Many homeowners dream of having a pool. But when the day finally comes that they move into a new home that has one or they have their..

Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning, decluttering, or moving to a new home, having a garage sale can help you get rid of unwanted..

So, you've arranged a moving-in date for your new home; cleared out your junk; organized transfer of your cable, mail, and utilities;..

Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and disease can..

Do you remember buying your first new car? Or how about adding a teen driver to your policy? These experiences are often exciting and..

Having your perfect wedding and buying your dream home are both exciting milestones, full of new adventure and hopeful possibility...

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather begins to improve, more motorcyclists will bring their motorcycles out of..

Warm spring days are a nice preview of what’s to come as we approach summer. However, spring weather is also very unpredictable...

Spring typically conjures up images of running barefoot through the grass. But who wants to run barefoot or roll around in poison? True,..

Now that spring’s here, it’s time to give your home a post-winter scrub down. While it feels great opening the windows and letting the..

As the weather improves, you may be thinking about getting your bicycle out of storage for the first ride of the season. Whether you..

After a long, cold winter, many of us yearn for the transition to spring. More daylight, chirping birds, increased outdoor activity, and..

If winter 2019 was your first winter with a teen driver, you’re probably relieved spring is here. Hopefully no more ice, sleet, snow, or..

If you have pets in your household, you understand the benefits they bring to your family. Their inquisitiveness, unconditional love,..

Power strips and surge protectors are a necessity in many homes today. With smartphones, tablets, streaming media devices, and gaming..

Buying a new vehicle can be very exciting. I remember purchasing my first brand new vehicle. Ahh, that new car smell.

Just when you think you’ve seen your last snowfall or cold spell, Mother Nature plays another trick on you. Winter weather can make it..

With several weeks of winter left, and then the transition to spring, salt could still play a big part in keeping your property safe...

After a quiet December, Mother Nature has really created a ruckus in Wisconsin the last several weeks. From significant amounts of snow..

Here in Wisconsin, the weather is consistently throwing us for a loop. Anticipating snow and ice is something we all should do.

Extreme cold temperatures put your home or business at risk for frozen pipes. As water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on pipes...

During the winter months, Mother Nature can stir up a variety of weather conditions. Howling winds, drifting snow, and freezing rain..

From smart food dispensers and surveillance systems to ingenious toys and crafty crates, tech-savvy pet products are a booming market...

For many, buying a home is a dream come true. However, if you’ve been through the process, you know it’s not an easy task. You must..

Holiday traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

• Picking out the..

In today’s society of long-term college careers and high-debt range after graduation, there’s been a drastic increase in the age to..

Holiday songs fill the airwaves on the radio, neighborhoods are full of bright lights and holiday cheer, and shopping malls are full of..

Rodent infestations can cause all sorts of destruction in your house, from messy droppings to structural damage and more. Unlike your..

‘Tis the season for tossing logs into the fireplace or cranking up the furnace. While winter hasn’t officially arrived, it’s close!

There are plenty of elements to consider when making the decision to buy a home, but those considerations shift slightly if a buyer..

Recently, my youngest daughter, McKenna, passed her driver’s test. She absolutely loves her newfound freedom. Sometimes, a bit too much!..

Picture this. You’re driving through town in your 1969 Pontiac Firebird and everyone you pass is stopping and staring as you go by. Now..

For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are..

Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy your new motorcycle license. Enjoying the vivid colors and sights of the season helps riders..

House fires are something most homeowners live in fear of, but today’s technology can help you ensure the safety of you, your family,..

As the days get shorter, and the leaves start changing, you may be tempted to light a fire in your wood burning fireplace. While it’s..

If you’ve watched the news lately, there has been significant coverage on wildfires, severe storms, and most recently, Hurricane..

Swat, splat, bang. These are common sounds at my house. The reason for these sounds is mosquitos are invading us. I don’t recall them..

Last week’s blog identified areas of your property you should inspect after a severe storm. Some of those areas include roof, siding,..

