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Selecting the best homeowner’s insurance for your needs is an essential step towards securing your future. However, the vast range of options available can often be overwhelming. Fear not, this guide is here to help simplify the process. Here are six top tips to help you navigate your way to the best homeowner’s insurance.

Understand What’s Covered

Before you begin shopping for homeowner’s insurance, it’s crucial to understand what a standard policy typically covers. Most policies offer protection for the structure of your home, personal property, liability protection, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril.

Know Your Home’s Value

To ensure your home is adequately covered, it’s essential to know its true value. This includes not only the market value but also the cost to rebuild it in case of total loss. Consult with a home contractor or a home replacement cost estimator to get an accurate figure.

Compare Different Providers

Don’t settle for the first insurance provider you come across. Each company has its pros and cons, and it’s essential to find one that fits your needs best. Compare different providers in terms of their coverage options, deductibles, premiums, customer service, and claim processing times.

Look Beyond Premiums

While it’s essential to find a policy that fits within your budget, the cheapest option may not provide the comprehensive coverage you need. Look beyond just the premiums and consider what the policy covers and doesn’t cover. Be sure to check the limits on coverage for certain types of personal property and look into additional coverages that might be necessary for your situation.

Review the Deductible

The deductible is the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Policies with higher deductibles often have lower premiums and vice versa. Choose a deductible that suits your financial situation. Remember, in the event of a claim, you’ll need to pay this amount, so make sure it’s something you can comfortably afford.

Consider Extra Coverage

Your standard homeowner’s insurance may not cover everything. For instance, flood and earthquake damage are typically not covered and require additional policies. Also, consider extra coverage for valuable items such as jewelry, art, or high-end electronics, which may exceed your personal property coverage limits.

Choosing the right homeowner’s insurance doesn’t have to be an arduous task. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision that safeguards your most significant investment—your home.

Insurance is a vital part of financial planning. It provides peace of mind knowing that your home is protected against unforeseen circumstances. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, the right insurance policy can make all the difference. For more information, don’t hesitate to visit our homepage or contact us. We’re here to guide you in choosing the insurance policy that fits your unique needs.

Running a successful business involves navigating an ever-changing landscape of risks. That’s where effective risk management comes in, and insurance plays a pivotal role in this process. Let’s delve into how insurance fits into your business’s risk management strategies.

Understanding Risk Management

Risk management is the process by which businesses identify, assess, and prioritize potential hazards. These could range from financial uncertainties, accidents, legal liabilities, to natural disasters. Once the risks are outlined, the business develops strategies to mitigate their potential impact.

The Importance of Insurance in Risk Management

Insurance is a cornerstone of risk management for several reasons:

• Transfer of Risk: Insurance allows your business to transfer risks to the insurance company. By paying premiums, you ensure that potential significant losses become manageable expenses, ensuring your business’s continuity even in the face of adversity.
• Legal Compliance: Many forms of insurance, such as workers’ compensation and auto insurance, are mandatory in most states. Adequate coverage ensures your business remains compliant with these laws, thereby avoiding legal complications.
• Business Credibility: Having appropriate insurance coverage boosts your business’s credibility. Clients, vendors, and stakeholders often find reassurance in knowing that your business is insured, thereby fostering trust.

Types of Insurance for Risk Management

Here are some common types of insurance that play a critical role in business risk management:

• Liability Insurance: Covers the costs related to liability claims, such as injuries or damages caused by your business operations or employees.
• Property Insurance: Protects your physical assets such as buildings, equipment, inventory against damages caused by perils like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
• Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical costs and lost wages if an employee gets injured or becomes ill due to their job.
• Cyber Insurance: In this digital age, cyber insurance is essential. It covers losses resulting from cyber-attacks, data breaches, or other cyber threats.

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Risk Management

Choosing the right insurance involves understanding your business’s unique risks. Assess your business operations to identify potential areas of vulnerability. Consult with an insurance advisor to understand the different insurance options available and how they align with your risk management strategy.

It’s also crucial to regularly review and update your insurance policies. As your business grows, so do your risks. Make sure your insurance coverage evolves to match your changing needs.

Leveraging Insurance for Effective Risk Management

In conclusion, insurance plays an indispensable role in your business’s risk management. It provides a safety net, ensuring your business can bounce back from unexpected events. A robust insurance strategy helps protect your business’s assets, reputation, and ultimately, its bottom line.

