​Most of us grew up with spring cleaning…. that time of      the year in which you spent a whole weekend cleaning   walls, cabinets, drawers, etc. A weekend you’d have   much rather spent doing anything else. Now, with     Spring approaching, you may already be preparing your   summer toys for usage. Washing and waxing boats, RV’s   and Jet Skis will help protect and keep them in good   condition. Be sure and change the oil, plugs and any   filters too. This is important for pulling them out of storage and before putting them away for the winter.

If cleanliness is next to godliness, how often should you clean various household and outdoor items?

Many of us have a weekly or monthly routine where the most used and/or high traffic areas of our homes get cleaned on a regular basis. But what about those deep-cleaning things like cabinets, walls, mattresses, etc.?

Let’s take a look at the different items and levels of clean.

Some folks say jeans can be washed every other month or less by putting them in the freezer to kill germs, unless of course, something is spilled or splashed on them. Hmmmm, I don’t know so much about this one.

Towels, washcloths, dish rags…those get washed after one or two uses.

Shoes, boots, and other footwear need regular cleansing and/or polishing to maintain their look and performance.

Bedding is another story altogether. Some say weekly for sheets and quarterly for comforters and pillows. I say as often as you feel the need. Most of us go to bed clean so sheets can wait a couple of weeks. Once or twice a year is good for pillows and other bedding items –vacuum & refresh your mattress too–unless you or someone you sleep with has been ill then it’s always a good thing to wash and disinfect right away.

Computers, I-pads, phones, and other electronics should also be cleansed often, daily, or weekly at best.

Cabinets, walls, drawers, carpets, furniture, and closets deserve a deep clean at minimum once each year, but twice is better and remember, decluttering helps you stay calm and focused, especially if you incorporate Feng Shui into the process.

Oven, dishwasher, microwave, and vehicles can be on your monthly list or at the very least, quarterly.

These are standard household/personal items. But what about things you don’t see or even think about daily?

Dryer hose and vents, AC unit and vent covers, shower heads, stove vents & filters, windows, curtains and blinds, ceiling fans, light fixtures and lamp shades, baseboards, molding and woodwork, toasters, and other small appliances? How about on top of or behind your refrigerator and/or stove? Items such as these can be part of your annual or semi-annual cleaning sprees. Waxing your AC vents will help keep the dust from collecting on/in them between cleanings.

Cleansing and repairing your window screens on a regular basis will help keep the sun shining in all the time. While you’re at it, does that house and/or patio (furniture?) need a good pressure wash? What about that shop or garage?

For tips, tricks and checklists check out Pinterest.

Until next time, take care and remember preventative maintenance goes a long way in your vehicles or toys maintaining their value.

Oh and, while we’re talking about keeping things clean and routine maintenance, any time is a good time to review your insurance policies and be sure your recreational vehicles (boats, jet skis, camper/rv, etc.) are properly covered!
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Not sure? Give us a call 337-433-1683.
 
Tommy Curtis & Staff
 
 ©2016 Pamela S Thibodeaux
*previous printing Thrive Magazine 2016; Used with Permission

Friendly, personable service is a rarity these days, even in service-related businesses. This is sad when you consider how important customer service is in the overall scheme of failure or success for businesses. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways to improve people skills and increase your level of customer service.

#1: SMILE! Your expression is the first thing a client will notice even on the telephone so turn that frown upside down and put a cheerful note in your voice. Act like you’re happy to be where you are and you want to help them.

The National Hurricane Center is considering changing Hurricane Season from June 1 to May 15th.

You’ve got to be kidding me – Right!?!

Let’s face it, many of us haven’t fully recovered from 2020 hurricanes and now, as if we don’t have enough to fret about, the powers that be in the Weather Center want to add 2 more weeks of hurricane worry upon us.

We’re a quarter through 2021 – how are yo doing with your health, wealth and finance goals?

​Medicare Open Enrollment ended March 31st, but if you need to review your Medicare Insurance, please give us a call.

As the government moves forward in loosening Covid restrictions, don’t get ahead of them and keep your perspective. We’re all ready to get back to normal (whatever that means) but there is no sense in taking unnecessary risks with your, or your loved ones’ health.
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Winter is losing its grip, Spring is upon us and people will be getting outside more and more. Be sure and practice fun in the sun and safety measures, especially while travelling. Review your auto insurance policy before you hit the road for that vacation and above all, enjoy yourself!

Know what else comes along with Spring? Rain! And with waterways and drainage blocked from the recent hurricanes, it is always a good idea to think about adding FLOOD INSURANCE to further protect your home. Rates have changed since our post in 2017, but are still very reasonable for Zone X residents. Besides, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

Until next time, take care and remember…. Life is too short to stress over petty stuff.

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Disclaimers:
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency
 
​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}

   We’ve made it through January and February is nearly 
   half over, but did you know in old Roman times, when
   the calendar only had 10 months, February was actually
   the end of the year and March the beginning? It is still
  unclear when that changed to twelve months with
  January and February beginning the calendar year, but I
  thought it was an interesting fact to share. Which leads
  up to the actual topic of this post….

Changes Curtis Insurance is making in 2021.

Although we will continue to service our existing clients, Curtis Insurance will no longer sell Home or Flood insurance policies. There are many reasons for this decision, the main one being changes to our staff, two of which are in the early stages of retirement and we wish them the BEST in their endeavors.

