National Wellness Month

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National Wellness Month, recognized annually in August, is meant to encourage people to prioritize self-care, build healthy routines, and support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Wellness goes beyond physical health. It encompasses mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a sense of balance in daily life.

When we invest in our well-being, we’re better equipped to handle stress, maintain relationships, and perform at our best—both personally and professionally. This month is an opportunity to slow down and focus on the following key well-being components:

Movement—You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Stretch in the morning, take the stairs, or go for a walk during lunch. Movement boosts mood and energy.

Nutrition—Fuel your body with whole foods, stay hydrated, and avoid skipping meals. Even small changes, such as swapping soda for water, can make a big difference.

Mindfulness—This skill involves focusing on being present. Try meditation apps, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths during stressful moments.

Self-care—It’s important to take time each day to do something just for you. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, or having a cup of tea, self-care helps you recharge.

Stress management—Identify your stress triggers and create healthy coping strategies. These could include setting boundaries, unplugging from screens, or talking to a friend.

You can start taking small steps now to prioritize both your body and mind. Over time, these habits build a foundation for a healthier, more balanced you. If you’re struggling with any aspect of your wellness, seek help from health care professionals, including therapists, counselors, or wellness coaches. They can provide tailored guidance and support for your personal needs.

Understanding Your Cortisol Levels

Cortisol levels continue to trend on social media as people want to understand energy levels, manage stress, and boost their overall well-being. So, what exactly is cortisol? It’s your body’s primary stress hormone, helping regulate various functions, such as metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, immune response, and energy. While it’s normal for cortisol to fluctuate throughout the day (usually going up in the morning and slowly down during the day), consistently high or low levels can cause health issues. Ideal cortisol levels fall within a specific range that varies slightly based on the time of day and the type of test used.

To get a better understanding of your cortisol levels, seek the advice of a medical professional who can administer a cortisol test that measures the cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva. Standard blood panels generally don’t test for cortisol levels. Cortisol testing is usually ordered separately by a physician to learn more about your health conditions.

Understanding how cortisol works can help you stay aware of potential symptoms that could indicate an imbalance. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Medications That Make It Hard to Handle the Heat

Commonly prescribed medications can impact people more in the heat, causing dehydration or sun sensitivity or limiting the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. As such, these medications have heat intolerance, photosensitivity, or similar documented side effects:

  • Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may make you more sensitive to sun exposure, resulting in severe sunburn or rashes.
  • Antidepressants can cause excessive sweating, dehydration, and UV light sensitivity. They could also decrease sweat production, preventing the body from cooling down.
  • Antihistamines can make your body produce less sweat, making it difficult to regulate body temperature in hot weather.
  • Blood pressure medications can increase sweat production and dehydration. Sun exposure can cause a blood pressure dip, too.
  • Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can decrease the blood flow to the skin, making it more difficult to sweat and regulate.
  • Stimulants can increase your metabolic rate, impairing the body’s ability to cool down.

Keep in mind that the heat can also degrade certain medications like insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens.

The first sign of heat intolerance is feeling hot or uncomfortable. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, cramps, nausea or vomiting, weakness, or flushed skin. If you experience heat-related symptoms, go inside immediately and try to cool down. In addition to monitoring for symptoms, it’s important to stay hydrated, limit your exposure to direct sunlight, and wear protective clothing.

If you have questions about your medications or potential side effects, talk to your doctor. Also, don’t discontinue taking any prescribed medications without talking to them first.

 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-Term Investment Strategy

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Sure, there are some lucky people who do get rich quickly. People do win lotteries, hit the jackpot on the slot machine, and even pick the “right” stock at the “right” time, turning their investment into a potential fortune overnight.

But these fairy tales rarely come true.

More often, we achieve our financial and personal goals when following the principle at the heart of Aesop’s Fable, The Tortoise and The Hare — that “slow and steady wins the race,” or more specifically, that consistent, effective effort leads to success. In the investment world, this is more likely to be true.

Stick to a consistent plan

In the simplest terms, if you start early and consistently stick to an ongoing savings schedule where you set aside money on a regular basis, you should start to see your savings accumulate over the long term. However, just as in the Fable, (where the turtle used “smarts” — not just time—to his advantage), when investing, there are time-tested strategies that can help you reach your goal.

