A thing I pre-ordered months ago has shipped!
What's the thing?
Keepsake Quilting, and several other quilt companies/stores, put a sort of gift box together with fabric, notions, patterns, and gift cards in them. You don't know what you're getting, making it a surprise. I have never purchased one because they're expensive. This was 50% upfront, 50% when shipped, for a total of $150. Considering how much is in it, and what reviews were left the last several years, it's a steal. Plus, I wanna treat myself after having such a stressful and unpleasant year.
My mom and one of aunts have ordered such boxes in the past, but according to my mom, they're disappointing because she has so many of the things in the package, or no use for many of them. Rulers (some of which cost $30), needles, rotary cutters and extra blades (blades can be $10/each, new cutters up to $50), fabric marking tools (chalk pencils, disappearing ink, etc), precut fabric collections (jelly rolls can be $80, fat quarter collections up to $100 depending on number of FQs), and yardage ($12.99-$21.99/yard). She's been disappointed by "ugly" fabric too many times.
I, on the other hand, have significantly fewer tools. I make things for people to buy, and some folks love fabric I cannot stand (like x-mas and patriotic prints). There have been fabrics I consider well and truly hideous, and those I list in my shop or sell to people here. One person's trash is another's treasure, right? I've met people who think pastels are ugliest things to have ever existed. I think baby pink and green military camouflage look fantastic together, as well as turquoise and light hemp brown or terracotta and peacock blue. My mom finds them hideous. I think pink and any shade of brown look terrible together, or red and khaki (likely from working at Target and seeing is everywhere). Again, personal taste.
If any of you ever fancy treating me to one of these random collections of fabric and/or notions, feel free to do so. They're the sort of surprise I enjoy (that and people purchasing my work, especially from my shop). Sure, there are things that may he of no use to me, but others can use them. Nothing goes to waste.
This package will be arriving on November 18th, and has me giggling with excitement!
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spent the summer prepping for and taking the worst exam of my life, riding out the lease at the worst place i've ever lived,* then being temporarily kinda homeless,** and getting dozens and dozens of job applications rejected. i had some fun in there, but my anxiety has been through the fucking roof on top of my regular summer depression.
then the last two weeks of august happened 😳
everything happens so much. somehow, i managed to find the perfect apartment for a reasonable rent, and now me and Books are living (together!) in a fantastic and charming new home- lots of space, big kitchen table, a balcony facing undeveloped woods, just off one of the major roads in the city that has my favorite grocery store and our favorite sandwich shop (where we were already regulars). plus, i've gotten not one, not two, but three (three!) job offers- and i can take them all!!! one is with a hospital where i did my favorite internship rotation, and i'm so excited that i get to go back there and get paid to do that job, it was a blast. another is right by my new place and it's similar to the other hospital, but it's slightly bigger and sees more complex cases, so i'll be comfortable and confident, but i'll still get some new, specific clinical experience in areas that i'm interested in.
and the third position is... literally my dream job. it's the job that's been the end goal since the moment i chose my field of study. grad school and the internship made me rethink all of my professional goals and push them back, thinking i wouldn't be able to get to them for so long because i'd need ~more experience~. but now i'm. uh. i did it. i did it??!
the two hospital jobs are just part time, but they both pay well. the other won't start for a few months bc my boss*** has to get insurance approval to add me to her private practice,**** but that's okay, because i have a lot of reading and learning i want to do in the meantime to prepare! and then it will start as part time working up to full time as i build up my case load, but i'll also get to decide my own hours and do some work from home. i'll get to work with my favorite kinds of patients! and i'll get fantastic professional development opportunities for specialization, if i want to. the other dietitians in the practice seem lovely, so i'm excited to work with them. and the pay is realllly good, gosh, for being fresh out of the internship, it's nuts.
so things will pick up as i go through orientation and onboarding for the two hospital jobs next month. but it'll get calmer again after that, so i'll have the time and energy to prepare for the more challenging work that starts later, which is really nice.
and in the meantime, i'll be tending the wee garden on my balcony and playing board games with the love of my life 💗
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Top 10 Life Insurance Companies: Who Made the List?
