10 Medicine Cabinet Essentials

When it comes to first aid in the home, be prepared with a well-stocked medicine cabinet. If you need to treat an illness or injury, you will have all the basics on hand to help yourself or others.

Before you head to the drugstore, take an inventory of your medicine cabinet and what’s currently on your shelves. This is a good opportunity to clear your medicine cabinet of old prescriptions and expired products. Make this a habit and try to do this every three months. Find a local center near you that can properly dispose of old medication. Some grocery stores or community centers offer this service annually. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about how long that bottle of pink liquid has been sitting on your shelf the next time you have a sudden stomach ache.

Remember: Always follow dosage instructions as indicated on medication packaging.

Medications and first aid supplies to have on hand at all times

The following medicine cabinet supplies can treat a range of illnesses and minor injuries, from allergies and stomach aches to cut, bruises, aches and pains.

1. Emergency instructions

Tape a list of important phone numbers (doctors, Poison Control), medication instructions and allergy alerts inside the cabinet door.

2. Acetaminophen and an NSAID

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation related to conditions like backaches and toothaches. Be aware of NSAID sensitivity in your family, especially in young children.

3. Aspirin

Aspirin works as a pain reliever for adults, but it’s also important to have on hand in case of emergencies. According to the American Heart Association, taking aspirin also helps during a heart attack. In fact, people having a heart attack are often given an aspirin by emergency medical services. However, it’s wise to be aware of aspirin sensitivity in your family, and it should never be given to children under 18.

4. Antihistamine

Antihistamines treat hives, itching and allergic reactions from a wide range of causes. Stock both oral antihistamines (the liquid or pill form that may be helpful during a serious allergic reaction) and hydrocortisone cream.

5. Decongestant, cough suppressant and flu relief medicine

You won’t want to leave home to go to the drugstore when you’re feeling lousy, so keep cold and flu relief medication on hand.

6. Antacids

If you are suffering from heartburn, these are your best bet for quick relief.

7. Antibiotic ointment

Apply this after you’ve washed cuts and scrapes with warm water and soap, then cover the wound with clean bandages.

8. Bandages

Stock up on adhesive bandages of all sizes, plus plenty of gauze and sterile tape.

9. Thermometer

Feeling someone’s forehead may be a good first step, but a thermometer is necessary for an accurate temperature reading.

10. Heat and ice packs

Keep several of these on hand, as they can provide relief for everything from headaches and sprains to injuries and sore muscles.

Staying healthy and safe is everyone’s concern. But if someone gets injured on your property, you’ll need more protection than what’s available in your emergency medicine cabinet. Make sure you’re covered with personal umbrella liabilitycoverage from Nationwide, which may help protect you beyond your homeowners insurance coverage limits.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

The average dog owner spends $852 annually on routine and surgical visits to the vet. Insuring your pet can help ease the financial burden. The cost of pet insurance is not only affordable, it can also help you save on pet care through reimbursements. With Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), monthly insurance plans might be less than you think:

Average monthly cost of pet insurance

• Dog Insurance Cost: $38.58
• Cat Insurance Cost: $27.58
• Bird Insurance Cost: $ 15.75
• Exotic Pet Insurance Cost: $9
• Reptile Insurance Cost: $8

Compared to the monthly price of your pet’s food, the cost of pet insurance is a small price to pay for your animal’s protection.

Fun Holiday Party Ideas and House Prep Tips

The holidays are an exciting time of year, full of parties, house guests and good food. If you’re hosting a holiday party, you want to make sure everyone is feeling the holiday spirit. These holiday party ideas and tips are sure to help you and your guests make the most of the holiday season!

Holiday party ideas

Here are 5 entertainment ideas to make your holiday party a hit:

1. Organize a gift exchange

Have everyone sit together and pass around gifts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out a white elephant gift exchange. If you plan on buying a large amount of gifts for all your guests, here are some tips to help you save for holiday shopping.

2. Host an ugly sweater contest

A holiday party is the perfect time to reach into the back of your closet for those old, ugly sweaters. Tell guests in advance about the contest, and have a small gift or goodie for the worst dressed!

3. Create a photo booth

Set up a simple area with holiday props for guests to take pictures with. If you don’t want to limit the fun to one spot, you could even place instant cameras around the house to encourage guests to take pictures throughout the party.

4. Cookie decorating station

If you’re expecting children at your holiday party, a cookie decorating station is a sure-fire hit. All you need for this delicious activity are plain sugar cookies, frosting, candy, gumdrops, sprinkles and chocolate chips.

5. Set the holiday mood

Don’t forget to set a merry ambiance suited for the holiday season. Customize a playlist with holiday tunes, or stream an instrumental holiday station. You can even play a classic holiday movie on silent in the background with a projector or TV.

