Independent Savvy

A couple of times a week, I visit some furry friends at the Sadie Mae Foundation in Bolton, CT. Along with other volunteers, I feed them, clean them, and give them plenty of attention. Below I break down my top three reasons for doing so and why you should do it too. 1. Because It's a Blast I have volunteered for a handful of causes and events in my adult life but nothing has given me more joy than volunteering at an animal shelter. While at the end of most days I think I just want to go home and unwind, petting a sweet dog after a long day is extremely relaxing. I will never forget my first day and how it felt to have a swarm of puppies ease my stress away. I get to play with dogs that are happy to see me no matter what my day looked like. I have fun! 2. To Fill a Void I love dogs. I am crazy about them. I am the crazy dog lady. I have two extra-large pups at home and if it was up to me, I'd have many, many more. Fortunately, I have a husband that keeps my head on...

Are all insurance agents the same? Nope. It's pretty common, after speaking with or meeting a future customer for the first time, that they do not realize how an independent agent works. After all, the only advertisements we see are for big name companies with their funny reptiles and witty mascots. It's easy to believe we all operate like the other. Offering "Great Rates" and claiming to be "#1 in Connecticut". There are two types of agents: those who only work with (for) one company and those that do not. The majority of the companies advertised on radio and television are companies whose agents can only provide you one option: themselves. If they can only offer you them, how can you be sure that they are genuine? Independent agents are different, they work with numerous insurance companies every day. This allows them to tailor the options to fit your needs. Independent agents have more loyalty to their customers and when circumstances in your...

Summertime means picnics, dinner parties, and get-togethers! Below you will find siganture dishes from our very own staff here at IIC. Feel free to steal them, we won't mind. Tuna Macaroni Salad Ingredients 1 Box of Elbow Macaroni 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion 1/2 Cup Chopped Celery  1 Can of White Albacore Tuna 2 Heaping Tablespoons of Hellman's Mayonnaise Salt and Pepper to Taste Instructions   "Cook macaroni, strain, and cool. Place in large container. Add tuna, celery and onions. Add mayonnaise and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate and serve cold."  ~ Marie, Customer Service  Simple Bolognese Sauce Ingredients 1lb Ground Beef 1 Onion 1 28oz Can of Crushed San Marzano Tomato Sauce ½ Cup of Red Wine 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil Italian parsley to Taste Oregano to Taste Salt and Pepper to Taste Instructions " Cut the onion into quarters and sauté in a pan with about 2 tablespoons of olive...