Month: July 2024

Are your Fire Doors suitable for function?Are your Fire Doors suitable for function?

All landlords and business owners have a legal commitment to ensure their buildings, and the people that use them, are appropriately safeguarded against fire. From regular upkeep to fire risk evaluations, it is essential to make certain fire safeties measures are taken seriously. Get in touch with us here 

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire doors have a critical role in the fire protection of a premises. They are designed to help prevent the spread of smoke, fire and poisonous gases in the event of a fire. Fire resistant doors are different to ordinary doors, in that they are exclusively made and checked to offer fire resistant qualities. Need Fire Door Inspection?

Commonly, fire doors are made of wood or steel.

Exactly Why are Fire Doors essential?

There are a couple of primary advantages of fire safeties doors:

Increased Safeties: Fire doors allow for quick departure of people and their possessions, and to let the fire services to fight a fire.

Reduced Damage: Fire doors reduce the rate of fire damages to a premises.

The smallest period fire doors can endure fire is 20 minutes.

Much more than just the door

A top quality fire rated door is only as reliable as its set up. When choosing a fire door services provider, you need to make sure the installer has the lists of specifications needed and an experienced specialist will help to guides you in making a good purchasing decision.

Are your Fire Doors suitable for their function?

Fire doors are only effective if they are serviced to the highest possible standards and are fit to perform their intended function in the event of a fire outbreak. To ensure the safeties and securities of a premises’s occupants, you must frequently examine all fire doors.
While your fire doors really need to be examined routinely by a fire professional, your business also has a duty to check for any faults and damage on a more consistent basis.

Did you know 53% of people don’t know how to spot a dodgy fire door? Find Out more from:

Fire Door Inspection

RLH Building AcquisitionRLH Building Acquisition

SPOKANE, WASH., OCTOBER 20, 2015 – David Peterson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodale & Barbieri and Tom Barbieri, President of Goodale & Barbieri, together with Dakota Pacific, a John R. Miller Company, announced today they have completed the acquisition of the RLH Building, located on the north bank of the Spokane River in downtown Spokane, WA.

The six-story RLH office building includes 100,000 square feet of office space and a 252 car parking garage. Major tenants include Red Lion Hotels Corporation, HomeStreet Bank, TransCanada Corporation, Mutual of Enumclaw insurance, Wipfli LLP and Farmers Insurance. “When targeting investment opportunities, we look for experienced management teams operating sustainable businesses models, and we are pleased to have that in David and Tom,” said Lane Critchfield, Managing Director of Dakota Pacific. “their history of development and management in the Spokane market is unsurpassed and the property fits our criteria well.” The RLH Building was constructed by Goodale & Barbieri in 1985, and the Company has managed it since its opening. “The location is ideal, and we know the property well,” said David Peterson, Executive Vice President of Goodale & Barbieri Company. “It’s a fantastic building and we’re confident we’ll continue to attract strong tenants.”

The RLH Building, 201 W. North River Drive, sits across the Spokane River from the expanded Spokane Convention Center and Riverfront Park. “The revitalization of the Spokane riverbank, with the upcoming $60 million renovation of Riverfront Park, makes this location so exciting for us as owners as well as for our tenants,” said Thomas Barbieri, President of Goodale & Barbieri Company. “We seek well positioned, well located properties to add to our portfolio, and the RLH Building is a perfect execution of that strategy.” Goodale & Barbieri Company will continue as property manager.

To learn more click the link below.

Goodale & Barbieri

Choosing the Right Car Seat For Your Child’s Age and SizeChoosing the Right Car Seat For Your Child’s Age and Size

When it comes to selecting the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size, the options can seem overwhelming at first glance. However, with safety being the utmost priority, it’s essential to carefully consider various factors to ensure your child’s well-being on the road. Each stage requires specific features to provide optimal protection and comfort from infancy through to booster seat age. By understanding the key considerations for each type of car seat available and the laws surrounding car seats, you can make an informed decision that suits your child’s unique needs and promotes a safe travel experience for the whole family.

Infant Car Seats

When selecting an infant car seat, prioritize safety features over aesthetics to ensure your child’s protection on the road. Look for seats with a secure five-point harness system, side-impact protection, and Energy-absorbing foam.

Ensure the seat is compatible with your vehicle and that it meets all safety standards. Remember, the safest spot for your infant’s car seat is in the back seat, preferably in the middle. Make sure the seat is installed correctly and securely, with no more than an inch of movement.