Some other mood-setting ideas:

• Hang vintage ornaments like mini chandeliers
• String holiday lights around the house
• Get flickering LED candles to add a feeling of warmth
• Place festive blankets and pillows on furniture
• Decorate with special objects that remind you and your family of the holiday season

Check out the infographic below for some fun holiday statistics and more tips for throwing a merry holiday party.

Holiday house prep tips

Provided by Nationwide

Guaranteed income is a key component of a diversified product portfolio

Preparing for and living in retirement has become more complicated and riskier than ever for Baby Boomers. They face challenges including the shift from defined benefit plans toward defined contribution plans and rising inflation, interest rates and health care costs.

Despite these challenges, several carriers have considered drastically reducing or even eliminating products offering guaranted income in retirement. However, Nationwide continues to believe strongly in the value of guaranteed income as a key component of a strong, stable and diversified portfolio.

“Nationwide believes that annuities and lifetime income options will play a critical role in providing retirees guaranteed and sustainable income – no matter what the future holds,” said Eric Henderson, senior vice president of Nationwide’s annuity and life insurance businesses. “We’re committed to the annuity business and we intend to be here for the long-term to help America’s workers with insured retirement products.”

Too often, those nearing retirement focus too narrowly on account balances rather than the level of guaranteed and sustainable retirement income. Annuities can help protect what’s most important to them with guaranteed income, with a death benefit or with special joint options for couples.

When it comes to the well-being of the family, one of the largest worries is providing for a spouse or loved one. This is especially important when investors are doing estate planning. While annuities offer guaranteed income, they can also provide a guaranteed death benefit which is especially important if they pass away during a down market.

“The ideal retirement now focuses on ‘peace of mind’ which includes financial security and family well-being,” Henderon said. “For most, having guaranteed income and protecting assets are much more important than achieving higher-risk returns. There are a number of products that may provide retirement income. However, annuities if planned properly may insure against outliving your retirement income.”

Talk to an advisor

As a mutual company, Nationwide’s focus is on helping advisors create solutions that are right for their clients, not selling products. Nationwide provides advisors with superior choices that solve client needs, presented in a clear and actionable way.

“We’ve grown faster than the industry in several categories during the past five years, and we’re a top ten overall annuity carrier,” Henderson said. “We offer some of the strongest death benefits and income guarantees in the industry. We can help advisors help clients prepare for and live in retirement with income replacement solutions you can count on.”

Visit https://www.nationwide.com/annuity-investments.jsp to learn more.

The Pros and Cons of Your Business Starting a Podcast

More small businesses are starting podcasts to reach customers. In fact, 89 million people listened to a podcast in 2015, nearly double the number from 2008, according the Pew Research Center.

It’s also estimated that 46 million Americans listen to podcasts each month, with the average listener tuning in to about six podcasts each week, according to Edison Research.

If you’re looking for new ways to reach potential customers, you might want to consider giving podcasting a try. Diane Daniels, host of Medicare Nation, a weekly podcast that educates listeners on Medicare policies and benefits, says her podcast, which consistently has 150 to 200 downloads a week, has helped build her business, Senior Advisors for Medicare and Medicaid.

The key to creating a successful, well-listened-to podcast is to pick a topic you are passionate about and give your audience valuable information, she says. And while Daniels doesn’t talk about her business on her podcast, it’s listed in the show notes, and some of her listeners have become clients.

Here are some small business podcasting pros and cons:

Podcasting Pros

Captive audience

Most podcast listeners will give your content their undivided attention. Listeners typically download podcasts and listen on-the-go while working out or commuting so you have a captive audience with few distractions.

No competing messages

Unlike radio or TV, when your listener tunes into your podcast, that person will only hear your messages. Your content won’t be interrupted by competing advertisements or messages.

Accurate metrics

It’s easy to measure your audience because you can track the number of downloads as well as the number of people who subscribe to your podcast, and adjust your podcast marketing strategy accordingly.

However, Daniels warns not to get caught up in the number of weekly downloads in the beginning. If you keep putting out good content, you’ll get followers. Her first week, Daniels only had eight listeners and, she says, half of them were family members. Don’t try to compare yourself to the most popular podcasts such as “This American Life” and “Serial,” which are downloaded by millions of listeners each week.

Consider this: If you were doing a presentation and 25 people attended, you would think that was a good turnout, Daniels says. With podcasting, she says, you can get 100 or more people listening to you each week.

Podcasting Cons

Finding an audience

One way to find an audience is by promoting your small business podcast on  . Daniels posts audio files from her show on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to help new listeners find her. According to Pew, 93 percent of podcast listeners are active on social media and 58 percent engage with brands online. Another way to market your podcast is to appear as a guest on someone else’s podcast.

