7:02 and I just walked in the door. It has been a long time since I did a dinner table meeting at a client’s home. On the way home I thought a lot about salesmanship. I thought about all the old clichés about what it means to be a salesman.
I thought about all the books I have read over the years, the movies like Tin Men, or Match Stick Men, or even Death of A Salesmen. I tried to think about what normal people think of salesmen. I couldn’t really think of anything positive that a normal person would generally think about a salesman. Add to that I am an insurance salesman, which to most people ranks right up there with the stereo typical used car salesmen and it is really hard to think about myself or classify myself as a salesmen, yet a salesmen I am.
But then I saved myself. I thought about the meeting I just left. I thought about the process I went through on behalf of my new client, and her family. I had meet with an older client, and her children this was our second meeting where I was proposing solutions to the family’s financial issues.
I had taken the time over the years to study and master financial planning, taxes, business planning, estate planning, and yes insurance. Some would say I paid the price, or my dues, but I would say I am a life time learner, reader, and of late audio book listener.
The first meeting I learned all the details about the family’s current estate and financial plan. They said they didn’t have one when they asked for my help about a month ago. But several years ago, 20 to 30 wow, I can’t remember when exactly I had learned that everyone has a plan, they just may not be able to articulate it, or have a plan they are doing on purpose. Ie… they stumbled into their current state of being, financially or otherwise. In any event they were really concerned about having enough money to care for their mother, deal with taxes, and then pass on what is left to the kids, and grand children.
This is all pretty basic stuff, and easy to plan for? I use a question mark here although it is basic and easy to create a plan, the vast majority of families I have worked with seem to just not have a plan. Which is why I guess I get referred to so many families that need some help.
After gathering the information, I put together a plan using simple guaranteed fixed annuities. One set for the qualified money, and one set for the non qualified money, leaving some in a basic CD which will be owned by the family trust.
So this 71 year old now will be able to take $4,000 a month from qualified money for exactly 16 years based on a 5.5% return. (For those with a financial background you should be able to figure the principle from the numbers I just gave you)… Hint, hint, if you can’t then you may not be a financial planner!
Then by 87 years old the balance of the non qualified assets (also placed in an annuity) will have more than doubled increasing her total net worth by over 23% as compared to what it was today. All the money left is now non qualified which pass nicely to the heirs as compared to qualified monies. (It is always interesting to me that most people chose to save their IRA’s until they have to take the money and spend their savings down, which basically disinherits their heirs because of the income tax affects).
What was really fun was that the kids all my age or older thought that their mom needed to get returns of 12% or more to have enough to live on, and pass on the assets to the family. This was a major concern of the parent, wanting to leave an inheritance.
So I thought about what it means to be salesmen. It means a commitment to lifelong learning, listening to what our clients want to accomplish, gathering the facts about where they are, where they want to go. Then taking all the information applying all the knowledge I have, organizing it, proving it, compiling it, finally putting it into a proposal that is first correct, then easy to understand and follow, backed up by undisputable third party proof, tax, and mathematical facts that any CPA, or Estate Attorney cannot refute.
As I left tonight a family had a plan and was happy there CPA had told them to call me last month.
Why You Must Learn All About Annuties
New market report reveals annuity critics are often biased and incorrect in their perceptions of annuities within retirement planning
First I would like to say that in over 30 years as an insurance agent and broker, not one of my clients has lost even 1 cent of their retirement money they invested in fixed annuities. Not one cent. The average return using one of my clients I did the retirement planning for 27 years ago has been just over 6%. When they come to my office they bring the original proposal I did for them all those years ago, and are elated that they have more money in their plan, than I had projected they would have.
I have wondered why people take risks with their financial plans, when without risk they can achieve their objectives! Don’t take my word for it! Here is what this one client had to say about the work I did for their family. I have lots more to share with you!
“We have been a client of Grant Davis for almost 27 years now. Years ago Grant helped us set up our retirement plan using Annuities. This week we reviewed our account values with Grant and compared them to the projected values Grant had done for us years ago when we started saving for retirement. We have more money in our account than Grant said we would have. And Never Risked A Cent! If you are like us, and want a good return without market risk I would recommend talking to Grant about your retirement plans, or anything to do with saving money securely.”