Severe weather can pop up in your neighborhood quickly. If severe weather strikes, your first priority should be taking cover and..

In just a few short days, our children’s alarm clocks will be ringing and hectic school schedules will become a part of our routine.

Going on vacation with your family can be exciting, but it can also involve a lot of planning, depending on where you’re going. While..

One frequently-asked question we receive from our policyholders and agents is: Are rented vehicles covered by the personal auto policy?

If you’re like me, you carried around paint samples and fabric swatches for weeks before finally settling on the choices. Now that my..

Surprises are great — but not when you’re closing on your new home. Even if a house passes a pre-close inspection, environmental hazards..

There is a lot we can do to ensure our family’s health and safety. In our daily lives, we can encourage healthy habits and identify..

For many families, summer vacations are the highlight of their year. Hectic schedules are put aside for rest, relaxation, and quality..

While summer is a great time to enjoy many outdoor activities, it can take a toll on our pocket books because of increased utility..

Every year millions of Americans enjoy celebrating America’s birthday with family and friends. Back yard barbeques, pool parties, and..

Traveling with your family is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether traveling to a new destination or a..

Most parents would agree that the safety of their family is a top priority as they make purchases for the home. Smart home devices are..

Recently, my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Every year we look at our photo album together and chuckle about how..

As a child, your parents may have taught you never to talk to strangers. As an adult hoping to sell your home, not only are you going to..

The unofficial start of summer is here! This means many families are making plans or final arrangements for this year’s summer road trip.

If you have kids in high school, final exam week is just around the corner. Year-end projects are nearing completion, which leads to..

Is learning to ride a motorcycle on your bucket list? Now that the weather is getting nicer, you’re closer to making this dream a..

The grass is turning green, trees are beginning to bud, and the temperature is rising. It’s time to open your cottage or summer home!

In just a few short weeks, college students will put on their caps and gowns and celebrate graduation. For many, graduation will be..

Depending on where you live, spring may have sprung. For some of us in the Midwest, we’re still waiting.

Whether you’re spring cleaning, downsizing, or preparing to move, getting rid of your unnecessary personal belongings can be a big..

Moving from your home to another can be a daunting task, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Personal items can get lost or..

Cats and dogs add endless joy to our lives. They’re cute, cuddly, and unconditionally love us. However, pets also scratch, claw, break,..

Spring has officially arrived! While many people breathe a sigh of relief because winter driving has ended, spring driving can also pose..

Owning a home is a dream shared by many. Home ownership provides many benefits, such as financial security and stability, the pride of..

According to Tom, West Bend claims manager, March, April, and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump claims. Significant..

Having worked in the insurance industry for most of my career, I’ve talked to many people about the benefits of a West Bend insurance..

This year’s flu season has grabbed our attention. Hospitalization for people infected with the flu has increased for the first time..

A few months ago, I purchased a new car. Because my previous car was 10 years old, it didn’t have all the safety technology that’s..

Smart home technology use is a rising trend. From connected appliances to Wi-Fi lightbulbs to automated environmental controls, smart..

Howling winds, drifting snow, and cold temperatures make it challenging at times to leave the comfort and warmth of our homes. Snuggling..

Cold winter weather can take its toll on our homes, cars, and bodies. Frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and bodily injuries, are common..

During the winter months, frozen lakes host a flurry of outdoor activities. Anglers, ice shanties, and recreational vehicles are a..

Whether at work, the grocery store, or school, it’s very common to hear sounds of the season. Unfortunately, I’m referring to sneezes,..

Hoarding has not only become a popular topic for media coverage, it's also a trending topic in the insurance industry. Because it's more..

Let's face it – winter presents many problems for homeowners. From cold temperatures that make heating systems work overtime, to snow..

Currently, many of us are frantically buying and wrapping presents in time for Christmas. When Christmas morning arrives, our kids are..

Is your neighborhood filled with the sounds of delivery trucks? Mine definitely is. ‘Tis the season! I’ve seen delivery trucks in my..

