Melissa Woods - Insurance Advisor

05/06/2026

Great day at Top Golf for CE training with Taylor Exteriors! ⛳️

I always appreciate opportunities to continue learning more about products that help homeowners protect and improve their homes. Today we learned about roofing and siding materials that can increase home value, improve energy efficiency, and last longer so homeowners aren’t dealing with constant replacements and repairs.

Plus, a little golf fun with my some of my favs COUNTRY Financial adjuster Seth Elliot and Andy Lohr from Taylor Exteriors made the day even better. 😊

Learning, networking, and having a little fun all in one afternoon!

04/25/2026

Spring & summer usually means more driving, storms, and home projects 🌷
A quick coverage review now can save you from surprises later.

If you’ve been meaning to take a look at your policies, I’m always happy to set up a time to review everything with you—just send me a message 😊

04/21/2026

✨ Trusted Pro Tuesday ✨

One of my favorite things about what I do is connecting you with other professionals you can truly trust—and today’s spotlight is someone who takes that responsibility seriously.

Meet Laura Aguero with PCA Real Estate

Laura helps clients buy, sell, and invest in both residential and commercial real estate throughout the Des Moines area (within about a 50-minute drive). She works with a wide range of clients—from first-time homebuyers and downsizers to those relocating into the area, as well as small business owners looking for commercial spaces.

What really stood out to me about Laura is how she views her role. She doesn’t see herself as a salesperson—she sees herself as a fiduciary. That means she puts her clients’ best interests first, even when it’s not the easy or profitable choice. She shared that she’s walked away from deals just days before closing because something didn’t sit right—and honestly, that says everything.

Her advice if you’re looking for a realtor?
👉 Interview at least three agents
👉 Ask about their personal experience and transactions
👉 Check reviews and talk to people who’ve worked with them

When asked about what she enjoys most about what she does, she shared that she not only loves looking at homes, especially the historic ones, but the opportunity to walk alongside people during such an important life moment.

If you’d like to support Laura, give her a follow on social media, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok Aguero, Des Moines Realtor and engage with her posts—it truly helps her and the clients she serves.

And a fun local favorite: she recommends checking out the Des Moines Art Center—free admission, amazing art, and a great spot to grab lunch or a treat!

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing—or just want a knowledgeable resource in your corner—Laura is someone I’d feel confident connecting you with. 🤍

Laura Ann Aguero

04/21/2026

💰 Money-Saving Monday Tip

Shopping your insurance every year might seem like the smartest way to save money… but it can actually cost you more in the long run.

Here’s why-

Constantly switching carriers can mean you’re giving up valuable loyalty and longevity discounts that build over time. Many companies reward consistency, and those savings can add up more than a quick short-term rate drop.

It can also cause the loss of perks like claims forgiveness- They don’t always transfer when you move companies.

And here’s the big one: cheaper doesn’t always mean better coverage. I’ve seen people switch to save a few dollars, only to find out later they lost important protections they didn’t even realize they had.

The goal isn’t to shop every year—it’s to review every year.

A quick policy check ensures your coverage still fits your life, your home, your business, and your budget… without sacrificing protection just to chase a lower premium.

If it makes sense to shop, I’ll always tell you. But sometimes the best way to save is to stay where you are and make smart changes.

04/19/2026

Simple Reminder Sunday ☀️

As we head into boating and camping season, here’s an important coverage tip to keep in mind:

When your boat or camper is attached to your vehicle, it’s typically covered under your auto policy’s collision coverage.

However, once it becomes detached, that coverage no longer applies.

Here’s why that matters:
If your boat or camper comes detached while you’re driving and causes an accident—whether it hits another vehicle or ends up in the ditch—there would be no collision coverage for that loss.

This applies whether you’re hauling a boat to the lake or taking your camper on a weekend trip.

Taking a few minutes to review your policy now can help you avoid an unexpected (and costly) surprise later.

04/18/2026

Small Business Saturday Spotlight!

There is nothing better than being connected to a community where people show up for one another—especially when it comes to supporting local small businesses.

This week, I’m highlighting Campisi Construction, owned by Aaron Campisi, serving communities across Central Iowa—including Van Meter, Earlham,, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Ames, Winterset, Panora, Johnston, Altoona, Dallas Center, Dexter, Des Moines, and Grimes

Campisi Construction builds custom decks that turn outdoor spaces into places you will enjoy spending your time. Whether it’s for relaxing evenings or making memories with friends and family.

What I love about their approach is how seamless they make the process. From starting the project quickly to handling all the details behind the scene making sure everything is done right, they take a lot of the stress off the homeowner.

If a deck upgrade has been on your mind, they’re definitely a business worth checking out. And one of the easiest ways to support them? Share their name with someone who’s been talking about improving their outdoor space.

You can find them on Facebook Campisi Construction

Let’s continue supporting the small businesses that help our communities thrive 🩷

If you’ve worked with Campisi Construction, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

04/17/2026

Building my business has always been about relationships—and the best compliment I can receive is a referral 🩷

As an insurance advisor, I take the time to make sure there are no gaps in coverage and that every policy is built around your specific needs… not a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you have a friend, family member, or know of a business owner who could use a second look at their coverage, I would love if you could connect us.

04/17/2026

Loved connecting with so many amazing local professionals at Urbandale Chamber’s B.A.S.H. this week.

04/16/2026

✨ NEW SERIES: Trusted Pro Tuesday ✨

I’m so excited to start a new series highlighting the incredible professionals in our community that I know, trust, and love to refer my friends, family and clients to.

As an insurance advisor, I have the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people—realtors, lenders, contractors, and service providers who truly care about what they do.

Each week, I’ll be featuring one of these businesses to help you get to know them, support local, and feel confident in who you’re working with.

Because having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. 💚

Stay tuned to find out who my first trusted professional is on Tuesday!

04/12/2026

So fun to see someone from our own community make it to the major leagues! ⚾

Duncan Davitt grew up in my hometown of Indianola, and knowing his family over the years, makes this moment even more special to see.

So proud of you, Duncan! Your hometown is cheering you on.

💬 Who else remembers watching him play?

Indianola's Duncan Davitt writes for his hometown newspaper in his spare time as a pro baseball player. His assignment Thursday was a bit unusual.