Happy February! This month's update brings you helpful advice, timely insights, and resources you need to know as the month continues.

What's included: Understanding life insurance riders, National Walk Your Dog Day, Dave's Corner, and must-read articles this month.

The slow month of February is a great time to review your insurance coverage and explore ways to make it work harder for you. One of the most effective ways to customize your protection is through life insurance riders, which amend your basic life insurance policy by adding benefits or changing its terms to give you more flexible coverage.

Here are some common types of riders worth considering:

• Long-term care rider - Available with cash value policies like universal or whole life insurance, this rider addresses long-term care needs. If you need care, the funds reduce your policy's death benefit, but your beneficiaries still receive the remaining amount.

• Term conversion rider - Allows you to convert term life insurance to permanent life insurance without a medical exam. This is particularly valuable for young parents who want to lock in coverage to protect their families in the future.

• Waiver of premium rider - If you become critically ill, disabled, or seriously injured, this rider relieves you of premium payments while keeping your coverage active. It's peace of mind that your policy won't lapse during a difficult time.

• Accelerated death benefit rider - If you're diagnosed with a terminal illness, this rider provides you with a cash benefit while living. You can use these funds to improve your quality of life or pay for medical and final expenses.

• Scheduled personal property rider - For homeowners, this extends coverage for valuable items like jewelry, art, or collectibles beyond standard policy limits.

While riders come at an additional cost beyond your basic premiums, they are often more affordable than purchasing separate policies. However, it is crucial to evaluate whether a rider truly enhances your policy without duplicating existing coverage.

If you are curious about which riders might make sense for your situation, we are happy to review your coverage and share any recommendations.

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

• February 22nd is National Walk Your Dog Day. Grab your leash, some treats, and your walking shoes, and take your furry friend for a stroll. It's good for both of you and a wonderful way to enjoy some fresh air together!

• Ramadan begins in mid-February. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is one of the holiest months for Muslims worldwide. This year, Ramadan will be observed from mid-February through mid-March as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and unity.

How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Affect Your Taxes?

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes many of the 2017 tax cuts permanent—and even expanded them, in some cases. It locks in the lower tax rates, a bigger standard deduction, and the expanded child tax credit that was about to expire in 2026.
• New (and temporary) tax breaks for workers and seniors. Seniors get a temporary deduction, tipped workers can deduct tips, and hourly workers can deduct overtime pay—but only through 2028.
• SALT deduction cap gets raised—but only for a while. The state and local tax deduction cap temporarily jumps to $40,000 (with phaseouts for higher earners).
• A few popular tax credits are going away. The bill ends tax credits for electric vehicles and home energy upgrades, starting late 2025. It also keeps the mortgage interest deduction capped and eliminates interest deductions for most home equity loans.
• National debt keeps growing—and Washington keeps spending. Even though the bill saves some money by tightening Medicaid and Affordable Care Act benefits, it’s still projected to add more than $3 trillion to the deficit by 2034.

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. To learn click HERE.

We've gathered a few reads to help you navigate February — from sports excitement to Valentine's gift ideas.

• From a LEGO bouquet to a personalized song, this curated guide from CNN offers creative gift ideas to impress your Valentine.

• Planning to put your home on the market this spring? Consider these prep tips now from Realtor.com.

• Get the full scoop from PBS News on what to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

As always, if you have any insurance questions or want to review your coverage this month, we’re just a call or email away.