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Community Spotlight – Eye & Eye Optics

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Eye and Eye “I and I” is a popular expression – have you ever heard of it? Besides being a Bob Dylan song, it is also a saying in Rastafari meaning that ‘we are all one people.’ This is where Bobin Nicholson started in 2010 when he retrofitted the shop that used to be Peters Optical, just around the corner from the Vargas and Vargas office in Dorchester. He made a play on words of the phrase that was so popular in his native Jamaica, and named his new business “Eye & Eye Optics.”

While Bobin has been building and growing Eye & Eye Optics for four years, he has also been a acting as a lynchpin in the Dorchester community. He has been serving the Boston area as an optician for over 25 years, and has been an active member of our community. Eye and Eye Optics is even a sponsor of the 2014 Boston’s Best Neighbor contest, run by the folks here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance!

Eye & Eye 2Bobin is very proud of his accomplishments at Eye & Eye Optics, which include winning the Best Eyewear Boutique award from Boston’s A-List in 2014. But don’t even begin to think that Eye & Eye is just a shopping destination – they offer a wide variety of optical services, including selling eyewear, customized no-rim lenses, and contact lenses. They have a huge selection of eyewear brands, including RayBan, Calvin Klein, Versace, Guess, Prada, Lacoste, and more.

They also employ an opthamologist on site, so you can have your eye examinations done right there in the shop on Dorchester Avenue. They also offer eyewear repairs, warranties, and dispensation of prescriptions. Their personalized customer service will no doubt leave you satisfied with your experience.

If you would like to check out all of the great offerings at Eye & Eye Optics, you can visit them at 2271 Dorchester Ave in Dorchester. They are open from 9 am until 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am until 6 pm on Friday, and 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday. You can also call the shop at (617) 296-0066, and make sure to stop by and “Like” their Facebook Page for updates about the business.

So, if you’re looking for a new pair of glasses or sunglasses or need a new opthamologist, we would recommend stopping by and visiting Eye & Eye Optics. Their commitment to customer service and top of the line products makes them a cut above the rest, and their dedication to the community is an inspiration to us all.

Update: Eye and Eye Optics is hosting an event that you don’t want to miss! On Saturday, June 6th from 1 pm until 5 pm, you can preview the newest eyeglass styles in Britain from William Morris London. A company representative will be there to answer questions, and they will offer 20% off lens and frame purchases. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to (617) 296-0066.

Eye & Eye Event

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May 15, 2015 is Endangered Species Day!

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TYPE YOUR TITLE HEREThere is a day every year that the US Fish and Wildlife Service has declared “Endangered Species Day.” This year, that day falls on May 15th. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, the day is observed “in order to recognize the national conservation effort to protect our nation’s endangered species and their habitats.”

As residents of the beautiful state of Massachusetts, the Vargas and Vargas Insurance team is saddened to hear about endangered species in the US, and especially those in Massachusetts. Below is a list of the species in decline in our state, as well as a few suggestions of actions that we all could take to help these plants and animals.

Endangered Species in Massachusetts

Did you know that there are approximately 22 threatened and endangered species here in the state of Massachusetts? Here is the full list of threatened and endangered animals and plants, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as of earlier this year:

  • Northern long-eared Bat
  • 3 species of Beetle
  • Piping Plover
  • 6 species of Turtle
  • Shortnose Sturgeon
  • Roseate Tern
  • Dwarf Wedgemussel
  • 5 species of Whale
  • 3 Plant Species

In addition to the listed species, there are other species here in Massachusetts that are declining in population, like the New England Cottontail, which has disappeared from 86 percent of its historical range in the last several decades.

What Can You Do to Help?

The Endangered Species Coalition has a list of 10 easy things that you can do to help endangered species. Their list includes suggestions like:

  • Learning about your local endangered species
  • Visiting a wildlife refuge or national park
  • Making your home wildlife friendly
  • Buying and recycling sustainable products

If every person were to take a few steps to make the world a little bit friendlier for endangered species, we could protect these animals and plants that are threatened or endangered. You don’t have to go far – there are things that you can do right in your community!

Endangered Species Day Events

There are events being planned for Endangered Species Day across the country. Here in the Greater Boston Area, there are three big events going on! The first two events will be on May 16th – one at the Stone Zoo (149 Pond Street in Stoneham) at 10 am and the other at Franklin Park Zoo (1 Franklin Park Road in Boston) at 11 am.

If you are busy on May 16th, but would like to attend an event, you’re in luck! Mark your calendar for World Oceans Day at the New England Aquarium at 11 am on June 7th.