Manual & Janie Corriea, Turlock, CA
While annuities have played an integral role in retirement planning throughout most of the last century, a new report reveals that the average consumer is now ten times more likely to read information designed to discourage annuities rather than endorse them.
The market study completed by Annuities Institute included the analysis of more than 500 popular
Consumer articles on financial planning and annuities.
From the review, 93 percent of the documents researched contained inaccurate and damaging assessments of how annuities work within retirement plans.
The Annuities Institute research included compiling the most common misconceptions published on annuities, and then sharing them with professional planning advisors and retirement specialists nationally. Their comments and input were then compared against consumer satisfaction surveys sampled from a base of more than $500 billion of annuities sold to consumers between 2001 and 2005. Among the top negative press strategies and fallacies recorded:
Myth #1: Every Annuity Is a Variable Annuity
Very often, the risk properties of the variable annuity are incorrectly referenced on behalf of all types of annuities, undermining consumer knowledge and confidence in non-security-based investments such as fixed and immediate annuities. The strength and security of these annuities are not based on stock market performance however, and offer guarantees through fixed minimum interest rates and future protection against loss of principal and earnings.
Myth #2: Your Insurance Agent Isn’t Qualified to Offer Financial Planning
Some investment managers will diminish the value of annuities on the grounds that the insurance
Representative does not need a securities license to provide investment advice. A securities license is only needed, however, when selling speculative investments where the potential for loss exists. Many insurance providers focus on fixed and indexed annuities for retirement where loss to principal and earnings is not an option for their clients. They also undergo continual training and professional courses year-round to improve their knowledge.
Myth #3: Fixed Annuities Will Never Outperform Inflation
The fixed annuity offers security in knowing you are guaranteed a set interest rate over a specific period of time, and is often used to give long-term investments more growth return and tax advantages over CDs. Some investment advisors are against fixed annuities because of their perception of future inflation. They feel that some risk must be taken to grow savings to maximize personal wealth. For investors who cannot afford to lose any of their life savings, though, risk should never be a substitute for long-term planning and new income generation.
Myth #4: Annuities Are All About Penalties and Surrender Charges
Like the 401(k) and IRA, the annuity takes advantage of special legislation passed by Congress that provides incentives for individuals to save more money for their retirement. The long-term savings approach allows annuity providers to offer higher interest rates, guaranteed security, tax-deferred accumulation, and positive planning benefits for tax and distribution planning. No one would typically write negative articles about how an IRA or 401(k) incurs unnecessary penalties for accessing money before age 59 ½. Annuities are designed to provide long-term security, and the knowledge that a lifetime of savings will not be diminished due to unforeseen factors.
Myth #5: Commission-Based Planners Must Be Biased
It wasn’t all that long ago that fee-based planning was created by financial firms to ease client fears of non-objectivity. Their goal was to maximize medium-term earnings and residual income, while having more control over client investments. Ironically, many within that field do not even actively represent or sell fixed, indexed or immediate annuities for retirement purposes, even when safety and risk tolerances A frequent caveat found within tips on how to qualify your financial advisor is to automatically disregard anyone who ever recommends an annuity within an IRA. The exception to this, of course, is when safety is paramount and loss to principal is not an option, and the annuity offers a higher rate of return than other forms of investment. Many fixed and indexed annuities outperform other non-security investments while removing risk to principal and savings.
Myth #6: Only Deal with Big Names You Are Familiar With
While people typically gravitate toward big companies with names that are instantly familiar, brand visibility doesn’t automatically mean the best rates, service and performance. Restrictive affiliations and objective advice do not normally go hand-in-hand, as it can limit the guidance you receive for key financial decisions. Make sure the planner you select is not restricted in the advice and recommendations they can make to you.
Myth #7: Only Deal with Registered Investment Advisers
Some of the criticism of annuities comes from professional asset managers who earn their commission as a percentage of the total money they manage and keep at risk for growth. Many of them often forget that every investor is not after great wealth within the stock market, and too often seniors are talked into placing their money in vehicles that could instantly reduce their life savings. There is a significant difference between the professional investor who wants to aggressively grow their million-dollar portfolio, and the retiree with $150,000 that will likely need every dollar and more to get through their retirement without outliving their savings.
