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When Should You Update Your Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a vital part of protecting your business from various risks, but having the right coverage is only effective if it stays up to date. As your business evolves, so do your insurance needs. Here are key moments when you should consider updating your commercial insurance to ensure you’re adequately protected.

  1. Business Expansion or Relocation

Physical Expansion: If you move to a larger location or open additional sites, you’ll need to update your commercial property insurance to cover the new premises. This includes adjusting your coverage limits to account for increased property values and additional assets.

New Locations: Opening a new office, store, or warehouse in a different location introduces new risks and legal requirements. Updating your insurance ensures all locations are covered and comply with local regulations.

  1. Changes in Business Operations

New Products or Services: Expanding your product line or adding new services can introduce new liabilities. Ensure your general liability and professional liability insurance policies reflect these changes to protect against potential claims.

Equipment Upgrades: Investing in new equipment or technology means updating your equipment coverage. This ensures that any new or upgraded assets are protected against damage, theft, or breakdown.

  1. Increase in Revenue or Payroll

Revenue Growth: Significant increases in revenue can affect your business interruption insurance and general liability limits. Updating your policy to reflect higher revenue can ensure adequate coverage in the event of a claim.

Hiring More Employees: As your workforce grows, so do your workers’ compensation and employment practices liability insurance needs. Make sure your policies are updated to reflect the current number of employees and payroll.

  1. Legal and Regulatory Changes

Compliance Updates: Changes in laws and regulations can impact your insurance requirements. Stay informed about industry-specific regulations and update your policies to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Licensing and Certification: Obtaining new licenses or certifications for your business can affect your insurance needs. Updating your policy to include these changes can help protect against related risks.

  1. Contractual Obligations

New Contracts: Entering into new contracts with clients, suppliers, or partners may require specific insurance coverages or higher coverage limits. Review and update your policies to meet these contractual obligations.

Lease Agreements: If your lease agreement changes or you move to a new property, check the insurance requirements specified in the lease. Ensure your commercial property and liability insurance align with these requirements.

  1. Risk Assessment and Claims History

Annual Risk Review: Conduct an annual risk assessment to identify any new or increased risks your business faces. This proactive approach helps you update your insurance coverage to address these risks adequately.

Claims History: If your business has experienced claims, reviewing and adjusting your coverage may be necessary. Analyze the claims to identify any gaps in coverage and update your policies to prevent future issues.

  1. Changes in Ownership or Structure

Ownership Changes: If there are changes in ownership, such as new partners or shareholders, update your business insurance policies to reflect these changes. This includes updating liability coverage and any key person insurance.

Structural Changes: Changes in the structure of your business, such as merging with another company or restructuring, can impact your insurance needs. Ensure your coverage reflects the new organizational structure.

Regularly updating your commercial insurance is essential to ensure your business remains protected as it grows and evolves. By reviewing your coverage during key changes such as business expansion, operational shifts, revenue growth, and legal updates, you can safeguard your business against potential risks. Work closely with your insurance agent to assess your needs and make necessary adjustments, ensuring your commercial insurance provides comprehensive and up-to-date protection.

 

Knowing When to Update Your Business Insurance Coverage

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, insurance coverage isn’t just a necessity—it’s a dynamic tool that safeguards your enterprise against unforeseen risks and liabilities. However, many business owners overlook the importance of regularly reviewing and updating their insurance policies, potentially leaving their operations vulnerable to new threats. Identifying the right moments to update your business insurance can make a significant difference in your company’s resilience and financial health.

Regulatory Changes

One of the most clear-cut indicators that it’s time to update your business insurance is a change in laws or regulations that affect your industry. Governments frequently update regulations to address new risks or societal changes, such as data protection laws for online businesses. An insurance policy that was compliant a year ago might not provide adequate coverage under new laws, exposing your business to fines or lawsuits.

Business Expansion

Growth is a goal for many businesses, but with expansion comes new risks. Whether you’re increasing your workforce, launching new products, or entering new markets, each of these milestones necessitates a review of your current insurance coverage. For instance, expanding into a new state or country might require additional forms of insurance due to different legal requirements. Similarly, introducing a new product line could expose your business to new liability risks that your current policy doesn’t cover.

Changes in Revenue

Significant fluctuations in your business’s revenue can also be a signal to reevaluate your insurance needs. Higher revenue levels can increase your liability exposure, necessitating higher coverage limits to protect against potential claims. Conversely, if your business is facing a downturn, you might need to adjust your policies to reflect your current operational size and risk profile, potentially reducing premiums.

