Shannon Harvey Insurance

I'll occasionally get an email that really hits home and this is one of them. I had just finished talking to a friend who will frequently let something "get stuck in his craw" as my grandfather used to say. This particular conversation with him revolved around something that had set him off and he was allowing it to keep him from accomplishing the 2 or 3 things he'd already told me he should be focusing on instead. I thought enough of these 5 tips to share them with him (which he said really helped him stop making a mountain out of a molehill so he could move on with more important things) and I thought I'd share it here as well.

There are two main reasons why we complain. 1. We complain because we feel powerless. 2. We complain because it's a habit. The economy has shaken a lot of people's foundations and we feel powerless which leads to a rise in habitual complaining.

So this week I want to encourage you to go on a complaining fast. Not because it will make everyone around you happier, although it will, but because it will help you experience more joy, peace, success and positive relationships. Believe me; I know a lot about complaining. I use to be a professional complainer and found that it not only sabotages your happiness and success but the morale of your team and family.

To help you break out of a "complaining" rut here are five things you can do instead of complain. These tips will help you realize you are not powerless. You have the power to choose your beliefs and actions. And in your focus on the positive instead of the negative you'll find the faith, strength and confidence to take on life's challenges and identify the solutions to your complaints.

1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. Surrender is the answer.

5. Pray. Scientific research shows that daily prayer reduces stress; boosts positive energy; and promotes health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.

I've taken these tips to heart & believe they'll help me next time I lose perspective. Hopefully they'll do the same for you.

I thought it was time for a little fun this week...I hope you enjoy this "Recipe" for a great life.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings.

You'll be smiling before you know it!

Tax season is here again and I'm sure you're getting ready to file your tax returns.   

Recently, I came across a list of common deductions and noticed many of them applied to me... some that my tax preparer had never even mentioned.  It made me wonder how much more money I could be getting back if I had only known about this list earlier. 

You want to make sure you get all the money you can get in these tough times.  For more information go www.IRS.gov .... it has a lot of information on new tax laws.  Make the most out of tax season this year and be knowledgeable about your deductions!!