The holiday season is officially here! Now comes the hustle and bustle of the season, as well as fun family traditions. Families are..

Insurance 101: You own it, you insure it! Most people understand that when they own something, they must insure it. When people co-own..

Each year in November, I receive my home and auto insurance renewal policy. In my house, my wife looks at how the premium changed and..

It’s happened to all of us at one time or another, whether we’re in a hurry to get to work or on a family road trip. All of a sudden, a..

Now that fall is officially here, it's time to prepare your home for the cold weather like putting on the storm doors, cleaning your..

Attending a Halloween costume party and trick-or-treating, are traditions for many families. I still remember some of the costumes and..

Shorter days, blowing leaves, and cooler temperatures are reminders that winter is coming. If you’re like me, you’re scrambling to get..

Halloween is a fun and festive time of year. Stores are stocked with tons of decorations, costumes, and of course, my favorite,..

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week. According to the National Archives and Records..

This time of year, a trip to the pumpkin farm is a must for many people. Whether it’s a field trip for school or a weekend trip with..

School has been back in session for a few weeks. I hope you and your family have adjusted to this more hectic routine.

If your child is..

Do you like the new car smell or the shine of new paint? Buying a car can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Negotiations and..

Another summer has ended and kids are back in school. Homework, bedtime routines, and chaotic schedules are again, part of our lives.

In today’s world, everybody is looking for a good deal. Whether it’s on groceries, a new car, or insurance, we always feel better about..

Is it just me, or is it hard to believe Labor Day is almost here? For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Many families..

Soon, kids will be heading back to school. No matter what grade your student is in, there are always mixed emotions. While some parents..

A growing number of individuals today, especially Millennials, choose not to own an automobile. Auto loans and the costs of maintaining..

It seems like just yesterday we moved our daughter into her dorm for the start of her freshman year. In a few short weeks, she’ll be..

When warm weather is here, many look for ways to enjoy our time outside. One of those ways is to get on a bicycle and go for a ride...

Too often in the news, we hear about people dying from their injuries because of being ejected from their car during an accident. In..

If you use Siri, Cortana, or Alexa on a daily basis, you’re like many people who rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to help make life..

Camping is a favorite past time enjoyed by many. Early morning walks, fishing, and making S’mores over the campfire can create many..

Are you going on a trip of a lifetime or a well-deserved family vacation this summer? If so, it can be both exciting and stressful...

During the summer months, drivers face many different road conditions and driving situations. Weather patterns can change quickly,..

Pools and ponds can make for fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends, but they can also be a liability hazard and attract..

Another sign that warm weather is here is the roar of a motorcycle as it drives down your street. It's always been my dream to own a..

It's been reported in the news that the 2017 tick season is going to be worse than usual. If you're wondering why they're anticipating..

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. The school year is winding down and vacation plans are being made. Sunny days and..

Losing a home to a fire or tornado is a devastating life-changing event. If your home were destroyed, would you have enough coverage on..

Nothing puts you on edge like a big storm. Whether it’s pounding rain and crashing thunder or a blizzard that knocks out the power for..

While operating a lawn mower is a common task this time of year, it can be dangerous. Flying debris, moving and hot parts, and errors in..

The electrical load on a household has significantly increased in the last 50 years. Today most people have at least one computer,..

With nicer weather on the way, we'll start seeing a flurry of activity in our neighborhoods. Neighbors will begin walking/running,..

On your drive home from work, are you reviewing your evening activities on your calendar, texting your friend, or speaking with your..

Picture this. You're outside in your yard enjoying a beautiful spring day. As you feel the warm, gentle wind start to get a little..

In the early morning hours of April 4, 1981, a F4 tornado unexpectedly struck West Bend, Wisconsin. The tornado caused 3 fatalities, 53..

Is tax season your favorite time of year? Do you enjoy filling out those forms? The answer for most of us is a resounding "NO!" If your..

There are millions of dehumidifiers in homes across the country. A dehumidifier takes the moisture out of the air and keeps our homes..

