supplemental insurance policies that can be purchased on an individual basis.  These plans are meant to fill in the gaps that Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Medicare Part B, medical insurance, leave behind.

Medigap is the policies that are put into place to fill in the gaps in health care expenses left behind by Medicare.  Medigap plans are private and are offered by a variety if insurance companies. These policies pay for the minor details that add up quickly for seniors living on a set income.  Items such as co-pays, hospital stays and deductibles are not covered with Medicare. What happens in an ideal situation is that Medicare covers a majority of the expenses and your Medigap policy kicks into effect to cover what is left over.  This alleviates the out of pocket stress.

One thing to remember with Medigap policies is that they are strictly regulated by state and federal laws that are designed to protect individual Medicare users.  There are a variety of Medigap plans to choose from and each is designated by a letter of the alphabet.  Don’t be fooled.  The plan coverage is the same no matter who sells the insurance.  Medigap Supplement Plan G is the same through company A, B or C.  The difference comes in the cost of the insurance to you.

It is important to remember when comparing Medigap plans that the less expensive a plan has fewer benefits and higher out-of-pocket costs.  More expensive plans include extra benefits, like coverage for routine checkups, deductibles and at-home care services.  There are several sources online that allow you to compare Medigap plans and rates without giving personal information.  This tool is valuable especially during the introductory phases of enrolling in Medicare.

Having health insurance coverage is a must to avoid becoming indebted to medical facilities.  Health insurance, including Medicare and Medigap supplemental plans alleviate the need to put off doctors visits or necessary surgeries until you can financially afford them.  With coverage there is no need to worry about catastrophes.  You are covered.  Medigap ensure the same thing to Medicare holders.  The gaps are nothing to worry about when you have purchased insurance to fill in the holes left behind.

123Medigap

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Tips On Creating A First Class Landscape

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Having a landscape that speaks to visitors about who you are is important.  It is important that the landscape is in sync with the home’s exterior.  If you are an avid health nut and love the natural taste of foods think about adding a space to garden fresh vegetables.  However if flowers are more your style choose a space in the yard to set up a seating nook with native wild flowers flooding the space.  Landscaping is all about making the space personal, functional, maintainable and yours.

I love the idea of adding a garden to a home’s landscape.  It is a great way to produce your own source of foods and gives families a sense of pride.  Harvesting vegetables from your yard instead of running to the grocery store is a terrific moment.  I love running out to the yard and grabbing a ripe tomato when guests are filling our home.  Nothing makes a salad fresher than adding fresh veggies from your very own space.

When designing your homes landscaping another option to consider is the use of deciduous shrubs, vines and trees that don’t start peaking until the fall.  They transform the garden with the bright reds, glowing yellows and fiery oranges they bring to the landscape. The reason these plants will change colors is that they will stop producing chlorophyll in colder weather, and thus the pigments within the leaves begin to change. Ensure your plants receive plenty of sunshine to increase the display of fall colors. Boston ivy, burning bush, maple, chestnut and barberry are popular choices for those who want to enjoy a spectacular fall bloom.

Another reason to take care of your landscape is the return it brings on your investment.  It is hard to believe but the more trees and landscaping dollars that are present wisely in a space the more the value of the home rises to potential buyers.  If possible purchase plants and shrubs when they are small and inexpensive.  As they grow you will be amazed at how the landscape matures and the aesthetic beauty that comes with it.

To keep the landscape and gardens growing well and quickly use a fertilizer designed for your location.  Many brands of fertilizer come custom and give you detailed plans on when and what fertilizers need to be applied during the season.  It is amazing but fertilizer is something that can be used year round and will increase the appeal of your landscape.

You can add some color in the spring and summer with annuals however this can turn costly if care is not sought. They do fill the gaps between shrubs and perennials.  Using a variety of annuals that range in height, color and style will add variety just be sure to use your resources wisely.  It really does not increase the value of your home in any manner so purchase wisely.

Landscaping is a fun way to express yourself with the exterior elements of your home.  It is important to remind yourself that landscaping works best when it flows naturally with the home’s exterior.  Think about it this way if you have an incredibly modern home with lots of white clean lines you don’t want a jungle in the yard.  The same thing is true for the opposite.  If you have an incredibly eclectic exterior a boxy, planned exterior does not really flow.

Bladerunners Landscape

Tips To Follow When It Comes To Landscaping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For many of us the term landscaping basically means we cut the lawn and pull the large weeds.  The yard is basically kept neat and is groomed but not obsessed about.  Others, like the neighbors, take things super seriously; making sure the grass is never cut in the same direction twice in a row.  Below are some basic landscaping tips to consider regarding your homes landscaping.

