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  • Are You Really Sleeping Well?

    Are You Really Sleeping Well?

    Use these tips to help ensure you are getting a restful night’s sleep.

    Getting a restful night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep can be harder than it sounds. With the stress of daily life, falling into a deep sleep can be easier said than done. Keep these tips in mind to start sleeping for better health.

    • Know the signs of sleep deprivation. Constantly sleeping less than seven hours a night is the first sign that you are sleep deprived. A change in your emotional stability, having trouble concentrating, and weight gain are all signs of sleep deprivation. Keep in mind that sleep deprivation can creep up on you over the years.
    • Know how to remedy the situation. Figure out what is causing you to lose sleep at night. Consider putting down your phone or tablet and turning off the TV an hour earlier than usual to give you the time to relax. Many electronic devices suppress melatonin, which you need for a restful night’s sleep.
    • Know the signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common in adults and those who are obese. While snoring is the main symptom, it does not mean that everyone who snores has sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea pause their breathing while sleeping often, which will cause the oxygen levels in their body to fluctuate greatly.
    • Know how to establish good sleeping habits. The best way to get into good sleeping habits is to set a sleep/wake schedule, and stick to it as best you can during the weekends. Avoid caffeinated drinks after noon and turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before bed.

    To ensure you have the health insurance coverage you deserve in case of any sleep issues, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Everyone Is Sure To Love This Easy Dessert Recipe

    Everyone Is Sure To Love This Easy Dessert Recipe

    This holiday dessert recipe is the perfect way to end your holiday dinner.

    With all of the delicious dishes that are on your holiday dinner table, it can be hard to save enough room in your stomach for dessert. If the traditional pies don’t appeal to you, that does not mean you have to skip out on the sweetest part of the holiday. Keep this easy and delicious holiday recipe in mind that is sure to meet any sweet tooth craving.

    Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

    You will need:

    • ¾ cups heavy cream
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 4 eggs
    • ½ cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
    • 1/3 cup nut flavored liqueur, such as Frangelico
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 7 cups large dice cinnamon challah, about 10 ounces challah
    • 1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped and toasted

    Then you will need to:

    1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and arrange a rack in the middle.
    2. Whisk together the cream, milk, eggs, ½ cup sugar, vanilla, liqueur, and salt into a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth. Evenly distribute the bread and walnuts into a 2-quart baking dish, and pour the custard mixture over the bread, allowing to soak for at least 15 minutes.
    3. Bring 8 cups of water to a simmer over medium heat.
    4. Evenly spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar over the bread pudding. Set the filled baking dish into a larger roasting pan and add enough of the hot water to reach halfway up the dish. Bake until the custard is set and the top is lightly browned about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from the water bath and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then enjoy!

    All of us at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!

  • Home Security Tips For The Holiday Season

    Home Security Tips For The Holiday Season

    Don’t let an intruder ruin your holiday season with these tips.

    The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year. While packing your bag for your holiday vacation, it is important to think of your home security while you are away. Keep these home security tips in mind to ensure that your house stays safe and sound while you are away.

    • Lock up – with everything that you are doing to get out of your house, it can be easy to forget something simple, like making sure everything is locked tight. Right before you leave your house, make sure all of your doors and windows are locked, even those on the second story.
    • Light up – install sensor lights around the exterior of your house so that would-be thieves are not able to hide in the shadows. You should also install timers on a couple of lights inside your house to go off at different times so that your home does not stay dark the whole time you are away.
    • Pay up – make sure your bills are all paid before you leave, especially your electric bill. Not only will it help you to relax while you are on vacation, but it will also make sure that all electric systems in your house, including your alarm system, continue working while you are away.
    • Check up – ask a trusted neighbor or close friend to check up on your house periodically while you are away. Having someone go in and out of your house will help it look occupied, even if they are only visiting for an hour or two.

    Before you leave, take a look at your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have the coverage you deserve while away. Contact the insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your home insurance needs this holiday season.

