Football SaFety - Texas Heritage for Living · how it affects you. By Jennifer Chappell Smith in...

Texas Farm Bureau member Kris Weeks has been taught to stay safe on the gridiron since he began playing.

F a l l 2 0 1 3 | W W W . T x F B - i n s . c o m

Health Insurance 101

An update onthe new healthcarereform act and howit may impact you.

Social Media Savvy

What are yourkids hiding from

you online?

inside:

Football SaFety:WhAt PArents need to knoW

HigHest Customer satisfaCtion among auto insurers in texasThis is the second consecutive year that Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies have

received an award from J.D. Power for auto insurance customer satisfaction.

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Coverage and discounts are subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval and may not be available to all persons. Qualifications and policy terms may vary by situation. We encourage you to read your policies and contracts carefully. Any information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not replace or modify any definitions or information contained in your individual policies and contracts from Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, which are controlling.

FARM BUREAU® and FB® are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or financial planning advice. Taxpayers should seek advice based upon their own particular circumstances from an independent tax or financial planning advisor.

The views and opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the policies of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. None of the content constitutes legal or other professional advice. The application and effect of laws can vary widely depending on the specific facts involved.

Material in this magazine may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or otherwise) without permission from the publisher.

Property and casualty insurance provided by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies means Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Texas Farm Bureau Underwriters, and Farm Bureau County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas.

Life insurance provided by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson, MS.

Insurance offered through the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies is a member benefit available only to Texas Farm Bureau members with a paid-up membership.

Texas Heritage for Living® is a trademark of Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

©2013 Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance companIes

President Kenneth Dierschke

Vice PresidentDavid Stubblefield

secretary-treasurerRussell Boening

executiVe director/cooVernie R. Glasson III

executiVe Vice PresidentMike Gerik

Vice President of salesBo Wilborn

Vice President of marketingKimberly Kemper

Board of directorsDave Edmiston

Robert H. GordonRonnie Muennink

Dale MurdenRobert E. ReedDan E. SheltonDan B. Smith

Albert ThompsonMichael WhiteNeil F. WalterBen F. Wible

Fall is For TradiTions

President & general manager Gordon Locke

director, client serVicesJas Robertson

content deVeloPment directorElise Anthony

creatiVe directorKyle Phelps

managing editorAmy Robinson

Production managerPedro Armstrong

digital imaging sPecialist

John Gay

WritersKristy Alpert, Chuck Cox, Emily Farris, Paula

Felps, Leslie Finical Halleck, Lisa Martin, Paige Skinner, Jennifer Chappell Smith

Texas Heritage for Living® is produced for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies by D Custom,

750 N. St. Paul St., Ste. 2100, Dallas, TX 75201; www.dcustom.com, 214.523.0300. ©2013 All

rights reserved.

ag e n t l e t t e r

Texas Heritage for Living® shares

the stories and successes of

texans just like you. since 1950,

texas farm Bureau insurance

companies have been helping

families protect what matters

most.“Highest

customer satisfaction among auto

insurers in texas.” two years

in a row.

They say there are two seasons in Texas. If you answered

“summer and winter,” Friday nights under stadium lights

may not be your thing.

For everyone else, it’s football or not

football, as the joke goes.

Whether you’re the parent who frequently racks

up double-digit miles traveling to see your child

during road games, or the sports fan who is just

there for the thrill of it all, fall and football are

synonymous in Texas. Inside this issue of Texas

Heritage for Living®, you’ll see how educators and

parents are working together to keep student athletes safe while still

enjoying the thrill of the game.

Traditions in Texas are like that, embedded in our hearts and memories,

making us loyal to our state’s legacy and heritage. We can’t imagine

passing through West without stopping for kolaches and now we feel a

fierce loyalty to support this small town as it enters a season of recovery.

In most homes, autumn is a time of change, from redecorating to

gardening. That’s why we couldn’t resist an article about creative ways to

fix up your fireplace and a trend piece about vintage cars.

For some of you, however, the end of summer also means an empty

nest, new adventures, and a lot of decisions.

Whether just starting out or staying the course, we’ve got you covered.

Call me today and I’ll make sure you’re on the right path and prepared for

any season.

Get intothe game!

For free football

tickets, turn to page 33.

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

Companies received the highest

numerical score among auto

insurance providers in Texas in the

proprietary J.D. Power 2013 U.S.

Auto Insurance Study(SM). Study

based on 45,521 total responses

measuring 8 providers in Texas and

measures opinions of consumers

with their auto insurance provider.

Proprietary study results are based

on experiences and perceptions of

consumers surveyed March–April

2013. Your experiences may vary.

Visit jdpower.com.

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10Healthcare Reform 101What we know now. What we don’t. And how it affects you.By Jennifer Chappell Smith

w w w.t x f b - i n s .c o m

in every issue

F A L L 2 0 1 3

14GuardinG the

GridironFootball safety: what parents need to know.

By Chuck Cox

Contents

2 round upFrom lowering your electric bill to how to get cheap, healthy foods, we have something you need to know.

6 Behind the WheelVintage cars: the details matter.

8 home FrontFixing up your fireplace is easier than you think.

28 disaster PrepKnow the difference between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value.

30 securityWhat are your kids hiding from you online?

32 VistasLost Maples State Natural Area

20What is Your Love Worth?Remove the “what-ifs” to protect what’s priceless to you.By Kristy Alpert

24Empty Nest PitfallsRetirement vs. tuition, the big three, and increased spending. Are you prepared?By Paula Felps

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By HeatHer C. Levy

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NEWS yOU CaN USerouNd up

Smart Saving

Is the Food Co-op Comeback for You?Food cooperatives or Food co-ops are an organized outlet For Food. Some people hear “food co-op” and immediately picture a commune of people working a farm. Not so! Co-ops have made a comeback due to tougher economic times. If you enjoy eating healthy, farm-fresh foods while saving money, foods from a local cooperative are perfect for you. As an alternative to grocery store chains, co-op members make decisions about what foods to purchase and how to distribute them. You don’t have to be a member to purchase food from a co-op grocery store, but for a minimal fee, you can become a member and save much more on the food. Or, you can save on your membership fees by volunteering at the co-op since they are run by people working in exchange for membership. You will even get to know your local farmers. For a directory of co-ops near you, visit www.organicaginfo.org/organic-food-stores-texas.

HealtHy living

paying More Now = Bigger Benefits LaterPurchasing higher-priced healthy foods from the grocery store can be difficult on the pocketbook. Fast food may be cheap, but unfortunately, short-order foods and cheap groceries often pack on the pounds, leaving us at risk for major medical expenses for conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, and more. How can you purchase healthy foods on a budget? It takes some thought and planning, but it can be done. Here are a few tips:

• think about price per nutrient instead of price per calorie. Our culture gets wrapped up in “bigger is better” deals, which often leads to super-sized unhealthy meals. Avoid items that contain little to no nutrients like white bread.

