{"id":24007,"date":"2026-04-19T20:50:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T20:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=24007"},"modified":"2026-04-19T20:51:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T20:51:31","slug":"save-500-or-more-next-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=24007","title":{"rendered":"Save $500 (or More) Next Week"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

You know that feeling you get when you find $20 in your pocket? Imagine finding $500!\n <\/p>\n

And if you can find that kind of money without cutting the budget, that\u2019s even better, right? So, what\u2019s the trick? It\u2019s quick and easy\u2014all you have to do is take a look at your insurance policies. And while that may not sound like a fun way to spend an afternoon, just think about all the things you could put that money toward . . .\n <\/p>\n

\u00a0\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Old Policies Could Cost You<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to insurance, most people like to set it and forget it. In a survey, 55% of drivers report staying with the same insurer for six years or more.[1]<\/sup><\/sup> In that amount of time, your insurance needs can change. But we keep those old policies, believing our loyalty is earning us a discount. The truth is it\u2019s frequently not\u2014sometimes they even charge you more<\/em> because they think you don\u2019t care.[2]<\/sup><\/sup> It\u2019s called \u201cprice optimization\u201d\u2014look it up!\n <\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0Home and auto insurance aren\u2019t just about low rates\u2014they\u2019re about the right coverage level. Talk to a trusted pro who can help you get both.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Phil H. found this out when he finally took a good look at his home and auto insurance. He and his wife had been using the same insurance company for more than 20 years until he consulted an independent insurance agent for home comparison quotes.\n <\/p>\n

\u201cOur agent helped us save $600 per year on our home and auto insurance,\u201d Phil told us. \u201cThat savings will go to our debt snowball\u2014we\u2019re almost there!\u201d\n <\/p>\n

Phil isn\u2019t the only one. Another survey shows 39% of respondents switched home insurance carriers because they could save money.[3]<\/sup><\/sup>\n <\/p>\n

\u00a0\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

What You Need: Nothing More, Nothing Less<\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t have to do all this alone though. Remember what Phil said? His agent<\/em> found him a better deal. Phil\u2019s agent was able to do that because independent agents aren\u2019t tied to one insurance company. They shop and compare policies from several companies to find the right coverage at the best price. And then you<\/em> get to pick. Is that your budget and<\/em> your calendar shouting for joy?\n <\/p>\n

One of the ways an independent insurance agent can save you money is by making sure you have all the coverage you need\u2014and none you don\u2019t. They\u2019ll look at your situation and help you know when a policy offers enough protection, and when you need a little more.\n <\/p>\n

There are eight types of insurance<\/em> pretty much everyone will need at one point or other:\n <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Auto insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> If you own and drive a car, you need this insurance.<\/li>\n
  2. Health insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> If you\u2019re alive, it\u2019s best you stay that way with health insurance.<\/li>\n
  3. Life insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Do you have any dependents? If anyone lives off your income, you need life insurance. (We recommend term life.)<\/li>\n
  4. Homeowners<\/strong> or <\/strong>renters<\/strong> insurance:<\/strong> Houses and the stuff inside get destroyed every day. If you own a house, you need insurance to protect your biggest investment. If you rent, you need insurance to cover your stuff\u2014because the landlord isn\u2019t going to.<\/li>\n
  5. Long-term disability insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Anyone can become disabled. You don\u2019t have to work a dangerous job\u2014a car accident could do it. You need this.<\/li>\n
  6. Long-term care insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> If you\u2019re over 60, it\u2019s time to get this.<\/li>\n
  7. Identity theft protection<\/strong>:<\/strong> Getting your identity stolen could wipe you out financially, and there are too many ways you\u2019re vulnerable to it. Everyone needs this protection.<\/li>\n
  8. Umbrella insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong> If your net worth is over $500,000, you need this. It protects you from people looking for a big lawsuit payout and more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    And if you\u2019re not sure what you should keep, what to increase, and what to drop in coverage, take the Coverage Checkup to get a personalized insurance action plan that breaks down what to keep, add or nix so you can take control of your finances with confidence.\n <\/p>\n

    \u00a0\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n

    \u00a0\n <\/p>\n

    Big Names Could Mean Big Bucks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The biggest companies in the insurance industry pour billions<\/em> of dollars into advertising to build that name recognition among potential customers.4<\/sup> That\u2019s how big companies convince many insurance customers that they offer lower prices and more convenience.\n <\/p>\n

    But buying insurance directly from the big guys isn\u2019t always in your best interest. In fact, going through a RamseyTrusted pro like Michael H. can net you a great deal.\n <\/p>\n

    \u201cI saved 43% on my homeowner\u2019s policy and 38% on my auto insurance,\u201d he told us. \u201cAnd both policies provided better coverage.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

    Michael and his family will save $700 a year on their coverage, and all it took was one phone call.\n <\/p>\n

    \u00a0\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n

    More Than the Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    An independent insurance agent does even more than help you save money. Your insurance agent can also:\n <\/p>\n