One tip is to not become overwhelmed.   If you are planning on working on the entire yard break it up into sections.  Work diligently on one section at a time until it is complete and then move on to another.  Not only does this approach make the yard less intimidating it also breaks the financial obligation down into manageable pieces.

Another convenient, cost friendly improvement to your landscaping is to install a drip system.  This allows a continuous flow of water to your plants.  Unlike a sprinkler system that hogs water and doesn’t tend to distribute the water in a steady flow to the plants roots.  Water drips are a great way to ensure the plants in your landscaping are being adequately watered and that the roots as well are getting nourishment.

Using Native plants in your landscaping effort help with the maintenance and effort that goes into having a beautiful space.  Native plants thrive in the specific climate and are less care than ones that need the climate adjusted for them to live happily.  Using native plants also lessens your watering as the level of watering that is takes them to stay beautiful is the same amount as the environment is naturally spilling out.

Plants are one way to add privacy to your yard.  Another way to add privacy and spruce up the landscape is with decorative fencing.  If you are looking to add elegance to your yard and landscaping design an automatic electronic gate with an access entry system adds class and really spruces up a yards appeal.  They can also easily incorporate climbing plants that make the gate and fence appear a natural part of the space.

Adding natural elements to your yard and landscape are nice ways to add interest.  Large boulders strategically placed in the yard can be turned into seating areas.  We have been known to use fallen trees to make benches and tables for quaint sitting areas.  We also took natural elements, stones, to build a unique fire pit.  The small side tables around the pit area to hold beverages are from tree trunks that we have dried out and sealed.  They are beautiful natural elements that add to the natural landscape instead of creating something artificial.

As you may know, landscaping can mean different things to different people. Some of those who landscape it view it as routine maintenance to their yard, while others may see it as an artistic process. Try a few of these tips. They will help you to make whatever you wish to do look amazing to you!

SAC Fence

Age In Place Remodeling Improves Upon The Quality Of Life For Seniors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As we age our bodies and the things we are able to do on our own change.  This is a natural part of aging.  It does often require some upfront planning to ensure the transition into our later years easier.  Age in place remodeling is one way to help retain confidence aging within one’s home environment.  Allowing barrier free living renovations to take place keeps you in control of the changing environment, your quality of life and the independence you desire.

Aging in place is a fairly new concept to remodeling.  It takes into consideration aging adults that are interested in maintaining their lifestyle and independence later in life.  Barrier free consultants can ensure a transition into the later years that is smooth and non-invasive.  Small tweaks and home improvements can keep you living on your own longer.  Even once support services are needed for certain tasks in life if you are still able to maintain the independence of living in your own home you are sure to feel better about the aging process.

Age in place remodeling is often less expensive than moving loved ones into retirement communities and care centers.  Many home health care services are offered with the convenience that having nursing on site brings but from the comfort of your own home.  These are things to look at when considering the future.  It is inevitable that we all get older.  How we handle moving forward with the process is what will keep us growing independently.

Waiting until the inevitable happens is not the best way to approach age in place living.  As we age our balance becomes a bit more unstable and our mobility a bit wobbly.  This requires changes to be made before we take a fall that can result in permanent damage to our aging bodies.  One important addition to a home has to do with the ability to enter and exit the home environment. Installation of a handicap ramp to ease the transition in and out can greatly benefit aging bodies.  Even if you are in a wheelchair or using a walker to help with mobility, wheelchair accessible ramps can alleviate the joint pain felt from stairs.

As your home is in need of repairs and renovations your should talk with an age in place specialist to figure out exactly what changes will make life easier on aging joints and slower abilities.  Kitchens and bathrooms are two areas that it is incredibly important to be able to navigate easily and without hindering knobs, levers, draw pulls and faucets.   The tub area is another place that needs to be able to freely gotten into and out of.  Ask for recommendations as to where to begin so that your home is not transformed into something unrecognizable.  You want to stay in your home because it is familiar.  Changes should be made that help make life easier not completely transform the home.

Your home age in place remodeling focus will center on entering, exiting and moving about the home.  Your everyday life will be made simpler and adding safety features will take on new level of priority.  You will find a variety of items that look and feel like ordinary home items but improved to ease the aging process.  Toilets are a few inches higher, tubs a bit wider and lights a bit brighter but all in and all it is still the comfort of home.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Improving Your Rankings With Up To Date SEO Techniques

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The world of online marketing continues to change weekly.  Search engine optimization techniques are constantly being changed to ensure that only natural efforts are recognized.  One thing can be said to be constant and true with SEO and that is that it is constantly evolving.  You must keep up with the trends in SEO to maximize your websites online presence.  One way that can help you achieve this is taking part in the variety of social media aspects that surround our current marketing efforts.

