3 Home Improvements That Up Your Home’s Value and Reduce Your Premium

Your home is your source of shelter, your sanctuary from the world, and a huge source of pride. It’s a no-brainer that you care deeply about protecting it, and look to homeowners insurance to help. If you’re planning on making some updates to your abode, consider home improvements that might also qualify you for insurance discounts. Not only will you be increasing the value of your home, but you’ll likely be making your residence safer. Spending some money up front on smart home improvements can save you money down the line in the form of lowered homeowners insurance premiums.

Jumping into renovations that could lower insurance premiums is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. At the top of the to-do list is finding the best homeowners insurance for your needs in terms of both coverage and cost. Only after you’re sure that your policy is right for your situation should you start to consider aligning your home improvements with factors that reduce your premiums.

Read on to learn more about three valuable home improvements, as well as a few that could end up costing more money in the long run.

Strengthen Your Roof
Asphalt shingles seem to be the default roofing material, but their condition can degrade over time when exposed to inclement weather. According to The Family Man, insurance companies often offer significant discounts—even up to 45 percent—for investment in stronger materials. Don’t assume anything before chatting with your insurance agent, but be sure to ask about materials discounts if you’re planning any renovations. Metal and other heavy-duty roofing materials cost more up front, but could earn you discounts and hold up better over time.

Install or Improve Home Security
It’s never a bad thing to feel like you have eyes in the back of your head when it comes to your house, especially for added security when you’re away. Your insurance company will view your house as more of a risk if it has spotty security and lacks basic safety measures. The Insurance Information Institute suggests that improving your home security systems can potentially decrease your homeowners insurance as follows:

   • Smoke detector, burglar alarm, or deadbolt locks (5 percent)
   • Sprinkler system and fire/burglar alarm that alerts authorities (15-20 percent)

Modernize Heating, Electrical, and Plumbing
Do you use modern appliances in your home? Water heater malfunction is one of the most common causes for filing a water damage claim, and comes with an average cost of $4,400. In a similar vein, half of washing machine-related water damage claims come from faulty water supply hoses. The average cost for these repairs is over $6,000 based on the same set of data from the Insurance Journal. While it can be daunting to envision appraising and updating systems like plumbing, heating, and electrical, it’s important for your safety and for the safety of your home. Since the repairs tend to be costly if something does go awry, it’s beneficial to anticipate and head off these problems ahead of time by keeping your systems updated and well-maintained.

There is one bright spot. As the National Association of Insurance Commissioners points out, optimizing these systems to be disaster-proof can potentially earn you a discount on your future premiums. Before you embark on any modifications, talk to your insurance provider.

Conditions That Could Set You Back
Just like streamlining your home can knock money off your insurance premium, certain factors can increase it. Risk associated with pets and swimming pools could bump up your premium, so it’s worthwhile investigating before you decide to adopt a large dog or put in a pool. Where you live also influences your rates, including living in a place known for having conditions that produce natural disasters.

Your best bet is checking in with your homeowners insurance company if you’re planning on making any changes to your home as they could affect your rates one way or another.

New Year's Giveaway $100 Amazon or PayPal Cash

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Make Your Grocery Shopping Simple With #ClickList From Kroger

If you conducted a survey of 100 moms and asked them if they like grocery shopping, I'm sure 90 out of 100 would say no. Although I'd fall into the 10% category, I certainly can understand why many people don't want to do it.

• If you have to take kids with you, it can be a challenge to get done quickly. 
• You have very limited time to look around.
• You avoid crowds like the plague.
• Overbuying. It's easy to grab impulse items when they are staring you in the face.

Well, the Kroger Family of stores has changed the game completely to make you enjoy your grocery shopping experience. Their new ClickList shopping option is made for busy people like you. All you need is a Kroger account and either your computer or tablet to order your groceries with ClickList. We have a brand new Kroger Marketplace close to my home that offers grocery pick-up. I simply logged into my Kroger account and my most regularly purchased items popped up first. This made it easy to add those items first.

