Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Budget Busted? Pay Off Your Debt in 2016

With the New Year just around the corner, a lot of people are busy making those annual goals and resolutions.  And for many improving their finances is at the top of the list.

Getting out of debt can be a big and almost overwhelming goal.  It’s not a fast process and it takes a lot of dedication, but it is worth it in the end! 

So where do you begin? 

First start by getting an accurate picture of where you stand.  Gather up all of your recent debt statements.  This includes credit cards, car loans, student loans, any personal loans or other big ticket items, and your mortgage.

Run your credit report.  You can request a free copy every year at www.annualcreditreport.com from all three credit bureaus.  This is a great time to check for any mistakes and make sure that every debt on your credit report is included in your list.

Make a debt payoff plan
.  Create a spreadsheet with all of your debt information.  Include the name of the debt, total balance, interest rate, and minimum payment.

Now figure out what order you want to attack your debt. Some organize them from lowest to highest balance, while others prefer to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first. 

Whatever you decide, here’s the trick: Once you pay off your first debt, combine that payment with the second debt.  Now you’re paying a lot more then the minimum and it just keeps growing as you go!

Look for ways to keep throwing money at your payoff.  Sell unused items around the house, have a yard sale, clip coupons, or get a part-time job.  Just do whatever it takes to keep your momentum up!

Get the whole family involved.  Make getting out of debt a family goal!  Put your payoff on the fridge and count down.  Let the kids help with the family budget.  When everyone understands what you’re working toward, they’ll be more likely to cooperate when the budget is tight.

And how can you find a few extra dollars toward your debt payoff?  Save on your monthly insurance costs!  SAV-ON can help.  Call us at 888-867-2866 for a quote on your auto, home, business, and life insurance today.


Tuesday, December 22, 2015

That Extra Holiday Party Drink Could Cost You $10,000!

The average cost of a Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) conviction is $10,000. Is it worth that extra drink at the party?

  The holiday season is upon us, bringing a packed social calendar filled with ugly sweaters, company holiday events and champagne toasts. Unfortunately, the number of alcohol-related car accidents spikes in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In addition, local and state law enforcement officer across the nation are participating in a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to prevent impaired driving by increasing the number of checkpoints during the holiday season.

Some sobering facts about impaired driving during the holidays
:
  • • 733 people died in accidents involving a drunk driver in December 2013.
  • • An average of 572 lives were lost over the Thanksgiving weekend every year from 1998 to 2008.
  • • There are typically 33% more DUI arrests during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
  • • Around 25,000 people are injured every year in accidents with drunk drivers during the holidays.
  • • If you are hosting a party where alcohol is being served, you can be held financially responsible for any damage caused by impaired guests after they leave your event.
All it takes is a little pre-party planning to avoid a holiday tragedy. Some tips:
  • • Take the keys from everyone when they get their first drink.
  • • Choose one person in the group to be the designated driver, who will not consume any more alcohol.
  • • Bring cash for a cab (or take a cab to the event).
  • • Get a ride from Uber or Lyft.
  • • Call a sober friend or family member to give you a ride home.
  • • Stick with a "one drink per hour" rule if simultaneously eating food.
  Of course the best way to avoid an accident is to not drink any alcohol if you plan on driving home. Save yourself $10,000 (and possibly someone's life) just by planning ahead. If something does happen to you or a family member, SAV-ON Insurance will guide you through the entire claim process and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

  Most of us can't afford to spend $10,000 on court costs and attorney fees, so heed the advice of law enforcement to "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" this holiday season!

 Source: National General Insurance Co.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Be Thankful If You Have Good Insurance

Thanksgiving has almost arrived. This is the time of year when we sit back and reflect on all the things that we are thankful for. What immediately comes to mind?

For most of us it’s things like our family, our home, and our good health. And guess what they have in common? All of these things are what insurance protects!

That’s why it is so important to SAV-ON that our clients have excellent insurance coverage. It’s not just about having an ID card in your car so you don’t get a ticket, or fulfilling your mortgage company’s minimum loan requirements.

