8 Winter Energy Saving Tips

Heating oil, natural gas, and electric prices are expected to skyrocket this heating season due to higher wholesale energy costs and lower supply.¹

To ensure maximum savings through the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following energy-saving tips:

1. Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun

• Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Be certain to plant deciduous trees on the south-facing side of the home, especially in proximity to windows.  They will let the light and warmth in the windows during the winter and will shade the windows in the summer.
  
  

2. Cover Drafty Windows

• Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
• Find out about other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.
  
  

3. Adjust the Temperature

• When you are home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable.
• When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. But make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets!
• If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.

Did you know most burglaries take place in the middle of the day?

According to the FBI, most break-ins happen mid-day while people are at work or out running errands – and spike during the summer.¹ Here’s another interesting statistic: Most burglars want to get in and out in under 10 minutes, which means every step you can take to slow them down is well worth it.²

Don’t wait until you go away on vacation to safeguard your home against intruders. Take these preventative steps to protect your home from the inside, the outside, and while you’re away.

This is a compilation of articles from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) websites.

As prices rise, keep an eye out for scammers

With the cost of groceries, housing, and many other things rising, you might be looking for ways to cut costs. You aren’t alone. Across the country, people are worried about high prices impacting their budgets. And scammers are taking notice.  

Scammers may zero in on your anxiety over money in several ways. They might say they’re from the government and giving away grant money for home repairs or unpaid bills. Or they have an investment that’s guaranteed to deliver quick and high returns. Or they know of a high-paying job that’s yours as soon as you pay a fee or give them your personal information.

A storm-free summer continues — but don't let the calm weather fool you. The annual hurricane season, which includes tropical storms, began June 1st and ends on November 30th. And the peak season occurs between mid-August and October. These dangerous and destructive weather systems often produce high-force winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting an above-normal hurricane season due partly to an ongoing La Niña and above-average temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.

This year, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting an above-normal hurricane season due partly to an ongoing La Niña and above-average temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.

Before a storm hits, follow these tips provided by Mass.gov to prepare ahead of time.

Tips for people of all ages to stay safe in and around water

As the summer season heats up, one of the first things we think about is cooling off in the water. Water is refreshing and fun, but it’s essential to know how to stay safe in and around water to prevent accidental drownings.

Drowning is swift and silent — there may be little splashing or cries for help. It can take as few as 20 seconds to sink below the water and only minutes to drown whether around a pond, lake, river, ocean, or pool. Learn how you can keep your family, especially children, safe and prevent drownings with these water safety tips from Mass.gov.

Learn to swim and be prepared for an emergency

• Learn how to swim. If you can’t swim or aren’t a strong swimmer, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Swim with a buddy and never alone, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
• Learn CPR. The American Red Cross offers a wide selection of CPR/AED, first aid, lifeguarding, swimming and water safety, caregiving, disaster response, and emergency preparedness training. Find information on CPR classes.
• Keep a cellphone nearby and know where you are in case you need to call for help.

Are you ready for fire pit season?

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Massachusetts and people are preparing to gather outdoors again. The focal point at many gatherings will be a warm, inviting fire pit.

If you plan to add a fire pit, chiminea, or outdoor fireplace to your yard for the first time, make sure to check with your local fire department first. Some communities in Massachusetts allow for cooking fires only; other cities and towns may require a permit for permanent fire pits.

Whether you are new to fire pits or you have years of experience, take a few minutes to become familiar with Massachusetts fire pit regulations as well as fire safety considerations and placement recommendations.

April is Distracted Driving Month, a time to increase awareness of and reduce risky driving behaviors.

Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020.¹ The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved, and help keep America’s roads safe.

What is Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is not just about texting while driving — it's any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Studies suggest the average driver can improve his/her fuel economy by roughly 10% when following these simple tips.

US News reported that the "average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline shot up a whopping 79 cents over the past two weeks to $4.43 per gallon." While the prices have dropped a bit in the past few days, gas prices are likely to remain high "as crude oil costs soar amid global supply concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine." 

Now is a good time to consider how you drive and maintain your vehicle to ensure that you get the best possible fuel economy and reduce your fuel costs.

A vehicle’s fuel economy can vary significantly due to several factors, including how the vehicle is driven, the vehicle’s mechanical condition, and the environment in which it is driven. Fortunately, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive, making small, low-cost improvements to vehicle maintenance and driving habits can make a big impact on fuel costs. Energy.gov breaks down some of the ways you can keep your vehicle cost-effective:

It's a situation many of us have found ourselves in: you're at the rental car counter, checking in to pick up a vehicle you booked months ago. But before you can check out, you've got a question to answer: are you buying supplemental insurance coverage, or will you decline it and wonder if you should have taken it?

To be fair, it's not a question with an easy answer. There are many factors to consider before choosing whether to accept or decline additional rental car coverage. But looking into it ahead of time, learning about what to expect, and having a good understanding of car insurance – as well as your own personal policy – can help make your decision easier.

Your jewelry is more than an accessory, it’s a personal expression that connects to something meaningful in your life. Whether it’s your engagement ring or your grandfather’s watch, you can help protect your cherished items with a jewelry and valuable items insurance policy. 

What Does Jewelry Insurance Cover?

Jewelry and valuable items insurance can cover your favorite items from jewelry to collectibles, sporting equipment, electronics and more – including engagement rings and wedding rings – if they are stolen or damaged in a covered event. A typical homeowners insurance policy without a Personal Articles Floater (PAF) may not cover, or provide enough coverage for those valuable items. That’s where jewelry and valuable items coverage can help.

How Much Does Jewelry Insurance Cost?

Jewelry insurance costs vary, depending on where you live. In general, jewelry insurance may cost between 1% to 2% of the value of your jewelry or valuable item. For example, a $5,000 engagement ring could cost as little as $50 per year to insure.

Is Jewelry Insurance Worth It?

Only you can decide whether your cherished jewelry or valuable items are worth protecting with insurance. Ask yourself the following questions to explore whether jewelry and valuable items insurance is right for you:

• Can you imagine losing your jewelry?
• If your jewelry was lost, stolen or damaged, would you want it replaced or repaired?
• If the answer is yes, how much would you be able or willing to pay out of pocket?