“Home and auto insurance needs change at every stage of life,” says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president of QBE Regional Insurance, which underwrites property and casualty coverage through the General Casualty, Unigard, Farmers Union Insurance and QBE Agri brands. “Seniors may not realize that downsizing from a home to a condo or driving less could have important implications for their insurance.”

Tip one: Make sure you have enough contents coverage, especially if you’ve downsized.

If you’ve moved from a home to a condo or apartment, there’s a good chance you’re underinsured. While you may have moved many of the same valuables with you, your rental or condo insurance policy probably carries much less contents coverage.

For example, a homeowners policy on a $200,000 house probably carried about $150,000 in contents coverage. While most of your stuff is the same as it was in your house, the renters policy on your two-bedroom apartment may only come with $25,000 in contents coverage.

If your coverage isn’t enough to replace your home’s contents in case of a total loss, talk to your agent about increasing your limits.

Tip two: Schedule your valuable items or collections.

The average cost of a diamond ring is almost $4,000, but a standard homeowners policy would probably only cover $1,000 if it’s lost or stolen. If you have antiques, china, silverware, jewelry or other valuable items or collections, ask your insurance agent about scheduling it (also called floater or inland marine coverage).

This coverage extends the limits on specific items, beyond what your standard policy includes. It also extends the causes of loss from “named perils” for reasons like fire, theft or lightning to an “open peril” basis, which includes dropping your diamond into the running garbage disposal.

Tip three: Take a driver safety course.

While some states mandate that drivers 55 and older take a driver safety course, in other states it’s optional. While your state might not require you to take a course, you may get a significant discount on your auto insurance for opting to take one.

Tip four: Tell your agent if you’re driving less.

Maybe you’ve stopped driving after dark. Or you now only drive in town. If you’re driving a lot less these days, you may be able to change your driver status on your auto policy from primary use to occasional use. And that could mean lower insurance rates.

With national home prices still 30 percent below 2006 levels, homeowners are looking for affordable ways to boost the value of their homes without breaking the bank.

Repairing or replacing the roof is one of the most noticeable improvement projects homeowners can take on. And although the effect of a new roof is stunning, the price tag doesn’t have to be.

Going back to the basics when it comes to getting a new roof can employ the “genius of ‘and,’” according to TAMKO Building Products President and Chief Executive Officer David Humphreys.

“It’s a way of describing how you can successfully achieve two or more goals that might not seem compatible,” Humphreys says. “For example: you can add value to your home and save money doing it.”

This is possible in roofing through the reliability, durability and affordability of the traditional asphalt shingle. For completeness you should compare the installation and durability of a standing seam metal roof.

Reliability
And when it comes to roofing, the standard asphalt shingle could be the fastest path to a new roof, while still maintaining reliability, durability and affordability.

Asphalt shingles have more than 150 years of proven severe weather durability as a roof covering. But as a waterproofing agent, asphalt’s history goes back much farther.

Kent Blanchard, vice president of roofing manufacturing for TAMKO Building Products, says asphalt and tar have been used as a waterproofing agent for thousands of years, including by the ancient Egyptians.

Durability
Asphalt shingles are made from sheets of fibers, coated in asphalt (a petroleum by-product) and a variety of granules. The result is shingles that are light-weight, easy to install and low maintenance.

Two of the most common types of asphalt shingles are three-tab and laminated.

Three-tab asphalt roofing shingles are made from individual layers of fiberglass mat, a base material made from glass fibers to add strength. The mat is dipped in asphalt and coated with fire-resistant granules.

Classic three-tab asphalt roofing shingles generally include a 15- to 30-year warranty and are one of the more cost-efficient roofing product options.

Laminated asphalt shingles are a newer option and increasing in popularity. These shingles have added dimension because of extra layers of fiberglass mat, which create a wood shake-like appearance.

Some laminated shingles have a 30-year limited warranty, like TAMKO’s Heritage 30 line. The shingles are also wind and fire resistant.

Affordability
Despite the expansion of roofing products over the last 100 years, the most popular and affordable option continues to be the asphalt shingle.

Asphalt shingles continue to dominate about 80 percent of the U.S. market. It’s estimated that more than 100 million roofing squares are laid on U.S. roofs each year.

And a new asphalt roof is in everyone’s price range. With a variety of types of asphalt shingles, three-tab or laminated, asphalt roofs are available for as little as one-third of the cost of more expensive tile and wood roofs.

Asphalt shingles afford the consumer the luxury of a large home improvement without the luxury price tag.

A new roof can add immediate value to the home if the owners are looking to sell, but can also help prevent costly leaks while they still live there.

The health of a roof can affect the energy efficiency and utility bills of a house. In today’s world of energy and cost-consciousness, the roof has become an asset that homeowners cannot afford to overlook.

