Take a guess what the average cost of raising a child is?

According to newly released estimates from the U.S.Department of Agriculture, to raise a child born in 2013 to the age of 18 it will cost $245,000.
Estimates vary where you live and how much you earn.
The USDA has broken this down further for us
For the Northeast (Pennsylvania included) ANNUAL COST
* HOUSING – includes mortgage or rent, taxes, gas, electric, water and house furnishings and appliances $4,788
* FOOD – food and non-alcoholic beverages, eating out, school meals $1,727
* TRANSPORTATION – monthly payments on cars, gasoline, maintenance and repairs, insurance and public transportation$1,524
* CLOTHING – children’s apparel – diapers, shirts, pants, footwear $1,219
* HEALTH – medical and dental not covered by insurance, prescriptions, and health insurance premiums $1,041
* EDUCATION – day care, baby sitting, books, fees, supplies (this is adjustable) $1,283
* OTHER – haircuts, toothbrushes, sports equipment, portable media players, TV, etc. and reading materials $622

This is the overall annual cost estimates for our area – $12,078

So – how far will your salary go?

**Take advantage of tax credits
**Plan (and save )

A car accident can be a difficult situation no matter how minor. The important thing to remember is that car accidents happen all the time, and your safety is the highest concern after an accident occurs. Worry about caring for yourself first, and then you can determine how to care for the car and sort out the situation with your insurance company. Since car accidents can often leave you disoriented and in shock, it’s important to prepare beforehand to know what to do after a car accident. The following steps should all be taken directly after an auto accident occurs:

1. Analyze the Damage to the Car and Personal Injuries

While remaining as calm as possible, analyze the vehicle for any new damages that occurred as a result of the auto accident. Major injuries will most likely manifest themselves right away, but you should always be sure to check for minor injuries on your person as well. These injuries might include bumps, scratches, bruises and mild pain in any area of the body. If it’s possible, try to document these damages and injuries with a cell phone camera, digital camera or any other recording device you may have on you.

2. File a Report

Call your local police station (or just dial 911 if you don’t have the number on hand) and file a report for the accident to ensure it is properly recorded. Limit the conversation to general details and avoid talking about fault or liability of any parties involved until you discuss the auto accident with your insurance agent first. Be sure to call your insurance agent right after you call the police to file your claim as quickly as possible.

3. Limit Your Discussion of the Auto Accident

An exciting event like an auto accident may be tempting to talk about with all your friends or post on Twitter, but the most practical thing to do after the accident is to only discuss the information with the police and your insurance agent. This ensures that nothing you say in a shocked state of mind will be used against you and possibly limit the amount of insurance you are qualified for. Bringing others into the situation not only exacerbates it, but this will also confuse you in terms of what really happened.

Suggested Photographs:

• All damage to your vehicle.
• Damage to other accident vehicle(s).
• Relationship to intersection or lane, if needed
• Street name(s) and address of accident location.
• Any situation that helps you describe the accident more clearly.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Florey Insurance Agency.

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, visit progressiveagent.com or contact Florey Insurance Agency.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
– Will Rogers

Annual Review on your Homeowners’ Policy

Will your college kids “stuff” be covered in the dorm?
Do you need increased limits on your policy?
Do you need renters’ insurance for your off campus student?

Call Florey Insurance at 570-587-2615 to review your homeowner’s policy

Bundling Your insurance policies can save you $.

Studies show that bundling one or more insurance policies lead many of you to be more satisfied with your insurance coverage.
You may be paying more if you do not have a bundle… perhaps as much as 10% to 15% more than those who bundle. In Dollars and Cents about $100.00 to $150.00.
How many hours would you have to work to save this amount?

Please contact your agent at Florey Insurance Agency and he (she) will work on those savings for you !!

SAVING MONEY for you is one of our top priorities!

These are a few things you can bundle for those savings:

TIME TO GET THAT
READY FOR FUN!

Florey Insurance has several companies that will insure your snowmobile.

If you finance your snow mobile you must have a snowmobile policy.

We will shop for you and find an insurance rate that will fit your budget.

Snowmobiles are complicated machines, so there are a number of things you will want to check and services you’ll want to perform on your snowmobile before you hit the trails this winter.
The Checklist
__Check headlights/taillights
__Flush fuel
__Inspect track – Make sure tension is up to your unit’s specs, and check for wear, rubbing and missing parts
__Top off fluids and check for leaks – This includes the chain case oil, brake fluid, injection oil, coolant and engine oil.
__Check clutch, including the belt
__Check engine for wear to the drive belt, rust and cracked/broken engine mounts
__Change shocks (once a year or after 1,000 miles) and check drive axle, slides and sprocket assembly
__Check cooling system
__Check throttle, brake and oil cables for excess wear or damage
__Check exhaust springs and mounts
__Clean carburetor
__Lubricate fittings
__Check for cracks in skid frame
__Check for cracked suspension arms and springs
__Make sure the wheels aren’t stuck or overly wobbly
__Check body for rust
__Check for loose/broken nuts and bolts
__Check skis and carbides for wear

Winter brings with it more problems for the homeowner.
Does your policy cover everything that “OL MAN WINTER” brings ?
Winter and the snow and cold that it brings can do some serious damage to a home’s exterior.

There are several very common problems usually brought on by the winter months, including damage done to roofs, foundations and pipes.

Call Florey Insurance to check on your policy for the winter problems that can happen. We can give you a home insurance estimate.

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In case anyone has forgotten, we’re all basically on our own here in taking care of ourselves.

Pensions to IRAs – Health Insurance – Disability Insurance

Let’s talk about DISABILITY INSURANCE

“INCOME REPLACEMENT INSURANCE” might be a better way to think about this coverage. That is what this coverage is set up to do.
Do you have enough money set aside to take care of your family?
You have an 80% chance of becoming disabled during your working years

Many employers still provide it, but an increasing number are lowering the payouts and giving employees the choice of purchasing more. Other employees pay nothing and the employee buy it through payroll deduction.

Call us a Florey Insurance and we will help you do what is best for you and your family.