Myth #8: Indexed Annuities Are Often Sold Inappropriately
The opinion of many stockbrokers is that indexed annuities are often sold inappropriately to seniors, as they limit the total earnings an investor can receive during upswings in market performance. The indexed annuity was purposely created, though, as a hybrid investment that combines the growth potential of the stock market with the safety features of a fixed annuity. While potential upsides may be capped at 7 percent to 12 percent, an investor never has to worry about losing their life savings, and typically has several options by which to guarantee minimum interest rates paid regardless of performance. As far as suitability goes, according to consumer data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in 2004 equity indexed annuities reached sales of $23.3 billion, with only 38 closed complaints nationally, or $614 million of sales for each complaint received.
First I would like to say that in over 30 years as an insurance agent and broker, not one of my clients has lost even 1 cent of their retirement money they invested in fixed annuities. Not one cent. The average return using one of my clients I did the retirement planning for 27 years ago has been just over 6%. When they come to my office they bring the original proposal I did for them all those years ago, and are elated that they have more money in their plan, than I had projected they would have.
I have wondered why people take risks with their financial plans, when without risk they can achieve their objectives! Don’t take my word for it! Here is what this one client had to say about the work I did for their family. I have lots more to share with you!
“We have been a client of Grant Davis for almost 27 years now. Years ago Grant helped us set up our retirement plan using Annuities. This week we reviewed our account values with Grant and compared them to the projected values Grant had done for us years ago when we started saving for retirement. We have more money in our account than Grant said we would have. And Never Risked A Cent! If you are like us, and want a good return without market risk I would recommend talking to Grant about your retirement plans, or anything to do with saving money securely.”
Manual & Janie Corriea, Turlock, CA
While annuities have played an integral role in retirement planning throughout most of the last century, a new report reveals that the average consumer is now ten times more likely to read information designed to discourage annuities rather than endorse them.
The market study completed by Annuities Institute included the analysis of more than 500 popular
Consumer articles on financial planning and annuities.
From the review, 93 percent of the documents researched contained inaccurate and damaging assessments of how annuities work within retirement plans.
The Annuities Institute research included compiling the most common misconceptions published on annuities, and then sharing them with professional planning advisors and retirement specialists nationally. Their comments and input were then compared against consumer satisfaction surveys sampled from a base of more than $500 billion of annuities sold to consumers between 2001 and 2005. Among the top negative press strategies and fallacies recorded:
Myth #1: Every Annuity Is a Variable Annuity
Very often, the risk properties of the variable annuity are incorrectly referenced on behalf of all types of annuities, undermining consumer knowledge and confidence in non-security-based investments such as fixed and immediate annuities. The strength and security of these annuities are not based on stock market performance however, and offer guarantees through fixed minimum interest rates and future protection against loss of principal and earnings.
Myth #2: Your Insurance Agent Isn’t Qualified to Offer Financial Planning
Some investment managers will diminish the value of annuities on the grounds that the insurance
Representative does not need a securities license to provide investment advice. A securities license is only needed, however, when selling speculative investments where the potential for loss exists. Many insurance providers focus on fixed and indexed annuities for retirement where loss to principal and earnings is not an option for their clients. They also undergo continual training and professional courses year-round to improve their knowledge.
Myth #3: Fixed Annuities Will Never Outperform Inflation
The fixed annuity offers security in knowing you are guaranteed a set interest rate over a specific period of time, and is often used to give long-term investments more growth return and tax advantages over CDs. Some investment advisors are against fixed annuities because of their perception of future inflation. They feel that some risk must be taken to grow savings to maximize personal wealth. For investors who cannot afford to lose any of their life savings, though, risk should never be a substitute for long-term planning and new income generation.
Myth #4: Annuities Are All About Penalties and Surrender Charges
Like the 401(k) and IRA, the annuity takes advantage of special legislation passed by Congress that provides incentives for individuals to save more money for their retirement. The long-term savings approach allows annuity providers to offer higher interest rates, guaranteed security, tax-deferred accumulation, and positive planning benefits for tax and distribution planning. No one would typically write negative articles about how an IRA or 401(k) incurs unnecessary penalties for accessing money before age 59 ½. Annuities are designed to provide long-term security, and the knowledge that a lifetime of savings will not be diminished due to unforeseen factors.