Regularly check for recalls and stay updated on safety guidelines to keep your little one safe during every car ride. Your child’s safety is paramount, so choose wisely.

Convertible Car Seats

Ensure your child’s safety continues as they grow by considering a convertible car seat that provides reliable protection and comfort on the road. Convertible car seats are designed to accommodate children as they transition from rear-facing to forward-facing positions, offering versatility and longevity.

These seats typically have higher weight and height limits than infant car seats, allowing your child to use them for an extended period. Convertible car seats feature adjustable harness systems and multiple recline positions to ensure a proper fit as your child grows. Additionally, they offer side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam for enhanced safety.

When selecting a convertible car seat, make sure it meets all safety standards and fits securely in your vehicle.

Booster Seats

Consider upgrading to a booster seat to provide your growing child with the necessary support and protection during car rides. Booster seats are designed for children who’ve outgrown their forward-facing car seat but aren’t yet ready for just a seat belt. They elevate your child, enabling the seat belt to fit properly across their chest and lap. Make sure the shoulder belt sits snugly across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face.

Booster seats come in high-back and backless options, with high-back boosters offering additional head and neck support. Always check the weight and height limits of the booster seat to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s size.

All-in-One Car Seats

If your child is ready to transition from a booster seat, you may want to explore all-in-one car seats as a versatile option for long-term use.

All-in-one car seats are designed to accommodate children from infancy to booster seat age, offering a seamless transition as your child grows. These seats typically have higher weight and height limits compared to other types, allowing for extended use.

They can be rear-facing for infants, forward-facing for toddlers, and then convert to booster seats for older children. With an all-in-one car seat, you won’t need to buy multiple seats as your child grows, making it a cost-effective and convenient choice for many parents.

Extended Rear-Facing Seats

When selecting a car seat for your child, prioritize safety by considering extended rear-facing seats for optimal protection. Extended rear-facing seats are designed to keep your child facing the back of the vehicle for a longer period, providing enhanced protection for their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

These seats are recommended by safety experts as they distribute the force of a collision over a larger area, reducing the risk of Injury. By keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible within the seat’s height and weight limits, you’re providing them with the best possible safety measures in the car.

Understanding The Social Security Appeals Process: Explained By Marken Law GroupUnderstanding The Social Security Appeals Process: Explained By Marken Law Group

SSA stands for the Social Security Administration, a federal agency in the United States that manages social security benefits programs.

SSA appeals are a process through which a person who has been denied social security benefits or is unhappy with the amount of benefits received can request a review of their case. The appeals process can result in the original decision being overturned or modified.

What Is A Social Security Determination?

A determination is a decision that SSA makes for a claim. If you disagree with the SSA’s determination for your claim, you can make an appeal. If you submit a claim for your SSI payment, SSA will give you the amount they determined you are eligible for. If you think that the payment is too low, you can make an appeal.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Process: Step-by-Step

The stages of SSA appeals are: 1.) Reconsideration, 2.) Hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ), 3.) Appeals Council Review, and 4.) Federal Court. The SSA appeals process comes in stages and timelines so that if you disagree with the second determination, you move higher up to take your case to a person of a higher position. Each stage may need you to meet requirements within 60 days to proceed. You can also have a hearing with an ALJ to discuss your case. 

Tips For Preparing For A Hearing For An SSA Appeal

When you are in a hearing, the judge will have to explain why your case has been determined as such and ask you and your representative questions about your case. You may bring a witness to answer the judge’s questions under oath. The judge may also call an expert if needed to testify.

Therefore, you can do the following for your hearing preparation:

1. Review all evidence in your case file. Submit new evidence, if available, to strengthen your case. The new evidence must be submitted within five days before the hearing. If you have less than five days before the hearing, you can appeal for a time extension to review the new evidence.

2. If you have any evidence you want the ALJ to consider, submit them as soon as possible. You can send electronic evidence through a special fax number and bar code provided by the hearing office through the Electronic Records Express (ERE).

The Reconsideration Stage: How to Request Another Review

At the reconsideration stage, a different SSA claim examiner reviews the original decision to ensure all evidence is considered and the correct decision is made. You must fill out the following forms based on your SSA appeal. Once the request is received and reviewed, the SSA will send a notice of reconsideration determination. 

During this stage, we recommend adding any additional evidence that you have available. 

Appeals Council Review: The Final Administrative Step

If the ALJ decision is not satisfactory, the next stage of appeal is to request a review to the SSA Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may review the case and make a new decision or send the case back to the ALJ for further review.

