Federal
Are Your Health Records
an Open Book? - Did you know that currently, the health information
you provide your doctor doesn't necessarily stay in the office. It may be shared for many reasons and with
many people (other doctors and hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies, schools, employers, data
clearinghouses, pharmaceutical companies, and even marketers). Learn about the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how to protect your health records from inappropriate
disclosure.
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Democracy in
America - These easy facts and useful information are great to use to
talk to children about our country. Also, review the branches of the government and our election
process.
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Federal Jobs-How to
Find Them and Apply Online - Looking for a government job? The
Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal government's human resources manager, uses the
Web to provide information on jobs available worldwide. You can search for a job according to your
education, where you live, the agencies you're interested in, and more.
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The Facts on Government
Grants and Loans - We're all familiar with ads offering free money
from the government. The federal government does offer grants and loans, but the information you pay
for may be misleading. For complete and up-to-date information on these programs, go right to the
source--the government.
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Food
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Eating Right This
Winter - Exercise and diet are an unbeatable team if you are trying
to lose weight. But it's hard to find time to exercise around the holidays, and even harder to watch what
you eat when you are tempted by holiday party fare.
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Food
Allergies - Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the
world. Fresh flowers or a dog can make people itch, sneeze and scratch. But what about that peanut
butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about food allergies and steps you can take to
reduce your risk of food allergens.
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Food For The
Holidays - Tips and ideas to help you plan and prepare healthy,
crowd-pleasing food.
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Food
Safety - An estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur
each year in the United States. The majority of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day
or two. Foodborne illness can be prevented with proper food care – and this starts as soon as you select
an item at the store. Then the food must be carefully handled and stored at home. Here are some basic
food handling tips and storage information charts to help guide you.
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Healthy Eating for
Weight Loss - Have you noticed that all your clothes keep shrinking?
You can blame it on the dry cleaner or be true to yourself and create a goal to lose weight. A lifestyle
based on healthy eating and regular physical activity can help you look better, feel better and have more
energy.
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Product Safety
Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous,
even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important
notices.
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Sensible Eating Over
the Holidays - Eating perfectly is really difficult any time of the year,
but especially over the holidays. The key is not to overeat at parties, and to exercise restraint throughout
the rest of the week.
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What You Need to
Know About Cholesterol - High blood cholesterol increases your risk
for heart disease – the number one killer in Americans. About 50% of American adults aged 20
years and older have cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable.
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Health
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Are Your Health Records
an Open Book? - Did you know that currently, the health information
you provide your doctor doesn't necessarily stay in the office. It may be shared for many reasons and with
many people (other doctors and hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies, schools, employers, data
clearinghouses, pharmaceutical companies, and even marketers). Learn about the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how to protect your health records from inappropriate
disclosure.
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Autism Spectrum
Disorders - Chances are you know of an autistic child, or a family
adapting to an autism diagnosis. Since the mid-1990s, parent advocacy groups, personal reports from
family members, and the autistic themselves have spoken out to put a public face on what has been a
baffling condition.
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Back to School - Students are getting ready for the start of a new school year. As you prepare
to send your child to school arm yourself with some health and safety
information.
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Beat the Heat: Tips for
Summer Survival - Tips, strategies, and loads of information that will
help you survive those energy-related challenges and keep you safe in the summer
heat.
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Breast Cancer
Awareness - After lung cancer, breast cancer is the second leading
cause of cancer deaths in women. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have
brought together some resources surrounding this health issue.
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Combat Winter Weight
Gain - Just because it's wintertime doesn't mean you can't exercise!
Exercise will help you counteract holiday weight gain, as well as improve your health. Learn more about
getting started, taking a walk, and shopping wisely.
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Diabetes - Diabetes is a serious disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose
resulting from defects in insulin production or insulin action. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Diabetes affects over 18 million people.
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Extreme Cold -
Preparing for Winter - With its cold and often stormy weather, winter
presents a number of safety and health challenges both indoors and out. Being prepared and following
simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.