Remember this annual roof maintenance checklist:

* Clean all debris off the surface of the roof, including anything that has gathered behind skylights, valleys or pipes. Debris can hold water and speed up roof deterioration.

* Check flashing for holes and repair or replace if needed.

* Seal flashing if needed.

* Check for loose or damaged roof shingles. Apply sealant under the loose shingles.

* Remove and replace any damaged shingles.

* Trim overhanging trees to prevent future roof damage from animals or limbs.

Whether it’s hitting the snooze button, mindlessly surfing the Internet or even “watching and waiting” for the water to get hot enough in the shower, everyone wastes time throughout their day. Five minutes here or 10 minutes there – it all adds up. Be aware of common daily time wasters; and by eliminating some (or all), you’ll be able to get much more out of your day.

To determine where you waste the most time, first think about your habits. Keep track of how long you spend completing everyday tasks. Do you check your home e-mail multiple times each day? Or does time slip away while you’re frantically looking for household items? By realizing how you spend your time, you’ll be better equipped to determine where you can save valuable minutes, so you can spend that time wisely on life’s more important things.

Lists that work for you

Making a to-do list is supposed to help you stay on track, right? If your list is too long, however, it may actually prevent you from crossing things off. Instead of moving on to the next item, you get overwhelmed by everything that’s still left to do. Try creating a shorter list that includes only your top three priorities each day – you’ll get a major self-esteem boost when you can cross off all three tasks, day after day, motivating you to do more in the same amount of time.

Knock off routine tasks by batching them together. Don’t file each piece of paperwork as it comes; instead keep everything together so that you file at least five items at once, turning a five-minute everyday job into a five-minute weekly one. For example, make all your telephone calls at the same time so you can work through your entire call list. Stay stocked up on greeting cards for all occasions; that way you won’t have to run to the store to pick one up at the last minute. And be sure to write out, address and stamp all of your greeting cards for the month at one time, so all you need to do is drop them in the mail when it’s time for them to go out.

Do you tend to aimlessly walk around the grocery store aisles, not knowing which meals you’re going to cook that week? If so, you’re wasting time – and money – in more ways than one. Try creating a meal plan for the entire week; it not only helps to streamline your grocery shopping, but it also cuts out extra trips to the market to pick up forgotten items. You’ll save money since you’re doing all the shopping in one trip, using less gas, and you’ll cut out extra minutes and stress each night wondering what to cook since it’s already decided.

Watching, waiting and searching

Don’t waste your time babysitting household items. Instead of watching and waiting for your shower to get to the perfect temperature or for the bath to fill, let the latest technology help save time. The new ioDIGITAL digital showering and bath system from Moen is like having your own personal digital “butler,” so you can spend that time living, instead of waiting. You can program your vertical spa to deliver personalized, precise temperature and flow; turn on the shower with a remote from across the room or while still in bed; or fill your bath to the perfect level and temperature with the touch of a button – no more watching and waiting. Best of all, ioDIGITAL’s intelligent interface provides quick, visual feedback, with LED indicators that will tell you when your water is ready – no more guessing if your shower or bath is ready and no more time wasting. For more information about ioDIGITAL from Moen, visit moen.com/iodigital or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Searching for everyday items such as keys, purses, sunglasses, paper and pens because you’re disorganized is another major time waster. To help, create designated spaces to store each of your “must have” daily items: keep your keys and purse on hooks or shelves near the front door, and add a magnetic paper and pen caddy to the fridge for lists and messages. You’ll spend less time frantically searching and have an easier and more enjoyable day. Finally, assemble a non-emergency, emergency kit with just-the-basics; keep it stocked with spare batteries, a measuring tape, light bulbs, duct tape and a flash light, so when you need something, it’s all in one, convenient, easy-to-find location.

Quick tips

Looking for more easy tips to eliminate daily time wasters? Try out some of these suggestions to add an hour or more to your day:

* Stock a set of cleaning supplies in a caddy on each floor of your home to prevent running up and down the stairs when you need something.
* Keep kitchen garbage can liners in the bottom of the garbage pail for easy refilling.
* Stash disinfecting wipes in every bathroom for quick clean up.
* Book the first appointment of the day with doctors and dentists, while they’re still on-schedule. Always book future appointments before you leave the office to avoid making an extra call.
* List credit card numbers on a single index card and keep it in a safe place as a quick reference when ordering online or over the phone.
* Speed up the mail opening process with a letter opener and don’t even bother with junk mail – toss it straight into the recycling bin or shredder.
* Arrange to have at least one monthly bill (your cell phone, for example) paid directly from your checking account or credit card account.

By realizing and avoiding these time-eating traps, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying at least a few extra moments each day.