The Appeals Council can either grant, deny or dismiss your case upon examination. Therefore, you must have new evidence on or before the hearing decision. If there is reasonable cause to believe that said evidence would change the outcome, the Appeals Council will review your case. 

Upon reviewing your case, they can return it to the ALJ for another hearing. If they choose to decide your case, it can go two ways. 

1. If they make a less favorable decision to you, you will be sent a notice before issuing the decision. This way, you or your representative can respond appropriately. 
2. However, if the decision puts you in a more favorable end, they will enact it and send you a notice afterward. 

Either way, you get a copy of the review process and the reasons behind the decision-making.

Appealing to Federal Court: What You Need to Know

If the Appeals Council decision is unfavorable, the final stage of appeal is a federal court appeal. 

In this stage, you must file an action in the US District Court. The deadline will be up to 60 days after receiving your notice of the Appeals Council’s action. You are expected to receive the notice five days after the date of the notice.

The US District Court will process the presenting case and determine the final Agency decision. You can expect the court to:

1. Send the case back to SSA for a new hearing and issue a new decision
2. Order the SSA to award the benefits
3. Dismiss the case.

Why You Need a Representative to Help with Your Appeal

Appealing claim can take a lot of time and energy that you can use for your other priorities. A representative experienced with the SSA appeals process can help increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. They can help you get your benefits by navigating the complex appeals process and qualifications. 

Many qualified non representatives work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your appeal. This can be a helpful option for individuals who cannot afford legal fees upfront.

Here at Marken Law, we know how valuable your time and effort are. Schedule a consultation to get successful appeals today by clicking the link below.

Marken Law Group

Ask a financial coach: What types of savings buckets should I have?Ask a financial coach: What types of savings buckets should I have?

Saving Money is hard. We get it. The truth is, most of us never feel like we have “extra” cash lying around that we can just hide away in a savings account. So, if you’re wondering how to start, congratulations. That’s an important first step to creating a budget and savings plan to help you manage your financial future.

GIVE YOUR MONEY A JOB

Look at the money you have and give every dollar a single job. Set money aside money for bills, groceries, gas, energy bills, utilities, and phones—all your monthly expenses. As you track your spending, you’ll see where the money goes and get a clear picture of what’s left for non-monthly expenses.

Paying closer attention to your spending habits will also help you identify spending that may not be necessary or important. Can you unsubscribe from some of those streaming service apps? Do you actually use that gym membership? Are those impulse buys on Amazon really that important? As you dial this nonessential spending in, your savings will increase.

Consider the following groups of expenses when it comes to savings:

THINGS YOU HAVE TO SAVE FOR

These are non-monthly expenses that you know will occur at some point. Some of them are entirely predictable, and others are

 not. Examples of both types include:

Predictable Non-Monthly Expenses:

• Annual car registration
• Holiday shopping
• Annual subscriptions

Unpredictable Non-Monthly Expenses:

• Car repairs
• Medical and dental bills
• Vet bills

THINGS YOU WANT TO SAVE FOR

Now that you’ve covered the essentials, let’s get down to the fun. Start by identifying the Things you want to save for. Consider starting small, like saving for new clothing or tickets to a show you really want to see. But you can start planning for a trip to Paris or a ski vacation in Aspen too. Set up your accounts, and watch the balances grow. Your budget can help you make this happen.

Setting up Your Sub-Accounts

Determining your savings categories will help you budget accordingly so you can track your progress and know where you’re at when you need to access funds to pay a bill or deal with a problem. Consider the following categories to start:

Emergency savings

Ideally, setting aside three to six months of income in case of a job loss or disaster would be great. But it’s a lot. A $1,000 emergency fund is a good place to start but consider aiming higher once you get there.

If you’re risk-averse, a bigger emergency fund category can give you more peace of mind. If you have large financial responsibilities like kids or a house that needs maintenance or repairs, a bigger emergency fund might make sense.

Health and medical savings

Set aside funds to cover copays, uncovered balances, prescriptions, eyeglasses, elective treatments, and other cash outlays that health insurance doesn’t pay in full. Consider a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Both are designed to help you cover qualified Medical expenses, but they are different.

What is an HSA?

Designed to cover qualified medical expenses, an HSA can either be sponsored by an employer or opened by an individual. To open an HSA, you must:

• Be covered under a qualified high-deductible healthcare plan (HDHP)
• Not be covered by Medicare or any plan that is not a qualified HDHP
• Not be claimed as a dependent

HSA contribution limits for 2024 are $4,150 for single individuals and $8,300 for families.

What is an FSA?

