Newsletter

According to the US Fire Administration over 400 homes are destroyed annually by causes related to Christmas tree fires. offers competitive rates on homeowner’s insurance that would cover accidental damage due to Christmas tree fires. Here are a few good reminders to help you enjoy the holiday:

1. Keep your Christmas tree well watered. Refilling the water every day will help it last about two to three weeks.

2. Check the tree for freshness before buying. A freshly cut tree will have a sticky trunk and the needles will not fall off if touched.

3. Set your tree away from heat vents and the fireplace. Heated air just dries out a tree, and one shooting spark can cause a disaster.

4. Inspect the lights. Check for exposed or worn wires, as well as broken sockets.

5. Turn off the lights at night; use a timer if needed.

6.  Do not burn the tree in your fireplace.

7.  Do not overload the electrical circuits.

8.  Take your tree down the first of January. 

At Roussel Insurance & Financial Services we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our abilty to tailor a comprehensive insurance package that maximizes your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.

How To Stay Safe and Happy this Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving Holiday is filled with family, friends, shopping, eating and drinking. All these can be great but can also lead to increased chance of accident and injuries. During this season of thanks, we offer a few tips to keep you safe.

All of us at Roussel Insurance & Financial Services wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Thanksgiving Party Tips

• Limit the use of alcohol.

• Stand more than an arm's length away from munchies, like a bowl of nuts or chips, while you chat so you're not tempted to raise your hand to your mouth every few seconds.

• Don’t try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight.

• Avoid fast-food places that emphasize red in their color schemes. Red stimulates your appetite.
  
  
  

Shopping Safety Tips

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Put your shopping bags in your trunk.

• NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.

• ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.

• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• If you make expensive purchases like jewelry or guns, call our office as we may need to add these to your policy.
  
  

Driving Safety

• Never drink and drive.

• Plan your route in advance and check traffic reports and weather conditions before you leave.

• Be prepared for emergencies - keep a blanket, boots, an extra pair of gloves and a flashlight in the trunk of your car.

• Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly when you're driving. Driver fatigue was a factor in 65 road deaths and nearly 1200 injuries last year. Plan to get enough rest beforehand so that you drive fresh.

• Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.

Open enrollment is here, and it is time to consider renewing your individual health plan, or consider a new one. We can help you review your options and get you the best coverage for yourself and your family.
Here are a few questions you need to ask and consider before you enroll:

1. Do you understand what your out of pocket expenses are?  Out of pocket expenses can include; deductibles, co-pays, travel expenses, and lost wages.
2. Do you need dental or vison insurance? Dental insurance is not provided under group or individual health plans. We can offer options for both dental and vison plans. Consider what you'd spend without one or both of these types of policies and balance that amount against the cost of coverage.
3. If you were out of work for a long period of time, do you have enough resources to pay your bills?  Some employers offer long term disability.  You may want to consider buying your own policy if this is not offered through your employer.
4. Do you have an understanding of your many options? There are many plan options that have different benefits, deductibles, and co-pays.
5. Are you a high activity family? Do you have children is sports?  Do you like outdoor activities?  Are you involved in adult sports leagues? You may want to consider some level of accident insurance. Accident insurance pays benefits you can use for medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses.

November 1, 2015 is the start of open enrollment for individuals to secure health insurance. The first step in choosing health insurance for your family is using our agency. The benefit to you is we know your needs and can give you great service and price. 

At Roussel Insurance & Financial Services we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our ability to tailor a comprehensive insurance package that maximizes  your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.
 

Halloween is approaching.  Kids and adults are looking forward to dressing up and going out to trick or treat in the neighborhood.  With a little bit of planning you can ensure your ghouls and goblins have a frightfully fun time this year.
 
More than twice as many children are killed in pedestrian-car accidents on Halloween between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., compared with the same hours on other days throughout the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Police will be increasing traffic patrols on Halloween in order to keep our kids safe, and to catch drunk drivers.
 

Protect The Trick Or Treaters

• Instruct your kids to never go into a stranger’s home.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, look for, and purchase, items with a label clearly indicating that they are flame resistant.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Make sure that any props your kids carry, such as wands or swords, are short and flexible.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on, and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
• Don’t eat homemade candy unless you know the family.
• Carry a flash light.
• Inspect all wrapped candy.  If it has been opened toss it out.
• Set a curfew.

 

Home Safety

• Clean up your yard.
• Make a clear, well illuminated path to your door.
• Remember that a lot of Halloween decorations, like dried flowers, straw, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Make sure to keep your decorations away from all open flames.
• If you have a large display, make sure all electric cords are taped or secure to prevent tripping.
• Practice indoor fire safety by checking all smoke detectors. Make sure candles are placed in a secure area.

At Roussel Insurance & Financial Services we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our ability to tailor a comprehensive insurance package that maximizes  your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.

We often get asked the question; “is it better to buy my company provided life insurance or buy life insurance on my own?” As with most things insurance-related, there are big variations in life insurance coverage and price. We recommend you consider looking at an individual plan first. Let’s look at some of the differences between group life insurance plans and individual plans.

Group Plans

• Group plans tend to have higher premiums and can’t be tailored to your needs
• Group plans have a limited amount of coverage you may buy and choice of insurers is limited
• Group insurance is not portable, you can’t take it with you if you change jobs

Individual plans

• You have the option of higher limits
• The policy is portable and can be adjusted as your life needs change

At Roussel Insurance & Financial Services we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our ability to tailor a comprehensive insurance package that maximizes your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.