What other ways will you and your family be celebrating this summer? Stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for Memorial Day and Fourth of July tips and tricks in just a few short weeks. And remember, there is always someone here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency to help you with all of your insurance questions and concerns – just call 617-298-0655 to talk to a Massachusetts insurance professional!

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Need an Afternoon Pick-Me-Up?

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pick-me-upDoes it seem like you’re ready for a nap each day around 2 or 3 o’clock? You feel tired, but it turns out that there are other factors at play. To combat this feeling ahead of time, make sure that you get plenty of sleep each night, and that you eat good quality meals during the day – and no, a cup of coffee or something from the vending machine doesn’t count as a meal!

If it’s too late to prepare and an afternoon nap is already calling your name, here are a few things that you can do to stay awake and increase your productivity through the lull:

Have a snack and a drink

Again, we don’t mean a candy bar and a soda from the vending machine! Instead of a sugar high (and subsequent sugar crash), try eating a food that is high in protein, fiber, or complex carbohydrates, like peanut butter and crackers, vegetables with hummus, or an apple and some string cheese. These snacks will give you a steady boost to your blood sugar and can help keep you alert for several hours.

You may also benefit from some water or a little caffeine. If you’re worried about a soda keeping you up at night, try a beverage with lower caffeine levels, like a cup of tea.

Get some sunshine

If you’ve been stuck in an office all day, a quick ‘reset’ out in the sun can help wake your brain. Take a short walk to your car, around the building, or just sit on a bench for a few minutes to recharge. The change of scenery can help you break out of a rut and feel less tired, plus the sunshine will allow you to absorb some Vitamin D in through your skin!

Do some exercises

A light workout is another great way to recharge when you start feeling sluggish in the afternoon. If you don’t have the time to hit the gym, you can still get in some movement. Take that walk that we mentioned earlier, or just do a few quick exercises or a stretching routine at your desk. Getting in some movement can boost your productivity and improve your mood, making you ready to take on the rest of your day!

Switch activities

As we mentioned earlier, sometimes all you need to get rid of that tired feeling is a change of scenery, or a change of pace. It may not always be possible, but try doing something new when you feel an afternoon nap beckoning. For example, instead of responding to emails, go chat with a coworker (in fact, frequent breaks from computer screens are recommended in order to reduce the risk of eye strain).

Each of these four tips is a tried and true way to get an afternoon pick-me-up during the regular 2 or 3 o’clock slump, so give each a try and find out which of the four works best for you! And if you need a break from the grind and want to check on your home or auto insurance policy, remember that you can always call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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How to Improve Your Commute

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TRAVEL(1)Do you wake up in the morning dreading the long journey into work? For most people, the day improves greatly once work begins because that means the commute is over. If this sounds like your feelings, you may be suffering from the commuting blues.

Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to improve your commute. Here are just a few ideas that may be able to make your daily trips a little less infuriating and a little more enjoyable:

Avoid Traffic

Everyone agrees that a shorter commute is a happier commute. This means that it is well worth your while to search for the route that gets you to and from work in the shortest amount of time. While you’re probably happy with the suggestion given by your map application of choice, you need to be aware of the traffic changes every given day. By using a ‘Social GPS’ app like Waze (free on both Google Play and the Apple App Store) you can make sure that your commute is the shortest possible route each day.

Do Something Rewarding

You are much more likely to get frustrated on your commute if you feel like you are wasting your time sitting in the car. Counter this feeling by increasing your productivity while on the road. It’s true that driving will occupy both your eyes and your hands, but even then your ears are available for productive activity! Instead of idly tuning in to a radio, do something more productive (and engaging) like listening to a podcast or an audio book. You can choose to listen to things that are of personal interest, or double your productivity and listen to a show or a book that will help you professionally.

Stress Less by Driving Less

If you don’t like driving, remember that there are always other options available. Depending on the location of your home and workplace, you may be able to use public transportation to get to and from work each day. It may make the journey a little bit longer, but you will be helping the environment while also reducing your own stress levels. If public transportation isn’t an option, you can also look into carpooling. Find a friend or neighbor with about the same commute, and share the driving responsibilities.

Not doing the driving all yourself will also open up your rewarding activities even more. You can include reading and writing to your potential activity list. If work is close enough, consider skipping traffic altogether and getting some exercise by walking to and from work on days with good weather.

It is also important that you let your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent know if there are any changes to your commute. Your auto insurance coverage changes based on how much you drive, so if you reduce (or eliminate) your travel to and from work each day, your agent will need to adjust your policy accordingly. To make a policy change, or to ask an agent a question, all you need to do is call 617-298-0655. We are always happy to help you with your insurance needs!

