North Carolina Insurance Agents
Buying insurance in NC should be no different from making any other major purchase, such as a car or house. Before making the purchase, you should determine what features you really need. This is important to assure that you get what you expect at a reasonable cost.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF INSURANCE
Insurance is a tool used to help manage financial risk. Financial risk can take many forms. There are risks to our investments, liabilities for our actions, and risks to our ability to earn income. There is insurance to manage all these risks. There are many types of insurance to help you manage financial risk, from loss of property to loss of income. Some insurance helps provide cash flow when income and savings are insufficient. You
Property and casualty insurance. Investments in real property and hard assets are at risk for theft or destruction by natural causes, accident, or mischief (generally, acts of war and terrorism are not covered by property and casualty insurance). Property and casualty insurance helps manage these risks. Property and casualty insurance is available in the form of home insurance, automobile insurance, boat insurance, business property insurance, etc. It protects specific assets from many forms of loss and insures the property owner against liability for damages resulting from the asset's use. The cost of property and casualty insurance is based upon the value of the insured assets and the environment in which the assets are located. For example, auto insurance rates vary depending on the area in which the automobile is located. Communities with high rates of auto theft and accidents will have higher auto insurance rates. Auto insurance also takes driving records and the insured's age into consideration when pricing policies. Some of the types of auto insurance coverage include: liability, medical payments coverage (or personal injury protection), comprehensive physical damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorists' collision.
Errors and omissions, professional malpractice insurance, professional liability insurance. Many occupations and professions risk causing damage to others that can result in financial awards against them. If one were sued for malpractice, this would cause financial hardship when one had to liquidate assets or assign future income to pay the awards. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, construction workers, and anyone else whose occupation can inadvertently cause harm to others or others' property may be liable for financial damages. Financial damages, whether paid from assets, future income, or both, can be daunting and pose a severe financial hardship. There is specific insurance that helps manage these risks arising from one's occupation. Premiums for such insurance are based upon industry statistics and the history of the insured person. Sometimes claims against a person may not be made for years after the occurrence of the action causing the claim, so it is important to know the conditions under which the policy will cover claims.
Health and long-term care insurance. We all know people who have high medical care costs. Often paid by employer contributions, healthcare insurance is essential to assure an adequate level of medical care. Yet, there are many Americans who have inadequate or no health care insurance at all. There are many forms of health care insurance programs available, including fee-for-services plans, hospital and medical service plans, and managed care plans (prepaid health plans that provide comprehensive health to members, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, exclusive provider organizations, and point-of-service plans). Premiums are based upon group statistics and levels of care provided. With the aging of America, there is a strong need for long-term health care insurance to cover costs of nursing homes and assisted living care for the elderly. For eligible individuals, federal Medicare and state-sponsored Medicaid insurance help defray the high cost of medical care.
Life and disability insurance. If a family were to lose its income due to the death or disability of the principal earners, it would face financial hardship. While no one can put a monetary value on human life, one can put a value on his or her earning ability. Life insurance and disability insurance pay benefits to replace lost earnings due to death or disability. The premiums for this insurance are based upon statistics for the age, health, and occupation of the insured, as well as the amount of benefits to be paid. While both life and disability insurance are available through groups, such as employer plans, individuals can buy policies tailored to their specific needs. Life insurance is so versatile that many individuals use it for advanced financial planning purposes, such as retirement planning and savings, as well as for death benefits.
Special forms of insurance are available to cover almost any other financial risks. For example, there is unemployment insurance, investment insurance, and dismemberment insurance (for loss of a body part). Some high-fashion models are even insured against loss of income due to loss of their good looks. Premiums for such insurance are also based upon the likelihood of an event occurring and the amount of benefits to be paid.
Sometimes having the wrong insurance can be worse than having no insurance.
Source: Educated Advisor
Monday, November 5, 2007
North Carolina Insurance Agents - Buying Insurance in NC
How To Pick An Attorney In North Carolina
How To Pick An Attorney In North Carolina
All attorneys are not created equal. Selecting an attorney must begin by finding one that is qualified to work in family court, criminal, dwi, divorce, and so on. The best way to find a good attorney is from someone who has had personal experience with the attorney and can give you a positive recommendation. This is still a good way to learn about an attorney's reputation. Anyway, be cautious and take your time in finding the right attorney.
Always look for an attorney who is experienced in the particular area of law that is needed. Though the competent attorney's hourly rate is usually higher, I have learned that by the time the case is completed, the competent attorney costs were usually cheaper.
