May You Be Inscribed In "The Book of Life"

This is a blessing one gives to their family, friends and community members during the Jewish High Holiday period for 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Atonement, better known as Yom Kippur.  As a child, I used to imagine a "higher being" with a very large book who would literally scribe each righteous human's name on the "keep alive list".  

During YK those of Jewish faith have a day to reflect on past behaviors and on ways to do better.  The belief is that the righteous will be rewarded with another year of a good life.  As part of the observation it is traditional to fast and cleanse soul and mind.  Tied into this ideology it is suggested to turn inward and focus on one's self in relationship to the world.  This a great time to reflect and reset your agenda.  If inscribed you will be granted a new year of opportunity.  

Even if you are a different faith in these troubling times it is important to take a break from the world around us.  Ask yourself what role you can play to make the world a better place?  Maybe you need to redefine your life priorities or improve your family time.  Maybe you need to advocate for change to things you don't like around you or volunteer to help in areas of need.  Whatever your thoughts,  I hope you are able to find your inner voice and feel inspired to push a reset button for the new year 5779.   May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.  

Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys helping people and aspires to a better life for all around her.  If you would like to learn more visit her website at www.wendybcb.com.

The Importance of Insurance

insurance

NOUN

• 1A practice or arrangement by which a company or government agency provides a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a premium.

  ‘many new borrowers take out insurance against unemployment or sickness’

  source

As with the removal of the Affordable Care Act requirement-  Americans in many areas are no longer required to have flood insurance.  With the removal of the ACA mandate individual have the option of purchasing health insurance. Because the newer risk pool is smaller due to it being optional the premiums vary as do the coverage available for new policies.  Since the changes in the ACA , Insurance Providers may limit the product coverage one can purchase based on a history of preexisting conditions.   Therefore in the future,  if you have a preexisting condition you may find that you are unable to get an insurance policy, may have that condition excluded from coverage or may pay an extremely high premium.   

From my own experience in purchasing a new life insurance policy the proposed rates are somewhat higher than in the past, due to a blip on a medical record that has since been updated but had been reflected in my history. I am in process of contesting this but it is just one example of the increased vigilance on the insurance company end of pricing my policy.  (I am in good health).  For someone with a preexisting condition and with limited available options the costs can be very high if one does not have continuous coverage.  Some new policies can refuse coverage if you have a lapse in your health care insurance.  Keep this in mind, particularly millennials who think they are saving a few dollars.   

Likewise many American's are no longer required to have flood insurance.  Although the short term savings and that paying premiums may be a waste if there is a flood these people will have no protection and can be literally wiped out financially.  Since 2013 there has been a decline in the number of households choosing to have flood insurance.  In general we have been experiencing an increase in the number of major storms over the past few years and it looks like this will extend way in to the future.  

At the time one may feel like they are saving money by not purchasing insurance but in the long run, insurance may be the only way to help mitigate the risk associated with your financial needs.  This goes for Property & Casualty Insurance as well as Long Term Care options.  (as a reminder Flood insurance is separate from Home Owners Insurance and flood damage may not be coverage under a standard HO policy)

The unexpected happen in a second.  At that point if you don't have protection the loss is 100% yours to handle.  I do not claim to be an expert in the actuarial or insurance field but have always believed in protecting my risks.  One needs to look long term when making these decisions.  While you are healthy and don't need the insurance is the time to invest in it.  This is when the premiums are lowest for health, life and flood insurance.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She is always looking out for the best interests of her clients and loves sharing her ideas to help improve the daily life of those she cares about.  For more information check out her website or like her on FB by clicking here.  

Full disclosure and the Kavanough hearings

As a realtor it is my obligation to disclose everything I know about a listing I  represent to potential buyers. If I do not know something, I am obligated to direct my buyers to the appropriate resources to do their own due diligence.  Under Massachusetts law this means that a Realtor is required to disclose any information they are aware of that may influence the sale of a home.  Under certain circumstances the buyer may have the right to recourse or legal action if something that should have been disclosed is withheld that could have hurt their interest in the purchase decision.

I bring this up as I do find it rather troubling that this country is in the process of appointing a new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanough to represent the legal interests of all Americans without the same due diligence.  The hearings begin today.  Documents that may be critical to making an informed decision by the committee are being withheld under this adminstrations assertion of Executive Privilege.

Shouldn't all major decisions that represent American rights be transparent.  Since when can a White House invoke executive privilege on voting on a legal body that is supposed to be a check and balance of our government to protect the rights of all it serves.  Something does not seem right here.

Comments are welcome.

Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She takes her fiduciary responsibilities of the clients she serves very seriously and works hard for her money.  If you know of anyone looking for a property in the greater Metrowest or Lower Cape Cod area she always welcomes referrals.

A farewell remembrance to John McCain with a Shout Out to my Dad

As I listened to Meaghan McCain, daughter of the Honorable Senator John McCain deliver her eulogy this morning I was struck mostly by her love of this great American hero as a loving father and principled patriot.  If you didn't have a chance to hear it please click here as it is worth listening to.  He lived by an honor code to defend the US Democracy and the Constititution.  He grew up in a family that served our country and although he suffered much he put his ability to serve the country above all else.

He was a proud American and believed in the strong ethical framework he grew up in and valued his entire life.  Meaghan moved me and brought me back to thinking about a similar role I shared delivering my own Dad's eulogy 5 years ago.  Both of our Dads grew up during the dark shadows of WWII and lived first hand as the country rebuilt itself to a place of strength and nobility.  The America of their lifetimes was a country of greatness.   My Dad was not a politician but he became a self taught historian and teacher of American and Jewish History and Ethics.  Both embraced their given opportunities to share the values of ethics and civil rights. The will to fight hard for these beliefs reflect the pillar and strength of both men.

Perhaps President Obama said it best when he described John McCain as a man who was very devoted, stubborn but with a great zest for life.  In another comparison both wanted to live life to its fullest and fought hard until the end.  I honor and have great respect for the Honorable Senator John McCain.  I miss my Dad greatly as well and find myself fueled daily by his passion for protecting our rights and living life to its fullest.  He too was a true Patriot and loved this country.   Sometimes my family and friends think I listen, post and pay too much attention to today's politics. I do this to honor the values these great men dedicated their lives to and to be able to pass their legacy of American values to their future.

Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Needham.  She enjoys writing and sharing ideas near and dear to her heart. As an advocate for a better tomorrow she is a volunteer in many community organizations and an avid reader.