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How to Prepare for Winter Driving

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Snow covered

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 23 percent of highway crashes are weather-­related. Although it’s easy to blame the weather, failing to properly maintain vehicles for cold weather driving also contributes to this statistic.

Fleet managers and drivers should follow these five suggestions to prepare their vehicles for winter driving.

Check Your Tires Now and Throughout the Season

Tires have one primary function—to keep you on the road. Keeping tires properly inflated and in good condition will help prevent accidents. Check for uneven or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least one­sixth of an inch or greater.

Remember, in the wintertime, tire pressure drops when the vehicle isn’t driven. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times.

Schedule a Tune-­Up

A simple fix could help drivers avoid becoming stranded this winter. A preseason tune-­up can identify any problems with the vehicle’s battery, brakes, cooling system, lights, hoses, and belts. If a problem is detected, now is the time to replace or repair parts.

Resolve Visibility Issues

Poor visibility leads to accidents, so make sure windshield wipers work and replace worn wipers if necessary. If you are driving in snowy regions, replace standard wipers with heavy ­duty winter wipers. Also check to make sure the front and rear defrosters are working and remember to stock up on windshield wiper fluid.

Don’t Let Floor Mats Trip You Up

Incorrectly or improperly installed floor mats may interfere with pedal operation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing floor mats. Clean the snow and ice from mats often, and verify that the mats have been reinstalled correctly after cleaning.

Talk Winter Driver Safety

Get your drivers together for a safety meeting. Remind them about completing a driver vehicle inspection after each trip and discuss how best to respond to emergency situations.

You can’t control the weather, but with proper maintenance and driver training, you can control how your vehicle performs.

Source: EMC Insurance, Insights, October 1, 2015

Which Organ Is Most Important?

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learn biology in school

Which organ in my body is the most important?

Everything is in your body for a reason—even your appendix. However, your most vital organ is your brain. Why? You only get one! You can replace or live without any other organ, but you only get one brain.

Your brain is an amazing organ. It controls everything in your body. Your brain controls your heart rate, balance, coordination, what you see, and much more. Your brain uses nerves to send and receive information to every muscle and organ in your body. This constant barrage of input is filtered so you are only aware of the information that is important at the time.

A common example of this is when you hit your thumb with a hammer (usually unintentionally). The first response is almost always to shake your hand or squeeze your thumb. Any verbal reactions are unrelated to this example. By shaking or squeezing your thumb, you are activating pathways to the brain. The brain then shifts your focus and the pain feels less intense. Of course, this does not always work. But it often provides you the opportunity to continue with your day and to focus on something other than the pain.

Take care of your brain. Eat brain­healthy foods, such as spinach, blueberries, and fish (which have omega­3 fatty acids). Avoid unhealthy additives, such as artificial sweeteners. Run or walk for 10­30 minutes a day, and sleep at least seven and a half hours a night. A healthy brain leads to a healthy body!

How to Help Mom and Dad

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Walking in summer

Senior Citizens are one of the most valuable assets in our community. They possess a wealth of knowledge gained over a lifetime of experience. Unfortunately, we don’t always recognize how the needs of our loved ones change as they age. In order to properly plan for and help protect our aging relatives (or ourselves for that matter), it is vital that frank, often uncomfortable discussions are had and questions are asked, such as:

  • Who do you want to help you manage your finances if you can no longer do so for yourself?
  • What kind of end of life care do you want to receive if you are terminally ill or incapacitated?
  • What is the likelihood you are going to need long term care and how are you going to pay for it if you do?
  • Who do you want to give authority to if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and need a guardianship and conservatorship?
  • How do you want your possessions divided when you pass away?

The answer to these questions are as unique as each individual that asks them. In order to answer questions like these effectively, it’s always helpful and often necessary to enlist the help of an Elder Law Attorney. Effective representation of seniors must address a host of interrelated, often very technical issues. The question isn’t just “Do I need a will” (which you definitely do), it’s “how do I effectively plan for the host of life changes that may happen from now until I pass away, how can I protect what I’ve worked so hard to gain, how can I maximize the benefits I could be eligible for, and how can I protect and provide for my loved ones?” It’s also “How do I make sure mom or dad have what they need to be as happy, healthy and safe as possible as they age.” And as difficult as these questions and answers may be, a difficult answer to a tough questions is much better than no answer to a question unasked. For more information on how to effectively plan for the transitions that come with aging, contact the attorneys at Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP.

Information provided by Chad Eichorn, attorney for Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP. 14225 University Ave., Suite 210 515­216­0737, www.dsmlawyers.com. Mr. Eichorn is an Elder, Special Needs & Family Law Attorney and Partner at MBE Law. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid in application for Veterans Benefits.

Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund From American Trust

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Piggy bank

Nearly eight out of ten U.S. tax filers will receive a federal tax refund this year. Instead of spending it hastily, take a moment to evaluate your financial situation and decide where those dollars will make the most difference. Here are some ideas for making the most of your tax refund:

Save for emergencies. An emergency fund should be able to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses in the case of sudden financial hardship like losing your job or needing to replace your car.

Pay off debt. Pay down existing balances by chipping away at the loan with the highest interest rate or by eliminating smaller debt first.

Save for retirement. Open or increase contributions to a tax­deferred savings plan like a 401(k) or an IRA. American Trust can put you in touch with a retirement expert to discuss which options would work best for you.

Put it toward a down payment. The biggest challenge most first­time home buyers face is coming up with enough money for a down payment. Putting your tax refund toward a down payment is a smart move. When you’re ready to start shopping, see your American Trust mortgage lender to get pre­approved. Pre-approval allows you to know exactly what size of monthly payment you can afford.

Invest in your current home. Use your refund to make home improvements that will pay you back in the long run by increasing the value of your home. If you’re planning an extensive remodel, more than your tax refund will cover, see American Trust for a home equity line of credit.

See your American Trust banker for other smart ideas on how to manage your money. They have the banking tools and expertise to help you begin the new year with a financially healthy start.

American Trust has been a community pillar since 1911. We have grown to strengthen the products, services, and financial management we can provide to our clients while retaining the integrity and commitment that can only be found through a community bank.

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