Shannon Harvey Insurance

5 Things To Do Instead Of Complain

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:02:15 -0500

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.

The "Recipe" For A Great Life

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:22:58 -0500

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

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

You'll be smiling before you know it!

54 Safe and Legal Deductions to Save On Taxes

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:22:00 -0600

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

Allstate Agency Owner Shannon Harvey Moves to a New Location in Greenville, SC

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:09:53 -0600

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.

Engagement Rings Top List of Valuables to Insure

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:44:45 -0600

You've just paid a small fortune for the perfect engagement ring. You've made reservations for a romantic Valentine's Day proposal at your special restaurant or favorite setting. And after all of this planning, you're hoping that the special person in your life says: "Yes, I will marry you!"

We wish you the best of luck with your proposal, we hope your significant other is ready to say "yes!" and we also hope you'll say "yes!" to one other very important question: Have you properly insured that beautiful diamond ring?

We're dedicated to helping customers protect what they have today and to better prepare for tomorrow. An engagement ring can be the most valuable item a newly engaged couple owns and may require added insurance coverage to protect its full value.

The Insurance Information Institute advises that standard homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for personal items such as jewelry. However, many policies limit the dollar amount for theft of valuable personal possessions such as jewelry, furs, and precious stones from $1,000 to $2,000 total.

To make sure your jewelry is adequately protected, the Insurance Information Institute suggests the following:

Contact your insurance professional immediately
Let your agent or company representative know that you are now in possession of an expensive piece of jewelry. To properly insure jewelry and other expensive items, consider purchasing additional coverage through a floater or an endorsement.

Have the item appraised
Heirlooms and items that were purchased several years ago will need to be appraised for their dollar value. Ask your insurer for recommendations regarding a reputable appraiser. It is important that expensive items are appraised accurately. If you purchase a floater or endorsement, you will pay premium based on this amount. In the event of a claim, you will be compensated for this dollar amount as well.

Keep a copy of the store receipt
You will need to forward a copy of the receipt to your insurer so that the company knows the current retail value of the item. Keep a copy for yourself and include it in your home inventory.

Update the value of your jewelry
Expensive items go up or go down in value. Talk to your insurance professional about how to make sure the dollar amount of your floater or endorsement reflects these changes. Prices for floaters and endorsements will vary depending on the type of jewelry, the insurance company you chose, where you live and where the item will be kept.

For more information on insuring your diamond ring, contact your local Allstate agent to discuss whether you're properly insured.

4 Tips to Make Your Gift to Haiti Count

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:41:55 -0600

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:

Give to charities that already have experience in Haiti - There are many worthwhile organizations with a good track record in Haiti.
Don't earmark donations - Once you've selected a good charity, don't put restrictions on your donations.
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.)
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!

Valentine's Day is Just Around the Corner

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:17:08 -0600

When shopping for your sweetheart this Valentine's day, don't forget to save big with Allstate Motor Club's Access to Savings. You'll save on everything like flowers, gifts, books, or apparel.

With membership plans from Allstate Motor Club, you'll receive excellent care at a price that's right for you.

Plans start at $48/year
All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance
On-Time arrival guarantee
Incredible travel and savings benefits
Call us at 864-268-9580 to discuss your options

Once you're signed up (if you aren't already), you can visit our Allstate Motor Club site, click on Access to Savings and search for great gifts in your area. Here are a few gift ideas for the one you love:

Most guys will enjoy any thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day, but especially if it comes from a hardware store. For a limited time, Ace Hardware is offering Allstate Motor Club members $5 off your next purchase of $25 or more. From tools, hardware or home goods, Ace is the place!
Enjoy a special night out and save up to 80% on $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com With over 13,000 restaurants to choose, you're sure to find your favorite local spot.
Books are a great gift for the person who has everything. Show them your love with the latest novel, and save 5% off your purchase at BarnesandNoble.com.
Whether buying for a loved one or splurging on yourself, check out LOFT's special offer to Allstate Motor Club, where you'll save a whopping 20% off your next purchase.
And don't forget the flowers this Valentine's Day! In a special arrangement with FTD, save $10 on all flowers and gifts, but only if you follow this link.

Put Down That Phone!

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:54:48 -0600

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:

Recently in Los Angeles, 25 died and 100 were injured when a train driver ran a signal just seconds after texting
A recent Virginia study shows the risk of collision jumps 23-times if texting while driving
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.
17 states and Washington, DC ban texting while driving
7 states ban hand-held cell phone usage while driving
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.

Beware of Car Phone Chargers

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:30:37 -0600

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:

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.)
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.

Prepare Your Automobile for the Cold Weather

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:57:56 -0600

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.

5 Smart Choices When Retirement is Less Than 10-Years Away

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:01:05 -0600

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.

Have Santa Send an Email to Your Child

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:41:42 -0600

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!