Insurance is there to make sure that if the worst happens, you can recover from it. It might not be easy, but we’re here to ease the financial burden after your house burns down or a loved one passes away.

All of those TV commercials that just tell you to find the cheapest rate are completely wrong! Of course, no one wants to pay more then they have to, but it’s not the most important part of the equation. What beats having peace of mind that whatever happens, you'll be taken care of? There are enough things to worry about; let SAV-ON take care of the rest.

Rather than looking for a cheap bare bones policy, take the time to meet with one of our local agents. We'll find the best coverage that truly meets your needs while keeping the rate affordable. Ask us how we handle claims and keep in touch with annual policy reviews.

Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful for Insurance

10.  You don’t have to panic when a hail storm comes along (and you don’t have a garage).

9.  You can rent the apartment and know that your possessions are still protected, even if you don’t own your own home yet.

8.  You don’t have to empty your savings account when an uninsured driver hits your car.

7.  You don’t have to worry about losing your home to a lawsuit from an honest mistake.

6.  You can invest in nice things without worry that they’ll be stolen.

5.  You know that if a big storm comes, you can evacuate to safety without worrying about your home.

4.  You know that if you were to lose your spouse, you would be able to survive financially.

3.  You know that your assets are protected, even if you can’t predict the future.

2.  You know that even if there is a disaster, as long as your family is safe, everything will be okay. 

And the #1 reason to be thankful for insurance is...  You don’t have to worry.  We’ve got you covered.

This Thanksgiving, SAV-ON Insurance is extremely thankful for all of our wonderful clients. If you need a local agent to look out for your most prized possessions, give us a call at 888-867-2866 today for a free no-obligation quote.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Make Insurance Part of Your Financial Plan

There are many aspects to successful financial plans.  Most include a family budget, emergency savings, retirement savings, and…insurance!

So today, let's review the important parts of your insurance financial plan. It centers on protecting your possessions and your family.

Protect Your Stuff
- This is what we think of first when it comes to insurance.  Fixing your car after an accident and replacing your belongings after a fire.  When you review your financial plan, you want to make sure that all of your valuable assets are protected.  Cars, homes, high priced jewelry or artwork, boats, motorcycles, ATV's, etc.  Protect it all and make sure that the deductible is reasonable and that you have full replacement cost coverage.  (We can explain all the details.)

Protect Your Money - Liability is a misunderstood coverage, but it's extremely important. When you are held responsible for an accident, your assets and money are at risk!  For example, what if your teenager caused an accident and your were sued?  What if you caused a major accident and didn't have enough liability coverage?  Good insurance can make sure that if this happens, you would be covered!  We look at how much you have to protect (total assets) and create a plan to cover it all.

Protect Your Family - You can protect all of your belongings, but the ultimate way to protect your family is with good life and disability insurance. If something happens to you, you don't have to worry about your family being protected.  You can plan to pay off debt, pay for college, or anything else that is important to you.

All of this might seem like a lot for think about, but it doesn't have to be. With a great insurance agent, you can meet once a year and trust that all of these things are taken care of.  Why not take a few minutes to schedule an insurance financial planning review with one of our agents?  Call SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 and get started!


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.  So here are a few simple tasks you can do in October to prepare your home for the cool fall weather!


Check Gutters
-  Take a few minutes to make sure your gutters are clear.  With rain and falling leaves, gutters will be working overtime.  By making sure they’re clear now, you’ll avoid water damage later on. 

Clean The Dryer Vent
- Lint accumulating in the dryer vent can cause a house fire.  A couple of times per year, unplug the dryer and thoroughly vacuum the area around the dryer vent and hose.  Remember to check the outside vent too! 

Gather Firewood
- Will you be burning a wood stove or fireplace this winter?  Start gathering up dry firewood now and save yourself from the task when it’s cold and rainy outside. Rain-soaked wood won't do you any good!


Seal Your Windows - Before the rain and cold start seeping in through any cracked or worn window frames, reseal the edges with all-weather caulk. This will save you money on your fall and winter heating bills!

