3 traps business owners fall into when choosing insurance

Many small businesses rush to buy insurance policies because they think that doing so is an obligation or that they need the money to pay it. Unfortunately, many of these business owners fall into the traps that some insurance policies create. Here are three common pitfalls that you may encounter when choosing insurance policies.

It is natural for people to think about insurance in order to have protection for many different aspects of their lives. For instance, auto insurance to protect you from a collision on the way to work, home insurance to protect your house from damage and theft, and life insurance to provide for your family. Yet, behind these normal needs hide some dark secrets that could mislead non-experienced insurance takers.

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Expensive premiums on your car insurance

Why do insurance companies always ask you to pay a very expensive premium for what they offer? Not every insurance company is the same; rather, each company has its own distinct customer base.

It is common for premiums to soar in the market place for no reason, but it is not always true that you are exactly the type of customer that insurers are looking for. Loyalty to an insurance company is only effective when you are precisely the type of customer they can care for. Otherwise, it can be a good idea to shop around for an insurer whose cover matches your needs and your budget.

Other factors that can influence your auto insurance premiums:

  • A sudden change of address, as some locations may be deemed less secure for car owners, and therefore, your insurance will increase premiums.

  • Adding your teenager to your insurance policy.

  • Increased mileage or cross-state travel.

  • History of insurance claims or accidents.

Ineffective home insurance cover

The main problem when it comes to finding the right insurance for your home is that you need to understand the potential risks that can threaten your property. Failure to understand those risks means that you could pay a lot for insurance cover that doesn’t actually protect you when you need it.

These problems are some of the most common things people report when they are attempting to find the best home insurance.

  • Not understanding which DIY work is policy authorized, and cause damage accidentally that is outside the scope of the policy.

  • High-value belongings are not covered by the home insurance.

  • They have been forced to delay home improvement works to keep the cost of the home insurance policy low.

  • They didn’t know that some events, such as natural disasters, required additional purchases for adequate protection.

Inadequate life insurance

In the event that you die, having a life insurance policy that covers all of the assets you own protects you. For businesses, it is crucial to have life insurance policies that will help you and your family pay bills if you die. But you may find it difficult to make the right decision when it comes to buying a policy:

  • Not knowing the difference between a whole life policy and a term life policy and how they affect your family.

  • Accidentally choosing an unnecessarily high amount of coverage, which means you pay high premiums, but your family may never need the full amount.

  • If you have standing debts, not altering the policy coverage to reflect that financial situation.

  • Thinking that life insurance is only for old people and postponing it.

Finding insurance coverage that suits your needs is tricky, because many business owners have a lot of assets that need to be protected, including their property, their income and the value of their vehicles. Experts such as the Engarde Financial Group in Pittsburg can provide dedicated insurance advice to help you find the right cover for all your needs.

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What Are Svago Zero-Gravity Recliners?What Are Svago Zero-Gravity Recliners?

Svago zero-gravity recliners are a type of high-end recliner chair designed to provide a weightless and relaxing experience. The weightlessness that astronauts experience in space is replicated by these seats, allowing users to feel totally supported and at ease.  Modern technology is used by Svago zero gravity recliners to change the chair`s position to one where the feet are raised above the heart. This position aids in improving circulation, releasing muscle tension, and relieving strain on the spine.

Zero-Gravity
A variety of massage settings are available in Svago recliners in addition to the zero-gravity feature. They have a massage system that uses airbags and rollers to give the back, hips, legs, and feet a deep tissue massage. The options for massage settings available to users include kneading, rolling, and tapping. Svago zero gravity recliners are meant to last since they are constructed with premium materials. They come in a range of colors and designs to accommodate various tastes and home decor philosophies. 

Svago Style & Comfort
Svago zero gravity recliners are an opulent and comfortable way to unwind and ease discomfort and tension in your muscles. For anyone wishing to enhance their general health and wellness, they are a terrific purchase thanks to their cutting-edge technology and variety of massage alternatives.

Where Can I Buy Svago Recliners?
Svago Zero Gravity recliners can be purchased from various retailers both online and in-store. Some popular online retailers that carry the Svago Newton & Svago ZGR SV395 recliners include Amazon, Wayfair, and The Modern Back. Svago also has a store locator on their website where customers can find local retailers that carry their products. Additionally, some furniture stores may carry Svago recliners as well.

Food Poisoning in the District: Protecting Yourself and Your RightsFood Poisoning in the District: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Washington, DC, renowned for its vibrant food scene and diverse culinary offerings, attracts food lovers worldwide. From upscale Georgetown eateries to the food trucks near the National Mall, the city offers a smorgasbord of dining experiences. However, with this culinary abundance comes the potential risk of food poisoning. 