To get a comprehensive understanding of the various insurance policies that your business may need, feel free to visit our homepage or contact us. We can help you chart your course through the complex world of insurance, ensuring that your business is adequately protected against potential risks.

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to remember the importance of wearing sunscreen. Not only does sunscreen protect against painful sunburns, but it also helps prevent long-term damage to your skin, such as premature aging and skin cancer. In this blog post, we’ll explore why you should always wear sunscreen and provide tips on how to protect your skin.

Tip #1: Protect Against UV Rays

Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause damage to your skin cells. UV rays can penetrate the skin, causing damage that may not be visible for years. By wearing sunscreen, you can protect against these damaging rays and help prevent skin cancer.

Tip #2: Prevent Premature Aging

Exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. By wearing sunscreen regularly, you can help prevent these signs of aging and keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.

Tip #3: Use the Right SPF

When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to use the right SPF for your skin type and the level of sun exposure. Most experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

Tip #4: Protect Your Whole Body

When applying sunscreen, don’t forget to protect all parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. This includes your face, neck, arms, legs, and even your ears and scalp. Consider wearing a hat or protective clothing for added protection.

Tip #5: Make Sunscreen a Daily Habit

Sunscreen should be a daily habit, even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your face and any other exposed areas every day, even if you’re not planning to spend time outdoors.

In conclusion, wearing sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. By following these tips, you can keep your skin healthy and prevent long-term damage. Remember to choose the right SPF, protect your whole body, and make sunscreen a daily habit. Your skin will thank you for it!

If you’re like many Americans, you may have a 401(k) savings plan through your employer. But do you know how to use it effectively to save for your retirement? In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of 401(k) plans and provide tips on how to make the most of your savings.

What is a 401(k) Savings Plan?

A 401(k) savings plan is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. It allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to the plan on a pre-tax basis. The contributions are invested in a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The goal of a 401(k) plan is to help you save for retirement while taking advantage of tax benefits.

How Much Should You Contribute?

The amount you should contribute to your 401(k) plan depends on your individual financial situation. Financial experts generally recommend contributing at least 10% to 15% of your salary to your retirement savings. However, if you’re just starting out or have other financial obligations, it’s okay to contribute less at first and gradually increase your contributions over time.

Choosing the Right Investments

Most 401(k) plans offer a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. It’s important to choose investments that align with your long-term retirement goals and risk tolerance. Consider working with a financial advisor or using online resources to help you choose the right investments for your portfolio.

Take Advantage of Employer

Matching Many employers offer a matching contribution to your 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage of your salary. This is essentially free money that you can use to boost your retirement savings. Make sure you’re contributing enough to take full advantage of your employer’s matching contribution.

Avoid Early Withdrawals

While it may be tempting to dip into your 401(k) savings early, it’s important to avoid doing so if possible. Withdrawing money from your 401(k) plan before age 59 1/2 can result in hefty penalties and taxes. Instead, consider alternative options like a loan or hardship withdrawal as a last resort.

In conclusion, a 401(k) savings plan is an important tool to help you save for your retirement. By contributing regularly, choosing the right investments, and taking advantage of employer matching, you can make the most of your savings. Remember to avoid early withdrawals and seek professional advice if needed. With a little effort and planning, you can build a solid retirement savings plan for your future.

In a world where unpredictability is the only constant, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to manage their risk. One area that is often overlooked is the arena of accounts receivable. The question that we need to answer is – Do businesses need accounts receivable insurance? Let’s delve into this topic and understand its importance.

What Is Accounts Receivable Insurance?

Accounts receivable insurance is a form of coverage that protects businesses against losses due to customer non-payment. As businesses extend credit to their customers, they assume the risk that customers might not pay for goods or services. With accounts receivable insurance, businesses can safeguard themselves from potential defaults and manage their financial risk better.

Why Should You Consider Accounts Receivable Insurance?

Protection Against Bad Debts

In an ideal world, all your clients would pay their invoices on time. However, the reality is different. Businesses may encounter customers who default on their payments, which can significantly impact the company’s cash flow. With accounts receivable insurance, such losses can be mitigated, ensuring your business continuity.

