Bill Harrell, Jr.www.billharrellinsurance.com

An average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter, all because of water pipes that freeze and burst.

Take a few extra moments every week to check potential trouble spots in and around your home. Early detection could mean the difference between a simple mop-up job and major construction repairs.

Everyone could likely use life insurance at some point, but did you know that one in two Americans will need prolonged medical and personal assistance at some point in their lives as well? That's a fifty percent chance! With those odds, plus the very high costs of long-term care, the best time to think about helping protect your loved ones and your future is now.

Some insurers increase premiums for cars that have higher rates of damage or occupant injury. And cars that do better in safety tests? They're more likely to get you lower rates.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 2 to 14 years of age, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).