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Facts About
Depression - Some people think that depression is just a state of
mind that people can "snap out of" if they only try. Unfortunately, this is not true. Depression is a real
illness and can affect people of any age, race, ethnic or economic group.
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Healthy Eating for
Weight Loss - Have you noticed that all your clothes keep shrinking?
You can blame it on the dry cleaner or be true to yourself and create a goal to lose weight. A lifestyle
based on healthy eating and regular physical activity can help you look better, feel better and have more
energy.
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How to Find Reliable
Health Information - More and more consumers use the Internet to
purchase prescription drugs and other health products. Many of these websites are lawful businesses and
offer privacy, convenience, potential cost-savings, and other traditional safeguards. But, consumers need
to be aware there are some who are using the Internet as an outlet for products or practices that may be
illegal or whose practices may be questionable.
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Is It a Cold or the
Flu? - Colds and flu (also called "influenza") can occur anytime but
appear mostly in the fall and winter. How can you tell the difference? A cold tends to come on gradually
but the flu hits very fast and lasts longer. The symptoms for colds and flu can be similar; both can cause a
stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fever, but the flu can also leave you with a "wiped-out" feeling, a
headache, chills and body aches.
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LASIK Eye Surgery - Is it
Right for You? - Tired of squinting at the alarm clock when you wake
up in the morning? Are your contacts a hassle to deal with everyday? Well, maybe Lasik eye surgery is
for you. Click here to find out great tips.
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Medical Products
On-Line - The volume of health information available is
overwhelming, and searching for this information can be frustrating, confusing, and time consuming.
These tips will help you get started in your search for reliable health
information.
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Men's
Health - Affecting nearly 30% of the population, heart disease is the
leading cause of death of American males. Cancer accounts for about an additional 25 percent. Here are
some helpful tips and resources to inspire and inform you. We’ll talk about heart disease in this
edition.
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Osteoporosis - The Silent
Thief - Osteoporosis is a major health risk for 28 million Americans. It
is characterized by low bone mass resulting in weakening of the skeleton and an increased susceptibility
to fractures. Read on to find out risk factors, screening, and treatment
options.
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Personal Health
Records - Keeping your own complete, updated, and easily
accessible health record means you play a more active role in your
healthcare.
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Product Safety
Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous,
even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important
notices.
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Rolling Back the Hands
of Time: The Facts on Plastic Surgery - Thinking about having a nip
here or a tuck there? Plastic surgery has made extraordinary advances both in cosmetic procedures and
reconstructive procedures in recent years.
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Seasonal - Avian -
Pandemic: Isn't the Flu Just the Flu? - When is the flu just the flu?
Learn the causes and differences between seasonal, Avian and pandemic flu, and precautions you can
take.
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Sports Health and
Safety - Sports are a good way to exercise and stay healthy and fit.
To make sure you can enjoy sports for a long time, you need to take care of yourself – and that means
you need to play it safe.
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Summer Health
Tips - No matter what summertime activity you choose to participate
in - those hot and humid days can take a toll on you physically, as well as present some hidden dangers.
Here are some tips on how you can manage the heat and keep cool during the dog days of
summer.
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Surfing Safely: Buying
Drugs Online - Even though you can compare prices and not wait
hours for your prescription, how do you know if the site you are on is legitimate? Can you trust an online
pharmacist?
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Taking the Bite Out
of Summer - Warm weather brings ticks and mosquitoes. Reduce
your risk with these common sense approaches.
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Vaccinations: Not Just
for Kids - Scientists use vaccines to "trick" the human immune system
into producing antibodies or immune cells that protect against disease-causing organisms. But keeping
up with your child's vaccinations can be confusing. To add to the confusion, medical developments have
made changes over time. Read on for more information.
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Water Safety For
Swimmers - Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting
full body exercise. But, you always have to remember that each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people
drown in the United States. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, the following information can
help everyone have a safe and fun summer.
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What Men Should
Know About Cancer - What are the most common form of cancer in
the U.S. and other cancers that have high mortality rates among American
males?
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What You Need to
Know About Cholesterol - High blood cholesterol increases your risk
for heart disease – the number one killer in Americans. About 50% of American adults aged 20
years and older have cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable.
