Featured Teacher: Kristin Steenhoek

April 1, 2015 by admin

For some people, finding an ideal career is a long journey. Not so for Kristin Steenhoek, who teaches in the reading lab at Waukee’s Maple Grove Elementary School.

When asked about her career choice, Steenhoek says, “I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher.” Steenhoek, who spends her days providing extra reading help to small groups of students, grew up babysitting and helping in preschools and children’s Bible School programs.

Her passion for teaching has not gone unnoticed. Laura Smith, who nominated Kristin as one of Waukee’s favorite teachers, describes Steenhoek as one who “goes above and beyond every day” in the classroom.

Steenhoek says one of the best parts of her job is being able to focus on one content area with her students. She takes three students into her classroom for twenty minutes at a time, working with a total of around 30 students by the end of the day. While in her classroom, the students complete learning exercise designed to help them find patterns in words and boost reading comprehension. According to Smith, Steenhoek finds out how each individual child learns best and then helps parents continue the learning process at home. Smith credits this “team effort” approach for the success her own son achieved over the months he spent participating in the reading lab.

When she’s not in the classroom, Steenhoek is spending time with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons, Ethan, 7, and Cael, 3, at their home in Waukee. With two little guys at home, Steenhoek says, “I am doing all things ‘boy’ around here,” which includes lots of outdoor activities like baseball, basketball, and riding bikes.

As a teacher, Steenhoek finds motivation in her students’ excitement to learn. “When you work with kids, especially little kids, every day is kind of a new day. For those kids that might be struggling with one thing one day, the next day they come in and they’re fresh and they’re excited to try it again.”

She also enjoys seeing the progress of her students. “With every little step they make, with every goal they achieve, they’re excited. They’re little sponges—they want to learn more and more all the time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Know an outstanding teacher in the Waukee School District? Nominate them!

Branch out with your insurance this Spring

April 1, 2015 by admin

As March rolls around our thoughts turn to Spring. But…this is Iowa and March storms can bring heavy wet snow, wind, and ice. The extra weight and stress of these kind of weather events can lead to unfortunate things like snapping tree limbs.

Now might be a good time to look around your home, garage, shed, or fence to see if there is risk to limbs that would cause damage if they fall. While you are at it check to see if they are overhanging your neighbor’s property as well. In the Midwest claims for damage from falling limbs can easily exceed $2,000. You can hope each limb is healthy and strong but a better plan is to look for risk and trim it back.

Trees are precious and can be a real advantage to your property. Keep your trees healthy and trimmed to reduce the risk of injury and property damage. Consider a bonded professional for the work as it can be risky in itself.

Things an insurer may consider risk:

Branches from your tree laying/touching your or your neighbor’s roof.
Dead trees or branches from your tree overhanging your roof or a neighbors.
Trees leaning against any structure.
Leaves from tree branches touching your roof.
6 inch diameter and larger branches overhanging your roof or your neighbors.
Tree limbs that are able to touch an electrical line.

If the worst happens, what will your insurance cover? Call and find out.

James Starkweather-Allstate Insurance
agents.allstate.com/james-starkweather

STEPS TO CREATING A BUDGET

April 1, 2015 by admin

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever for families to develop a budget and stick to it. Rainy-day funds, savings for college, or just making your rent payment can all be made easier with a budget. American Trust supports its clients’ efforts to budget and save by offering expert guidance.

A financial goal can be very motivating. Whether you are saving for a family vacation, a down payment for a house or a new car, if you stick to a plan, you’re likely to achieve your goal.

Putting together a household budget requires time and effort. American Trust offers the following steps to create a budget:
Track every penny you spend for a month. Keep receipts and write everything down. This will be an eye-opening experience and will help you see where you can cut back.
Determine the total amount of money coming in. Include only your take home pay (your salary minus taxes and deductions). Your income may also include tips, child support, investment income, etc.
Review the records and receipts you’ve been collecting over the last month. Categorize your spending using a budget.
Set a realistic financial goal and develop your budget to achieve that goal. Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income. Find ways to cut spending and set limits on things like entertainment expenses.
Make one of your financial goals to save a certain dollar amount each month. Start an emergency fund if you don’t already have one. You never know when you may need it.
Keep track of your spending every month. Update your budget as expenses or incomes change. Once you achieve your financial goal, set another.

Make life more rewarding with RewardChecking and RewardSavings from American Trust. Save more with two great rates and ATM rebates up to $25. Each month your checking interest and ATM rebates are automatically transferred to your savings where you earn interest again.