Technological Advancements

The rapid pace of technological innovation can quickly render an existing insurance policy outdated. For example, businesses that have recently digitized their operations may need to consider cyber liability insurance to protect against data breaches or cyber-attacks. Similarly, companies utilizing new technologies or machinery might require updated property insurance to cover these assets adequately.

Natural Disasters and Climate Change

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters due to climate change mean that businesses must regularly assess their insurance coverage for natural catastrophes. If your business is located in an area prone to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or other natural disasters, it’s critical to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the heightened risk level and provides sufficient coverage for such events.

Changes in Ownership or Management

Transitions in ownership or significant changes in management can impact the direction and operations of a business. These changes often bring new strategies, operational practices, and risk profiles, necessitating a review of the existing insurance coverage to ensure it aligns with the new management’s vision and the company’s updated risk landscape.

Regular Annual Reviews

Even if none of the above changes have occurred, it’s wise to conduct an annual insurance review. This practice ensures that your coverage remains aligned with your business’s current state and future goals. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to explore cost-saving options, like bundling policies or adjusting deductibles.

Insurance is not a set-it-and-forget-it component of your business. It’s an essential tool that must evolve alongside your company. By staying vigilant and understanding when to update your business insurance coverage, you can protect your enterprise against emerging risks and ensure its long-term sustainability. Regular consultations with your insurance provider can help you navigate these changes smoothly and keep your coverage in line with your business’s needs.

 

The Importance of Commercial Umbrella Insurance for Business Protection

In today’s litigious society, where multimillion-dollar lawsuits can arise from simple accidents or unforeseen events, businesses must ensure they have adequate protection beyond standard liability policies. This is where commercial umbrella insurance steps in, offering an additional layer of security that can be crucial for a business’s survival. Here’s why every business should consider adding commercial umbrella insurance to their risk management strategy:

  1. Extended Coverage Limits

What It Offers: Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional coverage when the limits of your underlying liability policies (like general liability, auto liability, and employers’ liability) are exhausted. For example, if a lawsuit costs $2 million to settle and your general liability covers only $1.5 million, your umbrella policy can cover the additional $500,000, thus protecting your business assets from being used to cover the shortfall.

Why It’s Important: Businesses often face risks that can result in claims exceeding standard policy limits. Umbrella insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that a business isn’t crippled financially by a single incident. This is especially important in high-risk industries or those prone to large liability claims.

  1. Broader Coverage

What It Offers: Besides providing higher limits, commercial umbrella insurance sometimes covers claims that are not included in primary liability policies. This can include certain legal fees, contractual liabilities, and liabilities over business practices that may not be typically covered under standard policies.

Why It’s Important: The broad nature of coverage under umbrella insurance means that businesses can be protected against unforeseen gaps in their primary insurance policies. This comprehensive coverage is vital for peace of mind and continuous business operations, particularly in dynamic environments where unexpected legal challenges can arise.

  1. Cost-Effectiveness

What It Offers: Commercial umbrella insurance is generally cost-effective, especially compared to the increase in limits it provides. Premiums are relatively low because the umbrella policy only kicks in after the primary insurance limits are reached, which makes it a less frequently used policy.

Why It’s Important: For a relatively small additional cost, businesses can significantly increase their liability coverage. This makes commercial umbrella insurance an efficient way to boost total coverage without proportionately increasing insurance costs, providing substantial financial protection relative to the investment.

  1. Reputation Protection

What It Offers: By ensuring that claims can be settled fully and promptly, umbrella insurance helps in protecting a business’s reputation. Handling claims efficiently prevents negative publicity and maintains customer trust.

Why It’s Important: A business’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets. In the event of a large claim, having the financial backing to resolve issues swiftly and fully can help avert potential reputation damage, which can be costly and difficult to recover from.

  1. Peace of Mind

What It Offers: With umbrella insurance, business owners can have peace of mind knowing they are protected against catastrophic losses that could potentially bankrupt their operations.

Why It’s Important: Running a business involves managing daily risks. With the protection of an umbrella policy, business owners can focus more on growth and less on the potential for devastating financial implications from lawsuits.

Commercial umbrella insurance is an essential component of a comprehensive business insurance strategy. It not only extends the limits of existing liability coverages but also ensures broader protection, making it an indispensable safeguard for businesses aiming to secure their future against the uncertainties of high-cost liabilities.

Is My Business Covered?

According to the latest surveys by major insurers, small to medium sized businesses have a number of critical gaps in their insurance coverage. The reasons for gaps vary; not fully understanding how certain coverage applies to their business, buying insurance from a captive agent who can’t provide the coverage, thinking their commercial coverage provides the coverage, and finally believing they don’t have the risk.

