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It's that time of year again, and most of us are making our lists and checking them twice. Some gifts-like those to ours partners, children, nieces, and nephews-will be fun and heartfelt. Others-the ones for our colleagues, neighbors, hairstylists, and massage therapists-may be less fancy and even a tad obligatory. In any case, very few of us have the means-or the desire-to give gifts that qualify as "extravagant." What's an extravagant gift? It's a gift that turns that timeless old adage, "It is better to give than to receive," on its head.
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The invitations have been sent, the hors d'oeuvres ordered, the house decorated, and the liquor cabinet replenished. You're ready to host a fabulous holiday party! Before you open the front door to a flurry of friends and family, however, make sure that you have the necessary insurance in place.
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Snow, ice, and cold temperatures all drastically change the nature of driving in Illinois. During the winter months, these factors demand that you make changes to both the inside and outside of your vehicle. Doing so will help to keep you and your passengers safe during a period when the roads are notoriously dangerous. Here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions:
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You've done it-you've transformed a brilliant idea into reality, and started your own business in Illinois. It's wonderful; you don't have to answer to a boss, you can work the hours you want, and you feel truly in charge of your own future. You've even managed to hire some employees, whose efforts will help your enterprise to grow and thrive.
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Most of us in Illinois have insurance for our homes, cars or businesses. We know life insurance is part of any good financial plan and health insurance can protect us from catastrophic medical bills. But there are a few other programs that we come in contact with - we don't usually think of these programs as insurance, but they are.
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During a month when family togetherness is emphasized and that chunk of time known as "the Holidays" begins, it makes sense for us in Illinois to think about preserving the safety of our children. Many of us give even more thought than usual to how much we love and appreciate our families and our friends, particularly the younger ones among them, for whom we are busily shopping for gifts or preparing special sweet treats. Today's youngsters, who will inherit this world from us, are tomorrow's leaders, who will use their varied gifts to shape it. Keeping them safe and protected ensures a brighter future for all.
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Few connections are as vulnerable to conflicts as the ones between neighbors. Fence lines, Fido's bathroom habits, and Friday night parties hosted by unsupervised teens are just a few common examples of matters that inspire some not-so-neighborly arguments. Most Illinois residents can readily point a finger at a neighbor who has proven to be less than considerate. But there is at least one thing every single one of us can do to be a better neighbor: have home insurance liability coverage.
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Halloween is a holiday during which innocence is celebrated. Illinois residents delight in dressing our little ones up in funny costumes and escorting them around the block so they can charm the candy out of neighbors' hands. We bob for apples, hang fake cobwebs and paper skeletons around the house, and carve pumpkins-all activities primarily designed to delight the younger set. On the other hand, however, Halloween is also a time when not-so-innocent trickery abounds.
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