Rising car insurance premium may be driving you crazy, but there are many ways to keep rates to a minimum. Due to increases in the rate of car insurance premiums it has become necessary now more than ever before to ensure you get the best possible rate. While affordable premium rates are good, you also have to be sure you find adequate insurance coverage.

With these 10 helpful tips, you can enjoy huge savings on car insurance premiums.

• Research car insurance before you choose to buy your next vehicle. You can save right away if you opt to buy a car which is not as popular as other vehicles on the market. In addition, find out which vehicles are stolen frequently. Insurance companies regularly check statistics on theft. Companies charge more money to cover those cars.

• One of the best possible ways to keep the premium rates minimum is by building a good driving reputation. Avoid any conviction or accident. This is one of the most important criteria which insurance company use to determine your premium cost.

• Increase your deductible and save money. At the same time, be prepared to pay the extra deductible from your own pocket. If your vehicle is 5-6 years old, think about dropping collision and total coverage. This will reduce your premium rate by almost 25-40 percent.

• Pay your bills regularly as well as all overdue debts. Many insurance companies check one's credit history while determining premium rates. If your credit history is poor, then you might have to pay higher rates.

• You can save a lot on your auto insurance premiums if you consider discounts offered by insurance companies. The most popular is Multiple Policy Discounts. With this option, you can reduce your premium rates by 10-20 percent.

• Although state government regulates most insurance companies, many states allow insurance firms to determine their own insurance rates. This means that two insurance companies offering the same coverage might have different rates. Shop around or consult an independent insurance agent or broker to get the required auto insurance coverage at the best price.

• Before you drive your car, make sure you are clear about the type of insurance your state requires. States mainly divide coverage into 3 categories, and all fall under liability insurance.

• You also need to determine whether you want to opt for liability insurance or comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance provides coverage only for damage to another person's vehicle and body. Comprehensive coverage offers coverage to the driver for the damage of his property. The disadvantage of comprehensive coverage is the cost: The more coverage you get, the more you have to pay.

• If you have major assets, consider buying an umbrella policy which will cover your home and car. Umbrella policies usually cost around $200-$300 a year and provide coverage up to $1 million.

• If an accident occurs and you unable to use your own vehicle, make sure your car insurance company pays for the cost of renting a replacement.

This article was originally published on FamilyShare.com. Check out these other related articles: What you need to know about car insurance but were afraid to ask, 4 insurance policies you shouldn't live without and Insurance made easy.

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It is going to be a huge investment of time, money as well as energy; you want to be sure that your chosen program is ideal for you. It is very important to know the real facts to find the best graduate program for you.

Here is a checklist you need to consider when looking for a graduate program

1. What is important to you?

Find out which graduate program suits you the most, if you want to give high priority to administration, student development, student counseling, community college or public policy. Whatever your focus, be sure your graduate program offers everything you want. Graduate programs can vary widely by institution. Even if some programs have a similar name, the course of study might have a completely different curriculum. Focus on career goals and choose a program that will help to shape your future.

2. Consider each institution individually

If you are considering a specific graduate school, find out what types of programs and degrees are available. Many schools offer dual degree opportunities, but some don't. If that particular school does not offer the degree you want to study, there is no need to waste time researching that school.

3. Consider the cost

It is very difficult to get financial help for a master's degree or PhD. However, there are some graduate programs that offer financial assistance that will definitely help your cause, find out if your school offers any such assistance. Tuition cost or course fees are not the only factors worth considering. You also need to estimate how much you are going to spend on books and other supplies. The more financial help you receive in scholarships or grants, the less money you have to spend.

4. Go accredited

You need to choose a graduate program that is accredited. Find out if the school or program is accredited or not. Even though accreditation does not guarantee quality of education, it will help you in the future as most employers give little importance to unaccredited institutions.

5. Research faculty

Your graduate program will be as good as the faculty members who teach there. This should be one of the important criteria in your graduate program search. You need to check the reputation of professors or other faculty members before enrolling in a graduate program. You should listen to feedback from other students who are already working with those faculty members. Additionally, a friendly and helpful administration is very important.

Consider these criteria before selecting a graduate program. Other important factors you need to consider are school reputation, admission requirements, job placement, and attrition rate. Spending two or more years in intensive study can be exciting and rewarding. Take the time to do your research and make the best decision you can.