Stay ahead of inflation

For the same reason you wouldn’t stash your cash under your mattress, when saving for the long term, most professionals wouldn’t recommend “banking” all of your money. While it’s true that investments with a fixed rate of return, such as CDs (certificates of deposit), offer principal protection that others do not, they may not provide the growth you need when you factor in inflation.

Inflation refers to a general rise in prices of goods and services. Even low inflation reduces purchasing power over time, because as prices rise, a dollar buys less. And inflation levels can fluctuate over time.

This is a primary reason people invest in stocks, or equities. Over the long term, stocks historically have been an investment choice for some to outpace inflation.

Diversify

However, no one can control or predict the performance of the stock market, let alone a single equity. That’s why it’s important to diversify your portfolio across major asset classes to help you pursue optimal returns for the risk level that you’re willing to take. In addition, you’ll want to diversify within each asset class to take advantage of different styles and market sectors so strong performance in one area may be able to help offset downturns in another.

The goal is what professionals call “non-correlation.” That just means all of your investments are unlikely to move the same way at the same time. On any given day, some may be up and others may be down in value. In a well-diversified portfolio, you can realize the profit on the gains without losing too much on the losses. It all goes back to the age-old adage — don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Dollar cost averaging

Another popular long-term investment strategy is called “dollar cost averaging.” It works like this …

Say you decide to invest $10 every week in a mutual fund. If in the first week, the cost of a share in this hypothetical fund was $1, then your $10 would get you 10 shares. If the price of a share in the fund rose to $2 in the second week, your $10 would only get you 5 shares. But if the price of a share fell to 50 cents on the third week, $10 would get you 20 shares. (A stock’s price usually isn’t this volatile, but we’ve made it so for the purposes of demonstrating the principle of dollar cost averaging).

At the end of the three weeks, you’d have 35 shares after spending $30. So, your average cost per share would be about 85 cents a share.

In short, more shares were purchased when the price was low, and fewer were bought when the price was high. It’s important to note that the dollar cost averaging practice doesn’t eliminate risk.1 But investors use this method to make the cost of taking on the risk lower by lowering the average purchase price.

Make it as easy as possible: Go automatic

Whenever possible, you should consider setting up an automatic investment plan.

For example, if you invest in an employer-sponsored 401(k), you can set up automatic investments for each pay period. The percentage of your total pay (up to the maximum permitted) is taken out of your paycheck before any taxes and invested in the mutual funds or asset allocation strategy you choose. Your employer might even match a portion of your contribution. Not only do your savings accumulate, but the taxes on any investment gains you may realize are deferred until you retire and begin taking distributions. 2

  Be consistent — and smart

Consistency is the name of the game — as well as making a plan and sticking with it. Investors who change course a lot may be more likely to lose money.

Many investors put money regularly in a well-diversified portfolio, and reinvest all their gains and dividends along the way. But what’s financially appropriate can differ from individual to individual. Many people opt to consult with a financial professional to set an investment plan. But whether you’re saving for retirement, a new home, or a college education, slow and steady investing can help you win the race.

Provided by Cross Coastal Advisors, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). ©2025 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual®), Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights reserved. MM202712-311184

 

RV Insurance-What You Need to Know

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white rv on the road

Recreational vehicles (RVs), including campers, motorhomes, and fifth-wheel trailers, can face many of the same risks as everyday cars. However, their larger size, higher value, and dual use for transportation and living require specialized insurance protection. Whether you live in your RV full-time or use it for occasional getaways, understanding and securing the right coverage is essential. At Cleary Insurance, Inc., our team can help you learn about RV insurance and find the right coverage.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

