sheboygan how to guide

sheboyganpress.com | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 how to guide PAGE 1

how to guidehow to guideWednesday, May 18, 2011

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011 | sheboyganpress.comhow to guidePAGE 2

how to guidetable of contents

3 Choose a Real Estate Agency

4 Choose a Seafood Store

5 Choose Carpet

6 Choose a Jeweler

7 Choose an Insurance Agent

8 Choose an Audiologist

9 Choose a Mattress

10 Choose an Assisted Living Facility

11 Recognize Quality Furniture

12 Choose a Hearing Aid

13 Choose a Chiropractor

14 Choose a Water Treatment Company

15 Buy Windows

16 Choose a Roofer

17 Choose a Mortgage Lender

18 Choose a Builder

19 Choose a Certified Financial Planner™

20 Choose a Funeral Home

21 Choose an Attorney

22 Choose an Auctioneer

23 Choose a Health Mobility Company

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email [email protected].

General Manager & Executive Editor / Mike Knuth | Advertising Director / Lowell Johnson

Advertising Manager / dave Liebelt | Graphic Artist / Heather Nohr | Distribution / Bruce Tischer

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Whether you are selling or buying a home, it is vital to have both the best Realtor and real estate agency on your side. The agent and agency that you choose could make the difference between selling your house for the asking price or settling for the best of-fer. In other words, the right choice could mean extra dollars in your pocket and a faster sale.

Although you will be spending most of your time with the real estate agent that you choose, the agency that employs them can also make a difference in the sale or purchase of your next home. You want to choose an agency that has plenty of local connections, a keen understanding of the relevant neighborhoods as well as solid contacts within the world of real estate.

This is especially important if you are sell-ing a home. While your real estate agent will play a key role in helping you locate your dream home, it is often their agency that will take care of the sale of the house. What can make the difference between one real estate agency and the next is the methods by which they advertise their listings and how they conduct the sales process. This can greatly influence the sale of your home and ultimately how much you will get for it.

Although they may all appear the same on the outside, some real estate agencies may differ slightly in the type of real estate they prefer to show or sell. Some might be more familiar with commercial properties while others are great at selling high-end homes.

While you shouldn’t rule agencies out be-cause of their size, it is an important factor to consider. While smaller agencies may be able to dedicate more time to the sale of your home, they also may not have the net-working advantages of larger agencies.

If you do choose a larger agency, the real estate agents have more of a chance of networking to sell your home. Yet you may not get the personalized attention that you will see from a smaller agency. A smaller agency will likely feature your home more prominently, simply because your listing will not get buried among a large number of listings. Visibility is of course key to a suc-cessful process.

There are several questions that you should be prepared to ask the Realtor before com-mitting to give them your listing:

• What methods will be used to sell my home? The Internet? Newspapers?

• How many pictures of my house will ap-pear online?

• On which sites will my home be dis-played?

• Can you see examples of other homes that have recently been sold in my price range?

• What makes your agency different from the others?

Make sure to understand the focus you will receive from the Realtor who puts up your listing and assess their capability. These are some questions you should answer for yourself in assessing the Realtor.

Do you trust that the Realtor will help you optimize the presentation of your home through staging and is he/she someone you will rely on in terms of repairs and improve-ments needed to optimize the sale? It is valuable to be able to rely on the Realtor to help you find the right balance between what you invest up-front and what will re-sult in an increased price.

Does the Realtor understand the unique features of your home that will help the listing stand out and compete with compa-rable listings?

Is the Realtor analytical in terms of assess-ing comparable values and does he/she have the transactional capabilities to best assist you in reviewing and negotiating of-fers?

Will the Realtor commit the time to your list-ing and have open houses that are profes-sionally conducted?

Is the Realtor responsive with returned calls and will he/she keep you well informed about the progress of your listing?

