Otium Agency Blog

Conquering Cravings, Not Goals: How to Build Healthy Habits that Stick

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 21:14:02 GMT

Conquering Cravings, Not Goals: How to Build Healthy Habits that Stick

New year, new me, right? We've all been there, brimming with resolutions to overhaul our lives. But let's be honest, most grand plans fade faster than a beach bonfire in a hurricane. The gym membership gathers dust, the kale withers in the crisper, and that early-bird routine becomes a distant memory. So, this year, let's ditch the pressure cooker approach and embrace a gentler, more sustainable strategy: building healthy habits that actually stick.

Forget Goals, Focus on Systems:

Goals are great, but they're often vague and intimidating. Instead, let's focus on systems, smaller, more manageable actions that fit seamlessly into your life. Think "drink a glass of water first thing in the morning" instead of "become a hydration hero." These bite-sized habits, woven together, form a tapestry of wellness that's easier to maintain than a monumental goal.

Start Small, Celebrate Big:

Big changes often lead to big crashes. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle, pick one tiny habit to tackle first. It could be swapping soda for seltzer, taking a 10-minute walk during your lunch break, or preparing a healthy breakfast on Sundays. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small. A pat on the back and a dance party for finishing your veggies? Absolutely!

Make it Easy, Make it Fun:

Let's be real, broccoli alone won't cut it. Find ways to make healthy choices enjoyable. Spice up your water with berries and mint, blast upbeat tunes during your workout, or join a dance class with friends. The more fun it is, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Habit Stacking: Your Secret Weapon:

Piggyback your new habit onto an existing one. Brush your teeth, then do 10 squats. Finish your coffee, then meditate for five minutes. By linking your new habit to a familiar routine, you create automatic triggers that make it harder to skip.

Embrace the Slip-Ups:

Life happens. You miss a workout, you indulge in a slice of cake. Don't beat yourself up! A slip-up doesn't erase your progress. Just jump back on track with the next opportunity. Remember, consistency, not perfection, is key.

Find Your Tribe:

Surround yourself with people who support your healthy journey. Join a fitness group, find a workout buddy, or connect with online communities. Sharing your experiences and celebrating each other's successes makes the path to wellness feel less lonely and more rewarding.

Remember, building healthy habits is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, be kind to yourself, and most importantly, have fun! By focusing on small, sustainable changes, you'll be weaving a healthier, happier you, one delicious bite, one invigorating walk, one joyful dance move at a time.

Now, go forth and conquer cravings, not goals! Let's make this year about sustainable steps, not impossible leaps. Your future self will thank you.

Bonus Tip: Track your progress! Use a habit tracker app, a bullet journal, or even sticky notes on your fridge. Visualizing your journey keeps you motivated and celebrates your achievements.

What healthy habits are you excited to build this year? Let us know!

What is going on with homeowners insurance in California in 2023???

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:42:39 GMT

Homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your home and belongings from financial loss in the event of a disaster. However, in California, homeowners are facing increasing difficulties in obtaining and maintaining affordable homeowners insurance.

There are a number of factors contributing to this crisis, including:

Wildfires: California is prone to wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years. This has made it more difficult and costly for insurance companies to insure homes in wildfire-prone areas.
Rising construction costs: The cost of rebuilding homes has risen sharply in recent years, making it more expensive for insurance companies to pay out claims.
Insurance companies exiting the market: A number of insurance companies have exited the California market in recent years, due to the high costs of doing business in the state. This has reduced the number of options available to homeowners and driven up premiums.

As a result of these factors, many homeowners in California are finding it difficult (to put it mildly) to obtain homeowners insurance, or are facing significant premium increases. This is particularly true for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

There are a number of things that homeowners can do to try to reduce their risk and obtain affordable homeowners insurance, including:

Take steps to mitigate wildfire risk: This could include hardening your home against wildfires, such as installing fire-resistant roofing and siding, and clearing vegetation away from your home.
Consider your needs and budget. When shopping for a policy, be sure to consider the type of coverage you need, the deductible you are willing to pay, and the premium you can afford. You should also consider your home's location and any other factors that may affect your risk, such as the age of your home and its construction materials.
Read the fine print before you buy. Once you have found a few quotes that you are interested in, be sure to read the fine print carefully before you buy a policy. This will help you to understand the coverage that is being offered and any exclusions or limitations.
Bundling homeowners and auto. Consider bundling your homeowners insurance with your auto insurance. This can often save you money on your premiums.
Discounts. Ask for discounts! Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like installing security systems or having a claims-free history. Many also offer discounts for members of certain professional organizations.
Consider the California FAIR Plan: The FAIR Plan is a state-run insurance program that provides coverage to homeowners who are unable to obtain insurance from the private market. However, the FAIR Plan is more expensive than private insurance and offers less coverage. When purchasing a policy through The FAIR Plan, it is recommended that you obtain a secondary policy to bridge the gaps in coverage provided by FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan is the carrier of last resort in California.

The California legislature is currently considering a number of bills aimed at addressing the homeowners insurance crisis. However, it is unclear when or if these bills will be passed into law.

In the meantime, homeowners in California should be aware of the difficulties in obtaining and maintaining affordable homeowners insurance. If you have a current policy in place and are offered a renewal, be sure to pay your renewal bill in a timely manner to avoid any lapse in coverage. Most carriers are not offering any grace period for non-payment of premium.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Identity Theft?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:09:52 GMT

10 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do daily, there's the risk of identity theft.

You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you're shopping at a legitimate site. Your doctor's office could experience a data breach. Or, you could come across a tampered credit card reader at the gas pump.

The risks your identity faces go on and on. So, what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, virtually no one today can completely negate the risk of identity theft. But, we can all take some necessary steps to help prevent it.

Here are ten sensible habits to adopt that will help you protect your identity:

Limit what you carry in your wallet, and know what's there if it goes missing. First things first, don't carry your Social Security card regularly. Instead, keep it in a locked safe at home. Have a form of identification or some other card with your Social Security number (SSN) on it? Carry a photocopy instead of the real thing, and cut out or otherwise render your SSN unreadable. As for credit cards, only carry the ones you need. Finally, make photocopies of the front and back of the cards you always keep in your wallet and store them in your home safe. If one (or all of them) goes missing, you won't have to search high and low for the card issuer's contact information.
Keep your computers, software, and other electronics secure and up to date. This means using strong passwords or enabling passcodes – remember not to write them down. It also means installing firewall, spyware, and virus protection. Keep everything up to date (and backed up) for the latest security enhancements. For your portable devices, consider installing software to remotely wipe your data or locate the device if it's ever lost or stolen.
Don't overshare. Does every entity that asks for your (or your child's) SSN need it? Take a moment to think instead of automatically jotting it down. At the very least, maybe only the last four digits will do. In addition, be careful what you share online. Posting your full address, phone number, license plate number, or your birth date online, even if it's in a photo, may help others piece together a complete picture of your identity.
Do check your credit reports throughout the year. You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once a year. And, since the information on each report is frequently primarily the same, you can stagger your requests and receive a different report once every four months. Once you receive it, check your report for accounts and other activity you don't recognize. Even a credit check from a company you haven't done business with could be an attempt at identity theft. To order your free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
Keep an eye on your accounts. Your account statements can alert you to identity theft sooner than your credit report, in most cases. Check regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and other illicit activity, such as address changes or additional cards you didn't request.
Watch your surroundings. Whether you're using the ATM or a portable device, you want to be sure others nearby aren't watching as you type in your PIN or password. And, just because you don't see anyone nearby doesn't mean they're not there. If you're using a shared or public WiFi, everyone else on the same network may see the data, including passwords or account numbers, you submit. Be sure to conduct sensitive transactions on secure networks.
Reduce your mail. Start by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT and following the prompts. This should stay in effect for five years and help curb the risk of someone else obtaining a new credit card in your name. Next, sign up for paperless billing with your financial and service providers and/or schedule automatic payments through your bank. The less mail containing personal and account details that comes to your home, the less likely it will fall into the wrong hands.
Be skeptical when someone asks for your information. Scam artists don't always have to steal your information. Sometimes they convince you to give it up willingly by telling you via a phone call, email, snail mail, or text that you won a prize or need to verify your account. To claim the prize or account, you'll, of course, need to supply some sensitive information. Requests like these are almost always inauthentic – what's known as a "phishing" scam. So, stay on guard and contact the entity through a known, verified method to inquire about the matter, rather than providing personal details on the spot.
Mind your garbage. If you're throwing out account statements or other documents with personal information, you're making it easy for dumpster divers to learn a little, perhaps a lot, about you. They may even know enough to take over one of your accounts. So, shred your sensitive documents and then recycle them – don't just throw them out in the garbage.
Tidy up at home. Tax returns, credit cards you use infrequently, checkbooks, passports, birth certificates – are important documents you should store under lock and key. Whether it's in a home safe or a locking desk or file cabinet is up to you. And, don't leave the code or key in an easily discoverable place.

