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Feverish and Frantic? ER or Urgent Care?

It’s smart to have a plan before something goes wrong. If you’ve had an accident or have concerning medical symptoms, this guide can help you know when to choose the emergency department and when urgent care might better meet your needs.

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‍Head Straight to the Emergency Room

Chest pain, slurred speech, uncontrolled bleeding: Any sign of a life-threatening condition warrants immediate attention and you should call 911.

Ambulances don’t just get to ignore traffic signals — they also come with emergency medical technicians. They can start treatment right away and keep you safe during transport.

Severe pain, head injuries, trouble breathing, major burns and suspected overdose are also good reasons to use emergency services — and good reasons to not drive yourself to the ER.
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Consider Urgent Care

Urgent care can be a good choice when your situation isn’t serious enough for the hospital and your regular doctor isn’t available.

Services vary by location, but may include treatments for eye and ear infections, asthma and allergies, cuts and sprains, fractures, animal bites, rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.

Some urgent care centers aren’t open 24/7 and not everyone has one nearby. Virtual urgent care may be an option when in-person care is not.
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Money Matters: ER vs. Urgent Care Costs

Emergency care can leave you with an unpredictable and hefty bill weeks later. Urgent care pricing is typically lower and available up front. When in doubt, prioritize your health and safety.
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Wondering how your health insurance covers emergency and urgent care visits? Reach out anytime for help understanding your coverage.

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5 Hacks for Staying Active in Winter

Winter can be a challenging time either to keep up your workout routine or to start a new one. Shorter days and colder weather make outside exercise less enticing, not to mention needing to fight the urge to stay cozy on your couch.

Need a little help to get moving? Here are five strategies to consider for your workout routine in the winter.

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‍1. Elevate your outerwear.

With the right gear, spending time outside on a cold day can be surprisingly pleasant. Items like waterproof shoes, merino wool socks, sweat-wicking base layers and rechargeable hand warmers can make it more fun to walk in windy or snowy weather.

2. Try a new activity — or stick with what’s familiar.

Bored with the usual workout routine? Maybe something new—like functional fitness or tap dancing—would motivate you. But if trying a new activity seems intimidating, make it easier to get going by picking an exercise you’re familiar with or good at, perhaps like spinning or yoga.

3. Make a commitment.

Whether it’s a class, a trainer, a local group or a reliable friend, committing to showing up at a certain day and time can help you meet your movement goals. Being consistent with an activity like this also gives you the chance to socialize—just one more way to boost your mood on gray, gloomy days.

4. Sleep in your workout clothes.

Working out first thing in the morning is a great way to make it a priority, but who wants to change out of warm PJs into ice-cold workout clothes? Try sleeping in them—no one else will know.

5. Lower your standards.

Yes, a brisk 30-minute walk might be ideal. But if the weather or your mood makes that activity totally unappealing, choose something that seems manageable instead, like five minutes of band exercises in your bedroom.

Did you know your health insurance policy may offer benefits such as physical therapy to help you stay active? Reach out if you have any questions about your coverage.

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Debunking Popular Life Insurance Myths

Whether you have a life insurance policy or are considering one, you’ve likely been thinking about your loved ones. Making informed decisions about your coverage now could make a big difference to them after you’re gone.

6 Common Myths about Life Insurance

Let’s talk about six common myths that leave well-meaning people with insufficient coverage.

1. I have life insurance through work, so I'm covered. Group life insurance is an excellent perk. Yet, the death benefit available through your employer’s plan may not be high enough, and you could lose your coverage if you’re laid off.
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2. I’m too young for life insurance. Young people often have loved ones who would face financial hardship sooner or later without them. Plus, rates are lower when you’re younger, especially if you’re healthy.
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3. I'm too old for life insurance. Even people in their 80's can qualify for certain types of life insurance. (So can people with serious health conditions).
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4. Life insurance is expensive. With so many different insurers and ways to customize your coverage, many people who apply are pleasantly surprised to find that they can afford an individual policy that will cover at least a portion of their survivors’ needs.
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5. It's only for final expenses. Life insurance can also pay off debts that aren’t discharged at death—such as a joint mortgage—or go toward any other purpose your heirs choose.
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6. Stay-at-home parents and spouses don't need life insurance. The caretaking and household management services homemakers provide have economic value. Life insurance benefits can make it possible to hire a nanny, housekeeper, financial planner and other professionals whose help might be needed after a partner’s death.

What else would you like to know about life insurance? There are no silly questions when it comes to protecting your loved ones. Please reach out and let us know how we can help.

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Essential Retirement Saving Tips

Whatever career stage you’re in, it’s wise to save and invest 10%-20% of your pay for retirement. You’re never too young or too old to do something to make your future more comfortable. Here are five of the easiest things you can do to boost your retirement savings:

Take Advantage of Workplace Benefits

Does your employer offer matching contributions to a retirement plan? If so, ask your human resources department how take advantage of the company match. For example, if you have 5% of each paycheck withheld for your 401(k), your employer may contribute an identical amount. This extra money can help you reach your goals faster and with less sacrifice.

Open a Roth IRA

If you have earned income, you can put money in a Roth IRA. (There’s a workaround called a backdoor Roth if your income is too high.) Consider setting up automatic monthly contributions to make saving painless. Opening an account takes minutes.

Invest Your Retirement Savings

Having cash is better than nothing, but inflation will reduce the value of your savings over time. Low-cost index investing can help you grow your money.

Pay Off High-Interest Debt

When double-digit interest rates are eating into your cash flow, it can be challenging to get ahead. Consider a low-interest balance transfer or refinance to help you get out of debt faster so you can save more for retirement.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance is your financial safety net. It can protect your assets and future income against expensive medical bills, the loss of a household provider, a house fire or a personal liability lawsuit. The security your insurance provides can allow you to set money aside for retirement.

We can’t pay your credit card bills, but we can help you reassess your insurance coverage. Reach out anytime.

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