Enhanced Business Relationships

With the protection of accounts receivable insurance, you can extend more credit to your customers without worrying about defaults. This not only can enhance your business relationships but also help grow your business by attracting more clients.

Improved Access to Financing

Accounts receivable insurance can be an asset when negotiating with banks for loans or credit lines. Banks often view insured receivables as more secure assets, which can improve your business’s borrowing capacity.

Determining If Your Business Needs Accounts Receivable Insurance

While accounts receivable insurance offers many benefits, it may not be necessary for all businesses. Here are a few factors to consider:

 Size of Accounts Receivable

If your business has a large number of receivables, accounts receivable insurance could be a prudent choice. The higher the receivables, the more significant the impact of a default on your business.

Customer Creditworthiness

If your customers have a history of late payments or have questionable creditworthiness, accounts receivable insurance can help manage the risk associated with extending credit to such customers.

Economic Climate

In unstable economic times, the likelihood of customer defaults may increase. Accounts receivable insurance can provide protection against this elevated risk.

Making the Right Decision

Like any insurance, accounts receivable insurance is about managing risk. If the risk of customer non-payment poses a significant threat to your business’s financial health, it might be a good time to consider this type of insurance. However, it’s essential to evaluate your specific situation and discuss with an insurance professional before making a decision.

Remember that the goal of any insurance product, including accounts receivable insurance, is to provide peace of mind and financial stability. If these are the outcomes your business seeks, accounts receivable insurance might just be what you need.

Visit our homepage for more information on various insurance products that can benefit your business.

Most people perceive life insurance as a financial safety net for their loved ones after they pass away. While this is undoubtedly a significant aspect of life insurance, it’s not the whole picture. Many insurance policies offer what are known as “living benefits,” which allow you to tap into your life insurance while you’re still alive. In this article, we’ll explore the ways you can use your life insurance during your lifetime.

What Are Living Benefits?

Living benefits are features included in certain life insurance policies that allow the policyholder to access a portion of the death benefit under specific circumstances while they’re still living. These circumstances can include being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness or needing long-term care.

Types of Living Benefits

There are several types of living benefits you can avail of, depending on the specifics of your life insurance policy.

Accelerated Death Benefits

Accelerated death benefits (ADB) allow you to receive a portion of your death benefit early if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness with a limited life expectancy, typically 12 months or less. This benefit can be used to cover medical expenses, pay for care, or simply to enjoy your remaining time without financial stress.

Chronic Illness Riders

If you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness that significantly limits your ability to perform everyday activities, a chronic illness rider lets you access your death benefit while still alive. This can help cover the costs of treatment and long-term care.

Long-term Care Riders

Similar to the chronic illness rider, the long-term care rider allows you to use your death benefit to pay for long-term care services. This could include nursing home care, home health care, or assisted living expenses.

Using Cash Value in Life Insurance

If your life insurance is a permanent policy like whole or universal life insurance, it likely has a cash value component. This is a savings account that grows over time and can be accessed during your lifetime.

Withdrawals

You can withdraw a portion of your cash value, which won’t need to be paid back. However, it will reduce your death benefit.

Loans

You can take out a loan against the cash value of your policy. Any outstanding loan balance (loan amount plus interest) will be deducted from the death benefit when the policyholder dies.

Surrender

You can surrender the policy entirely and receive the cash value, minus any surrender charges. However, this will terminate your policy, and you will no longer have life insurance coverage.

Life Settlement

A life settlement involves selling your life insurance policy to a third-party investor for more than its cash value but less than its net death benefit. While this option can provide a significant payout, it’s crucial to consider the potential implications, including tax consequences and the loss of your death benefit.

In conclusion, life insurance can serve as more than just a death benefit for your beneficiaries. Living benefits and cash value components can provide financial support during challenging times or even serve as a financial resource during your lifetime. It’s crucial to understand these aspects of your life insurance policy to fully leverage its benefits. For more information on life insurance and how to maximize its benefits, feel free to visit our homepage or contact us.

Remember, your life insurance policy is a dynamic tool – don’t hesitate to use it when you need it the most.

Summertime brings warmth, fun, and a chance to get back into shape. But, getting physically fit isn’t just about working out—it’s also about taking care of your health and ensuring you’re protected. That’s where the beauty of having a good health insurance plan comes in.

Embrace the outdoors!