RV insurance typically combines elements of both auto and homeowners insurance, reflecting the hybrid nature of RV use. While coverage needs can vary depending on your vehicle, personal circumstances, and location, you’ll likely find value in the following:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage—Similar to auto insurance, this type of coverage in your RV policy can help pay for other parties’ losses if you’re at fault for an accident on the road.
  • Property damage liability coverage—Also bearing a resemblance to its auto insurance counterpart, this part of your RV insurance may assist with vehicle repair or building rebuild costs if you damage someone else’s property in an accident.
  • Vacation/campsite liability coverage—This part of an RV insurance policy can extend liability coverage to include incidents occurring while your vehicle is parked, such as if a guest is injured while visiting your campground.
  • Collision coverage—If you’re involved in a crash while driving your RV, such as striking a tree, colliding with another vehicle or scraping against a guardrail, this part of your policy can financially assist with repairing your vehicle.
  • Comprehensive coverage—Fires, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters can all represent significant threats for your vehicle, but this part of RV insurance can account for subsequent losses.
  • Personal property coverage—Your RV can house more than just you and your passengers. This coverage can assist with losses involving its contents, including appliances, electronics, camping gear, and other belongings.
  • Medical payments coverage—This part of RV insurance can provide financial aid for medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Loan assessment coverage—If you live in a campground or RV park, this part of your policy can help with losses and expenses if the managing association charges you for repairs to common areas.
  • Roadside assistance coverage—Exploring the world in your RV may require you to be equipped with this type of coverage, which can help pay for towing and other fees should your vehicle break down during a trip.

While shopping for RV insurance, you may encounter the term “full-time RV insurance.” This policy typically includes more of the aforementioned components, such as vacation/campsite liability coverage and loan assessment coverage, and is generally advisable if you use your vehicle as your primary residence.

Is RV Insurance Required?

In most states, self-driven RVs require you to have RV insurance. These laws typically mandate at least bodily injury and property damage liability coverages, although details may vary depending on where you live and plan to travel. Alternatively, if you tow your RV, such as a fifth-wheel trailer or pop-up camper, you might not have to follow the same legal requirements, since your towing vehicle’s auto insurance can cover potential third-party damages.

You should also be aware of other possible obligations. For example, if you’ve purchased your RV with the assistance of a lender, they’ll likely require you to carry certain levels of RV insurance until you’ve paid off your vehicle. Specifically, many lenders may require collision and comprehensive coverage. Additionally, some campsites and RV parks may require insurance before you can settle in.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

Since there are many types of RVs and ways to use them, RV insurance rates can vary significantly. Carriers must carefully analyze your situation and personal details to assess risk levels and calculate appropriate pricing. While exact quoting processes may vary, you can generally expect the following criteria to be considered when shopping for RV insurance:

  • Location, including where you live, travel, and store your RV
  • Vehicle specifications, such as its size, type, features, age, and value
  • Your details, including age and driving record of all insureds
  • Use habits, such as whether you live in your RV full time and its estimated annual mileage
  • Claims history
  • Coverage levels, such as your deductible and what you include in your policy

How to Get the Right Policy

Your RV can unlock the world, allowing you, your family, and your guests to embark on epic adventures and enjoy time off the grid. However, even a single accident or mishap can derail your travels, disable your vehicle, and impose expensive financial ramifications. Acquiring and maintaining appropriate RV insurance may, therefore, not only be a legal requirement but also a critical investment. Contact Cleary Insurance, Inc. today to begin exploring your coverage options and building an optimal policy.

© 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. This Know Your Insurance document is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index 2025

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Men discussing safety

Liberty Mutual has released its latest report on workplace safety, revealing that accidents at work cost U.S. employers around $58.8 billion each year. Remarkably, the most common causes of these injuries account for a staggering 86% of those expenses, totaling about $50.87 billion.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the report, which highlights the ten main reasons people get seriously hurt at work—specifically, incidents that lead employees to miss more than five days of work. The report ranks these causes based on the medical expenses and lost wages associated with them.

Interestingly, while serious workplace accidents have declined by about 40% over the past 25 years, the overall costs related to workers’ compensation have gone up by 30%. This information comes from credible sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance.

The leading cause of workplace injuries remains overexertion, primarily due to heavy lifting and moving materials, which cost about $13.7 billion. This has been the top cause for 25 years. Following that, falls on the same level, such as slipping or tripping, are the second biggest issue, costing approximately $10.5 billion. This highlights the importance of having good safety measures to prevent such accidents.