Here are the coverage’s you should consider to make sure you are adequately protected.

Pollution Liability– Protects against the liability that comes with polluting the environment including restoration and cleanup, liability for injuries and deaths caused by pollution.

Cyber Liability- Cyber liability is the risk posed by conducting business over the Internet, over other networks or using electronic storage technology. It covers third party losses from hackers, theft, and loss of information including sensitive client or individual personal information.

Directors & Officers Liability– Covers costs, damages, and defense protection to directors and officers of a company resulting from law suits and judgments arising out of poor management decisions, employee dismissals, shareholder grievances, and other such acts committed in good faith.

Employment Liability- Employment Liability provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees. It can cover discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment, and other employment-related allegations.

Professional Liability– Insurance that is designed to cover third party claims, damages and claims arising out of providing professional advice.  Many firms create legal obligations arising out of a professional’s errors, negligent acts, or omissions during the course of providing services to clients.

We are ready to help you better understand your risks. Please call our office today.

 

 

Insurance For My Business

Your small business is important to you, and it should be protected. That’s where insurance comes in. If you’re like most small-business owners, you probably already have some insurance. But maybe your current policy doesn’t cover everything your business needs—or maybe it does but at a price that’s simply too high for your budget right now. You may not even realize how much insurance could help protect your business when disaster strikes or a major event occurs that threatens its well-being or financial stability.

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance covers the cost of replacing your building and its contents in the event of damage or loss, as well as protecting against theft. This type of cover is particularly important if you are renting or leasing space for your business.

Commercial liability insurance

Liability insurance protects your business from claims arising out of your premises and operations. Coverage can include:

  • Bodily injury
  • Property damage
  • Personal injury
  • Professional liability
  • Employment liability
  • Cyber breach

Business interruption insurance

Business interruption insurance provides compensation for lost profits and other costs associated with the temporary closure of a company due to a covered event such as a fire or flood. The coverage can also include additional expenses like relocation costs and legal fees if someone files suit against you for damages caused by the event that led to your business being shut down temporarily.

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance is a type of business insurance that covers your fleet. If you own a business, chances are you have employees who drive company cars to and from work. Commercial auto insurance is designed for these vehicles, so if one gets damaged or stolen, there will be no out-of-pocket costs for the owner. The coverage includes:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage
  • Property damage liability coverage (PDL)
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage

Make sure to check with your agent about deductibles, limits, and other details before signing up for commercial car insurance in order to get the best rates possible!

Workers’ compensation insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is a state-mandated insurance policy that protects you from injuries and illnesses sustained by your employees on the job. This coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with these injuries and illnesses. It also applies to death benefits for dependents of deceased workers who have been covered under workers’ comp.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that your business needs to be properly insured. Make sure you have the right coverage for your company, and don’t forget about things like workers’ compensation or employment practices liability insurance!

 

Mitigating Common Business Risks with Proactive Responses

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, risks are as inevitable as they are varied. From financial pitfalls to cybersecurity threats, these challenges can derail even the most robust business plans. However, proactive preparedness can turn these potential obstacles into manageable aspects of a successful strategy. In this blog, we’ll explore five common business risks and how to effectively mitigate them.

  1. Navigating Financial Risk

Financial instability is a significant concern for any business. Cash flow issues, market volatility, and unexpected expenses can all pose serious risks. To safeguard against these, diversification is key. This could mean exploring new markets or developing additional products or services. Maintaining a stringent budget and an emergency fund can provide a cushion against unforeseen costs. Regular financial analysis and forecasting are also vital, enabling businesses to anticipate and prepare for financial fluctuations.

  1. Overcoming Operational Risks

Operational risks, such as supply chain disruptions or system failures, can significantly impact a business’s ability to function. Quality control and efficient process management can help mitigate these risks. Investing in reliable technology and having backup systems in place are crucial steps. Additionally, fostering strong relationships with suppliers and having alternative options can safeguard against supply chain issues.

  1. Protecting Against Cybersecurity Threats

In our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is a paramount concern. Data breaches and hacking can lead to significant losses. Businesses must stay ahead of these risks by regularly updating their cybersecurity protocols. Educating employees on best practices for digital safety is equally important. Utilizing robust security software and frequent data backups can help protect sensitive information.

  1. Staying Compliant with Legal Regulations

Legal and compliance risks are ever-present in the business world. Changes in laws or facing lawsuits can be challenging. To navigate these waters, staying informed about industry regulations is crucial. Regular compliance audits, possibly with the help of legal experts, can prevent future legal troubles. Strong internal policies and continuous training ensure that a business remains on the right side of the law.