54 Safe and Legal Deductions to Save On Taxes 

1. Cost of having a tax return the previous year.

2. Dues to professional societies and subscriptions to professional journals.

3. Medical insurance premiums.

4. Union dues and expenses.

5. Liquidated damages to a former employer, such as for a broken contract.

6. Gambling losses.  (However, winnings are taxable)

7. Money given to non-profit charities.

8. Cost of uniforms and/or special clothing required on the job.

9. Special shoes required for your job.

10. Special tools, equipment, and supplies necessary for your job.

11. Credit for political contributions.

12. Credit for care of a child or dependent.

13. Earned income credit (for low income workers.)

14. Energy tax credit, for making energy efficiency improvements to home.

15. Charitable gifts such as clothing, furniture, real estate, etc.

16. Doctors, dentists, hospital bills.

17. Cost of prescriptions, drugs.

18. Expenses for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, contact lenses, etc.

19. Employment agency fee when looking for work.

20. Moving expenses, when necessary for business related reasons.

21. Fees for books, newsletters, seminars, etc., that give tax advice.

22. Upkeep expenses (including laundry, cleaning) for uniforms, work clothes.

23. Protective clothing such as safety shoes & glasses, hard hats, etc.

24. Appraisal fee to determine market value of property claimed as deduction.

25. Home telephone expenses relating to your job, including long distance.

26. Customer entertainment.

27. Professional licenses.

28. Malpractice insurance (as in case of nurses, doctors, etc.)

29. Investment expenses for advice paid to banks, brokers, advisors, etc.

30. Travel expenses to consult with broker, to do investment research, etc.

31. Cost of safety deposit box rental.

32. Cost of preparing, typing, printing, mailing, etc., job resumes.

33. Cost of seminars, books, classes, etc., on how to write a job resume.

34. Travel and transportation expenses necessary for finding new employment.

35. Meal and lodging costs when necessary for finding a new job.

36. Cost of education required by your employer for keeping your job.

37. Cost of education to improve skills required for performing current work.

38. Donations to churches, religious, non-profit organizations.

39. Losses caused by accidents, storms, floods, thefts, etc.

40. Elective surgery such as face-lifts, breast implants, thigh-tapering, etc.

41. Acupuncture.

42. Laetrile, in states where it is legal.

43. Psychiatric and psychological care and treatment.

44. Transportation to and from places for medical examinations, treatments, etc.

45. Sales taxes, including big items such as car, etc.

46. Mortgage interest.

47. Interest on credit card and department store charges.

48. Interest on loan purchases, such as automobile.

49. Closing costs when selling home and moving, for business related reasons.

50. Capital gains and losses.

51. Personal retirement plans such as IRA and Keogh plans.

52. Personal property taxes, state and local taxes.

53. Real estate taxes.

54. Alimony.

 

 

This list was accurate at the time of publication.  Be sure to contact your nearest IRS office or your tax preparer for the most recent changes in tax laws.

P.S.  Everyone could use a little more money these days, please feel free to forward these deductions to your family and friends

Greenville, SC (March 8, 2010) -Allstate Agency Owner Shannon Harvey, formerly located across from Bob Jones University on Wade Hampton Boulevard, has moved to a new office located on The Motor Mile at 101 Verdae Boulevard in Verdae Village Shopping Center.

Shannon will continue to offer the same excellent service to the surrounding community, whatever their insurance needs.

Allstate Insurance Company has a product for the life cycle of its customers.  Look to Shannon Harvey for help when choosing the coverage. He offers competitive rates and outstanding service.

"My agency's commitment has always been to serve the customers and our community," said Shannon.  "That commitment to service continues from our new location."  The community and area business owners are invited to visit Shannon's new location and learn more about services offered.

Shannon can be reached at 864-268-9580 for more information.

The earthquake in Haiti has compelled millions of people to generously give their money, food, and time to help with the relief efforts.  Since January 12^th, pictures of children playing outside next to leveled homes has inspired an unprecedented number of donations from people across the globe.  Most of these were small - around $10 Dollars - but millions of these small donations add up!

With media swarming the event, you are reminded everyday of the many different ways to donate money.  Among the newest and most popular ways is text messaging.  However, is this new phenomenon the most efficient way to help out the people of Haiti?

When you text in a donation, the amount is added to your phone bill.  It can take up to 90 days for your phone service provider to send all the money to charities.

The most efficient way to give is online.  Most charities allow you to make credit card donations directly through their websites.  This is the fastest way to give and the least expensive to process.

Here are 4 Tips To Make Your Gifts to Haiti Count:

1. Give to charities that already have experience in Haiti - There are many worthwhile organizations with a good track record in Haiti.
2. Don't earmark donations - Once you've selected a good charity, don't put restrictions on your donations.
3. Take advantage of new tax rules - If you think the deduction will be more in 2010, you can claim your donation when you file your 2010 tax return.  There are also options to claim on your 2009 taxes (Check with your tax preparer to see which is best for you.)
4. Make a long-term commitment to give - It may take a minimum of 10 years for Haiti to get back on their feet, so continue to support organizations that are staying in Haiti.

Remember, charities aren't equally helpful, so be as picky as you are generous.  If you trust an organization and they have a good track record, let them use their judgment to handle the disaster.

Here are some Haiti relief organizations who have received top ratings:

• Action Against Hunger, www.actionagainsthunger.org
• American Red Cross, www.redcross.org
• Doctors Without Borders - USA, www.doctorswithoutborders.org
• Partners With Health, www.standwithhaiti.com
• CARE, www.care.org
• Save The Children, www.savethechildren.org

All the Best!

Occasionally I'll get a text message while driving...and as soon as I go to read it my wife will remind me to practice what I preach. She's right, of course. All it takes is a little patience and discipline to exponentially reduce my odds of having a traffic accident. Apparently we're not the only ones dealing with this issue.

Recently many American parents have been turning to a British Public Service Announcement (WARNING! BRITISH PSA IS GRAPHIC!) produced by the Gwent Police Department in Wales to make an impression on American teens about the dangers of texting while driving. The response has been staggering as it has received nearly 3.5-million hits on YouTube.