Life insurance is a crucial financial tool that provides financial protection and peace of mind for individuals and their families. With numerous insurance companies offering a variety of policies, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 life insurance companies, highlighting their strengths, policy offerings, financial stability, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision about your life insurance needs.
Understanding Life Insurance
What is Life Insurance?
Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money (the death benefit) in exchange for premium payments upon the insured's death. Life insurance provides financial protection to the insured's loved ones, ensuring that they are financially supported in the event of the insured's death.
Types of Life Insurance Policies
There are several types of life insurance policies, including:
Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Term life insurance is typically more affordable but does not accumulate cash value.
Whole Life Insurance: Provides lifelong coverage and accumulates cash value over time. Whole life insurance premiums remain fixed for the duration of the policy.
Universal Life Insurance: Offers flexible premiums and death benefits, allowing policyholders to adjust their coverage and premium payments over time.
Variable Life Insurance: Combines life insurance coverage with investment options, allowing policyholders to allocate cash value into various investment vehicles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Company
Financial Strength and Stability
One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting a life insurance company is its financial strength and stability. Look for companies with high financial ratings from reputable rating agencies such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, and Moody's. A financially stable insurer is more likely to fulfill its obligations to policyholders, even in challenging economic conditions.
Policy Offerings and Coverage Options
Evaluate the policy offerings and coverage options provided by each insurance company. Look for companies that offer a variety of policy types, coverage amounts, and riders or endorsements to customize your coverage to meet your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as term lengths, death benefit amounts, and premium payment options when comparing policies.
Customer Service and Reputation
Research the reputation and customer service of each insurance company you are considering. Look for companies with positive reviews and high customer satisfaction ratings. A responsive and helpful customer service team can provide valuable support throughout the life of your policy, from initial application to claims processing and policy management.
Price and Affordability
While price should not be the sole determining factor when selecting a life insurance company, it is essential to consider affordability. Compare premium rates from multiple insurers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your coverage. Keep in mind that cheaper premiums may come with trade-offs, such as limited coverage or less favorable policy features.
Top 10 Life Insurance Companies
1. Financial Strength and Stability
A.M. Best Rating: A++
Standard & Poor's Rating: AAA
Moody's Rating: Aaa
2. Policy Offerings and Coverage Options
Term Life Insurance: Offers flexible term lengths and coverage amounts to meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Whole Life Insurance: Provides lifelong coverage and cash value accumulation, with guaranteed premiums and death benefits.
Universal Life Insurance: Offers flexible premiums and death benefits, allowing policyholders to adjust coverage as their needs change.
Variable Life Insurance: Combines life insurance coverage with investment options, providing the potential for cash value growth.
3. Customer Service and Reputation
Customer Satisfaction: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by customers for excellent customer service and claims processing.
Reputation: Recognized as one of the top insurance companies for its strong financial stability and commitment to policyholder satisfaction.
4. Price and Affordability
Competitive Premium Rates: Offers competitive premium rates for a variety of policy types and coverage options.
Affordability: Provides affordable coverage options to meet the needs of individuals and families at every stage of life.
Conclusion
Selecting the right life insurance company is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. By evaluating factors such as financial strength, policy offerings, customer service, and affordability, you can find a company that meets your needs and provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are protected financially. The top 10 life insurance companies highlighted in this guide have demonstrated strong financial stability, a wide range of policy options, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing, making them excellent choices for individuals seeking reliable life insurance coverage.
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i think a big reason that I get frustrated with the "liberals have never made anybody's lives better" is that in the US it used to be legal for insurance companies to charge you more if you were sick or even just straight up deny you the ability to sign up for them if you already had a "pre-existing condition", and this was only stopped by the passage of the ACA during Obama's term. but a lot of people who talk about politics on here are too young to really be affected by that since they would have been on their parents insurance (which the ACA required insurers extend until you're 26). and this was all done via politicking and not blowing up insurance CEOs mansions or whatever.
I'm not saying that the ACA fixed insurance forever, god no. but "you can't deny someone insurance for being sick" is a massive change and people don't realize it!
Most adults want the law’s prohibition on insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions to stay. Two thirds (67%) of the public say that it is “very important” that this provision remain in place, including most Republicans (54%) However, only about 4 in 10 people (39%) are aware that that provision is part of the ACA.
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