You want only the best real estate agents and agency on your side to get the best deal for your future home or sale.

how to Choose a Real Estate Agency

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However, in order to ensure your cooking is at its best, you must have the best ingre-dients. You want to enjoy seafood that is fresh, clean, and uncontaminated.

Here is some advice on how to choose the perfect seafood store:

First, make sure you choose a seafood store that keeps its customers informed. A good store will display how old the fish they sell are. If this information is not dis-played upfront, ask a sales associate how long the product has been in the store. If they can’t give you the answer, you need to shop somewhere else.

Look for fish and other seafood that is less than a week old. Seafood is best, of course, if it is eaten within one or two days of the time that it was caught. However, espe-cially for locations not along a shoreline, this is often a difficult goal to achieve.

Second, in addition to finding a store that serves fresh seafood, you will want to make sure the shop stores its products properly. Make sure the sea-food is refrigerated or kept on ice at all times.

Maintaining proper temperature is criti-cal to keeping sea-food fresh and tast-ing right. If fish are not kept cool enough, they could become contaminated and make you or someone in your family sick.

Some ways to make sure the fish at the market or store is fresh is to check the color and odor of the fish. If a package is older than three or four days, you will be able to tell by its scent. Additionally, the fish should not have any filmy layers or an unusual, dull appearance.

You should also check that the fish has no dry or hardened pieces, particularly around the edge of the fish. Choose a seafood store that sells only the freshest, well-preserved seafood.

Another thing you should check for is the right packaging. Never purchase fish, shrimp or lobster if the packaging has any holes or other damage. Some types of sea-food cannot be exposed to air for very long before they become contaminated.

If the fish is packaged, make sure that the packaging has not been tampered with. A good seafood store will ensure that their products are always packaged properly, and they will not sell any items that are not.

Finally, you should choose a seafood store that has appropriate prices. Beware of stores that sell products at ex-tremely low prices or that feature deals that seem too good to be true.

On the other hand, don’t pay more than you should at a fancy store for a product you could find elsewhere at a lower price. A quality store will sell its prod-ucts at fair and appro-priate prices.

Additionally, beware when buying seafood at a discount. Discounted products may not be as

fresh as those at the regular price. Check the freshness of any discounted shrimp, fish, or lobster before purchasing.

Finding the right seafood store can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. Be sure to keep freshness, packaging and price in mind when shopping for your fish, shrimp, lobster or other seafood.

Finding good seafood can be tough. When prepared properly, seafood can make a delicious appetizer or entrée that anyone in your family will enjoy.

how to Choose a Seafood Store

You should also check that the

fish has no dry or hardened pieces,

particularly around the edge of the fish. Choose a seafood

store that sells only the freshest, well-preserved seafood.

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The purchasing of carpet can also be a large investment, which makes it important to find the correct place to buy. There are a num-ber of things to keep in mind when looking to buy carpet, so here are some tips that will help you find just the right carpet store for your needs.

There are a number of options for purchas-ing carpeting. Stores range from small retail outlets, to large warehouse type stores. With the advent of online shopping, consumers can also make carpet choices via the Internet. However most con-sumers still want to see and feel the carpet they may be purchas-ing, which can only be done in a store or showroom.

Small business carpet stores put their focus on service. They may not be able to provide as large of a selection in-store as many other larger businesses. Howev-er, the smaller stores sometimes are part of cooperatives that give them buying power of the larger stores.

They still have to order the prod-ucts even with a cooperative. But for many consumers, dealing with a local retailer is worth the wait to get their desired carpeting. They feel more comfortable dealing with someone they know on a more personal basis. They also feel more comfortable with the installation and follow-up that can come with a smaller store.

Additionally, these small businesses fre-quently offer discounts on services after the sale. These discounts, on things such as carpet cleaning, are intended to help bring customers back to the stores for future busi-ness.

In many locations, consumers may go to a big-box home and garden store. These chains stores sometimes offer low prices. They can often carry a wide selection, but there are some limits to that selection as well.

