Extended warranties are typically offered when purchasing a vehicle from new or used dealers. You can also purchase them for a vehicle you already own. You may have heard they can save you thousands, or that they are a scam and just there to take your money. Both might be true! We work with many different extended warranties and have seen both. There are companies that … [Read more...]
What’s that smell in my house?
Have you ever noticed an odor which created a worry and led you to discover something unexpected in your home? We often notice odors before we notice particles. This week, wildfire smoke entered my friend’s house. She smelled it before she saw the PM 2.5 reading begin to climb. It reminded me that our senses can be useful warning tools that the air we love to breathe may no … [Read more...]
The hidden danger of investing too cautiously
One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip; it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals. Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security. A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three things: how much risk you’re … [Read more...]
How can I help my dog prepare for the kids going back to school?
Back-to-school season brings big changes for the whole family — including your dog. A sudden quiet house or different schedule can leave some dogs feeling confused or anxious. Start adjusting their routine a week or two before school begins by gradually changing meal times, walks, and alone time. Keep daily exercise and mental enrichment a priority to help burn off energy … [Read more...]
Is there any hope of living a life without migraines?
Likely yes — but I’d begin with a different question. Most people ask, “How do I stop my migraines?” That’s understandable. But if they’ve become a recurring part of your life, it may not be the most helpful question. A migraine diagnosis can validate your experience. But your body is still trying to tell you something. Do you actually know what is happening in your … [Read more...]
How do you know what to do or say to someone after the funeral is over?
For many families and individuals some of the hardest days are the days and weeks after the funeral. Once everyone has left town and the reality of the loss has started to sink in is when a grieving family or individual needs some support. Support can be as simple as a call, note, or kind gesture and it can really go a long way. There are many things you can do to help … [Read more...]
What’s the best used vehicle to buy?
The question of which used vehicle is the best choice is undoubtedly the most frequent inquiry I receive at Top Gear Auto Sales. In reality, there is no single perfect vehicle. Every manufacturer has produced exceptional models as well as others that are best avoided. When assisting clients with a vehicle purchase, I evaluate several critical factors: the reliability of … [Read more...]
What plumbing maintenance should homeowners do during the summer?
Summer is a good time to take care of a few plumbing jobs before the busy harvest and heating seasons arrive. Walk around your home and check outside faucets for leaks or drips that may have appeared after winter. If you have a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it’s working properly. Check your water softener and refill the salt if needed. … [Read more...]
Is a FRIDGE FILTER enough to protect my drinking water?
Fridge filters are great for improving the taste and smell of your water, but they’re not designed to remove many of the contaminants that can be found in drinking water. Most refrigerator filters reduce chlorine and some common impurities, but they typically don’t remove nitrate, pesticides, fertilizers, arsenic, PFAS, and other dissolved contaminants that can be present … [Read more...]
How can I build customer loyalty and engagement with contests?
As a business owner, you’ve probably noticed that the Fillmore County Journal runs a lot of readership contests. We give away prizes to readers presenting a variety of ways they can participate. Some contests are as simple as a registration form, either from the newspaper or from our website. Other contests, like the word search sections we publish, challenge readers to … [Read more...]