An FSA also allows you to save for medical expenses, but you don’t need to be enrolled in a high-deductible plan to qualify. Your employer only has to offer an FSA benefit. The FSA contribution limit for 2024 is $3,200 regardless of whether it’s for an individual or a Family..

CAR REPAIR OR NEW CAR SAVINGS

This one’s pretty straightforward. If you own an older car that requires regular maintenance, set aside enough to cover expected repairs, oil changes, tires, wiper blades, etc. Consider setting more aside in case a big repair is necessary. There are reliable estimates for annual car repair costs online. You may also consider setting aside funds for a new car down payment if that’s your goal. Calculate the price and decide what you can afford. The larger the down payment the lower your monthly loan payment will be.

Have a question for our Canopy financial coaches? Sign up for a financial coaching session today by clicking the link below. 

This is an all-encompassing guide to dating a lady from London, including information on what to anticipate and how to make a favorable first impression on her.This is an all-encompassing guide to dating a lady from London, including information on what to anticipate and how to make a favorable first impression on her.

You will have the possibility to begin on an experience that is formed by the complex cultural environment that London has if you get into a romantic relationship with a lady who hails from London. London is a city that has a great deal of various cultural environments. Due to the fact that she is self-dependent, fearless, and driven by aspiration, she sticks out from the remainder of the throng.

This is what sets her apart from other individuals. Throughout the course of her time spent in the worldwide city that she belongs of, she concerns the realization that she survives on experiences that are emblematic of the flourishing life that is abundant in the city. It is possible to attract her attention in the various dating scenarios that take place in London by having a funny bone, being honest and warm-hearted, and making gestures that are significant.

Having the ability to laugh at oneself is the essential to accomplishing this objective. Every one of these methods is totally and utterly failsafe. It is another guaranteed technique to capture her attention, and it is among the most successful ways to do so. Having a sense of humor is another proven way. By integrating these ideas into your technique for dealing with her environments, which is always altering and establishing, you are going to get off to a really promising start.

If you want to make an excellent impression on a woman from London, it is essential to demonstrate that you are truly thinking about her life and the Things that she is interested in, to get here on time, and to treat her with respect. These are the 3 most essential things that you might enact in your life. If you pick to continue in this manner, you will have the chance to impart a positive impression upon the person. Moreover, it is possible to make a favorable impression on ladies in London by arranging dates that involve going on trips of the city or participating in cultural events that are unfamiliar to the individual. This is a terrific method to make a good impression on women.

When it comes to dates, women in London are more likely to be interested in being associated with activities like these. Females in London place a high value on experiences and cultural events because they are exceptionally substantial to them and have a great deal of importance for them. What’s more, they have a substantial amount of significance for them. You must remember that not all London women are the same, and you ought to make it a point to find out about the special choices of each individual. Constantly keep this in mind, as it is something that you should never forget. The execution of this particular action is something that you must make certain to do at all times.

Concerning dating, there are a great deal of various choices and variations.Concerning dating, there are a great deal of various choices and variations.

Not only does the variety of London extend beyond the cultural scene of the city, but it also permeates dating tastes and the mechanics of relationships. London is a city that is extremely varied. It is possible for the city to cultivate an environment that makes it possible for people of various backgrounds to communicate with one another, bringing with them their own distinct viewpoints and practices at the same time. The cosmopolitan nature of the metropolitan area assists in the realization of this possibility. A culture of dating that is more tolerant and inclusive is enabled as a result of the presence of this diversity, which results in the advancement of an openness towards the many diverse approaches to dating of which there are lots.

In the context of lifestyles that are lived at a quick speed, flexibility is an essential quality.

Due to the busy lifestyle that is prominent in London, dating strategies that are more effective and versatile have become increasingly popular in the city. This is due to the fact that London is a city situated in the United Kingdom. Because of the duties that come with living in a metropolitan setting, individuals normally find themselves in a circumstance in which they have really little time to devote to conventional courtship customs. This is because of the reality that they are associated with a great deal of activities. Because of this, it is definitely needed to have a state of mind that is both proactive and adaptable when it pertains to the procedure of cultivating connections In spite of the truth that individuals have a lot going on in their lives, there is a strong focus placed on simplifying interactions and establishing connections.

One that is capable of going through constant change in order to help with the development of connections.

