What are your goals for 2020? How will you achieve them? Now’s the time to start planning the steps you need to take to get where you want to go!
Owning a Home
Have you been saving up that down payment, hoping that next year might be the year? Take a little time now to consider these important questions:
- What sort of home are you in the market for? A detached house, a town home, a condo? What are the pros and cons of each type of property?
- Where, in your desired location, are the developments you’d like to buy? Are they within your budget, or are they still out or reach?
- Are you flexible on location, home size, or home type?
- Do you have a relationship with a Realtor who understands your goals?
- Have you budgeted for extra expenses, particularly homeowners insurance and property tax?
- Have you reviewed safety ratings and consumer reviews? Remember that the most attractive car may not be the most reliable.
- Do you have a soon-to-be-driving teenager? You may want to hold on to that mature vehicle for driving lessons and the first year or two of that new driver being on the road.
- A new vehicle may get better gas mileage and need fewer repairs—but your auto insurance premium is certain to go up. Have you talked with your insurance agent about the insurance rates for different types of new vehicles?
Planning to sell your home and downsize (or upsize)? What steps do you need to take to prepare your current home for sale?
Curb appeal can go a long way toward attracting buyers—and costs typically are minimal. So consider painting that front door, updating your landscaping, and pressure washing your home’s exterior.
Hitting the Road
It’s a real thrill to purchase a new car, particularly if you’ve been driving a mature vehicle for a while. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider:
Playing Around
If you own a boat, snowmobile, classic car, or RV—first of all, congratulations! Fun must be on the books for your New Year.
But it’s important to confirm that your toys and fun-mobiles have the protection they need if there’s a breakdown or an accident.
Some of these big-ticket items may be covered by your homeowners insurance—and some of them may be covered by your homeowners insurance only under certain circumstances. The question is: how much coverage does your current policy provide, and when?
There are specially crafted insurance policies for watercraft, classic cars, recreational vehicles, and yes, snowmobiles and other small vehicles, too. Best of all, the premium for many of these specially crafted policies is very reasonable (a classic car policy, for instance, may cost you only a few dollars a day).
Now’s the time to meet with your insurance agent and talk over any new purchases you’ve made—like a piece of fine art, expensive jewelry, or ATV—and find out if that new investment is fully protected, or if you need a rider or separate policy to do the job.
Be sure you tell your agent about any changes you’ve made or are planning to make, too—like a kitchen renovation or a new swimming pool. Changes to your home require changes to your homeowners policy—and the time to confirm you have ample coverage is now, before you need to file a claim.
For more than 25 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.