Protect Your Move
3 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR WHEN HIRING A MOVING COMPANY
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Summer is the start of moving season. From June to August, more people relocate than during any other time of the year. If your plan is to find a new place to live, near or far, you may consider hiring a professional mover. The challenge, however, is finding the right moving company — one offering reputable and reliable service.
movers — with about 3,600 complaints logged last year — as reported by the AARP. The moving industry attracts disreputable contractors who just want to make a quick buck. To protect yourself, your family, your belongings, and your wallet, keep these red flags in mind when searching for the perfect mover. Red-Flag Pricing Some movers advertise questionably low prices. It’s tempting to hire a bargain mover, but once they have your possessions, these low-priced movers might not give them back until you pay far more than the original asking price. Watch out for small, unlicensed companies advertising on roadsides or websites such as Craigslist. Red-Flag Details Pay attention to company names, addresses, and other contact information. Always look for a physical address on their website. If they don’t
have one listed, or if they don’t even have a website, that’s suspicious. The same goes for a lack of insurance or registration. If you can’t track down this information or the company refuses to share it, walk away. Red-Flag Payment Disreputable movers may ask for payment upfront and in cash, or they may ask for an unusually large deposit. This gives the movers a chance to walk away with your money without completing the job. They may even take your belongings to dump or sell later. How can you protect yourself? Before hiring a professional mover, check out Moving.org and FMCSA.dot.gov/protect-your-move. Both websites contain a host of information to help you find a reputable mover nearby. MONTSERRAT O S WA L D
Since 2014, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of complaints against interstate
Sugar hard at work helping Alison move out of her apartment.
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We are blessed, however, to be in a place where we can help people every day. I thank my dad for inspiring me to make a huge career choice and become part of a profession where I get to really help people in tough situations. Outside of the practice of law, I also have three successful insurance agencies, but it was a hard road getting here. I started my first agency over 10 years ago. I went in thinking I had enough money to fund my agency, but I was wrong. My dad discussed the matter with my mom, and they saved the day and bailed me out financially. Through their generosity, I was able to keep the agency up and running for longer and until it turned a profit. Thanks to them, I was able to get the ball rolling. My dad is my hero. He’s in his early 70s and still works as a truck driver. He has always been there for me when I needed him and sometimes I wonder how he became such a great dad — his own dad passed away when he was very young. I only hope if I’m blessed with children of my own that I can be half the dad my dad is for me.
GRILLED BEEF RIBS
INSPIRED BY SAVEUR MAGAZINE
INGREDIENTS
• •
1 5-lb. rack of beef ribs
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a charcoal, wood-burning, or gas grill to medium high. Once heated, move heat source to one side or turn off half of the burners to create an indirect heat zone. 2. Season ribs with salt and pepper and char on the hotter side of the grill, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes. Once charred, transfer to the other side of grill and cook until the thickest part of the rib reaches 130 F, about 2 1/2–3 hours. 3. Let meat rest for 15 minutes. If desired, serve alongside grilled veggies.
–Matt Aulsbrook
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