Don’t let potential risks hold you back. The season of sunny skies and blossoming landscapes is the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, swimming, or playing a friendly game of soccer. These fun activities can contribute to your fitness, boost your mood, and are often covered by your health insurance plan if any injury occurs.

Good health is a journey, not a destination

Getting fit doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process. Health insurance is your ally during this journey, taking care of your routine check-ups and preventive care, such as screenings and immunizations. A little effort now can prevent serious health issues down the line.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Insured

Just as you would ensure you’re well-hydrated during the summer, make sure your health insurance coverage is adequate too. Regular check-ups, preventive care, vaccinations, prescription medications, and even nutritional advice are often covered by health insurance. A fit body needs proper fueling and regular maintenance—health insurance helps provide that.

Beat the heat, not your budget

Falling ill can drain your energy and your wallet. But with health insurance, you can mitigate those costs. By taking care of the financial aspects of your healthcare, you can focus on getting back to your summer fitness routines sooner.

Tips to keep in mind

To make the most out of your summer fitness goals, remember the following tips:

1. Stay active: Keep moving and try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in your day.
2. Eat right: Balance is key. Make sure you’re getting the right amount of nutrients to fuel your activities.
3. Rest: Good sleep is crucial for recovery and maintaining your energy levels.
4. Check your coverage: Before diving headfirst into a new fitness routine, make sure your health insurance covers any unforeseen circumstances.

Embrace the sun, but don’t forget your health insurance!

Remember, health insurance is an integral part of being physically fit. This summer, aim for a healthier you, and let your health insurance handle the rest. Make the most of the season, and don’t forget to enjoy every bit of your fitness journey!

Happy summer and stay fit!

As the temperatures begin to rise, it can be tempting to take long drives with the windows down or plan vacations to other cities and states. But is your car protected and prepared for more hours spent on the roads? By doing a tune-up on your car, and ensuring your auto insurance is updated, you can feel confident and safe as you drive into Spring. Here are five reasons why you should check in with your car and insurance this season. 

Safety

Winter weather can place your car under more stress, especially as it has to work harder to get you where you need to go. Cold spells can cause reduced tire pressure, but if you filled your tires up in winter, they may actually expand too much in warmer temperatures. This puts you at risk of a tire blow-out, which can cause fatal accidents if occurring at high speeds. As you drive long distances in the heat, your transmission can also begin to wear down.  

It is not only hardware to keep in mind either – fluids and filters also affect safety. Check your windshield wiper fluid to keep the blades moving in a rain shower, and have your mechanic regularly change your air filters, which can fill up with pollen and cause your engine to overheat. 

Performance

Have you woken up after a peaceful night of sleep and noticed how much energy you have? Just as you feel better when you have taken care of your body’s needs, your car will also perform better when you take it to your mechanic for a seasonal tune-up. Performance-related services to consider include an oil change, tire rotation, transmission check, A/C check, battery test, and thorough review of all hoses and fittings.  

If your mechanic finds something that needs repairs, it is ideal to fix the concern early. By choosing to wait, the issue could become worse or cause other parts to malfunction. You will ultimately save yourself money long-term by spending a small amount for a tune-up, rather than needing to spend thousands to fix a costly safety repair. Keep your car in great condition inside and out so that your drive can be pleasant and protected. 

Cost

While a full tune-up may cost anywhere between $50 to $200 or more, this service can help prevent extremely costly repairs. Even if you make a claim with your auto insurance to assist with the work, this could still increase your monthly premium. 

In addition to the costs associated with potential large-scale repairs, you can also save on fuel expenses by conducting an engine tune-up. When your car’s engine is poorly tuned or incorrectly adjusted for the current weather conditions, your vehicle may burn more fuel than is truly necessary.  

Conducting your Spring tune-up is also a good reminder that it is time to review your car insurance policy as well. Speak with your agent to stay updated on the best coverage for your driving habits and needs. 

When it comes to planning your retirement, a lot of agents will highly recommend that you invest in a permanent life insurance policy. In truth, this may not be the best move for you. The permanent life insurance policy is intended for individuals who have obtained a net worth of at least $11.7 million threshold as of 2021, in which federal estate taxes will kick in after death. Most individuals looking into a life insurance policy while planning for retirement should consider buying a simple term life policy with a death benefit and investment in any other disposable income in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. 