  • Don’t Make These Distracted Driving Mistakes

    Don’t Make These Distracted Driving Mistakes

    Stay safe on Mesa, AZ roads by avoiding these common causes of distracted driving.

    Distracted driving does not only put the driver’s life in danger, but it also endangers all the other drivers around them on the road. Drivers who use some type of hand-held device while driving are four times more likely to get into a crash. However, cell phones are not the only cause of distracted driving. Avoid these deadliest distractions while behind the wheel to ensure that you make it to all your destinations safely.

    • Smoking – not only is smoking bad for your health, it is also bad for your safety. Smoking distractions include smoking, putting ashes in an ash tray, and lighting a cigarette, all which take your hands off the wheel and your focus off the road.
    • Moving objects – anything that is moving inside your vehicle can distract you while on the road, especially when it comes to having pets in your car. Studies have shown that around 1 percent of accidents are caused by moving objects in cars. However, experts agree that this number is very low because many people are reluctant to admit that they were looking at something else when the crash happened.
    • Drinking or eating – eating or drinking while driving will cause you to take your hands off the wheel and can slow your reaction time, which can increase your risk of getting into an accident on the road.
    • Getting lost in thought – being generally distracted by your own thoughts can lead to very dangerous situations on the road since you are not focusing on the road ahead.

    Along with doing what you can to stay focused on the road, investing in the right auto insurance policy can help to keep you safe. Contact the independent insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your car insurance coverage needs.

  • Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With This Thanksgiving Recipe

    Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With This Thanksgiving Recipe

    Impress your friends and family with this Thanksgiving recipe.

    Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you are cooking a whole turkey, you have enough to stress about without having to worry about all the other dishes. To ensure that your Thanksgiving ends on a sweet note, try out this easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe that your whole family is sure to love.

    Rustic Apple Tart

    You will need:

    • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
    • Flour for the work surface
    • 3 Granny Smith apples
    • 1/3 cup sugar
    • 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for an egg wash
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons apple jelly

    Then you will need to:

    1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Open the pastry sheet and remove the paper. Fold the sheet back up. Roll out the pastry sheet, still folded, on a lightly floured surface, to an 8 by 14 inch rectangle. Trim off the edges with a pizza cutter or sharp paring knife. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Peel, core, and slice the apples to ¼ inch thick. Toss in a large bowl with sugar.
    2. Brush the pastry egg wash, avoiding the edges. Use a sharp paring knife to score a ¾ inch border around the pastry but don’t cut all the way through. Place the apples inside the border and dot with the butter. Bake until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
    3. In a small saucepan, heat the jelly with 1 tablespoon water until melted. Brush the apples with the glaze. Serve the tart warm.

    All of us at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona would like to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

  • Importance Of Flood Insurance

    Importance Of Flood Insurance

    Don’t let the next Mesa, AZ flood ruin your house. Invest in flood insurance.

    When you invest in a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is easy to assume that you are covered in case of any unfortunate situation that you may run into. Flood insurance is not covered on your home insurance policy. You must purchase a separate flood policy to be covered for flood. Protecting your home and personal belongings with the right flood insurance policy can help to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.

    Even if you do not live near a body of water, your home is still at risk of experiencing a flood. All homes are built on some type of flood plain, and the degree of risk is based off of how high the threat is. Luckily, the premiums for your flood insurance policy if you live in a low to moderate flood risk zone will be much lower than if you live in a high-risk area.

    Standard flood insurance policies will cover damage that is done to the structure of your house, as well as any permanent structures, such as your water heater, air conditioner, and furnace. You also have the choice to invest in coverage for your personal property that you keep in your house, such as furniture and clothing. The more coverage you invest in, the higher your rates will be, but the better protected you will be.

    Keep in mind that flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will become active, which means the sooner you invest in a policy, the sooner you can start enjoying your coverage.

