They’re called “soft skills:” the abilities used when interacting with other people. They’re not as easy to teach or even measure as more traditional skills like math or reading are. But they may be even more important in the workplace — no matter what kind of work you do. Soft skills...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

On a single night in 2018, more than 550,000 people — single people, families including children, and veterans —...Full story

Here’s a challenge for every insurance agent, whether they’re a 40-year veteran or just starting their first week: Offering a product that isn’t a product. A product is something a customer can hold — shoes or books, for example. A service is something that a customer can use — house...Full story

Even though “The Golden Girls” has been off the air for decades, it’s still popular today. In the classic TV sitcom, widow Blanche Devereaux lives with three women: Rose Nylund, Dorothy Zbornak, and Sophia Petrillo. Sophia is Dorothy’s mother, but the others are just friends. You can probably find reruns...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

Blessings In A Backpack really is what its name states: donations that provide meals for students. While many receive...Full story

According to financial advisory firm Javelin Strategy & Research, almost a third (30%) of all American consumers were notified their data had been breached at some time in 2017. A data breach is a type of electronic theft — hackers grabbing names, email addresses, phone numbers, bank account numbers, or...Full story

It’s a cliché in the movies: the car that gets banged up and knocked around, but gets its passengers to their destination — only to fall to pieces the minute they arrive. It’s funny to watch on screen, but no fun at all if it happens to you.

That’s why...Full story

If you’re not already getting your turkey ready for the holiday meal, now is the time! But of course you’ll need it to be safe. Keeping yourself and your family protected from a literal kitchen tragedy might seem obvious, but when you’re busy frying a bird, whipping up potatoes, baking...Full story

In case you weren’t aware, it’s the holiday season! There’s a million things to think about: gifts, parties, meals, decorations… and that’s on top of everything you already deal with every day, from kids to commutes to grocery shopping. With all those distractions, it’s no wonder a Career Builder survey...Full story

One of the big goals of this blog is to encourage everyone, especially our independent insurance agent partners, to use the online tools that are available to them. There are social media sites like Facebook (have you been to our page?), video on YouTube and Vimeo, and blogs just like...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

Each year, Hastings Mutual supports our local United Way office with a week devoted to raising funds for the...Full story

Business succession is preparing for the day you step away from your company: who will take over? But that’s just one of the questions you’ll need to answer when it’s time to move on. Business succession looks at the future of your business, while a newer management concept, exit planning,...Full story

You’ve got a great policy with Hastings, one that provides the coverage you need. But how do you read it? What do those words mean? What exactly is covered under the terms of the policy? The best way to answer those questions is to ask your knowledgeable, helpful independent insurance...Full story