Other significant causes of workplace injuries include being struck by objects or equipment and falling from heights, both of which add nearly $11.6 billion to the total costs. Additionally, injuries from over-exertion, vehicle-related accidents, and becoming caught in equipment are also major concerns, showing just how varied the risks at work can be.

Interestingly, the costs related to injuries from repetitive tasks have dropped by 44%, suggesting that safety initiatives are effectively reducing these incidents. Another notable mention is injuries from workers being struck by objects or equipment, which add up to about $1.7 billion.

The report also indicates that a large portion—56%—of injuries involving the back, shoulder, knee, or multiple body parts contribute nearly $32.6 billion to overall costs. Seven out of the ten injury causes listed this year have been recurring themes in all 25 reports published.

Accidents can and do occur, but understanding your risks and implementing preventative measures can help reduce their frequency. Cleary Insurance is here to help. Please call us to ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent unforeseen accidents.

Keep in mind that each index is based on data from three years earlier; thus, the findings this year reflect data from 2022.

To read the Liberty Mutual 2025 Workplace Safety Index please click here 2025 workplace Safety Index.

 

Workplace Safety Index – Liberty Mutual Business Insurance

What is your risk tolerance when it comes to investing?

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Before deciding on an investment strategy and portfolio mix, there’s a crucial piece of information you need: Your risk tolerance profile.

Simply put, risk tolerance is defined as the amount of risk that an investor is willing to put up with given the volatility in the value of an asset or investment.

While everyone’s risk tolerance is different, several factors will help determine your individual risk tolerance — and the amount of risk you’re willing to take in your investment strategy.

  • Time horizon: How old, or young, you are and when you will need or want to use the money is a primary factor in your risk tolerance. Generally, the younger you are, the more time you may have to recover from losses in higher-risk investments. The older you are, the more risk averse you may be, worried that you won’t have time to recover from stock market losses.
  • Impact on lifestyle: The amount of money you are comfortable allocating to investments will contribute to decisions regarding your personal risk factor. If your lifestyle depends on the money you invest, your risk tolerance will be different from another investor whose money, if lost, won’t alter his or her day-to-day living.
  • Knowledge of investing: Some riskier investments require an in-depth knowledge of investing and may not be appropriate for someone who has limited knowledge. The more investing knowledge you have, the more comfortable you might be with a more aggressive portfolio.
  • Personal comfort level: Your natural inclination may be to be more aggressive, or more prudent, which can have an effect on your investment decisions.

Online investment calculators can help assess your risk tolerance and provide a hypothetical asset allocation mix for you to consider. Generally, these asset allocation models may vary depending on which calculator you use.

Here are three of the most common types based on a risk profile quiz, that you can take yourself:

  • Conservative: 70 percent cash/bonds, 30 percent stocks
  • Moderate: 40 percent cash/bonds, 60 percent stocks
  • Aggressive: 15 percent cash/bonds, 85 percent stocks

Additionally, there can be two extreme models, although either is unlikely in actual practice:

  • Short-term/No risk: 100 percent cash/bonds
  • Ultra-aggressive: 100 percent stocks

Your risk tolerance profile can help to appropriately diversify your portfolio for the level of risk you are willing to accept. Being diversified means combining a variety of assets to offset potential risks or volatility in any one particular asset. This strategy often works because different classes or categories of investments may not move in the same direction at the same time. One may go down in value, while another goes up. But while diversification can help mitigate risk, it won’t eliminate the chance of a market loss completely. Nor will it guarantee a profit.

By doing a little research, through reputable investment research firms or information provided by your employer-based 401(k) plan, you can fine-tune your investment portfolio. Your risk tolerance profile will help you select the right mutual funds, stocks, and bonds from the multitude available. And in the end, you’ll likely have a portfolio that meets your unique needs.

 

Provided by Matthew Clayson, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). CA Insurance License # 0I01304
©2024 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001 MM202708-310101

 

Physical Activity And Exercise

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showing woman running for physical activity

Adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 1 in 4 adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.

Why is exercise important?

Research shows that those who are physically active are likely to live longer, healthier lives.