• Frozen vegetables are still good for you, more affordable than fresh vegetables, and keep for longer in the freezer. Though, if possible, keep some nutrient-rich leafy vegetables, such as spinach, around.

• Fruit selection is more difficult because some have very little nutritional value and a high sugar content. As it turns out, watermelon wins the award for the most healthy, nutrient-rich, economical fruit. So, chill out, cut a slice, and enjoy, guilt-free.

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Common Cents

Reduce YouR electRic BillTexas weather fluctuates so quickly that electric bills can sometimes give us sticker shock. Here are some simple ways to reduce your electric bill so you can spend your money on things you enjoy.

Programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set your air conditioner or heater to come on right before you get home and allow you to vary temperatures at different times of the day.

change air filters. Although it may seem like common sense, it is amazing how quickly our air filters fill up in Texas. Some say change filters every three months, but during the hottest months, the recommendation is actually once a month.

Fix your gaps. Most homes have areas where there is a little space open to the outside here or there. It’s hard to believe that these tiny gaps can affect your bill, but they do! Buy some caulk from your local hardware store and patch them up and fix any deteriorated weather stripping on doors.

Blackout curtains and screens. You can now purchase nice-looking window coverings that block out up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat. This is a great option for seldom-used rooms such as guest rooms. If you like your curtains/blinds open, check out blackout screens, which block the heat but still allow the sun to come through.

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aCL fest draws crowds from around the state to

austin to enjoy music, food, and shopping.

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Fall EvEnts

Notable Fall Festivals Across Texas

Austin City Limits FestivAL (ACL Fest) is held October 4-6 and 11-13, in the beautiful Zilker Park in our state’s capital. ACL Fest is more than just a festival — it’s a happening. And it’s definitely worth the drive. See larger acts this year, such as Depeche Mode, Lionel Richie, and Wilco, as well as the smaller up-and-coming bands introducing new music to the scene. And don’t miss out on the rest of the festivities, such as autograph sessions and celebrity sightings. Waterloo records — one of the largest independent music stores — sets up a tent for purchasing festival artists’ music, t-shirts, and collectibles. In the artists’ area, you will find everything from crafts to kitsch items to gallery paintings and photos. An eclectic selection of food is on offer — everything from standard festival fare to vegetarian to Greek. One of the big hits of the festival is enjoying an ice-cold watermelon slice while listening to the music. What to bring? Something to sit on, sunscreen, a bag for your festival buys, and an umbrella — just in case. The festival is now two weekends long. For more information on the 2013 schedule of artists and festival information, visit www.aclfestival.com/. Insider tip: If tickets are sold out for either weekend, check craigslist.com.

DAllAsTHe sTaTe fair of Texas. This is, by far, the

largest fair and stock show in the state. Enjoy everything from live music to carnival rides and tons of food, including oddities like fried soda. Art pavilions also show off the work of Texas artists. The culmination of the Fair is the Texas-Oklahoma football game.

GrueNegruene Music & Wine fesT. This Americana

event benefits the United Way of Comal County and features live Texas music and a large spread of native food at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. Enjoy four days of music and food samplings as well as the Great Guitar Auction.

BryANTexas reds fesTivaL. Held each October in

Bryan, this festival honors the Texas tradition of steak, coupled with live music. Reap the rewards of the steak cook-off, and have fun with your children in the KidZone. While there is no admission charged for entry, food tickets are sold in order to sample the steak and wares.

HousToNHousTon iTaLian fesTivaL. A celebration of

Italian culture and heritage, this festival features bocce ball, a grape stomp, pasta eating contest, and, of course, food. There are children’s activities and plenty of great Italian cuisine and live entertainment.

TylerTexas rose fesTivaL. Started 80 years ago,

this festival has become an integral part of life in Tyler. Watch the Rose Parade — floats made entirely of roses! But that’s just a small part of the fun. Take in the view and enjoy the aromatics at the Coronation Ball and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s “Concert in the Park.” And don’t forget to stop by the Rose Museum while you are in the rose capital of the nation.

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6 T e x as H e r i Tag e fo r L i v i n g T e x as fa r m b u r e au i n s u r a n c e

before you splurge on that vintage beauty several states over, call an insurance agent first for tips.

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“I’ve done full restorations — pulled the body off the frame, redone the frame and all suspensions, repainted everything, and finished the complete job,” Brown says. His favorite vintage restoration was a black ’55 Thunderbird with a black and white interior.

As any collector will tell you, it’s imperative to do your homework before purchasing a classic. Don’t get set on a make, model, or year until you have thoroughly checked out all available vehicles. Brown advises people to research and find a car that is already built — it’s much cheaper and easier. “Restoration is a very expensive procedure. It can get real pricey real fast,” he says.

Dreaming of doing it yourself to save money? Brown has had many customers who tried the process themselves and ended up at his shop.

Factors that drive up costsFinding and purchasing a vintage car

can be done affordably. What must be considered is the end result: Do you plan to restore the car to original condition, which requires restoration insurance? Or, do you want to pay more to purchase an already-restored vehicle that is ready to drive?

The more work the car needs, the cheaper the price may be up front. Depending on how much you know about restoring cars, you will need to factor in parts and possibly labor.

Get to know a vintage car mechanic and ask a lot of questions about pricing and parts (some of which are very scarce and can be thousands of dollars depending on the model). Understand your car’s value so you don’t overpay.

Insuring your “fun car”From an insurance perspective, the

biggest difference in insuring a classic car versus other vehicles is that you must make sure your investment is protected. Today’s cars depreciate the moment you drive off the lot, while a classic car will hold its value or increase in value over time. Texas Farm Bureau Insurance partners with Hagerty Insurance, one of the largest specialty classic car insurance firms, as a brokerage outlet to help Farm Bureau members secure the coverage they need for their classic and antique vehicles.

“We insure the fun car you don’t have to have,” says Jonathan Klinger, public relations manager for Hagerty Insurance. Know the details of the insurance policy. He also suggests:• Making sure you can choose the repair

facility of your choice even if it is your garage.

• Selecting a “guaranteed-value policy” or an “agreed-value policy.”

• Asking about mileage limitations as some policies have limits on the amount the car can be driven.

• Making a plan to protect your car. Most

policies require that the car be locked in a garage or storage area.

• Not making your classic wheels your daily ride; most policies don’t allow it, and the wear and tear can destroy the value. Most of these guidelines are fairly

common practices among vintage auto devotees. “Classic car owners aren’t the kind of people who need a lot of restrictions,” Klinger says.

