6 Energy-Efficient Technologies to Make Your Home Greener

Installing energy-saving technology is a great idea, whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading your current home.

Different devices and types of technology can increase the comfort of your home and help you save money. They can also help you become more environmentally conscious.

There’s an increasing array of devices and software programs that can help you increase your energy efficiency. Below you’ll find 6 ways that you can use green home technology to help the environment and your wallet.

1. Programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is easy to install, and you can program it to change the temperature at times when you don’t need as much heating or cooling, including when you’re at work, on vacation or asleep. Some thermostats allow you to control them an app on your phone or on your computer, making it easy for you to change the temperature when you’re not home.

2. Smart home automation systems

Smart home systems integrate and can improve various functions. For example, a smart alarm system combined with cameras or sensors that monitor specific areas can keep your home safer by letting you know via your smartphone when someone is there. Smart thermostats can adjust and control temperature automatically Other programs control lighting with similar precision and efficiency. For example, with some of the latest lighting systems, you can turn off lighting by room or area, or create a schedule for when certain lights should switch on or off. That way, even if someone leaves the lights on in one room, they’ll still turn off at a designated time. Some systems control smart appliances, turning on an oven, for instance, so it’s already pre-heated when you get home; turning off a coffee maker you accidentally left on; or closing a garage door at your command.

3. Energy-efficient windows

Energy-efficient windows can decrease your heating and air conditioning costs. Switching from single-pane to double-pane windows requires an initial investment, but the cost savings will add up as you spend less on energy bills. Older windows allow hot or cold air to escape through cracks, and single-paned designs don’t retain heat or cool air as well. If you aren’t ready to upgrade your windows, you can insulate each window, which can cut some of the air leakage.

Window coverings can also help. By keeping windows shaded on hot days, you can cut down on air conditioning usage. On cold days, keep those same window shades open to allow in natural, warm sunlight.

4. Energy-efficient air conditioners

In addition to using an energy-efficient air conditioner (look for one with an Energy Star rating), energy-savings solutions include closing off air conditioning vents in parts of the home you might not be using. That way, you’re not cooling an area that’s sitting empty, which is a great way to save energy during the summer. Also, consider raising the thermostat temperature a few degrees higher from where you normally set it. A new normal for you might mean lower energy bills, and you’ll still be comfortable. If you’re using a window air conditioning unit, be sure there’s a tight fit so air doesn’t escape out the window.

5. LED lights

Controlling your lighting makes your home more comfortable, makes it easier to see and helps you relax. You can do this with automated systems by changing out some your light bulbs. LED lights use less energy and are cooler when running than traditional incandescent lights, and they also last longer. Swapping out  light bulbs helps your home go green and can save you money in the long run. Consider installing smart bulbs for even more control over your home lighting; these devices pair with a smartphone app, so you can turn them on or off or switch their color remotely.

6. Energy-saving devices

Home appliances including refrigerators, hot water heaters, dishwashers and clothes dryers consume a lot of energy. Consider purchasing energy-efficient appliances with Energy Star ratings if you’re in the market for new appliances or are looking to upgrade. Their energy-saving technology is an easy way to reduce your energy usage.

Are you on a roll with saving energy around your home? Keep up the momentum. Learn even more ways to use green technology to improve the energy-efficiency of your appliances.

5 Surprising Reasons You Need Life Insurance

A key benefit of life insurance is it can provide enough money to help family members stay in their homes, even funding living expenses as well as debt left behind so the survivors have less financial stress during this difficult time. However, there are other reasons to purchase life insurance that are less commonly known but just as important. Here are some other ways life insurance can help you:

1. Paying for final expenses

The median cost of an adult funeral, with burial and viewing, was $7,181 in 2014, according to the latest figures available from the National Funeral Directors Association. But funeral expenses are only one part of the equation. Some people accumulate high medical bills at the end of life, and these aren’t all covered by health insurance. Legal help to settle the estate, can add up as well.
Even if a person doesn’t have a lot of assets, sorting out the final paperwork can get expensive. Life insurance funds can help pay for these expenses without them being a financial drain on the survivors.

2. Funding college

If the main breadwinner dies and the kids’ college fund isn’t fully loaded, college expenses are difficult to cover. Yes, student loans are available, but there may be gaps. Families may be required to pay more than they can comfortably afford. Making sure a life insurance policy has enough money to cover college expenses is a way to help the student get his or her best start in life as an adult.

3. Covering stay-at-home parents

If the at-home parent doesn’t earn a salary, it still costs money to do that job if that parent dies. The expenses of engaging babysitters, nannies and day care organizations can add up. It’s efficient to insure the stay-at-home parent with a life insurance policy while the kids are still minors, and it’s a prudent financial move.

4. Paying off student loans

Federal student loans can be discharged upon death if the family member requests it. Private lenders, however, don’t always discharge the debt. It’s important to understand the terms of the policy when getting the loan, as well as the consequences of the student dying, because the loan co-signers may be responsible for that debt. Some student loans are even due in full upon death. That’s when having a life insurance policy able to cover the loans is helpful.

5. Leaving inheritance

If you want to leave money to your heirs but you don’t have a lot of money or other assets, a life insurance policy is a good way to leave an inheritance economically. You put money away in a life policy and make your heirs the beneficiaries.

