Showing all posts tagged "Nuline"
Business Spotlight
Our February Business Spotlight is 701 Healthcare Solutions!
Have you found yourself looking for someone to assist you with your health insurance needs? We have found you a "solution!" Pictured above are April, McKenna and Tanner. McKenna (middle—Owner/Broker) found there to be a lack of a local resource for helping people with their health insurance needs. I mean, we all know how confusing the different plans are and how does one keep track of changes from year to year? It is so complex! This is FREE health insurance guidance! How can we go wrong here!? They pride themselves on offering excellent customer service and giving honest advice so you can be informed and understand your coverage. Having a local person to call when you have questions is priceless when you consider sitting on hold and talking to different representatives with the insurance companies. They work with several different Health Insurance carriers like Blue Cross, United, Sanford, Delta and Medica just to name a few. This team is here to explore the different plans for your specific needs, whether you are an individual, family or in need of a group plan. A lot of people do not understand Medicare and what they are signing up for, and these guys are here to help with that. They can also do an annual review of your prescriptions to compare the drug plans to make sure you are on the correct one. They can review family plans through the marketplace to see if you qualify for a rebate, which a lot of people aren’t aware of. Some of the other coverages offered are dental, vision, disability and long term care plans as well!
701 Healthcare Solutions is located at 24 1st St. NE, Minot ND 58703 in the 701 Realty building. McKenna and Tanner are also licensed Realtors!
You can contact them at 701-852-CARE(2273) or
via email info@701healthins.com
They have a Website 701healthins.com and also a Facebook page.
Give them a call today, they are informed and ready to answer your questions!
Posted on February 2nd, 2024
Recipe of the Month
Sausage Queso Dip
Its Super Bowl Time! I don’t know what's better, the game or the food!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork sausage, make sure it says "sausage"
8 oz cream cheese, (no need to soften)
20 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, (two 10oz cans)
15 oz can of corn, drained
8 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish for Queso Dip:
1 Roma tomato, diced
1Tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
In a large dry pot or deep skillet med/high, brown sausage (10-12 min), breaking it apart with spatula (the sausage releases enough oil to grease pan.) When browned, remove excess grease by pushing a paper towel around the pan with a spatula until fully saturated then discard.
Cut cream cheese into pieces and stir into browned pork until melted and incorporated. Add 2 cans un-drained Rotel tomatoes, 15 oz can drained corn and 8 oz cheese (reserve some cheddar to garnish the top if desired). Cook over med heat, garnish with fresh tomatoes, reserved cheddar, and chopped chives. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Posted on February 2nd, 2024
How Well Do You Know Your Contractor?
By Amy Streifel
A couple years ago, I was in desperate need of a contractor. As you may know, they are not easy to come by these days. They are generally booked out so far in advance, you have to be booking months ahead of time. I had a project I just needed to get done. It was the removal of a building and possibly putting up another in its place. Every day I sent messages and made calls to contractors, even into the neighboring states. Finally I got a bite. A gentleman from Minnesota answered my ad and could start in a week. I was beyond excited. Over the phone we didn't go into a lot of detail, but he was cheaper than anticipated and available so I hired him. I told my husband at the time and his question was, what are his qualifications. I thought about it, "well, he said he's a contractor and has lots of experience". Looking back I am kicking myself for not verifying that information. A week later, true to his word, he pulled into my yard. It should have been a red flag that he pulled up in a camper, but I didn't question it. I showed him the big barn that needed to be demolished and asked where his equipment was. He proceeded to hold up a single hammer………
He wasn't getting paid by the hour so I didn't ask any more questions. He started his work that day with his single hammer and made little progress. The next day when I questioned why he had not left my property all night, he informed me he would live in his camper in my yard until the job was done. This should have been another red flag. Feeling slightly uncomfortable but optimistic, my family just made the best of it. After a month, we joked he was part of the family. It took him a good month to take down 1/3 of the barn. I was beginning to get worried he wouldn't finish the job. A couple of times I saw him fall through floor boards. I panicked and asked to see his contract. There was no contract. That was also concerning. One day, I got home from work and our contractor was MIA. Camper was gone along with some good lumber. It was in that moment I thought about all the red flags. The barn was a mess and only partially done. My yard was a mess of lumber he had been pulling off. Thankfully I had not yet paid him. Needless to say, it was a lesson well learned. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If you are entrusting someone to come into your home and to treat the job with the respect it deserves, make sure that person is reliable. And most importantly…..a real contractor.
In a typical homeowner policy, the contractor’s work is not a covered loss. Making sure your contractor is licensed and insured is very important! At NuLine we insure many contractors of all different trades so we know first hand the types of things that can happen. We did have an insured who used a contractor to put in a patio door. The contractor did not install it correctly and now there are issues of leaking and damage to flooring. Unfortunately his home policy will not cover this. He would need to go back to the contractor in this situation. It can turn costly if the contractor doesn’t have insurance and isn’t willing to make it right!