The reason these stores can get such low price margins is they buy a limited number of products in high volume. That means the price on the shelf may be lower than in the

smaller retail outlets. These stores often don’t provide the same level of services the smaller retail outlets, either. These stores of-ten don’t often offer carpet cleaning and ex-tra services that you would get in a smaller retail outlet.

The chains often do offer their own financing plans. Since buying carpet is a big purchase, sometimes an attractive financing plan can be the difference between buying the carpet a consumer really wants and carpet he or

she settles for.

Big warehouse car-pet stores are found in many larger cit-ies. In this setting, the salesperson shows carpet sam-ples in the show room. They can also take custom-ers back to a ware-house where they can look through a larger selection.

These warehouse stores often offer a package deal. Once a consumer picks carpet, they can

also get padding and installation at a later date included at one price. Although these warehouse stores can offer price breaks, the volumes they deal with can be limiting in other ways.

The staff in these warehouse stores usually are not as well trained as in the smaller re-tailers. They may not be able to answer all the questions about stain resistant carpet fibers that you would get with a hometown store.

Buying carpet is an important part of beau-tifying a home, but it is also one of the most expensive parts of home decor. Consumers have many choices for how to purchase that carpet.

Whether it’s from a large warehouse outlet, a big-box chain type store, or a local small business retail outlet, each has unique ad-vantages in making a purchase.

One of the best ways to change the way a room looks is to change the floor covering, and for many people that floor covering is new carpet.

Buying carpet is an important

part of beautifying a home, but it is also one of

the most expensive parts of

home decor.

how to Choose Carpet

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In order to get the best deal, the consumer has to weigh many different options, bal-ancing all of one’s options with what is wanted and for what price.

This problem is made more difficult by the large number of jewelers active in the mar-ket today. While most jewelers have some merit, making the right choice requires knowing not only one’s own wants and needs, but also how the jewelry business works.

While different jewelers possess differ-ent skill levels and qualities, there are a few things that jewelers should offer their customers, and without those things a customer is at a disadvantage. Essentially, consumers who are seeking out the right jeweler should find someone who is skilled, attentive and reasonable.

The most important quality to look for is skill. Not all professional jewelers are equal in terms of their skill, and some of them will have more ability than others. This makes it very important for the consumer to search for a jeweler who has continu-ously demonstrated great skill.

The best jewelry professionals are those who can create pieces with their own hands, and they are the ones who can fix just about anything without any problem.

These kinds of jewelers understand every part of the process, and they are capable of performing their work on their own, from start to finish. The consumer who finds a jeweler with these kinds of skills will be pleased with their results.

However, the jeweler’s business is not en-tirely about skill and expertise. Instead, a jeweler’s skill is coupled with how much care is offered for to each customer for his or her specific needs and wishes. When an individual makes a purchase, the product should be more than just a ring or a neck-lace.

In addition to skill and service, the con-sumer should expect a guarantee. The

top professionals in the industry will offer free repairs and unlimited service for their work. This means that if it breaks, it can be taken back to the jeweler repairs.

This guarantee can create a personal rela-tionship with the jeweler, which is the best situation for consumers.

Some jewelry purchases are a consider-able financial and sentimental investment. For the buyer, this means that they will want to know that the jeweler is going to create the best possible work.

For those who have created a personal, working relationship a jeweler, it is possi-ble to have faith in finished product. How-ever, these relationships cannot be forged without first choosing and working with a jeweler for a long time.

While price is an important factor to con-sider, choosing a jeweler on the basis of price alone is not always the best idea. While a jeweler may offer a solid price, they might not deliver in terms of quality or other important factors.

When choosing a jeweler, the consumer should be assured of getting the best deal possible without any fear of being cheat-ed. Many jewelers can provide this type of price assurance, while also providing a level of quality and service that is worth the investment.

The good thing is that a large number of reliable jewelers are active in the market, but choosing the right jeweler is a process that should involve a long period of per-sonal research.