Plant Fall Flowers - Your summer flowers may have wilted since the arrival of colder evening temperatures, but that doesn't mean you can't have an attractive garden! Now is a great time to start planting some fall flowers.  Mums make a great addition to your front porch! 

Save On Homeowners Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings.  To make sure you have the best coverage, call SAV-ON today for a free, no obligation quote.  888-867-2866.
 

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Make Sure Your Tires are in Good Shape as Wet Fall Weather Approaches

Tires are one item on your vehicle that many people take for granted until something bad happens due to tire failure. As the weather starts to get colder and wetter this fall, tires play an important part in keeping you on the road and out of the ditch.

Tire Pressure
It's important to have all of your tires inflated to the proper pounds per square inch (PSI). Under inflation can lead to premature tire wear and failure. The proper amount of inflation is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It's also listed on the owner's manual.
You should...
• Check tire pressure about once a month or before long trips
• Check when tires are cool. It's best to check before driving, as tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
• Inspect tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded in them. Even if they haven't punctured the tire at that time, continuing to drive on these could put a hole in the tire and cause a flat. Also, check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

Keep in mind that tire inflation pressure increases in warm weather and decreases in cold weather by 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature difference.

Alignment
Have your tire alignment checked periodically, as specified by the vehicle's owner's manual, or right away if you feel your vehicle "pulling" to one side or the other. Also, have your tires balanced. Tires wear will increase dramatically if your alignment is off.

Tire Rotation
It's important to have your tires rotated approximately every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to prevent uneven tire wear. Most vehicles are now front-wheel-drive, and so the front tires wear at a greater rate than the rear. By rotating the front to the back (and switching the front left tire to the right rear, and the front right tire to the left rear), your tire life will increase substantially.
Worn tires can't channel water away from the surfaces as effectively.
Tire Tread
After there is  2/32 of an inch or less tread left on a tire, it is illegal to drive on them. Traction, especially in inclement weather, is dangerous. Worn tires can "hydroplane" in wet weather and cause the vehicle to lose control of the road, as the tread that would channel the water away from the tire is gone. An easy way to check this is to put a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're OK, but if you can see all of his head, then you need to buy a new tire.

Fall and winter means more challenging driving. Make sure you have properly functioning tires that are fully inflated and have plenty of tread to carry you safely through the upcoming bad weather.

And remember, if SAV-ON Insurance can help you with any of your insurance needs, call us at 888-867-2866.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Have an Insurance Claim? We're There for You.

Insurance claims can be a stressful process.  At SAV-ON Insurance Agencies, we've worked with our clients after car accidents, home fires, storm damage, and even a death in the family.  Insurance claims are tied to the most stressful events in our lives.

That's why it's extremely important that you work with an agent and a company that you trust.

After an insurance claim, you will be assigned an adjustor by your insurance company to evaluate your loss.  Depending on the type of claim, they will examine the property and gather more information.  The adjustor will determine the settlement amount and answer any questions you may have.

So what happens if things don't go smoothly at first?  Maybe you don't agree on the amount or can't get the right documentation?


That's where we come in.

Our job, as your agent, is to also be your advocate.  Our office goes to work to help you communicate with your adjustor if there is a problem.  That means that when you need help, we're there.

Yes, sometimes you can get cheaper rates with unknown companies.  And you might like being able to buy online without talking to an agent. But when it comes down to those stressful moments during the claims process, it's great to have someone you know on your side.

You need someone you can depend on when you have a claim. Call SAV-ON Insurance Agencies office today at 888-867-2866 and let us protect your family and property.




Friday, July 10, 2015

Going on Vacation? Don't Leave Home Without Doing This...

Ready to head out of town on vacation?  The weather is hot and sunny, the kids are out of school, and everyone is eager for a break.  But there are a few things to keep in mind before you leave town in order to keep your possessions protected.

Don’t Advertise That You’ll Be Out Of Town

Think about the things that happen around your home on a daily basis, so that your home doesn’t look empty when you leave.

