Happy November! This month’s update brings you helpful advice, timely insights, and resources you need to know as the month approaches.

What’s included: Preventing porch theft, Dave's Corner, and tips for perfectly declining an invitation this holiday season.

As online shopping ramps up in November, so does package theft. Millions of Americans report stolen deliveries each year — and most incidents happen between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The good news is that a few preventive steps can help protect your purchases and your peace of mind.

• Plan deliveries carefully. Whenever possible, schedule packages for times when someone will be home or have them delivered to your workplace, a locker, or a trusted neighbor. Many carriers also offer real-time tracking, text alerts, and “hold at location” options for added control.

• Team up with neighbors. If you’ll be away for the day or weekend, coordinate with a nearby friend to pick up packages left at your door and return the favor when they’re out. A simple neighborhood system can be one of the most effective theft deterrents.

• Keep your porch visible and well-lit. Motion-sensor lights, doorbell cameras, or clear sightlines from the street can discourage thieves. Avoid leaving empty boxes in plain view; they advertise what’s inside your home.

• Act quickly if a package is stolen. Check with the carrier and retailer first; some companies replace stolen items, especially through verified delivery programs. If theft is confirmed, file a police report and contact your insurance agent.

• Your coverage may help. Stolen packages are typically covered under the personal property portion of a homeowners or renters policy, subject to your deductible. It may not always make sense to file a claim for smaller losses, but it’s good to know your coverage before the holiday rush.

Online shopping makes gift-giving easy, and with a little planning, you can make sure every package gets safely from your porch to under the tree.

Here are a few key dates and reminders to keep in mind this month.

• November is Long-Term Care Insurance Awareness Month. While it’s not always top of mind, long-term care needs can arise unexpectedly, and traditional health insurance doesn’t usually cover them. If you’ve ever wondered what your options are or how long-term care coverage fits into your overall plan, now’s a great time to learn more.

• November 16-22 is International Fraud Awareness Week. Scams often spike during the holiday season, ranging from fake “insurance refunds” to phishing emails masquerading as delivery notifications. Take time to update your passwords, monitor bank activity, and verify messages before clicking links. A little due diligence goes a long way toward protecting your identity and your coverage.

• And of course, Thanksgiving is November 27. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, make sure your auto insurance and roadside assistance are up to date before hitting the road.

Ways To Save Money Fast: 10 Quick Ways

Key Takeaways

• You can free up cash by cutting unnecessary spending, finding simple ways to lower your essential bills, and planning your meals.
• Sell stuff you’re not using and pick up a side hustle to bring in extra money fast.
• Reevaluate your insurance, tax withholdings and investments to make sure your money is working for you, not against you.
• Stay motivated with fun savings challenges and stick to a budget so your money behavior changes actually last.

A referral is the highest compliment you can give us! To show our appreciation for every referral we enter your name into our monthly drawing. You could win gift cards or cash. Also, for every referral that you send to Allco Insurance, that writes a policy with us, we donate $10 to Stripes of a Warrior. Stripes of a Warrior is a great cause that we support wholeheartedly. They will provide financial assistance to those that have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to afford their housing, medical bills, medication, or food expenses. Referrals have helped raise over $28,000 in the past 9 years for Stripes of a Warrior.

We’ve gathered a few seasonal reads to help you get ready for the holidays — whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just trying to keep things safe and simple this season.

• Find the perfect present for the children on your list with Parents’ 2025 Best Toys Awards — a roundup of fun, educational, and family-approved favorites you can feel good about giving.
• If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, try adding a playful twist to your next White Elephant gift exchange with one of these creative variations that keep everyone laughing.
• Expecting overnight guests this season? Martha Stewart shares expert tips on creating a warm and welcoming space that makes visitors feel at home.
• Before your next gathering, brush up on food safety basics from Mayo Clinic.
• Need to say “no thanks” to an invitation without feeling guilty or awkward? Parade offers tactful wording and strategies for gently declining invitations.

If you need help with insurance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make your fall smooth and easy.

Every. Single. Year.

Sigh.

Have a great week — and if you have any insurance questions or would like a quick policy review before year’s end, give us a call. We’re here to help.