You may want to check with your insurance company to find out what changes are coming your way. Homeowners are seeing a 4 to 8 percent increase in their rates depending on their policy. Insurance companies have been seeking, and winning, rate increase approval in states around the nation. Even people who have never made a claim on their insurance are seeing an increase in their rates.

There are two main reasons why insurance rates continue to rise. Devastating weather events and insurance fraud (like roofing scams) have hit cash reserves hard and insurance companies are now looking to make up the difference. The weather you heard about in last year’s news may cause a problem this year, too. In 2011, there were more federal disaster declarations than there have ever been—99 cases to be exact. Disasters ranged from the February blizzards, the tornado in Joplin, Hurricane Irene, wildfires, flooding, and 646 tornadoes. Between January and September, the insured losses totaled $32.6 billion. The Insurance Information Institute reports that this is about double the average. This means that insurers have to pay out approximately $1.85 for every dollar they make.

Insurance frauds are another problem. Sometimes homeowners themselves make faulty claims that raise the rates for everybody. However, such claims are often not the fault of homeowners. States that do not require their contractors to be licensed are seeing an especially high number of fraudulent claims. A roofer, who became a roofer yesterday, may offer to inspect a roof after a storm, and then cause damage in order to make a claim and get money. When this happens, insurers have to pay out money, and then recoup their losses. This can be troublesome for everybody.

Valentine’s Day should be all about celebrating the love in your life. Here are a few ways to plan an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, no matter what stage in a relationship you are at.

If you have been together 25 years…

When you have been together for this long, celebrate your past Valentine’s Day with a scrapbook of mementos, or a piece of special jewelry, or a romantic note asking him or her to be your Valentine.

If you have been together for 10 years…

Take some time to spend the day doing what you both love most. A little spontaneity can add some spice; a helicopter ride around the city, a horse and carriage ride, or a special dinner. Gifts can include something that the other would like as well. Tickets to a sports game or a spa day can be a way to let the other person recharge their batteries. You don’t have to feel pressured to spend a lot of money though. Just knowing how much you are loved can be the best present of all.

After seventeen weeks of regular-season football and two epic weeks of playoff football, only four teams remain: The Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots, the New York Giants, and the San Francisco 49ers. This Sunday, the Ravens will square off agains the Patriots in New England, and the Giants will take on the 49ers in San Francisco to decide the two teams that will play in this year’s Super Bowl. Here’s a look ahead at these two exciting matchups. 

The Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots

Sunday January 22 at 1:00PM MT on CBS

The Patriots and Ravens were seeded first and second respectively heading into the playoffs. After successfully defending their home fields agains the Broncos and Texans respectively, the Ravens and Patriots both seem to be peaking at just the right time. The Patriots posted 45 points against the Broncos top-tier defense last week and the Ravens looked solid on both sides of the ball--frustrating the Texans rookie quarterback, while Ravens running back Ray Rice ran up and down the field at will. 

In a 2010 playoff game, the Ravens held off Tom Brady and the Patriots to win 33-14, so both teams will be ready to play again in the playoff spotlight. The Ravens have a solid advantage at defense, with future hall-of-famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed leading the way. The Patriots are on fire 

There is a new way to make money that originated in Europe, but has now made its way into the United States - renting out your driveway to strangers for parking. It may sound like an odd concept, but there are instances that make renting your driveway convenient for people and profitable for you. However, before jumping onto this new money-maker, consider the following factors.

Look At Your Insurance

Does your homeowner’s insurance allow you to run a business out of your home? You will need protection if someone should get injured on your property. This would not only include renting your driveway, but a room in your home. Typical homeowner’s liability insurance may not be enough for this endeavor.

Talk With an Accountant

Find out and keep track of expenses that you can deduct from your taxes. Keep receipts, and discuss your business with an accountant. Any business you run out of your home will need to be kept separate from your personal taxes.