With this in mind, we no longer offer Permit or Notary Bonds either.

However, we’d be honored to be your #1 choice for Auto, Recreational Vehicle and Renters Insurance and are continuing to focus on meeting the needs of our community by offering Medicare and Life Insurance through our sister company, Curtis & Associates.

If we may be of service to you in any, or all of these areas, please give us a call or come by our office at 509 7th St. in Lake Charles and let us help you!

Until next time take care and remember…. Change is inevitable, how you handle it is up to you.

Tommy Curtis and Staff
​
Disclaimers:
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency
 
​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}

Happy New Year!

It’s that time when most people ring out the old (goodbye 2020!) and ring in the new with goals and resolutions to improve their lives. Not sure how you feel, but these first few weeks of January … well, I’m not so sure about 2021.

Despite the circumstances around us, we are still pretty much in control of our destiny. How?

By the thoughts we entertain and the decisions we make. With that in mind, here are a few areas you can focus on to take control of and improve your life….

#1: Your Finances: Yeah, yeah, yeah, easier said than done. Right? Not necessarily! Small changes to your spending and saving habits can reap real results. Check out these articles written by one of our agents to get easy and effective ways you can take control of your financial health.

#2: Your Insurance: Yes, insurance is a major part of everyone’s life, and it is important to make sure yours is up to date with your current circumstances. Medicare Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – March 31) is a chance for some Medicare recipients to review and revise their Medicare options. February is “Insure Your Love” Month and a good time to review your Life Insurance. Did the new year bring new changes to your household? Got a new car, new recreational vehicle or newly licensed teen driver? Review these insurance  policies and make sure you are properly covered. Many have learned the hard way their home insurance isn’t up to par so now, more than ever it’s imperative your home is properly insured. Make sure your repairs are complete before you apply for additional or new coverage though, as pre-existing conditions can hinder your policy.

#3: Your Health: Whether number one or last on your list, taking control of your health is important, and like with your finances, small steps toward overall improvement can go a long way. Healthy eating/lifestyle is a billion-dollar industry but there are many changes you can make yourself for little or no cost. Here are a few ideas to get you started….

     Get Moving! Studies have proven that frequent 10-minute walks are just as beneficial as longer jaunts 3-5 times each week. Too cold? There are walking videos you can do in the privacy of your own home. Like to dance? Check out the numerous dance-type exercise routines. With the many options out there (fitness centers, videos, online classes, etc.), all the excuses for not exercising no longer apply.

     Make one change to your eating habits (notice I didn’t say ‘diet’) each week or month. Give up that extra serving or slice of bread. Make a list of things you’d like to eliminate from your diet (okay, I said it LOL!) and give up one or two a month. Watch your sugar intake, especially “added” sugars.

     Celebrate the small victories! Need to lose 40, 50 or more pounds? Don’t look at how far you have to go, look at how far you’ve come. An easy way to do this is to journal your weight-loss journey and goals. Keep a positive outlook and appreciate the good things that come from the small changes you make.     
 
  Get on a good nutrition and/or vitamin regimen. Make an appointment with a nutritionist or naturopath and work out a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
               
   Quit Smoking: Again, this is an area many feel powerless to overcome but that’s not true!

We’ve all heard the old adage, “Mind over Matter” and nothing holds truer than this when it comes to healthy changes to improve your life. For the most part, changing your habits is more of a mental thing than physical so think about how you can change your thoughts. Here’s where investing in a therapist or life coach can help.

We spend hundreds of dollars each year entertaining ourselves, why not invest in a living a healthy life? 

We here at Curtis Insurance/Curtis & Associates wish your a blessed and prosperous 2021.

Until next time take care and remember.... What you don't control, controls you....

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Disclaimers:
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency
 
​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}

We've hardly had a chance to catch our breath after Hurricane Laura and here we are, facing Delta. 

We've shared with you tips on Hurricane Preparedness, travelling and moving but here are a few more tips we've learned since evacuating August 26th.....

Even if you were lucky enough to not have a claim due to Laura, take your home and flood insurance policies with you should you evacuate for Delta! Many folks were left unprepared to file their claim because they didn't think to grab that insurance policy when packing to evacuate. Your policy gives important details about your coverage as well as phone numbers you need in the instance of a claim. 

Make sure your auto policy is with you also, especially if you have Comprehensive and Collision coverage and be sure you have a current ID card on hand. 

If you evacuate and end up in the hospital - Do NOT allow anyone to change your Medicare plan! We've had this happen and the results are not always what is best for you. Your Medicare Supplement travels with you and your Medicare Advantage plan pays for emergency services whether you are in your network or not. Only in the instance of a permanent move outside your network area should you change your plan.

Please be careful allowing someone to "help" you by changing "part" of your Medicare plan. A Medicare Advantage plan usually includes RX so someone changing "only the drug portion" - changes your entire plan! You may end up with only basic Medicare and a drug plan leaving YOU to pay the 20% Medicare does not pay on covered charges and perhaps even more. This is especially important if you're on Medicare AND Medicaid!

Hope these tips help. Take care of your health and protect home as well as possible from further damage. I know, this isn't always easy, especially now, but do your best. We are praying with and for you.

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc. {A Life and Health Agency} ​