Myth #5: Commission-Based Planners Must Be Biased
It wasn’t all that long ago that fee-based planning was created by financial firms to ease client fears of non-objectivity. Their goal was to maximize medium-term earnings and residual income, while having more control over client investments. Ironically, many within that field do not even actively represent or sell fixed, indexed or immediate annuities for retirement purposes, even when safety and risk tolerances A frequent caveat found within tips on how to qualify your financial advisor is to automatically disregard anyone who ever recommends an annuity within an IRA. The exception to this, of course, is when safety is paramount and loss to principal is not an option, and the annuity offers a higher rate of return than other forms of investment. Many fixed and indexed annuities outperform other non-security investments while removing risk to principal and savings.
Myth #6: Only Deal with Big Names You Are Familiar With
While people typically gravitate toward big companies with names that are instantly familiar, brand visibility doesn’t automatically mean the best rates, service and performance. Restrictive affiliations and objective advice do not normally go hand-in-hand, as it can limit the guidance you receive for key financial decisions. Make sure the planner you select is not restricted in the advice and recommendations they can make to you.
Myth #7: Only Deal with Registered Investment Advisers
Some of the criticism of annuities comes from professional asset managers who earn their commission as a percentage of the total money they manage and keep at risk for growth. Many of them often forget that every investor is not after great wealth within the stock market, and too often seniors are talked into placing their money in vehicles that could instantly reduce their life savings. There is a significant difference between the professional investor who wants to aggressively grow their million-dollar portfolio, and the retiree with $150,000 that will likely need every dollar and more to get through their retirement without outliving their savings.
Myth #8: Indexed Annuities Are Often Sold Inappropriately
The opinion of many stockbrokers is that indexed annuities are often sold inappropriately to seniors, as they limit the total earnings an investor can receive during upswings in market performance. The indexed annuity was purposely created, though, as a hybrid investment that combines the growth potential of the stock market with the safety features of a fixed annuity. While potential upsides may be capped at 7 percent to 12 percent, an investor never has to worry about losing their life savings, and typically has several options by which to guarantee minimum interest rates paid regardless of performance. As far as suitability goes, according to consumer data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in 2004 equity indexed annuities reached sales of $23.3 billion, with only 38 closed complaints nationally, or $614 million of sales for each complaint received.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
In a culture where litigation is commonplace, business owners have so many more worries than making profits and retaining top employees. For instance, if a business’s product injures a consumer, the organization could face a devastating lawsuit, exponential damages and a ruined reputation within the marketplace.
To assist with the financial burden of a claim, many business owners are electing to purchase Commercial Umbrella Insurance on top of their standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance policies. An aggregate limit is established on most CGL policies that, once exhausted, will not cover any other excess claims.
An easy way to understand how quickly a claim can exceed the first $1,000,000 of coverage is to consider a person that is 35 years old, earning $30,000 a year. If that person is injured and cannot work as a result of your business activities or your employee’s activities the loss of income between 35 and 65 would be $900,000 alone. Not to mention pain, suffering etc... The amount grows to $3-$4,000,000 quickly. A higher wage earner grows even faster.
Although this blog is about commercial umbrella coverage it is important to point out that more family owned businesses are lost because of personal activities such as personal car accidents that because of business liability claims. Your GDI broker can help you coordinate a personal umbrella to cover your personal activities and those of you family members which you are responsible for.
Purpose of Commercial Umbrella Coverage
Umbrella coverage is designed to protect an organization against monumental liability claims that can demolish a business through a large financial judgment. Typically, an umbrella policy serves the following purposes:
1. Provides coverage for potential damages and court defense courts that exceed underlying insurance policies (typically CGL policies).
2. Provides coverage in situations that are not covered by underlying insurance policies but are not excluded from the umbrella policy. This benefit is subject to a self-insured retention (SIR), similar to a deductible, in which the policy holder is responsible for losses up to the SIR amount.
3. Applies to claims where the aggregate limit of the underlying policy has been met. The umbrella policy will cover the portion of the claim that cannot be paid with the underlying policy because there are not enough funds available in the policy to cover the entire claim. For instance, if at the time of a claim, your CGL policy has $500,000 remaining and the claim in question is $1.5 million, then the CGL policy will cover $500,000 and then the umbrella policy will cover the remaining $1 million.
Coverage Details
A typical Commercial Umbrella Insurance policy has the following features:
1. Offers coverage for the following: worldwide; personal injury; blanket contractual liability protection; care, custody and control; non-owned aircraft liability; watercraft liability; advertisers liability; liquor law liability and XCU liability.