American Trust
www.americantrust.com

What is “kinesio-tape?

April 1, 2015 by admin

Q: What is “kinesio-tape?”

Is it just for athletes?

A: “Kinesio-tape” is short for kinesiology tape.

It is a special kind of tape that doctors, physical therapists, and trainers use to enhance therapy. Kinesio-tape has three main functions. First, the tape provides “dynamic support,” meaning that it will offer stability while allowing you to move. Second, the tape helps to decrease pain in the area it’s applied. Third, the tape helps reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow.

Kinesio-tape is designed to mimic the thickness, weight, and elasticity of human skin. This lends the tape to nearly endless applications. The tape can be worn for three to six days; it’s waterproof and can be worn while exercising, swimming, or in the shower.

Athletes sometimes notice bigger improvements faster, but you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit. Benefit from the tape is determined by the cause of your problem, not by what you do for a living!

Common conditions that improve with the use of kinesio-tape include: whiplash, carpal tunnel, muscle cramps, back pain, shoulder problems, plantar fasciitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints, ankle sprains, knee issues, postural problems, and pain.

It must be noted that kinesio-tape alone is not a “cure all.” If you use the tape but don’t address the cause of the problem, the tape will not have a lasting effect. To get the best results, the tape must be coupled with other conservative care therapies. Ask your doctor how you can benefit from the use of kinesio-tape.

Enhanced Health Chiropractic
www.enhancedhealthchiro.com

Selling Your Home in 2015?

April 1, 2015 by admin

Boost Your Resale Value

In order to sell for top dollar, some improvements may be necessary. But renovations can be costly and don’t always add value to your home.

Here are three sure-fire, inexpensive ways to improve your home’s resale value.

Make a Great First Impression

Curb appeal is priority number one. Does your house look welcoming? Spend some time landscaping your yard. Pressure wash your driveway. Paint the front door. Plant some fresh flowers. Doing the work yourself or with the help of friends will minimize your costs and maximize your results.

Refresh the Interior

Show off all your house has to offer! Repaint in neutral colors. Remove old wallpaper. Make rooms look larger by clearing any clutter. If possible, store unnecessary furniture somewhere else. Have carpets cleaned. Organize closets and cabinets. Be sure the kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling. Most of these suggestions cost very little but add huge value to the buyer.

Install Inexpensive Upgrades

Sometimes we assume upgrades will be costly in both time and money, but many changes may be within your budget. For example, improving the ceilings of main rooms adds big value. Add an elegant touch by installing crown molding, or add box beams for a rustic feel. Painting and changing the hardware on cabinet doors can create dramatic change, and updating light fixtures and doorknobs can make a space look more modern.

Selling your home may require a modest investment, but following these guidelines will likely result in a quicker sale and a better return for you.

If you’d like to discuss buying or selling a home, feel free to give us a call. Curious about the current value of your home or real estate activity in your area? We’d be happy to share that information with you.

Jeff Mullen Real Estate – Service you deserve! 515.778.7801

Scott Wiley: Rockin’ and Walkin’ at the Waukee Family YMCA

April 1, 2015 by admin

Hit the Waukee Family YMCA indoor track on any given day between 6:15 and 10 a.m., and you may see Scott Wiley. With his earbuds in, iPhone with external charger at the ready, and Fitbit clipped to the center of his shirt, Scott is likely walking his daily half marathon.

Yes, you read that right. Scott, age 45, walks an average of 20 miles every day, with 13 of those miles around the Waukee YMCA track and building, or on different trails around the city.

“I started with nine walking routes at five miles each,” said Scott. “I am able to cover the entire city of Waukee in one week! Take into account I cannot run, but I am a heck of a power walker!”

During his time on the track, he multi-tasks by talking with friends, tackling Fitbit challenges, and listening to music.

“It’s usually rock or country that I listen to…if I ain’t rockin’, I ain’t walkin’,” Scott laughed.

Scott was born with Cerebral Palsy and began walking five years ago “out of boredom” and to be healthier.

“I needed something to do, so I started walking and never quit,” said Scott, who works at the Waukee Hy-Vee in the afternoons.

Scott has walked the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon and the Drake Relays Hy-Vee Road Race Half Marathon. He keeps meticulous track of his steps with the help of his trusty Fitbit. His Fitbit friends have christened him “THE BEAST” on the fitness-tracking tool.