The Today Show ran a segment in response to the British PSA that underscores just how big of a problem texting while driving is here in the U.S. A couple of interesting points:

1. Recently in Los Angeles, 25 died and 100 were injured when a train driver ran a signal just seconds after texting
2. A recent Virginia study shows the risk of collision jumps 23-times if texting while driving
3. A recent study shows that 18-to-25-year old drivers talking on a cell phone with a headset reacted as slowly as 65-to-74-year old drivers without any distractions.
4. 17 states and Washington, DC ban texting while driving
5. 7 states ban hand-held cell phone usage while driving
6. The National Transportation Safety Board thinks 10,000 deaths on US roadways annually could be prevented if we all stopped texting while driving

If anyone has a teenager, I recommend having them watch the British PSA so they can see the real and graphic consequences that could result from texting while driving. Since AAA conducted a survey recently that showed 21% of respondents had recently texted while driving, I also recommend the video for adults as well. Adults should aim to lead by example here. It's better to plan for the worst than to simply hope for the best.

Some friends had a pretty big scare recently.  An auto fire resulted from their having left a cell phone charger plugged into their car outlet .  The charger overheated and started a fire while parked in their garage. Fortunately, they are all okay but they wanted to warn everyone not to make the same mistake they made. 

A couple of lessons they say they've learned here:

1. Never leave anything plugged into a power point in your vehicle - especially if your vehicle maintains constant power to the outlet when the engine is shut off.  (If you're lucky enough to avoid a fire, the device can still run down your car battery.)
2. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in your garage and house...and just as important, check regularly to make sure that the detectors are working!

Our friends feel very fortunate to have accidentally discovered the fire (at 11pm) before going to bed and before it spread to the house.  None of their garage heat detectors or house fire alarms went off. PLEASE unplug anything you have in your car outlets once you turn off your car! It's nice to hope for the best, but better to plan for the worst.

Feel free to pass this along, in hopes that you and everyone you know has a safe and happy new year. Below I've attached some pictures of what remains of their 2007 Suburban.

At the first sign of cold weather, many of us scurry to make sure our home is "winterized;" we check over the furnace, replace drafty windows, try on last year's coat and pull out the down comforter. One more thing we need to double check so we're not left out in the cold is our car.

The cold winter months can be very hard on your automobile. If you notice any problems with your automobile, have your mechanic take a look at it now so that you do not end up stranded on a cold winter day.

The following tips from Allstate will help to prepare your automobile for the cold weather:

 

• Make sure that if your engine is experiencing hard starts, stalling or having other problems that you get it repaired.
• Windshield wiper blades that are not making full contact with the window or that are dried out should be replaced.  Also make sure to keep extra washer fluid and an ice scraper in your car.
• Keep a cold weather safety kit in your car that that includes gloves, boots, blankets, flares, water and a flashlight.
• Examine your tires for tread life and uneven wearing.  Also make sure tires are properly inflated, tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.
• Make sure the heater and defroster are properly working to ensure passenger comfort and driver visibility.
• The cooling system should be flushed every two years with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water.  Have the level, condition and concentration of the antifreeze mixture checked periodically.
• Have your mechanic check your battery fluid levels, battery posts and cable connectors.  Bad connections can keep your car from starting.
• Brakes should be checked as recommended, but if you are having trouble such as pulsations, noises or longer stopping distances, get a professional to look at it right away.
• Make sure all lights and bulbs are in working order and replace any burned-out bulbs.

 

We also offer drivers the following safety tips for driving in extreme winter weather conditions:

 

•1.    Reduce your speed

Snow and ice greatly increase the stopping distance for all vehicles. Even four-wheel drive vehicles need to adjust to hazardous road conditions. Not knowing when you are about to encounter black ice, the best driving advice to those that must be on the road is, slow down.

  

2.   Maintain your car and check that the:

• Tires don't show excessive signs of wear
• Battery is fully charged
• Wipers are working and windshield fluid is full
• Cooling system is in good working condition

  

3.   Prepare for the unexpected and carry:

• A flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Blankets
• First-aid kit
• A shovel
• A cellular telephone

 

Additionally, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that the following steps be taken when a vehicle stalls:

• Stay with the car
• Put a bright marker on the antenna or in the windows
• Clear the exhaust pipe, if you can run your car
• Run your car just long enough to remove the chill

 

We're concerned not only about our customers, but our community at large. It takes all of us to keep the road safe in challenging weather conditions. This is just our way of lending a good hand.