2. Offers an extension of insurance protection for additional insured’s.
3. Policies are “following form” in which they abide by similar provisions and cover similar losses as the underlying policy. If claims are not covered by an underlying policy, the umbrella policy makes the business responsible for the loss (if the loss exceeds SIR limits). The damage must also involve personal injury, property damage or advertising injury.
4. The insurer has the right to investigate all claims not covered by any underlying insurance.
5. Policies cover all individuals or parties that gain insured status within the contract. Policies also protect an organization’s executive officers, regular employees, directors and stockholders acting on behalf of the organization. Protection for additional insured’s in typically excluded when claims involve motorized vehicles, watercrafts and aircrafts.
To assist with the financial burden of a claim, many business owners are electing to purchase Commercial Umbrella Insurance on top of their standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance policies. An aggregate limit is established on most CGL policies that, once exhausted, will not cover any other excess claims.
An easy way to understand how quickly a claim can exceed the first $1,000,000 of coverage is to consider a person that is 35 years old, earning $30,000 a year. If that person is injured and cannot work as a result of your business activities or your employee’s activities the loss of income between 35 and 65 would be $900,000 alone. Not to mention pain, suffering etc... The amount grows to $3-$4,000,000 quickly. A higher wage earner grows even faster.
Although this blog is about commercial umbrella coverage it is important to point out that more family owned businesses are lost because of personal activities such as personal car accidents that because of business liability claims. Your GDI broker can help you coordinate a personal umbrella to cover your personal activities and those of you family members which you are responsible for.
Purpose of Commercial Umbrella Coverage
Umbrella coverage is designed to protect an organization against monumental liability claims that can demolish a business through a large financial judgment. Typically, an umbrella policy serves the following purposes:
1. Provides coverage for potential damages and court defense courts that exceed underlying insurance policies (typically CGL policies).
2. Provides coverage in situations that are not covered by underlying insurance policies but are not excluded from the umbrella policy. This benefit is subject to a self-insured retention (SIR), similar to a deductible, in which the policy holder is responsible for losses up to the SIR amount.
3. Applies to claims where the aggregate limit of the underlying policy has been met. The umbrella policy will cover the portion of the claim that cannot be paid with the underlying policy because there are not enough funds available in the policy to cover the entire claim. For instance, if at the time of a claim, your CGL policy has $500,000 remaining and the claim in question is $1.5 million, then the CGL policy will cover $500,000 and then the umbrella policy will cover the remaining $1 million.
Coverage Details
A typical Commercial Umbrella Insurance policy has the following features:
1. Offers coverage for the following: worldwide; personal injury; blanket contractual liability protection; care, custody and control; non-owned aircraft liability; watercraft liability; advertisers liability; liquor law liability and XCU liability.
2. Offers an extension of insurance protection for additional insured’s.
3. Policies are “following form” in which they abide by similar provisions and cover similar losses as the underlying policy. If claims are not covered by an underlying policy, the umbrella policy makes the business responsible for the loss (if the loss exceeds SIR limits). The damage must also involve personal injury, property damage or advertising injury.
4. The insurer has the right to investigate all claims not covered by any underlying insurance.
5. Policies cover all individuals or parties that gain insured status within the contract. Policies also protect an organization’s executive officers, regular employees, directors and stockholders acting on behalf of the organization. Protection for additional insured’s in typically excluded when claims involve motorized vehicles, watercrafts and aircrafts.
The Magic of Presentation Binders.
About a month ago I met with a new suspect that owned a large plumbing outfit. I spent a few minutes talking about misc things and asked to take a look at his current insurance policies. He didn’t want to show them to me. So I explained that I was applying for the job as his insurance broker and had to review his current policies to make sure his coverage was in order etc… He wasn’t very interested in doing things my way so I told him thanks for the time and if ever I could help him please give me a call. I remember him being offended that I didn’t want to “quote” his insurance policies.. After all he was paying over $350,000 a year in insurance premiums and had 6 other brokers working on his insurance as we speak.
This morning at his sunrise rotary meeting while I was still asleep he spoke with one of my clients, and told my client what an idiot I was.
When I got to work this morning I had a message asking if he might have an hour of my time this afternoon at 3 pm to discuss his insurance. I happened to have the time so I said sure ‘why not”….