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A beautiful lawn mainly depends on how it is maintained. Lawn care does not have to be a tough job. Basic lawn care involves proper watering, mowing and fertilizing.

Here are five lawn care tips to maintain a healthy lawn all year long

1. Know your soil

Soil is the key to a beautiful, green, lush lawn. Types of soil differ from yard to yard. Therefore, a soil test is very important in order to know the type of fertilizer you need for your lawn. You can use a soil test kit to know the levels of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. If you do not have a soil testing kit, you can get in touch with a cooperative extension service. They will conduct the soil test for a nominal fee. They will also help you regarding fertilizer applications.

2. Watering

Use water regularly on your lawn to keep it in good condition. Most lawns require about 2 1/2 inches of water every week in hot weather conditions. Cool conditions need less water. You can use a soil probe to check the root length of the grass under the ground and water accordingly. Deep lawn watering is recommended for growing deeper roots. Instead of watering every day, it is better to water your lawn every two-three days.

3. Fertilize

Consider using fertilizer in the growing season, especially in spring. Fertilize your lawn at the beginning of spring, late spring, also in the late summer and toward the end of the growing season. You might not need to use fertilizer in both early spring and at the end of the growing season, depending upon your grass quality. Grass needs nitrogen for growth. A fertilizer rich in nitrogen and designed for grass is a good choice.

4. Mow

Mow the lawn regularly at 1/3 of the blade length. Maintain the grass length between 2-3 inches tall. While mowing your lawn do not set the mower in a very low position as it can increase the number of weeds and removes the stored nutrients from leaf blades. Using a mulching lawnmower helps to speed up the mowing process. Cool climate grasses like rye grass, bluegrass, and fescues need to maintain a 2.5 to 3.5 inch height. Warm weather grasses, such as zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and centipede should have a 1.5 to 2.5 inch height.

5. Weed and Pest Control

Lots of annual weeds can take control of your lawn if they are allowed to germinate. Use pre-emergent weed control on lawns to prevent weeds from germinating and allow your lawn to flourish. Timing is very crucial. Pre-emergent weed control is not effective if used after the germination. Spring weeds such as clovers, dandelions, and plantains can be prevented by keeping a correct mowing height combined with correct fertilization. Winter diseases like snow mold or Bermuda dead spot can be quite harmful for a lawn. You need to take good care to prevent winter diseases. Proper application of fertilizer and lawn mowing are also important to prevent pests.

Use these simple tips to take good care of your lawn. Use this opportunity to teach proper lawn care to your children. You will grow a beautiful lawn and a beautiful relationship with your children.

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A small stroke causes weakness in the body; however, a major stroke has a far more devastating effect on the body. Doctors often give more importance to stroke prevention, as it is one of the best ways to combat the suffering and the pain that a stroke brings to a person or a family.

Check out five important tips that will help you lower your chances of suffering from a stroke.

1. Exercise regularly

Moderate or intense physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke. Regular workouts help to reduce blood pressure and make the heart healthier. Physical exercise can also help lower the risk of diabetes as well as control cholesterol levels, which reduce chances of a stroke.

2. Quit smoking

 Smoking not only reduces a person's lifespan by 10 years, it also increases the risk of stroke. Risk of stroke is reduced dramatically two years after stopping cigarettes. A person who smokes a pack of cigarettes per day is more likely to suffer from hypertension, which is responsible for stroke. In addition, the nicotine present in tobacco destroys the cardiovascular system, which increases the risk of stroke.

3. Eat healthy

 Eating healthy food is one of the most effective ways to prevent stroke, because a healthy diet can protect you from high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Avoid junk foods, and eat more vegetables and fruits. Too much salt in food increases your blood pressure. Avoid canned foods and soy sauce, which contain excess salt.

4. Control alcohol intake

 High alcohol consumption can increase the risk of a stroke. If you drink, drink in moderation. Most doctors suggest drinking no more than two glasses a day.

5. Live a healthy lifestyle

 Monitor your blood pressure level regularly. High blood pressure increases stroke risk. Check your cholesterol and blood sugar level regularly. High blood sugar is very harmful for blood vessels and arteries. Reduce stress. Chronic stress narrows the blood vessels, which increase the blood pressure and make you more vulnerable to strokes.