When I glanced over to my right, I saw my order appear and was able to track how much I was spending. Makes me laugh at myself when I think about how I try to make tally marks on the edges of my grocery list when in the actual store to track my spending. I also noticed that my service fee was waived, possibly because this was the first time I used ClickList. The site says that they offer more than 40,000 items and they weren't lying! I found every single thing I was looking for and then some.

I had to take into consideration when I added things like meat and produce that the weight is not going to be exact. I was impressed that when I typed in Roma tomatoes, the page pulled up all products in that category. Whether it's fresh, frozen, canned or boxed, it will appear on the screen. Once my list was completely done, I proceeded to finalize my order by adding my desired pick-up time. I soon after received a confirmation email with my estimated total. My store is currently offering same-day pick-up as long as they get a minimum of 4 hours notice. Not bad to me, because I would have expected to need to order 24 hours in advance.

When it came time to pick up my order, I drove through the Kroger parking lot over to the loading area for ClickList customers. The sign instructed you to call the number listed. My call was answered very quickly and I was told it would be about 5 minutes for someone to come out to my car.

I waited maybe 2 minutes and just like that, the attendant came out with a cart and stood beside my driver window. She was extremely courteous and explained my order to me. She notified that I did not need to have my Kroger card scanned because it was already attached to my account when I used ClickList. She also advised me that a couple items I had on my list had to be substituted because they were out of stock. For instance, I ordered one dozen Eggland's Best brown cage-free eggs for $3.99 that they were out of, and it was substituted with the Organic Eggland's Best brown eggs that were $5.39 and honored the price of the original eggs I ordered. The same happened with my Simply Lemonade in the large size on sale for $3.00. They were sold out and gave me two of the regular sized ones ($2.39 each) at no extra cost. I was very pleased to know that they do this.

Next step was paying for my order (they only accept credit or debit cards) and then getting my items loaded. It's as easy as swipe and sign. I offered to help the attendant, but she insisted that this is part of the service and I didn't even have to get out of my car. It was also mentioned via email that tipping is not necessary. I have to say, even if I paid the $4.95 service fee, it would have totally been worth it! The service was outstanding and the overall experience was user-friendly and seamless.

When I unloaded my groceries at home, I was pleased with the obvious attention that went into packing my items carefully. All cold items, frozen, and produce were grouped together and none of the bags were over-packed. All of my items were fresh and of the highest quality that I expect from Kroger. I was pleased that I did not overspend from the temptation of impulse items. I always spend an extra $20-$40 every time I shop! I never thought the day would come that I would be ordering my groceries online. I think I annoyed my husband for days after about how much I loved the service. This is totally the way to go when I have to make a large grocery order. The future has arrived, and I am totally here for it.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.

7 Ways to Have a Happy "No-Screen" Holiday with Your Family

For the modern family, it's not unusual for family members to spend a majority of time physically together, although staring at their phone, tablet, computer or TV screen — the "parallel play" of technology. This holiday season is an opportunity to overhaul your family's technological habits and truly enjoy family time together. The following no-screen family activities can pull your family away from their gadgets, and instead create special memories and happy moments this holiday season.

Indoor Snowball Fight
A blanket of fresh-fallen snow creates a magical winter wonderland for building a snowman or snuggling up inside with hot cocoa near the fireplace. Are you without snow but looking to get into the spirit of the season? Create your own gentle blizzard indoors by crafting glittery paper snowflakes to string and hang. Spread artificial fake snow along the floors and start a snowball fight with indoor stuffed snowballs — like right out of "A Christmas Story."

Family Cookie Car
Spread holiday cheer to those in need, starting right in your kitchen. Baking with your kids is a sweet holiday tradition that creates memories for a lifetime. And Christmas cookies are a heartwarming way to give back. Your family can bake cookies and turn your car into a mobile cookie delivery vehicle for delivering gift-wrapped cookies to the community with joy.

Name That Christmas Carol
Put a fun "Name That Tune" twist on Christmas caroling and sing holiday tunes as a family. Split into two teams in which one caroler from one team hums a Christmas carol. The first person between both teams who correctly guesses the song earns a point for their team.