Understanding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Common culprits include salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and norovirus. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe illness, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Dehydration

The risk of encountering improperly handled food increases in DC, where the fast-paced lifestyle often leads to quick meals and takeout. The District’s Department of Health (DOH) inspects and regulates food establishments. In 2023, the DOH conducted over 5,000 inspections, with about 15% resulting in critical violations that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Popular areas like Adams Morgan, H Street, and the Wharf have seen a surge in new restaurants, increasing the workload for food safety inspectors. While exciting for foodies, this growth underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.

Preventing Food Poisoning

To reduce your risk of food poisoning in DC, check restaurant inspection scores on the DOH website before dining out. Be cautious with high-risk foods like raw oysters, especially during warmer months. Ensure hot foods are served hot and cold foods are kept cold. When you doubt a food’s safety, don’t hesitate to ask questions or send it back.

If you suspect food poisoning:

  • Seek medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
  • Stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.
  • Report the incident to the DC DOH by calling 311 or using their online portal.
  • Keep any leftover food for potential testing.
  • Document your illness, including symptoms, timeline, and any medical care received.

Legal Recourse: Suing for Food Poisoning in DC

In cases of severe food poisoning or significant financial loss due to medical bills and lost wages, you may consider legal action. Here’s what you need to know about suing for food poisoning in Washington, DC:

  • Burden of Proof: You must demonstrate that the food you consumed was contaminated and directly caused your illness. This can be challenging without proper documentation or lab tests.
  • Statute of Limitations: In DC, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, which includes food poisoning cases.
  • Possible Damages: You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
  • Class Action Potential: In cases of widespread outbreaks, such as the 2020 incident involving a popular chain restaurant in Dupont Circle, victims might join a class-action lawsuit.
  • Legal Representation: Consider consulting with an attorney experienced in food safety cases. Many DC law firms specialize in this area of personal injury law.

Food poisoning isn’t just a personal health issue; it affects the entire community. Outbreaks can damage DC’s reputation as a culinary destination and impact the local economy. By staying informed and taking appropriate action when necessary, we all contribute to maintaining high food safety standards in our city.

While Washington, DC’s food scene is a source of pride and enjoyment, it’s crucial to remain aware of the risks associated with foodborne illnesses. By taking preventive measures, knowing your rights, and understanding the legal options available, you can fully enjoy the culinary delights of the District while protecting your health and well-being. Food safety is a shared responsibility between consumers, food establishments, and regulatory bodies. Together, we can ensure that DC remains a safe and delicious dining place.

OASDI Limit 2024 Update: MaximizeOASDI Limit 2024 Update: Maximize

Last year, we saw a significant shift that rattled the foundations of Social Security contributions. This year is no different; 2024 brings another wave as the oasdi limit 2024 climbs higher than ever before.

You’ve heard whispers at work about it or seen headlines flash across your screen. It’s time to get a clear picture because this change isn’t just news—it directly impacts how much you’ll pay into Social Security and what your future benefits might look like.

I’m peeling back the layers on these new rules so you can see exactly how they play out in real dollars and cents for both employees and employers alike. Stick around—knowing this could make all the difference when planning for retirement or crunching payroll numbers.

Understanding the OASDI Limit in 2024

The OASDI limit, which affects your paycheck by deducting a portion of it for Social Security taxes, is an impactful part of the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program. For those scratching their heads, let me break it down: The Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program caps how much of your income can be taxed for Social Security each year. And guess what? In 2024 this cap is jumping up to $168,600.

What is the OASDI Limit?

The OASDI limit, or social security wage base, acts like a ceiling on earnings subject to that familiar social security tax we all love to hate. It’s like saying “You only have to pay up until here; after that enjoy your hard-earned money.” This isn’t just an arbitrary number though—it’s pegged to average wages which means when we’re all making more dough on average, Uncle Sam adjusts his slice of our pie accordingly.

This leads us into why this matters: if you earn under $168,600 in 2024 (which most people do), every dollar earns its own little shadow called FICA—yep that pesky payroll tax—but if you soar above that amount? Well then congratulations high-flyer. Your additional income gets off scot-free from these particular taxes.

Calculating Your Contributions

You might now wonder how they decide who pays what. So let’s get down with some math fun—you contribute a steady rate of 6.2% towards social security taxes from each paycheck until your earnings hit that sweet spot—the wage base limit ($168,600). Once there however it stops even if salary keeps climbing because there’s no need for wings Where eagles dare not perch—or something poetic like that.

Your employer matches this dance step-for-step contributing another 6.2%, so together both are grooving at a combined total rate hovering around 12.4%. But before self-employed folks start feeling left out don’t worry—we haven’t forgotten about you. You guys get double dipped since technically being both employee and employer which brings us to paying full combo meal deal at said tasty tune of 12.4% solo style—all without any fries on side unfortunately.

How the OASDI Limit Affects Social Security Contributions

Buckle up buttercups because changes in these limits affect everyone involved—from workers diligently watching deductions disappear from their paychecks right through companies doing the actual deducting themselves. Employers must keep tabs to make sure correct withholding happens based on updated figures, or else they might face the wrath of IRS spirits come audit time—and nobody wants that kind of unexpected surprise.