Sticking to a schedule

Your listeners will expect a new podcast every week or, at the very least every month. This can be difficult for a small business operator with limited time and resources given that Daniels estimates she spends about three hours on each podcast, devoting an hour to research, an hour to recording the show and an hour to promoting it through social media. In the beginning it might take longer while you’re getting the hang of it, she says. A weekly editorial calendar may help keep you on track.

But one alternative may be to delegate the responsibility to an intern. Interns are generally young, tech savvy and in touch with online viewing preferences. Outline your goals for the podcasts and weigh in regularly about content and tone to ensure that they are accomplishing what you want them to. But also be receptive to ideas that can help your business connect with new customers. For example, a young intern may have insights about reaching Millennials, who are the largest demographic group in the U.S.

Editing your podcast

It would be great if you could just hit record, talk and then post your podcast but most podcasts are edited to include music and to trim down the discussion to keep a lively pace. If you lack the skills to do the editing yourself, you can always outsource that task to an audio editing firm.

Creating the podcast is easy, Daniels says. “Any personality can podcast. You don’t have to be an extrovert.” And, it doesn’t cost a lot of money. You can start podcasting tomorrow with less than $100 and a smartphone.

Protect Your Home-Based Business with the Right Insurance

More than half of all U.S. businesses – 52% – are based in the home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A recent study commissioned by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America found that nearly 60% of home-based businesses do not have insurance coverage.

“When asked about the lack of insurance, nearly 40% of home-based business owners say they thought they were protected by some other type of coverage, while almost 30% say their businesses are too small to insure,” the IIABA said. “Notably, nearly 20% could not give a reason for not having insurance.”

Homeowners insurance covers incidents such as loss or theft of personal property. But if a delivery person slips and falls on your property or your business equipment is destroyed in a fire, homeowners insurance won’t protect you. Without coverage specifically designed for your home business, you put your livelihood, and possibly that of your employees, at risk. That’s why home-based business insurance is a good idea.

Choosing the right policy

No matter how small your home-based business, make sure you’re protected with the right coverage. There are three main property and liability options for home-based business insurance:

• Homeowners policy endorsements: Adding an endorsement, also known as a rider, to your existing homeowners policy is often the simplest and most affordable way to insure smaller home businesses that don’t manufacture products on the premises or use a lot of equipment. Endorsements are also a good fit for solo entrepreneurs with few business-related visitors.
• In-home business policy: Combining home and business insurance into a single plan, this type of policy offers more specific types of coverage. This policy is a step up from a basic homeowners policy endorsement, offering a greater range of coverage for a growing business. If your in-home business has developed into a mid-level operation with more visitors, equipment and output, this may be the policy for you. Such a policy may include more extensive property and liability coverage than endorsements, as well as business interruption coverage, which protects your income in the event your business is disrupted because of a disaster.
  Examples of what kinds of businesses would use this policy include a small baking operation that meets with clients in person and also does all baking, orders and shipping in-house; a clothing designer who fits clients, as well as manufactures and ships goods, from home or an accountant who makes regular in-person appointments and uses certain rooms in the house as dedicated office space.
• Business owners policy: Often referred to as a BOP, this type of policy is the most comprehensive form of coverage for home-based businesses. It offers protection for claims brought by contractors, customers and employees, making it a good option for larger home-based businesses. It’s also the best fit for in-home businesses that operate in multiple locations or require extensive travel off-site.

Additional coverage

Whichever policy you consider best for the size and type of your business, be aware that you may need additional coverage not included in a standard plan. Here are some additional coverage options you may want to discuss with your insurance agent, if the plan you’re considering doesn’t include them:

• Data compromise coverage: Helps protect you and your business from legal action stemming from a security breach that compromises confidential customer or client information.
• Employment practices coverage: Protects against claims brought against you and your business by your employees.
• Key person insurance: Basically life insurance on a person critical to the success of a business such as the owner, founder or a key employee, without whom the company might fail.

Most states require home-based businesses to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for employees, but purchasing this coverage is a smart move even if not mandated by law.

As you can see, in-home business insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all consideration. Talk to a Nationwide agent about the best coverage for your home-based business.

7 Summer Energy-Saving Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

Figuring out how to lower electric bills in the summer can be difficult, especially when temperatures are at their hottest. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to save on your electric bill during the summer months. Try these 7 summer energy-saving tips so you can focus less on your electric bill and more on the pleasures of summer.

How to lower electric bills in the summer

1. Be smart about peak-time summer utility rates.

Plan to run your washer, dryer and dishwasher before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak usage times and potentially higher rates. Utility companies often raise gas and electricity rates during the hottest time of the day, according to Energy Upgrade California. You can still load the dishwasher after meals, but waiting a bit to run it can help lower summer electric bills.

