Category: Uncategorized


  • gift cards

    How to Get More Out of Your Gift Card

    Gift cards are the rage these days. They’re easy to buy. And they give the receiver the freedom to get whatever they choose from the vendor. But there are terms and conditions that come with each card. It’s a good idea that when you give the card, you give these terms and conditions to the […]

    September 21, 2020

  • power of attorney

    I’ve Been Appointed Power of Attorney…Now What?

    Have you or someone you know been appointed a power of attorney? If so, you probably have questions. What’s your role as an agent? What is a fiduciary who manages money or property for another person? We went to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to get some answers. First off, we aren’t attorneys, so […]

    September 14, 2020

  • save home energy

    Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home

    You can be saving money on energy at home year round: heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Not only that but helping the country save on the resources needed for energy. But what are easy ways that anyone can implement no matter when your home was built or how large it […]

    September 8, 2020

  • New York State RealID

    Get Your NYS REAL ID Before Air Travel Returns to Normal

    On March 26, 2020 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the enforcement deadline for REAL ID. Instead of October 1, 2020 it’s now October 1, 2021. What is the REAL ID? Back in 2005 Congress passed the REAL ID Act. It was based on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations for stricter standards on sources of […]

    August 31, 2020

  • antique electric car

    Electric Cars Today…And in the 1890s!

    How many electric vehicles are on the road in the United States? According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), as of March of 2019, more than 1.18 million. And total sales for 2018 were up 81% compared to 2017. The top sellers were: Tesla Model 3 Chevrolet Volt Tesla Model S Nissan LEAF Toyota Prius […]

    August 24, 2020

  • health fraud

    Health Fraud: What’s in that Snake Oil?

    The COVID-19 crisis has everyone talking about what’s good for our health. And what’s not so good. We’ll stay away from the politics of the current situation, but all of this has us thinking. What is health fraud? How do you protect yourself against health products that aren’t as good as their sales pitch? What […]

    August 18, 2020

  • home insurance loss

    Home Insurance Loss Stats for Winning Front Porch Discussions

    What percentage of insured homes actually have claims? What is the most frequent cause of loss? What is the most severe loss usually suffered by homeowners? With this year’s great summer weather, we’ll bet you’re spending time relaxing with family and friends on the front porch. What if your lively discussion turns to insurance? You’ll […]

    August 10, 2020

  • cashless tolls nys thruway

    Thruway’s Cashless Tolls Coming to Utica, Westmoreland, Herkimer

    E-Z Pass on the New York State Thruway has been around a long time. Since August 3, 1993 to be exact. By early 1997 it was installed at every on- ramp and exit. That’s on 426 miles of road from New York City to Buffalo. Now the Thruway Authority is going a step further. They’re […]

    August 4, 2020

  • homeowners insurance on business equipment

    My Company’s Computer Burned in a Fire at Home: Am I Covered?

    We have the feeling that working from home will become standard for many businesses even after the COVID-19 shutdown. And employees are starting to understand the advantages: No commute, saving time with less stress. Opportunity for exercise during breaks. More productive work as interruptions from other employees eliminated. For employers it’s: Saving rent expense with […]

    July 27, 2020

  • important personal papers

    Where is that Social Security Card? Grab the Red File

    How many times have you had to search for your Social Security card? A birth certificate? A marriage license? Probably not very often. That’s why these important papers are usually tucked away in various files and boxes. Then stored in the usual place in your home… “somewhere.” But occasionally things come up where you need […]

    July 21, 2020