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From the United Family to Yours, Happy Thanksgiving

11/22/2017

Thanksgiving is about so much more than food and football. It’s a time to reflect and show gratitude. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday this week, we’d like to share a special message of thanks.

We’re thankful for our amazing team who live our mission and their dedication and compassion is inspiring. Our business partners, clients, and field agents are a key component to our company’s success. We appreciate the strong relationships we’ve built with them over the years. We acknowledge and give thanks for their collaboration and hard work.

On behalf of all of us at United Field Chase, we thank you all and wish you a very happy Thanksgiving holiday from our Family to Yours!

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Your Stress-Free Thanksgiving Planning Guide

11/9/2017

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The wheel of "It's your turn to host Thanksgiving" was spun and the arrow stopped on you. Check out this list and you will be smiling all day; with no stress, no worries, just holiday spirit, laughter among loved ones and plenty of delicious food.

3 Weeks Ahead

Make a guest list of family and friends that you want to include. The more the merrier!
Send an invitation and ask people what they plan to bring.
Take inventory. Once you get a general idea of how many will attend, take inventory of your china, glassware, silverware and serving dishes. (It's OK if it doesn't all match!)
Pick your décor. Decide on tablescape ideas: napkins, candles, tablecloths and decorations. I love to use fall harvest nuts, berries and pumpkins in my decorations.

2 Weeks Ahead

Finalize the menu.
Shop for non-perishable items.
Pick your turkey: fresh or frozen?*
Make and freeze a meal for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

*Turkey Tips
If you're buying a frozen turkey, get it now (if you have the freezer space). If going the fresh route, place your order with a local butcher or turkey producer. Allow 3/4 pound per person for a whole turkey and 1/2 a pound per person for a turkey breast. Don't buy turkeys larger than 15 pounds. The bigger they are, the older they are. As we all know, when we get old, we get touch and mean!

1 Week Ahead
Thaw the turkey if frozen. Make sure there's room for it to thaw in the refrigerator. Use a large pan to catch any juices that might escape as it thaws. Allow 1 day of thaw time for every 4 pounds of bird. For example, a 12-pound bird will need 3 days to thaw.

5 Days Ahead
Get the family involved in planning "use it up meals" to clear space in the refrigerator for the next few nights.

3 Days Ahead

Shop for perishable items. Group items according to recipe in the pantry or refrigerator.
Set up the beverage area. Choose a central area in the kitchen or dining room to stock with assorted glasses, cocktail napkins, an ice bucket, a bottle opener, a wine key and a small can for recyclables.
Set the table with tablecloth and decorations if you have a separate formal dining area.

2 Days Ahead

Make desserts. Plan on 1 1/2 servings per person. Typically, people like to sample a couple of desserts, so make sure you have enough.
Clean the house and pick up the yard.

1 Day Ahead

Prepare side dishes that can be held overnight, such as cranberries or sweet potato casserole. Cut and chop ingredients for salads but don't toss with dressing until just before serving.
Pick up last-minute items like prepared rolls and ice.
Time your turkey. Roast 12-15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F. The turkey should be done 1 hour before dinner so it can cool slightly and carve easily.
Set out all serving dishes and utensils.
Chill beverages.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Day

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What's my credit score? Alexa can help

11/2/2017

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Want to know your credit score? Just ask Alexa.

The credit reporting agency Experian announced on Monday that users can now ask Amazon's voice-activated assistant to answer credit-related questions. With the new Experian skill, Alexa can tell users about their credit score and utilization, offer advice and -- for those who have access to Experian's credit lock product -- check whether their credit is locked, or lock it.

To take advantage of the new product, customers first need to enable Alexa's Experian skill. Then, they have to enter their Experian username and password, plus a personal key created when users enter their information in order to link up their account. Users will have to repeat their pin after five minutes of inactivity.

The new service might ring some alarm bells in light of the Equifax security breach, which exposed the personal information of up to 145.5 million people.

But Jeremy Wasser, Experian's Chief Product Architect, noted that "security is a priority for Experian."

"Creating the personal key adds an additional layer of security for voice services similar to other financial skills in the Alexa ecosystem," said Wasser. "Data between Experian and Alexa are protected via strong encryption methods that meet or exceed multiple industry and federal standards and guidelines."

"We also remind users that the information may be private and one may want to limit those within earshot when using the skill," he added.

An Amazon spokesperson explained that "when customers choose to use a skill that requires account linking, like the Experian skill, account credentials and information stay with the skill developer and are linked to an Alexa user using an access token."

John Shier, a senior security expert at Sophos, said that he is not aware of any Alexa vulnerabilities, but that accessing sensitive information through a new device potentially increases risk of a hack.

"All software contains vulnerabilities," he said. "Introducing yet another device can introduce new vulnerabilities into your environment."

The move is designed to appeal to Millennials, Experian explained in a statement.

"Having Experian data available for members via Alexa makes credit information accessible and approachable to America's largest generation," Experian said, adding that it found that 61% of Millennials check their credit report less than four times a year.

Guy Abramo, president of consumer business at Experian, added that the new feature could help make checking credit a part of people's daily routine. "Consumers use Alexa daily to check the weather, manage bank accounts, play music and more," he said.

"It's natural to incorporate another important element -- credit services -- into what has become a popular, personal assistant device."

Source:
CNNMoney (New York)

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From the United Family to Yours, Happy Thanksgiving

Your Stress-Free Thanksgiving Planning Guide

What's my credit score? Alexa can help

Want to know your credit score? Just ask Alexa.

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