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Make sure you’re covered! Facts about umbrella insurance
Last Modified: 5/14/2012
Umbrella insurance protects you when the unexpected happens by providing protection above and beyond your existing homeowners and auto insurance policies. Learn more about why you should consider umbrella insurance, what is covered, and who can participate.  . . . (Full story)

Stormy weather ahead: tips to help minimize your risk.
Last Modified: 4/17/2012
Spring and summer in Wisconsin can brew up severe weather resulting in property losses. Hail storms, high winds, flooding, and lightning. These are the most prevalent weather-related causes of property damage in Wisconsin. With deductibles averaging around $1,000, getting hammered by severe weather may cost you some money. Reduce the chances of taking a financial hit by doing what you can to prevent a loss due to severe weather. . . . (Full story)

How to talk with your parents about LTC insurance
Last Modified: 2/7/2012
Many people who have raised the topic of long-term care insurance (LTCi) to their parents—or other aging relatives—may be able to relate to these all-too-typical responses: This article contains suggestions to help you have a different type of conversation—and a better outcome. . . . (Full story)

Things to consider prior to picking a pooch.
Last Modified: 4/3/2012
Americans love their dogs. Currently some 78 million dogs reside in 41 million U.S. homes, according to the Pet Food Institute. Certainly the benefits of dog ownership are many. They provide companionship, loyalty, and oftentimes security and protection. There is also evidence that dogs can have a positive effect on our psychological and physiological health. Is it any wonder they’ve been crowned “man’s best friend?” Dog ownership, however, does not come without risk. If your dog damages someone else’s property, or worse, injures another person (or even another pet), you could be liable.    . . . (Full story)

I had a car accident. Now what?
Last Modified: 2/24/2012
Steps to take at the accident scene. Make sure you and your passengers are OK. Move as far off the roadway as possible, but stay at the scene of the accident. Provide assistance to any injured party to the . . . (Full story)

Financial literacy grants available
Last Modified: 4/16/2012
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the DPI announced a program of competitive grants of up to $10,000 for K-12 public and private schools to promote financial literacy.The application deadline is June 15. A subcommittee of the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy will review DPI recommendations and select final award recipients.The DPI is administering the program, with applications and other resources available at dpi.wi.gov/finance.  . . . (Full story)

Shape up: Get financially fit during National Financial Literacy Month
Last Modified: 4/16/2012
Here are thirteen things you can do to improve your financial condition and sense of well-being. 1. Create a budget: A budget allows you to take control of your financial future. It can help you find ways to cut expenses, carving out some extra money for debt payments, retirement savings, and beefing up your emergency fund   . . . (Full story)

Secure your future: MI$$ION PO$$IBLE free financial seminars
Last Modified: 4/2/2012
Only you can secure your financial future. Successful completion of your mission (a secure retirement) will require financial intelligence, a sound strategy, and a trusted source. Attend one or more free financial seminars offered around the state this summer. . . . (Full story)

There’s still time to contribute to your IRA for 2011.
Last Modified: 3/23/2012
The Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a great way to save for retirement while taking advantage of tax benefits. If you haven’t started contributing to a Roth IRA yet, start now with the extra 2% take home pay you’ll . . . (Full story)

What's in your portfolio?
Last Modified: 2/7/2012
Including stocks in your asset allocation may boost your long-term returns and pad your nest egg. When it comes to saving for retirement, there are three things you can do to improve the end result:  Work longer, save more, or increase the return on your investments. Many don’t want to work longer and/or are not able to save more, so let’s consider the third option—increasing the return from your investments. . . . (Full story)