My homeowner’s insurance is to be renewed in September. I am reviewing my State Farm policy (have had insurance home and auto with them some 30 years) and do not understand much about it at all. How do I buy homeowner’s insurance? How do I know the company is reliable? Any tips? Where can I go to check on various companies? What do I need to watch for?
-Leslie, California
Before you look into renewing your policy with the same company, take some time to reevaluate things. Have you made any additions to your home that would increase the amount of coverage you need? Do you have a floater (extra insurance for items in your home that aren’t covered by your standard policy) on your policy that’s irrelevant now?
You’ll also want to check and see if you’re eligible for any discounts with your current company before you decide to stay with your current provider or switch. Because you’ve had both your homeowners insurance and auto insurance with the same company for so many years I would say that you’re on track for a discount, if you’re not getting one already. Companies will often offer a discount for having both your auto and homeowners insurance with the same company. They’re also likely to knock a percentage off your premium for being loyal for a significant number of years. These discounts can be anywhere from 5-15%.
If you’ve put in a call to your provider and you don’t like the price you’d be paying if you renewed, do some shopping around. Sites like insure.com and insurance.com provide More…
The Money Mom
There are few things I like more than a challenge. Just ask my husband who heard me take the cable company to task the other night. (Suffice it to say when the Phillies game wasn’t coming in — again — despite the fact that we paid for the MLB package and the cable company wanted me to give them a three hour window for an appointment, I was having none of it. They are coming Sunday. At 8 a.m.)
Having Erin Chase, the mom behind the popular blog 5DollarDinners.com on my radio show yesterday felt like just that. A challenge. Could I make a dinner for four for $5 or less? Chase explained that her system involves couponing (natch) but also loading up on proteins, the most expensive component of most dinners, when they’re on sale. When boneless chicken breasts are $1.99 a pound, you don’t just buy a single pack, you buy four. Ditto ground beef. Italian sausage. Whatever your family likes. The freezer is your friend.
The whole conversation reminded me of my childhood. My dad was a college professor. My mom substitute taught. We had enough money but we certainly didn’t have a lot. And so my mother was a queen of inexpensive delicious meals. I don’t remember the entire rotation, but I remember a lot of it. Tuna and macaroni night. Chuck steaks that marinated the entire day. Rigatoni with meat sauce. My favorite — though — was Spaghetti and Clams.
Thanks to the canned clams, it’s a $5 dinner I make to this day. Enjoy.
Elaine’s Spaghetti and Clams
1 lb spaghetti or linguini
2 cans clams with the juice
1/4 cup oil (olive preferable)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 T parsley (if dried), big handful of chopped (if fresh)
red pepper flakes to taste
salt to taste
1/2 cup white wine or vermouth (whatever you have)
parmesan cheese optional
Cook the spaghetti. While it’s cooking, in a large skillet, heat oil, add garlic and cook until light brown. Add clams with More…
Have a financial situation that’s in need of repair? If you live in the New York City area and you’d like to join me in September on the Today show for a mini-money-makeover, send me an email (with a description of your financial emergency) by clicking here.
Tomorrow, financial advisor and author Ric Edelman and Jean team up to talk finance and answer your money questions. Tune in at 12pm EDT to XM 156 or SIRIUS 195.
Watch the video below for answers to your questions about real estate investing, life insurance, and those rising credit card interest rates.
I was able to catch up with Bethenny and Carlos after his show for a quick photo. During her segment, Bethenny talked about how she saves money by buying seasonal food-not seasonal clothes and shopping on Ebay…sounds like good money-sense to me!
Growing up today can be challenging-but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. In “The Double Daring Book for Girls,” the follow up to their bestselling “The Daring Book for Girls,” Miriam Peskowitz and Andrea Buchanan teach readers how to do everything from how to organize a croquet tournament to how to surf. Join Jean (at 12pm EDT to SIRIUS Channel 195 or XM Channel 156) as she talks with the authors about creative ways that girls can have fun in today’s world.
I joined Carlos Watson on his MSNBC show this morning to talk to Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz about the Obama administration’s hotly-debated plans for health care. Watch the video below:
Tomorrow, celebrity chef and The Real Housewives of New York City cast member Bethenny Frankel joins Jean to talk about her bestseller “Naturally Thin,” and teach Jean and listeners how to make her “Skinnygirl Margaritas.” Tune in at 12pm EDT to SIRIUS Channel 195 or XM Channel 156.
When it comes to being successful, resilience and grace are key. Join Jean on Monday (SIRIUS Channel 195 or XM Channel 156 at 12pm EDT) as she sits down to talk with Kristen Armstrong, ex-wife of famed cyclist Lance Armstrong, to discuss her newest book “Work in Progress.”