It’s a proper nickname for him, as all of this walking—over 28 million steps, or 13,000 miles at the time of interview—equates to walking halfway around the world. All these steps have kept him at the top of every leaderboard in Iowa, ranking between number one and two. He has also previously been the number five Fitbit stepper in the nation.

Beyond the leaderboards, Scott’s Fitbit usage has also led to other major healthy lifestyle changes for the Waukee resident. When he started walking, he weighed 240 pounds. Between walking, clean eating (think fruits, vegetables and no artificial sugar), and medicating a thyroid condition, he has lost 90 pounds.

Scott uses Fitbit to track his steps, calories burned, mileage, and floors climbed—among other analytics. The in-app gamification functionality acts as a natural motivator for steppers. Users can earn badges, participate in challenges, or start challenges for other to join in—like Scott does.

Users can also join groups within the app or on Facebook for motivation. Scott is the administrator for two Fitbit user groups, the Red Tennis Shoe Fitbit Group and the Red Tennis Shoe Rebounders Fitbit Group. Rebounders are members who jump on a mini trampoline to count steps.

“I was conned into buying my first rebounder last November by one of my Fitbit friends, and I love it!” Scott said, adding that it’s easier on his body than power walking.

In January of 2014, he made it a goal to set Fitbit history at the Waukee Family YMCA by walking 100,000 steps in one day, going beyond the 75,000 step badge. He accomplished his goal in approximately 13 hours by taking a break after every 25,000 steps. At the time, there was no badge for this accomplishment, and Scott contacted Fitbit until they added one last November. This past January, he repeated the feat and obtained the badge he deserved.

Through engaging with Fitbit, Wiley has made a number of friends from all corners of the community and even global acquaintances.

“Some of these people have become personal friends, and most I talk to every day; we share in the daily struggles and issues we face and have fun in the groups and challenges,” he said.

Scott also said that his life has changed forever since he began walking.

“If you look beyond that little piece of plastic called a tracker you buy in the store, there is a whole other world with it,” he said. “This experience cannot be put into words; this is something special.”

YMCA
www.dmymca.org

Meaningful Moments make a difference with Alzheimer’s

April 1, 2015 by admin

Every person living with dementia has a unique story to tell. Everyone’s journey through the aging process and maze of illness follows a distant path. Because of this, each person experiences dementia in a very different way.

The more we can learn about the person’s past experiences, preferences, challenges and successes, the better we can address their current needs and honor their uniqueness as an individual.

Caring for the ‘whole person’ living with dementia, means not only meeting their physical needs, but it’s equally vital to address their social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs to ensure that their lives continue to hold meaning and purpose.

Focusing on remaining abilities while minimizing disability, and assisting the person to remain as independent as possible will help to preserve dignity, individuality and self-esteem.

Meaningful moments are crucial and occur throughout the course of a typical day for a person living with dementia. Dining, walking in the courtyard, sitting in the parlor or participating in a group activity can all contain meaningful moments. It’s about when one person connects with another person through compassionate interaction, evoking a pleasant memory, emotion or sensory impression.

By knowing a person very well and being familiar with their life story, skilled staff members can ease current challenges and bring meaningful moments of joy and self-worth to a persons present time, and throughout their remaining days.

Located in beautiful Urbandale, Iowa, the Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is one of the newest and most comprehensive upscale assisted living care facilities in Iowa. Here you will find our family’s distinct Meaningful Moments® brand of memory care, where a full consideration of the resident’s life experience and background, preferences and interests are all incorporated into an individualized, customized treatment plan.

At Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, residents can choose between long-term assisted living arrangements or short-term respite care, all the while benefiting from the JEA Senior Living mission to be the “…Leader in providing quality personal services to our residents, while honoring the experience of aging.”

Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Money Matters

April 1, 2015 by admin

Some of the money “basics” are confusing to those just starting their financial future. Financial lessons are learned at many different times in life, including youth.

Here is a humorous twist to ten lessons that make for a good conversation starting point with your young person.

1. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Learn to earn. It develops respect.

2. Saving for the future starts immediately, not when you grow up. Saving early builds a strong habit and a strong future.

3. Checking accounts do have limits. You can’t keep writing checks just because you have them.

4. Interest rates are at about a 45-year low. Review your debt to insure proper interest rates are in place. Early payoffs are not always recommended in the current rate environment.

5. Credit cards should not be used as long term loans. There are better ways to finance. If you don’t have a good payment plan, one maybe you should re-evaluate the purchase.

6. The telephone banking line doesn’t have ESP. The balance information given has no way to recognize checks written but not presented for payment.

