By Jason Alderman

Many people adopt a "penny wise, pound foolish" mentality when it comes to buying insurance. When trying to lower expenses, some will drop or reduce needed coverage, gambling that they won't become seriously ill, suffer a car accident or fall victim to a fire or other catastrophe. But all it takes is one serious uncovered (or under-covered) incident to potentially wipe you out financially.

Here are insurance policies no household should be without:

Medical. This is the most critical - and unfortunately, the most expensive - coverage you need. When comparing plans, consider:

• Are your doctors in their provider networks? If not, can you afford out-of-network charges - or are you willing to find new doctors?
• Are your medications covered under the plan's drug formularies?
• Do they restrict specialized services you might need like maternity, mental health or weight reduction treatments?
• If you choose catastrophic coverage to lower premiums, can you afford the high deductible in case of an accident or major illness?

Homeowner/renter. Faulty plumbing, theft and home-accident lawsuits are only a few catastrophes that could leave you without possessions or homeless. A few tips:

• "Actual cash value" coverage repairs or replaces belongings, minus the deductible and depreciation, whereas "replacement cost" coverage replaces items in today's dollars. Depreciation can significantly lower values, so replacement coverage is probably worth the extra expense.
• Jewelry, art, computers and luxury items usually require additional coverage.
• Review coverage periodically to adjust for inflation, home improvements, new possessions, change in marital/family status, etc.
• The market is competitive, so compare your rate with other insurance carriers. Get "apples to apples" quotes since policies may have varying provisions.

Vehicle. You probably can't even get a driver's license without demonstrating proof of insurance. Consider these coverage options:

• "Liability" pays if you cause an accident that injures others or damages their car or property.
• "Uninsured motorist" pays for damage caused to you or your car by an uninsured motorist.
• "Collision" pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision and "comprehensive" pays for damage caused by things like theft, vandalism and fire. However, they only pay up to the actual cash value (ACV) minus deductibles. Because the ACV for older cars is low, repairs often cost more than the car is worth.
• Common ways to lower premiums include : Raising deductibles; discounts for good drivers, exceeding age 55 or installing security systems; comparison shopping; and buying homeowner and car insurance from the same carrier.

Life insurance. If you're single with no dependents, you may get by with minimal or no life insurance. But if your family depends on your income, experts recommend buying coverage worth at least five to 10 times annual pay. Other considerations:

• Many employers offer life insurance, but if you're young and healthy you may be able to get a better deal on your own.
• After your kids are grown you may be able to lower your coverage; although carefully consider your spouse's retirement needs.
• You probably don't need life insurance on your children, but you might want spousal coverage if you depend on each other's income.
• If your divorce settlement includes alimony and/or child support, buy life insurance on the person paying it, naming the receiving ex-spouse as beneficiary.

Don't gamble your future financial stability by passing on vital insurance coverage - the odds aren't in your favor.

Urges Homeowners to visit KeepYourHomeIllinois.org for Assistance

CHICAGO - February 1, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that, one year after he launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) in his State of the State address, more than a half-million people have connected to its free statewide resources to help keep their homes.

"I launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network to help give Illinois families the guidance they need to stay in their homes," Governor Quinn said. "Knowledge is power. By accessing this free, centralized source of trustworthy information we can help homeowners do what's best for their families, while strengthening communities and our economy."

As a result of the IFPN, 561,000 people have been connected to foreclosure prevention help:

·         446,000 homeowners have accessed the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 60,700 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 44,500 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         More than 3,400 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 6,300 homeowners have received mortgage payment assistance with $144.1 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

Families are urged to reach out today to access the free resources that have helped so many other homeowners across Illinois. All of the services are available by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org, calling the toll-free hotline (1-855-KEEP-411), or visiting 80 counseling agencies throughout the state.

In February 2012, Governor Pat Quinn created the IFPN to give Illinois homeowners access to a trusted and reliable source where they could receive one-on-one counseling, legal advice and financial assistance. Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish this free, one-stop resource.

"When families fall behind on mortgage payments due to a job loss or pay cut, Governor Quinn's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) stands ready to help them," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "IFPN coordinates every available statewide resource for homeowners, and provides critical tools - such as counseling. Homeowners who undergo counseling are twice as likely to keep their homes."

IFPN has made a difference in the lives of so many Illinois families, such as Maria Perez of suburban Carol Stream. After her divorce in 2008, Perez struggled to pay her mortgage and save for her two sons' college education.

When she lost her job as a school registrar last year, Perez turned to the DuPage Homeownership Center - which assisted her in applying for temporary financial assistance available under IFPN's flagship program, the Illinois Hardest Hit program. The program enables qualified unemployed or underemployed homeowners to get current on their payments or receive monthly assistance.

"The Illinois Hardest Hit program bought me some time to consider my options calmly. It gave me time to breathe," said 48-year-old Perez.

IFPN events to enable homeowners to receive counseling or legal advice, apply for financial assistance and potentially receive an on-site loan modification from participating lenders are scheduled this spring. IFPN's next regional events are planned for Peoria and Rockford in April and June, respectively.

Davenport, IA, January 25, 2013 - The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®) BackgroundScreening Credentialing Council (BSCC) announced today that Inquirehire has successfully proved compliance with theBackground Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP) and will now be formally recognized as BSCC Accredited.