Consider following these simple tips and stay healthy to prevent a stroke and enjoy a long healthy life.

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Home insurance policies mainly fit into three categories: HO-1, HO-2 and HO-3

HO-1 and HO-2 policies only provide coverage for the property, not for the individual's belongings. HO-3 policies cover both the home and the personal belongings.

While looking for home insurance you need to compare the types of coverage provided by various insurance companies. It is very important that you know and learn everything about home insurance before you opt for it.

Here is list of five things you need to know before opting for a home insurance policy

1. The type of house or home you have determines the home insurance policy you need to purchase. If you own a single-family house, you need to have an HO-3 or special home insurance policy to protect your home and personal things. If you are the owner of a condo or townhouse, you need to have a policy which will cover your personal belongings as well as fixed structures in the home. If you own any rental property, you require a dwelling fire insurance policy. A dwelling fire policy does not cover stuffs within the home; it only covers for damage to the property.

2. You need to figure out the amount of coverage you need. The better the coverage, the less you have to pay out of your pocket if any disaster strikes. In many cases, your lender determines the amount of coverage you require to purchase a policy, which will at least cover the mortgage amount. The amount of home insurance coverage you get for your home and other personal contents will affect the premium you pay.

3. Whether you are a home owner or rent a property, there are various levels of coverage available for protecting your home and personal belongings. All home insurance coverage protects against a specific number of incidents. Some examples are storm, fire, theft or vandalism. Moreover, each insurance policy usually offers extra coverage such as personal liability, damage to the property, additional living expenses and medical expenses.

4. Most home insurance policies have a maximum limit; they usually cover certain things, including jewelry, gadgets, furniture and other belongings. These limits offered by insurance companies differ from one to another. If you have any expensive items you want to protect, be sure the policy has enough coverage for your personal needs.

5. Most home insurance policies have restrictions. No insurance policy covers all kinds of loss. Many homes are located in areas that are prone to natural calamities like storm, earthquakes and floods. Home insurance policies do not provide any coverage for flood and earthquake damage. If your home is located in such areas, special flood and earthquake policies are there to protect your property against these loses.

In addition to these tips, check with your insurance agent every year to ensure that your policy provides sufficient coverage.

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You should avoid fatty foods. However, there are many post-workout meals that offer a great balance of nutrients. The following post-workout eating tips will speed up your recovery and maximize your exercise benefits.

Grab a snack right after your workout

Don't wait for the next meal. Consider eating a cereal bar, granola, a smoothie, a fruit cup, trail mix, or crackers with cheese. Do not eat foods rich in fat; they slow the digestion process.

Drinking water is very important before and after your workout

To ensure you remain hydrated, drink two-three glasses of water pre-workout and a glass of water every 15-20 minutes during your fitness session. As soon as you complete your workout routine, you need to drink another 2-3 glass of water to stay hydrated.

Restore electrolytes with a sports drink

If you have been exercising for more than an hour (particularly when it's hot and you are sweating), you need to have a sports drink that contains electrolytes.

Load up on carbohydrates

More than 50 percent of your calories must come from carbohydrates after your workout session. Your body requires carbohydrates to restore glycogen in the body after a workout session. You should eat foods that contain carbohydrates as soon as you finish your exercise session. A fruit punch or smoothie is an ideal choice for easily digestible carbohydrates; however, cheese rolls and low-fat muffins are equally good.

Don't forget the protein

While carbohydrates are a must, it is equally important to eat high-quality protein after a workout session. Protein will prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue for required energy as well as start the process of repairing your muscles. Fish, meat, dairy and nuts are examples of good protein sources. Protein shakes or bars are also a great alternative.

Avoid fats

Fat does not play any significant role in the post-workout recovery. Eating food containing unsaturated fat after the workout session does not help your weight loss and fitness goals. Our body uses fat for energy as well as insulation. So consider limiting your saturated fat intake to 20-25 percent and unsaturated fat intake to less than 10 percent.

Eating the right kind of meal at the right times after your workout is necessary for managing your energy level, rebuilding muscles and maximizing exercise benefits.