Inspect carefullySafety features, such as seatbelts,

may need to be installed unless the car is “grandfathered.” Brown says, “People leave seatbelts off to preserve the integrity of the original vintage cars, but many add seatbelts to street rods due to their speed.” So it is important to know if your car requires seatbelts or not and how you wish to handle that issue.

Never purchase a car without using an inspection checklist and actually driving it, unless you are buying it for parts only. If the seller wants you to take their “word,” that should be a red flag to look even more closely. Take notes on everything and discuss it with your mechanic to help with the car’s price negotiation. Make sure to find a company willing to finance your classic car while still giving you a good interest rate. Check with other owners and your trusted mechanic for suggestions.

In the end, saving a few bucks shouldn’t always be the deciding factor when it comes to buying a classic auto. Customer service, references, and companies who “live and breathe” classic vehicles are absolutely paramount.


B e h i n d t h e w h e e l

Vintage Car?Before you Buy: The deTails maTTerBy HeatHer C. Levy

FOR SOMe, OWNING A VINTAGe CAR ISN’T SO MUCH ABOUT THe INVeSTMeNT — it’s about fulfilling a dream. Mike Brown, who recently retired from a lifetime of restoring classic cars in Tyler, Texas, has rebuilt cars from as far back as the 1930s.

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Turn Up the Heat on Your FireplaceIgnIte any room wIth out-of-the-box thInkIng

By Lisa Martin

Texas farm bureau member Jamie Laubhan-

oliver modernized her firebox with

basic black.

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A dated, dreary, or downright dismal fireplace, however, does nothing but downgrade its surroundings. Fortunately, homeowners have plenty of options for giving their hearths, mantels, and screens a facelift without resorting to a massive redo, the kind that involves jackhammers, chisels, and a week’s worth of cleanup.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do not hate brick — and goodness knows, Texans love their brick — but an entire fireplace wall of it dating back to the 1970s may be a little much,” says Renee Stephens, an interior decorator with clients in Houston and Dallas. “And if it is covered in years of smoky soot, it’s absolutely a little much for me!”

Stephens and other design pros offer some tips on affordable ways to renew this all-important feature, turning it once again into a hot spot in the home.

1. Trick out the bricks“A great way to get a completely

different look without having to spend a lot of time in demolition and materials cost is to simply paint your brick,” Stephens says. “White seems to be the trend lately, but any shade of medium or light gray would look beautiful.”

Make sure you apply a coat of good primer and let it cure for a few days before applying the paint; otherwise, the

brick and grout may soak up too much pigment, resulting in an uneven finish (unless you want a trendy yet classic whitewash effect).

You don’t have to stop at the surround or mantel, either. Consider painting the whole wall of the fireplace, from floor to ceiling. Select a single, neutral color in a slightly darker shade than the rest of the room. You’ll conjure an eye-catching yet streamlined twist on the accent wall, that decorative staple of the ’80s currently enjoying a comeback.

One caveat before arming yourself with blue tape and turpentine: Fully commit to the change, because painted brick is almost impossible to return to its original state.

2. Modernize the mantelLike ordering a chicken sandwich

at a world-renowned steak house, an uninspiring mantel represents a missed opportunity. Why settle for a boring single shelf above the firebox when you can invest in a premade mantel kit, available in a host of on-trend styles online or at home improvement warehouses? Competent do-it-yourselfers install most kits, which can cost less than $200, in a weekend.

Or consider going contemporary-chic and forgo the mantelpiece altogether. This sleek, fuss-free look will make your ceiling

appear taller too.If you long for a dramatic stone

mantel — the staple of so many shelter magazines that can run into the four-figures — check auction sites, architectural salvage shops, or your local Habitat for Humanity resale store to see if you can find a vintage model that fits your dimensions as well as your budget.

3. Freshen up the fireboxThe National Patio, Hearth & Barbecue

Association identifies the nuts and bolts of a working fireplace as the firebox or inner hearth, “the part of the fireplace where combustion occurs and where you can watch the flames.” For an extra dose of drama, paint your firebox black using a high-temperature stove paint. (Thorough cleaning prior to application is key for proper adhesion.)

In addition, “if your fireplace is wood-burning, remove and clean the screen. If it looks tired, give it a fresh look with a coat of heat-resistant spray paint,” says Layla Palmer, an Alabama-based blogger and interior stylist.

“While you’re at it, for a nominal cost you can install a remote starter — a winning feature for anyone who envisions themselves starting a fire without ever having to leave the comfort of their couch.”

AS AN INevITABLe FOCAL POINT FOR ANY ROOM, the fireplace carries the kind of make-or-break visual significance that often gives even the most confident amateur decorator pause. Some 55 million American households boast at least one fireplace or freestanding stove, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Moreover, among those looking to buy a new

home, fireplaces rank as a top amenity, up there with porches and upgraded kitchens.

h o m e f r o n t

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Win a Yeti® Tundra 35!Turn to page 33 for details.

The Hackett family, who are members of

Texas Farm Bureau, wonder how the

healthcare law will affect their coverage.

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By Jennifer Chappell SmithphOtOGraphy By elizaBeth lavin

What we know now. What we don’t.

And how it affects you.

HealtHcare

reform 101


Familiar with the provisions of the

affordable Care aCt, a.k.a. healthcare reform,

a.k.a. “obamacare”? Clear on the implication of the so-

called “employer mandate” delay? read all 2,409 pages

of the law passed back in september of 2010?

You’re not alone if you’re fuzzy on the details. forty-two

percent of americans don’t even know it’s the current law of the

land, according to a recent Kaiser family foundation tracking

poll. texas farm bureau member nicole hackett of argyle has

plenty of questions. with a 7-year-old daughter who has a

congenital heart defect, lung disease, and a history of surgeries,

nicole fears the intricacies of the law. her husband’s employer

has indicated changes are coming to its employee health plan,

but they don’t have specifics yet.

“i do want to stay on top of our coverage,” she says. “but what

about the unknowns?” for instance, she wonders if the law will

help cover expensive diagnostic tests in the future for newly

discovered problems her daughter may face.

another texas farm bureau member, howard schirmer, says

he’s not sure what the sprawling bill encompasses. “none of it

sounds good,” the longtime farmer says, adding that he worries

about rising healthcare costs in general.



Researching your optionsCertified Public Accountants across the land are trying

to figure out how ACA is going to affect their individual and business clients’ taxes. A new designation for insurance counselors has been established to make them certified to help guide consumers. And lawyers are helping business owners understand the next steps, now that the employer mandate has been delayed for one year by the Obama administration.

