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Just as an umbrella can protect you from the rain, an umbrella insurance policy can shield you from lawsuits if something unfortunate happens at your home.

Homeowners insurance usually includes some liability coverage to protect your assets if someone is injured at your home. Umbrella policies can go beyond the $300,000 liability insurance that most insurers require of a homeowners policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

If your home or assets are worth more than $300,000, or if youre worried that someone might injure themselves on your front step and will sue you for over that amount, then an umbrella policy could be worthwhile. The potential loss of future income is another consideration, since your future wages could be garnished in a lawsuit.

A $1 million umbrella policy can cost $150 to $300 per year, according to III.

Here are some of the things an umbrella liability policy can protect you from:

Swimming pool accidents
Trampoline accidents
Dog bites
Bodily injury
Property damage
Landlord liability
Vacant land (if an uninvited guest is injured on your property)
Owning a home business that clients visit
Construction on property
Slander and libel
Shock and mental anguish
False arrest
Malicious prosecution

A personal umbrella policy (PUP), protects your personal items and usually doesnt cover your business, even if it’s a home business”a separate umbrella policy would be needed in this instance.

Depending on the type of umbrella policy you buy, there are some things that aren’t typically covered. Your personal belongings that are damaged wont be covered, but someone else’s will be.

Other areas that wont be covered by umbrella insurance include floods, health insurance, intentional crimes and written or oral contracts.

Wealthier individuals may have more reason to get an umbrella policy because they have more assets to protect. But even a homeowner with a modest-priced home may want to get an umbrella policy if their basic homeowners insurance doesnt have much liability coverage.

Since a home is usually your largest asset, its important to insure it properly. If someone is injured on your property, for example, you dont want to be held liable for injuries and damages that could add up to more than the value of your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you’ve found the house of your dreams but are having trouble qualifying for a mortgage, you could ask another person to co-sign your mortgage. Here are some things to consider.

Reasons to Have a Co-Signer

Buying your first house, high credit card balances or a poor credit history are all valid reasons for having a co-signer.

Co-Signer Considerations

If you ask someone to co-sign a mortgage, expect them to have legitimate reservations.

Doing so will increase their debt-to-income ratio.

Should You Ask Someone to Co-Sign?

Before you ask someone to co-sign, make sure you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.

If you have any doubts, put off home buying until you save more money and improve your credit score.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Having a well-stocked pantry can mean the difference between having a last-minute dinner on the table without much in the refrigerator, or going to the store for supplies or dining out.

Most things in a pantry will have an expiration date, but an expiration date doesnt always mean that a product is unsafe to eat. It refers to the nutritional value and could be eaten afterward”unless you notice discoloration, odor or compromised packaging. If so, throw it out.

Food lasts longer if it has been preserved through canning, pickling, drying, smoking or pasteurization, or if it contains food preservatives. All of these inhibit bacterial growth, keep the food looking good and prevent food-borne illnesses.

That said, you dont want to take the risk of eating spoiled food. If something smells off, looks bad or tastes bad, throw it away.

Still, there are some things that should stay fresh in a pantry for a long time. For example:

Soy Sauce

If unopened, soy sauce can last indefinitely. Once the top is off, it should remain fresh for three years. What helps it last so long? High salt and acid content act as preservatives.

If you expect to use a bottle of soy sauce within a few months, you can store it in a pantry. Any longer and put it in the fridge to retain the best quality for longer.

Honey

Honeys sweetness is from a low acidic pH and very low moisture levels, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Honey can be kept indefinitely, though it may crystallize over time.

Sugar

Sugar can also last a long time”if you keep it away from moisture. Technically, sugar never spoils.

Rice

If stored properly in airtight containers, rice should also last indefinitely. White rice will store well for 25 to 30 years if properly sealed and stored.

Whole grain rice is processed and has a shorter shelf life, so keep whole grain rice and brown rice no more than six months.

Peanuts

Peanuts and items such as peanut butter, which is high processed with sugar and other food additives, can last up to two years.

Canned Fish

Tuna, salmon, sardines and other types of canned fish can last three to five years if their original packaging isnt opened or damaged. Canning removes all air in vacuum-sealed containers that are heat processed. It destroys microorganisms and prevents new bacteria from getting in.

Cornstarch

This cooks helper thats often used to thicken recipes can last indefinitely. Keep it away from moisture and you can keep a box in your pantry for years.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your front porch is your home’s calling card, setting the stage for presenting the rest of your house in its best light and creating a memorable welcome for visitors. That’s why choosing the right decor and, more importantly, the right paint color is a critical step.

Here are some suggested colors to add life to your front porch.

A muted shade of green will tie into the greenery surrounding your home to create a pleasing cohesive look, without detracting from your landscaping.

A deep blue will bring a sleek sense of style to your front porch, making your home stand out from the street.

An off-white shade is always dependable and brings a crisp, fresh look to your home. Look for a warm but neutral hue that blends nicely with your homes overall exterior.

A silver shade of grey brings a sophisticated look to your front porch and helps highlight its architectural features. It also works well with just about any exterior color.

Published with permission from RISMedia.