Do’s & Don’ts of Hiring a Contractor:
Þ DO: Require a contract and understand it.
Þ Don’t: Forget to ask for references in the area.
Þ Do: Only work with licensed contractors.
Þ Don’t: Rush into repairs or hire the 1st contractor that comes along.
Þ Do: Ask for a copy of their insurance.
Þ Don’t: Pay until the work is complete and you are satisfied.
Posted on January 9th, 2024
I’ll be DAMNED!
By Amy Streifel
Its nearing the beginning of December and there's not much snow! A lot of us would love this weather all winter, but we know what's coming. I think back to last winter. The snowbanks were over my head. I specifically remember a time I told the kids to watch for me as I was going to brave walking around to the back of my house. No one had walked back there since fall and it was snow half way up the side of the house. As I was walking I could see my kids watching out the window. Do you know what they saw? An avalanche of snow fall off the roof right on top of me. You'd think their initial reaction would be checking my safety, but as I climbed out and into the house they were rolling on the floor laughing….Why was I behind the house you may ask? I have seen and heard too many horror stories in my time being an insurance agent of ice dams. Ice dams not taken care of can literally destroy homes and you’ll be saying more than damn if it happens to you. They occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes overnight. When this happens the buildup can become very heavy. If not taken care of, they can fall off the roof, taking your gutters with them. We have seen it happen on several homes. And that’s just the damage to the outside. Unfortunately, there are many times, your ceiling and walls may be compromised. Ice builds up under the shingles and gets into the interior walls, then the walls cave in.
The good news is that ice dams are preventable. One main thing you can do is use a snow rake to get the snow off of your roof. De-icing cables are another great way to get that moisture moving through your gutters instead of freezing in them. Making sure your attic is thoroughly insulated also helps. These are just a few things to try. If you do what you can to prevent ice dams, you will save yourself a lot of time and money. Depending on your homeowners policy, the dwelling coverage may cover the cost to repair ice dam damage. That may include repairing your roof, walls and other damage to the structure of your home up to your coverage limits. However, depending on your coverage, you may have out of pocket expenses, such as the actual removal of the ice dam, or if you damaged the shingles trying to get the ice dam removed yourself. As always, this is great scenario to discuss with your insurance agent to make sure you have coverages you are comfortable with.
Posted on January 9th, 2024
Western ReCreations
Do you have an old piece of furniture that needs some western flare added? Check out the work Tammy Tollefson does as a hobby! Tammy launched Western ReCreations in Churches Ferry, ND five years ago to keep her hobbies alive and now the hobby has turned into quite a list of projects that leads to some late nights in the shop! Tammy visits about 6 markets a year in North Dakota, Montana and South Dakota. They have pieces on hand but also take in custom orders. However, the list is long so if you have something in mind, better to get on the list now. You can never rush an artist if you want a true piece of art!
Some of the pieces Tammy has worked on date 100 years old and her hope is that they live on 100+ more. As she is working with a piece, she likes to think about the stories it could tell. She said, "if these pieces could talk, think of all they could tell." Throughout all the restoring they use leather, hair on leather, and Navaho blankets. They use a lot of turquoise, fringe, and buttons to give every piece its unique flare. With the wood, it is sealed with three coats of clear sealant, so the new owner has basic care requirements which is such a treat! The best way to get in touch with Tammy is through Western ReCreations Facebook page. Here are a few pieces but you will have to explore the page for more.
Posted on January 9th, 2024
RING OF FIRE
By Amy Streifel
Its scary to see fires in the headlines. Whether it’s a business or a home, fires can be devastating. For that reason alone, I have always taught my children the importance of fire safety and am very diligent of what to do in an emergency. I have a smoke detector in every room and practice fire escapes with the kids. I have also led by example when it comes to fire safety. One example a few years ago, I happened to be driving in the country when I saw a smoke ring in the distance. So, I did what every nosy person usually does, I drove towards the smoke to check out the situation. In doing so I saw from a distance there was a fire out in the middle of a field. Being the helpful person I am, I called 911 to report the fire. After I found out that it was actually a controlled burn put on by the firemen, I felt a little foolish, but it still was a teaching moment for my kids. I reiterate to my family, help whenever you can as long as you are safe. We are not risking any lives saving stuffed animals.
If you should come up to a fire what should you do? Do not do what I did by going towards it. Stay away and call for help. Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher. This is a fun lesson I just taught my kids. The priority when discovering a fire must always be to evacuate the premises.
Posted on October 6th, 2023
Recipe of the Month
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 Large eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
2 Cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8x8 baking dish. In a bowl, combine oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine. Add pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla, and syrup/honey to bowl and stir. Spread into prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 min. Oatmeal is done baking when it is puffed up on the edges, set in the middle and top is golden. Let cool for 5 min. It firms up as it cools. Store in fridge up to 4 days. You can sub nuts for the chocolate. *I like to add a drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey and cream before I dig in!
