Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
SHARPENING YOUR INNER PENCIL THE WISDOM OF GRAPHITE
Life is like a pencil. Our companions through school and work have not only always stood by us, but they are the same as us. We face the same challenges and possess the same characteristics. The human condition is not unlike the pencil condition, and we can learn much by examining the life of a pencil and comparing it to our own. A PENCIL MUST BE SHARPENED. Over time, the point dulls. Once the pencil is sharpened, it can be used again. Destruction and change in the sharpener allow the pencil
to the next; every step leads to another. Our lives are much the same way. The impact of every moment is essential to appreciate and understand the flow and timeline of our lives. Whatever narrative your life has followed, it brought you to where you are today, whatever that may be. The worst periods in our lives often lead to the best ones. A failed relationship can put you in a position to meet the love of your life. If you get downsized, you might see a job posting for your dream career. The past is prologue to the present, just as the present is prologue to the future. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IS INSIDE. A pencil’s color, shape, and size may vary, but the graphite inside is all that matters for writing. Even after a pencil wears out, you can always see the graphite trail it left behind. Humans are like this, too. Our individuality, what we are inside, is the most essential part of us. Our personalities, ideas, and influences matter much more than what we look like, our careers, and our status. Those inner qualities are also what people will remember most about us. Like pencils, we can write stories, erase mistakes, and sharpen our potential. Like pencils, we are all valuable and useful. Look to the humble pencil when you need inspiration. Everything from hyper-realistic drawings to expansive novels have been written using their graphite. Remember that when you face a personal challenge or think you can’t start over — we can all reshape the narrative of our lives. —Travis Lewis DON’T FORGET! Life insurance protects those who count on you! Contact us at 309-512-7118 to receive our FREE parenting guide and life insurance resource.
to write (create) again. Humans share this quality. We require hardship to learn and change, to hone our skills. Many people become resilient and determined through adversity. You can only know
your strength by testing it against resistance. So, when faced with a challenge, view it as an opportunity to grow, even if that growth is painful. If a pencil could speak, it’d be the first to tell you how painful sharpening is. MISTAKES CAN BE ERASED. We can correct our mistakes. When a pencil
moves in the wrong direction, we simply erase the error and move on. Likewise, when humans make mistakes in life, they can be erased. We may take the wrong road or choose a path that doesn’t turn out so well, but we can change it. Sometimes, it’s not easy, but it’s always possible. Maybe you’ve already had to “erase” or change some things, like find a new job or career, move to a new city, or find someone new. Once you start looking for solutions, you’ll see they are more plentiful than obstacles. Some erasers smudge, but you can always keep at it with enough effort.
A PENCIL TELLS A STORY. We always leave a mark, just like a pencil. A pencil tells its story wherever it writes; every stroke leads
1
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
NFL’s Worst Calls in History
Snowplow Scandal to Coin Flip Catastrophe
A bad call by the referee can not only ruin a game but also a fan’s entire day (or week). Unfortunately, the NFL has no shortage of downright wrong calls that left coaches, players, and fans losing their cool. While time may have healed the damage these calls have done, let’s revisit some of the worst calls in NFL history. SNOWPLOW SAVAGERY Somehow, this incredulous historic moment in football is more hilarious than it is upsetting. In 1982, the Patriots and Dolphins were stuck at 0-0, and the snow fell nonstop throughout the game. Just as Patriots kicker John Smith was in position for a 33-yard field goal attempt, coach Ron Meyer ordered the field’s snowplow operator to clear the way for his kick. Smith’s field goal kick was a success, and the Patriots won 3-0. Without a doubt, this move was a blatant penalty, but no call was made, and the Dolphins were left with a loss. PAINFUL TOUCHDOWN REVERSAL The Chicago Bears’ former tight end Zach Miller nearly lost his leg on a play that many disputed at the time. Playing against the New Orleans Saints in 2017, Miller caught a pass and rolled into the end zone, suffering a knee injury. But the referee nullified the touchdown, ruling that Miller bobbled the ball and was not in control of it.
because of the severity of the injury. Unfortunately, even after nine surgeries, the knee injury ended Miller’s football career. Then, to add insult to literal injury, the NFL changed the rule in 2018 and confirmed that Miller’s catch would now have been considered a touchdown. CATASTROPHIC COIN FLIP The 1998 Thanksgiving Day game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions had one of the most ridiculous calls. During the coin flip to start overtime, the referee misheard Steelers running back Jerome Bettis’ call. The ref asked Bettis heads or tails, to which he replied, “Tails.”
However, the referee insisted he called heads. The coin turned up tails, giving the Lions first possession in sudden death overtime. To make matters worse, the game was televised, and replays confirmed that Bettis indeed said, “Tails.” After the call, the Lions kicked a field goal, leading to a 19-16 victory.
As we said earlier, there’s no shortage of horrendous NFL calls, and we surely couldn’t fit all of them here!