Remember you are paying for good representation and not specific results. Be suspicious of any attorney who makes promises about the outcome of your case.
Select an attorney who has a proven track record in the county where your case will be heard. Ask how many divorce cases they have had in the past year.
Usually a friend who has had experience with a particular attorney in a case similar to yours is an excellent source for getting the name of an attorney.
The local bar association will help you by giving three names of local attorneys. Keep in mind that the bar association will give you names of attorneys specializing in domestic relations and have an office close to where you live or work. The names do not take into consideration the attorney's reputation or competency.
It is important to be cautious when hiring a big-name attorney for a divorce case. These attorneys usually have a reputation because they specialize in criminal law and may require expensive retainers. Your reason for hiring a high profile attorney may be to intimidate your spouse or his attorney. The strategy rarely works.
You should interview the prospective attorney before deciding to hire him. After all, the attorney will be interviewing you to see if he or she can work with you and if you have the money to pay your bill.
Look for an attorney who is interested, empathetic and knowledgeable of the law.
Going through any litigation is stressful, even if you have a strong case and are the plaintiff. In fact, the one thing you will learn from going to court is to avoid, if at all possible, going to court. Even so called winners find the experience emotionally grueling. To lessen the stress, you may want your attorney's reassurance that he or she will win your case. Though your feelings are understandable, your attorney can only represent you on the strength of the evidence and the law. They cannot guarantee you that the judge will decide in your favor.
Because you are angry, you may think that hiring a big-name attorney will intimidate your spouse or the other attorney. This rarely happens. Most experienced attorneys know each other and are not intimidated by the opposing attorney. Any intimidation is usually the client's illusion and not shared by the attorney. In fact, be cautious when hiring a big-name attorney for a divorce case. Most big-name attorneys have gained their reputation from criminal rather than divorce cases. If the attorney takes your case, he or she will be very expensive and may have little interest in your case. I once watched a big-name attorney mistake the client's girlfriend as his client. He was embarrassed and apologized.
Know in Advance How Fees Are Determined. The least expensive hourly rate is not always the cheapest attorney. Ask the attorney about their hourly fees and what you are getting for the money. Many attorneys will charge for their time on the phone, doing research, or standing in line to file papers. You should know ahead of time what you are paying for so you are not surprised when you get the bill. Remember that attorneys are in business to make a living and are not a charitable institution
Monday, October 22, 2007
North Carolina Fishing Holes
North Carolina Fishing Holes
Public Fishing Areas (PFA) have been created throughout the state to provide free fishing opportunities from the banks of North Carolina's lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs. The Wildlife Resources Commission has enhanced fishing opportunities at PFAs by clearing banks of underbrush, and in some cases, by constructing handicapped-accessible fishing piers, creating graveled or paved parking lots, installing fish attractors, or baiting the areas with grain or fish feed.
Community Fishing Program (CFP) sites are located primarily in city- or county-owned parks, providing urban anglers fishing opportunities in intensively managed bodies of water. Community Fishing Program sites feature solar-powered fish feeders, handicapped-accessible fishing piers (at most CFPs), and periodic stockings of harvestable-sized channel catfish from April through September.
Coldwater Stocking by County
Coldwater Weekly Stocking Update
Warmwater Stocking List
Community Fishing Program Stocking List
Stocking your lake or pond
Fish Stocking Permit: Required for stocking fish, mollusks or crustaceans in inland, public fishing waters (public freshwaters).
How does the Wildlife Commission make decisions about stocking?
Fishing Seasons
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
North Carolina Zoo Events
North Carolina Zoo Events Oct 2007 - Dec 2008
Visit The North Carolina Zoo website
Special Events
KidZone ► Opening March 27, 2007 -
Hey kids! Do you enjoy looking for bugs, climbing and running or making mud pies? Would you like to learn how to grow and eat your name? Well, check out all the fun things you can do at the kidZone - a special place just for KIDS opening this spring at the North Carolina Zoo.
ZooFest ► October Saturdays, 2007 -
Fall festivals at the NC Zoo! Celebrations of the exotic, the endangered, and the mysterious for the young -- and young at heart
October 6 - Native American Art, Dance, Music and MysteryOctober 13 - African Art, Dance, Music and MysteryOctober 20 - HOWL-O-Ween – Hear the howls and tales of the Red Wolves.
October 27- 28 - BOO at the ZOO - A magical weekend featuring, games, music, face painting, treats, costume contest and plenty of Halloween fun.
Feb. 2
GROUNDHOG DAY
Join the fun as our groundhog predicts winter weather.