Physical activity can lead to many benefits:

  • Weight maintenance
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Improved blood sugar regulation
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced stress
  • Stronger bone density

In addition, a person who has hypertension, diabetes or a history of smoking can greatly benefit from including regular physical activity in their daily routine.

What should be included in an exercise program?

There are three main components to a well-balanced program of physical activity:

  • Aerobic activity—Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., briskly walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., running) every week.
  • Muscle strengthening—Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. For the purposes of general training, focus on two to three upper body and lower body exercises. Abdominal exercises are an important part of strength training as well.
  • Flexibility training—Flexibility training is important too, but it is frequently neglected, resulting in increased tightness as you age and become less active.

As with any change to your health and wellness regime, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start exercising.

How can I get started?

Commitment to a regular physical activity program is more important than the intensity of your workouts. Choose exercises you are likely to pursue and enjoy, such as these activities:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Stair climbing
  • Biking
  • Rowing
  • Swimming

Life is full of responsibilities that can pull you in multiple directions, and sometimes exercise takes a back seat to other obligations. But letting your fitness slip can create serious health risks down the road and make bad fitness habits even harder to break later on.

Where can I learn more?

For more information about exercise programs, please contact your doctor.

 

April Marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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The National Safety Council designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This annual campaign is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel.

Distracted driving contributes to nearly 400,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Distracted Driving Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines distracted driving as any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness:

  • Visual distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples include reading emails or text messages, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby accidents or roadside attractions while driving.
  • Manual distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking and performing personal grooming tasks while driving.
  • Cognitive distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers and daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that causes a significant number of accidents on the road. As such, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Prevention Measures

During this annual event and beyond, it’s imperative for businesses to educate their employees about distracted driving hazards and related prevention measures. Specifically, businesses should share the following guidance with their drivers:

  • Put phones away. Drivers should silence their phones and store them out of reach to avoid checking them behind the wheel.
  • Plan every trip. Before hitting the road, drivers should program their navigation systems and familiarize themselves with their journeys.
  • Utilize in-vehicle technology. Drivers should leverage any technology within company vehicles that promotes safe driving, including hands-free communication devices, voice-activated controls and telematics solutions.
  • Avoid multitasking. While driving, it’s best for drivers to refrain from completing additional tasks, such as eating or adjusting the radio.
  • Stay focused. By keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead, drivers can fully concentrate on the road.
  • Maintain compliance. Drivers should comply with all company policies and applicable laws regarding distracted driving.

Contact us today for additional risk management resources.

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

(AI) Artificial Intelligence in Cyber

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Over the past year, all eyes have been on the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on cyber insurance. First, the rise of generative AI will likely increase the frequency of cyber attacks. For example, there is a major concern that phishing attacks will become far easier and more effective for determined hackers.

Generative AI has the capability to craft cunning messages without the grammatical flaws that characterize many current phishing attempts. Moreover, generative AI’s data mining capabilities will further amplify these attacks, as the gathering of company-related information will become even easier to mine. Thus, expect more phishing attempts in the future, as generative AI’s ability to produce convincing deepfakes could lead to a rise in social engineering attacks.

For instance, a realistic deepfake of a company’s CEO could be used to deceive an employee into initiating a fraudulent wire transfer. It’s important to note that many of the safeguards that have been effective in the past may no longer be sufficient to counter AI-driven cyber attacks. This underscores the need for updated and robust security measures.

Hackers didn’t want to be left out of all the AI-related hysteria. So, they created a generative AI called WormGPT.

It was a first attempt, and most reports tend to believe that it has been a failure. However, there have been advertisements in hacker forums for machine learning experts to develop better large language models for nefarious purposes, but there could be a constraint on hackers creating AI models, as high-power computing and specialized Nvidia chips are required. Even companies like Google and Facebook are struggling to obtain these chips. So, it may be a while before these malicious models take off.

Ultimately, the most significant impact of generative AI may be a surge in cyber attacks. In light of this uncertain future, it’s imperative for companies to reevaluate their current insurance limits, and this reassessment will help determine whether the existing coverage will be sufficient in the face of a potential increase in claims.

AI Coverages?

Does AI pose any unique coverage-related risks under a cyber policy beyond an increase in claims? At present, most insurers do not appear to believe that there are any specific coverage issues caused by AI. In The Betterley Report’s “Cyber/Privacy Market Survey 2024,” the top cyber insurers were asked the following questions.

  • Any specific coverages related to AI?
  • Any definitions that relate to AI?
  • Any exclusions related to AI?
  • Any risk management services provided to insureds that are related to AI exposures?

Except for one insurer, all either answered these questions “No” or provided no response. Thus, the majority of insurers are simply keeping an eye on AI rather than directly modifying coverage under their policies.

An insurer in the survey, Coalition, took a significant step: It added affirmative AI language to its cyber policy. Specifically, Coalition included an AI security event in its definition of “Security Failure.” It also incorporated fraudulent instructions using deepfakes into its definition of funds transfer fraud.

Not to be outdone, another insurer, Districts Mutual Insurance, filed an endorsement titled Amend Definition of Fraudulent Instruction (Artificial Intelligence). That endorsement states:

The definition of Fraudulent Instruction is deleted in the entirety and replaced with the following:

Fraudulent Instruction means the transfer, payment or delivery of Money or Securities by an Insured as a result of fraudulent written, electronic, telegraphic, cable, teletype or telephone instructions provided by a third party, including any fraudulent instructions resulting from the use of deep fake technology, synthetic media, or any other technology enabled by the use of artificial intelligence, that are intended to mislead an Insured through the misrepresentation of a material fact which is relied upon in good faith by such Insured.

Fraudulent Instruction will not include loss arising out of:

  1. any actual or alleged use of credit, debit, charge, access, convenience, customer identification or other cards;
  2. any transfer involving a third party who is not a natural person Insured, but had authorized access to the Insured’s authentication mechanism;
  3. the processing of, or the failure to process, credit, check, debit, personal identification number debit, electronic benefit transfers or mobile payments for merchant accounts;
  4. accounting or arithmetical errors or omissions, or the failure, malfunction, inadequacy or illegitimacy of any product or service;
  5. any liability to any third party, or any indirect or consequential loss of any kind;
  6. any legal costs or legal expenses; or
  7. proving or establishing the existence of Fraudulent Instruction.

Source: Districts Mutual Insurance, Amend Definition of Fraudulent Instruction (Artificial Intelligence) (DMI—BR E16416 5-24).

It will be interesting to see whether other insurers add similar language to their cyber forms.

Start Financial Planning With 3 Baby Steps

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financial planning session

Does the idea of financial planning — putting together a system for keeping your money matters and goals on track — seem daunting?

Then divide the task into smaller pieces.

Here are some small steps you can take immediately, in the coming week, and for the month that can help set a direction for your finances. These baby steps can be your start.

Financial planning steps for today

Make a budget. The first step in any personal finance effort is getting a handle on the amount of money you have coming in and going out. Making a budget lets you do that. And, in the process of putting one together, a budget helps you think about the priorities you have for your finances.

Here’s some guidance to help you put a budget together. For most people, the process isn’t that time-consuming.

If you already have a budget, you may want to revisit it and make adjustments, especially if your income has changed or you have incurred a major expense recently.)

Establish an emergency fund. If you don’t have an emergency fund, you need to start one. And you need to make consistent contributions to it as part of the budgeting process.

Generally, financial professionals suggest that the fund be held in a liquid interest-bearing account, like a money market account, savings account, or even a short-term certificate of deposit. Such accounts are generally straightforward and relatively quick to open. The money in your emergency fund typically should cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses, although recent bouts of severe unemployment have led many money mavens to suggest putting aside even more.

Get a Social Security account and report. Whether your retirement is looming or still a long way off, it’s a good idea to keep track of what your financial resources are likely to be. Social Security will likely be one of those resources. To find out how your personal Social Security account is shaping up, you need to go to myAccount on the Social Security web site and create your account. Then you can access your so-called “blue bar” report, which is a useful tool for those who want to know more about their benefits.

Many people don’t keep track. But it’s important information since it can flag retirement income issues you may face while you still have the time and the means to address them. So, take a few minutes to go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and follow the prompts

Financial planning steps for this week

Check your retirement contributions. A lot of times, people take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to their retirement accounts, especially those that are part of their workplace benefits, like 401(k)s. But it is important to periodically review such accounts and make sure you are getting the maximum benefit.

First of all, make sure that you are signed up for the plan. Some companies have a waiting period, and employees, having fallen into a routine after a few months, forget to take action.

Once in the plan, keep vigilant.

For instance, if you got a promotion or raise, you may want to consider increasing your contributions accordingly. Or, if you are old enough, you may have an opportunity to take advantage of some of the catch-up provisions available for those looking to bolster savings as they approach retirement.

And, perhaps, your company has changed matching levels for its 401(k) or has added investment options since you last checked. You’ll need to reach out to your benefits department to get the latest information and updates on your company-sponsored retirement plan sent to you.

Prioritize your debt. As part of the budgeting process, you no doubt got an idea of your debt load. The next, deeper step is to sort out those obligations. Generally, you want to pay off higher interest debt — like a credit card — first, while keeping current on less impactful debt.

Find a financial professional. For many people, expert financial advice can end up saving them lots of time and money in the long run. But it’s a relationship that has to connect on a number of levels.

You may want to look at professionals or services near you and ask friends, colleagues, or family for recommendations. If there is a financial services firm you particularly like, you can reach out to that firm directly.

Financial planning steps for this month

Portfolio review. It’s important to go over your investments periodically, especially in the face of changing circumstances and environments. You should dedicate a little time to it.

First of all, you need to collect information and examine all your investments, be they retirement accounts, like 401(k)s or IRAs, or brokerage accounts holding stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or exchange-traded funds. Then, you should look at the performance and nature of those investments and assess whether or not they still fit your goals and risk profile.

Remember, your risk profile is likely to change over time. Younger investors can tend to take on more risk, since they have time to recover from downturns, while older investors likely want to have less risk in their holdings, since retirement is nearer.

With that in mind, you can look at the entirety of your portfolio and determine if you have the proper asset allocation in place. That is, whether you have the right mix of higher risk and lower risk investments.

Taxes. Most people only think about taxes at year-end or around the tax-filing deadline. But it can pay to assess where you stand more frequently.

Specifically, taxpayers should check their withholding and make sure they’re on track to pay what they owe and nothing more. If you withhold too much, you’ll get a refund, but you will have missed a chance invest that money for compounded growth or to pay off debt. On the other hand, if you withhold too little, you could be surprised by a tax bill (or worse, an underpayment penalty) when you file your income taxes.

Meet your financial professional. Assuming you took the step above, your meeting with your financial professional should come within the month. You need to prepare for it, especially if it is your first meeting.

You need to approach it with an idea of the goals you want to accomplish and the topics you wish to discuss. Some questions to consider include:

  • Is your retirement plan on track?
  • Do you need to adjust your asset allocation?
  • Do you need help setting up an estate plan?
  • Is the appropriate amount of insurance protection in place for your family should something happen to you?

Conclusion

Obviously, there are more personal finance planning steps you can take, throughout the year or even a lifetime, to help keep your financial situation grounded. But the steps here — for a day, a week, or a month — can give you a start.

Provided by Matthew Clayson, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). CA Insurance License # 0I01304
©2024 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001 MM202708-310101

Emerging Wellness Trends in 2025

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The days of compartmentalizing physical, mental, financial and emotional well-being are over. In 2025, organizations are adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire employee. Expanding all aspects of wellness support is meant to help meet workers’ needs and expectations. While organizations may have already increased their mental health support in the past few years, some are now pivoting and ramping up financial wellness efforts in 2025.

This article highlights four employee wellness trends to monitor in 2025.

Addressing Employee Burnout

Many of today’s workers are burnt out; a recent report by talent advisory firm DHR Global revealed that 82% of employees are experiencing burnout. While health experts used to correlate remote work with positive mental health benefits, in 2025, they’re predicting equal levels of stress and burnout regardless of working location. So, unfortunately, employers shouldn’t expect employee burnout to disappear anytime soon.

Top drivers of employee burnout include long hours (58%), overwhelming workloads (35%), and difficulty balancing work and personal life (34%), according to DHR Global’s report. Burnout can be caused by stress, so employers are also looking at how stress shows up in the workplace and impacts employees. A recent survey by corporate wellness platform Wellhub found that nearly half (47%) of workers identify work stress as the primary cause of their deteriorating mental health—and that was consistent across most generations. Baby boomers are more concerned about inflation, while Generation Z, millennials and Generation X agreed that work stresses them out the most.

In an effort to prevent and alleviate rising levels of stress and burnout, more organizations are prioritizing flexible work arrangements, mental health days, realistic workload expectations and designated downtime to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services, stress management workshops and digital platforms for mental health assistance are increasingly becoming key components of workplace wellness initiatives. More employers are also investing in resources to destigmatize mental health (e.g., anti-stigma campaigns, mental health literacy training and EAPs) and foster a culture where employees feel comfortable seeking mental health support.

Prioritizing Financial Wellness

Money is a significant stressor for employees, and concerns have been exacerbated by prolonged inflation pressures over the past couple of years, growing debts and skyrocketing medical costs. In fact, more than 6 out of 10 Americans currently live paycheck to paycheck. PYMNTS Intelligence data also revealed that people say the top reason is that they don’t earn enough. While many organizations’ budgets are prepared for salary increases in 2025, they may still be insufficient to keep up with inflation.

Moreover, health care costs will once again increase substantially this year. Add all these financial responsibilities up, and it’s no wonder that workers today are worried about how they will earn a living and pay their bills.

Employers can help reduce employees’ financial stress by exploring financial wellness resources and support options and offering attractive programs for current and prospective employees. In addition to raising wages and offering competitive benefits, employers are exploring financial wellness resources, such as emergency savings funds, retirement savings, financial literacy workshops and one-on-one financial counseling. Financial wellness is a critical component of well-being and can be a competitive offering, especially as workers closely examine their salaries, medical bills and everyday expenses. Today’s workers are not only asking for but now expecting these lifelines from employers.

Engaging Employees Through Social Connections

According to Gallup, employee engagement in the United States reached an 11-year low in 2024. Additionally, employee satisfaction returned to a record low, and workers are seeking new job opportunities at the highest level since 2015. Organizational changes (e.g., team restructuring, additional job responsibilities and budget cuts) often cause employees to feel frustrated or disconnected from their jobs. Remote and hybrid work models can also make employees feel physically distant from their colleagues and teams.

While employee quit rates haven’t increased yet, a troubling trend is at play. Workers are staying with their current employers but feel more disconnected than ever. Gallup has coined this new era as “the Great Detachment.” Before workers start switching employers by the masses in 2025, organizations have an opportunity to reengage their workforce and rebuild employee commitment. Some ways to accomplish this can be by confirming organizational priorities and, if needed, resetting work expectations. More than ever, workers want to feel like their work is meaningful and has a purpose, which can further motivate them. Managers and supervisors can help direct reports connect their contributions to a mission or purpose.

Personalizing Wellness Programs With AI and Data

Recent technological advancements in employee wellness incorporate digital health platforms, wearable technology, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and data analytics. More employers will explore leveraging technology to personalize employee wellness benefits.

Technology can enable real-time health monitoring, personalized wellness plans and immediate, 24/7 access to health resources and services. Virtual health platforms can help overcome barriers to health care access. With AI, organizations can also gather data on employee health metrics, work habits, stress levels and preferences. This kind of data can be used to customize wellness recommendations and detect or manage health issues. Nutrition, exercise, mental health and stress management are different for everyone, so AI and data analytics can help tailor support to match each person’s unique needs. As AI becomes more commonplace in 2025, technology has the potential to help personalize and improve employees’ well- being experiences and encourage preventive care.

Summary

This renewed focus on holistic wellness is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how companies approach employee care. By prioritizing mental, emotional and financial well-being in health and wellness initiatives, organizations can create a supportive culture that encourages education, open conversations and utilization of available resources.
Organizations can start by evaluating current wellness initiatives and considering ways to improve them. To ensure offerings and investments resonate with the workforce, it can be helpful to survey employees first to see what they find most valuable and necessary for their overall well-being. Contact us for more wellness-related workplace guidance.

This Benefits Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.