Most people view spring and summer as the peak time for lawn care, but it’s fall that actually marks the beginning of your lawn’s growing season. There are simple but crucial steps to take now to promote a strong, beautiful lawn through next season and beyond.

Whether you have the best yard in the neighborhood or you haven’t had much success with your turf, you can improve and maintain the condition of your lawn if you take these three steps:

Build a foundation
The ideal conditions that come with fall — cool nights and warm soil — make it the best time to feed your lawn. The autumn window of opportunity to repair summer damage and achieve long-term lawn success is small, but it’s also a critical time to build and strengthen the root system. A product like Scotts Turf Builder helps build strong, deep roots for a better foundation in your existing lawn. The better the root system, the more robust your lawn will be next year. A good fall feeding will keep your turf strong and green throughout the fall, winter and into spring.

Encourage new growth
Fall is also the best time to seed your lawn. The soil is still warm, but the air is cooler, meaning weeds have less opportunity to compete. Trees are shedding their leaves so grass receives more sun, and diseases that attack grass seedlings are less active in the fall. Overseeding with Scotts Turf Builder grass seed promotes (or helps create) a thick, lush lawn at the start of spring, making it difficult for airborne weed seeds to root in the soil. Seeding autumn bare spots will thicken the lawn and make it more resistant to future bare spots.

To reseed your bare spots, dig up bare areas, mix in compost, sow your seeds and cover with more compost. If the weather is dry, keep the seeded soil moist until new grass begins to grow.

Leave the rake behind
Don’t spend time raking and bagging leaves this season. Mulching leaves into dime-sized pieces by mowing over them and leaving them on the lawn provides valuable nutrients needed to produce thick, green turf in the spring. Mulching helps build a better foundation and returns much-needed organic matter back into the soil.

For more information on fall lawn care, visit Scotts.com.

When you use tools every day, you know the benefits of going cordless. But when it comes to finding the best, most powerful and technologically advanced cordless tools for the job, do you know what to look for?

With so many options out there, choosing the right power tool for you can be overwhelming. “A cordless tool isn’t all about the battery, although it is a critical factor. Safety, ergonomics and durability as well as battery charger technology and versatility are all key,” says Terry Tuerk, product manager at Metabo USA — a leading manufacturer of professional-grade portable electric power tools.

Tuerk offers some top tips to help you find the best cordless tools:

* Pay attention to the latest technology. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter, deliver more power and last longer than older battery technology.

* When you’re looking for the highest quality tools, check out your local tool distributors. You wouldn’t go to the grocery store’s freezer section for fresh vegetables, you would go to the local farmer’s market. The same principle applies to tools. Shop where the experts shop, not at big-box retail stores.

* Handle the tools before purchasing them. Look for agile tools in compact sizes that fit better into tight spaces. A smaller size also reduces operator fatigue and achieves a better balance.

* The charger, and how quickly it works, are as important as the tool itself. Metabo cordless tools have batteries that fully recharge in just 30 minutes. Air-cooled charging technology cools the battery during charging to shorten the process by nearly 30 percent. Cell protection technology extends overall battery life and makes the battery last significantly longer between charges.

* Shop around for special features that best fit your needs. For example, some cordless drills have a removable chuck, exposing a recessed hex spindle that allows you to drive screws in tighter spaces. Look for tools that have a built-in LED light for better visibility in low-light areas.

“Bottom line, find the tool that performs how you need it to,” says Tuerk. “The power behind lithium-ion batteries combined with advanced ergonomics makes the newer 18-volt tools rugged enough for tough applications, while providing user comfort and ease of use.”

Keep the big picture in mind and calculate the return on your investment. When you purchase high-quality, professional-grade tools they may cost a bit more up front, but they last longer, perform better and are more powerful than typical consumer cordless tools. In most cases, the tools are also covered by long-term warranties.

For more information on choosing the best, professional-grade cordless tools, visit www.cordless-tools.com.

There’s still plenty of time for DIYers to complete outdoor home improvement projects. Whether you have your sights set on a major project or just want to fix up your backyard, with some tips from the pros, you’ll get it done in less time than you think. You don’t need a concrete calculator either.

Here are some common patio and landscaping projects and time-saving tips for completing them more easily, with better results:

* Fast-setting concrete fixes fencing in a snap.
Are you putting in a fence? Fixing one that just doesn’t look as good as it used to? You don’t need special equipment to get the job done right. Start by digging a new hole for the post. If one already exists, remove the loose post and clean out the existing hole.

For easy results that last, use a fast-setting concrete mix. Simply pour the dry mix directly into the hole and add water. This activates the cement and the mix will set in approximately 30 minutes. Remember to make sure posts are straight before concrete hardens. You can use this process for other outdoor projects like adding light fixtures or a mail box.