Posted on September 11th, 2023
Claim Corner
In the insurance industry we like have a game we like to play called, IS IT COVERED? With insurance claims, it is not always cut and dry. You can’t and shouldn't try to predict the verdict of a claim, because the outcome will never be the same for every claim. We, as agents, cannot always tell you if your claim is covered, especially those "hypothetical’s" we get asked. That is a determination the company makes after a thorough analysis of all the facts. There is often a misconception we have the power to deny or approve a claim, when in reality we have no say. Let’s talk tires. We get asked all the time if they are covered and when. Here's a couple examples.
At the time of this particular incident, our insured was not laughing, but it was too funny not to share now. She was driving down the road. She heard a thump and fished tailed a bit before realizing her tire was airborne and heading for a nearby house. At the nearby house, a gentleman was just carrying his supper to the grill when the tire flew by and took out the grill. A few feet in difference and the tire would have injured the man instead of the hamburgers. After demolishing the grill, the tire flew into the house causing even more damage. That thing had some major speed. So, was the tire covered? The answer is unfortunately, no. The tire did not hit something and come off, the tire may have been loose or faulty in some way. Nevertheless, the grill and house were definitely covered.
Raise your hand if you have ever had a blown tire. It’s not fun. It can also be dangerous if you are going at high speeds. What many people may not know, is, unless the blown tire is a result of an accident, insurance does not cover them. A blown tire is considered wear and tear and you are responsible for making sure they are in proper condition before you drive.
As I write this, I remember a tire issue I personally had last week. A piece of cement found its way onto the highway and I hit it. IS IT COVERED??
Posted on September 11th, 2023
Can we talk about the elephant in the room?
By Amy Streifel
I hear it at coffee talk. I hear it at social settings. I hear it at work. The scandal that has everyone talking….that’s right people, I'm talking about insurance rates. You about have to live under a rock to have not noticed or heard about insurance rate increases. I'm here to put your mind at ease and clear up any rumors. The worst thing you can do is misunderstand your own insurance rates by something you have heard. And PLEASE, do not compare your neighbors insurance to your own. Every policy is specialized to fit YOU. So when I hear the phase "my neighbor said", I cringe. Talk to your knowledgeable agent if you have questions on your insurance, not your neighbor. So, what's the deal with rates? It’s not all cut and dry. I review all of my clients rate increases and have to make those call on a daily basis. I wish I had the exact answer for each person, but everyone is different. There are a lot of variables that go into determining rates. Some of the factors are the carrier’s filed rates, where you live, your age, your insurance score and more. As for the rise in insurance rates across the board, a couple main reasons; car repair costs have soared and major labor shortages. Factories and trade routes are still struggling from the effects of the Covid Pandemic.
As you review your home and auto policies during the remainder of 2023, here are a few recent statistics to keep in mind:
Homeowners insurance rates continue to rise. Since 2015, the average homeowner has seen their bill for insurance rise by approximately 21% - and as much as 57% in natural disaster-prone states like Texas and Florida. The culprits? Climate change, insurance fraud, and inflation. Most experts anticipate a 9% increase this year - roughly $150 per annual policy.
Auto insurance rates climbed nearly 15% in some states over the past year, rising more than $240 on average nationwide to $2,014 per year. What’s more? Approximately 11% of drivers now pay more for their car insurance than for their car payments.
· Mitigate the increase in premiums by taking advantage of new discounts, asking your agent about telematics programs, improving your credit, and increasing policy deductibles.
NuLine is here to help! We are always very informed with the current industry trends. Remember, one of the benefits of working with us is that we have access to multiple insurance carriers and can shop around to get you the best rates!
Posted on September 11th, 2023
Business Spotlight
High Plains Cleaning & Estate Liquidators
Elizabeth & Frank let no dust settle under their feet when they made their way to Chaseley, ND. They came to us from South Dakota and firmly believe Central NoDak is the best place to be. I couldn’t agree more, personally. They have a vast range of expertise, so entrepreneurship was well becoming. These two have launched High Plains Cleaning & Liquidation and have been keeping very busy.
What does this entail? High Plains work to clean residential & commercial properties, they assist in planning and preparing for estate sales, they are Haz-mat certified, so they have aided in cleaning out properties owned by hoarders, they can help downsize or declutter, they have assisted in big projects such as painting the interior or exterior of residencies and buildings, etc. After speaking with Elizabeth, I got the impression that if you have a project and aren’t sure about it, contact them and tell them the details! It might just be a great fit. The best part is servicing Harvey, McClusky, Turtle Lake, Bowdon, Maddock, New Rockford, Carrington, Jamestown, Bismarck, Devils Lake, Minot, and surrounding rural areas! They are booking 3 weeks out for larger projects and about 1-2 weeks out for cleaning services.
You can find them on Facebook at High Plains Cleaning & Estate Liquidators OR you can give them a call at 701-625-1214.
Posted on August 7th, 2023