Each year, U.S. employers, organizations and governmental agencies request millions of consumer reports to assistwith critical business decisions involving background screening. Background screening reports, which are categorizedas consumer reports are currently regulated at both the federal and state level. Since its inception, NAPBS has believedthat there is a strong need for a singular cohesive industry standard and therefore created the BSAAP. Governed by astrict professional standard composed of requirements and measurements, the BSAAP is positioned to become a widelyrecognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to background screening organizations (also referred to asConsumer Reporting Agencies). This recognition will stand as the industry "seal" representing a background screeningorganization's commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutionalimprovement.

The NAPBS Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC) oversees the application process and is the governingaccreditation body that will ensure the background screening organizations seeking accreditation meet or exceed ameasurable standard of competence. To become accredited, consumer reporting agencies must pass a rigorous onsiteaudit, conducted by an independent auditing firm, of its policies and procedures as they relate to six critical areas:consumer protection, legal compliance, client education, product standards, service standards, and general businesspractices.

Any U.S.-based employment screening organization is eligible to apply for accreditation. A copy of the standard, the policiesand procedures, and measurements is available at www.napbs.com.

About Inquirehire:  Inquirehire is a leading national provider of human resources solutions that include background screening, drug testing,assessment testing, and human resources management systems. Inquirehire solutions are fully integrated and web-basedto help employers manage risk more effectively while reducing cost, saving time, and improving quality throughout theirhiring and overall human resources operations. Inquirehire is a founding member of NAPBS® and Concerned CRAs. Formore information about Inquirehire, visit www.inquirehire.com.

About NAPBS®:  Founded in 2003 as a non-profit trade association, the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS)represents the interests of more than 700 member companies around the world that offer tenant, employment andbackground screening. NAPBS provides relevant programs and training aimed at empowering members to better serveclients and maintain standards of excellence in the background screening industry, and presents a unified voice in thedevelopment of national, state and local regulations. For more information, visit www.napbs.com.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aside, for many men, the days of wearing hoodies and flip-flops to work are over.

After a decade of increasingly casual office dress requirements (inspired by Zuckerberg's 1990s Silicon Valley predecessors), CEOs began demanding a more polished look beginning with the 2001 recession. By 2002, more formal dress codes had been reinstated by 19 percent of companies with more than $500 million in revenues, according to a Men's Apparel Alliance survey.

"The 2001 recession gave Americans a taste of the tougher job market," says Darnell Jones, a  business professional and creator of TUKZ Undergarments for men, (www.TUKZ.com), which have clasps that ensure shirts stay tucked.

"Then along came the Great Recession in December 2007 and, with it, the layoffs and high unemployment we're still experiencing. Today, if you want to get hired and if you want to get promoted, you've got to look like you mean business."

Jones notes that it's not just corporate leaders who want a more professional-looking workforce. In a 2012 survey by Salary.com, nearly 25 percent of respondents said their workplace's dress code is too lenient. Less than 10 percent said theirs was too strict.

"Right or wrong, how much care you take - or don't take - with your appearance communicates a lot about you," Jones says. "If you take pride in how you look, you probably take pride in the work you do. If your outfits are thrown-together or dated, you may be reckless with details and not up on the latest in your profession."

If you're ready to give up your office hoodie, but aren't sure what to replace it with, Jones offers these tips:

• Get a navy blue or gray blazer or suit coat: Solid colors are best, although pinstripes are fine, too. Get the best material you can afford. If wearing a jacket all day doesn't fit with your workplace vibe, keep one in your office or cubicle to have handy just in case. Whether it's a surprise visit from a client or an unexpected meeting with the CEO, slipping on a jacket is an easy way to make a good impression.

• Watch your feet: Invest in a good pair of lace-up shoes -- brown, black or, better yet, both. (The color should complement your trousers and match your belt.) Avoid square-toed shoes -- they're dated. Be sure your shoes are polished, and replace the heels when they get run down, particularly if you're going on a job interview or attending an important meeting. Of course, you'll need socks, too. They should coordinate with the color of your trousers - and with each other!

• Avoid the peacock effect: Your shirt should be a solid color - no patterns and no hot pinks. Be sure it's pressed. An undershirt is a must; it helps prevent unsightly perspiration stains and unwanted views of underlying body parts. If you're not wearing a tie and leaving the top button or two undone, make sure the T-shirt collar is not visible at your throat. If you're wearing a coat, about a half-inch of shirt cuff should be visible at your wrist.

• Flatter your face with a V-neck: A good-quality gray, V-neck pullover sweater worn over a blue dress shirt is a great look for business casual. The bottom of the sweater should stop at your belt line.

"You'll be amazed at how much more seriously people take you when you look the part," Jones says.

"The best thing is, dressing well makes you stand taller and feel more confident. That's really a winning look."

About Darnell Jones

Darnell Jones is the founder and president of TUKZ Undergarments, LLC, specializing in a unique functionality that prevents shirts from becoming un-tucked. He earned his bachelor's in health with an emphasis in management at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. Jones' vision is for TUKZ Underwear to reside in every household to improve appearance and build confidence in men and women of all ages. He currently serves as an investor and a Region Manager for Olive Medical Corp.