Recent findings from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) confirmed that household construction costs have surged over the past year. This rise in construction costs is directly tied to soaring building material expenses—namely, the price of lumber. According to the NAHB, current lumber costs are up 340% from 2020. What’s more, lumber prices have already risen by an additional 67% since the beginning of 2021.
There are several reasons for these higher expenses....
READ MORELet's face it - 9 out of 10 of us don't fully understand how our medical plans work, and this confusion has a tremendous impact on both our health care and our finances.
As we approach what is likely Open Enrollment season for many of us, it is critical that we select the best plan for our specific health needs. Tune in to this episode as speak human and break down the core terms of our health plans to ensure you're enrolling in the right plan for you and your family...
READ MOREAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. While there are some risk factors that contribute to heart disease that you can’t control, there are also many things you can do to preserve your heart health.
Here’s a list of largely preventable factors that increase your risk of heart disease:
Employee injuries and illnesses are not always simple for employers to navigate—making the workers’ compensation claim process increasingly difficult. However, there are a number of measures that employers can take to reduce the cost and complexity of a claim.
Specifically, when employers report claims in a timely fashion—whether to their respective state or workers’ compensation insurance provider—they can potentially minimize their overall claim expenses.
Review the following...
READ MORERegardless of the vehicle you drive, there are many ways to save money on gas. Try these tips to cut costs:
Nearly 70% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Every year, the EWG ranks pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, publishing the results in the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
Included in the report is a list of the most pesticide-tainted produce, which is known as the “Dirty...
READ MOREThe way project owners evaluate and manage risks on construction projects and make fiscally responsible decisions to ensure timely project completion are crucial to their success. Since private owners cannot afford to gamble on a contractor whose reliability is uncertain or who could end up bankrupt halfway through the job, a surety bond is a great safety net for the investment.
Suretyship is a very specialized line of insurance that is created whenever...
READ MOREHot summer days and swimming pools are a great combination to enjoy some summer fun. Many homeowners add backyard pools as a way to entertain and beat the heat. However, adding a pool to your property also increases homeowner responsibilities. Keep these tips in mind if you decide to add a pool to your home:
As many employers are well aware, health care costs and saving adequately for retirement are two of the most pressing financial issues facing Americans—regardless of income level—today.
For employees, health and finances are impossible to separate. As employers seek to build trust and form lasting relationships amongst their workforce, financial wellness programs have moved from “nice to have” to an expected component of a comprehensive employee benefits package....
READ MOREAs we move into summer, many will want to exercise outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. That’s great news, as experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Working out in hot and humid weather can put extra stress on your body; however, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself.
“In 2021, 50% of gym members plan to run and do other outdoor activities instead of indoor activities.” – Source: RunRepeat