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Depending on the individual skin type of a person, there are ways to prevent acne breakouts on the face. It is necessary to observe the skin regularly.

Check out the following tips to keep your skin healthy and prevent acne outbreaks.

There are many effective skin-care products available

you need to choose the right one to suit your skin type. Wash and clean your face twice daily with lukewarm water. Warm water is good for your skin as it helps to open your pores.

Drink plenty of water every day

For a healthy and clear skin, you must stay hydrated. It makes a huge difference. You should drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day.

Consider changing your pillow covers twice a week

so that the skin is not exposed to sweaty or oily fabrics. The oil on the pillow cover can cause acne. Try sleeping on your back as much as possible; it will also help to keep the face away from the oil and dirt on the pillow cover.

Use skin-friendly cream to moisturize your face every day

Use a face cream with Vitamin E, which will help to tighten your facial skin and provide a glow.

Exfoliate your face once a week

It helps to remove dry and dead skin cells to make your skin soft and smooth.

Maintain a healthy diet to prevent acne

Avoid foods that are oily and salty. Sweet foods like chocolates or pastries are also not good for your skin. Vitamin C is known to be good for the skin; consider eating fruits like oranges, kiwi, and grapefruit, which contain vitamin C. Avoid junk foods like chips, soft drinks and candy, as they cause pimples.

Never sleep with makeup on the face

Do not forget to wash your face with warm water or a cleanser before going to bed. This will help to remove impurities from the skin pores.

Treat acne when it appears to prevent unwanted acne marks

See a dermatologist or skin specialist for acne treatment. Never pick or squeeze acne with your fingers as it can leave scars and ugly spots on your face.

Acne-related treatment can be expensive, so it is better to stop acne before it appears. Use these measures to prevent acne.

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Here is a list of things to avoid for a fun traveling experience.

1. Carry the right documents

Carefully gather all the necessary documents before you leave for vacation. Some countries simply ask for a passport, while others require a visa. If you do not carry the necessary documents, you might not be allowed to enter the country you want to visit or you may be asked to leave. This is not only embarrassing, but also a waste of money considering the cost of the overseas airfare.

2. Avoid over packing

It seems obvious that packing too much is a common mistake that most travelers make. Dragging or carrying an overweight backpack or suitcase around can be quite troublesome while roaming around a fascinating place, and airlines charge you for extra luggage.

3. Avoid peak season travel

Consider traveling in off-season rather than peak season to save yourself some money. In general, avoid Saturday or Sunday flights, as weekends are always considered the busiest travel days. If you are traveling during the holidays, avoid flights one to two days before or after a holiday, as airfares are bound to be more costly.

4. Consider travel insurance

Sometimes travel is interrupted by circumstances beyond your control. That is why you should consider travel insurance. Travel insurance provides coverage for cancellations, delayed departures, lost baggage, medical help and accidents. Keep your insurance papers with you and in your luggage when you travel.

5. Carry extra cash

Carrying some extra cash while traveling is always a good idea. ATM machines are available in most parts of the world, however, a local ATM machine may go down or not accept your card. Your credit card might only work in big towns and cities; use it for booking flights or in emergencies. If possible, use your debit or credit card to pay your hotel or other bills to save your cash.

6. Shop before you buy

It is a good idea to look around before you buy anything for your trip. This applies to just about everything on your trip. Before booking a flight, check out multiple airlines or travel sites for the best deals. Never book your ticket at the last moment; it is a good idea to book in advance. Hotel booking is another expense you need to shop around for. While booking a hotel, avoid peak stay periods such as the weekend, since many hotels increase their rates. Finding cheap airfare or a budget hotel reservation will make any place less expensive to travel.

Consider these tips when you visit a popular travel destination, and make plans to avoid common travel mistakes. Enjoy your trip.

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Arrays of brilliant educational apps are available at your disposal to provide benefits of the classroom. These apps are great for learning and provide an educational edge to students. Whether you have an iPhone, iPad or Android device, you will find plenty of amazing educational apps from which to choose.