I made my presentation to him, his CFO, Controller and for some odd reason his CPA was there as well as his shop foreman…?
About 45 minutes into the hour I was stopped, and the owner of this company gave me his apologies for not letting me help him a month ago, and asked if there was still time for me to step in…. Sure… He then told me he owned a catering business and a few restaurants and could I handle those for him? Sure.. and he said and to make it up to you I would like to call the owner of the pool company I just sold he could use your help… A few minutes latter and I am speaking with the pool company owner who is also saying he is sorry but he can only let me handle his group health insurance right now, but would I still offer him the service he heard about until the rest of his insurance was able to be moved to me? Sure.. .so tomorrow I will b o r over another $43,000 a month group health account with the owners apologies that it couldn’t be more right now and his promise that I will be the only broker he works with from now on!
Turns out that this morning at the sunrise rotary meeting I became the topic of discussion. It started with a plumbing company owner saying I was an idiot. To which a client of mine explained to him what I had done for his company…. As the discussion progressed the pool company owner and a few other business owners (whom I just got the names from my client this evening to contact when I have time… if they don’t call me.) joined in….
There is a lot more to this story… but suffice it to say within 24 hours for my 3 pm meeting today I will have added over $1,000,000 in new premium!
This is unsolicited… but you have to get to Chicago in OCT.. as you are the only ones I will be sharing this proposal with… Other than my cluster…. I am only sharing it with QC out of a sense of obligation to say thank you to Michael, and because I vetoed all my local competitors. This is hundred, if not thousands of hours of work product, condensed into a 45 minute presentation…. Way in front of the curve and my competitors’!
Letter to the Governor requesting aid for homeless shelter.
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,
As you are acutely aware, this is a time of economic stress for many of our communities. As a small businessman living and working in Turlock, California, I see many people struggle, not just to pay a mortgage, recover stock losses, or even buy a new car. Turlock, like other communities, is home to those without the means to even rent a humble apartment, or put food on a table. My family and I have seen the increasing numbers of homeless in our community and are dumbfounded by the lack of resolve to do something for those in the most need.
Governor, as you may know, several years ago the city of Turlock asked HUD for money to buy and remodel a homeless shelter. HUD granted the cities request and gave Turlock several million dollars to buy and rehab a homeless shelter. In May 2005, Turlock bought an old warehouse in an industrial area for the homeless shelter paying $350,000 with money it received from HUD.
In February 2006, Turlock voted on a plan to build the shelter. The council approved option B of the plans dated January 5, 2006. In June 2006, the city put a halt to building the shelter and spent $70,000 looking at other sites to for the shelter. Several months ago the city of Turlock said that the homeless shelter should be “privatized” as the city doesn’t want to be in the homeless business. Senator, this is nearly 4 years after applying for and receiving a HUD grant to construct a homeless facility. As a businessman in our community, I at first followed the story with pride in my community for stepping up to the plate, then with increasing frustration as politicians studied and restudied solutions to a homeless challenge that has not abated.
Out of my frustration, I determined that with a comprehensive business plan and sound management, a shelter in Turlock operate to the benefit of the community and those who would be served by services provided, i.e. our homeless neighbors. I began outreach to other community programs to enlist their aid in supporting this endeavor.
In January of this year, my family stepped up to the plate to offer to buy the shelter from Turlock. As part of our proposal, we asked to be able to use some of the HUD money to bring the shelter up to code in preparation for services and temporary shelter. The city ignored the offer and embarked on another round of studies and appraisals.
The city counsel also asked if the building could just be used as a warehouse to hold items for use with low-income families to meet HUD requirements for use and not trigger a requirement for the city to repay the original grant.
As I woke to the freezing fog that blankets our valley I found myself wondering how the city can legitimately use a homeless grant to get federal money then not use those resources for its intended purpose. I wondered what would happen to an average person talked a government agency into granting money and I simply did what I wanted with it.
As I look over a budget for the shelter from January 25, 2006 I see millions of dollars from RDA and CDBG funds listed with account numbers holding them. I wonder where that money is now 3 years latter. Since it wasn’t used for the homeless shelter we need to get an accounting for these funds and ensure that they are put to their proper use.