What do individuals need to do? “I would suggest seeking out a competent, trusted health insurance adviser for counsel,” says Michael Kersgard, academic director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. “The situation today requires the consumer to become informed and engaged on their own as much as possible.”

Start with HealthCare.gov — a resource by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). And read on to learn more about some of the bill’s provisions most of which will still take effect in 2014. [Editor’s note: Due to continually changing legislation regarding the ACA, we cannot ensure that all information included is up to date.]

Pre-existing conditionsSince the law passed in 2010, insurance companies have been

prohibited from refusing coverage for children age 19 and younger due to a pre-existing condition. Starting Jan. 1, 2014, no American can be refused coverage for that reason. From cancer to arthritis, patients who have diagnoses of all kinds will receive insurance.

Health Insurance MarketplacesThere’s a tab on HealthCare.gov labeled “Find Insurance

Options Now.” As of Oct. 1, 2013 — the start of Open Enrollment for 2014 — you’ll see a lot more.

That’s because, unless more delays in implementing the law occur, the ACA requires Health Insurance Marketplaces to be set up in every state for 2014 — whether they are run by the state, a state-federal government hybrid, or the federal government itself. The marketplaces, formerly known as “exchanges,” were envisioned as virtual bazaars, where those who don’t have insurance through employers can shop around. For those who qualify, tax credits can help with costs.

Texans live in a state that has staunchly refused to establish a state- or hybrid-run marketplace. According to the law, the

federal government will step in and create and run it instead. Congressional Budget Office estimates show that the national

average annual premium for an Exchange policy in 2016 will run $4,000 to $4,500 for an individual and $12,000 to $12,500 for a family of four for Bronze coverage (the lowest of four tiers of coverage), according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Expanding MedicaidMedicaid gets a potential expansion starting in January 2014.

States have the option of taking advantage of this provision, which would provide those younger than 65, who have income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $15,000 for an individual and $30,000 for a family of four), with the Medicaid coverage. The federal government will provide 100 percent federal funding the first three years of implementation, phasing to 90 percent funding later.

Texas has chosen not to participate in the expansion.

Affordable coverage requirementsDelaying implementation of the employer mandate until

Jan. 1, 2015, gives businesses more time to figure out how to comply. The law requires businesses with the equivalent of 50 full-time employees to provide health insurance for their employees, and it has to be affordable, explains Jeff Gregg, a CPA and shareholder at Davis Kinard & Co. in Seymour.

Translation: For single coverage, employees will have to pay no more than 9.5 percent of W-2 wages from their employer starting in 2015. Businesses can offer it to employee dependents, but they don’t have to pay for it, Gregg explains.

The expense of providing such coverage gets complicated and costly for businesses trying to comply with the law. Jim Jackson, a San Antonio-based employee benefits consultant, says businesses face tough decisions, with some even trying to decide whether it’s more cost-effective to pay a penalty for not providing coverage than trying to help pay employee premiums as healthcare costs rise.

Taxing those who refuse health coverage

When the individual mandate provision of the ACA was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court last summer, the penalty for not buying health insurance was deemed a tax. If you choose not to get health insurance, you’ll have to pay the amount — based on your income and the number of your dependents — for the first time on your 2014 tax return, and Gregg says the tax is designed to go up steadily.

“By 2017, it’s quite a bit,” he says. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the numbers break

down like this: In 2014, uninsured households will pay $95 per adult; $47.50 per child (up to $208 per family) or 1 percent of their family’s income, whichever is greater, and by 2017, they will pay $695 per adult and $347 per child (up to $2,085 per family) or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater.

Additional provisionsSome of the law’s other goals and benefits touted by the HHS

include:



• An increase in consumer options, rate transparency, and competition in the marketplace.

• Free preventive care for seniors on Medicare.• A Medical Loss Ratio, requiring insurance companies to

spend more of its annual premium dollars on healthcare rather than marketing and other expenses.

• Funding to build and expand community healthcare centers to serve as many as 20 million Americans.

• Prescription drug discounts for qualified seniors.

“The healthcare law is already benefitting millions of Americans through provisions like the medical loss ratio and rate review, which have saved consumers over $2.1 billion; the young adult provision, which has allowed more than 3.1 million young adults to stay on their parents’ plans; and the closing of the prescription drug doughnut hole, which has saved over 6.3 million people with Medicare over $6.1 billion on prescription drugs,” says Fabien Levy, press secretary for HHS.

Take actionTo understand if such benefits apply to you and your family, be

proactive. Don’t let confusion over the new law keep you from:• Talking with experts about your situation.• Asking questions of your employer’s benefits department.• Researching the Insurance Marketplace options.• Reading up on the provisions at HealthCare.gov. When it comes down to it, healthcare insurance is a valuable

contingency plan that provides protection against financial loss. Gregg views it as something meant to stave off dire money problems in the face of a health catastrophe, rather than an option for day-to-day doctor bills. “If you don’t have health insurance, and you need it, it can ruin you,” Gregg says.

In the meantime, keep an eye on any additional changes to the law. Last spring, Kersgard said he wouldn’t be surprised to see some provisions postponed to work out logistics. With the employer mandate delayed midsummer and politicians now raising additional questions about ACA, no one knows what could happen.

Regardless of potential changes, consumers can’t afford to be passive. “Do your own homework,” Kersgard warns. “It’s a new world.”


GeT inTo The DeTailsFoR MoRe on THe AFFoRDAbLe CARe ACT, FoLLoW THeSe STePS: 1. Visit healthcare.gov.

2. Click “The Health Care Law & You” tab at the top of the homepage.

3. On the drop-down menu, click “Information for You” to select Texas on the map, or click

“Timeline: What’s Changing and When” for a detailed explanation of provisions in effect now

and those coming in 2014 and beyond.

New! Blue Cross Blue shield

option for Members

ConFuSeD AbouT HeALTH CoveRAGe? Talk to a Texas Farm bureau Insurance

Agent today about your health insurance needs. Regardless of what the trickle-down effects of the new healthcare law are, you’ll

want to have coverage to protect you and your family.

From health insurance options through blue Cross blue Shield of Texas to a

long-term care policy, Texas Farm bureau Insurance has solutions. We can help

you assess your health-related costs and future needs.

You might even consider a Health Savings Account (HSA), a tax-free way to

save for medical expenses.

healthcare.gov.

The Hackett family still has many questions

about what exactly will be covered — or not.



GuardinG the GridironTFBIC_FALL2013_FOOTBALLSAFETY.indd 14 7/31/13 2:17 PM

Football saFety: What parents need to knoW

By ChuCk Cox


GuardinG the GridironTFBIC_FALL2013_FOOTBALLSAFETY.indd 15 7/31/13 2:17 PM


continued on page 19

As ingrained into the fabric of our culture as football is, injuries always have been an unfortunate part of the game. It’s never easy to see a player get hurt — especially if it’s your own child. However, football at every level, all the way up to the NFL, is moving into an era of taking player safety — particularly concussions — very seriously.

