Protection Against Uninsured Drivers
WEEKLY EDUCATIONAL UPDATE - JULY 10, 2019
In This Issue
About 13 percent of all motorists, or one-in-eight drivers, do not have automobile insurance.[1] 

Having the misfortune of getting into an accident with an uninsured motorist may have serious financial consequences depending upon the state in which you reside and whether it is a "no-fault" or "tort" state.
In no-fault states, the law does not assign blame for an accident. As a result, each driver is reimbursed by their insurance company for any damages. In a "tort" state, insurance companies pay out claims based upon the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.

Any accident with an uninsured driver means no insurance reimbursement payment for their apportioned share of the damage. This can leave you holding the financial bag.

How to Protect Against Uninsured Drivers. Some states require drivers to take out insurance for uninsured (and underinsured) motorists. Where not required, it makes good sense to add that coverage to your auto policy.

You can buy protection against uninsured (and underinsured) drivers for both bodily injury and property damage. This coverage may also be valuable in cases where an insured motorist flees the scene of an accident without trading insurance information.

The first step to protect yourself against this potential financial risk is to contact your insurance agent to discuss your current coverage, applicable state insurance laws, and what you need to do to obtain protection against uninsured motorists.




"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees... I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs

[6 to 8 Servings]

Ingredients:
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2½ lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1 Tbsp. chipotle chile peppers, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed 
  • Lime wedges (optional)
Directions:

Whip out the grill for this delicious, sweet-and-spicy chicken recipe! These chicken thighs are the perfect meal for a summer afternoon because the rich texture of the thighs blends nicely with the sweet, smooth maple and the kick of chipotle. Plus, it's only 3 steps!
  1. To make the seasoning, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, salt, half the dry mustard, half the garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the chicken thighs, then chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes.
     
  2. While the chicken thighs are chilling, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, molasses, chipotle peppers, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining dry mustard and garlic powder together in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
     
  3. Fire up the grill to medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for four more on the other side. Add your freshly squeezed lime juice into the sauce above and brush the thighs with your sauce and cook each side for one minute (or until done, with an internal temperature of 170° F). Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes and serve with a lime garnish. 

Recipe adapted from Midwest Living [2]


How to Research Tax-Exempt Organizations

Not only does donating to a local charity or nonprofit feel good and help others, but your donations can also be a tax deduction. But before you donate, make sure you research the organization to see if it is, indeed, tax exempt. 

The IRS makes it easy to check the status of various organizations to ensure that they are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Their tool, Tax Exempt Organization Search, allows users to research an organization, quickly and easily, using information like the organization's name, Employee Identification Number, and location.

In addition to finding out whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations, users can also see automatically revoked organizations (which happens if they don't file their required Form 990-series for three years in a row), IRS determination letters that recognize the organization as tax exempt, and more. Doing good for others, getting rid of things you no longer need, and being eligible for a tax deduction? Sign us up!

* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.


Tip adapted from IRS.gov[3]

See the Hole (Literally)

You can read tips about improving your putting, driving the ball, and working on your pitch shot all day, but all those tips aren't going to do you any good if you can't actually see the hole. It might seem obvious, but if you really want to improve your game, you should get your eyes checked at least once a year. 

Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone, but for golfers, they're especially important. Did you know that your vision could change the way you see the course by up to 25%? That means that if the hole is 12.5 feet away, you might think it's 10 feet away. In a game that comes down to inches on the green, this error can drastically change your performance.

Not sure whether you should go in for an exam? There are a lot of free eye tests and practices you can do in the comfort of your own home. These tests will give you a better idea of whether your eyesight is impacting your game.


Tip adapted from Golf Influence[4]
What are Alkaline Foods, and How Can They Benefit You?

We're going to take it back to high-school chemistry class for this week's health tip. Eating healthy foods and exercising are two of the main components of a healthy lifestyle, but maintaining a healthy pH level should be one, too. All foods are classified as acidic or alkaline, and knowing which ones are which can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and have more energy. Our kidneys are responsible for controlling our body's pH levels, and focusing on an alkaline diet may help them do their job more efficiently.

Alkaline foods include legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and natural fats. An alkaline-based diet focuses more on these foods and less on processed foods, dairy, grains, and alcohol, all of which are considered acidic.

While there's still some big questions over whether the alkaline diet is all it's cracked up to be, you may enjoy more health benefits because the diet is rooted in eating more whole, unprocessed foods.


Tip adapted from Healthline [5]

Reduce Plastic in the Kitchen

By now, most of us are aware of the obvious ways to save plastic, including bringing our own reusable bags to the grocery store, using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic ones, and bringing our favorite mug to work instead of using plastic or paper cups. But did you know there are many ways to reduce plastic waste in the kitchen that you might not have considered?

We use a lot of plastic when cooking and preparing food. If you're like most households, you use plastic bags to store food and pack lunches, aluminum foil to cook in the oven, plastic wrap to store leftovers, and more. Here are some simple swaps that will help you reduce your plastic usage!
  • Use reusable food storage bags instead of plastic ones. There are silicone, fabric, and canvas options, and most are easily washable.
     
  • Instead of spreading out aluminum foil across a whole pan, use a heat-resistant, silicone mat to reduce waste.
     
  • Store leftovers in glass containers instead of plastic ones, and wash and reuse those containers for as long as possible.
     
  • Use an environmentally friendly wrap instead of plastic wrap. We love the ones made out of beeswax!
These small swaps for plastic can really make a big difference.


Tip adapted from Mindful Momma[6]

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