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Supplementing Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance

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Massachusetts life insurance policyThere is a saying that we strongly believe in here in the insurance world. It’s “Plan for the worst and hope for the best.” While you’re always hoping that things will go smoothly, insurance policies like home insurance, life insurance, and business insurance help to ensure that you are protected if things get a little bumpy.

Life insurance may be the best example of this – while you probably don’t expect to leave this world anytime soon, a Massachusetts life insurance policy will ensure that your family is financially protected… just in case.

Once you are ready to purchase a life insurance policy, you have a few options: some employers offer life insurance policies to their employees. Otherwise, you can purchase a policy from an insurance agency directly. So which option is right for you? Read on to find out about your life insurance options:

How much life insurance is enough?

Every family’s life insurance needs are different. While a life insurance professional can work with you to determine your unique needs, it is possible to take an educated guess at how much life insurance you should have with one simple computation: a middle aged person with a spouse and children should have a life insurance policy worth about ten times their annual salary. This should be adjusted based on the age of each family member, whether the other spouse works, and other factors.

Unfortunately, employer-sponsored life insurance policies don’t tend to offer this amount of coverage. In fact, most employers only offer anywhere from six months to six years of annual salary in their life insurance policies. This means that your employer-sponsored life insurance policy may be a good start (especially if the coverage is free), but you should probably have another supplemental life insurance policy in order to guarantee enough coverage.

The drawbacks of employer-sponsored coverage

Having some extra coverage through your employer is great, but make sure that you read through the fine print of the life insurance policy that they offer. Sometimes, the restrictions on these policies are numerous, making them very difficult to use should the need arise. It is also worth noting that should you leave the job, your coverage will expire, which could leave you temporarily vulnerable.

What’s the bottom line?

For a person with grown children and no mortgage or outstanding debt, an employer-sponsored life insurance policy may be enough. For people with children, a mortgage, loans, or other financial burdens, a supplemental life insurance policy may be worth exploring to ensure full protection.

Getting a supplemental life insurance policy

If you’re beginning to think that your employer-sponsored life insurance policy isn’t enough to protect your loved ones, just give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call at 617-298-0655. We can get you a quote for a life insurance policy to ensure that your loved ones will be financially protected in the worst case scenario. And remember – Vargas and Vargas Insurance is always here when you have something to protect, so call us or visit one of our offices whenever you need some help with your insurance.

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General Car Insurance FAQs

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General Car Insurance FAQs

Insurance is a complicated business – there’s no denying that! Thankfully, the insurance experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency are here to answer some of your general car insurance questions.

Here are five questions that we are asked all the time by our current and prospective customers:

Do I need to have a certain amount of auto insurance coverage?

Yes! Each state requires that you purchase a certain amount of auto insurance. In Massachusetts, the current requirements are as follows:

$20,000 per person ($40,000 per accident) for Bodily Injury to Others.

$8,000 per person and per accident for Personal Injury Protection.

$20,000 per person ($40,000 per accident) for Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto.

$5,000 per accident for Damage to Someone Else’s Property.

How much coverage should I have for my vehicle?

We listed the minimum amounts required in the state of Massachusetts, but for the most part, it is recommended to have more than the minimum amount of coverage. When deciding how much coverage you need, you should consider the value and size of your vehicle, as well as whether your vehicle is paid off.

An insurance agent from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you wade through the process of deciding on your car insurance coverage amounts, as well as setting a premium and deductible that make sense for you and your financial situation.

What kinds of auto insurance discounts do you offer?

We offer so many different auto insurance discounts that we couldn’t possibly list them all! Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we compare several different insurance providers when looking for a car insurance quote, and we will help you choose the one that will get you the best coverage at the best price based on the discounts that each provider offers.

Can I make changes to my car insurance policy?

Absolutely! You can always call our office to make changes to your policy. Whether you’re getting married, there’s a new driver in your family, or you need to increase or decrease the amount of coverage in your policy or your deductible, a Vargas and Vargas Insurance staff member will be glad to help you update your policy.

Depending on what you need to change, your policy could be updated immediately, or we can set an ‘effective date’ for the change to go into effect at a later time.

I’m looking to switch insurance providers – How do I get a car insurance quote?

Getting an insurance quote is as easy as contacting Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. The quote process is quick and simple. All you have to do is answer a few questions and we will have quotes from major insurance providers that you can compare.

Make sure that you keep our number in your phone, too. You can always call us at 617-298-0655 if you need to ask a question or update your policies. That’s also the number that you want to dial if you need help with any other type of insurance – from home to health to business and more!