An exceptional example of the dynamic background that may be utilized for the establishment of relationships is provided by the brilliant energy that London offers. This is an excellent presentation of the dynamic background. Due to the different cultural occasions, entertainment places, and gastronomic experiences that are readily available in the city, there is an unlimited number of possibilities readily available for romantic expeditions and date evenings. These chances are open to individuals who reside in the city. In the event that individuals use London’s ever-changing canvas, which includes anything from art galleries to bustling markets, they have the opportunity to produce minutes within their relationships that will be kept in mind for the rest of their lives.

One can gain valuable insights into the dynamic interaction that exists between technology, custom, diversity, and flexibility in the process of forming the dating scene in London by getting an awareness of the complexities of contemporary relationships in London. This understanding can be obtained by getting an awareness of the complexity of modern relationships in London. What figures out the dating landscape in London is the interaction in between people.

Understanding The Social Security Appeals Process: Explained By Marken Law GroupUnderstanding The Social Security Appeals Process: Explained By Marken Law Group

SSA Appeals: What Are They and When to Request One

SSA stands for the Social Security Administration, a federal agencies in the United States that manages social security benefits programs.

SSA appeals are a process through which a person who has been denied social security benefits or is unhappy with the amount of benefits received can request a review of their case. The appeals process can result in the original decision being overturned or modified.

What Is A Social Security Determination?

A determination is a decision that SSA makes for a claim. If you disagree with the SSA’s determination for your claim, you can make an appeal. If you submit a claim for your SSI payment, SSA will give you the amount they determined you are eligible for. If you think that the payment is too low, you can make an appeal.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Process: Step-by-Step

The stages of SSA appeals are:
1.) Reconsideration
2.) Hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ),
3.) Appeals Council Review, and
4.) Federal Court. The SSA appeals process comes in stages and timelines so that if you disagree with the second determination, you move higher up to take your case to a person of a higher position. Each stage may need you to meet requirements within 60 days to proceed. You can also have a hearing with an ALJ to discuss your case. 

Tips For Preparing For A Hearing For An SSA Appeal

When you are in a hearing, the judge will have to explain why your case has been determined as such and ask you and your representative questions about your case. You may bring a witness to answer the judge’s questions under oath. The judge may also call an expert if needed to testify.

Therefore, you can do the following for your hearing preparation:

1. Review all evidence in your case file. Submit new evidence, if available, to strengthen your case. The new evidence must be submitted within five days before the hearing. If you have less than five days before the hearing, you can appeal for a time extension to review the new evidence.

2. If you have any evidence you want the ALJ to consider, submit them as soon as possible. You can send electronic evidence through a special fax number and bar code provided by the hearing office through the Electronic Records Express (ERE).

The Reconsideration Stage: How to Request Another Review

At the reconsideration stage, a different SSA claims examiner reviews the original decision to ensure all evidence is considered and the correct decision is made. You must fill out the following forms based on your SSA appeal. Once the request is received and reviewed, the SSA will send a notice of reconsideration determination. 

During this stage, we recommend adding any additional evidence that you have available. 

Appeals Council Review: The Final Administrative Step

If the ALJ decision is not satisfactory, the next stage of appeal is to request a review to the SSA Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may review the case and make a new decision or send the case back to the ALJ for further review.

The Appeals Council can either grant, deny or dismiss your case upon examination. Therefore, you must have new evidence on or before the hearing decision. If there is reasonable cause to believe that said evidence would change the outcome, the Appeals Council will review your case. 

Upon reviewing your case, they can return it to the ALJ for another hearing. If they choose to decide your case, it can go two ways. 

1. If they make a less favorable decision to you, you will be sent a notice before issuing the decision. This way, you or your representative can respond appropriately. 
2. However, if the decision puts you in a more favorable end, they will enact it and send you a notice afterward. 

Either way, you get a copy of the review process and the reasons behind the decision-making.

Appealing to Federal Court: What You Need to Know

If the Appeals Council decision is unfavorable, the final stage of appeal is a federal court appeal. 

In this stage, you must file an action in the US District Court. The deadline will be up to 60 days after receiving your notice of the Appeals Council’s action. You are expected to receive the notice five days after the date of the notice.

The US District Court will process the presenting case and determine the final Agencies decision. You can expect the court to:

1. Send the case back to SSA for a new hearing and issue a new decision
2. Order the SSA to award the benefits
3. Dismiss the case.

Why You Need a Representative to Help with Your Appeal

Appealing claims can take a lot of time and energy that you can use for your other priorities. A representative experienced with the SSA appeals process can help increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. They can help you get your benefits by navigating the complex appeals process and qualifications. 

Many qualified non-attorneys representatives work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your appeal. This can be a helpful option for individuals who cannot afford legal fees upfront.