Starting off rightThe earlier kids learn how to be safe on the football field,

the better. Texas Farm Bureau members Kristina and Sean Weeks certainly believe that theory. The couple has two sons who played at Sachse High School and went on to play in college — Kris at Southern Methodist University and Shane at Sam Houston State University.

“The more that you inform and train your child, the more they will know about safety,” Kristina says. “When he [Kris] was young and starting to play, we talked to him about playing the game and protecting yourself. I think a lot of parents just expect the coaches to do that. As he was moving on to the college level, it was a concern of ours, but we had built that information in him already.”

Kristina also said the emphasis on safety was evident to her — particularly at the high school level — from the coaches. And that she and her husband learned a lot from them.

“One great experience we had was Kris got to play in the Texas High School Coaches Association’s All-Star Game,” she

says. “They have to go a week prior to the game to learn plays with their teammates. One of the things they do is a safety class with the boys. I was very impressed that they took the time to give the class and talked to each of the parents about equipment they were receiving.”

Although safety is still emphasized at the college level, Kris says getting players to understand the importance of it at the high school level is crucial. And once they have reached the college level, everybody pretty much knows how to be safe on the gridiron.

“Through all my playing days, it was the number-one thing for all of my coaches,” Kris says. “A lot of that comes from technique and knowing how to play the game. You spend a lot of time on it. You play hard and stay safe, but injuries happen in every sport.”

Changing rulesThe University Interscholastic League, which governs

academic and athletic competition throughout public schools in the state, is taking several steps toward lowering the risk of concussions and other football injuries.

The UIL’s Medical Advisory Committee recently recommended limiting football programs to 90 minutes of full-contact practice each week. The UIL Legislative Council approved the recommendation in June.

“We felt it was important enough that back in 2001 there

Texans eat, drink, and sleep football. Fans pen books, make movies, write television shows, and sing songs about it. Small towns live for high school football games, and they look abandoned on Friday nights when the local boys are playing a road game.

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TFBIC_FALL2013_FOOTBALLSAFETY.indd 16 8/1/13 5:15 PM

Texas Farm Bureau members Kristina and Sean Weeks’ son, Kris Weeks, has had football safety measures drilled into him from an early age.

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TFBIC_FALL2013_FOOTBALLSAFETY.indd 17 8/13/13 11:57 AM

Hydration & Heatstroke:

With temperatures often soaring near the

100-degree mark (and higher) during

the early part of the season, players, coaches, and fans are at risk for heatstroke.



were steps taken between the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency and our legislative council to put together that committee to make sure we were doing everything we could, and can do, to study the activities and keep up with what the latest information and evidence suggests, understanding that we’re never going to make our activities completely injury-free,” says UIL athletic director Dr. Mark Cousins. “But we can certainly try to make them as safe as they can be based on scientific evidence and information from folks who are experts in their particular fields.”

However, some coaches, such as John Tyler’s Ricklan Holmes, believe that reducing the amount of full-contact practice might have the opposite effect, instead creating an even greater risk for injuries. Holmes played at John Tyler in the 1990s before also playing at Oklahoma State and for the New England Patriots, so he has seen how injuries affect players at every level of football.

“It’s a bad thing because I do believe it’s going to promote more injuries,” Holmes says. “Kids have got to get used to contact. The less contact they have during practice, the more prone they are going to be to injuries during a game. Now you’re talking about having emotions play a part; now you’re talking about excitement. When you’re not used to practicing that way, you put yourself in danger. I’m not real happy with that.”

As a former college athlete who has successfully passed legislation that established football helmet inspection standards in hopes of limiting concussions, State Rep. Eddie Lucio III of Brownsville says he is “... thrilled with the UIL Medical Advisory Committee’s recommendation. The first line of defense in protecting football players from possibly debilitating effects is the player’s helmet,” says Lucio on his website. “While much of the attention regarding football-related head injuries focuses on the after-effects and severity of concussions, we must not overlook the importance of measures that may help prevent such tragedies from happening in the first place.”

Hydration: A hidden dangerWith temperatures often soaring near the

100-degree mark (and higher) during practice and games during the early part of the season, heatstroke prevention is another concern that coaches tackle as well. Holmes said that when he was a player in high school under head coach Allen Wilson, there was quite a bit of focus on technique.

“The main thing was the way that we tackled,” he says. “There wasn’t a lot of leaving your feet back then. It was more wrapping up, making sure you kept

your head up, and not using your shoulders to tackle a lot. We made sure to run through the players and stay low just a little bit. We still focus on that now at John Tyler, but there’s a time constraint.”

Even though players might balk at the idea, parents should make sure their kids get plenty of liquids at home — particularly during the hotter months. Parents also need to be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke — high body temperature, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and disorientation.

If parents, coaches, and administrators work together, the odds of players staying safe increase dramatically. The UIL, which has limited preseason practice dating all the way back to 2005, will continue to try to make the sport that so many Texans love as safe as possible. The UIL will look at developments in equipment and training, as well as studies about the long-term effects of concussions.

“We certainly try to be that way [proactive],” Cousins says. “Looking at what they’ve done at the professional level and the NCAA level, it’s just another way we can stay up with what the latest information is showing, and we can try to make the game as safe as it can be.”

No matter which team comes away with a victory on any given night, the most important thing is for all of the players to come away without an injury.

continued from page 16


If parents, coaches, and

administrators work together,

the odds of players staying

safe increase dramatically.



What is Your Love Worth?

Remove the “what ifs” to protect what’s priceless to you

TFBIC_FALL13_HOWMUCHISLOVEWORTH.indd 20 7/31/13 2:12 PM


By Kristy Alpert

pHOtOGrApHy By MAttHew MAHOn

Being financially responsible is

important to Texas farm Bureau

members Crystal and Dan Tingle,

so the newlyweds committed to a life

insurance policy that allows them

to plan for their future.



For Austin newlyweds dAn And CrystAl tingle, celebrating their first anniversary this year came with an extra special romantic touch, one much sweeter than the typical bouquet of roses and a champagne toast. to really show each other how much they care, these lovebirds took the extra step to ensure that the other person would be taken care of, no matter what, by signing their names on a life insurance policy.

“i feel like for us, since we’re just starting out in our marriage and eventually our family, it’s important to ensure that if something were to ever happen to one of us, the other one would be protected financially,” says Crystal, 30, a staff accountant for KiPP Austin Public schools and a texas Farm Bureau member for the past two years.