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Don’t Be a Victim of Credit Card Fraud

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Credit Card Fraud

It seems that we can’t go a few months without hearing about another retailer that has gone through a data breach. When this happens, everyone goes into a frenzy to ensure that they weren’t a victim of credit card fraud.

While it is certainly a good idea to check your statements after a retailer that you frequent has had their data compromised, the truth is that you should be vigilant in checking your credit statements year-round. Here are four ways that you can make sure that your bank accounts and credit cards won’t be victimized, and that you will catch a fraudulent payment right away:

Check your bank statements often.

With almost all financial institutions offering online statements, checking over your credit and debit purchases has never been easier. Make it a part of your weekly schedule to check over your online account, and reconcile your statement against your purchases. If there is anything unusual that you don’t recognize, call your bank or card issuer right away.

Change passwords regularly.

Make sure that you change your passwords to any sensitive online accounts on a regular basis. To make a password as safe as possible it should contain 8 or more characters, including letters, numbers, and special characters. It should also be a random string of characters – the name of your children or your pet isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Also make sure that you don’t use the same password for any two accounts – it makes a hacker’s job a lot easier if your online banking password is the same as your email password, for example.

Don’t let your cards out of your sight.

If you really want to be careful about avoiding credit card fraud, you should be wary about letting your card out of your sight. Don’t lend it to anyone (even friends or family members). If you need to use a card to pay your bill at a restaurant, immediately make sure that the card that you get from the waiter or waitress is yours.

Receive a free credit report annually.

You should be able to receive a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) each year. When you get your score, make sure that you don’t have any erroneous penalties present. If you do, make sure to straighten them out as soon as possible.

Replace lost and stolen cards right away.

If you fear that one of your cards is lost or stolen, don’t wait – call your card provider right away and request a replacement. Any time spent looking for the lost card is also time that a thief could spend making purchases on your accounts. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and time spent waiting for a new card is much easier to swallow than time spent trying to clean up after charges on a stolen card.

If you would like additional help in ensuring that your finances are safe and healthy, just contact Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 and ask about our financial planning assistance. We can help you avoid credit card fraud, navigate stocks and investment strategies, and make a financial plan tailored to your specific needs.

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Factors that Affect Boston Car Insurance Quotes

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Factors that affect your Boston Car Insurance Quotes

When people call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for Boston car insurance quotes, they are always blown away by our friendly and quick service. What goes on behind the scenes is very interesting though! When you call us for an insurance quote, we gather information from several insurance providers in order to make sure that you receive the best possible insurance at the best possible price.

Each insurance provider will often quote a different price on an auto insurance policy. This is because they each use different factors when determining your quote. Here are just a few examples of factors that some car insurance companies use when determining a quote:

Your Age – The older you are, the less risky a driver you are. This means that older people pay less for car insurance than younger people (under 25).

Your Gender – Men sometimes pay more for their auto insurance than female drivers due to trends of males being more reckless.

Your Marital Status – Insurance providers know that married people are (on average) less accident prone than their single counterparts.

Your Education Level – Typically speaking, the more educated a person is, the less likely they will file insurance claims. Some insurance providers will provide lower premiums for people with advanced degrees.

Your Credit Score – Did you know that there is a high correlation between a high credit score and a clean driving record? Read some tips about how to keep your credit score high at the Vargas and Vargas Insurance sister site, First Time Home Buyer Tools.

Your Driving Record – If you have been a safe driver in the past, most auto insurance providers will reward you with lower rates.

Your Driving Habits – If you don’t drive your car very much, tell your insurance agent. You may be eligible for a low mileage discount on your premium! This is also true if you live close to your workplace.

Your Location – Where you do your driving tells insurance providers how accident prone your region is, as well as how expensive repairs will be if you ever need to file a claim.

The Vehicle You Drive – The type of vehicle that you wish to insure (sedan, SUV, truck, etc.) will affect the quote you receive. Another factor that insurance providers consider is the age of the vehicle.

Your Vehicle’s Saftey Features – If your car has certain safety features, like extra airbags and a car alarm, insurance providers will often offer you lower rates.

Your Vehicle’s Business Use – If your car is ever used for a commercial purpose (delivery, transportation, etc for a business) you will probably pay a little extra for auto insurance.

Your Current Auto Insurance – Insurance providers don’t like to see gaps in insurance coverage. Some providers will charge you more if you don’t have a current policy.

To get one of the free and comprehensive Boston car insurance quotes for which Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is famous, all you need to do is call 617-298-0655. One of our service-centered representatives will be happy to gather the necessary information and start the quote process right away. And make sure to recommend us to your friends and family!