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Women’s
Health - When it comes to health, there are many crucial differences
between men and women. Yet many women do not know that they are more vulnerable to some
diseases and may have different symptoms. Learn more about some of these health
concerns.
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Housing
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Being a
Landlord - There are particular considerations to be aware of if
you're considering purchasing investment property or renting out a property that you currently own. The
following information should help make the decision a little easier.
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Buying a
Foreclosed Home - Before you go out to the next courthouse auction
to buy your next home or dream of flipping that house for major profits, be sure to do your homework.
We’ve compiled valuable tips on navigating your options when buying a foreclosed
home.
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Changing Insurance
Needs - Insurance needs change over time and as your life changes -
- from the teen and college years to your senior years and the stages in between. Here are three common
life stages where insurance needs can differ significantly.
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Choosing Home
Mortgage Products - Today's buyers increasingly turn to more non-
traditional financing options to make the dream of home ownership a reality. Reviewing the options can
be a daunting and confusing task. And, even though it may be tempting to decide quickly, consumers
must consider all aspects of these loans very carefully.
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Heating Your
Home - Read these tips to learn how insulation, weatherization, and
use of Energy Star products can save you money. We also have advice what to do if you are having
trouble paying your energy bill.
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Hiring A
Mover - Research tells us that moving is usually one of the most
stressful events in a person's life. But with planning and care, you can make your move a lot less stressful.
Here are some great tips for hiring a moving company.
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Home Buying
Basics - Although it may seem overwhelming at first, buying a home
is a process you’ll negotiate successfully as long as you know the steps to take and are informed about the
choices you face along the way.
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Home
Maintenance - Homeowners decide to do home maintenance and
repair projects for various reasons. While some home repairs are quick and easy; others require extensive
time, tools, and talent. Whether you plan to do it yourself or get outside help, we’ve assembled some tips
to help prevent problems.
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Indoor
Home Improvement - In addition to a standard "spring cleaning,"
here are some other maintenance tasks you may wish to perform in your
home.
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Mortgage
Difficulties - If you bought or refinanced a home in the last few
years, you may be facing a major increase in your mortgage’s interest rate and monthly payments. Here
are tips to help you manage your payments and maintain ownership of your
home.
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Moving - There are so many things to do when you are moving. You need to let
everyone know your new address, gather boxes, get rid of items - just to name a few. Here are lots of
helpful tips to make your move easier.
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Owning a Second
Home or Investment Property - The idea of owning a second home
or investing in property is on many people's minds nowadays. If you're interested in the idea, but not sure
how to get started, we've assembled some helpful information.
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Purchasing
Appliances - With all the different home appliance manufacturers,
models, and features offered, it's hard to know where to start. And since appliances account for 20% of
your home's gas or electric bill, you have to consider energy efficiency as well. Read these tips before
purchasing water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, or cooking
appliances.
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Spring Home
Maintenance - Every spring, daylight savings time gives us an extra
hour of light in the evening. Here are some home maintenance tips that you can use while enjoying that
extra spring sunshine.
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Money
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Changing Insurance
Needs - Insurance needs change over time and as your life changes -
- from the teen and college years to your senior years and the stages in between. Here are three common
life stages where insurance needs can differ significantly.
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Consumers in Control: A
New Privacy Right - There is a law that requires financial institutions
to tell their customers about the kinds of information they collect about their customers and the types of
businesses that may be given the information. Read here to find out how to keep your personal
information, well ... personal.
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Creating
Your Home Filing System - You've gotten your papers together in
one place and shredded those you no longer need. Now what? We've assembled some tips and with just
a little planning on your part, will make it all come together easily.
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Devising Your Tax Game-
Plan Early - Read more about getting prepared for tax
time.
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Don't Put Off a Personal
Files Check Up - Procrastinating too long, especially when it involves
financial matters, can lead to unpleasant consequences. Here are some tips to help you tame your
financial paper tiger.
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Fiscal Fitness And Your
Financial Records - Resolve to get your financial health in order.
Here are some tips to tone up your record keeping skills and your bottom
line.