Stop Deliveries. Contact the Post Office (and the newspaper or any other deliveries) and put your services on hold. Or, if you're only going to be gone for a few days, have one of your trusted neighbors pick them up for you.  A full mailbox and a driveway full of newspapers are a sign to thieves that you’re an easy target!

Let There Be Light. Put a few lights on a timer so that your home isn’t dark all night.  Even leaving a few lamps on will help.  Motion sensitive lights on your porch and driveway are a great idea too. Of course, if you have an alarm, set it. A darkened house is an invitation for burglars!

Watchful Neighbor. Do you have a neighbor that you trust?  Let them know of your plans, share your contact phone number, and consider leaving a spare key, just in case they need to get in. Have them keep an eye on the place for any unusual activity, and have them call the police – then you – if they see anything bad happening.

Storm Damage. What if a severe thunderstorm hits while you’re out of town?  It could knock out power or even cause a tree in your yard to fall.  Your neighbor can make sure that your freezer is back on when the power restores or verify that there aren’t any leaks in the roof from the storm damage. You can get on the phone and contact your insurance company, so they can get involved until you get back. You don't want any unwelcome surprises when you get home!

When You’re On The Road


The biggest tip is to avoid leaving valuables in the car!

Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case.  The only coverage for your luggage and computer would be on your Homeowners Insurance and it’s subject to your deductible.

Roadside Assistance. Also, most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing.  This can be invaluable when you are stranded (or accidentally lock your keys in the car in an unfamiliar town).  This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy.

Accidents. If you are unfortunate and end up in an accident, make sure to contact the police first, then your insurance company. Don't ever admit guilt to anyone! That's for the police to determine. Your insurance agent can arrange towing for your vehicle, if necessary, and find the nearest auto repair facility. If your car needs extensive repairs, check to see if your policy includes a rental car that would allow you to return home until the repairs are completed.

Have questions about your insurance before your trip?  Give SAV-ON a call at 888-867-2866 anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

It's Boating Season! Make Sure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft Meets Regulations

With the beautiful, summer-like weather we've been having in Washington, it's time to get that boat or personal watercraft out in the water!

While everyone loves to hit the lake on the boat, there are a few things you need to take care of first.


Renew Your Registration

Boating registration goes from July 1st through June 30th, so make sure you have updated and properly attached your updated tabs before launching your boat. All boats must have a Washington title, registration card, registration decals, with these exceptions:
  • Canoe, kayak or vessel not propelled by a motor or sail.
  • Vessel is less than 16 feet in length and has a motor of 10 horsepower or less and is used on non-federal waters only.
  • The vessel is properly registered by a resident of another state or country who uses Washington waters for 60 days or fewer.
For details on Washington boating regulations, go to: http://boat.wa.gov/regulations.asp

Get Your Boater Education Card

Most Washington residents are now required to take the Boater Exams and obtain a Boater Education Card. The card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. This card does not expire; once you obtain it, it's good for life.

The law is being phased in by operator age over several years. In 2015, all boaters 60 or younger are required to have this card in their possession when operating a boat, and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not having the card can result in a fine.

Go to https://www.boat-ed.com/washington/?clid=CPOjzvO2g8YCFQqFfgodrkcAew to take your exam. The exam is free, but the card will cost you $29.50.

Have the Necessary Equipment Onboard

Boats and personal watercraft are required to have working fire extinguishers, a emergency warning signal (flare or whistle) and enough approved floatation devices (life jackets) for everyone on the boat. Children must have life jackets on at all times while on the water.

Are You Properly Covered?

Since boat insurance isn’t required in most states, a lot of people skip it in order to save money.  But that’s a very risky idea! 

First, without coverage, you’re risking all the money you spent on your boat.  Would you drive your expensive car without insurance?  Probably not! 

Second, boats are a liability exposure.  That means that they open you up to lawsuits.  If you were to have an accident and damage someone’s boat or personal property, then you could be held responsible.

With the proper insurance coverage, this wouldn’t be a problem.  You’d be protected!  In fact, we typically recommend that clients with a high level of assets purchase extra liability coverage if they own a boat. 