Here is a list of the Top 10 educational apps for learning with iOS, Android, as well as windows devices:

InClass

• Designed for iOS devices, InClass is a free app to keep a note of all school-related stuffs, which includes a calendar for class schedule, contact information for schoolteachers, as well as assignment reminders. There is also a notes section, which can be used to add text notes and images. InClass also has an audio-recording feature, which can record lectures.

Park Math

• Available on iOS devices, Park Math by Duck Duck Moose is an award-winning app to help children learn basic math like counting, sorting, addition as well as subtraction, using fun and interactive methods.

Paper -

Awarded as the Best iPad app of 2012, this stunning app has taken creativity to a new dimension. Whether you are a professional artist or a novice, Paper lets you express yourself using its amazing tools and filters. It can also be used for presentation, storyboarding as well as brainstorming.

Toca Kitchen -

Toca Kitchen is the winner of Parents' Choice awards in 2012 and available on iOS devices. This trendsetting app helps kids to enhance their knowledge about food and cooking in a playful manner. This app also features a vegetarian mode option.

AniWorld -

Designed for Android devices, AniWorld creates an impressive virtual zoo on your Smartphone. Kids can learn about more than 36 different animals, including an animal's food preferences and their living place. With more than 250 beautiful photos, your kid can also learn about animal's growth from baby to a mature adult.

iStudiez Pro -

iStudiez Pro is one of the best school planner apps for iOS devices. This app looks like a real notebook and helps children plan their lessons, assignments as well as deadlines.

Kids ABC Letters -

Designed for Android devices, Kids ABC Letters uses cute cartoon characters and graphics to help kids learn alphabets. This app also has features like learning letters, forming letters, names, recognizing letters as well as identifying letters.

Star Walk Astronomy -

Winner of 2010 Apple Design Awards, Star Walk Astronomy is a great app for astronomy students and people who are interested in the sky. Hold your iPad pointing to the sky and get real time update about stars, constellations and satellites.

Grammar Up HD -

If you want to improve grammar and vocabulary, Grammar Up HD is perfect for you. This app features over 1,800 questions in various categories. You need to select questions you want in each test. You can also email your test result and check your progress.

Smartsters -

Available on Windows devices Smartsters is a multi-purpose educational app to help your kids to learn stuff like pattern recognition, spelling, logic and counting.

Use these great educational apps to make learning a fun activity for kids.

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It is possible to set up a good workout routine at home with proper planning. You can do a variety of exercises without using any gym equipment at all. Doing at-home workouts can enhance your strength and flexibility as well as improve your overall health. In addition, home workouts can be done while enjoying your favorite music or watching TV.

Check out the following exercises you can do outside or in your home, without using any expensive gym equipment:

Walking:

You can go for a brisk walk at a nearby park while enjoying the scenery around you. If you have stairs at home, you can walk up and down them several times to get in a good cardiovascular workout.

Running

Running is the most efficient calorie-burning exercise there is and is very good for your heart. All you need are proper running shoes to reduce stress to your legs and feet.

Push-ups

Push-ups are a great strength-training exercise that can power up your arms and chest and don't require a lot of space to perform. Try to do push-ups twice a day.

Squats

This exercise strengthens thighs and buttocks. You can do squats sitting and standing up from your chair. You can also do squats by bending your knees and going down as low as you can by keeping your upper body straight.

Crunches or Sit-ups

These are the best exercises for building fabulous abs. Crunches, the sit-up, and other similar ab workouts do not need any equipment at all.

Leg Lifts

These are good for improving strength and toning up your legs. If you find it difficult to do leg lifts with your legs straighter, you can perform them by bending your legs slightly.

Weight Lifting

You do not need to have expensive equipment for light weight training! Start with whatever you have at home. You can use household items such as a can of peas, milk jugs, or even water buckets.

Be sure to warm up before you work out with an easy walk or some gentle non-static stretches. And don't forget to do static stretching exercises after you finish your workout. Stretching helps loosen up stiff muscles and prevents injuries. It also enhances flexibility and makes your workout program more effective.

A good workout doesn't require that you join a gym or purchase expensive equipment. Utilize whatever you have at your disposal and exercise in the comfort of your own home. Your workout will be better when you are relaxed and comfortable in surroundings that are familiar to you. Get started today by creating a workout plan that you can do each week at home and don't let the lack of expensive equipment stop you any further from getting in shape and feeling great!

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