Christmas Tree Safety Tips for a Brighter Holiday

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:20:04 -0600

For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday and adds to the spirit of Christmas. However, with the addition of a Christmas tree to your home, the risk of fire and other household accidents increases.

According to the National Fire Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,451,500 fires in 2008. These fires resulted in 3,320 civilian fire fatalities, including 2,780 civilians whose lives were lost in residential fires in 2008.

There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these steps, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday casualty.

The National Safety Council and Allstate offer the following safety tips to ensure a fire or other accident does not spoil your holiday season:

Christmas Trees:

A real tree can fill your home with beauty and the scent of pine. But a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Select a fresh tree by looking for that one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

Tree Lights:

Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or barbed wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.

Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Tree Ornaments:

Always use the proper step tool or ladder to reach high places.

Read labels before you use materials in jars, cans and spray cans.

Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.

Don't let a Christmas tree fire ruin your holiday season. Instead, focus on what matters most -- keeping your family safe and happy during the holidays.

Angel Tree

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:23:47 -0600

It's hard to believe Christmas time is nearly here. In our house the Christmas tree is up and we've been steadily guarding the ornaments from our 3-year old son, Jackson, and our 15-month old daughter, Lawson. So far only one ornament has met its demise, which is not too bad thus far, especially considering the reward a few broken ornaments nets us. Seeing the look on our children's faces when the tree is lit, whether or not they're grabbing for the decorations, really makes me realize I have a lot to be thankful for. And as a volunteer for Pendleton Place Children's Shelter I recognize there are many for whom Christmas is not so merry.

Every child should have Christmas memories filled with big turkey dinners, presents under the tree, and special moments with loved ones. Unfortunately, not every child will make these memories with their families this year. However, they can make memories that will teach them about the love and care that comes from special people in our community.

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for children at Pendleton Place Children's Shelter. Although they are in a safer place, many children don't understand why they have been taken away from their parents and miss the home that was familiar to them. Each year, Pendleton Place becomes the new family for nearly 230 children who have been hurt by the people they loved and trusted most. With your support, we can be sure that every child at Pendleton Place is creating memories filled with laughter, love, and tenderness all year-round.

Here at our agency we have a Pendleton Place Angel Tree this holiday season. For a donation of $1, $5, $10, or $20, we'll place an angel with your name on our tree and any amount you give will make a difference. Pendleton Place was recently awarded the SC Secretary of State "Angel" Award because 95-cents of every donated dollar goes directly to helping Pendleton Place's children. You can feel secure in the knowledge that your donation will be used wisely, and for the purpose you intend.

Please take a moment to think about the Pendleton Place Children and the impact you could make in their lives, and contact us if you're interested in sponsoring an angel on our Angel Tree. Thank you for your support!

X the TXT and Give Thumbs Up to Safest Holiday Ever

Shannon Harvey (The Shannon Harvey Agency) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:51:15 -0600

Allstate's "X the TXT: Thumbs Up to the Safest Holiday Ever" is a national public awareness campaign aimed at minimizing one of the most dangerous driver distractions facing teens today- texting. The campaign includes stops in 30 cities (including The Today Show), where participants will pledge not to text and drive by leaving their thumb prints on a pledge banner making its way across the country.

By taking the pledge, Allstate hopes teens and parents will take personal action to help save lives this holiday season and beyond. The holidays are one of the deadliest times of the year for teen drivers, and this campaign is the latest in Allstate's long-standing commitment to promoting teen safe driving.

Allstate is partnering with singer Jordin Sparks and her mom, Jodi Sparks, to help us X the TXT. Beginning with a national kickoff on November 17, the campaign tour will include live pledge events in 30 cities from November through January, with a "Top the Tally" competition to see which city can gather the most thumb pledges. Other components of the campaign include:

Teens who take the pledge will receive thumb bands they can wear as a reminder and symbol of their pledge.
Reaching out to the public to encourage them to join our Facebook cause page and make a virtual pledge not to text and drive.
Allstate donating $1 (up to $25,000) to the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) for every Facebook pledge supporter of Facebook.com/thumbsuppledge.

How can you get involved?

There are a number of ways you can get involved:

View a complete list of cities where the tour will stop at Facebook.com/thumbsuppledge.
Will the tour stop near you? I encourage you to attend the event to make your public pledge.
Share the family pledge with parents of teens and encourage them to have a discussion about safe driving. The family pledge and other teen safe driving resources are available for download at Allstate.com/teen.
For more information visit www.ShannonHarveyInsurance.com or give us a call at 864-268-9580.

Dangers of texting & driving.

Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, 82 percent of driving teens claim to use cell phones while driving, and 49 percent admit to being extremely distracted by texting and instant messaging while driving. Recent research conducted by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute reveals that texting while driving can increase the risk of an accident by 23 times.

The study also shows parents can have a profound effect on their teen's driving behavior. 81 percent of teens admit their parents have the most influence on how they drive, and 79 percent say they are most likely to take driving safety advice from their parents.