 

  1. Addressing Human Resource Challenges

Human resource challenges like employee turnover and workplace conflicts can undermine a business’s stability. Creating a positive work environment is essential for retaining talent. Offering competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and regular training can enhance employee satisfaction. Team-building activities and open communication channels foster a collaborative and harmonious workplace.

Risk management in business is not just about reacting to challenges as they arise. It’s about being proactive, anticipating potential issues, and having strategies in place to handle them effectively. By adopting a holistic approach to risk management, businesses can stay resilient and adaptable, ready to face whatever challenges the market may bring.

We encourage our readers to share their experiences or strategies in managing business risks. Your insights can be invaluable to fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. For more tips and insights on effective business management, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. Let’s navigate the business world with confidence and preparedness!

The Keys to a Business Continuation Plan

The Keys to a Business Continuation Plan

Businesses face an array of challenges in today’s ever-changing world. Disasters, economic downturns, and unexpected events can threaten the very existence of a company. A well-thought-out business continuation plan is the key to ensuring the resilience and survival of your business. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of a business continuation plan and why it is crucial for long-term success.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment

The first and most critical step in creating a business continuation plan is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This process involves identifying potential threats to your business, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, cybersecurity breaches, supply chain disruptions, and even sudden leadership changes. Once you’ve identified these risks, you can prioritize them and determine their potential impact on your business. Understanding these risks is the foundation for building a robust plan.

Clearly Defined Objectives

A business continuation plan should have clear and specific objectives. It should outline what your organization aims to achieve during a disruption. These objectives may include minimizing financial losses, ensuring the safety of employees and customers, and maintaining customer service or product delivery. Having well-defined objectives helps keep everyone on the same page and ensures that your response efforts align with your long-term goals.

Communication Strategy

Effective communication is a critical aspect of any business continuation plan. Your plan should clearly outline how you will communicate with employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders during a crisis. This includes the use of various communication channels, such as emails, phone calls, social media, and, if necessary, press releases. The speed and accuracy of your communication can significantly impact the perception of your business’s competence during a crisis.

Leadership and Decision-Making

A successful business continuation plan should designate key individuals responsible for decision-making during a crisis. This includes defining leadership roles, responsibilities, and the chain of command. It’s vital to ensure that those responsible for making critical decisions are well-prepared and have the authority to act swiftly. A clear hierarchy and decision-making process will prevent confusion and expedite responses.

Resource Allocation

Your plan must include details on how resources will be allocated during a disruption. This covers everything from human resources to financial assets. Consider how you will ensure access to essential supplies, technology, and facilities, as well as the welfare of employees and their families. By having a resource allocation strategy in place, you can prevent bottlenecks and efficiently use available resources.

Continuity of Operations

Business continuation planning is not just about responding to a crisis but also ensuring the continuous operation of your business. Your plan should address how you will maintain essential business functions during the disruption. This may include relocating operations, implementing remote work arrangements, or outsourcing critical tasks. The goal is to minimize downtime and maintain productivity as much as possible.

Testing and Training

Creating a plan is not enough; it must be regularly tested and updated to remain effective. Conducting drills, training sessions, and simulation exercises will help your team become familiar with the plan and improve response times. Regular testing allows you to identify weaknesses and make necessary improvements to your business continuation plan.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

In many industries, there are specific regulations and compliance requirements that businesses must adhere to during a crisis. Your plan should address these obligations, including reporting, documentation, and any specific procedures mandated by industry regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to legal issues or fines.

A well-structured business continuation plan is the lifeline that keeps your business afloat during challenging times. It provides a framework for handling disruptions, mitigating risks, and ensuring the long-term survival of your organization. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, defining clear objectives, implementing effective communication, and addressing all the key elements mentioned above, your business can build a strong and resilient foundation for success, even in the face of adversity. Remember, a plan is only as good as its execution, so continuously refine and update your business continuation plan to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging threats.

Who Needs Commercial Property Insurance

 

Commercial property insurance is essential for a wide range of businesses and property owners. It provides protection for physical assets and property used in the operation of a business. Here are some entities that typically need commercial property insurance:

Business Owners: Any business, whether it’s a small startup, a retail store, a restaurant, or a large corporation, can benefit from commercial property insurance. It helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing physical assets such as buildings, equipment, inventory, and furnishings in case of damage or loss due to events like fire, vandalism, theft, and more.

Property Owners: Owners of commercial real estate, including office buildings, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, require commercial property insurance to protect their investments from potential risks.

Landlords: If you lease or rent out commercial space to other businesses, having commercial property insurance can help protect you from liabilities arising due to property damage. It can also cover lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

Manufacturers: Businesses involved in manufacturing rely heavily on specialized equipment and machinery. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing these assets in case of damage or breakdown.