“i guess being the accountant, i want to be financially responsible when planning for our future. i think that’s the biggest thing, especially if we have kids and especially if something happens to me, i want to make sure that dan has enough money to take care of our family.”

Tight budgets, smart planningwhen you’re young, healthy, and most likely living on a tight

budget, securing life insurance doesn’t typically rank high on the priority list. For most young adults, factors like rent, student loans, and food tend to take precedence over planning for what seems like a distant possibility.

luckily for the tingles, this young and super-savvy couple got some great guidance from their [literal and proverbial] family at texas Farm Bureau insurance. “My husband moved here from Philadelphia, Mississippi, and he was with Farm Bureau insurance there since his dad works for the Mississippi Farm Bureau office as an auditor,” Crystal explains about her husband, dan, 34, an

employee at Fry’s electronics in Austin. “From dan’s point of view, he grew up in a family that’s full of

doctors and insurance adjusters, so as the son of an insurance agent, they were always pressing that it’s better to be safe than sorry. i mean, we’re both pretty healthy, but you never know what’s going to happen. you see people later on in life and they’re trying to get their stuff squared away, and it just seems easier to get everything squared away while you’re a little bit younger than it is as you get into your 40s and 50s. it just makes sense to get the bases covered up front; you can always adjust later.”

Starting youngthe tingles knew exactly where to turn once they started

settling into their new life in texas as a married couple, and they quickly found the man that would help them get their loving plans in writing. shortly after their wedding, they turned to Ken leifeste, a texas Farm Bureau insurance Agent based in travis County, to help them get their auto insurance in order. A year later, they turned to him again to finalize their life insurance policy and make sure they were getting everything they needed to provide as much coverage as possible for their beloved.

like many other young couples, when the tingles walked in to leifeste’s office, they knew exactly what they were looking to do in terms of purchasing some sort of protection for each other in the case of unforeseen circumstances; however, they just didn’t know how to go about making it happen.

“Ken helped us get set up,” Crystal recalls of their plan, which includes whole life combined with term life insurance. “otherwise, dan and i didn’t know what we needed and we didn’t know how to go about doing this. so he started by helping us walk through and start this process.”

TFBIC_FALL13_HOWMUCHISLOVEWORTH.indd 22 8/13/13 11:55 AM


Even without kids in the picture, there’s no time like the present for young couples like the Tingles to start the ball rolling on planning for the future … even if that means planning for unfortunate possibilities in life.

“I feel that life insurance is a necessity for young married couples who have yet to start a family as well as for newly married couples,” says Leifeste, an agent with more than 26 years of experience. “They are now planning everything as a couple rather than individually, therefore forming a shared venture. Being young and enthusiastic about the future gives them a tendency to obscure the fact that bad things can still happen to good people.”

The appeal of life insurance is that it can make it possible for a surviving spouse to maintain his or her standard of living without having to secure a second income. More often than not, savings that have been accumulating over a long period of time can quickly be wiped out, leaving the survivor to become dependent on family, friends, or charities.

Whether you’re just starting out in the career field, newly married, or even getting a head start on planning for the next stage in life of diapers and onesies, there is no time like the present to buy life insurance. As the Tingles would affirm, it can be one of the most loving gifts you can provide for the ones you truly care about in this world.

“Dreams of owning a home, completing an education, starting and raising a family, all are possible because you own a life insurance program,” Leifeste adds. “Life insurance removes the ‘what-if’ thoughts. Life is unpredictable, so plan ahead. The old saying, ‘People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan,’ is still true today. No one wants to think about death occurring. It just happens! In our uncertain world, life insurance can provide peace of mind.”

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.

Starting Smart“Life will be tough enough going on

alone without having the added weight of a huge financial burden,” sympathizes

Ken Leifeste, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent. Here are his three tips

when considering life insurance:

1 | For the best deal on life insurance, buy when you’re least in need. Simply put, buy while you’re young and insurable and the costs are less expensive. You will never be younger than you are right now and as you age, the cost will only rise.

2 | If you are at risk for a medical condition that might make buying or qualifying for life insurance later in life too expensive or impossible to get, purchase while you’re still young and healthy.

3 | “How much do I need?” is a question you should ask in detail. Consider the cost of:

• Funeral or burial expenses• Mortgage payoff or rent replacement income• Personal bills such as automobile loans,

college loans, credit cards, installment loans, etc.

• Income replacement• Tuition• Childcare• Emergency funds• Retirement savings• Health insurance

Win a Yeti® Tundra 35!Turn to page

33 for details.

online onlyHow much insurance do you

really need? find out at www.texasheritageforliving.com.



TFBIC_FALL13_EMPTY NESTERS.indd 24 7/31/13 2:25 PM


Empty NEst

pitfallsRetirement vs. tuition,

the big three, and increased spending.

Are you prepared?

By Paula FelPs



This fall, Kylie allen of Brownwood will get her first taste of college life. But that new life will be just as big of an adjustment for her parents, Jama and Kyle cutbirth.

“My husband’s older child is graduating college, the other will be starting her senior year of college, and Kylie will be starting her freshman year of college,” Jama says. “so it’s kind of exciting, because my husband and i will get to spend a lot of time together. But it’s going to be a big change for us.”

following her active daughter’s extracurricular activities has kept Jama out of the house three or four nights a week for the past few years, so her schedule will change dramatically with her daughter’s departure. “Kyle has even said that we can’t plan anything because i’m always gone, so hopefully now we’ll get some time with just the two of us.”

Planning aheadthe change in living arrangements puts the cutbirths, who

are texas farm Bureau members, in the category of “empty nesters” — parents whose children have left home. it’s a time in life that can be accompanied by grief, fear, and dread — or may be looked forward to as a time to explore new interests, rekindle relationships, and enjoy more “me” time.

regardless of the feelings that accompany it, this is undoubtedly a time of change and new beginnings. “i’m pretty flexible with whatever happens,” Jama says, admitting that she

has some trepidation about this new chapter in her life. “i’m very close to my daughter and it breaks my heart to see her go, but at the same time, i’m very excited for her. it’s going to be a whole new adventure for her.”

as much as it’s an adventure for the young adult child who is leaving home, it also is an adventure for parents in a very different way. while the emotional implications of these life-changing events are widely discussed, this is also a time to think about the financial aspects of such changes. Kim fontenot, a financial advisor based in houston, says the departure of the last child from home is a time for parents to review and possibly reevaluate their spending and saving habits.

Spending increases?while Jama anticipates spending less money, because she’ll be

cutting out the costs of dining on the road and staying in motels while following Kylie’s sports and academic events, fontenot says that in most cases, spending increases when the nest is emptied.