All in all, purchasing boat owners insurance is a simple way to give yourself a lot of peace of mind.  Who wants to worry about insurance when they’re out on the water? 

Call SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 for a free quote on your boat or personal watercraft. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Discounts....Are You Getting All of Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month.  But a lot of people miss out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see some excellent savings.

Home Security Discounts
Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

Driver Training & Defensive Driving

Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for big discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

Teenage Driver With Good Grades
Good grades will help you save! Some of our policies offer a discount for students who maintain a high GPA. Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.

Payment Discounts
There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

Multi-Policy Discounts
When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate under one company.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money, too!

The key? Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call SAV-ON Insurance Agencies today at 888-867-2866 to schedule an appointment, and start saving money!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Home Maintenance Tasks for February

With all the nice, sunny weather we've been having in February, it's an ideal time to get some late winter projects completed. We have compiled a short list of tasks that you can do to help take care of your home, vehicle, and family this month.  Consider them a helpful reminder of what needs to get accomplished throughout the month to keep your important items protected.

Purchase A Fire Extinguisher - If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, now is the time to get at least one.  Plan a family meeting and teach everyone in the household when and how to use it.  It’s an easy way to prevent a small kitchen fire from getting out of hand. 

Schedule High-Value Jewelry On Your Insurance Policy - Did your Valentine surprise you with a new piece of jewelry?  Make sure it’s covered!  While your homeowners or renters policy will cover jewelry, there are some limitations.  Get an appraisal on the jewelry, then bring the appraisal in so we can discuss the best course of action.  (This also applies to artwork and other collectibles or antiques.)   

Seal Up Drafty Windows - Feel cool air blowing in around windows or doors?  Seal them up now!  You’ll be glad you did when those heating or air conditioning bills arrive.
Inadequately sealed windows and doors can cost you hundreds of dollars each year!

Newlywed Insurance Review
- Did you get married this month?  Call us to schedule a newlywed insurance review!  We’ll look at your individual policies and discuss how best to combine them for your new household. In most cases we can save you quite a bit of money!

Show The Love! - There is no better way to show your family how much you love them, then with the proper amount of life insurance!  We can give you a quote on an affordable term policy and help you get this important coverage in place quickly.

Speaking of love, we LOVE our clients!  Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your auto, home, business, or life insurance.  Call 888-867-2866.


Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Getting Engaged? Your Insurance Needs Change When You Decide to Tie the Knot


February is all about love.  In fact, it is estimated that as many as 4 million people will get engaged on Valentine’s Day!

With all of that love and wedding planning in the air, it's difficult to think about the boring parts of a marriage, but these are things that could save you money, so we want to make it easy for you.

Here are a few things you need to think about in regards to your insurance policies when you tie the knot:

1. Combine your auto insurance policies.  If you both own a vehicle, the easiest thing to do is combine your policies by adding your spouse and their vehicle to your policy.  We can take care of this in just a few minutes and save you money, too! 

2. Make sure you and your spouse are listed on every policy.  You both need to be on the homeowners or renters insurance so you can get assistance if needed. Do all of them at the same time and you won’t have to worry about it again. We would be happy to help you with this. Also, if you have your auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance with us, we can save you even more money with a multi-policy discount!

3. Schedule an overall review.  When you combine two households you will obviously have more belongings!  Speak with your SAV-ON agent and verify that you have enough content and liability insurance to cover any new assets.

4. Purchase life insurance.  It’s your honeymoon and you don’t want to think about death, but now is the time to get this very important coverage in place. It doesn’t cost much and will give you peace of mind that the person you love will be taken care of in the future if you're no longer around.  It’s really the very best gift you can give to those you love. 

The best part of this? It doesn’t have to be difficult!  In fact, one short appointment can take care of every item on the list.  Give SAV-ON a call today at 888-867-2866 to schedule a review with one of our agents.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Auto Theft is a Big Problem. Are You Protected?