Organize an Emergency Fund 

Building an emergency fund is the first way to put savings from term life insurance to work. This emergency fund should be equal to three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Having this emergency fund is crucial to help cover any big, unexpected bills that may come along. With those potential obstacles curved by the emergency fund, you will now confidently be able to keep regular retirement contributions on track. Did you know that disability insurance can help protect your income (and retirement savings) if you are unable to work? 

Invest in Long-Term Disability Insurance 

We just mentioned that disability insurance can help protect your income, including your retirement savings if you cannot work. Disability insurance has the main focus of replacing lost income if the individual cannot work. When it comes to life insurance, many people may have some form of disability coverage as an employee benefit, but that doesn’t always mean it is a great benefit. One other form of disability insurance is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), although the benefits are modest and can be difficult to qualify for. One last alternative is acquiring a disability policy from private insurers. There are a variety of life insurance policies out there such as an own-occupation and an any-occupation policy. An own-occupation policy covers someone who can no longer work in their previous field due to a disability, while an any-occupation policy covers someone who can no longer work at all. 

Your Funds Always Have a Home 

The end goal in mind is reaching retirement with a comfortable insurance policy and funds. If you are already planning for your retirement, a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a traditional or Roth IRA is usually recommended by financial advisors. This is also assuming that you are meeting the income limits are other requirements set by these two IRAs.  Another potential way to increase your retirement funding is by maxing out your 401(k) or a plan that is similar at your place of work if you aren’t already doing so. If you are unable to qualify for these types of accounts, don’t worry as you can always look into investing outside of a retirement account with the lack of tax benefits. One last option for you could be an index fund from a mutual fund company or brokerage firm. 

If you have any questions or need more information on preparing yourself to plan for retirement, contact your local agent today.  

When looking into insurance for your business, one coverage you will often see is general liability. Now, what makes it general liability is the vast amount of items it covers in the policy, which we will cover a bit later. To emphasize why general liability policies are recommended for businesses, both big and small, the average cost of a slip and fall claim is around $20,000! Not to mention the cost of a reputational harm lawsuit! That can cost you around $50,000 and without any general liability on your side, and that’s all cash out of pocket. Let’s review what exactly general liability covers, doesn’t cover, and who really needs it.  

Who Actually Needs General Liability? 

Every business owner – yes, really! As we briefly mentioned above, lawsuits and injury claims cause cost your business a pretty penny if they are served in your place of business. Now, many states don’t actually require that you carry general liability insurance, but it is always highly recommended that you have it because if you don’t, you expose your business to financial risks. If you are looking to collaborate with other businesses, they may reject the opportunity if you do not have the minimum coverage under your belt. Those who need general liability meet these criteria, among others: 

• Have a store, office or building that’s open to the public, clients or vendors 
• Handle or work near client property 
• Advertise or create marketing materials for your business 
• Use social media personally or professionally 

What Does It Cover? 

It’s commonplace to see liability claims during a business’ operations. As we talked about earlier, these claims can be a costly expense for your business, especially if you own a small business. Below we’ve compiled a list of coverages that are typically included in general liability.  

• Bodily Injury (Employee or Customer) 
• Property Damage 
• Advertising Injury 
• Copyright Infringement 
• Reputational Harm (Slander) 

What Isn’t Covered 

There are a few scenarios in which your general liability will not cover you. In these instances, you will need to purchase additional liability insurance policies for more specific situations. There are multiple other policies that you may consider adding to your current coverage: 

• Professional Liability 
• Worker’s Compensation 
• Product Liability 
• Umbrella Insurance  
• Errors and Omissions 

Are you in need of adding liability insurance to your list of coverages? If so, reach out to your local insurance agent to get started on protecting yourself from all the potential liabilities out there.  

Having the right home insurance policy will protect your home and belongings, and additionally, cover your liability exposure from owning a home. You are probably aware of the typical events that home insurance covers, such as vandalism, fires, fallen trees, wind damage, or even lightning strikes. However, not all natural events are covered by all home insurance policies – many policies do not cover losses in the event of an earthquake or flood, meaning the policyholder would need to seek additional insurance to be fully protected. While it is best to consult your insurance agent to see your coverage, here are five surprising things you might not know your home insurance covers. 