“once the children are gone, most people become more active,” she explains. “they tend to travel and dine out more. when you have kids, you tend to put yourself last. once they’re gone, you can do a lot of the things you have wanted to do, whether it’s shopping or travel.”

But don’t forget to save …that’s fine, and well-deserved, she says, but she encourages

parents to remember to allocate some of that money for savings. “this is a really good time to get out of whatever debt you may

have,” she says. “this is when you start preparing your financial life for retirement. once you retire, your financial options are drastically decreased because you don’t have an income. so this is the time that you really have to look at catching up on your retirement fund contributions.”

Review and revisitin fact, this is an ideal time overall for catching up financially,

reviewing investment plans, and creating a road map for your future.

“one of the first things you should do is meet with your insurance agent,” fontenot says. “revisit your coverage and see if it still suits your needs.”

the cutbirth family reviews their coverage on a regular basis with lance a. Bond, a texas farm Bureau insurance agent in Brownwood, who agrees that this is the perfect time to meet with an agent and review all policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage. car insurance can remain in effect, even for out-of-state college students, as long as the parents remain in texas.

Insuring out-of-state students“one thing they might want to look at is a tenant policy on the

child’s personal property while living in an apartment while away at school,” Bond says. “that would certainly be worth their while in the event of a loss.”

each situation is different, so Bond says each family must



create an insurance coverage plan that suits their needs. Fontenot says parents also should meet with their attorney to update any estate planning documents, and also review investments to see if it’s time to change to a more conservative plan.

“The nice thing about this time in life is that it typically corresponds with your peak earning years,” Fontenot says. “So you can meet with your investment professional, and if you aren’t where you need to be, you probably have the time and the resources to change that.”

Retirement vs. tuitionWith the cost of education skyrocketing, Fontenot has seen

many parents realize that the college savings they set aside for their children simply aren’t enough to meet tuition costs. When scholarships fail to fill the financial gap, parents sometimes turn to their retirement savings — which Fontenot says is a big mistake.

“You have to be very mindful of the decisions you’re making at this point,” she says. “You have less time to recover, financially, and you have to put it on paper to see if you can truly withstand a withdrawal. Think of this as a strategic business decision instead of making an emotional decision.”

In most cases, parents who didn’t save enough for college are also struggling to contribute to their retirement plans, and diverting retirement funds to college could be a catastrophic blow from which they can’t recover.

“It’s natural to want to help your children out, and you want them to be able to afford college,” she says. “But you could really put yourself in a bind. Remember that you can always get a loan for college — but you can’t get a loan for retirement.”

You can get a loan for college, but not for retirement.

The Big Three BecomIng an empTY neSTeR BRIngS SIgnIFIcanT changeS — both fiscally and emotionally. It can be a time of rediscovering lost hobbies, new friendships, and exploring your world in a new way. But as you enjoy the newfound freedom, it’s important to keep in mind the priorities that accompany this new lifestyle. houston-based financial advisor Kim Fontenot offers the top three priorities facing empty nesters:

• Save foR RetiRement. It’s easy to spend more at this phase in life, but keep in mind that your financial options will decrease significantly after retirement. “You don’t want to reach retirement and have to depend on your kids to take care of you,” she reminds. • Get out of debt. It’s challenging — but not impossible — to beef up your retirement funds while at the same time paring down debt. a fat investment portfolio is only half the picture; make sure that you’re working diligently on eliminating all debt.• Help youR adult cHildRen. Fontenot notes that this comes only after making sure that you are making the most of your retirement funds and are shaving off debt. “It’s kind of like looking at things in reverse, but you have to do it,” Fontenot says. “You have made your children your priority all these years, now it’s time to put yourself first. Because if you don’t, nobody else will.”



The Texas Department of Insurance defines the two options for homeowners insurance as follows:

Replacement cost equals what you pay to rebuild or repair your home, based on current construction costs, including labor and materials. It is the actual material, labor, overhead, and debris removal cost to rebuild your home in the same spot, at the same size, and with the same quality of construction in the event of a total loss at today’s rates.

actual cash Value (ACV) is what you pay to rebuild or replace a similar (to your own) house at today’s cost — minus depreciation (i.e., the decrease in value due to wear and tear or age).

Replacement Cost insurance, which typically has higher premiums, offers more complete coverage and protection for both your property and your possessions.

Property ProtectionKnow the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value.By lisa maRtin

The BAsTRoP CounTy fIRes. The ToRnADoes In GRAnBuRy. The WesT, TexAs, exPlosIon.

each of these recent tragedies saw total property losses, with even the slabs of some homes rendered unsalvageable. Rebuilding in the wake of disaster often proves time-consuming as well as emotionally draining, particularly when

homeowners find themselves confused about their coverage. Knowing the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost policies — not to mention the ancillary concept of market value — helps make the claims process and subsequent rebuilding go more smoothly.

D i s a s t e r p r e pTornadoes and Texas are synonymous. Make sure your home is properly protected.

The West, Texas, explosion resulted in many total property losses.

TFBIC_FALL2013_DISASTER.indd 28 8/13/13 11:58 AM


Here’s how Steve Williams, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Vice President of Claims, delineates the difference between Replacement Cost and ACV:

“Say your four-year-old TV is stolen. If you have Replacement Cost insurance, you can buy a new one that is ‘like-kind and quality,’ whereas if you have Actual Cash Value insurance, you get the replacement cost less depreciation, which won’t be as much.” In other words, ACV policyholders receive only the current value of a four-year-old TV equivalent to the one thieves took from their home. And remember, in both cases, policyholders must meet their deductible first before receiving an insurance settlement.

The difference between the two types of policies becomes magnified in the case of rebuilding an entire family home, where out-of-pocket expenses have the potential

to skyrocket. Unlike some companies, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance builds in automatic adjustments for inflation. Talk with your agent, however, when you make home improvements or make a large purchase.

When choosing the right policy to insure your home and possessions, B.J. Donaldson, Vice President of Underwriting for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, says he often encounters confusion about Replacement Cost or ACV versus market value.

“Market value [i.e. the price a buyer is willing to pay for a house, including the land] is whatever the current market price is that you could sell your home for, and depending on economic conditions or your area, it could be more or less than the Replacement Cost or ACV,” he says. “Homeowners policies never pay more than the face value of what is written.”

Insurance companies typically utilize cost

estimators that use a formula to calculate the correct replacement cost or actual value of your home. When discussing details of your home with your agent, be sure to be as accurate as possible. And remember, your home’s purchase price, the cost of your land and/or your outstanding mortgage balance DO NOT figure into the Replacement Cost or ACV estimate of a potential settlement.

According to Donaldson, adjusters will likely ask for an inventory list regardless of the size and extent of your claim. (A downloadable home inventory worksheet is available at www.txfb-ins.com.)