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Get Help From A
Professional - Hiring a financial planner, attorney or home contractor
can be daunting. Be prepared to do some research before you make a decision. A little time up front
can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
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How to File A
Consumer Complaint - When you have a problem with something
you purchased, it is often a daunting task to find out whom to contact to report and resolve the problem.
But, filing a complaint doesn't have to be intimidating; you simply need to know where to go. This guide
will direct you to the resources for dealing with consumer complaints, and give you some helpful tips to
help you along the way.
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Identity Crisis? Protecting
Yourself Against Identity Theft - Get the latest information on how to
protect yourself and your good name. Learn what steps to take if someone has assumed your financial
identity.
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Managing
Household Records - These general guidelines will help you work
out an efficient system to manage
your household records. From creating an efficient home
filing system, performing
an annual financial
check-up and putting together that essential emergency
financial records kit you'll be sure to tone up your record
keeping skills and your bottom
line.
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Money and Credit
101 - Young people often find themselves in over their heads with
credit card debt, or in situations where they’ve been scammed out of money. Avoid these traps by
following this advice when you “shop” for credit cards, apartments, financial aid, and travel
opportunities.
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Preparing An Emergency
Financial Records Kit - Disasters can affect anyone. Your number
one priority is making sure your family is safe, not finding your most recent copies of policies or bank
statements. Read on to learn how to prepare an emergency financial records
kit.
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Preventing
Holiday Shopping Headaches - Many of us will spend more money
than we intended during the holidays. We’ve all felt panic standing in the middle of a crowded mall with
only a few days (or hours) left to find just the right gift. By using these tips and with a little care, planning,
and budgeting, you’ll have a less stressful holiday season.
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Reducing
Unsolicited Mailings, Telemarketing Calls, and Junk E-mail -
Complaints of telemarketing calls during dinner or mailboxes full of catalogs and credit card offers were a
favorite topic of late night talk show comedians. These days advances in technology make us concerned
about protecting our privacy.
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Retirement
Decisions—More than Just Money - Financial planning is what most
people think about when planning retirement. But, have you considered what your lifestyle will be like
after you retire? Here are some ideas and resources to help you think about some ways to fill your time
during one of the biggest transitions of your life.
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Retirement Saving
Strategies for Late Starters - If you think it’s too late to start saving for
retirement, think again. By setting some realistic goals and creating a plan, you can create a nest egg
that can help you live a more comfortable retirement.
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Tackling Your
Taxes - So you received your W-2 – what next? Which number goes
in which box? Which forms are the correct forms? Is it better to file online? So many questions, not
enough time! Use these tips to get organized, learn about the different options for filing your taxes, and
what to do if you wait 'til the last minute (and we know you will!).
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Taking Steps to Protect
Your Privacy - Annoyed by having your mailbox filled with
unsolicited mail and credit card offers? Unfortunately, there's no sure-fire way to totally eliminate the
unsolicited mailings, calls, and e-mails you receive, but follow these tips to help you cut down on the
junk.
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Talking to Your Kids
About Money - If you’d rather talk to your kids about the birds and the
bees than about money, here’s some information and tips that may make it easier for
you.
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Tax Season - Here are some of the highlighted changes for the 2006 tax
year.
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Tax Season 2007 - Part
1 - Following are just some of the most important changes for tax
year 2007. For more specific information, consult a tax professional.
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Tax Season 2007 -
Stimulus Package - Congress has passed and the President has
signed legislation to send payments to citizens to help stimulate the economy. Find out Stimulus
Package means to you.
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What’s a Trust? - Trusts can be appropriate for people with minor children or those who want to
avoid having their estate go through probate upon death. Here are some basic facts about trusts – but, be
sure to consult a licensed attorney experienced with trust matters before making any
decisions.
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Small
Being a
Landlord - There are particular considerations to be aware of if
you're considering purchasing investment property or renting out a property that you currently own. The
following information should help make the decision a little easier.
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Being Your Own
Boss - If you’re exploring the idea of starting your own business,
here’s some helpful information to get started.
