Spring Lawn Care Tips

Posted on March 30, 2021January 25, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Michigan Spring Lawn Care Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Lawn

When spring hits in Michigan, there’s a short period before summer comes where you have the time to care for your lawn and make it presentable!

This kind of spring lawn care usually includes ensuring your sprinklers are working properly to keep your lawn hydrated during the warmer months, taking care of your grass and soil with fertilizer, factoring in weed prevention, and of course, getting ready to do something about those pests and mosquitoes.

Everyone wants a bright, inviting lawn and garden, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Take a look through these tips and tricks to be sure you have the best lawn on the block.

Tips and Tricks

Ditch Your Weeds

To keep your lawn looking clean and not overgrown, it’s always a good idea to start by taking care of your weeds. Weeds start to show up right when spring does. Michigan’s most common and most stubborn weeds can include Dame’s Rocket, Maple Seedlings, and Dandelion.

While not harmful to humans, besides the occasional allergy symptoms, weeds are essentially a death wish for your lawn. You’ll want to spray some weed killer or dig each one up from the root before it spreads. They can take over the lawn quicker than you think.

Use Fertilizer On Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn in the spring gives it the nutrients it needs to grow back after the harsh Michigan winters. After the snow melts and the spring rain comes, the nutrients your lawn needs have long been washed away.

A properly fertilized lawn can thrive, just like the one you’ve always dreamed of. It can recreate the whole look of your home, without really changing anything at all.

For a bright green lawn, a fertilizer containing Nitrogen helps; and you’ll want something to ensure your roots are healthy as well, so one containing Phosphorus is a good idea as well.

Click here for the rest of the story

Hemingway & Michigan Summers

Posted on March 24, 2021January 25, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Hemingway |

Ken Burns’ Hemingway Documentary Includes Michigan Summers

By MYNORTH NEWS SERVICE on March 12, 2021

Award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick direct the upcoming three-part, six-hour documentary on Ernest Hemingway, including historical photographs of the writer’s summers spent in Northern Michigan.

The series about Hemingway, the iconic literary figure considered one of the greatest American writers, will premiere on central and Northern Michigan PBS affiliate, WCMU Public Media, April 5 at 8 p.m., and include voice actors Jeff Daniels as Hemingway; plus Meryl Streep, Keri Russell, Mary-Louise Parker, and Patricia Clarkson as Hemingway’s four wives. The documentary series will also include historical photographs of Hemingway’s time spent in Northern Michigan, provided by Michigan’s Clarke Historical Library.

“The extraordinary pictures in the photo albums at the Clarke Library are absolutely irreplaceable to our film,” shares filmmaker Lynn Novick about the important photographs the Clarke Historical Library provided for the documentary series. “They make it possible for us to represent Hemingway’s family and life in Michigan in the most vivid, tangible, and authentic way, and we are so grateful to be able to include them.”

In anticipation of this series, and to explore Hemingway’s deep ties to Northern Michigan along with how they influenced his attitudes, passions, and writings, WCMU Public Media is partnering with the Clarke Historical Library and noted Hemingway historian Michael Federspiel for “Hemingway in Michigan: A Live Streaming Event” Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m.

During this virtual event, attendees will enjoy “Let’s Go Back” video stories featuring the Clarke Historical Library’s Hemingway Collection containing one-of-a-kind items from the legendary author’s life, watch an exclusive advanced preview of the Hemingway documentary series before its April 5 nationwide premiere on PBS, and participate in a question-and-answer session with Hemingway experts, including filmmaker Lynn Novick and producer Sarah Botstein.

Click here for the rest of the story

2021 MLB season Guide

Posted on March 22, 2021January 25, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Everything you need to know about MLB Spring Training, Opening Day, and more

March 19th, 2021

Last Oct. 27 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías froze the Rays’ Willy Adames for strike three, closing out a 3-1 victory in Game 6 of the World Series and igniting a joyous Los Angeles celebration. The Dodgers had won their first championship since 1988, officially closing the book on the 2020 MLB season.

It also began the countdown to Opening Day, which is now fast approaching.

That also brings up many questions for fans, such as, “Is baseball coming back in 2021?” and “Will MLB allow fans in stadiums?” among other things. To help with that, here is a complete guide to everything you need to know about the 2021 MLB season.

