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Protection Team News
Legislative Update and Weather Musings
The Storm Rolls On Page 1 VOL 15, ISSUE 15 Bring Color and Joy to Your Garden Page 2
As we find ourselves amid the annual state of Florida Legislative session, the flurry of bill filings is unmistakable, accompanied by daily reports buzzing with legislative activity. While the headlines may catch our attention, it's important to remember that not all proposed bills will progress beyond committee discussions or secure a full house vote. One particularly noteworthy proposal came from two representatives who suggested a bill for State Run Insurer Citizens to extend coverage to encompass ALL windstorm risks across Florida. While the rationale behind this proposal may be understandable to some, the feasibility of such a measure seems uncertain. Imagining the potential ramifications of a major storm hitting Florida within the first year — without sufficient funds to cover claims — is a sobering thought. While such a program might have been viable after Hurricane
Andrew, the current weather climate doesn't seem conducive to building up reserves for such an endeavor. As we eagerly anticipate the developments in the session's final weeks, I'll provide you with an update next month on what legislation ultimately passed and what did not. On a lighter note, have you noticed the unusual weather patterns we've been experiencing lately? It seems like a new weather front sweeps through every few days, bringing cooler temperatures and rain showers. While it's a relief not to worry about wildfires for now, it appears there's been a rush on firewood at Publix. The sight of depleted pallets outside and inside the store is a testament to this cooler weather spree. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating warmer temperatures and weekend getaways to the beach. I'm sure Noelle shares the sentiment, although she'll get a short taste of Florida sunshine when she and Jonathan visit for a long weekend. We can't wait to welcome them! Switching gears, as the Buccaneers bow out of the playoffs, our attention turns to the impending free agency scramble. With a staggering 18 free agents on the roster and limited cap space, tough decisions lie ahead. We may have witnessed Mike Evans' last game in a Bucs uniform, given his impending lucrative payday. Balancing his contract demands with retaining other key players presents a significant challenge, but we remain hopeful. Another player who will garner interest and money is Baker Mayfield; fingers crossed, the Bucs can work out a favorable contract with him. Until next month,
5 Tips to Keep Life Insurance Premiums Low Page 2
Improve Your Sleep Quality Through Mattress Cleaning Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
Wacky March Holidays Page 5
Sudoku Page 5
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread Page 5
–Darren
January Referrals and Puzzle Winner! Page 6
Darren and his daughters celebrating Valentine's Day!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
SMART STRATEGIES HOW TO LOWER YOUR LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUM The desire to cut costs and reduce payments is entirely understandable in the current economic climate, where expenses are soaring. However, one area where cutting corners may not be advisable is life insurance. A life insurance policy provides a crucial sense of security, ensuring that your loved ones and family will be financially supported if anything happens to you. While it is tempting to cancel or postpone setting up a life insurance policy, there are ways to manage and lower your premium. Insurance premiums are determined based on risk categories, ranging from highest risk to lowest risk, which include Standard, Standard Plus, Preferred, and Preferred Plus. To secure a better rating and a lower premium, consider the following tips. DON’T DELAY Life insurance is not exclusive to older adults, and applying for a policy at a younger age can lead to lower premiums. Insurance companies often offer more favorable rates to young and healthy individuals. QUIT SMOKING Smokers face an increased risk of various health issues, impacting their life insurance premiums. If you're a smoker, quitting can
Grow Your Green Thumb This Spring A Spring Gardening Guide Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can also be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
Vermost Insurance Now has a relationship with Chuck Chucri, who offers financial planning and investment
Did You Know ...
advisory services!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
CALL FOR DETAILS OR TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY (727) 748-2886 Chuck Chucri, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI Financial Advisor The Prudential Insurance Company of America Prudential.com/advisor/chuck-chucri Our financial advisors and financial planners offer financial planning and/or investment advice through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS). A financial advisor or financial planner offers securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco and offers insurance products as an agent of issuing insurance companies. (800) 778-2255 Vermost Insurance is an independent organization and is not an affiliate of Prudential Financial. positively influence your premium. For non-smokers, refraining from starting is a wise decision. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Obesity is associated with higher risks of medical conditions and mortality rates. Insurance companies often use standard height and weight tables to assess if an applicant is overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to obtaining life insurance at a more reasonable cost. MAINTAIN OVERALL HEALTH Preexisting health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic issues don’t necessarily condemn you to higher premiums. Following a treatment plan and adhering to prescribed medications can qualify you for a lower premium. AVOID HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES Engaging in hazardous hobbies such as rock climbing, skydiving, or scuba diving may increase life insurance premiums. Opting for safer activities can help keep your premium more affordable. Contact us today for any inquiries or concerns regarding your life insurance policy or strategies to obtain a lower premium! The professionals at Vermost Insurance Agency are here to offer expert guidance and assistance.