Retailers: Retail businesses have valuable inventory, fixtures, and equipment that are critical to their operations. Commercial property insurance safeguards these assets against various perils.

Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses: Restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses have unique assets like kitchen equipment, furnishings, and decor. Commercial property insurance can help them recover from events that could damage these assets.

Medical Practices and Clinics: Healthcare facilities often house expensive medical equipment and technology. Commercial property insurance can provide coverage for these assets in case of damage or loss.

Professional Offices: Businesses like law firms, accounting firms, and consulting companies might not have a lot of physical inventory, but they have valuable equipment and documents. Commercial property insurance can help protect these assets.

Technology Companies: Tech companies rely on computers, servers, and other specialized equipment. Commercial property insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing these assets in the event of damage or loss.

Nonprofits and Organizations: Even nonprofit organizations often have physical assets like office space, equipment, and supplies. Commercial property insurance can be important to protect their resources.

It’s important to note that the specific coverage needs of each business may vary based on factors such as the type of business, location, industry, and the value of assets. It’s recommended to consult with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate level of coverage for your specific situation.

Product Liability Insurance

If you are in the business of designing, manufacturing, selling, and distributing a product, you understand that it can be exciting, involve hard work, and can even be a bit risky. When the product you represent causes injury or damage to a third party, you need and deserve protection. Depending on the coverage you have, you may not be adequately protected from a product liability claim. Many “standard” insurance policies have limitations for product liability claims. For example, a contractor installed windows in a custom home and 9 months later the windows leaked, causing thousands of dollars of damage. The window manufacturer said their windows are fine; it was the installation that was done incorrectly. The contractor may be held responsible for the damage. Product liability insurance would provide protection in this case.

Our experienced staff will work with you to help find the right insurance and risk solutions for your business. Our knowledgeable team can work with any business; we know and understand your industry.

What is product liability insurance?

Product liability insurance can provide protection from damages, claims, and other liability arising out of the selling, distributing, manufacturing, and design of products. Damages can include bodily injury, property damage, and even death.

An important feature of product liability insurance is legal defense coverage. The cost to defend an allegation can create a strain on your firm’s resources.

Claims can come from any of the following:

  • Poor workmanship
  • Breach of warranty
  • Failure to warn
  • Defect in design or manufacturing
  • Material defect
  • Failure to provide adequate instructions

Classes of businesses we work with:

  • Contractors
  • Artisan Contractors
  • Manufacturing
  • Restaurants
  • Distributors
  • Food Processors
  • Wood Products
  • Automotive
  • Sporting Goods
  • And More

We have a number of highly-rated insurance companies to select from. Call us today for more information.Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

Low Cost Insurance Is Not Better Insurance

Insurance is a necessary expense for many people. Whether it’s health insurance, car insurance, or home insurance, having coverage can give you peace of mind and protect you from financial ruin in the event of an accident or unexpected event. However, not all insurance policies are created equal, and opting for the cheapest option may not always be the best choice. In fact, cheaper insurance is often not better insurance. Here are some reasons why.

Lower Coverage Limits

One of the main ways insurance companies can offer cheaper rates is by offering lower coverage limits. Coverage limits are the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay out for a claim. If you opt for cheaper insurance, you may be getting lower coverage limits, which means you may not be fully covered in the event of a major accident or unexpected event. This can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses that you may not be able to afford.

Higher Deductibles

Another way insurance companies can offer cheaper rates is by increasing the deductible – the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. While a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, it also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket before your insurance company starts covering the cost of damages. This can be a burden, especially if you’re already struggling to make ends meet.

Exclusions and Limitations

Cheaper insurance policies may also come with exclusions and limitations that can limit your coverage. For example, some health insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or limit coverage for certain medical treatments. Car insurance policies may exclude coverage for certain types of accidents or limit coverage for damages to your vehicle. These exclusions and limitations can leave you with significant gaps in coverage that can leave you vulnerable to financial loss.

Poor Customer Service

Cheaper insurance policies may also come with poor customer service. Insurance companies that offer cheap rates often need more resources to invest in customer service, which can lead to long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and delayed claims processing. This can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you need to file a claim in a hurry.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest insurance policy available, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of doing so. Cheaper insurance policies may offer lower coverage limits, higher deductibles, exclusions and limitations, poor customer service, and less comprehensive coverage. Instead, it’s important to shop around for insurance policies that offer the right balance of coverage and affordability. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re fully protected in the event of an accident or unexpected event without breaking the bank.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.