Buyer Beware: Insurance Salvage Flood Vehicles

With the recent hurricanes in the southern United States the number of flood vehicles entering the market has skyrocketed. Many of these vehicles have been declared as salvage by insurance companies who have paid off the original owner of the car under a claim. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from buying these salvaged vehicles that have extensive water damage.

Many people may not realize they have bought a flooded car until they take it to get insured. They then find out that their agent can't even issue them an insurance rate quote because of the salvage title on the vehicle. Since used cars are usually sold "as is" there is very little recourse the buyer has at this point other than to try and get the vehicle road-worthy and go through a length inspection process with the state motor vehicle bureau that is required for a vehicle with a salvaged title.

So how can you protect yourself from buying such a car? One of the easiest ways is to obtain a vehicle history report from a firm like CARFAX which tracks flooded vehicles and other types of damage. You can also do some detective work yourself on the vehicle if you have doubts. Look inside the engine compartment and see if there are any tell-tale water mark signs that might indicate high water levels. Next, check under carpeting to see if there is mold or any presence of water staining. Finally, inspect the electrical system thoroughly. This is where most water problems show up first as electricity and water are not exactly the best of friends.

You can protect yourself from purchasing a flooded vehicle by being a diligent consumer. If you suspect a car or truck has been water damaged just walk away from the deal.

Preaching Class Warfare Provides Much Economic Uncertainty

Thankfully, the 2012 elections are now over, and President Barack Obama has been reelected, so that should calm markets because there is no longer uncertainty. We can now be certain as to which way the country is headed, and the types of policies that will be in place impacting business in the future. We also have no more certainty that rich people will have to pay a higher percentage in taxes than everyone else. As you know rich people are a minority, but we are going to stick it to that particular minority because the majority has voted for that. Okay so let's talk shall we?

Whereas, much of the economic uncertainty no longer exists, I would submit to you that preaching class warfare provides constant economic uncertainty. That is to say no one knows where the class warfare or populist political rhetoric will lead next. We watched this happen in Venezuela as their economy imploded, no business was safe, and it was the middle class which was crushed in the end. Those who were of great wealth, joined in the crony capitalism to serve Hugo Chavez's needs and desires for more power. Those who opposed him watched their wealth disappear, along with those who took no side in the political argument at all.

Socialism is very dangerous for any nation, and it especially gets dangerous when the leader of that country starts acting like a dictator. I fear that that is happening here in our own country, and the writing is on the wall. The only thing left now saving America is term limits, but if those term limits are ever violated, the game is over. At that point we've lost our country to the annals of history. How hard would it be for a socialist dictator to take over the United States? It wouldn't be hard at all. In fact anyone who studies constitutional law can surely see some of the quick maneuvers in times of crisis or created chaos where one could take over the country.

For instance, it has often been noted that "Martial Law" could be instituted preventing elections for a period of time, albeit brief. In the interim, a presidential leadership could seize control. The chances are that won't happen in our country, but if the citizens of the US voted in a certain direction, and if the mainstream media supported such a leader, then it is quite possible that this simple maneuver could ensure the transition from a Republic government with checks and balances to a supreme authority of one party, under one leader.

Do I think that will happen? Probably not, but each time we move closer to that we are doing ourselves a huge disservice, as we wrap ourselves in socialism, populist political rhetoric, and social class warfare. Please consider all this and think on it.

Dental X-Rays Can Cause Tumors

Recently, some interesting connections have been made regarding dental x-rays and a particular type of brain tumor. There are a number of adults who receive annual x-rays for their teeth for whatever reason, and many of these people have wound up developing a specific kind of brain tumor that appears to be related to dental imaging. This tumor is called a non-malignant meningioma tumor. Receiving a routine annual dental x-ray seems to be the most common cause. People receive radiation from these pictures of their teeth, and if they are scanned yearly when they visit their dentist office, they will be more likely to be at risk for this brain tumor.

The American Dental Association has been asking their members to scan patients' teeth only as needed. Annual dental x-rays are too much, so the recommendation is to receive these scans every 2 to 3 years as necessary.

There are two types of x-ray scans: panoramic or bitewing. The risk in developing a brain tumor seems to be much higher with a panoramic type, especially if the patient received it when they were younger than 10 years of age. Knowing that many children have problems with teeth development early on, we should all be very aware of the fact that they may have already been exposed to quite a bit of radiation. We can probably expect to see a rise in meningioma before it starts to go away completely, since this news was just recently discovered.

