Renting your first apartment is exciting. You’re on your own and you can’t wait to decorate! Slow down for just a minute. Before you sign the lease and pack up your stuff, make sure you don’t make these mistakes as a renter.

The first time you may ever think about home insurance will be the first time you buy a home. While it’s a necessary step to get to the closing table, it’s something you want to understand before you select your policy. It might feel like buying homeowners insurance is just another “to do list” item, but there are things you need to know and understand so you don’t have any nasty surprises later.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why do I have insurance? They won’t pay a claim for that!” think again. People have had strange things happen to them and filed an insurance claim as a result. Not only was it a weird moment for them, but the insurance company paid the claim! It just goes to show that if something can go wrong, it will – and it pays to have insurance to help you out when it does.

Summer is winding down, and the new school year is fast approaching. It’s time for new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, and all those supplies. The kids will be back in school before we know it. Whether your child is anxious to be back or dreading every minute of it, it’s always best to be prepared. Here are a few back to school tips to help you and your children get the school year started off on the right foot.

You walked into the store, jingling your keys, fiddling with your phone, without a care in the world. A few minutes – or hours – later, you’re back out, bags in hand. You look around at where you’re sure you parked your car. You know you parked it under that street lamp and now it’s gone! What are you going to do?!

Here’s what you need to do if your vehicle is ever stolen.

Summer is supposed to be a time for long days, warm weather, and time spent with the family. The kids are out of school, and a lot people take time off of work to enjoy the sunshine. It can also be expensive between family vacations to amusement parks and keeping your home cool.

Take a look at these 17 ways you can save money this summer and still have fun.

Are you the type of person who doesn’t want anything generic? Everything has to be personalized and express who you are. Okay, maybe not everything, but the big things. Your home, your wardrobe, and oh yes, you car, too. You’ve spent a lot of money taking care of your car and modifying it until you’re happy with it.

Having insurance for your home and vehicles helps you when the worst happens – theft, a storm, fire. Insurance is the back-up plan. It’s the thing that works after a disaster. Insurance costs, as a result, are based on risk. Higher risk homes, cars, neighborhoods, and people cost more.

The best way to reduce your insurance premiums is to reduce your risk. Taking care of your home and vehicle are just the start. Because bad people exist, and although prevention measures may not be perfect, they help. Additional security for your home and vehicle reduces your risk and your insurance premiums.

Automobile recalls, when they’re big and bad, tend to make news. In 2013, only a few types of vehicles were subject to a Takata airbag recall but more recently, several more were added to the list in a big, public way. When Anton Yelchin, an actor from the most recent Star Trek movies, was killed when his Jeep rolled away and pinned him to a brick post, it sounded like a tragic accident. We now know it may have been due to a problem that triggered a recall by Jeep.

Not all automotive recalls are this tragic or dramatic but they all should be taken seriously. When you receive a recall notice, call your local dealer immediately.

July is National Picnic Month. What better way to celebrate the summer than with a picnic! Charlotte and the surrounding area is filled with beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Grab the family, pack a picnic, and plan a day together. It’s a great time to enjoy fresh air and good food in a gorgeous setting!