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   It goes without saying that water is one of the essential ingredients necessary for human survival. For this
reason it is critical that we have a sufficient supply of water at all times. It is interesting that although approximately 70 percent of the earth is covered by water, only about .3 percent of this water is available for our use. The remainder of the water is found in the oceans, where it is too salty for use, contained in the ice caps of Antarctica and Greenland, or deep underground in aquifers where we cannot get to it.
   With increasing population growth, we are constantly increasing our demands on the available water supply. But what can we as homeowners do that would have an impact on water use? As with many things, the answer does not lie in large changes in behavior but in a series of small ones. The following is a list of
simple things that we can all do to help conserve this vital natural resource.
  

   Approximately 95 percent of water use in a single-family home comes from the following five sources:
1. Clothes washers and dishwashers use 23 percent of the water typically used daily in a single-family home. Run your dishwasher and clothes washers only when they are full. Depending upon how you use these appliances, this could save 1,000 gallons of water a month.
2. Consider replacing those old toilets with low-flush models. Toilets use more water than clothes washers, accounting for approximately 26 percent of the daily water use in a single family home. Older toilets can use 4 to 5 gallons of water per flush. Low-flush toilets use 1.6 gallons. If replacing the toilets is not practical, consider installing a pan or plastic milk jug in the toilet tank. The water held in the jug will reduce the amount of water needed to fill the tank. Make sure that the jug does not interfere with the flush mechanism.
3. Showers use 17 percent of the water typically used daily in a single-family home. By replacing a standard 4.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead with a 2.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead, a family of four can save 20,000 gallons of water per year.
4. Faucets use about 16 percent of the water in a single-family home. Installation of aerators on faucets can be effective in reducing water use. By breaking the water into small droplets while adding air to it, aerators allow you to use less water while maintaining a strong flow.
5. Inspect your water-supply system for leaks. This includes all joints in the piping as well as the flapper in the toilet tank. Leaks account for about 14 percent of water use and do nothing but waste the water.
  

   In addition to the major items listed above, there are many other things we can do around the house to save water.
• Consider composting food waste instead of running your water while using the garbage disposer.
• If you wash dishes by hand, wash them in a sink full of water instead of allowing the water to run while
washing.
• Keep showers to less than five minutes. This can save thousands of gallons of water a year.
• Plug the bathtub while waiting for hot water. This way no water is wasted.
• Use a single drinking glass during the day. This will allow you to use the dishwasher less often.
• Direct downspouts from the roof to plantings. This will reduce the amount of watering necessary to keep
plants healthy.
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. This goes for washing your hands as well.
• If you have young children, bathe them together.
• Insulate hot water pipes so you do not have to run the water so long before it becomes hot.

By BILL GARWOOD
Edifice Inspections
770-594-2222
Published on 02/15/07 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 

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   Life insurance ownership has been slowly declining for several decades.  According to a 2004 survey of U.S. residents in 25 major U.S. cities conducted by Allstate in conjunction with LIMRA International (a leading life insurance marketing association), the average amount of life insurance coverage respondents have is $175,000.  As a multiple of household income, this means the average respondent indicates that they have individual life insurance coverage equal to about four times their household income.
   However, according to a recent LIMRA report, the average recommended life insurance need is about $459,000¹.  Inadequate coverage can put a financial burden on dependents of those who die prematurely.  A general rule of thumb is to buy an amount that is equal to seven times your salary.  However, each family is different.  The age of your children, the amount of your mortgage, debt and living expenses, and other factors, should all be carefully evaluated as you determine the amount to buy.
   Allstate’s survey also revealed that one fourth (25 percent) of respondents felt they needed more life insurance coverage.  But why would people need more life insurance?
With the right amount of coverage, a spouse and family can maintain their current standard of living after the passing of a loved one; funds can be used toward a child’s education and the proceeds can cover mortgage payments, debt payments or funeral expenses.
   If your employer provides life insurance coverage, keep in mind that it may not be enough for your family to maintain their standard of living and fund their future financial goals.  And you may not be able to take your life insurance policy with you if you change jobs.
   Life insurance can be a cornerstone of a solid financial future.  Now that you know how important having life insurance can be; what steps can be taken to help build financial security?

Help protect what’s yours.
   One way to think about your financial needs is to picture a pyramid that you build from the bottom up.  Life insurance can play an important role in helping protect your loved ones and to make sure they can have the future you’re working toward - no matter what.
   The foundation of any financial strategy should be protection against loss, starting with your car and home.  As you build your assets, it’s important to update your policies and further help protect yourself from unexpected events.  This is where auto and homeowners insurance comes in to play.

Help protect those you love.
   Consider what your family’s financial future would be without you or your income.  Even if you already have life insurance coverage through work, is it enough to help provide for their entire financial future? Individual life insurance and disability or extended care insurance should be considerations.  Also keep in mind the financial impact of an unexpected death of a spouse who does not earn income, but provides care to either children or a sick or older family member.
   Reviewing your life insurance coverage each year is a good idea as well.  Allstate’s survey found that 37 of respondents claim they “never” review their current life insurance coverage against their current situation.  As your life changes, your insurance coverage should change with you. 

Prepare for tomorrow.
   Once you’ve helped protect your family and what you have, an important next step is to determine your goals for the future and how your investments can meet those needs. For example, do you have kids who are college bound? Have you started saving enough for retirement? Do you have an emergency fund?  The earlier you start saving, the more your investments can grow and compound interest over time. 

Pass it on.

   After a lifetime of working hard to build your wealth, life insurance as a wealth transfer tool is something to consider if you want to make sure as much possible goes to your loved ones.  When thinking of your family’s financial security, life insurance shouldn’t be confusing. Buying the right amount of life insurance coverage should be one of the first steps to putting you, and your family, on the right path to a bright financial future.

For more information about life insurance, visit www.allstate.com .David Allen
Allstate Agent
12403 Cumming Hwy
Canton, GA 30115
770-781-4600