    When looking for the right flood insurance policy that will provide the right amount of protection to meet all of your needs, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Getting Ready For Open Enrollment

    Getting Ready For Open Enrollment

    Health Insurance open enrollment 2016 dates that you should know.

    Are you ready for open enrollment? The first day to sign up for a health insurance policy through the Marketplace and open enrollment is November 1st, and your coverage can start as early as January 1, 2016.

    Along with the first day of open enrollment, there are a few other dates to mark on your calendar to ensure that you are able to get the right amount of health coverage to meet your specific needs, including:

    • December 15, 2015: the last day that you can enroll in a new plan or change your plan in order for your coverage to start on January 1, 2016.
    • January 1, 2016: the first day your new health insurance coverage can start if you enrolled on or before Dec. 15th.
    • January 15, 2016: the last day that you can enroll in a new health plan or change your plan in order for your coverage to start on February 1, 2016.
    • January 31, 2016: the end of the 2016 open enrollment. Any health plan changes that are made between January 16th and January 31st will take effect on March 1, 2016.

    Keep in mind that you have the chance to enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any point in the year. You can also enroll in coverage if you have a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or moving to a different state that does not offer the same health insurance plan that you are currently enrolled in.

    For all of your health insurance needs and to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage, contact the independent insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona. We will work with you to help you find the right policy that will meet your needs, all at the right price to fit your budget.

     

  • Protecting Your Smartphone From Liability Issues

    Protecting Your Smartphone From Liability Issues

    Smartphone Cyber Liability

    Almost everyone who has a cellphone has a smartphone. If you are a small business owner, you know just how important your smartphone can be as a business tool. However, your smartphone can also open your business up to serious risks, including cyber liability risks. The more you rely on your smartphone for business purposes, the greater your risk of having to deal with a liability-related problem.

    The most common types of security risks that you have to be aware of with your smartphone include:

    1. Downloading malicious attachments and apps.
    2. Theft or loss of unprotected smartphones.
    3. Visiting suspicious websites or clicking on suspicious links.

    Luckily, there are many steps that you can take to help keep your smartphone and sensitive information safe, including:

    • Using a password – a smartphone without a password is like an open invitation for thieves. If your smartphone is stolen, the thief will not have to do anything other than swipe your phone open to get access to all the information that they want.
    • Watching your downloads – only downloads apps or attachments that come from a reliable source. If a security warning appears when you start the download, think twice about allowing the file to download onto your phone.
    • Securing your data – there are many different types of encryption software that are available that will help to keep all of your data secure. You should also always have a backup file of all your information that is stored on a secure online server.

    For all of your business insurance policies to ensure that you have the protection that you deserve in case of any smartphone cyber liability issues, contact the independent insurance professionals at Saks Insurance in Mesa, Arizona.

  • How Millennials Can Benefit From A Life Insurance Policy

    How Millennials Can Benefit From A Life Insurance Policy

    Life Insurance For Millennials

    For many Millennials who are just starting out on their own, life insurance may be the furthest thought from their minds. However, life insurance is vital for people of all ages to ensure that you and your loved ones are financially protected throughout the years.

    One of the main reasons young people skip out on life insurance coverage is because they do not think that they are at risk of dying. While it is hard to think about, everyone is at risk of passing away, which can leave your loved ones emotionally and financially devastated. A life insurance policy will help to provide the financial cushion that your family needs to have the time to grieve your loss. Plus, investing in a life insurance policy while you are young and healthy will help you benefit from much lower premiums than if you invest in a policy years later.

    There are many factors millennials should consider when deciding how much life insurance coverage they need. While you may not have any dependents, your loved ones can still take a financial blow when you pass away. If your parents co-signed on your student loans to help you get a better rate, they may still be responsible for paying back the loan when you are gone. The payout, or death benefit, that is provided by your life insurance policy can help to ensure that they do not have to take on that financial burden. A life insurance policy can also help your family cover the costs of your funeral, which can easily cost thousands of dollars that they would otherwise have to pay for on their own without your life insurance death benefit.