March 22
EGG-STRAVAGANZA
Watch Zoo animals search for holiday treats!
March 29 & 30
S.O.S. Save Our Snakes!
Come ssssssssee why snakes are so sssssssspecial!
April Saturdays
ZooFLING
Roar into Spring at the NC Zoo! Meet Zoo Keepers and discover the secrets to animal appetites, creature comforts, and wild lifestyles.
April 5, 6
Watani Grasslands Grand Opening Celebration – Have tons of fun exploring the new Elephant and Rhinoceros exhibit!
April 12
Feast of the Beasts
April 19, 20
Earth Day Celebration
April 26
Creature Comforts
May 10 & 11
BIRDS AND BLOOMS Not your garden variety Mother’s Day weekend!
May 10
Celebrate NC Zoo’s International Migratory Bird Day and explore more than 60,000 beautiful plants.
May 11
Bring Mom to the Zoo with online discount admission.
June Saturdays
BEE A BEAR
Explore life as a bear and catch the latest buzz on bees.
June 7
Polar Paws & Claws
June 14
Grizzly Walks and Talks
June 21, 22
Black Bears & Bees
Father’s Day
Bring Papa Bear to the Zoowith online discount admission.
June 28
Teddy Bear Fair
Bring your Teddy Bear for a check up with our zoo veterinarians.
August 9 & 10
ZooCOOL
Forecasters are calling for snow at the NC Zoo! Chill out as we show you how Zoo animals beat the heat.
ZooFEST
October Saturdays
Fall festivals at the NC Zoo!
Celebrations of the exotic, the endangered, and the mysterious.
October 4 - Native American Art, Dance, Music and Mystery
October 11 - African Art, Dance, Music and Mystery
October 18 - HOWL-O-Ween – Hearthe howls and tales of the Red Wolves.
October 25, 26 BOO at the ZOO - A magical weekend featuring games, music, face painting, treats, costume contests and plenty of Halloween fun.
BATOLOGY
November 1 & 2
Discover the good nature of bats at Sonora Desert . Watch Zoo Keepers feed the bats.
Visit The Carolina Community Resources Website for North Carolina businesses, Services and Real Estate Needs
North Carolina State Fairground Events
North Carolina State Fairground Events Oct 2007 - Dec 2008
NC State Fair Webcam
Source NC DA&CS: 2007- 2008 CalendarThis is a listing of the events staged at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on a monthly basis. Included is the name of the event and building location. For more information please contact the Event promoter listed with the event or the Fairgrounds office at 919-821-7400 - Events Information Line - Extension 22 or Facility Rentals - Extension 4501. All events are subject to last minute changes.
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
Hunt Horse Complex 2007 Calendar
Hunt Horse Complex 2008 Calendar
N.C. State Fair opening ceremony set for 11 a.m. Friday in Heritage Circle
(10-11-07)
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt will officially open the 2007 N.C. State Fair at 11 a.m. Friday at the old tobacco barn in Heritage Circle. The ceremony will feature music by the Wells Family.
N.C. State Fair has a green feel (10-10-07)
RALEIGH – During the N.C. State Fair, the fairgrounds in West Raleigh can best be compared to a small city. With good weather, more than 750,000 people will likely cross through the gates during the Fair’s 10-day run. Like most cities in North Carolina today, the Fair will be doing its part for water conservation, and it will also feature a number of other environmentally friendly measures. Read More>>
Pittsboro mother-son crafters will be featured at the N.C. State Fair (10-2-07)
RALEIGH—Similar to a colonial village of years gone by, the Village of Yesteryear crafters gather at the N.C. State Fair each year to showcase their wares. This family reunion of sorts is bound by a love for craftsmanship and early American working handicrafts. Among the many items available for sale and display are Native American pottery, carvings, beadwork, stained glass, wooden utensils, toys, woven goods and more. Read More>>
Alternative transportation information updated (9-24-07)
Just added! Ride TTA to the Fair on Saturdays from Chapel Hill or RTP!
Seriously Twisted Fun planned for 2007 State Fair (9-13-07)
RALEIGH – Fairgoers will find plenty of tried-and-true attractions to go along with some new twists on fun at the N.C. State Fair Oct. 12-21. Read More>>
Subway, N.C. State Fair launch Seriously Twisted Sub contest (9-13-07)
N.C. State Fair plans to recognize seniors, military; hosting several special events (8-30-07)
Visit The Carolina Community Resources Website for North Carolina businesses, Services and Real Estate Needs