MLB and COVID-19
Last year, the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic shut down Spring Training in mid-March and delayed Opening Day. Ultimately, the 2020 season did not begin until late July, and teams played a 60-game schedule, adhering to MLB’s strict COVID rules. They then embarked upon an expanded postseason, with the field widened from 10 teams to 16.

Nearly a year later, the pandemic persists, although ongoing vaccinations — including many at Major League ballparks — are providing hope. However, COVID-19 will continue to affect the MLB schedule in 2021, especially throughout Spring Training and early in the regular season. That will extend to both fans (in terms of how many are allowed to attend games) and players (who once again will have to abide by health and safety protocols, throughout Spring Training, the regular season, and the postseason).

Free agency and transactions

While the offseason got off to a slow start, most of the top free agents have now signed. That includes reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer (Dodgers), center fielder George Springer (Blue Jays), catcher J.T. Realmuto (Phillies), second baseman DJ LeMahieu (Yankees), and left fielder Marcell Ozuna (Braves). There also have been some blockbuster trades, including the Padres’ deals for pitchers Yu Darvish (Cubs), Blake Snell (Rays) and Joe Musgrove (Pirates), the Mets’ acquisition of shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco (Indians), and the Cardinals swap for third baseman Nolan Arenado (Rockies).

With that said, even with Spring Training now underway, some notable players remain on the free-agent market, including starting pitchers Rick Porcello and Cole Hamels. Clubs will continue looking to bolster their rosters ahead of Opening Day, especially as injuries cut into their depth.

Spring also tends to be a time when teams and players agree to contract extensions, as players often do not want to be involved in negotiations once the regular season begins. MLB already saw one huge deal in late February, with the Padres inking superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. to a 14-year pact. But there are many other extension candidates to watch.

MLB Tonight: Tatis Jr. extension

Spring Training

Click here for the rest of the story

2021 Happy New Year!

Posted on December 29, 2020February 15, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Happy New Year from Shield Insurance Agency

Disappointed with Medicare Insurance?

Posted on November 16, 2020January 30, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

3 Reasons Retirees May Be Disappointed With Their Medicare Insurance Coverage

Your Medicare insurance coverage may not be as comprehensive as you think.

Medicare insurance coverage kicks in at age 65 for most Americans, and many people look forward to the day when they’ll get this government-provided insurance.

Unfortunately, some seniors may be surprised to discover Medicare isn’t necessarily all they were expecting it to be. In fact, there are three really big reasons why retirees may end up disappointed with this insurance coverage.

1. There are coverage exclusions

While Medicare covers medically necessary hospitalizations under most circumstances, as well as many types of routine outpatient care, the coverage is far from comprehensive. In fact, there are many things Medicare does not pay for including:

Eye exams and glasses
Hearing aids
Most types of dental care including dentures
Chiropractic maintenance care
Acupuncture
Routine foot care

In many cases, you’ll end up needing some or all of these services as a retiree. To make sure you can pay for them, consider getting supplemental insurance that provides for them. You could also create a dedicated savings account to pay for things that Medicare won’t.

2. With Medicare Insurance, No long-term care is paid for in most cases

As many as 70% of seniors 65 and over will need long-term care at some time during their lives. Sadly, Medicare almost never pays for this, regardless of whether it’s provided in a nursing home or provided by home healthcare aids.https://abf11d7d9c55f1f071cf7333d8de2582.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Medicare covers skilled nursing care under limited circumstances. But most people who go to a nursing home or hire a home health aide do so because they need something called “custodial care,” or routine help with activities of daily living such as using the bathroom or bathing or eating. And Medicare doesn’t pay for custodial care at all.

To make sure you’re able to cover these services if you need them, consider buying a long-term care insurance policy. Alternatively, you could work with an attorney to engage in Medicaid planning, which allows you to protect your assets while ensuring you can qualify for Medicaid to pay for your nursing care services. You could aim to save enough to pay for long-term care out of pocket, but the cost could be more than $100,000 a year, so that’s a tall order.

3. Coinsurance costs are high

Medicare coinsurance costs are also a shock to many seniors.

