Dustin Awtrey Agency

Happy Wednesday! 😀 HOW TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY⚡️ BILLS!!🙂
Creator | C. Knighten

It may not seem like it, but winter is right around the corner. According to the Farmer's Alamanac, the first frost is predicted between October 28th and November 2nd. Giving us only 3 weeks to prepare. Don't worry, here are several ways to help with your winter heating bills and lower your costs!

GREAT WAYS TO LOWER YOUR WINTER HEATING COSTS:
STEP ONE: Smart Thermostat and Heating Adjustments:
❄️Reduce your setting: Lowering your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) when you are home, and lowering it a few degrees more at night or when you are away.
❄️Get a programmable/smart thermostat: A smart device, like those that have the Nest Thermostat or ones that connect to your smart phone....can automatically adjust heating schedules to save you money.
❄️Reverse your ceiling fans: Changing your ceiling fans to run 'clockwise' will gently push warm air down into your living space.
❄️Clean your vents: Double check to ensure furniture, rugs, or drapes are not blocking your heating registers or baseboard heaters.

STEP TWO: Sealing and Insulating
🌬️Check your weatherstripping: Depending on what type of weatherstripping was used, it may only last 1-5 years. Double check your windows and doors and replace old caulk or other stripping to ensure there are no cold drafts.
🌬️Consider window film: Window film will add an extra layer of insulation to help hold in your heat.
🌬️Close fireplace dampers: Unless you are actively using your fireplace, keep the fireplace flue tightly closed to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
🌬️Add layers: Add heavy floor rugs over bare hardwood or tile floors and use insulated thermal curtains to help trap heat inside.

STEP THREE: Maintenance and Appliances
⚡Change your filters: Replace or clean your furnace filters monthly or quarterly to ensure maximum airflow and system efficiency.
⚡Lower water heater temperature: Adjust your water heater down to 120°F (49°C) to reduce standby heating energy.
⚡Unplug energy zappers: Using smart power strips to completely cut power to idle electronics and chargers that draw "phantom" energy when they aren't in use.

Reducing your winter energy bills by optimizing your thermostat settings, sealing household drafts, and maintaining your heating system is not only a smart idea, but it might also have diviends. Be sure to check out TVA's website to learn more about the rebates they offer when you make upgrades like new insulation or add a smart thermostat!!

We wish you a great day!😀

Happy Monday! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH!👩‍🦰
Creator | C. Knighten

This month we are celebrating the incredible power, diversity, and impact of female entrepreneurs! The very women who keep our communities growing and thriving. 💼✨

Did you know there are over 11 million women-owned small businesses in the United States? 🧐When women lead, they bring massive benefits to our local economies, support schools and community projects, and create millions of jobs.

WHY SUPPORTING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IS A GAME CHANGER!
🎨 TRUE DIVERSITY:
50% of female small business owners are women of color, bringing unique perspectives to every industry....from STEM and tech to creative fields and services.
👩‍👧‍👦 SUPPORTING FAMILIES:
Nearly 44% of women small business owners balance running a company with raising kids under 18.
🚀 INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION:
When young women see female founders succeeding, it gives them a foundation to stand and build on!

GREAT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!
🔺ATTEND AN EVENT: or local workshop, webinar, or seminar to gain new insights and connect with female founders.
🔺BE A MENTOR: Share your experiences to pave the way, bring clarity, and build confidence for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
🔺SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS:
Never stop learning! Stay ahead of new tech, financial trends, and business tools to build a brighter future.
🔺JOIN AN ORGANIZATION:
Get plugged into powerful networks like :
👩‍🦰The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO),
👩‍🦱The Huntsville Madison Chamber of Commerce
👩‍🦳The American Business Women's Association (ABWA).

Let’s lift up the women who are building our community and opening doors for the next generation! Together we are all so much better!! 👩‍🦰

Have a great day and support a women entrepreneur's by shopping local this month!!😀

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Vince The Sign Guy - Real

Each Friday we bring you a punny from either Vince The Sign Guy -
Real or from Star Trek Humour.....the objective....we hope to put a smile on your face and brighten your day! Besides....most of these make for great Dad Jokes you can share with your family!🙂

While we truly don't belive it is possible to OD on taco's...hmmmm, though if you had to pick a way to go out....? 🤪 The truth is we were certainly prefer that you don't!

As Mexican is one of my favorites foods, I am always looking for the next great experience!
🌮 Catrina's Authentic Mexican Flavor, 6046 AL-53, Suite A, Harvest, AL 35749
🌮 La Terrazita Mexican Grillm 2614 Hwy 31 S, Decatur, AL 25603
🌮Lola's Cocina, 114 Moon Shot Dr, Madison, AL 35758
🌮Luis's Mexican Bar & Grill, 7500 Memorial Pkwy, Ste 1-115, Huntsville, AL 35802

The truth is there are several more you should check out....and please share your thoughts....we love finding great places to dine!

We wish you a great Friday and wonderful weekend....and remember, be safe out there!!😀

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY!!🍓
Creator | C. Knighten

There are many inventions that came to be as a 'by product' or mistake turned frutiful, due to trying to resolve other problems or invent useful products. For example, Dr. Spencer Silver, at 3M, tried to creater an incredibly strong aerospace adhesive, and instead ended up with one of the World's favorite inventions......Post-It Notes!

Interestingly enough in 1860, chewing gum was created as a by product of another experiment. Thomas Adams, an American inventor and photographer, was workting with chicle from Mexican sapodilla trees, initially trying to vulcanize it into rubber. When that failed, he turned the 'error' into chewing gum. Later in 1871, he launched, 'Adams New York Chewing Gum', paving the way for the modern gum industry!

Why were these amazing products discovered......like the Microwave Oven, X-Rays,Super Glue, Silly Putty, The Skinky, and another one that has saved people worldwide... penicillin? Well......the bottom line.....because the inventor was paying attention to the error!! The key here......never give up....while you may have a goal in mind....never discount your mistakes or 'by-products' they become worldwide sellers!!😃😎

We wish you a great day and grab a pack of chewing gum.....I mean, honestly...when was the last time you blew some bubbles with your kids?? 😁

Happy Monday! 😀IMPORTANCE OF KEY MILESTONE REVIEWS!🙂
Creator | C. Knighten

What are Key Milestones? 🧐Well, they are defined as any change that effects your current coverage....and, they should always be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure that well....you are insured!! Let's identify these 'life events' that require your agents attention.

KEY MILESTONES:
💍 GETTTING MARRIED OR DIVORCED | COMBINING ASSETS:
Marriage often means combining households, which makes you eligible for multi-car or bundling discounts.
👩‍🦰UPDATING BENEFICIARIES:
Life insurance policies must be updated to ensure assets go to the correct person.
📑SEPARATING POLICIES:
Divorce requires splitting joint auto and home policies to remove legal liabilities for an ex-spouse.

👶 EXPANDING YOUR FAMILY:
🏫ADDING LIFE INSURANCE:
Having a baby or adopting means you need enough life insurance to cover your child's future upbringing and education.
🩺HEALTH PLAN UPDATES:
You must add a newborn to your health insurance policy within a specific enrollment window.

🏡BUYING, SELLINGN OR REMODELING A HOME|
🏘️HIGHER DWELLING LIMITS:
Home renovations increase your property's value, meaning your old coverage limits will no longer pay for a full rebuild.
💲LIABILITY SHIFTS:
Selling a home or moving into a rental requires transitioning to a renter's policy to protect your personal belongings.

💼SWITCHING CAREERS OR RETIRING
👥LOSING GROUP BENEFITS:
Leaving a job means losing your employer-sponsored life and disability insurance, which you must replace with private coverage.
🚙COMMUTER DISCOUNTS: Retiring or working from home drops your annual mileage, which can drastically lower your auto insurance premiums.

💡THE COST OF WAITING
🧓OUTDATED BENEFICIARIES:
Old policies that include your ex-spouse or a deceased relative can legally bind the payout to them.
☢UNDER INSURED HAZARDS:
If a remodeled home burns down, an old policy will only pay out based on the home's original, lower value.
💸MISSED SAVINGS:
You could be overpaying by hundreds of dollars a year by missing out on newly applicable bundling discounts.

STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PLAN!
🔺AUDIT: Gather your current home, auto, life, and health policy declarations pages.
🔺MAKE A LIST: Write down every major personal, professional, or financial change from the last 12 months.
🔺SCHEDULE: Contact an independent agent to run a comprehensive gap analysis.

We wish you a great day and note, we are always happy to review your current policies and share where the 'gaps' are.....it could save you thousands out-of-pocket, if an unforseen event occurs. 🙂

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Star Trek Humour

We love brining punnies to bighten your Friday and put a smile on your fact....besids, we have to admit that we truly love "Dad Jokes"....yes, we know we should seek help!! LOL!🤣

This week's punny from Star Trek Humour, has a dual meaning.....and while we hope that you get a laugh out of this one.....we also want to empahsis the importance of having a 'designated' driver....not the one in your golf bag🤨......whenever you plan to go out and enjoy adult beverages.

WHY BRING THIS UP NOW??🤔
Drunk driving and alcohol-related traffic crashes spike significantly during college football 🏈weekends!!

NATIONAL AND GENERAL STATISTICS:
😵FATALITIES:
Nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic deaths in the United States involve an alcohol-impaired driver.
🥃ANNUAL TOLL:
In recent tracking years, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes....averaging one death every 44 minutes.
👨‍🦰HIGH-RISK AGE GROUP:
Drivers ages 21 to 24 account for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
🏈GAME-DAY WINDOWS:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that fatal crashes spike sharply on weekends, particularly during the 90-minute window immediately after large public sporting events conclude.

There are lots of new students in area colleges, and with it being their first time to spread their wings and experience independence.....well, they don't always make the best choices, especially under the influence!

As a parent, you want to give them the room to grow, but also be certain that they understand the value of their own life and those who may ride with them. it is always smart to have a "designated driver that will not enjoy adult libations!!

We wish you a great Friday and wonderful weekend....and remember, be safe out there!!

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 IT'S A 'TWOFER' SORT OF WEEK!🛻
Creator | C. Knighten

We just added Homeowners of America, and now....we want to share another great option....Hagerty Classic Car Insurance!😃

While regular auto insurance treats your '67 Mustang like a commuter car...you know, depreciating it every year, only paying "actual cash value" if the worst happens..... when instead, your classic is appreciating, not depreciating. Here's why Hagerty Classic Car Insurance is built differently:

💰 GUARANTEED VALUE® — NOT DEPRECIATED VALUE
You and Hagerty agree on what your car is worth upfront. If there's a covered total loss, you get that FULL agreed amoun, with no depreciation games, no lowball "market value" surprises.
📉 LOWER PREMIUMS
Classics are driven with care and kept for weekend drives, shows, and parades, and Hagerty's premiums reflect that. You're not rated like a daily commuter.
🛣️ FLEXIBLE USAGE | ACTUALLY DRIVE IT
No fixed mileage limits. Ice cream runs, road trips, car shows .....your classic is meant to be enjoyed, not trapped in the garage.
🔧 COVERED BEYOND THE CAR
Spare parts coverage, vehicle-under-restoration coverage (your insured value grows as your project comes together!), safety apparel, flatbed roadside assistance designed for classics, and a claims team that actually knows collector cars and the BONUS: you choose your repair shop!
🏁 MODIFIED & HOT RODS WELCOME
Hot rods, resto-mods, replicas, lowriders — Hagerty covers many of the cars other carriers turn away.

Between Hagerty's Guaranteed Value® and being able to choose who repairs your prize.....they are truly a no brainer! So, iif your classic is sitting on a regular policy, you're probably underinsured. Look up what your car's really worth and then....give us a call!! ☎️📞

Happy Monday!! 😀 MEET OUR NEWEST CARRIER!🏠
Creator | C. Knighten

As an Independent Broker it is our objective to continue to find great carriers with excellent reputations to bring our community the best options that North Alabama can provide!

Unto that endeavor, please meet our newest carrier.......
🟥HOMEOWNERS OF AMERICA! About the company:
🔺Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Chicago, IL
🔺HOAIC is rated "A" (Exceptional) by Demotech and...
🔺A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

STANDARD HOME POLICY COVERAGE (HO-3):
🔺Dwelling — coverage ranges from $50,000 to $750,000
🔺Personal property — up to 75% of your home's insured value
🔺Loss of use — 20% of dwelling coverage if your home becomes unlivable
🔺Personal liability — from $25,000 up to $500,000
🔺Medical payments — $500 to $5,000 for guest injuries
🔺Other structures — 2% of dwelling coverage (10% in Texas)

OPTIONAL ENDORSEMENTS / ADD ONS:
🔺Equipment breakdown: up to $100,000 for appliances, HVAC, water heaters, pool equipment; plus up to $10,000 for spoiled food
🔺Replacement cost on personal property: pays to buy brand-new replacements instead of depreciated value
🔺Inland flood coverage: for flooding not covered by a standard policy
🔺Service line coverage: up to $10,000 for damaged underground utility pipes/wires
🔺Cyber coverage: up to $50,000 for identity theft/cyberattack expenses (legal fees, etc.); $100 deductible
🔺Pet coverage: kenneling fees if you're displaced, plus vet or burial costs if your pet is hurt in a covered disaster
🔺Mortgage extra expense: up to $250/month (capped at $10,000) plus up to $2,000 in mortgage acquisition costs if your home is destroyed and must be rebuilt
🔺Increased jewelry, watches & furs: extra theft coverage for valuables above standard limits
🔺Refrigerated personal property: up to $500 for food lost in a power outage

DISCOUNTS:
🔺Available discounts vary by state: examples include up to 15% for wind mitigation (certain building codes or hip roofs).

CLAIMS REPORTING: 24/7 claims reporting by phone, email, or online.

Please note: coverage isn't available in every state, and there's no online quoting or mobile app.....you need to call your local agent to learn more!

If you have questions or are interested in a quote, please reach out today....we are always happy to help!😀