    For all of your life insurance needs to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage for your specific situation contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • New Technologies Working To Keep Your House Safe

    New Technologies Working To Keep Your House Safe

    Home Security Technologies

    The home security world has changed dramatically since its start. No longer do you have to be bothered by unsightly camera equipment and wires that run all around your house. New security systems and tools have become more accessible and affordable than ever while also being much smaller and discrete. Consider installing these security tools at your house to keep it safe.

    • Smart cameras – new security cameras can be tucked anywhere in your house and do not require any wires. You can see what is happening both inside and outside of your house on your computer or phone thanks to good battery life and Wi-Fi connections.
    • Key free doors – if you have friends or family coming into town, they no longer have to wait outside of your house until you get home from work. Keyless front doors allow people to get inside with a simple code that can be activated and deactivated depending on your needs.
    • Home automation – new technologies are allowing you to control almost every aspect of your house from anywhere in the world. New power outlets can connect to your phone so that you can control the power from your smartphone to ensure that you never leave your hair straightener on, or to turn on a light so that you do not have to come home to a dark house.

    Not only are these new security technologies helping to make your house much safer, but they can also help you save on your homeowners insurance policy. The less susceptible your house is to a break in, the lower your premiums will be.

    For all of your home insurance needs to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget, contact the independent insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Cover Your Furry Friend With The Right Umbrella Insurance Policy

    Cover Your Furry Friend With The Right Umbrella Insurance Policy

     

    Umbrella Coverage And Dog Bites

    When looking for ways to cut costs in your life, you may look towards your insurance policies. While you do not want to completely drop your coverage, you may think that skipping out on some coverage options can help you save money. However, each day hundreds of lawsuits are filed, which could leave you digging deep into your pockets to pay for an accident.

    One of the most common lawsuits that people overlook are dog bite lawsuits. While you may think that your furry friend is the most lovable dog around, your neighbor may not feel the same. Even the most well-behaved dogs can bite someone if they are scared or threatened. While your homeowners insurance policy may provide a limited amount of coverage, it’s limits can easily be reached if you are sued for the dog bite.

    The best way to ensure that you and your four-legged friends are protected from any peril is to invest in a personal umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage that goes beyond the coverage that is provided by your other policies, including your auto and home insurance. Once the limits of your existing policies are reached, the liability that is provided by your umbrella insurance policy will then kick in to ensure that you do not have to cover the costs out of your own pocket.

    If your dog bites someone, you will not only be held responsible for their medical bills, but you can also be sued for pain and suffering and other damages. Since umbrella insurance policies start at $1 million in coverage, you can rest assured that you have the protection that you deserve in case of any unfortunate situation.

    To ensure that you and your entire family are protected with the right umbrella insurance policy, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Road

    What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Road

    Car Safety Tips

    Having your car break down on the road can be very stressful. It can also be very dangerous since you are still in the way of the oncoming traffic. To ensure that you can stay safe during a breakdown, keep these tips in mind.

    • Never get out of your car to look at the damage or try and make a repair if you are on a busy highway. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or off the highway completely before getting out. If you were involved in an accident, motion for the other driver to pull over as well so that you can exchange information in a safe location.
    • If you are not able to move your vehicle because of the damage, use your cell phone to call for help. Standing outside of your vehicle to call for help can put your life in danger. Call the police or a tow truck that will be able to get you to safety.
    • Keep reflective triangles or flares in your car so that you can warn other drivers that your car is broken down once you have made it to a safe location. Placing the flares or triangles behind your vehicle will give advanced warning to vehicles that you are stopped up ahead.
    • If you get a flat tire, never try to fix the problem while in the flow of traffic. Pulling over to the side of the road may mean destroying your wheel, but it is much safer than putting your life in danger.

    Contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your auto insurance needs. We will work with you to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for any disaster that you may face on the road, all at the right price to fit your budget.