See, if you have traditional Medicare, your insurance will pay for 80% of most outpatient services and you’ll be on the hook for the other 20% — with no limits on how much that amount could cost you. If you need a lot of costly medical services, which is more likely to happen as you grow older, you could end up spending thousands of dollars if you rely solely on Medicare alone.https://abf11d7d9c55f1f071cf7333d8de2582.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

To limit your costs and make them more predictable, you may want to consider buying a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan. These can either supplement your traditional Medicare in the case of a Medigap plan or serve as an alternative to it in the case of Medicare Advantage.

Healthcare is sure to be more expensive than you think as a retiree, with the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimating out-of-pocket expenditures at around $325,000 for a senior couple turning 65 covered by Medicare. If you’re expecting this insurance to pay for everything you need and aren’t saving for your healthcare services throughout your career, you could end up very disappointed.

How to access your life insurance policy’s cash value

Posted on September 25, 2020January 30, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

The most important job of life insurance is to take care of those who count on you if something were to happen to you. While all life insurance provides a death benefit to fill this role, some types also build cash value.

What is cash value?

When you make a premium payment into a cash value life insurance policy, part of that money stays with the policy, earns a return, and accumulates over time. This is the cash value. It’s what you’d get if you surrendered the policy (less any surrender fees).

Some policies have a provision to pay out the cash value as part of the death benefit while others do not. Check your policy or check with your insurance agent to confirm which type you have.

Types of cash value life insurance

Permanent policies, including whole and universal life, offer lifelong coverage and have cash value. This cash value accumulates differently based on the type of policy.

Whole life cash values are pre-defined and guaranteed. In exchange for guarantees, the cash value grows at a conservative rate.
A fixed universal life (UL) credits the cash value with a rate determined by the insurance company based on market conditions. This rate can vary over time but won’t be less than a guaranteed minimum.
Indexed UL earns a rate tied to a market index, like the S&P 500®, which offers greater upside potential than the above types. When the market performs poorly, the rate may be lower, but there’s no risk of market loss since you’re not actually invested in the market.
Variable UL cash value accumulates based on the market performance of the mix of available investment options chosen by the policy owner. These policies can lose money.

6 ways to use your cash value

The cash value can be a useful financial tool and can be accessed in several ways — but make sure to ask your insurance agent for details to avoid any unintended consequences.

1. Pay policy premiums.
Another option to use cash value is to pay some or possibly all the premiums for your life insurance policy.

2. Take out a loan.
You can also take out a loan from your policy. The rate is usually lower than a bank loan — and you don’t have to qualify for the loan since it’s your money (good news for those with a weak credit history).

You don’t have to repay these loans, but interest will continue to accumulate. If the total outstanding loan balance including interest ever exceeds the cash value, the policy will lapse, ending your coverage. To avoid this situation, either pay the interest each year or keep an eye on the situation and take action when needed.

Any unpaid loan balances will reduce the death benefit when the insured person dies.

3. Make a withdrawal.
You can also withdraw some or all of your cash value — may be for an emergency expense or to get you through a tough time. Withdrawals can reduce the death benefit, though, so consult your agent before you pull the trigger. There are no taxes on a withdrawal as long as the amount is withdrawn is less than what you’ve paid in.

4. Supplement your retirement.
Cash-value life insurance can add to your retirement portfolio. Since it grows tax-deferred, it can accumulate faster, but it still may take a number of years, maybe 10 to 15, to become a significant asset.

Some policies also allow you to receive part or all of the death benefit early for terminal illness, long-term care, or chronic conditions, which can help protect your nest egg.

5. Surrender your policy completely.
If you no longer need the coverage, you can completely cancel or surrender your life insurance policy and receive the accumulated cash value, less any fees and outstanding loan balances.

Any money you receive that’s above what you paid into the policy will be taxed as ordinary income. So, if you paid in a total of $10,000 and you receive $12,500 after your surrender, you’ll be taxed on $2,500.

6. Sell your policy.
As an alternative to surrendering your life insurance policy, you may be able to sell it to a life insurance settlement company. The company will take over the payments and become the policy’s beneficiary.

Like a surrender, you’ll be taxed on amounts in excess of what you paid in premiums. You should still end up with more money than a surrender. However, the process can be time-consuming, and it may be hard to find an interested buyer.

With these many options, life insurance can not only protect your family, but it can also provide a flexible financial resource over the years.

A special thank you to Grange Life Insurance Company and Kansas City Life Insurance Company for contributing this article.

Life policies are offered by Kansas City Life Insurance Company, Kansas City, Mo., and are subject to underwriting approval.