More tips for effective SEO:

  • Content Of Value:  It is important that your original website is filled with useful content and kept up to date.  Quality content is one way that helps search engine rank your site and build links.  One great way to keep the information on your site is to add quality content to an onsite blog.  This shows search engines that your site is being built upon weekly and that it is being kept fresh and the information viable.
  • Title Tags:  Title tags should not be viewed as a minor element to your website.  It is important that they are effective at describing the page in ten words or less.  The most effective title tags contain small, easy to understand words that are useful in telling visitors about the site page before even clicking into the page.
  • Performing Keywords:  Short keyword phrases that highlight what you hope to be known online for should be highlighted throughout the content, tags and META descriptions of your website.  The les general the term the more effective your search engine results will be.  For instance, if you are someone who specializes in handicap construction for the home a search for home improvement could send a number of visitors to your site but not seeking the specialized home improvements you specialize in.  Instead a good keyword phrase would be barrier free handicap ramps.  Anyone typing in this key phrase is looking exactly for you and not for a kitchen handyman which could come up if only using the phrase home improvements.
  • Build Quality Links: The one thing you don’t want is to build the links to your site in a manner that the search engines could contrive as unnatural.  It is important that the growth and linking of your site happens naturally.  It is not wise to take part in schemes that promise to have your site ranked within weeks.  Companies promising this probably use unnatural ranking techniques that give quick results which later disappear when the site has been black listed for using unfair ranking techniques.
  • Social Media:  As previously mentioned, participation in social media is not optional in today’s business world.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google plus are all musts.  It is not only important to have them but to use them and update them frequently.  Onsite blogs that are followed by other sites and people via their social media outlets also improve your search rankings.

Search engine optimization is a must for the survival and growth of your online presence.  Ranking well within top search engines will get increased traffic to your site.  The more targeted prospects are when they reach your site the more likely they are to need and want your product or service.  Keep up on target keywords to ensure you are maximizing this type of traffic while minimizing the general traffic to your site.  You want people visiting that are specifically looking for you.  With target keywords/phrases, improved content, quality title tags and social media success should be yours.

Creative Programs and Systems

Secrets To Keeping Your Roof Intact For Longer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How often to you look up to check out your home’s roof?  For me the answer is rarely.  Life is busy when I am outside I am playing with kids, jumping in the car to shuttle kids to sports or doing work in the yard.  Occasionally I glance up at the roof as I am pulling in after work but I never truly inspect the roof.  This is a mistake for sure.  I have learned that small damage left unnoticed takes something that could have been repaired simply into a new roof having to be installed.

A question I often ask is where do I start with maintaining my roof?  Finally when replacing my roof I decided I could take the opportunity to ask the professionals.  The roofing contractor explained that it is important for families to start by understanding that roof inspections were something that needed to occur two times a year.  The perfect times being the spring and fall seasons.

The first thing he told me to do was to grab a flashlight and head up into the attic area of the home.  From there I was to look for four basic things:

1)      The first thing I was looking for areas where the roof was sagging inward.  He said I would be able to visually see where the plywood was sagging.

2)      The next thing is to look for water damage and leaking throughout the interior of the roof.  Water for sure can cause issues that are expensive to fix, not only with your roof but ceilings and installation as well.

3)      Another thing to look for is dark spots, which could signal water had been there and dried.  Also trails of water where spots could have started leaking and been trickling down.

4)      Another thing to look from on the inside of the home is light peeking in.  This would signify a hole in the roofing materials.

The next step is to check the exterior of the roof.  It is important to pay attention to damage in the flashing, missing shingles, any shingles that are curled, buckled or rotted.  Here are some basics to pay particular attention to:

1)      Twice a year head up top on the roof to check visually for cracks in the roofing material, bald shingles or missing shingles as well.

2)      While you are on the roof scan the roof the roof lines for loose materials and wear around the chimney, vents and pipes.

3)      Check your gutters for extra granules from the composite shingling.  This is a sign of progressive wear.

It is so important that any signs of wear are immediately taken care of and repaired to avoid the need for total roof replacement.  Many roofing contractors will come out to your home access the extent of the damage and give the homeowner a written estimate to repair the roof and prevent further damage to the roof.  Just make sure to take in all of your options before committing to the expense of a new roof.  Many times even water damage can be repaired and prevented from happening again.  New roofs are expensive.  Make sure the roof you have has lived it’s life out to the fullest before investing in a new roof.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

Caring For Your Jewelry Purchases

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry is something that makes the hearts of most for women melt.  From that first special piece we were given to an upgrade in the diamond setting of our beloved wedding ring, jewelry is worn as an expression of ourselves.  When a women steps out wearing a cherished piece of jewelry there is not a person that sees her that does not notice a difference in the way she is carrying herself.  That is just what a cherished piece does.