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Owning a Second
Home or Investment Property - The idea of owning a second home
or investing in property is on many people's minds nowadays. If you're interested in the idea, but not sure
how to get started, we've assembled some helpful information.
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Travel
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Air Travel Tips for the
Best Trips - Booking a flight for your vacation? Can't wait to hear
those wonderful words "Good afternoon passengers; we're experiencing a slight delay...." Although there
are no guarantees against plane delays, here are some tips to help make your plane ride go
smoothly.
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Planning a Trip
Abroad - If you haven’t traveled since early 2006, changes in
transportation airline safety regulations make it important to refresh yourself on what to pack, and what to
leave behind. You'll find information on passports, what to pack, important papers to take with you, and
planning for emergencies.
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Safety for College
Students - Heading off to college? These tips will help you stay safe
on campus, as well as in the dorms. Also, learn how to protect yourself if you plan to study
abroad.
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The Great Escape:
Planning Your Vacation Adventure - Need a break from the daily
grind? A vacation may be just what you need. Whatever your plans, start making them
now.
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Time-Saving Tips for
Summer Travel - Some airlines have responded to escalating fuel
prices with new fees and some service reductions. Some airports have more customer-friendly checkpoints
that can be time savers-if you come to the airport prepared, know what to expect, and cooperate with
security personnel.
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And more…
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Final
Arrangements - What would happen to your family if something
should happen to you? For the peace of mind of your loved ones, and maybe your own, right now is the
right time to start making some decisions about your final wishes in case you're seriously incapacitated or
should die suddenly. Here are a few resources that can help you get
started.
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Get Help From A
Professional - Hiring a financial planner, attorney or home contractor
can be daunting. Be prepared to do some research before you make a decision. A little time up front
can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
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Holiday
Safety - Use these holiday safety tips to help you enjoy winter sports,
prevent toy-related injuries, and keep your pets safe.
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How to File A
Consumer Complaint - When you have a problem with something
you purchased, it is often a daunting task to find out whom to contact to report and resolve the problem.
But, filing a complaint doesn't have to be intimidating; you simply need to know where to go. This guide
will direct you to the resources for dealing with consumer complaints, and give you some helpful tips to
help you along the way.
|
Managing
Household Records - These general guidelines will help you work
out an efficient system to manage
your household records. From creating an efficient home
filing system, performing
an annual financial
check-up and putting together that essential emergency
financial records kit you'll be sure to tone up your record
keeping skills and your bottom
line.
|
Moving from Analog to
Digital TV - Why is industry flipping the switch from analog to digital
TV? Get the answers to the important questions you need to ask today, so you can make the best choices
for yourself or your family before February, 2009.
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Natural Disasters: Are
You Prepared? - Natural disasters come in many different forms and
with different intensities. Technology can predict some events and increase our warning time, but
everyone needs to do his or her part by preparing in advance. Preparing will also decrease your recovery
time if a disaster strikes where you live.
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Preparing An Emergency
Financial Records Kit - Disasters can affect anyone. Your number
one priority is making sure your family is safe, not finding your most recent copies of policies or bank
statements. Read on to learn how to prepare an emergency financial records
kit.
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Product Safety
Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous,
even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important
notices.
|
Reducing
Unsolicited Mailings, Telemarketing Calls, and Junk E-mail -
Complaints of telemarketing calls during dinner or mailboxes full of catalogs and credit card offers were a
favorite topic of late night talk show comedians. These days advances in technology make us concerned
about protecting our privacy.
|
Retirement
Decisions—More than Just Money - Financial planning is what most
people think about when planning retirement. But, have you considered what your lifestyle will be like
after you retire? Here are some ideas and resources to help you think about some ways to fill your time
during one of the biggest transitions of your life.
|
Taking Steps to Protect
Your Privacy - Annoyed by having your mailbox filled with
unsolicited mail and credit card offers? Unfortunately, there's no sure-fire way to totally eliminate the
unsolicited mailings, calls, and e-mails you receive, but follow these tips to help you cut down on the
junk.
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Wondering About
Wireless Phones? - Learn about purchasing a wireless
phone.
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