Wallet Safety Check List

Posted on August 13, 2020January 30, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

10 items to leave out of your wallet

It’s simple for thieves to turn plain, old regular crime into cybercrime – if you give them the right information. Leave these ten items out of your wallet.

Over time, it’s easy for your wallet or purse to become stuffed full of crucial information – receipts, PIN numbers, and social security cards – that thieves can use to access your online life with only a few clicks.

Keep only what you need in your wallet and purse and keep your online life secure. Use the infographic below to help determine what should be, and more importantly, what should not be in your wallet.

Wallet Safety Check List

10 Items To Leave Out Of Your Wallet - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Social Security Cards
Birth certificates
Receipts
Gift cards
Extra credit cards
Blank checks
Passports
Medicare cards
Spare keys
Pins and passwords

Covid-19 Consumer Alert

Posted on May 11, 2020February 2, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly. The information below consumer alert may be updated frequently.

As Michigan residents and businesses implement the measures outlined in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders aimed at mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus, questions may arise as to how insurance and financial services may be impacted. The information below will aid consumers and industry professionals in addressing these concerns.

Consumer Health Insurance Consumer Alert

Health Insurance

If you’ve recently lost your employer group health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. For additional information, visit DIFS’ Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP) website at www.michigan.gov/HICAP or call 877-999-6442.

Consumers enrolled in a fully insured health plan may be eligible for expanded COVID-19 coverage such as:

No cost for medically necessary diagnostic testing or treatment of COVID-19
Increased access to prescriptions
Prior authorization waivers
Expanded access to telehealth services

For more information on the benefits offered under your health plan, contact your insurer directly.

Michigan Birding

Posted on April 15, 2020August 29, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

Michigan Birding is year-round. Michigan Audubon and its 35 chapters host field trips, workshops, and specialty birding tours throughout the year, highlighting the diversity of birdlife in the state. Our organization supports the development of a statewide network of birding trails, giving birders increased knowledge for accessing the state’s best birding locations.

Download a checklist for Michigan birding

Michigan Birding Audubon programs are available for birders of all experience levels. During the summer the organization offers tours of the Kirtland’s Warbler breeding habitat.

The annual Signature Event series offers birders the opportunity to experience seasonal migration in a fun, educational setting, and place special emphasis on conservation needs. For a complete listing of Michigan Audubon and local chapter programs, please visit our Event Calendar.

Michigan Audubon maintains a robust direct email list and is active on social media. Please subscribe to our monthly installments of Michigan Audubon E-News and consider joining our social media feeds.

Birding in a Digital World

Michigan Birding has never been easier, thanks to the wealth of resources and tools available via the Internet and smart device technology. Here are a few of our favorite online birding resources!

Birding Listservs

Online ID Tools and Smartphone Apps

eBird

Prismatica on Monroe

Posted on January 27, 2020February 7, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

If you are looking for something to do, outside, even if it is cold, there are some great things going on in downtown Grand Rapids MI.
Check It Out Here!

Prismatica on Monroe
Fri, Jan 17, 202012:00 PM Sun, Feb 16, 202011:00 PM
Monroe North Lot (map)
“An infinite interplay of lights and colorful reflection…”

We are thrilled to bring a new interactive light installation called “Prismatica” to the World of Winter Festival this year. Prismatica is a collection of light prisms that have toured the world, adding energy and creativity to urban business districts. The interactive installation includes 25 pivoting prisms, creating a modern ice palace that transmits and reflects color and light. As the prisms rotate, a soundtrack of bells plays in the background. Downtown Grand Rapids will host Prismatica at 555 Monroe Ave. NW from January 17 to February 16, 2020.

Conception and execution: RAW Design in collaboration with ATOMIC3

Production: Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Montreal, Canada

Snowshoe at the Park

Tuesday, January 28, 2020
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Ah-Nab-Awen Park (map)

Feel the crunch of the snow under your feet and enjoy nature at this FREE spectacular snowshoeing event led by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Snowshoes will be provided. Don’t forget to dress warm!

Movies on the Piazza

Saturday, February 1, 2020
11:00 AM 7:00 PM
Studio Park (map)

It’s summertime in February! Join us as we show summer-themed movies at the new Studio Park piazza. Enjoy hot-toddies, cocktails, popcorn, food trucks, s’mores, movie-themed programming and fun activities between each movie. Don’t forget to get photos taken with Disney’s Moana!