There were nearly 700,000 motor vehicle thefts nationwide in 2013. Although 2014 showed a slight decrease, it continues to be a real problem. It is estimated that $4.5 billion is lost on motor vehicle thefts.

According to the FBI, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 44 seconds!
Auto theft
Making the problem more aggravating is that for every 10 vehicle thefts, only slightly more than half (56%) are recovered, and about one is successfully prosecuted!  In 2012, for example, only 11.9 percent of auto thefts were cleared, either by arrests or by exceptional means, compared with 20.4 percent for arson and 19.0 percent for all property crimes. To make matters worse, many of the vehicles recovered are damaged or destroyed. Source: Insurance Information Institute

Be careful where you park your car, and what you leave in it. If you don't have a garage, make sure to have motion lights that will deter a would-be thief. When you're not at home, park in a well-lit area, and always lock your car. A survey of American drivers conducted in April 2007 on behalf of the National Insurance Crime Bureau found:
  • • One-third admit they have left their car while it was running, which makes the vehicle an easy target for theft.
  • • 47% don't always park in a well-lit area.
  • • 40% don't hide their valuables. In fact, nearly half leave mail in their vehicle, a quarter have left a purse or wallet, and almost a third have left bank statements, all of which can put them at risk for identity theft.

It Costs You!

Although 75% of respondents know that there are costs associated with vehicle theft in addition to paying the insurance deductible and the cost of replacing the vehicle that are not covered by insurance, virtually none knew that there are additional costs such as:
  • • Insurance premium increases
  • • The cost of time spent dealing with police
  • • Vehicle rental costs
  • • Cost of time off from work.  
The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.

Make Sure You're Adequately Protected!

Auto theft is covered by the optional comprehensive coverage on an auto policy. Without it you're on your own if your car gets stolen or vandalized. Don't take that chance! You can choose from a range of deductibles that will affect your premiums. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your rates will be. SAV-ON Insurance agents are happy to help you figure out the best rate for your vehicle and save you money, too. Call us today at 888-867-2866 for a free estimate, or come in to any of our offices.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Struggling with Debt? Make a Plan to Pay It Off

With the New Year just underway, many people have made resolutions to improve their lives.  And for many improving their finances is at the top of the list.

Getting out of debt can be a big and almost overwhelming goal.  It’s not a fast process and it takes a lot of dedication, but it is worth it in the end! 

So where do you begin? 

First, start by getting an accurate picture of where you stand.  Gather up all of your recent debt statements.  This includes credit cards, car loans, student loans, any personal loans or other big ticket items, and your mortgage.

Run your credit report.  Although there are lots of paid online sites that offer this service, you can request a free copy every year at www.annualcreditreport.com from all three credit bureaus.  This is a great time to check for any mistakes and make sure that every debt on your credit report is included in your list.

Create a debt payoff plan.  Create a spreadsheet with all of your debt information. Include the name of the debt, total balance, interest rate, and minimum payment. Then figure out what order you want to attack your debt. Some organize them from lowest to highest balance, while others prefer to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first.

Whatever you decide, here’s the trick:  Once you pay off your first debt, combine that payment with the second debt.  For example, if you're paying $50 each month to a credit card, once it is paid off add that $50 to the $50 you're still paying to the auto repair shop that fixed your brakes last fall. Now you’re paying a lot more then the minimum and it just keeps growing as you go!

Look for ways to keep adding money to your payoff. Sell unused items around the house, have a yard sale, clip coupons, or even get a part-time job. Cut out one restaurant meal every week and add that to the pot. Just do whatever it takes to keep your momentum up!

Get the whole family involved. Make getting out of debt a family goal. Put your payoff on the fridge and count down. Let the kids help with the family budget.  When everyone understands what you’re working toward, they’ll be more likely to cooperate when the budget is tight.

And how can you find a few extra dollars toward your debt payoff?  Save on your monthly insurance costs!  SAV-ON can help.  Call us at 888-867-2866 for a review of your policies to see if there are places you can cut, or get a quote on your auto, home, business, and life insurance. We can usually save people money on their insurance!