When I last was in front of the city council, they urged that the shelter be run by private citizens. When I proposed a business plan and offered to get the shelter on a solid footing, my proposal was not even considered. So, I am left wondering what happened with the original grants and their resolve to enlist private citizens to step in to operate a shelter in Turlock. With so much HUD money theoretically given by HUD for this purpose, it is critical that we get an accounting of the resources and begin to implement a common sense plan to use the money for its noble intended purpose.
I am writing to ask that you request an audit of the HUD grants to the city of Turlock so that we can understand how the money is being used. This will be a critical step forward to putting together a common sense solution so that we can step up as a community to serve the homeless living in Turlock and our surrounding communities.
We the people are willing to do the work. We just need our officials in Turlock to account for the project, allow private citizens to rally around the project and get it finished so we can do important work.
Thank You
President
801 Geer Rd, Turlock, CA 95380
888-991-2929
Texting While Driving: Don't Even Think About it
Today as I was driving down the streat the light turned red and the car to my left ran through the light. I saw them comming fast in my rear view mirror, and looked as they passed by. The driver was young and text messaging, or dialing her phone as she past me, never noticing the light had changed.
To avoid a ticket and a potentially dangerous accident, do not use your cell phone in any capacity while driving. If you must make a phone call or text, pull off the road safely and then do so.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), for every two seconds that a driver's eyes stray away from the road, he/she is twice as likely to have an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also claims that driver inattention is the leading contributing factor in most crashes or near-miss accidents in the United States.
Of all crashes, 80 percent (and 65 percent of near-crashes) involve driver inattention within a three-second window of the incident. The moral of the story: when motorists change radio stations, try to read maps or talk on cell phones, they are putting themselves and others at risk.
The latest danger to hit the roadways in recent years is texting while driving. AAA claims that texting requires a motorist's full attention, which obviously affects their attention to the road. This is a concern not just for normal motorists; many occupational drivers have been involved in roadway crashes that have taken the lives of others. These drivers were texting while driving on the job. Here are some examples:
- A Boston trolley driver missed a red light while texting his girlfriend and smashed into another trolley. This accident injured 50 people.
- A Florida truck driver killed two young women when he hit their vehicle because he was texting.
- An attorney in Nevada rolled his company-issued SUV because he failed to pay attention due to texting.
The Proof is in the Pudding!Texting is one of the most prevalent causes of roadway crashes because drivers are so distracted by the messages on the screen and typing a response message back on the keypad. Consider this: would you let a doctor operate on you if he/she was going to text every minute or so during the procedure?
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Identity Theft Update
Incidents of identity theft continue to rise and many consumers assume this is because of the increase of computer technology as well as the increased use of consumer credit cards and debit cards. Although technology is one way that identity thieves can steal your financial information, there are also less obvious ways that you might not think of on a daily basis.
With this in mind, I thought I would share some helpful tips for making sure you protect yourself and your personal information!
Tip 1: Be Careful With Your Mail - Although it seems most convenient to drop mail in your home mailbox, it is best to go ahead and run by the post office to drop it in a safe place. Most homeowners don't consider that identity thieves might steal your personal information right out of your mailbox, especially bills being sent in for payment. These usually have a check attached, along with all your personal information!
Tip 2: No Personal Information Over the Phone - This seems obvious, but many consumers will inadvertently give out personal information to a caller who identifies themselves as your financial institution or credit card company. Remember that they will never call you and ask for information. They will only ask if you call them!
Tip 3: Don't Carry Your Social Security Card - There is rarely an occasion where you will need your social security card, yet many people carry theirs in plain sight in a wallet or purse. An identity theft can easily have a driver's license or other personal information ordered in your name is they have your SS card.
Tip 4: Never Carry or Write Down Passwords - We have all begun to feel safe, and even complacent, about our financial information because they are now password protected. Writing down those passwords takes away that safety though. Only uses passwords that you can remember by memory, otherwise this takes away the point of the password. Don't use obvious passwords that a thief could figure out from reviewing your personal records.
Tip 5: Lock Up Your Personal Affects - Whether you are at work or a gym don't trust that just because you seem friendly, familiar faces your personal information is safe. Unfortunately, many employees have had their entire wallet stolen from a co-worker while they were at lunch.
Hopefully you can make use of these tips to keep your personal information protected and your financial assets in place!
Contact your GDI Broker for assistance.
888-991-2929
www.GDIinsurance.com
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