7. Online banking operates 24/7 so you can bank anytime. No more sleepless nights worrying about your banking.

8. The vault has no mercy. Don’t put your item in your safe deposit box if you need it after business hours. The vault won’t open no matter what your emergency.

9. Auto payments don’t originate from the ignition of your car. It’s easy to get auto-pay started and guarantees on-time arrival of your payment.

10. Generally, no one under 18 can own a bank account alone. It doesn’t have to be a parent, just someone 18 or older. Choices include joint, custodial, uniform gift to minors, or
conservatorship accounts.

Money matters are complicated. These tips are a healthy start to a strong financial future, but they are just a beginning. Meeting with a banker to understand your personal situation is always a good idea.

American Trust
www.americantrust.com

I’m in the market to build a new home

April 1, 2015 by admin

What are my financing options?

In today’s housing market it is a great time to consider buying or building a new home. While we have seen rates increase slightly in the past year, rates are still at historic lows which makes building or buying a new home more affordable.

Traditionally, building a home would mean 2 separate loans for the consumer; one loan for the construction phase of a homebuilding project and another loan for when the project is finished,
or what we call “permanent financing”.

Today we are seeing growing popularity with construction loans called “construction-to-permanent financing,” also known as the “all-in-one” or “one-time-close” loans. These types of loans have become popular due to the convenience for the consumer having only one application, one set of closing costs, and a single closing. A huge factor when considering construction-to-permanent financing is that it can protect you from rising interest rates.

The construction phase often takes 6 months or longer to complete. Without construction-to-permanent financing, this is a period of time when the consumer is at risk for interest rate fluctuation. Luana Savings Bank helps customers lock in a great long term interest rate right up front during the construction phase. We work with our customers to estimate the time period for construction and when it is completed monthly payments will start. This allows consumers to eliminate the risk of rising interest rates during the construction phase. Not all lenders offer these types of construction loans. However, Luana Savings Bank specializes in this type of lending as we see the great benefit for our customers.

Luana Savings Bank also specializes in home mortgages for those who are in the market to buy a home, rather than building which can be overwhelming. Our “No Cost Mortgage Special” has become a very popular loan product that Luana Savings Bank offers for both purchases and refinances. Again, not all lenders are able to offer this type of lending. This special product is a limited time offer that allows our customers to lock a competitive rate at no cost. Eliminating closing cost fees protects the consumer from being overcharged.

Luana Savings Bank also stresses the importance of quick loan approval and local loan decisions. We are unique because we approve and service loans locally. We strive to build close relationships with our customers beyond numbers which leads to a much more fulfilling experience for the customer as we work to meet their needs.

We welcome you to stop and talk to our real estate experts at Luana Savings Bank with any questions and see if our Construction-to-Permanent Financing or No Cost Mortgage Special products fit your needs.

Luana Savings Bank
www.luanasavingsbank.com

LIFE INSURANCE – DON’T DIE WITHOUT IT

April 1, 2015 by admin

Death is not something any of us wants to talk about, but if you died today, would your family be financially secure without you?

Would they be able to maintain your residence? Could your children attend college? Would all of the monthly bills get paid? Or would you leave unnecessary financial burdens for your family?

Life insurance pays your family after your death, ensuring your family is taken care of and is financially secure. Life insurance benefits can be used to pay funeral expenses, medical bills, the mortgage, existing debt, and taxes. Equally important, life insurance can provide replacement income and pay for anticipated expenses like college tuition and retirement needs.

You know you need life insurance, but how much is enough? A simple calculation provides an initial estimate. Multiply your current annual income by ten. This provides an approximate amount of coverage you should have. Other factors will affect your specific needs, such as your age, number of children, family income sources, existing debt, and any current life insurance you already own.

If you have life insurance today, do you understand your policy and are you sure it is adequate to protect your family? When it comes to life insurance, what you don’t know can hurt you. Most important, it can hut the ones you love.

That is why INSPRO is now offering a free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation. This thorough evaluation will help you accurately assess your needs and determine if you are getting the best value from your premium.

Our free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation will lead to one of the following results:

You have adequate coverage and your policy(ies) are performing the way you need. Peace of mind!

You are currently paying too much and can save money for the same or better coverage.

You can significantly increase benefits without increasing payment.

Your policy guarantees can be improved.

You can cover additional needs (LTC) without “out of pocket” cash flow.

Let’s ensure your family is protected. Give Joe Meyers at INSPRO a call today at (515) 226-9565 to schedule your free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation.

INSPRO Insurance
www.insproins.com