After the play, Miller was rushed to the hospital, where doctors considered amputating his leg
Drive Smart, Save Big:
Secrets to Taming Auto Insurance Premiums
In recent years, auto insurance premiums have been rising due to labor shortages, supply chain problems, and an increasing number of accidents. If you’re wondering how to get a grip on insurance costs, consider the type of vehicle you drive. Obviously, cost is a major factor. Your premium will be higher for a Tesla, with a minimum sticker price approaching $43,000, than for a $24,000 Honda Civic. Beyond that, insurers look at more subtle considerations. THE MENACE FACTOR. Insurance companies also weigh the risk your vehicle poses to others. How much potential damage might you inflict on another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property when driving a 2-ton Ford F-150 pickup measuring just under 19 feet in length, compared with a Mitsubishi Mirage, which weighs less than half as much and is two-thirds as long? These factors affect your costs for liability coverage. PASSENGER SAFETY. Insurers also look at your car’s overall safety rating. The safer your vehicle, the lower your premiums. Among winners in this category are the Acura Integra for small cars, the Honda Accord for
midsize models, and several Audi models among large SUVs. Choosing a car with safety features like ABS brakes, collision alert systems, and a rear-facing camera may also reduce costs. Adding high quality safety features may also qualify you for discounts.
THEFT RISK. Is your car a hot item among car thieves? Driving a car everybody wants may be fun, but it also raises the risk of theft. Owning the most oft-stolen vehicle in America, the Dodge Charger, will elevate insurance risk compared with the least-stolen models, such as an all-electric Tesla or Volvo. Thieves
target electric vehicles less often because they are typically parked inside, in well-lit areas for charging. REPAIR COSTS. The ease of finding parts and making repairs to a damaged auto is another factor. Avoiding the toughest vehicles to repair, such as the MINI Cooper or Toyota MR2, will not only ease your stress — it will lower your insurance costs, too.
Keep these factors in mind to tighten your car insurance budget, and shore up your own personal safety and well-being at the same time!
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
2
How Your Health and Lifestyle Affect Life Insurance Costs Premium Power
Life insurance is a pivotal element of financial planning. Witnessing what happens to a family when a breadwinner dies without it is enough to motivate most buyers. Few realize in advance, however, that some factors determining insurance costs are within their control. Your age, of course, is not one of them. Buyers’ costs may rise as much as 8%–10% for every year of age. Men, in general, typically pay more for life insurance because women’s life expectancy is longer. Insurers also look closely at an applicant’s medications and personal and family medical history. A pattern of cancer, stroke, cardiac arrest, or other serious
conditions among parents or siblings will raise your costs.
a physical exam, be aware that you will probably pay more
and get less for your money in the form of a lower death benefit.
Other risk factors are at least partly within
buyers’ control. Smokers must pay up because
Keeping your weight down and sticking to a healthy exercise routine can lower
the habit elevates their risk of cancer, stroke, and heart and lung disease. In fact,
premiums. Daredevil hobbies like sky-diving or auto racing or working at risky jobs like roofing, mining, or truck driving have
smokers may have to pay up to twice as much as non- smokers for similar coverage. Claiming you only vape or smoke
the opposite effect. Even your driving record plays a role. If you’re accident- prone or have incurred a lot of tickets for speeding or other moving violations, insurers will know and charge you more. While the rigor of life insurers’ screening process may surprise first-time buyers, it makes sense: The greater your risk of death, the more an insurer must charge to protect your loved ones or other beneficiaries.
occasionally won’t get you much of a break on premiums. Drinkers, too, face added costs. Reducing or eliminating alcohol may earn you a lower premium. Trying to hide your bad habits isn’t wise. If you fail to tell the truth, the insurer may cancel your policy when your fib is discovered or deny death benefits to your family. If you’re tempted to shop for an insurer that doesn’t require
COACH’S CORNER
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” -Vidal Sassoon “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” -Vince Lombardi
Cheesy Chicken Chowder
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Rich and comforting, this cheesy chicken chowder is the perfect cure for winter blues.
INGREDIENTS
“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” -John Wooden
• •
3 cups chicken broth
• • • • •
1/2 cup diced onion
•
2 cups whole milk
2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 1/2 tsp salt
•
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp pepper
• •
1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery
1/4 cup butter, cubed
•
2 cups cooked and diced chicken
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS 1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat and add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 2. In another medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Slowly stir in milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat, then add cheese, stirring until melted. Add the cheesy mixture and chicken to the broth and heat it thoroughly!
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up. ” -Vince Lombardi
3
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS
309.512.7118
4917 N SHERIDAN RD EDWARDS, IL 61614
WHAT’S INSIDE?
1 2
4 Ways We Are Like a Pencil
Revisit the NFL’s Most Infamous Blunders
Strategies to Contain Soaring Car Insurance Costs
3
Live Healthier, Pay Less for Coverage
Coach’s Corner
Cheesy Chicken Chowder
4
Why Eating Together Matters More Than You Think
The Benefits of Eating as a Family
POSITIVE EFFECTS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children. Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let’s delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. PROMOTES HEALTHY EATING HABITS One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children.
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator