Welcome to our new insurance agency blog! This is our very first post. We're not quite sure what we're going to write about here, but the plan is to create helpful content for customers and prospective clients about information that is relevant to you. We hope you'll come to view this as a top resource for keeping your family and your finances safe. Here are a few of the topics we may be writing about: Answers to clients' frequently asked questions. Helpful information about insurance shopping. Safety and Health Tips and Ideas. Local Community Information. Stay Tuned!

No one likes scrambling for documents, receipts, or missing forms when tax season rolls around. The good news? With a little year-round planning, you can make filing your taxes much easier—and potentially save money in the process. Whether you’re a full-time employee, self-employed, or juggling multiple income sources, these key tax tips can help you stay organized and reduce stress when April comes knocking.  1. Stay Organized All Year Long The biggest headache for most taxpayers? Missing paperwork. Keep all your important tax-related documents in one place throughout the year. What to keep: W-2s and 1099s Receipts for deductible expenses Charitable donation records Bank and investment statements Mortgage interest and property tax documents ​ Pro Tip: Create a digital folder or use an app to snap photos of receipts and keep everything in one secure location. ​2. Check Your Withholding Did you owe money last year—or get a massive refund? Either way, it might be time to adjust your tax withholding. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to make sure the right amount is being withheld from your paycheck. This helps avoid surprises (or missed opportunities) come tax time. 3. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or Traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income—and boost your future nest egg. Contribution deadlines: 401(k): December 31​ IRA: You have until the tax filing deadline (typically mid-April) for the previous tax year. ​4. Track Side Income and Gig Work More people than ever are earning income from freelance work, online sales, ridesharing, or short-term rentals. The IRS considers all of it taxable—even if you don’t receive a 1099. What to do: Keep a log of income and expenses related to side jobs. Save 25–30% of earnings for taxes to avoid penalties. Consider making quarterly estimated tax payments if you earn a substantial amount outside your main job. 5. Keep Up with Tax Law Changes Each year, the IRS updates deductions, credits, and income thresholds. Staying informed can help you claim benefits you might otherwise miss. Key areas to monitor: Standard deduction amounts Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit Education and energy-efficient home credits Follow reputable tax blogs or ask your tax preparer for an annual update. 6. Don’t Overlook Deductions and Credits Many people miss out on money simply because they don’t know what’s available to them. Common deductions and credits: Student loan interest Medical expenses (if they exceed a certain threshold) Charitable donations Childcare and dependent care costs Home office expenses (if self-employed) 7. Work With a Tax Professional Early Don’t wait until the last minute to seek help. A tax advisor can: Help you identify deductions you qualify for Recommend tax-saving strategies based on your situation Help with proper record-keeping to avoid audits If you work with a CPA or tax service, book your appointment early—before their schedules fill up. Final Thoughts Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—if you start preparing now. By organizing your documents, adjusting your withholding, maximizing deductions, and staying informed, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and make tax filing a smoother, less overwhelming experience. Start early, stay proactive, and consider reaching out to a trusted tax professional for personalized advice.

As the calendar turns to summer, Texans are reminded that hurricane season is officially here—from June 1 through November 30. While many associate hurricanes with the Gulf Coast, the impacts can extend far inland, bringing heavy rains, high winds, flooding, and power outages. For homeowners in Texas, preparation is the best defense against the chaos a storm can cause. Here are the top concerns every Texas homeowner should tackle to stay safe and avoid unnecessary stress during hurricane season:  ​1. Review and Update Your Home Insurance Policy ​One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming they’re covered—only to find out too late that flood damage or wind damage isn’t included in their standard homeowners policy. Action Items: Check your current policy for windstorm and hail coverage. Purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you’re in a flood-prone area. Ensure your policy limits reflect the current value of your home and belongings. ​2. Protect Your Roof and Windows ​Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against wind and rain, and broken windows can allow water and debris inside, causing extensive damage. ​Action Items: Inspect your roof for missing shingles or weak spots. Install or secure hurricane shutters or plywood to protect windows. Consider upgrading to impact-resistant windows or installing storm straps on your roof if you live in a high-risk area. ​3. Clean Gutters and Trim Trees ​Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your home, while overhanging branches can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Action Items: Clean all gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Trim dead or low-hanging limbs from trees near your home. Secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and decorations. ​4. Prepare for Power Outages ​Extended outages are common after hurricanes. Having a plan in place will keep your household running more smoothly. ​Action Items: Invest in a portable or whole-home generator. Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. Keep your cell phones and backup battery packs fully charged before a storm hits. 5. Secure Important Documents and Emergency Supplies​ In an emergency, you'll need quick access to your insurance papers, IDs, and medical records. ​Action Items: Store physical documents in a waterproof/fireproof container. Back up digital files to a cloud service. Prepare a “go bag” with essentials like water, medications, cash, and a first-aid kit in case of evacuation. ​6. Understand Your Evacuation Zone and Plan Ahead Not all areas will be told to evacuate, but knowing your zone helps you prepare accordingly.​ ​ Action Items: Learn your evacuation zone and follow local alerts. Have a predetermined evacuation plan, including where you'll go and how you’ll get there. Make arrangements for pets and elderly family members if needed. ​7. Document Your Home and Valuables Photos and videos of your home and possessions can speed up the insurance claims process dramatically. Action Items: Take time-stamped photos or videos of each room, including electronics, furniture, and valuable items. Keep a digital and physical inventory list of major belongings. Final Thoughts​ Preparing for hurricane season in Texas may feel overwhelming, but proactive planning can save you time, money, and serious stress. Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to get your home in order—start now and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect what matters most. ​Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: a little preparation goes a long way when the wind starts to blow.