If you or a loved one is hesitant about getting life insurance, remember that it isn’t about the policyholder. Rather, it’s about protecting the people left behind. It’s a way of helping them cover expenses they may not be able to handle otherwise. They won’t be left holding the bag for your debt, and they’ll have a cushion to ease the financial stress.

The Lowdown on College Student Health Insurance

College students may think they’re indestructible, but like many other groups they are susceptible to injury and illness. That can make student health insurance valuable.

College students are part of a demographic that is generally very healthy, although college living often creates its own specific health-care needs. Health insurance for students can help provide coverage for these needs.

Student health coverage options

When it comes to college student health insurance, families have three options:

1. Buying a student health plan through the college (if it is offered)
2. Keeping the student on the parents’ plan
3. Enrolling in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.

Which of these options is best for your family?

Advantages of a separate student health plan

Cost is a big consideration. A student plan is often less expensive than other types of health insurance, and it provides the care most likely to be needed by young adults. If student health insurance is billed along with tuition and fees, then it can be paid for through the student’s financial aid package.

Another consideration is access to providers. Because health insurance is generally local, the parents’ plan may not cover services in the college town. That could mean high out-of-network rates, especially for an emergency room visit. A student health plan will include local providers, alleviating that problem.

For students attending a college that does not offer a student health plan, parents may want to research services that are included in different plans offered by their employers. This is especially important if the student has conditions that require working with a local health care professional. In some cases, it may make sense for the student to purchase a plan on the insurance marketplace. The student’s physician may be able to recommend local providers, making the selection process easier.

Study abroad

Some college health insurance plans include coverage for study-abroad programs. Others offer coverage specifically for students who will be taking advantage of these opportunities.. Health coverage is a concern, but there are policies that address it.

Staying on a parent’s plan

The choice of health insurance plan for a college student isn’t a “one and done” decision. Under the Affordable Care Act, people under the age of 26 can stay on their parents’ health insurance plans in most circumstances. They are also allowed to leave their parents’ plans and return, so using student health insurance will not affect that benefit. So, if it takes new college graduates a while to find a job, they can still have access to coverage through the family plan.

If staying on a parent’s plan isn’t an option, getting an individual student health policy might be the right choice for you. Click here to find out more about college student health insurance.

How to Buy Life Insurance: a Guide

Purchasing life insurance is often a good decision. It protects your family financially when the unthinkable happens. Peace of mind for the future of your family requires some research and taking a few steps to find the best life insurance policy for your needs.

So, how do you buy life insurance? We break down the ways to get life insurance below.

Getting life insurance from your employer

Many employers offer group life insurance as a company benefit, whether they pay the entire premium or subsidize it. In fact, group life insurance represented 43% of all U.S. life insurance policies in 2014, according to the American Council of Life Insurers.

There are several advantages to these policies. If the company pays all or most of the cost, that’s, of course, a monetary savings for employees. However, the amount purchased may not meet your ultimate needs. If the benefits equal one or two times your salary, that’s probably not enough to leave your family in a comfortable financial position should you unexpectedly pass. You may have the option to upgrade the policy to a higher amount by paying the difference, or you can use this policy as a secondary one, purchasing an individual policy elsewhere.

One huge upside to group life insurance is you don’t usually have to take a medical exam to get it. It is easier to obtain group life insurance in these situations than as an individual.

The downside to getting life insurance through the employer is the coverage usually ends when employment ends. If you leave your job, whether you’re laid off or proactively find a new one, your life insurance policy doesn’t come with you. You might be able to convert it to an individual policy, but the costs may be higher than one acquired on your own. While a new employer might also offer life insurance benefits, there may be a waiting period.

Getting life insurance independently

If you want to buy life insurance independently of your employer, you can go to a specific insurance carrier or an online broker that sells policies from different companies. If you know what kind of insurance you want, you can get quotes online or with a phone call.

The advantage to getting online or phone quotes is you can get pricing information quickly and then compare quotes. If you go that route, it’s helpful to have a strong insurance background because you won’t be getting as much guidance as you would through your personal insurance agent. You might be comparing policy options without understanding the differences.

Talk to an insurance agent

Calling or meeting with a personal insurance agent is another way to get life insurance. Some insurance companies offer discounts to customer who bundletheir policies, like having homeowner, auto and life insurance all with the same carrier.

The advantage to using personal insurance agents is they already understand your financial needs and they care about you as a long-term customer. They’ll spend the time to discuss the various life insurance types so you can find the best one for you. The disadvantage to using your personal agent is that they may be tied to only one insurance carrier, so they may not be able to offer you life insurance options from other companies.

What’s next?

Once you’ve chosen the policy you want and gotten a quote, you’ll apply for the insurance. That involves speaking with an insurance agent, even if you got your quote online. The agent will ask some questions and discuss the policy you chose. The agent will also send you paperwork to fill out and sign.

It’s likely that you’ll need a medical examination as the next step. The company will contact you to set up a time. The examiner will come to your home or office for some basic testing, such as determining your weight, getting a blood sample, perhaps an EKG, and listening to your heart.

This entire underwriting process can take a few weeks. Assuming everything checks out, the insurance company will send you the policy approval and ask for payment, if you haven’t already given a deposit. The premium might be different than in the original quote, depending on the results of your  medical exam and risk category.