You’ve got to have homeowners insurance, but how do you save money?

Carla Hill, writing for Realty Times, has 7 tips on saving money in her article,

Tips for Lowing Your Homeowners Insurance Bill

In today's economy, every penny counts. How can you lower the cost of your homeowners insurance? Here are a few helpful tips.

1. Bundling: Many companies offer discounts for customers who buy multiple policies, such as your car, boat, and home insurance.

2. Deductibles: If you can afford a bit more of a financial burden should something happen at your home, then consider raising your deductible. This can easily save you on monthly costs.

3. Buy Early: You must obtain insurance in order to close your sale. Give yourself plenty of time for price comparisons and to ensure you'll have coverage in time for the sale.

4. It Never Hurts to Ask: Be sure to ask your insurer what discounts they have available. Certain groups and associations you may hold membership in receive discounts on their insurance!

5. Right Amount: Homeowners insurance is in effect to cover the replacement cost of items and structures on your property. This cost is, however, not the market value.

6. Safety Discounts: Many times installing safety extras such as smoke detectors and alarm systems can reduce your monthly bill!

7. Good Credit: Did you know that your credit score can affect your rates? According to Yahoo! Business & Finance, "In general, people with low credit scores and problems on their credit report end up paying more for insurance than people who don't have those kinds of issues in their lives."

And be sure to review your policy each year before renewal time to be sure that you policy still accurately coverages your property. Have you made changes or modifications that would require more or less coverage? Do all or even a few of these tips and you could see your insurance bill decrease!

For your next title order or

if you have questions about what you see here, contact

Stephen M. Flatow, Esq.

Stephen's Title Agency, LLC

165 Passaic Avenue, Suite 101

Fairfield, NJ 07004

Tel 973-227-4724 - Fax 973-556-1628

E-mail Stephenstitle AT comcast.net - www.stephenstitle.com

Thinking of a savings account? FDIC and NCUA insurance important considerations

There's one thing that we should remember when it comes to opening a savings account or any type of bank account - deposit insurance.

Here's an informative article from E-Wisdom.com that you should find helpful.

"Consumers may consider a number of options when picking a new savings account, including its yield and fees, especially as new federal regulations cause banks to look for different ways to make up losses.

"A recent report from U.S. News and World Report Money's Jim Wang noted there are a number of factors consumers may consider when looking at a new savings account.

"The first thing they should check is if the banking institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Credit unions should have backing from the National Credit Union Administration.

"FDIC and NCUA insurance protect up to $250,000 per depositor and if a financial institution doesn't have that protection, pass on it," Wang wrote. "There's no reason why you should put your savings in a bank that isn't insured."

"Interest rates are another factor, and banks may offer a promotional period that lasts a set amount of time. Wang said consumers should make sure the "post-teaser" level is comparable to other offers.

"Potential fees also present a concern and these charges may be connected to how much money is in an account. Some savings accounts, for example, require that a specified minimum balance be maintained to avoid a monthly fee."

Go to the website- FDIC and NCUA insurance important when considering savings accounts

For your next title order or

if you have questions about what you see here, contact

Stephen M. Flatow, Esq.

Stephen's Title Agency, LLC

165 Passaic Avenue, Suite 101

Fairfield, NJ 07004

Tel 973-227-4724 - Fax 973-556-1628

E-mail Stephenstitle AT comcast.net - www.stephenstitle.com

Have an insurance claim? Watch what you say.

 According to The New York Times blog, bucks, how you speak to your insurance company may affect the way you avoid getting off on the wrong foot with the handling of your claim.

According to the latest tip of the month from United Policyholders, a nonprofit group focused on educating consumers about insurance, certain words set off alarm bells among insurance representatives, who often automatically think “excluded” and delay or deny your claim when they hear those words. And, the group says, those particular words may not even adequately describe your situation.

What words to avoid?  When it comes to your house, flood and mold head the list.

Read the full report.

If you have questions about what you see here, contact 

Stephen M. Flatow 

Stephen's Title Agency, LLC 

StephensTitle@comcast.net 

973-556-1628 Fax