Holidays for Heroes
Check out your local Red Cross office to see how your family can participate in the Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program. This program encourages Americans to "Give Something That Means Something" during this holiday season. Participating in a variety of activities can help recognize and thank military members, veterans and their families.

Polar Express Adventure Night
"All aboard!" Bring the classic storybook to life at home with a "Polar Express" party for your kids and their friends. Ask all guests to wear their pajamas and hand them a golden ticket once they arrive. Then you (or another adult) can play conductor and invite the kids to hop aboard the (imaginary) Polar Express. As the movie soundtrack plays, hand out hot hot! hot! hot chocolate and cookies. During the train ride, read the story aloud and give the kids each a Santa's sleigh bell ornament as a party favor.

Holiday Journaling
This time of year is full of joy, happiness and love — which is why this special season is a great opportunity for your family to start a holiday journal. Throughout the month of December, set aside a few days a week for journaling based on a themed prompt such as:

• What does gratitude mean to you?
• What are you thankful for?
• What's your favorite holiday tradition and memory?
• What would you do if you were "Home Alone" on Christmas?
• If you were one of Santa's elves, what would a typical workday be like for you?

DIY Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
The ugly sweater party has moved from holiday trend into annual tradition. Host a kid-friendly party for young family friends centered around creating your own ugly sweater using materials like festive felt cutouts, jingle bells, garland and gift wrapping bows. For food, drink and dessert, go potluck style. Then unleash your Christmas creativity and get silly while munching on bites and sweet treats.

Need more holiday fun inspiration?

• Go on a festive doggy outing. Get your pup's photo with Santa and go shopping for stocking stuffers.
• Teach the lesson of giving and benevolence by helping your kids donate brand-new and old toys.
• Make holiday treats for your child's classroom and teacher

The Kid Files- When Your Child Has An Old Soul

Do you have a kid with an old soul? My son thinks and speaks like a 50 year old man most days. I guess when you're the youngest in a house full of adults, this is to be expected. The other day he was in his room with the door closed most of the way, and I knocked and asked him what he was doing. He told me he was playing with his toys. That seems like normal kid behavior, right? Well I noticed he had his radio on and a Zig Ziglar CD was playing. I said, "Did you feel like listening to Zig?". He responds, "Yes, I really needed some motivation". I was just like OH. I mean what do you even say?

This morning I was getting his breakfast cooked and he tells me that I need to eat too. I told him I wasn't quite hungry yet and he said, "It doesn't matter, you still need to eat now". I was also told that I had no excuse. Ugh, he's annoying 😅 Seriously, there's never a dull day around here. William always has something wise to say. I tell him almost daily that you're 8. Not 38, 48, or 58. Just eight. His favorite description of himself is that he is a 'professional man'. I fully blame his dad for that.

It's not unusual for him to walk up to me and put both hands on my cheeks and tell me, "Always believe in yourself". The funny thing is he does it at the time I really need it. It's like his spirit is in line with other people's feelings. He is a very special child. The bad part is when he loses his mind and has to be disciplined. I have to muster up all of my strength to be serious and not laugh. He asks for you to explain or elaborate when you are yelling telling him to cut out his foolishness.

As I am typing this post, he just yelled out from his room that his hand is itchy and he will be getting some money. You know what that means if you are old school. HA! William is a good trash talker. He will try to out talk anyone. He loves winning at everything. Don't watch sports with him. He gets super animated and yells at the TV. Also playing UNO with him is a trip. I don't know how he stays beating all of us and his celebrations are ridiculous. When he wins he says things like, "boom shakka-lakka, I am the champion!" and then does the whole superman shirt ripping thing and a victory dance.

Then there's the whole third child thing he has going on. This kid likes to ask about taking vacations and what resort we will stay at. He's very particular too. I think I can take the blame for that one. 😀 There are times where he attends gatherings with us, and any adult who comes in contact with him is usually blown away with William's words and mannerisms. Everyone agrees that he is most certainly not your average kid in any way.

William is an absolute joy and I couldn't imagine my days without having him around (even if it is 24/7 because of home school). Does your child have an old soul? I'm sure we aren't the only ones with an old man-child!