Don’t let these five misconceptions delay you from protecting your loved ones with life insurance.
More people are preparing for the unexpected
The untimely death of a loved one once seemed like a remote possibility. But the pandemic has brought a new awareness of how vulnerable life can be. Numbers from LIMRA, a life insurance knowledgebase, tell the story:

• Nearly one-third of consumers surveyed (31%) say COVID-19 has made them more likely to purchase life insurance within the next 12 months

You only need to type “funerals” into the search field at GoFundMe to see endless tales of the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, followed by financial crisis for their family. The truth is, life can be breathtakingly uncertain. But the financial impact of a loss can be avoided with life insurance.

We’ve partnered with Ethos to help you find the right policy for your needs, with zero hassle. Get your no-obligation quote in seconds.

The bottom line: Millions of Americans lack critical life insurance. But today, getting coverage is simple with Ethos.

Do these thoughts sound familiar?
Here are five of the most common reasons people put off getting life insurance—and why you should rethink them.

1. I can’t afford it. Research finds people wildly overestimate the cost of term life insurance. Millennials especially overestimate by 5–10x! In fact, a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker can buy a 10-year, $1,000,000 term life policy for about $65 per month through Ethos. That’s less than the cost of many auto and home insurance policies. And of the three—car, house or family—which is more important?
2. My life insurance coverage through work is enough. Workplace coverage is typically 1x salary. That’s not enough to help a grieving family maintain their way of life and fund long-term goals like college tuition. Also, if you leave a job, you can’t always take your life insurance with you.
3. I don’t want to think about it. An Ethos application takes most people less than 10 minutes to finish. There’s no time like the present to spend a few minutes getting the protection your family needs. In the time it takes you to finish your morning coffee, you could be approved for coverage.

 

• The longer you wait, the more expensive life insurance gets. Healthy, younger adults can get the most coverage: up to $2M in term life through Ethos.
• Circumstances can change and future insurability is not a given. Once you get coverage, you’ll never lose it due to health changes.

 

1. I don’t need it. Some people believe they’ve got sufficient assets to protect their family if the worst happened. In other words, they plan to “self-insure.” It sounds good—but it may be unrealistic. Consider:

 

• Forty-two percent of Americans would face financial hardship within six months if the primary wage-earner were to die unexpectedly, according to LIMRA.
• A middle-class child born in 2015 will cost nearly $300,000 to raise to adulthood. That’s not counting the cost of college; currently about $80,000 per year for an Ivy League education.
• Did you know that life insurance policies can offer benefits even while you’re living? For example, if you get a policy with a standard terminal illness rider, you could access a portion of the policy’s death benefit if you become terminally ill.

The truth is, you can choose a policy with much more coverage than you can provide on your own, for an affordable rate.

1. The process is too complicated. This used to be the case. When you wanted life insurance, you had to schedule a medical exam, then wait weeks or months for approval from a carrier. But the Ethos process is built for the way people do business in the 21st century, with no need for blood draws or other intrusive tests. Ethos’ technology enables us to approve about 95% of people aged 20–85 in as little as 10 minutes—with just a few health and lifestyle questions.

Take action to protect your loved ones
If you’re ready to make a plan for life insurance, start by getting a quick quote from our friends at Ethos.

Your Ethos Representative 
Tino Brockington
PA License#1154552

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Dog parks provide numerous benefits for dogs and their owners. Heres a few of the most important ones. 

1. Exercise and Socialization: Dog parks provide a safe and enclosed space for dogs to exercise and socialize with other dogs. This is important for their physical health and mental well-being. Dogs need exercise and socialization to stay healthy and happy.
2. Stress Relief: Dogs can become stressed and anxious when they are cooped up inside all day. Dog parks give them a chance to run around and release their energy, which can help reduce their stress levels.
3. Behavioral Training: Dog parks can help with behavioral training. Socializing with other dogs can teach them proper behavior and how to interact with other dogs. It can also help them overcome any fears or anxieties they may have.
4. Bonding with Owners: Dog parks provide a chance for owners to bond with their dogs. They can play with them, teach them new tricks, and enjoy the outdoors together.
5. Mental Stimulation: Dog parks provide dogs with mental stimulation. They can explore new scents, sights, and sounds, which can help keep them mentally sharp.
6. Improved Overall Health: Regular exercise and socialization at dog parks can improve a dog's overall health. This includes physical health, mental health, and emotional health.

Off Leash Exercise Areas for Dogs in the City of Pittsburgh
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1.  Upper Frick Park 
2. Allegheny Commons Park (West Commons), Central Northside
3. Highland Park
4. Riverview Park, Perry North
5. Bernard Dog Run, Central Lawrenceville
6. South Side Riverfront Park (Referred to as South Side Dog Park)
7. Olympia Park, Mt. Washington (Part of Emerald View Park)
8. ​Downtown Pittsburgh, between Fort Duquesne Blvd. & Rachel Carson Bridge

Rules for Conduct/Behavior at OLEAs
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The following are rules are to be established for OLEAs. These rules and regulations are subject to change, being we have no affiliation with this entity, this is being service for information purposes only. 

• Dog owners are required to remove all waste.
• Dogs must be on a leash to and from the park access points.
• Dog owners are required to have voice control over their dog(s).
• Dog owners are required to always keep their dog(s) in sight.
• Dog owners are required to be present at all times.
• Children under 8 years are not permitted inside fenced areas. Children age 9-15 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
• A maximum number of three (3) dogs per owner/handler.
• No smoking, alcohol, or food is allowed in the dog park.
• No pet grooming is allowed outside of established dog wash areas.
• Dogs must be healthy and at least four months old.
• Full immunizations of dogs are required.
• Dogs must be spayed or neutered; dogs in heat are not allowed.
• Dogs must display a current license.
• Dogs showing signs of aggression or defined as “dangerous” by City Code are not allowed.
• Additional rules are not precluded

Sunflowers are one of the most recognizable and beloved flowers in the world. With their bright yellow petals and cheerful disposition, sunflowers are a staple of gardens and flower beds everywhere. They are also incredibly easy to plant and care for, making them a great choice for both experienced gardeners and those just starting out.

When to Plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a warm weather plant, so it is best to plant them when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In Pittsburgh, this usually occurs in late spring to early summer. It is important to choose the right time to plant your sunflowers, as planting them too early or too late can lead to poor growth and low yields.

Where to Plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers thrive in full sun, so be sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunflowers are also quite hardy, so they can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. However, they do prefer well-draining soil, and we all know that it can get pretty wet during the spring in Pittsburgh, so be sure to plant them in a location that is not prone to standing water.

How to Plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers are best planted directly into the ground, rather than in pots or containers. To plant your sunflowers, simply dig a hole that is twice as deep as the root ball of your seedling. Place the seedling in the hole and fill in the soil around it, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water the seedling well after planting to help it establish itself.

Care and Maintenance
Sunflowers are relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. Once your sunflowers are established, they should only need watering during periods of drought. You can also fertilize your sunflowers with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to help promote healthy growth.

Pests and Diseases
Sunflowers are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by a few common problems. For example, sunflowers can be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes white, powdery spots on the leaves. To prevent this, be sure to plant your sunflowers in a location that has good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Planting sunflowers is a great way to add a pop of color and cheer to your garden. With their bright yellow petals and easy care requirements, sunflowers are a must-have for any gardener. So why not get started today and enjoy the beauty and joy of these wonderful flowers in your own garden!