Despite your best efforts, you may still discover that your identity was stolen. If so, take immediate action to:

Fill out the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Affidavit.
Take your affidavit to the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy for your records. It will come in handy if you need to close fraudulent accounts, straighten out your credit report, and more.
Call your financial providers to request new account numbers and, if needed, cards.
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which will encourage creditors to contact you before opening new lines of credit on your credit report. The bureau you contact will share it with the other two.
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Transunion: 1-800-680-7289

And, if you're involved in a data breach and offered free credit monitoring, be sure to take advantage of it.

In today's world of hyper-connectivity and speed, it's easy for your information to end up in the wrong hands. But, by being cautious with how you use and share your information and checking for misuse, you can help keep your identity secure.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Why Insure My Bicycle?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:16:20 GMT

Why insure my bicycle?

Insuring your car or home makes perfect sense. But why insure your bike?

Some people may buy a bicycle for a few hundred dollars and use it for leisurely recreational rides in the park with their kids, or to commute to school or work. Others spend that much on a single wheel for their high end road bike, and they ride it daily.

My husband was an avid cyclist. He did the weekend club rides religiously and got his miles in during the week in various ways. That usually involved riding to and from work at least a few days a week as well as mountain bike rides. Needles to say, he purchased many of those wheels that cost hundreds of dollars over the years.

A couple of times, he was hit by a car during his commute on the bike. One of those times, he was hit by an unlicensed driver with no insurance and an old, beat up car. The driver begged him not to call the police, and kept insisting she would pay for a new bike as his was destroyed.

My husband knew, and told the driver, that his bicycle was worth more than her car. She looked at him blankly, but he knew she could not come close to affording to buy a new bicycle for him. He also knew that his bicycle insurance would cover his loss.

When you ride a bike like that, it is a serious investment. Consider the event of a total loss of that asset. Your source of exercise, enjoyment and stress relief, your lifestyle, is gone. Thousands of dollars to replace it.

Insuring your bike will give you the peace of mind in the event of an unexpected event – car crash, theft, house fire. You know what a big role that bike plays in your day-to-day life. Make sure to protect that investment in your physical and mental health!

Auto Insurance Market in California 2023

Tue, 23 May 2023 22:39:27 GMT

If you have personal auto insurance in California, buckle up! The market is hardening up and consumers will be feeling it.

Some carriers are pulling out of the market in California completely (no longer offering this coverage in our state), some have moratoriums on writing new business (no new business being issued) and the markets that are available have really tightened the screws.

Rates were frozen, often even reduced, during COVID since people were not driving as much (or not at all). The carriers have been operating on years-old rates, even though we have been post-COVID (as far as driving is concerned) for some time. The Insurance Commissioner in California has now begun giving some rate increase approvals, so you will likely be seeing a larger premium bill at your next renewal.

