Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Millions of kids use the internet every day. They do their homework, email their friends, play games, download music, watch videos and chat with each other online. While it’s a great educational and social tool, we know that it’s also a vehicle for scammers and predators who can put kids (and adults) at risk.

Parents and guardians need to take an active role in monitoring internet usage, particularly if you have teenagers. Where do you start? Here are seven tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1. Do your homework. Visit sites such as getnetwise.org, netsmartz.org and bbb.org to learn the basics of internet safety, including information on filtering tools available from most internet service providers.

2. Talk to your kids. If they’re younger, visit educational websites together. If they’re older, chances are they know more about the internet than you do. Ask them what sites they like and don’t like, and check out those sites yourself. No matter how internet-smart they are, they still need your guidance.

3. Make sure they know the risks. Teach them not to reveal personal information such as name, address, phone number, parent’s information or school information without your permission.

4. Ask them what friends they communicate with online. Make sure they don’t agree to meet face-to-face with someone they’ve only met online.

5. Be wary of sites that offer chat for “kids.” They often don’t screen for age and allow adults (pretending to be children) to participate.

6. Caution them about file sharing. Sharing files can lead to legal issues and the loss of personal information that may be stored on your computer. Plus it’s another way to spread harmful viruses.

7. Discuss and post online rules near the computer. The websites listed above have excellent examples.

Above all else, get involved in your kids’ online activities. Working together with your kids, you can greatly minimize the potential risks of being online.

Save $200 A Month On Groceries?

Yes, you can save more than $200 a month just by following a few shopping tricks! According to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, the average family of four spends about $200 a week on groceries. That’s a substantial piece of most household budgets. So if you’re looking to keep a little green in your pocketbook, try these tips:

Shop for two weeks at a time. Plan your meals, make a list, and buy accordingly. You’ll also be less likely to impulse shop.
Never go food shopping when you’re hungry because you’ll end up buying food that looks tempting.
Stay away from “prepared” foods – they can cost you up to 50 percent more than foods you prepare yourself.
Use coupons. Check your Sunday paper for the best coupons. They can lower your grocery bill by as much as 25 percent.
Buy store brands. This can reduce your grocery bill by an additional 25 percent, which leads to big savings!
Buy extra meat when it’s on sale and store it in your freezer.
Shop for paper goods and household cleaners at discount stores and dollar stores and you’ll save an additional 10 to 15 percent.

Has Your Workout Routine Fizzled?

Have you been working out regularly, but haven’t seen the results you want? You may have hit what they call “the plateau.” There can be two reasons. Your body may have become accustomed to your routine. What can you do? It’s time to change it. If you’re used to running or swimming, try walking. If you do aerobics, try light weight lifting. And if you’re feeling tired, take a break. Let your body rest and renew itself.

Second, look at your diet. To see results, you must change something. You may need to cut back on your calories to see the results you want. Or you may simply need to change what you’re eating—eat more fruits, veggies and salads...and reduce fats, refined sugars and carbs.

Five Simple Fire Safety Tips
That Can Save Your Life!

A house fire at any time can put you and your family’s lives in great danger. Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death by just following these five simple safety tips:

1. Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you. Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.

2. Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family. This is usually within a foot of the ceiling. Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the “test” button, and replace batteries at least once a year. Don’t rely on the alarm to make an intermittent “beep” to change batteries.

3. Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member’s bedroom. If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows. Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes. This way you can account for each family member instantly.

4. Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home. Also, place one at the opposite end of the home. Most homes use undersized extinguishers. Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.

5. Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves, and litter away from the perimeter of your home. Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times. It’s best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire. And teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Real Estate Corner…

Q. What is your “Maximum Home Value Audit,” and how does it differ from what other agents will offer me?

A. If you’re thinking of selling your home in the next year, you need to know about my “Maximum Home Value Audit™.” My audit is much more than a simple home valuation you’ll get from another agent. It’s a complete top-to-bottom analysis not just of the value of your home, but every aspect of your home.

It’s designed to specifically maximize the money you’ll get selling your home and in a time frame that meets YOUR agenda. And there’s absolutely no obligation for you to list your home with me or any other agent. My audit will show you how to:

Learn not just area values, but total market value so you know how to price your home for top dollar!
Avoid the “7 Costly Mistakes” when selling your home. I’ll give you a free report revealing all of them.

How to dress your home so it shows the best
and Commands a higher price and faster sale!

My analysis will take only about 45 minutes of your time…time I promise will be well worth it. It’s a special Free service I provide to my clients and close friends. To schedule your Home Audit at a time convenient to you, please call my direct line at 507-261-0476.