No matter how close you are to retirement, it's never too late to build up your retirement savings and potentially increase the income you'll have available once you start the next phase of your life. Here are five big ways to make a difference during the last decade before you retire:

1. Max out your IRA contribution.

Investing in an IRA can offer important tax savings and boost your overall retirement income. Once you turn 50, you can contribute extra each year to help "catch up."

2. Get your employer's match for your 401(k) or 403(b).

If you aren't contributing at least enough to get all of the matching contribution from your employer, you're leaving money on the table. That match is often around 3 to 5 percent of your annual income. And since the contributions are taken out before taxes, the impact on your take-home pay will be less than you might imagine.

3. Test your living expenses.

There's a big difference between your annual household income and your living expenses. Think about everything that comes off the top of your paycheck: income taxes, Medicare and Social Security taxes, a contribution to your retirement plan, and possibly insurance premiums or a contribution to your health savings account.

Out of the rest, how much do you actually live on? That's the amount you might want to aim for when it comes to retirement income. (Try using our Retirement Snapshot to see if you're on track so far.)

You can take this a step further by doing some experiments with your expenses. How much can you lower your monthly total by eating out less, or limiting your entertainment expenses? Get comfortable with your monthly expenses now and you'll be better prepared for retirement.

4. Consider keeping some aggressive investments.

An investment is considered aggressive when it offers great potential for growth combined with greater risk. (Stocks are an example of a more aggressive investment.) As you get closer to retirement, you may be tempted to put all your savings into potentially low-risk (and therefore potentially low-earning) investments.

But think of it this way: Are you going to use up your entire nest egg the first year you retire? Probably not. The goal is to make your savings last, which may mean some of the money won't be used for many years. So, depending on your individual circumstances, you can possibly afford to keep more aggressive investments in your portfolio. (For help understanding the different types of investments, talk to an Allstate Financial Professional.)

5. Don't wait another minute.

If you're feeling like it's too late to make a difference, you aren't alone. But the fact is, the last 10 years before retirement are a crucial time to prepare for the next phase of your life. You could be amazed at how much you can build up your savings over the course of a decade-but the only way to do it is by taking the first step.

It's easy to sit around and hope for the best, but it's better if you take the steps to plan for the worst. You'll feel better knowing where you stand...instead of worrying where you stand.

I received an email recently from a friend about Santa's Email. While I ignored the email at first, I now must admit this is one of the coolest things my wife and I will remember about this Christmas...and it was FREE.

You basically click on the link above (it's FREE...did I mention that?) and you plug in information about the child you'd like Santa to email. For us it was our 3-year old son, Jackson, but it could either be a son, daughter, neice, nephew, grandchild...you name it. The form asks for their name, what state they live in, their age, what toy they asked for and WILL BE GETTING this Christmas, along with a couple of other pieces of information, like what special behavior they've been working on this year (for Jackson it has been saying "please" and "thank you"). You also provide an email for the message to be received, which in our case was my wife's email address.

I did all of this on blind faith, despite trusting the friend who sent me the original email. It took about 10-minutes of my time and was exponentially worth it. My wife called me later that day & said I wouldn't believe the email and Jackson's reaction to it. The email gives a video message from the most authentic looking Santa (sitting in his workshop, nonetheless) I've seen in some time. The message was customized toward Jackson, with Santa talking about travelling from the North Pole to South Carolina and even mentioning Jackson's behavior and the gift he had asked for.

My wife said Jackson was awestruck about the video message and kept talking about his email from Santa. When I came home that night it was pure entertainment hearing him talk about it. We are already talking about next Christmas doing the same thing for our 15-month old daughter in hopes that she'll appreciate it also. I get the feeling this will become an annual Christmas event for the children.

So, if you have a special child who you know would love to get a video email message from Santa, invest the 10-minutes to send it to them. You'll be happy you did.

Merry Christmas!