In addition to rate increases, underwriting has become a much more detailed and painstaking process. Many carriers are requiring proof of mileage (documentation in the form of service records), photos of the vehicles, proof of residency and other requirements that were not necessarily required before now.

If you are looking to save money as these inevitable increases come your way, you have some options. 1) You could shop with other carriers to compare rates - just be aware that the underwriting process can take up to 6 weeks so you need to plan ahead! 2) Be sure to ask your agent about any discounts that may apply to you. 3) You could re-assess your coverage and change deductibles or coverage options to cut costs. Be careful with this one as you do not want to increase your exposure.

This is going to be a painful time for Californians with auto insurance. We, as independent agents, always look for the best fit for your specific situation. We strive to provide the best possible value to you!

What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:22:45 GMT

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) is a type of insurance that protects businesses from lawsuits alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related claims.

EPLI is important for businesses of all sizes, as employment-related claims can be costly and time-consuming to defend. In fact, the average cost of an employment-related lawsuit is over $200,000.

EPLI can help businesses protect themselves from these costs by providing coverage for defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Remember, even if you did nothing wrong, an employee can file a suit based on their allegations alone and you will need to defend your business in the suit.

What is covered by EPLI?

EPLI policies typically cover a wide range of employment-related claims, which may include:

Wrongful termination
Discrimination
Harassment
Retaliation
Wage and hour violations
Breach of contract
Defamation
Invasion of privacy

Some policies may also cover claims related to the use of social media by employees.

How much does EPLI cost?

The cost of EPLI will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your business, the number of employees you have, the type of industry you are in, and your claims history.

EPLI may not be cheap but is usually worth the investment, especially when compared to the potential costs of defending an employment-related lawsuit.

How do I get EPLI?

The Otium Agency Inc. has many carriers that provide EPLI, and will market your business to ensure you get the right coverage and a competitive premium. We are here to help!

When Should I Review My Home Insurance Coverage?

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:18:34 GMT

Insurance is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only does it protect you from damages caused by things like fire and vandalism, but it can also protect your personal property or additional structures like garages, and provide liability coverage.

But when is it time to review your coverages? Should you evaluate your coverage monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between?

The most important times to review coverage

Let’s talk about events that should prompt you to review your home insurance coverage.

You’ve received a shiny new gift or bought something expensive: To eliminate the risk of not being covered if someone were to steal personal belongings, it’s important to review your home insurance coverage when you are keeping something expensive in the home.

If you’ve just received a beautiful diamond bracelet, an expensive new television system, or a timeless (and expensive) piece of artwork, it’s important to talk to an agent to ensure that you’re properly covered.
You’ve added square footage to your home: Many insurance companies base your coverage off of the square footage of your home. That means that if you add a new sunroom to your existing structure, it’s important to report it to your agent.

If not, in the event of a damaging fire or thunderstorm, your entire home may not be covered.
You got married: If you’re going to be adding another person to your home, they’ll likely bring all of their belongings with them. That means that the value of items in your home will increase — in which case, you’ll need to contact your agent to increase your coverage.
You’re starting a business out of your home: If you run a business out of your home, it’s important to report this to your insurance agency.

Why? You’ll need to have liability coverage for the employees that will be working under your roof, which will be a change to your normal policy.
Policy renewal is coming up: When your policy is set to renew, it’s a great time to review it.

Instead of hastily signing on the dotted line to renew your coverage, take time to read the fine print to see if coverage changed in price, if you’ve made any of the above changes to your home, or if there are any new discounts available.

For example, some insurance agencies will offer discounts for installing a security system to your home, and we all want the best price for our insurance.

Are you shopping for home insurance?

If you’re looking to purchase insurance for a new home, or simply looking for a change in policies, contact us to learn about your options! We’re an independent agency and we offer some of the best prices for home insurance in the area.