It is important to care for your pieces to keep them looking pristine.  One thing to remember is to take pieces off when you are in water.  Be it swimming, washing dishes or babies water can damage sentimental pieces.  Chlorinated water, salt water and even soapy water can cause residue build up.  If you are interested in keeping the luster of your jewelry it is important to keep it out of water as much as possible.

Each material used in your jewelry collection needs to be cared for in a unique manner. Each metal and stone type uses a special cleanser.  A good jeweler will ensure you have proper care instructions when you purchase a new piece.  If you have any doubt on how to properly care for your pieces ask a professional jeweler.

Another good tip in retaining the natural presence of your jewelry is to clean the piece often with a damp cloth and then drying it with a dry soft cloth.  Steam and harsh chemicals will ruin jewelry so use caution and care when handling either.

When purchasing expensive pieces, such as an engagement ring or diamond bridal set, most professional jewelers offer bi-yearly examinations of your stones and pieces.  When they are examining the jewelry they will look for loose prongs, metal tarnishing and other flaws.  Many imperfection and flaws caught early enough can be repaired before damage becomes permanent.

Caring for your pieces is as equally important as actually purchasing them.  One important thing to remember when picking out a piece of jewelry is to think about the longevity of the style the piece offers.  If it is a trendier piece that will fall out of style quickly think about alternative materials that are easy to take care of and less expensive.  Silver copper are often great alternatives for purchasing trendy pieces.  Purchasing unique jewelry from artists is a way to get a piece that is unique without spending a ton.

Of course there are times when purchasing a unique piece that is classic and will withstand the test of time with care of course is called for.  One of these times is with the purchase of engagement and bridal jewelry.  These items should be purchased with the best possible materials and stones available within your budget. You need to examine the quality of the stone for a diamond engagement ring as well as the material of the metal part of the ring.

So much goes into the purchase and care of your jewelry.  Heirloom pieces are created without even knowing it.  Taking care of your pieces of jewelry today will make it an incredible piece to hand down for generations.

DaRoche Jewelers

Tips For Energy Savings For Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is so important to be comfortable within your home. With the temperatures reaching into the high nineties comfort has come from our central air conditioning unit.  The same is true when the temperatures dip into negative digits in the winter.  It is important for us to keep the temperature within our home constant to keep comfortable.  For us in the winter we are good at or above sixty-four and the summer seventy-four is just right.  There are some basic common sense tips we have implemented in our home to help us in this effort.

The first step in home heating and cooling efficiency is having a professional come in and evaluate your current furnace and air conditioning units.  Professionals come in and see that the units are truly energy efficient and might only recommend yearly maintenance to keep them tuned up and running smooth.  They also come in and explain if your system is outdated and could use an upgrade. It is important to take their advice.  An update heating and cooling system will save you money and increase the value of your home.

Additional Tips To Energy Savings:

  • It is important to use weather stripping to keep drafts at a minimum.  Adding weather stripping is a cheap and easy to install heating and cooling efficiency product.
  • The next tip is something we practice as our children are culprits of not shutting doors.  We have installed automatic door closers on all of the doors leading outside of our home.  This prevents us from yelling about the doors not being fully shut and keeps the kids out of trouble. I am sure this saves us several dollars a week, at least.
  • We have added blackout shades and room darkening blinds to door walls and windows.  This keeps the weather outside out and the inside temperatures in.  This makes a huge difference in the sleep we get without the sun peeking in our windows in the summer months as well.
  • In the winter months keep blankets handy.  Wrapping up and taking the chill out of your skin helps reduce the likely hood you will reach the furnace dial to turn the heat up.
  • Another tip I strongly suggest is to change the room’s temperature by one degree from what you would usually set it on.  Believe it or not this can save you as much as seven percent off the heating and cooling bill.
  • The location of your thermostat is important as well.  If your thermostat is in a very drafty space it will run even when other rooms in the house are at a decent temperature.
  • Another great tip for heating and cooling comes more from basic care of one’s self.  Don’t layer clothes on in the summer when you are cooling the house and the opposite is true in the winter.  It is not smart to walk around half dressed when you are trying to heat the home.  In the summer you can cool your body easily by jumping in the shower.  In the winter warm up with some cocoa or hot soup.  Trust me it really works!

 

Airtronic Heating and Cooling