There will be fire pits – but dress warm anyway!
Camping chairs are available on-site for free rental.
All movies will be played in English with Spanish subtitles

Black History Walking Tour

Saturday, February 1, 2020
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Rosa Parks Circle (map)

Join your tour guide for a FREE walk through Grand Rapids’ Black history.

The tour starts at Rosa Parks Circle. To register, visit: http://grandrapidsrunningtours.com/registration/

Registration is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Dance in the Annex at Prismatica

Sunday, February 2, 2020
2:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monroe North Lot (map)

Experience the Prismatica light installation alongside a performance by Dance in the Annex (DITA)!

“With bated breath: we move like colors” is an original concept structured improvisation that will activate the spaces in and around Prismatica for the World of Winter Festival. With the colorful lights and sounds of the Prismatica sculptures as inspiration, DITA will present this site-specific contemporary dance piece in collaboration with percussionist Josh Dunigan.

Dancers: Kara Brems, Jessica Ferguson, Hannah Sullivan, Nicole Reehorst, Amy Wilson

Live musical accompaniment: Josh Dunigan

Photo credit: Art Peers

Snowga

Thursday, February 6, 2020
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Monroe North Lot (map)

Get your downward dog on at this FREE outdoor run and yoga event! Attendees will meet at 555 Monroe Ave. NW at 6:00 PM before heading out for a 20-minute warm-up run. Then, we will regroup at 555 Monroe for a 25-minute yoga session. No mat needed. Don’t forget to wear warm workout clothing! ??‍♀️

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/…

Don’t forget to check out Prismatica, the rainbow light installation, while you’re there!

Downtown Market Ice Bar

Friday, February 7, 2020
4:00 PM 8:00 PM
Downtown Market Grand Rapids (map)

Grab a drink from a bar made of ice and embrace the cold with some frozen tundra yard games!

Human Hungry Hungry Hippo Tournament

Sunday, February 9, 2020
12:30 PM 7:00 PM
Rosa Parks Circle (map)

Your favorite board game comes to life in this human version of Hungry Hungry Hippos! Adult and family divisions are available at this awesome Downtown extravaganza.

Registration is required and now open!

Note that each team consists of six players. Registration is $60 per team. The winners get awesome prize packages!

Adult Division = All players 18+
Family Division = Minimum of (2) adults 18+ as well as minimum (2) kids under 18 years of age

Learn how the game works here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1972521926114953

Food trucks will serve on-site.

Valent-ICE

Fri, Feb 14, 202012:00 PM Fri, Feb 21, 20209:00 PM
Downtown Grand Rapids (map)

Celebrate winter with a gallery of ice in Downtown Grand Rapids! This annual World of Winter attraction showcases over 50 ice sculptures all throughout Downtown. You can do a self-guided tour of these amazing works of art… or join one of our ice sculpture walking tours so you don’t miss any of them!

Ice Sculpture Walking Tour

Friday, February 14, 2020
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Rosa Parks Circle (map)

Downtown Grand Rapids transforms into a gallery of ice with over 50 beautiful ice sculptures all over our amazing city. Make sure not to miss a single ice sculpture by joining our FREE guided tours led by Grand Rapids Running Tours!

Bundle up and walk with your tour guide to learn more about sub-zero art and their interesting backstories.

All tours start at Rosa Parks Circle.

To register for a walking tour, visit:
http://grandrapidsrunningtours.com/registration/

Registration is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Love on Ice

Friday, February 14, 2020
6:00 PM 10:00 PM
Rosa Parks Circle (map)

Why spend Valentine’s Day inside when you can enjoy a unique Downtown experience with 2 for 1 ice skating and FREE professional photographs in front of our interactive ice installation?

Don’t miss out on a V-Day to remember!

This event is dog-friendly.

Love on Ice is sponsored by Camp Bow Wow.

Paint the Park

Saturday, February 15, 2020
11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Rosa Parks Circle (map)

Ain’t no party like a community ice painting party! Grab a brush and help us paint the ice at the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink. Make your mark Downtown and beautify our city as a community. Please note that painting stops at 4 PM or when the ice rink runs out of painting space.

We’re also closing down Monroe Center in front of Rosa Parks Circle for a street party!

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: