Gratitude, Community, and Looking Ahead Together

As the leaves turn and families gather around the table, we are reminded of just how much we have to be thankful for. At Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Thanksgiving is a special time not just to reflect on our successes, but to appreciate the people who make everything possible—our valued customers.

Thank You for Your Trust and Support

We are grateful for the trust you place in us every day. Whether you’re a longtime partner or new to our community, your support fuels our passion and drives us to deliver the best possible products and services. It’s because of you that we continue to grow and evolve year after year.

Celebrating Community

Thanksgiving is about more than just great food and togetherness—it’s about community. We cherish the relationships we’ve built with you and look forward to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

Our Commitment to You

As we head into the holiday season, we recommit ourselves to serving you with excellence and integrity. Your feedback, loyalty, and enthusiasm inspire us to keep improving and finding new ways to exceed your expectations.

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday

From everyone at Lallis & Higgins Insurance, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do it without you.

With heartfelt gratitude, Happy Thanksgiving!

A record number of Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, AAA said.

AAA predicts 81.8 million people will travel during the holiday period (between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Dec. 1), which is a 1.6 million jump from last year.

Thanksgiving -- which falls on Thursday, Nov. 27 -- comes just weeks after the 43-day-long government shutdown that caused massive flight cancellations across the country, but airlines say they’re not expecting any residual impacts during the holiday.

Here's what you need to know:

Air travel

AAA anticipates 6 million people will fly within the U.S. over Thanksgiving -- up 2% from 2024.

Sunday, Nov. 30, is predicted to be the busiest air travel day, according to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, with 3,280,652 domestic seats.

But flight bookings for Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 are down 3.3% compared to last year, Cirium said, likely due to uncertainty from the government shutdown.

American Airlines says it will operate more than 80,000 flights over the Thanksgiving period, with its busiest day expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30.

United Airlines said it is expecting its highest number of Thanksgiving travelers ever this year. The airline warned that its busiest days are forecast to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Saturday, Nov. 29, and Monday, Dec. 1.

The busiest U.S. airports are expected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Denver International Airport, according to Hopper.

Road travel

AAA predicts at least 73 million people -- nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers -- will go by car to their destination.

Renting a car this Thanksgiving will be 15% cheaper than last year, according to AAA.

The busiest days on the roads are expected to be Tuesday, Nov. 25; Wednesday, Nov. 26; and Sunday, Nov. 30, AAA said.

The best time to hit the road ahead of Thanksgiving is before noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25, or before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to analytics company INRIX. Traffic will also be light on Thanksgiving Day.

When you’re heading home, the best times to drive are: before 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28; before 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29; before 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30; or after 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.

Source: ABCNews

1. Set Up Your Finances

Taking the leap and becoming a snowbird doesn’t have to be a financial strain.

If you are retired and have your home completely paid off, you can probably afford the extra money to go somewhere else during the winter. If you are young but have a remote job, you can work through the winter like normal. Whatever your financial situation is, you want to make sure to have everything set up before you leave.

If you are going to work during your winter away from home, you will probably want to tell your boss about your plans, especially if they involve a time change or a country change. There can be legal or tax issues that a company wants to be aware of before letting employees venture off to a different country, and understanding everyone’s time zone is a must for coordinating meetings.

There can be some ways to greatly reduce the financial demand associated with having two homes. One great option is to rent out your place for the wintertime. While it might seem strange to think people would head north for the winter, you might be a great candidate for short-term rentals.

Some people want to visit family for the holidays but their family doesn’t have enough space to house them, so they rent homes to stay in. Some people live in a more central part of the world that doesn’t see snow or winter and they prefer to head up north for a couple of weeks in order to get their taste of the cold. Additionally, many northerners live in great locations for winter activities. Whether people come to your house to ski, ice skate, hunt, or simply make snowmen, renting out your home can be a great way to set yourself up for financial success while snowbirding.

2. Test It Out

Becoming a snowbird can involve a huge change in lifestyle, which is why it can be a good idea to test it out before you commit fully to it. Here are two good ways that you can take the lifestyle for a test drive before committing entirely.

Travel For Part Of The Winter

You don’t have to travel for the entire winter during your first year. You can simply head south for a few weeks and get a feel for the experience. This can be good because sometimes our dreams don’t quite hold up in reality, and you might want to test out this fantasy before leaping in.

What could possibly be the negatives of being in a warmer climate during the winter time? Well, many northerns find that Christmas and New Years just don’t quite feel the same when you are in the heat. Being away from family during the wintertime might also be more difficult than you would imagine. Even if you are confident in your decision, it still might be better to test it out gradually before leaping all the way in.

Another case where you might want to go for a shorter stint before committing entirely is if adopting the snowbird lifestyle will mean making some sort of major career change, such as quitting your job or finding a new one. It would be a terrible experience to hand in your notice only to find out that you prefer the harsh northern winters because, at the end of the day, that is what feels like home. If you are considering leaving your job, it is especially important to take holiday time first to test out your new lifestyle.

Rent, Don’t Buy

Renting can feel like throwing away your money, which is why many people interested in the snowbird lifestyle want to buy their wintertime properties. However, renting can be a great way to gather information before making a huge financial commitment.

It is certainly a good idea to rent for at least the first year. You could find out that the city you’ve been dreaming of moving to isn’t quite the right fit for you, which could result in you changing desired locations entirely. Or you might find that it’s the perfect fit for you—in which case, you will still benefit from renting. Renting for your first season will let you get the lay of the land before putting down roots in a new property. You might figure out what your ideal neighborhood looks like.

Remember that this first season is an exercise in learning, so you want to be proactive about discovering the details of your new home. Take some time to learn the market. Even if you aren’t going to buy this first season, you might want to check out a few open houses. This will help you better understand the market and perhaps make some good connections with potential real estate agents for when you are able to purchase.

3. You Can Be Nomadic

While many people prefer the security of having a singular home base, others prefer to take advantage of the flexibility they have to live anywhere. It is completely possible to be a snowbird without ever buying a second home, and in fact, some people prefer it this way, especially those who love to travel and explore new places. You could spend every winter in a new tropical location, or even a new southern state if you wanted to keep your travels entirely within the U.S.

The increasing availability of short-term rentals, especially short-term rental homes, is making it easier than ever to set up shop in a new location each year. If you are flexible about which location you want to visit, you can use resources like Airbnb and Skyscanner to let your imagination run wild.

In fact, you don’t even have to stick to one country per year. If you are especially high energy and love exploring, it is completely possible to go to a new country each month. For example, South East Asia is a hot spot during the winter because its climate is warm and tropical, even in the winter months. It typically costs less than $100 to fly between almost any major city in the region, and the cost of living is less than half that of the U.S. or Canada.

By spending your winters in a region like this, you can justify the extra travel costs because your cost of living is so dramatically reduced when you stay in this part of the world. This can make it financially feasible to explore 3 or 4 countries in a single winter.

4. Make Sure You Stay Connected

If you are leaving home in search of a snowbird lifestyle, you are going to want to make sure you can stay connected to family and friends back home. Since you will be living somewhere else for an extended period (as opposed to simply vacationing for a couple of days or a week), it’s important to sort out time zones so that you can still chat with your friends and family back home.

Make sure you send all of your family your new information and get them set up on any apps you might need them to use to stay in contact. Familiarizing yourself and your family with apps and communication norms before leaving will ensure that you stay in touch with the people you love most, even when you are living your best life far away from home.

5. You Don’t Have To Rush

Whether you are driving or taking multiple flights, remember that you are going to your location for a long period of time, so there is no need to rush the process of getting there or coming back.

If heading to your second home involves a 20-hour road trip, you can take as long as you want—a week or even a few weeks. It’s not just about the destination, but also the journey.

If getting to your home involves many layovers, consider splitting up flights and spending a few days or even a week in layover cities. It might add a little more cost and complexity to your trip, but it will also allow you to explore new locations and will avoid 30+ hours spent consecutively on planes and in airports.

6. Integrate Socially

This is especially important for those looking to buy property and settle down somewhere else for the winter months. This lifestyle is about welcoming more joy into your life, not leaving you feeling lonely, so making friends is absolutely essential!

If you are in a popular destination for snowbirds, chances are that you are going to be able to find some other people in the same situation as you. You might even want to host a meetup for people who have the same lifestyle.

But how do you create a social life if you aren’t settling down into a secondary home base? Well, one important thing is to be prepared to put more effort into making social connections. You might opt to join a group activity like a workout group or a language class. You might also search for meetups with other nomadic snowbirds. Making friends that share the same lifestyle as you can be a great way to have social connections, even when consistently exploring new places. You might even be able to travel in a group with your new friends to a different location next winter.

With these tips, you should now be ready to start your snowbird journey. No matter how much research you do, it’ll certainly be an adventure, but we can promise you it will be an adventure you never forget!

Source: koa.com

As winter rolls around, homeowners should be aware of damages that can occur due to snow and cold weather. One common scenario is ice damming.

Pay attention to warning signs

If you have icicles on your home, it's a good indication that the attic insulation needs attention and/or you have poor attic ventilation. If an ice dam is present, there are a variety of ways to have it removed. Calling a local roofer or insulation contractor is the best remedy to eliminate the problem before damages occur or get worse.

Have ice dams removed quickly

It's important to know that ice dams happen over a period of time and most policies only provide coverage for claims that are "direct, abrupt and accidental."

That's why it's critical to maintain your roof to avoid ice dams and to watch for signs of ice dams so you can act quickly to get them removed.

See the image below from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety that illustrates how ice dams develop, in addition to ways to prevent ice damming.

Source: foremost.com

Easy Caramel Apples are one of the ultimate fall treats! This is a foolproof recipe that's nearly impossible to mess up and it makes perfectly tempting and tasty caramel apples that are great for holidays, parties and gifting.

Easy Caramel Apples Recipe

The easiest caramel apple recipe! Made with just three ingredients, plus toppings if you want to make them extra special. One of the ultimate fall treats! Perfect for gifting and parties. Makes 7 caramel apples (about 3 servings per apple).

Ingredients

• 7 small granny smith apples (about 2 1/4 lbs)
• 15 oz. caramels, such as Werther's Chewy*
• 3 Tbsp heavy cream
• Various toppings, optional

Instructions

Rinse and thoroughly dry apples with a paper towel. Insert a caramel apple stick. Having toppings ready if you'll be adding some to apples.

Line a 13 by 9-inch baking sheet or baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper, spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray, set in the fridge.

Place caramels and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl (about 5 cup size bowl)

Heat in microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. This will take about 2 - 3 minutes. If caramel is extra runny let it cool just briefly so it doesn't run right off the apples.

Dip apples one at a time into caramel on an angle so it covers nearly to the top center. Rotate and turn to coat the apple. Lift the apple and let excess run off, then run the bottom of the apple along the inside edge of the bowl to remove excess caramel. Lift the apple and turn the apple upside down to let caramel run up the apple a little then immediately roll in toppings (or sprinkle with toppings) before caramel sets.

Turn apples upright and place on a prepared baking sheet in the fridge, repeat the process with remaining apples. As needed reheat caramel in the microwave in 15 second increments for a runny, dip-able consistency.

Allow caramel to set completely, about 30 minutes in the fridge (you can eat them before this but if you want caramel to firm back up the wait the 30 minutes). Cut apples into slices just when ready to enjoy so they don't brown.

Source: Image and recipe from cookingclassy.com

Though some folks may high-tail it inside when winter hits, snowmobilers hit the high trails instead! But is your vehicle prepared for the weather? As excited as you might be for snow, you don't want to be left out in the cold. Here are some handy tips for winterizing snowmobiles to help ensure it's safe and ready to ride!

1. Inspection:

The first step is an overall inspection of the snowmobile's parts. This would include looking for cracks, excessive wear and tear, and anything that might have come loose. Anything used to block air intake or exhaust pipes should be unplugged. And it's a good idea to make sure the vehicle hasn't collected any unexpected stowaways while in storage, such as mice!

2. Checking levels:

Fluids such as gas, brake fluid and coolant should all be checked and topped off if low. If there is remaining gas in the tank from the previous season, it's suggested that the tank be drained and filled up with fresh gas.

3. Evaluating the engine:

Checking that carburetors are clean is important as dirty ones are a main cause of engine failure. Also, snowmobilers should make sure that the throttle, oil cables, fan and water pump belt are in good condition and without cracks.

4. Examining the skis:

Since skis are one of the most important pieces of the snowmobile, they should be checked not only for any holes, cuts or gouges, but to ensure that the runners are aligned straight!

5. Cleaning it up:

Dirt, salt, leaves and other debris are all commonly found on snowmobiles coming out of storage. Most of it can probably be cleaned off with water and mild cleansers. However, where a deeper cleaning may be needed or desired, it can be done at a local shop or car wash.

All these steps are equally important when preparing the snowmobile for storage at the end of the season. But in the meantime, get out and enjoy the snow while you can!

Source: foremost.com

Fall in Massachusetts offers so many activities, including major events like the Topsfield Fair and the Big E, along with seasonal favorites like apple picking, visiting pumpkin patches, and hiking to see foliage at places such as Appleton Farms or the Berkshires. You can also attend local events like King Richard's Faire or Wachusett Mountain's AppleFest.

Festivals & Fairs

The Big E: The largest event on the East Coast, this fair in Springfield runs from September 12-28, 2025, offering food, entertainment, and attractions.

Topsfield Fair: This fair takes place from October 3-13, 2025.

King Richard's Faire: Enjoy a Renaissance festival experience in Carver on weekends from August 30 to October 19, 2025.

AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain: This popular event happens on Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Outdoor & Nature

Apple Picking: Visit local farms and orchards to pick your own apples.

Fall Foliage: Hike or take a scenic drive to see the colorful fall foliage in areas like the Berkshires or along the Charles River Esplanade.

Pumpkin Patches: Find local farms offering pumpkin patches.

Hayrides: Many farms and orchards also offer hayrides.

Hikes: Explore trails at places like Monument Mountain or Rocky Woods.

Cultural & Historic

Salem Haunted Happenings: A major event in the historic city of Salem.

Boston Public Garden: Enjoy a stroll through the park and visit nearby Beacon Hill.

Walden Pond: Have a picnic or a quiet stroll around Walden Pond.

Boston Harbor: Consider a fall foliage luncheon cruise.

For Families

Smolak Farms: Enjoy weekly themes, live entertainment, and carnival games on weekends.

Southwick's Zoo: Check out the Harvest Fest on September 27-28, 2025.

Corn Mazes: Get lost in one of the many corn mazes available throughout the state.

No matter what you choose to do, fall is always fun in Massachusetts!

Every U.S. state with the exception of New Hampshire requires its drivers to purchase liability insurance to drive legally. However, collision and comprehensive are optional, even though nearly four out of five drivers choose to purchase these coverages.

Collision coverage

Collision pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g., a telephone pole, a guard rail, a mailbox), or as a result of flipping over. The average cost is about $290 per year. Collision coverage reimburses you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible.

Collision coverage also covers damage caused by potholes.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive covers damage to your car caused by disasters “other than collisions,” and costs significantly less than collision coverage. With the average cost of comprehensive totaling a little over $134 per year, the coverage is cost-effective considering it covers damages to the vehicle caused by the following:

• Contact with animals
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions
• Fire
• Riots and vandalism
• Theft of the entire car, or parts of the car such as an airbag
• Fallen objects such as trees, branches, ice or projectiles
• Broken windshield
• Drivers who finance the purchase of their car may be required to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage.

To reduce your auto insurance expenditures, I.I.I. recommends taking a higher deductible.

If you are driving an older car, do the math to see if purchasing either collision or comprehensive coverage makes economic sense.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: iii.org

It's a fact that if you take your vehicle in for regular car maintenance, it can help to prevent expensive repairs and maintain a reliable vehicle.

Below are 5 car maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle in excellent running condition this fall.

1. Stick to the Oil Change Intervals

A regular oil change at the factory-recommended intervals is the best maintenance task you can do for your vehicle. The oil keeps your car’s engine well lubricated, reduces friction, and keeps your engine clean and protected. Changing the oil regularly also prolongs the life of your engine. Check your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals for your specific make and model or ask your authorized service technician for assistance.

2. Check the Fluids Regularly

Check the fluids in your vehicle at least once a month and top them off to the correct levels if necessary. When you check the fluids, also check the color and consistency. If you notice that the oil has lost its amber color and looks brownish or black, it might need replacing.

3. Inspect the Battery

A good quality battery lasts between three and six years, depending on temperature, driving habits, and battery maintenance. Consider having your battery inspected when you have your fluids checked to avoid any possible issues with your battery later on down the road.

4. Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Proper PSI

Walk around your car and inspect each tire for damage such as bulges and cracks that could cause flat tires and blowouts. Check the pressure levels with a tire pressure gauge and make sure the tires are not over or underinflated, which will cause damage. You will find the tire pressure levels inside your driver’s side door and in your owner’s manual.

5. Routinely Rotate the Tires

A tire rotation involves swapping the tires to different positions to promote even wear, making them last longer and saving you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations will also improve handling, especially when cornering and braking.

Be sure to consult with your dealerships service department before starting any maintenance work in case of warranty, buying proper parts, etc.

Source: penskeautomotive.com

The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone or both.

But to make the best decisions about purchasing other types of auto insurance coverage you might need, you’ll want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you’ll also want to consider coverage amounts.

Why? Because state-required minimums may not cover the costs of a serious accident, so it’s worth considering purchasing higher levels of coverage.

Here’s a rundown of the types of coverage available—some are required; others are optional; all are priced individually (a la carte) to let you customize coverage amounts to suit your exact needs and budget.

Mandatory coverage

• Nearly every state requires car owners to carry the following auto liability coverage:
• Bodily Injury Liability — This covers costs associated with injuries and death that you or another driver causes while driving your car.
• Property Damage Liability — This coverage will reimburse others for damage that you or another driver operating your car causes to another vehicle or other property, such as a fence, building or utility pole.

Frequently required coverage

Many states require that you carry the following coverage:

• Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — Provides reimbursement for medical expenses for injuries to you or your passengers. It will also cover lost wages and other related expenses.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage — Reimburses you when an accident is caused by an uninsured motorist—or in the case of a hit-and-run. You can also purchase under insured motorist coverage, which will cover costs when another driver lacks adequate coverage to pay the costs of a serious accident.

Even if these types of coverage are optional in your state, consider adding them to your policy for greater financial protection.

Optional coverage

While basic, legally mandated auto insurance covers the cost of damages to other vehicles that you cause while driving, it does not cover damage to your own car. To cover this, you need to purchase the following optional auto insurance coverages:

• Collision — This optional coverage reimburses you for damage to your car that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or other object—e.g., a tree or guardrail—when you’re at fault. While collision coverage will not reimburse you for mechanical failure or normal wear-and-tear on your car, it will cover damage from potholes or from rolling your car.
• Comprehensive — This provides coverage against theft and damage caused by an incident other than a collision, such as fire, flood, vandalism, hail, falling rocks or trees and other hazards—even getting hit by an asteroid!
• Glass Coverage — Windshield damage is common, and some auto policies include no-deductible glass coverage, which also includes side windows, rear windows and glass sunroofs. Or you can buy supplemental glass coverage.

Mind the gap… insurance

If you lease or finance your vehicle, auto dealers or lenders will likely require you to purchase collision and comprehensive. But keep in mind that collision and comprehensive only cover the market value of your car, not what you paid for it—and new cars depreciate quickly. If your car is totaled or stolen, there may be a “gap” between what you owe on the vehicle and your insurance coverage. To cover this, you may want to look into purchasing gap insurance to pay the difference. (Note: For leased vehicles, gap coverage is usually rolled into your lease payments.)

Who is covered—and when?

Your auto policy will cover you and other family members on your policy, whether driving your insured car or someone else’s car with permission. Your policy also provides coverage if someone not on your policy is driving your car with your consent.

Your personal auto policy only covers personal driving, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands or taking a trip. Your personal auto policy, however, will not provide coverage if you use your car for commercial purposes—for instance, if you deliver pizzas or operate a delivery service. Note, too, that personal auto insurance will generally not provide coverage if you use your car to provide transportation to others through a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Some auto insurers, however, are now offering supplemental insurance products (at additional cost) that extend coverage for vehicle owners providing ride-sharing services.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: iii.org