Congratulations to Sherri Dotts, April winner of our $50 gas card drawing!
For every referral who calls for a quote and says they were referred by you, you'll get a $10 gift card for movies, coffee or shopping. For every referral we receive from you in a month, you'll get one entry into the drawing for our monthly $50 gas card! That's it, whether they purchase from us or not. Just be sure they mention your name when they call.
THANK YOU for sharing your friends with us!
MEET MARIANNE REENTS - FINANCIAL SERVICES
I was born and raised in Hillsboro, Illinois. After high school, I moved to a neighboring town and went to work as a telephone operator for Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company. While living and working in Litchfield, I met my husband Mike. After the birth of our first daughter I went to work for Horace Mann Insurance Company in Springfield. I worked there in various departments within the Life and Annuity department for 12 years before moving to Spokane in 1992. Upon moving to Spokane, I worked for 2 other insurance brokers before joining Fidelity in 2008.
My husband and I have been married for 34 years and have two children, Angela and Adrienne, and six grandchildren.
In my free time I enjoy reading and spending time with my grandkids. My husband and I both have Classic Mustangs, and enjoy attending car shows and functions hosted by The Inland Empire Mustang Club. I was formerly treasurer of the club and my husband is a former president.
Marianne's '73 Mustang
LONG-TERM CARE PREPARATION
NPR Morning Edition reported that many people find it hard to prepare for the latter years of their parents' lives when their parents may need special care. According to the story, "While aging is inevitable, planning for the costs associated with dependency in the latter phase of life doesn't come easily to most Americans... only 13% of those surveyed believe that the need for long-term care would affect their families."
Thank you to our clients, such as Allied Fire & Security, for supporting our newsletter!
Paying More for Homeowners Insurance?
Here's Why
Several factors contribute to the rising cost of homeowners insurance. After four straight years of record losses, partly due to severe weather and other natural disasters, the average annual cost of homeowners insurance has increased from $791 in 2008, to $840 in 2011.
Dr. Steven Weisbart, Chief Economist of the Insurance Information Institute, explains the five main reasons why homeowners rates are rising:
(after clicking on the video below, it will open & play in a new browser window.)
Three Amigo Challenge - Operation Save Jim's Peanut Butter
Katy & Jim
The "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive took place on May 12. Local postal employees joined forces with Second Harvest Food Bank to collect huge amounts of peanut butter, soup, tuna and other shelf-stable food that will make its way onto the tables of low-income families and seniors.
At Fidelity, Financial Services Account Manager Katy Durning started a challenge for Fidelity employees to participate in the food drive. Katy said: "Mail carriers will be out May 12th to pick up food donations. My husband Jim will be hiding his coveted peanut butter so that his charitable wife doesn't donate it. This is a battle we as a couple have every year. In response, I started thinking that money would be a better option for both us and 2nd Harvest, as they can provide four meals per dollar! Talk about a win-win-win. 2nd Harvest receives a donation, I feel good about helping the community, and Jim gets to keep his peanut butter." Katy asked for three "Amigos" to match her donation, and quickly several more teams of Fidelity Amigos joined in, challenging and matching each others' donations. The challenge was able to raise $700 for the food bank, and Jim's peanut butter was saved!
Watermelon, Green Onion & Mint Salad
Here's a light summery salad recipe that will go great with your Memorial Day barbecue!
Ingredients:
5 cups 3/4- to 1-inch cubes seeded watermelon (you can use one of the personal-sized watermelons)
1 cup chopped green onions
3 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
3 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley or cilantro
1 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped seeded deveined jalapeno chiles
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp champagne vinegar (Trader Joe's Muscat Champagne Vinegar is the best!)
Combine watermelon, green onions, mint, parsley and chiles in large bowl. Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl to blend. Pour dressing over watermelon mixture, toss to coat. Season salad generously with salt and pepper.
This is not as good leftover, so eat it up!
FAST 24/7 - What Our Clients Have to Say
Have you registered for your FAST 24/7 account yet? Access your insurance information anytime online with our FAST 24/7 service tool.
Review your current policies, re-print auto ID cards, manage certificates of insurance, and more. It is fast and easy to set up yourself, or feel free to contact your Account Manager to set up for you.
Here's what some of our clients who have used it say:
"I love it - it's so easy to use."
"I love the ability to access information online, and do so as often as I can."
"We will be traveling with my laptop so it's nice to know we can get in touch 24/7 if need be."
"I like the ability to have access to my info and to get certificates of insurance."
Find Us Online: www.fidelityins.com Fidelity Associates Insurance & Financial Services - 501 S Bernard, Spokane, WA
509-747-3121 - Toll Free 800-223-7954 - contactus@fidelityins.com