We spend countless hours lying on our mattresses, shaking off dander and sweating through our sheets, but we rarely give them the cleaning they deserve. No longer. This spring, give your mattress a deep and thorough cleaning by following these three steps. Your mattress will last longer, and your sleep quality will improve. STEP 1: ROTATE AND FLIP Mattresses are soft, even if they’re on the firm side, but this comes at a cost: Since we lie on them for hours, they often develop lumps. Rotating your mattress every few months is essential to stem the tide of bumps. If your mattress is two- sided, you can also flip it over. Mattresses are heavy, so don’t No matter the quality of your hygiene, detritus will shake off. Skin, dust, and other particulates are just part of being human. These particulates gather on mattresses, even if you can’t see them, and can cause allergies, attract bugs, and so on. Vacuum the top and sides of your mattress, making sure to get every surface. STEP 3: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE STAINS hesitate to get help! STEP 2: VACUUM Spilled liquids can seep through blankets, sheets, and even mattress protectors. You may not notice stains until you inspect your mattress carefully. If you find stains, fret not; you can remove them with the right approach. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for an effective, nontoxic cleaning solution. Spray the stain and work it in with a cloth or a brush, then let it sit until the stain fades or disappears. Sprinkle baking soda over the area to dry everything and vacuum the excess. CLEAN REGULARLY FOR BEST RESULTS A clean mattress isn’t just about looks. It improves sleep quality, as dirty mattresses allow dust, allergens, and other particles to enter air passages. Regular cleaning also helps extend the life of your mattress, and they can get expensive. Besides cleaning, take additional precautions like using a mattress protector. With a bit of diligence, you can defend your health and your mattress. MATTRESS CLEANING 101 Better Sleep, Better Health
1007626-00005-00
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com
newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2023. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2023 REFERRAL WINNER! 2024 REFERRAL PROGRAM
monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winner of our 2023 referral program is Paul Burns. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2024 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Paul Burns is our 2023 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice.
• EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Humane Society of Pinellas
• A $50 GIFT CARD
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1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886 1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
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Wacky March Holidays
• March 1 – National Dress in Blue Day • March 2 – National Old Stuff Day • March 3 – National I Want You to Be Happy Day • March 4– National Pound Cake Day • March 5 – National Cheese Doodle Day • March 6 – National Frozen Food Day
• March 16 – National Corn Dog Day • March 17 – National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day • March 18 – National Awkward Moments Day • March 19 – National Chocolate Caramel Day • March 20 – National Ravioli Day • March 21 – National Common Courtesy Day • March 22 – National Goof Off Day • March 23 – National Chip and Dip Day • March 24 – National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day • March 28 – National Something on a Stick Day • March 29 – National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day • March 30 – National Virtual Vacation Day • March 31 – National Tater (Potato) Day
• March 7 – National Flapjack Day • March 9 – National Get Over It Day • March 10 – National Mario Day
• March 11 – National Johnny Appleseed Day • March 12 – National Plant a Flower Day • March 13 – National Coconut Torte Day • March 14 – National Learn About Butterflies Day • March 15 – National Potato Chip Day
ST. PADDY’S IRISH SODA BREAD
SUDOKU
Inspired by Epicurious.com
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right with a fresh loaf of Irish Soda Bread!
Ingredients
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray • 2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting • 5 tbsp sugar, divided • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 3/4 tsp baking soda • 3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk • 2/3 cup raisins
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
SOLUTION ON PG. 6
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991 www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 www.vermost.com (727) 748-2886
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
You Make Us Happy
We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here's a list of some of our lines of protection:
People who referred clients to us in January: • Lynn Cirenza • Jennifer Jackson • Loretta Armentrout • Alena Shclarr • Timothy K. Mariani • Denise Findlay • Darby Jones • Manuela Morais • Megan Cox • Marines Avilles • Meisoon De Leon • Brian Jernigan • Crissy Dixon • JoAnn Manna • Michael Hanuschewicz • Dawn Phillips/ Zoecklin • Timothy Carmichael • Linda Wilson • Bob Schwartz • Maryanne O'Brien
› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builder's risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Dental › Disability › Employee benefits
› Flood › General liability › Health › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public
February Puzzle Winner: Joni Mann
› Umbrella › Workers'
• Gary Haag • Larry Falk • Deborah Valentine
January Referral Winner: Michael Hanuschewicz
compensation
... and more!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
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