* Sweep and spray for easy and beautiful stone landscaping.
Most homes require some type of paver or rock built into the landscaping. Do you need a cobble path around your garden? A brick patio? A stone area around the base of your grill?

Try Sakrete Paver Set Polymeric Sand to install patios, walkways and drives. All you do is pour the Paver Set sand from the bag, sweep it into joints, then mist with a fine spray from a hose. The material then hardens in the spaces to lock out weeds and bugs, and set your pavers in place. It’s long lasting and resistant to wash-out so your stone landscaping looks great for years to come.

* Update landscaping beds for a cleaner look.
Rocks and mulch beds take a beating throughout the year. Take a moment to revive bedding by raking the mulch and replace any that has made its way outside edging. If you use wood chips, consider mixing in some new chips. It’s a fast and affordable way to give it a fresh and updated look. Peat moss is another affordable option for landscaping spaces. It looks great and is also good for the soil.

* Using the right concrete makes outdoor living areas simple projects.
Have you been meaning to add a concrete patio for outdoor living? Or add countertops for an outdoor kitchen area? Concrete is a great material for outdoor projects, but do you know the best kind to use? Concrete stain lets you coordinate your decor.

Concrete mixes are categorized by PSI, or pounds per square inch. When finding a good mix, make sure that it is rated high enough for its intended use and will be able to weather the outdoor elements. Sakrete 5000 Plus, for example, has more than 5000 PSI. This mix is formulated for high-performance construction and repairs and only requires the addition of water, making it simple to use. You can easily pour an outdoor slab for patios or countertops and pour a walkway. Using this concrete mix gives you professional quality results with DIY ease.

With these insider tips, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful patio and yard. For more information about helpful DIY home products, visit www.sakrete.com .

With home entertaining on the rise and backyard barbecue season in full swing, make sure your home is ready for hot fun and high-traffic summer activities. And keep in mind the potential energy savings you can earn with renovations.

A recent Lowe’s survey found the do-it-yourself movement is experiencing a comeback in this tight economy. Homeowners surveyed are almost evenly split between saving money and taking on a project for enjoyment. About 32 percent of DIYers cite “pleasure” as the reason they’re planning a project, while 35 percent say it’s to save on total project costs.

Sunny days and cool nights set the perfect stage for welcoming fresh air into a home. Look at the front and back entrances to your home and decide if a door makeover would improve the look, function and ventilation. If your sliding glass door requires a shoulder bump and yank to open, or if the front door looks like it’s been sizzling in the heat of summer and is faded beyond recognition, it’s time to tackle a weekend renovation project.

When choosing a replacement door, consider the following factors — energy efficiency, style, ease of installation and pre-finished options.

Save energy
It pays to be “green.” Right now American homeowners can claim a tax credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors, not exceeding $1,500 for units installed in 2009 or 2010. Not only does it make good economic sense to replace a door right now, it can save you money in the long run. Save on your energy bill with doors that are known to be highly energy efficient. Pella Designer Series triple-pane windows and patio doors, featuring beautiful blinds or shades between panes of glass, are rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands.

Savvy style
There are many style options when it comes to choosing an entry door. Consider your whole-house appearance, along with window style and colors. As you review the doors, the choice is yours: decorative glass that adds privacy or the cleaner look of beveled glass.

Also factor in how much exposure the door will get from weather elements like sun, wind and rain. Choose from wood, pre-finished wood, fiberglass or steel options to suit your style and budget. One way to save on energy costs and gain privacy is with a vinyl sliding patio door that houses blinds between the panes of glass. Pella’s vinyl door requires little-to-no maintenance and the sleek white blinds are protected between the glass so they stay clean and stay put when the door is frequently opened and closed during your next party.

Doing it right
During window or exterior door replacement, the desire to add more natural light while cutting the time and cost of maintaining a home remain high priorities. Proper window and door installation is critical to ensure the product performs at optimal levels and lasts a long time. Choose factory-assembled windows and doors from reputable manufacturers for added reliability. Review the product’s installation instructions to ensure you’re clear on how to install it properly whether you’re doing it yourself or you opt to hire someone to do it for you.

Pre-finished solutions
DIYers who choose convenient pre-finished products save money and time in overall construction costs. Many doors come pre-finished which saves you precious time and offer a professional finish and added protection from the outdoor elements.

If your weekend roundup includes a door installation, check out these helpful tips from Pella.

Replacing your exterior doors can help save energy and create a better view of your world. Visit your local Pella Window & Door Showroom for ideas, log on to www.pella.com to schedule an in-home consultation or call (888) 84-PELLA for details on how to get started. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

Both categories share some common characteristics that a potential buyer should evaluate.

Not mentioned in the article is the possibility of turning a start up internet business into an established business and selling it for big bucks in a few years.