If you live in a cold weather climate, spring break can be the highlight of your year. Traveling to a warmer climate for some rest,..

Do you plan to buy an older home because it has character or as an investment? In either case, make sure you pay attention to the type..

Our homes today are filled with electronics and appliances that make our lives easier and provide us with entertainment. DVD players,..

Tupperware and Avon gained popularity in the 1940s and have been going strong ever since. Today you can pick from any number of direct..

Today many of us will be giving a Valentine’s Day gift to the one we love. Whether it’s chocolates, jewelry, flowers, or apparel, it's..

Mother Nature has thrown a variety of different winter conditions at us this year, including warm/cold temperatures, snow, rain, and..

In the Midwest, coming out to a car covered in snow and ice is a common occurrence. For me, it's one that never gets any easier.

Do you have a new furry member in your family? Is this your first winter with them? If so, winter weather can be challenging for both of..

Are you tired of shoveling snow this winter? Were you injured while cleaning up after a big storm? If the answer is yes, it may be time..

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Now what?

Winter is here, and that undoubtedly means we’ll get snow. While it can create a winter..

This is the time of year when ponds and lakes are frozen. Soon you’ll be getting ready to get your vehicle out on the open, frozen water..

The holiday season can be overwhelming and demanding. It can also be filled with high expectations. Children, young and old, are busy..

Heartwarming traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

• Picking out..

Every year in the United States, consumers purchase approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees. Live Christmas trees offer several..

With the Thanksgiving feast behind us, it’s time for many people to start decorating their homes for Christmas. This year, the..

Have you ever jumped into your car, turned the key, and nothing happened? If so, did thoughts like this start racing through your head?

Over the years, my daughters have repeatedly asked my wife and me for a pet. Unfortunately for them, the answer had always been “no” for..

When it comes to making a purchase, there are typically many items to choose from which leads to making decisions and choices. Sue..

Because the days are getting shorter, we start doing a lot more things in the dark. Walking the dog, running or biking, last-minute yard..

When the kids go back to school and the leaves start changing colors, we start seeing news reports about fire safety. We see..

Isn’t technology great? Every day we see new technology that makes our lives better, more efficient, and safer. Cellphones have facetime..

There’s been a lot of information on the news recently about auto recalls that involve faulty ignition switches and airbags. Even with..

When I was growing up, one of our family traditions was a trip to our local pumpkin patch. I always loved trying to find the best..

It’s that time of year ... kids are back in school! It’s the perfect time to review the correct status of your youthful drivers with..

Today’s thieves have found creative ways to steal our personal information, as well as our property.

For instance, you may have seen..

Purchasing insurance can be overwhelming. Definitions, conditions, coverages, exclusions, and endorsements can definitely cause..

Earlier this year I did a brief presentation to accounting and finance students about the importance of renter’s insurance. It seems..

If you’ve ever been to a college town, it’s common to see bicyclists and moped riders everywhere. Both forms of transportation make it..

Being an insurance geek, I observe things others do not. For example, when I drive through a neighborhood, I don’t look at the front of..

As we recover from one of the worst national real estate markets on record, young millennials are again being enticed to buy homes...

After moving your child into a dorm room, you may think your job is done. Nevertheless, as a parent you quickly realize your job is..

Whether you’re moving your son or daughter into a dorm for the first year of college, or if you’ve been down this road before, it can..

When the weather gets hot at this time of year, you tend to hear people say, “The dog days of summer are definitely here.” When I was..

Have you ever been stranded on the side of the road because your car stopped working or you had an empty gas tank, flat tire, or dead..

Owning a home is a big investment. Unfortunately, Mother Nature and Father Time can damage your roof and siding.

When visiting local businesses in your community, figuring out tips is easy. If you received great service at your favorite restaurant,..

Summer is officially here! Unfortunately, for teen drivers, this is the deadliest time of year.

Have you ever come out of a store or restaurant and noticed your car has a new look? No, I’m not talking about your spouse or..

Our friends recently purchased a new home. For those who’ve gone through the process, you know how time consuming and stressful it can..

Summer vacations are right around the corner. It’s time for final exams, as well as the annual cleaning of desks and lockers in..

As the weather warms up, yard projects get underway. One of those projects I dread is laying fresh mulch. While I find it rewarding..

As a parent of a teen driver, I know how nerve racking it can be when your child gets a license and begins to drive without you in the..

With Memorial Day, approaching people are getting their yards, decks, and patios ready for gatherings with friends or family. If you’re..

If you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing home, or you recently built a new deck, you may be staining the new woodwork..

Auto recalls have become very prevalent in the news the past few years. It seems like every other week, a manufacturer is announcing a..

Sometimes you have to buy things that aren’t very exciting or enjoyable. Gas, car repairs, and, of course, insurance all make the..

Mother Nature has been a bit slow in turning up the heat this spring; however, when she does, you’ll probably start thinking about yard..

Suppose you’re driving your “company-furnished” vehicle on a personal errand to the grocery store and are involved in a very serious..

Now that spring is here, neighborhoods are starting to come back to life. More people are walking, kids are riding their bikes and..

Many families enjoy going on a spring break vacation. A vacation to a warm location is a nice reprieve from winter this time of year.

If..

As our weather patterns change and we move from winter to spring, flooding is a common phenomenon. Unfortunately flooding can happen..

If your home is destroyed by a fire or tornado, the last thing you want to hear is that your home wasn’t adequately insured. You may..

After enduring months of snow and cold, people can’t wait to get away on a spring break vacation. Even though this winter has been mild..

Being a parent, running from activity to activity with your children can be taxing on everyone. But more than any other activity, the..

Buying a new car can be exciting and scary. I love the new car smell and all the new features that come with it.

For me, however, the..

It has been awhile since I have had to think about childproofing my home; however, as my younger cousins begin having children, and friends..

Valentine’s Day is that special holiday where you can show somebody how much you care. Spending this Valentine’s Day is expected to..

I’m sure you’ve seen recent images from winter storm Jonas. As I looked at them, I found it hard to imagine. I’ve never experienced that..

It’s been several years since I’ve had to put my girls in their car seats; however, I do remember that during the winter months, they..

Last fall, I decided to embrace the winter season by picking an outdoor activity to enjoy. For years, I considered snowshoeing...

Those of us in the Midwest face many types of driving conditions during the winter months ... rain, sleet, ice, hail, and snow,..

Cell/Smart phones are an integral part of society. When I look at everything it can do, I think it’s one of the greatest inventions. We..

Part of growing up is recognizing and fulfilling personal goals and securing a stable lifestyle that meets your needs and the needs of..

Pets are a big part of many families. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 43 million households..

Retailers love this time of year when consumers venture out in droves to do their Christmas shopping. This time period can make or break..

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, people begin visiting local retailers looking for that good deal or special..

As Thanksgiving approaches, holiday decorations will begin lighting our neighborhoods. With the dark days of winter here, I enjoy the..

If you live in the Midwest, you probably noticed a flurry of activity in your neighborhood. Neighbors are busy raking leaves, preparing..

In 2015, many news stories focused on automobile recalls. One of the major stories still in the news is the recall of vehicles with..

I recently met a couple from California who were in Wisconsin visiting family. I shared with them how much we enjoyed visiting..

As our parents get older, we become more involved in their care. Some of the help we provide is simple, like helping them pay their..

In a few weeks, kids in costumes will be roaming your neighborhood on a mission to fill their bags with goodies. While this is a fun..

Uber is one of the fastest growing companies today, offering a ride share service similar to a taxi but used with an app on your..

At this time of year, there are many things on the “To Do List” to get ready for winter weather. Raking leaves, cleaning gutters,..

Fall is officially here and the days are definitely getting shorter. If you’re like me, you’re trying to savor the remaining warm days..

Fall is a nice time of year in the Midwest. Fall sports are back, trees change colors, and if it was a hot summer, the cooler..

Drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have been getting a lot of media attention recently. Drones are aerial vehicles/ robots that..

September means back to school, the start of football season, and for the chef in your family, a great opportunity to stock up on..

A car accident can be scary for a driver of any age. Staying calm afterwards can benefit everyone involved and can make a difficult..

Tomorrow my wife and I will move our daughter into her college dorm. We’re all excited for this new adventure, and due to my wife’s..

If you’re sending your child off to college for their first year, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time in your life. My wife and..

From the importance of sportsmanship, to the ups and downs of winning and losing, sports and recreational activities offer children..

Are you looking for a used vehicle? If so, be careful. If the price seems too good to be true, you may want to walk away. Sue Gerlach,..

Many people look forward to a summer vacation. Where you’re going usually determines the amount of planning needed. A weekend getaway..

During the year, popular events may come to your city or a nearby city. These events may bring thousands of visitors to your area,..

During the summer, weather patterns can change quickly, bringing in torrential downpours. As a result, visibility can be significantly..

With July 4 upon us, many families have plans or are making plans for a weekend getaway or vacation. Whether you’re a veteran or a..

Ahhh ... summer! Warmer days and cooler nights. At this time of the year, it’s fun to end the day by sitting around a campfire with..

With warmer temperatures upon us, more time is spent outdoors with our pets. If you walk or drive through your neighborhood, more than..

If your son or daughter is graduating from high school, this time of year is very hectic. Not only do you have many high school..

Is your boat out of storage? Maybe you bought a new watercraft? Now that boating season is here, it’s important to make sure your..

The news media spends countless hours reporting the devastation and destruction severe weather causes. Think of all the images you’ve..

Many consider Memorial Day the “unofficial” start to summer. Memorial Day festivities include camping trips, cookouts with family and..

Severe storms containing high wind, hail, and lightning, can knock out power quickly. If this happens at your home, are you prepared?

Parents often want to continue to help their grown children by providing them with a vehicle and/or insurance coverage even after that..

Nothing puts a damper on a family outing quite like stop-and-go traffic. Budding excitement and anticipation all but disappear when..

As the temperatures begin to rise, severe storms start to make headlines around the nation. When I was growing up, I remember the..

Bicycling is growing in popularity. It’s easier on your joints, reduces stress, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Due to federal..

Are you renting a car for spring break or a summer trip? I’ve found the rental car experience is seldom an enjoyable one. Everyone is in..

For years, my wife has filed our taxes online without any issues. This year was no different. However, tax fraud and breaches have..

Do you pump your brakes? If you have an anti-lock braking system in your car, do you understand how to use it correctly?

Kevin..

Winter driving can present us with a number of unique hazards. Some of those hazards include:

• Poor visibility;
• Blowing and drifting snow;
• ..

Kitchens are a popular place to spend time with family and friends. Floating islands and expansive counter tops allow us to serve..

Every year when spring rolls around, we find ourselves practicing tornado drills or we talk to our families about fire safety. The goal..

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? If so, here’s some information that can help you in the decision making process.

Every year, the ..

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, only about 8% of people successfully complete their resolution

If you live in a climate that gets snow, winter driving is a part of life. Unfortunately, it still provides challenges for many people...

For many of us, the holiday season is a nice time to celebrate with family and friends. It’s also a nice time to reminisce about past..

The holiday season is filled with festive cheer (i.e., food and drinks). In addition, our homes are beautifully decorated. While this is..

Holiday shopping is in full swing. During this busy season, it’s especially important to be mindful of protecting your identity. Data..

Did you buy a new car lately? Perhaps you moved into a new home. Or maybe you decided to purchase a boat or a recreation vehicle. Nancy..

Thanksgiving is an American holiday that dates back to 1621. During that year, the pilgrims experienced many difficulties; however,..

When it comes to purchasing insurance, consumers have many choices. For most people, price is one of the most important factors when..

Buying a new vehicle is exciting! It’s fun to learn about the latest features and options, figuring out your personal preferences, and..