It is important to note that the meningioma tumor caused by radiation in these scans is considered non-malignant, or benign. However, the tumor can grow to a large size and cause problematic symptoms such as hearing loss, frequent headaches, loss of vision, and memory loss. Some of these tumors can also cause seizures, so knowing how much is too much when it comes to your dental health is extremely important.

When it comes to receiving dental imaging, you should take note of whether your dental technician takes the appropriate precautions. Using protective aprons and collars should always be at the top of the list, and if you do not receive any protective gear before they take images of your teeth, make sure to speak up and let them know you must be protected from the radiation before they start. You may not notice this other detail, but you can certainly ask your technician about the film speed he or she is using. They may reply that they use digital imaging, which is a good sign that you will be protected even more.

With all the dental options we have today, it is best to consider all types of dental insurance so you can get the kind of dental care you need.

Inflation Will Cause Many to File Bankruptcy in the Next Few Years

As 2013 roars up upon us, many Americans are starting to see inflation like we have never seen before. What is funny is how the Department of Commerce has changed the way they report data to make inflation seem like it's almost nonexistent. We do know that over the last year the rate of Americans filing for bankruptcy has declined slightly. Is this a trend or is it a fluke? It doesn't seem like the economy is getting better and we have now seen QE1, QE2, the twist and now QE3. Billions of dollars has been thrown into the economy and nothing is getting any better. Four years ago the average price of a gallon of gas was $1.85, now that same gallon of gas is close to four dollars. Recently, they reported that inflation was less than 2%. This doesn't make any sense if you go to the grocery store you will see that a gallon of milk is up about 25%, coffee is up 90%, orange juice is almost up 50%, Turkey is up 50% and beef is up 60%. I don't know about you but it seems to me that inflation is going to cause more Americans to file bankruptcy in the near future.

A better title for this article should have been the incredible shrinking dollar but I'm more concerned with the long-term impact of the average American. It doesn't make any sense with the news that's being put out by the mainstream media. According to them, this must be the new normal. After further investigation it makes more sense to see how the numbers have changed. The government added in housing, which is currently deflationary, to the inflation numbers and that's how they are reporting that inflation is being kept in check. When American families know that their paycheck does not go as far, they will turn to credit to fill the void. At some point in time the credit will overwhelm the budget making the idea of kicking the can down the road no longer work. This is where the idea that many more Americans will have to file bankruptcy to eliminate this debt that they have accumulated to subsidize their income.

Americans need a reality check and should not feel bad about filing for bankruptcy to eliminate debt. For many, it is not an option but it's more about survival. The idea of becoming debt-free is something that will end up in history books covered with dust. Creditors with the help of the government, have put American citizens in bondage to the lending institutions of the world. The only hope for many of these Americans is to file for bankruptcy and cut the ties. When Corporations file bankruptcy, it's good business. When an individual has to file bankruptcy, it's dishonest to not pay your bills. That is a stigma that we all need to put behind us. A capitalistic society would not survive without having bankruptcy filing is a way out when things fall apart. People should not feel embarrassed about having to consult a bankruptcy lawyer about their financial situation. Most of the time they will leave the bankruptcy lawyer being encouraged that they are not alone during these tough times.

Collaborative Leadership: Are You a Mindful Leader?

Mindful leadership is an idea whose time is here... now. Now is the present moment, and unless you can be self-aware enough to listen to what is present to you, here, now, you are not showing up as a mindful leader. Mindfulness takes practice, particularly in our hyperactive culture, which is full of fear, distraction and "never enoughness."

Granted, it is highly unlikely that you live every moment of your life mindfully, but for most people even if they could do it for a few moments or minutes at a time, they are ahead of the game. Actually, this is serious business.

Collaborative leadership-which is not consensus in my book, by the way-requires a leader that can see people as individuals instead of prejudging them based on their social group. That, by the way, includes gender, both male and female. No two people are identical, so when we buy into social stereotypes we are not practicing mindful leadership.

Mindful leaders can be more empathetic because they are present enough to notice the state of mind of others. It should be noted here that this is tough to do if you are not even in touch with your own state of mind. What I mean by this is that many, if not most-and probably the vast majority-people are so out of touch with their feelings and unwilling to deal with their own "blind spots" that they at best struggle with seeing others where they truly are. If you don't deal with your stuck areas, you will not have clarity of vision in your mind's eye. This leads to all sorts of projections and assumptions, which only hinder team relationships.