Identity Theft 

One surprising event that is covered by your home insurance policy is identity theft. Many home insurance policies allow reimbursement for the costs of identity theft, such as lost wages or legal fees. Please note that this type of coverage is not guaranteed in all policies, so check with your agent to see if you are covered. 

Property of College Kids 

If your children have grown up and moved off to college, their property may still be protected under your home insurance policy. Policies typically cover anyone living in your household, as well as children under the age of 24, meaning your college-aged child may still be protected. It is important to note that the liability limit for students’ property may be lower, and not all policies cover off-campus housing. If this is a major concern, consider adding renter’s insurance to guarantee total protection. 

Mandatory Home Upgrades 

If there is legislation passed that requires you to make changes or improvements to your home, the cost of those changes is typically covered by your home insurance policy. There are usually limits to this type of coverage, so check with your agent to see the specific coverage your policy offers. 

Harm Caused by Pets 

Another surprising thing that is frequently covered by home insurance is medical expenses incurred from something such as your dog biting someone. However, many policies have a limit of $300,000 for medical expenses, so talk to your agent to see if you need to supplement your policy with additional protection.  

Riots/Civil Unrest 

Many home insurance policies provide you with protection for your home and personal property in the event of civil unrest, frequently referred to in the insurance world as “civil commotion.” Events such as fire, vandalism, or even explosions are typically covered. If the damage is done during a time not officially declared as a state of emergency, it is important to obtain a police report to submit when you file your claim. 

While you might not have thought these five things would be covered by your home insurance policy, there are many other surprising events that your policy is likely to cover. To see exactly what your policy covers, or if you need supplemental insurance to fully protect yourself, contact your local insurance agent today. 

We all know that sugar is not good for our bodies, but the scary repercussions do not seem to be fully realized when we look at American culture. Many of our holidays revolve around food, and, particularly and not coincidentally, processed and refined foods such as candy. Americans love candy and purchase around twenty-four pounds of candy per person, per year, ingesting the most around Halloween.

Americans, we have a problem.

Too much sugar is poisonous for our bodies. Sugar overworks the liver and pancreas and causes inflammation. It directly and indirectly leads to a wide array of health problems, from tooth decay and obesity to heart disease and diabetes. Removing sugar from your diet can even lower your chances of suffering from the worst symptoms and conditions from Covid-19.

In a study on the effects of sugar on heart health published in 2014, “people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar.”

So we know it is bad, but there are important questions that remain: How much is too much and how do we change?

How much is too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “on average, sugar makes up 17% of what children consume each day,” way more than what the Food Pyramid suggests. It isn’t feasible for us to track our sugar using a pyramid graph, but there are more reasonable ways we can monitor and evaluate our sugar consumption.

Nutrition labels have continuously improved over the years in containing a wealth of info that should not be ignored. The American Heart Association recommends you look to this label and keep your daily intake to under twenty-five grams (or six teaspoons) for women and under 36 grams (or nine teaspoons) for men.

What to do about it.

Of course, there’s an app for that, but we can’t expect ourselves to digitally track sugar intake for every member in our home. One of the easiest ways to monitor is to limit and even cut sugary foods in their entirety from the shopping list.

Who is in charge of the shopping and meal preparations? Start here. Limit or remove foods that contain refined sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup, listed on the labels. Replace sugary drinks, which is the main way children consume sugar, with healthier options such as milk and water. Begin this healthy overhaul before the food even enters your home.

Don’t be a total killjoy, especially around the holidays, but do be conscientious of what is going into your and your children’s bodies. Don’t leave candy lying in plain view – out of sight, out of mind, right? Impose limits on daily sugar intake that follow the guidelines for children (25 grams per day for children 2 and older) and for adults, especially if you have dietary restrictions for a health condition.

Other ways are to choose healthier options. Insider ranked almost two dozen fan-favorite candies from worst to best (Smarties are “best”). Whole fruits and low- to no-calorie sweeteners are another, healthier way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Most importantly, be mindful of what goes into your body, and if you buy the groceries, pay mind to those who look to you for guidance on living a healthy lifestyle. There are many resources around you. Ask your doctor, dentist, and even your insurance agent about these resources to cut costs and improve your dental, health, and life insurance plans. Heeding advice now will have more rewards than a king-size candy bar can offer! Your health is invaluable – treat it that way.