“Two of the most important things homeowners can do to protect themselves is to document their possessions and to stay in contact with your insurance agent to periodically review your coverage,” he says. “We want all of our customers to understand exactly what they are getting.”

TFBIC_FALL2013_DISASTER.indd 29 8/13/13 11:58 AM


• Clearing the browser history (53%)• Closing or minimizing the browser in the

presence of a parent (46%)• Hiding or deleting IMs or videos (34%)• Lying or omitting details about online

activities (23%)• Using a computer their parents don’t

check (23%)• Using an Internet-enabled mobile device

(21%)• Using privacy settings that make certain

content viewable only by friends (20%)• Creating a private email address

unknown to parents (15%)• Creating duplicate/fake social network

profiles (9%)“While it is not necessarily surprising

that teens are engaging in the same types of rebellious behaviors online that they exhibit offline, it is surprising how disconnected their parents are,” says Stanley Holditch, online safety expert for McAfee, the Internet software company that conducted the study last year.

“There is a major increase in the number of teens finding ways to hide

what they do online from their parents, as compared to the 2010 study. This is a generation that is so comfortable with technology that they are surpassing their parents in understanding and getting away with behaviors that are putting their safety at risk.”

Also of concern is the tender age at which kids now embrace social media usage. According to Consumer Reports, more than 7.5 million children age 12 and younger have Facebook accounts — despite the fact that users are supposed to be least 13. Some 5 million of these

Kids & Social Media: The Big DisconnectAre filTers proviDing you wiTh A fAlse sense of securiTy? reAD This lisT To your chilDren.By Lisa Martin

WHAT pArenTS don’T KnoW CAn deFInITeLy HUrT THeM and their tech-savvy offspring. According to a recent study, seven out of 10 children and teens hide from adults what they’re doing on Facebook, youTube, Twitter, Tumblr, and other popular social media sites. The report identified the top ways kids often fool the adults in their lives as:

s e c u r i t y

filters aren’t always effective; discuss dangers

and set rules with your children.

secret email addresses, hidden social media posts, and cleared internet history are just a few ways kids are outsmarting their parents.

TFBIC_FALL2013_SECURITY.indd 30 7/31/13 1:12 PM


underage users were 10 or younger.“What’s even more troubling was the

finding from our survey that indicated that a majority of the parents of kids 10 and under seemed largely unconcerned by their children’s use of the site,” says Jeff Fox, Consumer Reports technology editor.

Parental guidance in a Rated-R world

“It is important that parents play a key role in protecting their children online,” says Matthew M. Davis, M.D. and director of the C.S. Matt Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. “With so many young children using the Internet every day, parents must talk to their kids about Internet safety and help teach them to identify and avoid dangerous situations.”

Such situations might include everything from cyber-bullying to “sexting” — the practice of sending explicit photos and messages. Privacy can be another pitfall with teens disclosing

their full names, phone numbers, and location to strangers online.

Tell kids not to:The American Academy of Pediatrics

advises parents to set parameters for their kids’ online use, including limiting “screen time” to two hours per day. They also recommend that kids know to:• Never share names, schools, ages,

phone numbers, or addresses.• Never open an email from a stranger – it

may contain viruses that can harm a computer. And friends aren’t safe either; some attachments that appear to come from a friend may be the result of a cyber attack.

• Never send pictures to strangers or view pictures that strangers send to them.

• Always keep passwords private (except to parents).

• Always tell a trusted adult if something mean or creepy happens on the Internet.

The false security of filtersThere are filtering software options such

as Net Nanny or WebWatcher that block explicit content or track and report to parents what sites their child has visited; however, experts caution that this may still not be enough.

“Social networking, virtual worlds, gaming, and media sites where user-generated content is uploaded are very difficult to filter,” says Marsali Hancock, president and CEO of the Internet watchdog group iKeepSafe, noting that software can never catch 100 percent of offensive content. Plus, teens have been known to figure out ways to circumvent certain software programs.

That relic of the past, old-fashioned communication may prove the parents’ best ally in this newfangled, high-tech world. As the study by McAfee concludes: “Kids and teens need to be taught how to be good digital citizens — to avoid bullying or harassing their friends and classmates online — and how to keep their family computers safe and not to download software without your permission.”

TFBIC_FALL2013_SECURITY.indd 31 7/31/13 1:12 PM


Lost MapLesstate NaturaL areaFall for beautiful foliage: encompassing more than 2,000 acres, the vibrant, fiery-colored autumn foliage and scenic hiking trails of Lost Maples state Natural area attract 300,000 visitors each year.

text by Emily Farris

vistasshare your favorite vistas with us! Whether it’s a picture of your family on a summer texas road trip or even a snapshot of your favorite

texas landmark, send us a digital image and a brief description to [email protected], and we may include it in an upcoming issue.

© texas parks and Wildlife Department


TFBIC_FALL2013_Vistas.indd 32 8/13/13 11:50 AM

The price of a sodaDrink this in: For the cost of a vending-machine treat each day, you can protect your belongings with renter’s insurance.6 More at blog.txfb-ins.com

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T e x as h e r i Tag e fo r l i v i n g 33

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New! Texas Heritage for Living® Online!Enjoy more of this magazine online, with exclusive monthly updates about Texas travel, lifestyle, and stories about protecting your family and property.

How to access your digital subscription: 1. Know the code. Use the

special code from your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance contact below under “C.” Don’t have an agent or have questions? Email [email protected].

2. Visit www.TexasHeritageForLiving.com. Click the login button in the upper-right corner and enter your agent code (below under “C”).

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TFBIC_FALL2013_backpage_.indd 33 8/13/13 12:00 PM

TEXAS PROUD. AGAIN.Thank you to our member families for rating us “Highest Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in Texas” in the J.D. Power 2013 Auto Insurance StudySM. We’re here to help you protect the people, places and things that matter most. Contact us for a FREE 360 Review® today and let us show you how we have life covered.

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TXFB-INS.COM

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies received the highest numerical score among auto insurance providers in Texas in the proprietary J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Auto Insurance Study(SM). Study based on 45,521 total responses measuring 8 providers in Texas and measures opinions of consumers with their auto insurance provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March–April 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. © 2013 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. © 2013 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

Ranked “Highest Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in Texas.”This is the second consecutive year the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance companies have received an award from J.D. Power for Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction.

TFBIC fall 2013 OBC ad.indd 1 7/31/13 3:19 PM

Football SaFety - Texas Heritage for Living · how it affects you. By Jennifer Chappell Smith in...

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Transcript of Football SaFety - Texas Heritage for Living · how it affects you. By Jennifer Chappell Smith in...