You see, leadership development is really personal growth at work. Can you see the double meaning here? To be an artful, inspiring leader you must first walk your talk; and to do this you must grow yourself mentally, spiritually, and emotionally first. This takes courage. I know from experience that it is easier to hide behind arrogance and power over others, than to be vulnerable. Vulnerability requires fearlessness... less fear.

By the way, vulnerability is more about admitting that you are human, as we all are, so there is always a need to learn. It is a willingness to be your authentic self and not a blind copy of "traditional leadership." This takes strength of character.

Growth does not mean that you are defective at all; there's nothing to fix. A willingness to embrace growth just shows that you are wise and confident enough to realize that regardless of your IQ, background, or education you don't know everything and have not reached your true potential. How can I say this?

Well, are you alive and breathing? Then your work here on earth is not finished, so you have more to learn. It's as simple as that. Even those awarded Nobel prizes don't know it all, so you can relax. Leadership development gets easier when we can lay aside the masks, embrace with gratitude and humility the gifts and talents that are naturally ours, develop them, and then share them with the world in our own unique way of making an impact, regardless of gender. So, as it relates to this post, here is a summary of the benefits of becoming a mindful leader-but, of course, there are many more:

#1. Better able to grow and develop your leadership skills

#2. Better able to inspire and engage team members

#3. More confidence and personal power/presence

#4. Stronger and healthier mental, emotional, and spiritual states

#5. Much greater ease in tapping your true potential

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself (herself)." ~Leo Tolstoy

I hope you join me in developing into a more mindful leader. Do you want to change the world? Then start with yourself. Change yourself and you can change your world. Now that's truly visionary leadership that inspires action.

Is Travel Insurance Worth the Bother?

With all the education available on the internet, it is surprising that various published polls and surveys in the UK and US still show a large percentage of travellers admit they do not take out travel insurance and do not think it is necessary. Many holidaymakers mistakenly believe that if they get into any kind of trouble abroad the consulate or embassy will help them out and pay the bills. Sadly, many have found out, at great personal cost, that this is not the case. Don't be one of them.

It's hard not to notice that advertisements for cheap travel insurance pop up everywhere these days, especially when you are surfing the internet. Airline and travel sites usually include an option to buy holiday insurance when you book. However, not many of them explain why it is so important to have insurance or go to any length to tell you what is and is not covered - let alone whether the policy is right for your particular holiday.

Anyway, bad things happen to other people... don't they?

Travel insurance often comes included and packaged with your bank account, credit card or some other financial arrangement. It is important to check that the insurance is right for you before you depend on it for your trip. Many people don't know enough about holiday insurance to understand what they need and, unfortunately, may not find out until it is too late...

A very cheap or 'free' insurance policy may cut corners somewhere and not provide the cover you should have for your trip - especially any planned sports activities. Check the amounts covered under sections of the policy, as well as excess amounts (the amount you contribute towards a claim). A very cheap policy may include higher excess amounts or lower cover on some sections. It is useful to do a comparison, but not all companies are on comparison sites and you may find a better deal for your money elsewhere. A specialist travel insurance company has advisors on hand to answer questions or concerns about the levels of cover and to explain and help you choose the best holiday insurance to cover all your planned activities.

Frequent travellers are more likely to buy insurance as they are aware of the many things that can go wrong and, more important, the potential costs involved if they do go wrong, especially when you are a long way from home.

The major reason many people opt to buy travel insurance is for the protection it provides if you are hurt in an accident or become ill. Without insurance you could find yourself responsible for a costly medical bill - and no one else is going to pay it for you! Many people are not aware of the cost of medical repatriation: if you are hurt in an accident or taken seriously ill abroad and it is necessary to bring you home by air ambulance the cost, depending on where you are in the world, can run into tens of thousands of pounds. This fact alone should convince the doubters that it is vital to have insurance, and yet many people still behave as if bad things only happen to other people!

Many European travellers believe that they do not need insurance if they are just travelling within the European Union with a European Health Insurance Card. Potentially a costly mistake! Although the EHIC usually covers state care within a participating member country, this does not extend to payment of expenses for repatriation (bringing you home). It is important to have the EHIC when travelling within Europe but equally important to have comprehensive travel insurance. In fact, it is a good idea to check your policy as some travel insurers require that you carry the EHIC along with your insurance policy. Not many things these days are free, but the EHIC is completely free so there's no excuse not to have one.

The cost of travel insurance is insignificant compared with the potential cost of an injury or illness while overseas. Unfortunately bad things do happen, and if you are lucky the bad things will happen to someone else, but what if your turn comes around? If you need to call on your insurance to cover a claim we guarantee you will chalk it up as one of the best investments you ever made!