Advance Planning Insurance

08/11/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/06/2026

Moving means new keys, new routines—and a good reason to revisit your insurance. Bringing home and auto together with Progressive could simplify your coverage and help you save. See what a bundle could do for your new address.

07/30/2026

☀️ Don’t Let the Heat Burn Your Summer 🌡️
It's been a scorcher of a summer. Between record heat waves, dry conditions, and air quality alerts, it feels like every week brings a new reason to stay inside with the blinds shut.

We can't control the weather, but a few small habits can make a big difference. Here's how to stay cool:
💧 Sip, Don't Skip: Don't wait until you're thirsty. Keep water nearby and sip all day, especially if you're outside.
🏡 Check In: Elderly neighbors, kids, and pets feel heat more intensely. A quick check-in can go a long way.
🌬️ Give Your AC a Breather: Closing blinds during peak sun and running fans eases the load on a system working overtime.
🚗 Prep the Car: Check coolant and tire pressure before road trips, and never leave kids or pets in a parked car.

Stay cool out there. We're thinking of you all summer long! 🧊

07/29/2026

🚙 Buying a Car? 3 Reasons to Chat With Me First 🚗

Before you sign the paperwork, here's why a quick call matters:

1️⃣ Coverage Needs Change: Upgrading to something nicer? Financed cars require comprehensive and collision coverage. Liability-only leaves you exposed. 💰

2️⃣ Rates Vary By Model. That dream car might cost way more to insure. A quick call saves you insurance sticker shock. 📊

3️⃣ Bundling Saves Money: Timing matters. Bundle with home or add to existing policies, and you save moolah. 💸

New car shopping is fun. New car insurance, well, not as much. But that’s why we’re here.
Ready to talk? DM or call. 📞

07/28/2026

🛑 Best Claims Advice? Avoid Them 🛡️

The best claim is the one you never file. 😌

We can't prevent everything. But we can help you avoid a lot.

🔒 Home Maintenance: Replace aging roofs. Fix plumbing before it fails. A little prevention = fewer claims. 🔧

🚗 Safe Driving: Defensive driving + proper maintenance = fewer accidents. 📱

💼 Business Safety: Equipment checks, employee training, hazard prevention = fewer claims. 📋

🌳 Property Care: Trim branches. Secure loose items. Maintain your yard. 🪚

You're paying for insurance to have it when you need it. But not needing it? That's the best outcome.

What's your #1 prevention habit? Drop it in the comments. 💬

07/09/2026

Before you drive off in a rental car, make sure you know what’s covered. Coverage can vary, so check with your agent ahead of time to see if your auto policy extends to rental vehicles and whether you may need additional protection.

06/19/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father-figures who show up every single day. To all the dads on our team, in our community, and among our clients: thank you for everything you do, seen and unseen.

06/17/2026

Traveling to Europe may look a little different this summer.

The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System is now in place for many non-EU travelers, including Americans visiting participating Schengen Area countries.

The system replaces passport stamps with a digital process that records entry and exit information. Travelers may be asked to provide passport details, fingerprints, and a facial scan when arriving.

The rules for how long visitors can stay have not changed, but the process at some airports may take longer as travelers and border officials adjust to the new system.

Larger airports and major travel hubs may experience longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods.

For anyone heading to Europe, a little extra time at the airport could help make the arrival process smoother.


Source:

Travel experts say to be prepared for potential disruptions as countries implement the new Entry/Exit System now in place across the EU and other countries.

06/15/2026

📞 The Three Phone Calls Every Business Owner Hopes Not to Make 😬

Running a business means making lots of calls. Customers, vendors, employees, that one supplier who never picks up on the first try. 🙃

But there are three calls every business owner secretly hopes they never have to make. We've been on the receiving end of all of them, and here's what we've learned:

📱 Call #1: "Something happened at the shop." Fire, break-in, water damage. Once everyone is safe and the space is secure, call us. We'll help you figure out the next steps. 🔥

📱 Call #2: "An employee got hurt." It's stressful for everyone, especially the injured person. Deal with the emergency, then talk to us. We'll walk you through how your coverage can help. 🏥

📱 Call #3: "We just got served." A lawsuit notice in the mailbox is one of the worst feelings in business. We can help you figure out what is covered or not under your policy for legal issues. ⚖️

These calls are awful. But they're also exactly why we do what we do. You don't have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don't have to figure it out fast. 🤝

06/11/2026

☀️ Beat the Heat 🚗

Summer is here, and while we're all looking forward to road trips, beach days, and weekend getaways, the season's heat can be tough on your vehicle. Hot pavement, soaring temperatures, and longer drives put extra strain on parts that worked just fine all winter. A little preventive care now can save you from a breakdown on the side of a sweltering highway later.

Not sure where to start? A few quick checks:

🚗 Under Pressure: Heat makes the air in your tires expand, while underinflated tires generate extra heat from flexing. Either extreme can lead to a blowout on hot pavement. Check pressure monthly when tires are cold, and don't forget the spare.

🌡️ Keep It Cool: Your cooling system is the first line of defense against an overheated engine. Top off your coolant, check the reservoir, and if the temperature gauge starts climbing into the red, pull over and let it cool down before driving on.

🔋 High Temp, Low Energy: Most folks blame winter, but summer heat is actually harder on batteries. High temperatures speed up corrosion and cause fluid to evaporate inside. If yours is more than three years old, get it tested before it leaves you stranded in a hot parking lot.

A few minutes under the hood now can mean the difference between a smooth summer and an unexpected tow. Here's to a safe and sunny season ahead. 🌞