In This Issue: Sam's Monthly Car Care Tip | New Year’s Resolutions & How to Make Them Stick! | How Much Homeowner’s Insurance Do I Need?

 

 

Sam’s Monthly Maintenance Tip

 

by Sam Opoku of Sam’s Total Car Care Centre

 

General Winter Maintenance

If your battery is not strong enough to start your car in the morning, especially if it’s cold, you should have your electrical system checked. It could be the battery, belts or alternator causing the problem.

 

In the winter, visibility can be poor, especially if other drivers didn’t clean their car properly and can’t see you! You should check your signals and wipers before you head out. There are 4 turning signals, break lights and headlights, plus your wiper fluid levels.

 

Most of us turn on the car while we scrape off the snow. To protect your wiper blade motor, be sure to turn off your wipers when you park the car. When you first start the car, that layer of ice or snow can strain the motor and cause it to lose proper function.

 

 

New Year’s Resolutions & How to Make Them Stick!

 

by By Pat Birnie, Contours Express

 

Do you need to be reminded of why it’s so important to exercise? Well, there’s the risk of osteoporosis which can lead to death and disability; the escalating levels of stress and depression in our society. When there are so many reasons TO exercise, why is it so difficult to stick to? Probably for the simple reason that most people don’t enjoy exercise, and tend to put it at a very low priority on their to-do list.

 

As the owner of a women’s fitness centre I see first-hand the influx of ladies every January, and watch with frustration as a significant percentage drop off over the first few weeks and months. Canada’s Physical Activity Guide now recommends adults build 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine. This has been increased in recent years from 30 minutes – for the most part to offset our more sedentary lifestyles. Think drive-thru’s, remote controls, cordless phones, fast food & computers – that helps explain the growing epidemic of obesity & Type II Diabetes.

 

• Be realistic: The surest way to fail is to make your goal unattainable. Try for 3 visits to the gym in a week and walks on the alternate days.
• Plan ahead: Think about your motivation and goals and how they will be worked into your schedule.
• Outline your plan: Know that the temptation to skip will be there and plan how to overcome it. This could include having a buddy for the gym or practicing positive thinking and self-talk.
• Make a “pro” and “con” list and talk about it. The pro’s will definitely be there and telling your family how important this is for you may help them to support and encourage you.
• Reward Yourself: No, not with a banana split! Perhaps a pedicure after a month of consistent workouts, or go out for a latte with your buddy after the workout.
• Track your progress: Set short term goals and track them. Every small success. ie you’re not gasping for air during the aerobic portion is a sign of progress; you no longer groan when you haul yourself out of a chair means you are getting fitter!
• Don’t Beat Yourself Up: Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality.

 

 

How Much Homeowner’s Insurance Do I Need?

 

by By Wayne Nichols, State Farm® Agent

 

New Year’s resolutions are a time of reflection – our personal and our financial goals. Of the many questions that you should consider, one of them is “How much Homeowner’s Insurance do I need?”

 

The answer varies, depending on each person’s situation. Usually you should insure your home for its whole value, this means the actual building and all of its contents. In order to find out exactly how much your home is worth, you should have it appraised. You can have an appraiser, builder or insurance agent give you an estimate on its value. However, if you ever re-model or add on to your home, its value will increase, and you will then need to purchase more coverage.

 

For any valuable possessions you have, you can purchase extended coverage, to insure those items are covered as well. The best thing to do is take a room-by-room inventory of your valuables and keep this list somewhere outside the home, for example: a safe-deposit box.

 

To determine if valuable possessions, such as TVs, stereos or computers, are covered, or if you have any other questions about Homeowner’s Insurance, contact your insurance agent.