2. Look for the Energy Star symbol.

Planning to replace your washer, dryer or refrigerator? Shop with energy savings in mind. The U.S. government’s Energy Star program certifies products that meet strict energy-saving specifications. According to Energystar.gov, washers built before 2003 are significantly less efficient than newer models. Energy Star washing machines use about 25% less energy and 40% less water compared with regular washers. Similar money and energy savings can be found in newer dryers, refrigerators and other appliances that are Energy Star-certified.

3. Think outside the oven.

Running your oven on hot days makes your air conditioner run more to keep the house cool. Firing up the backyard grill for a barbecue instead can help you save on your electric bills in the summer.

4. Make cooling off a breeze.

Install ceiling fans, which can help everyone in the room feel cooler without the need to run the A/C as much – or at all. While the fans don’t actually lower the temperature in the room, they create a wind-chill effect and make you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on the skin. Another summer energy-saving tip: Ceiling fans are of no use when no one is in the room, so turn them off when you leave.

5. Insulate your home.

Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Reducing the energy spent on cooling by improving insulation is a great way to lower your summer electric bills. Newer homes generally are better insulated than older, unimproved homes because building energy codes have become progressively stricter over the years, says the DOE. If you have an older home, consider adding better insulation. Unless your newer home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, your utility bills will still probably benefit from improving your home’s insulation.

6. Check for air conditioner efficiency.

The DOE recommends having a professional check and clean your air conditioner (and your heater) once a year. If the unit is more than 15 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient unit. A new system can greatly reduce your energy costs, says the DOE, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. On your current system, check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic sealant. Keep yard debris away from the outside compressor of your air-conditioning unit and keep nearby bushes trimmed.

7. Create your own shade.

Keep draperies and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. Adding awnings can help, too. Looking for a longer-term solution that will add to the beauty of your property? Plant trees. “This Old House” recommends particular trees for fast-growing (1½ to 2 feet per year) shade options.

Your home isn’t the only place that can benefit from being cooled down in the summer. Once you finish using these summer energy-saving tips for your home, check out some tips for keeping your car cool in the summer.

How to Make a Small Business Website: 9 Tips for Success

It’s not enough nowadays to throw open the doors of your brick-and-mortar location. It’s important to have a website as well. Too many small businesses neglect this aspect of their marketing. The Service Corp of Retired Executives (Score) reports that a mere 51%  of such companies have their own websites. Meanwhile, customers are busy scouring the Internet for goods and services, with over 97% performing online searches for what they need.

Where’s a business owner to start? The process doesn’t need to be daunting. Here are nine easy steps to making a small business website:

1. Play the name game

Like parents choosing a lifetime moniker for their child, be selective in choosing a domain name. You want customers to remember it easily and even to think it’s clever. But you don’t want to be inappropriate. Do not use words or word combinations that might be deemed vulgar, insulting or mean-spirited. If you have doubts, tone down the name or change. A domain name is a key part of branding. You want to get it right.

2. Kiss website clutter goodbye

This is not the time to show off your computer acumen, with lots of distracting sounds and lights on the site and every icon known to web-kind. You want to keep it simple and make it easy for customers to discover what you’re all about while navigating the site.

3. Introduce yourself in your “about us” page

Metaphorically look potential customers in the eye, tell them how you came to start your business and what it means to you. Let them become invested in your story and want to reach out to you for what they need.

4. Make contact easy

Let customers know where you’re located and how they can get in touch. Put your business ‘contact information some place customers can’t miss, such as the top left or right corner on each page. You may also want to include a Google map to your location to put your locale in context.

5. Broadcast business hours

Before people run out to pick something up, they want to know that you will be there. Just as you would have your hours posted on your door, have it on the site as well.

6. Be mobile friendly

This means making sure your webpage loads easily onto smart phones. While customers rely on these more and more, 90% of small business websites don’t keep the smaller mobile device’s screen size in mind when they create their sites, making it difficult for some customers to view.

7. Build trust

Include testimonials and reviews from customers. Many customers feel more comfortable purchasing a product that others like. Even if you have just one testimonial, shine a spotlight on it. You may also want to link to other review sites where your product has been featured.

8. Ask for the business

This is not a time to be coy. Explain what you want people to do. Use terms such as, “Make your reservation now” or “Call us for a free quote today.”

9. Keep people coming back

Include information that changes on a regular basis such as a blog or newsletter on which customers come to rely.

Building a successful small business website is a huge step towards launching your small business. If you’re trying to get a small business off the ground, make sure you don’t make these 5 common small business mistakes.