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5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Retire Early

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5 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Retire Early

Most people work their whole life to support themselves and their family, and to build up a nest egg so that they can enjoy their twilight years in retirement. If you are especially good at saving up for retirement, you may consider retiring before the current standard Social Security retirement age of 66.

While there is certainly something to be said for being able to retire early, it may not be the right choice for everyone! When you begin to consider retirement, make sure that you speak to a financial planner, and consider these five reasons why early retirement may not be the right course of action:

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Retire Early

1. You will reduce your potential savings significantly.

It may seem obvious, but the less that you earn in your lifetime, the less money that you can save. This means that retiring early means less money in the bank! If you want to travel in retirement, or leave some money to your family or favorite charities, you will have more opportunity to do so if you continue to work and build up your savings with the extra paychecks.

2. You will get less Social Security benefits.

The amount that you get from Social Security changes depending on the age at which you start to collect. For example, people born between 1943 and 1954 would only receive 75% of the total allotted retirement benefit if they begin collecting at the earliest possible point (age 62). This is because they start collecting four full years before the standard retirement age of 66.

3. You will have increased health care costs.

Retiring early (at age 62) may cause you a bit of a health care conundrum. Retirement means that your employer-sponsored health care will expire, but you won’t be eligible for Medicare until age 65. This means that you will have to purchase your own health care policy for three years. Of course, if you are looking for your own health insurance policy, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you find a great policy at a great price!

4. Your health and self-esteem may decline.

Many people take a great deal of pride in their job. Leaving the working world has been proven to take a toll on both health and self-esteem with the loss of ‘occupational prestige.’ This means the increased risk of being diagnosed with physical illness or depression. According to a study by IEA, “retirement increases your risk of clinical depression by 40 percent while raising your chances of being diagnosed with a physical condition by 60 percent.”

5. Your social circles will get smaller.

Work may be stressful, but the bond that you make with coworkers is substantial. Socialization at the workplace accounts for a considerable amount of relationships for most people, and lacking in those interactions several days a week can be taxing for some people.

If you want to speak to a professional financial planner about your retirement options, and to get advice about whether early retirement is right for you, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. The agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance can also help you with your home and auto insurance, health insurance, and much more, so call today!

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A Guide to Common Home Insurance Mistakes

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A Guide to Common Home Insurance Mistakes

Home insurance is something that every home owner needs, but that only few home owners truly understand fully. In the swamp of jargon, premiums, deductibles, coverage, and more, you’re lucky to have Massachusetts insurance experts in your corner!

Unfortunately, we see home insurance mistakes made each and every day. In an effort to ensure that our clients don’t run into any blunders when purchasing their home insurance coverage, we want to offer a short guide to five of the most common home insurance mistakes:

Not getting enough dwelling coverage.

One of the most prominent reasons to purchase insurance is to get coverage for your home in case of a catastrophe. If your home is destroyed, a home insurance policy will typically provide payment to cover rebuilding costs. Unfortunately, most people don’t invest in enough coverage to rebuild their home! Make sure that your insurance policy will provide enough of a payout that it could rebuild your whole home – if you need to make a claim because of a total loss, you won’t want to have to pay for any of the rebuilding yourself.

Forgetting to get adequate coverage for valuables.

The other prominent reason to purchase a home insurance policy is to get protection for your ‘stuff’ in case of a loss. Again, make sure that you have enough coverage to replace all of your things. This should include the typical furniture and electronics, but should also include your valuables. Ask your Massachusetts insurance agent about adding coverage for your family’s jewelry, antiques, collections, and more – this will ensure that you have complete coverage for your treasures.

Choosing the wrong deductible.

A deductible is the amount that you will need to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. Choose too high a deductible, and your out-of-pocket payments may be hard to cover if you need to file a claim. On the other hand, if your deductible is too low, you will be paying more in premiums to compensate. If you are having trouble deciding what the right deductible is for you, ask a Boston insurance agent from Vargas and Vargas Insurance for advice!

Opting out of additional coverage.

Standard home insurance policies will protect you against a number of perils, typically including fire, wind, and more. If you want complete protection, though, make sure you add additional coverage for perils such as floods and earthquakes. The coverage is typically very affordable, and the peace of mind that comes with it is priceless. A Massachusetts insurance expert will be able to recommend the right coverage for you based on your home’s location.

You could get lucky with your first quote, but why take that chance? Instead of opting for the first home insurance policy that you get, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. With one quick call to 617-298-0655, you can give an agent all of your information and we will do the comparison shopping for you! If you want to find great coverage at a great price, Vargas and Vargas Insurance is for you, so call now.

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