Deciding between all the available options can be a challenge, but by focusing on finding a skilled, experienced, and atten-tive jeweler, the process is certain to be a success.

By demonstrating these qualities, jewelers become well-known in the industry, so fig-uring out who they are should not be dif-ficult once you know what to look for.

When the time comes to purchase new jewelry, such as an engagement or graduation, the choice of which jeweler to go to is an important one.

how to Choose a Jeweler

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Sometimes people do not know the best ways to go about finding an agent. It is im-portant to ensure that you have the cor-rect insurance in order to protect yourself, and you can do this with the help of an in-surance agent.

Before selecting the the type of insurance that you want, you will need to find an ex-perienced agent. It is crucial to research agents and make sure that you are choos-ing one who is reputable. You may want to ask family mem-bers and friends if they recom-mend their insurance agents.

If you are recommended an agent, chances are you will be just as pleased as your friends and family members. A good agent will do their work correct-ly and professionally in order to continue receiving referrals. If you choose an agent and are pleased, your agent will hope that you recommend their ser-vices to others.

If you do not have an agent recommended to you, you can still do outside research. You may consider calling insurance brokers and individual insurance companies. If you choose to do business with a larger insur-ance company, their agents will often be more consistent from office to office be-cause of standardized training and prac-tices. You should consider that they may not be as creative with their services, how-ever, as an independent agent.

Take a lot of care when shopping for the best agent. Treat this research as your would purchasing a new car or home. Make sure that you pick a company that is highly reviewed. You will also want to consider making sure that all licensing is in order for the agent that your choose.

Once you decide on some possible agents, it is a good idea to meet with the agents or brokers. Have a list of questions and concerns so that you can get any ques-

tions that you have answered. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the broker or agent’s answers.

If you feel as if an agent is trying to get you to purchase a policy that is not appropriate, this is not a good sign. Some agents may try to hard to up-sell a policy. Alert your agent that you are looking for more information and are not ready to agree on a policy right

away. If you choose a good agent, they will allow you to take your time and gather all of the important research needed to make your decision.

Also make sure that your agent is willing to have a relation-ship with you. You do not only want to have a policy sold to you. With a re-lationship, you will be able to contact your agent if you

have any questions or concerns. This can include receiving help with filing a claim.

Take caution to choose an agent that is rep-utable and well-established. If your agent has been in the business for many years, chances are they will better understand the policies that they sell and be able to take extra care to ensure that you are properly protected.

It is important to get the correct insurance in order to protect you and your financial future. The right research needs to be done in order to assure that you are getting the right insurance policy.

You, your family and your finances will ben-efit from your efforts. You will be better protected with the help of a good insurance agent.

Many people struggle to find the best insurance agent. It can be complicated knowing whether a specific agent is looking out for your needs or their own commission.

A good agent will do their work

correctly and professionally in order to continue

receiving referrals.

how to Choose an Insurance Agent

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When deciding on an audiologist it is always best to check with your insur-ance carrier to see what facility is in your network and if you happen to have any hearing aid benefits. Some Medicare advan-tage plans offer an additional benefits. If you happen to be covered by Med-icaid it is always a good idea to ask the audiologist if they accept that type of insurance coverage. Under-standing your in-surance is most important.

All audiologists have a master’s degree in audiology and are licensed by the state. Some have continued with their education and have become doctors of audi-ology. They can see patients of any age, from infants who fail a newborn hearing screening to people who are in need of an assisted hearing de-vice. Audiologists can perform hear-ing tests called audiograms and they have full knowledge of all types of hearing aid products. They can fit the patient with the hearing aid and monitor any future issues that might

arise. Audiologists can also help you with hearing protection and hearing molds pertaining to music, swimming or hunting.

When making an appointment make sure you feel com-fortable talking to the staff. Are they k n o w l e d g e a b l e about the products they offer? Are the appointments they schedule accom-modating to your needs? How do they bill for their services? Do they bill everything to-gether such as the exam and aids

all together or do they break things apart and submit everything to your insurance company?

If you still have questions about any hearing needs it is always a good idea to visit your primary physician first. Talk to them about your concerns and let them give you a referral of an audiologist to make an appointment with. Just remember as with any type of health professional a person needs to feel comfortable with whomever they choose.

Audiology is a field that can provide a wide vari-ety of different services. Audiologists can be em-ployed in several different types of health facilities such as clinics and private practices.

how to Choose an Audiologist

All audiologists have a master’s

degree in audiology and are

licensed by the state. Some have continued with their education

and have become doctors of audiology.

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“You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains.”

“You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)”

“Your Mattress shows visible signs of over-use (it sags, has lumps, the interior is ex-posed, etc).”

“Your mattress is 5 – 7 years old”

Now that you know you need a new mat-tress, where do you go from here? Lets face it buying a mat-tress is hard, you have to go into a store and put yourself in a vulnerable position in front of a stranger (the salesperson) to buy a product you know little to nothing about. Even after hours of research online it is easy to be more confused than when you started.

There are key areas to focus on that will make it easier.

First, make sure that the mat-tress has enough support. No, that doesn’t mean it has to be as hard as a brick! This is why it is vital to take your time test resting the mattress during the buying process. Yes, that means lay down! In fact, there are different types of support.

Conventional innersprings that combine a minimum number of coils (350 in a queen) with a specific design (to read and respond to your body), durability (thick wire lasts lon-ger) and comfort layers to make the mattress firm, plush or pillow/euro top.

Alternative sleep systems include Memory foam, Latex foam and Airbeds. This catego-ry of sleep products really focuses on reduc-ing pressure points and increasing comfort while not sacrificing support. Their support comes from different cell structures. For ex-ample, memory and latex use the resiliency in materials to provide support to your back and spine. While airbeds use a bladder de-sign with a pump to increase or decrease support as needed.

Second are the comfort layers. They will

most directly affect how quickly you fall asleep and how long you will stay asleep. Each person will “feel” the comfort of a mat-tress differently. What feels too soft to one person can feel too firm for the very next, it is extremely important to find the best comfort for your body. You WILL need to lay down and stay there for a bit.

Specialty sleep products are the items that can be added to the new mattress that en-

hance the sleeping experience. Power foundations are a perfect example and can be added to any of the sleep systems above. A power foundation gives you the free-dom to change the shape of your mat-tress to fit a specific need. If you need to raise your legs to help with circu-lation or have acid reflux and need to sleep with your head slightly ele-vated then a power

foundation would be a beneficial to your overall health. They can also be used to find more comfortable sleeping positions or just to massage you to sleep at night. At any rate, adding a power foundation can really provide tremendous sleep options! P.S. Don’t forget to lay down and put your feet up when choosing a new mattress!

A few final thoughts that will help you choose your new mattress. Wear comfort-able clothes. If you have a partner that will be sleeping with you, they should come too. Try to limit the number of mattress you lay on in any one shopping experience. Any more than 6 and it will become difficult for your body to “feel” the difference. Get the biggest size mattress your room can hold. The more sleeping space you have the better you will sleep. Buy the best quality that you can af-ford, you will spend 3 of the next 10 years in bed and you are worth it!

The very first place to start is in your bedroom, many ask how do I know if I need a new mattress? The Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org) offers four signs that your current mattress may need to be replaced.

Buy the best

quality that you

can afford, you

will spend 3 of

the next 10 years

in bed and you

are worth it!

how to Choose a Mattress

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http://www.bettersleep.org

http://www.bettersleep.org


Of course, the cost of the facility will play a large role in the decision making process. You need to have a clear understanding of the total costs involved in living there. Some facilities have an all inclusive monthly living cost. In other situations, there are addition-al charges for special services.

The quality of care and overall record of sat-isfaction others have experienced also fac-tor into your choice of facility.

You can do an online check of many as-sisted living homes, apartments, or facili-ties. Checking directly with people who live there or who have family members living there will give you valuable information about the facility.

You should always personally visit the facili-ties you are considering as possible options. While visiting, look carefully at the condition of the building. Check out their calendar of events for residents to see if they offer ac-tivities that interest you or the person you are helping with the decision making pro-cess.

Talk with residents. Share a meal with a res-ident. Ask questions both of the staff, the residents, and the management team.

When you initially begin planning a move to an assisted living facility, your requirements may be minimal. You or your family member may simply need a place to live where there is more security and less responsibility. Having someone readily available in case of a fall or illness may be a main reason for moving into an assisted care facility.

You also need to consider what the facility has to offer you as your needs change. You may begin to have mobility issues which means the size and layout of the facility would be a concern. It may become neces-

sary for you to rely on someone to admin-ister your medication, manage your doctor appointments, provide transportation, and even at some point provide personal care for you.

Some assisted living facilities provide care at a progressive level. Others, require that you be able to maintain a certain level of independence in order to continue living there. In most cases, it is best to select a facility that can and will accommodate changes that occur in your level of indepen-dence.

You want your experience or the experience of your family member to be positive while living in an assisted living facility. You can be more assured that the move will be less stressful and more pleasant if you choose a facility that closely resembles the lifestyle you are accustomed to.

If you are in relatively good health and like to exercise, you should look for a facility that has an exercise room or a secure place to walk. If you enjoy socializing with oth-ers, check out the community areas of the facility. Look for a library, a shared activity room, and a schedule of activities provided for residents. Check to see how interesting these are to you.

Keep in mind, the choice to move isn’t easy. Your goal is to find the best possible al-ternative to home. You also want to find a comfortable, affordable place that will sat-isfy your long term needs.

If you are the type of person who enjoys time outdoors, you should definitely check out the possible outdoor areas available to you at the facility. An enclosed patio or small garden area can be a welcome diver-sion that will prevent a feeling of confine-ment.

For many people, the time will come when living indepen-dently at home will no longer be a viable option. When you begin looking for an assisted living facility for yourself or for a family member, there are numerous things to consider be-fore making a final decision.

how to Choose an Assisted Living Facility

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But how can you tell the difference?

Some furniture stores specialize in long-lasting, high-quality pieces, while others have more of a mixture to suit different price levels and customer expectations. If you’re looking for the best furniture, though, here are some things to look for.

MATERIALS

One excellent material for furniture is kiln-dried wood, which means all moisture has been removed. This process takes sev-eral months but serves to strengthen the wood.

No matter what, all woods that are used should match grain and color. Frames should always consist of good hardwoods such as poplar and not plywood or pine, which are less strong. Exterior wood can consist of materials such as oak, maple or cherry.

CONSTRUCTION

The following are a series of terms which you should be familiar with:

DOvetail jOints: These joints, which are interlocking tenons, are lined along the edges of the drawer which join one anoth-er. Glue is the only material that is needed to secure the joints, and they have been used for hundreds of years in furniture construction. Dovetails can be a sign of good construction.

MOrtise anD tenOn jOints: A tenon is a tongue that is cut within the joint’s short end. It will have a rectangular or square shape. The mortise is the home on the joint’s long side that the tenon is nestled within. This forms a strong and tight joint that has also been used for centuries.

tOngue anD grOOve: Another type of mortise and tenon joint, the tongue ex-tends the complete length of the board with a groove also located on the other side. When the tongue is locked into the groove, the result is a surface area that is very stable and resists warping.

DOWeling: Pins or metal and wood blocks are used in order to secure joints between

two wood pieces. Although the joint is not as strong as tenon or the dovetails, it is still quite strong.

MITERING: This form of construction is aesthetically appealing and strong. This is common for picture frames and mirrors. The two pieces of adjoining wood are cut on a 45-degree angle and then paired to create a solid, 90-degree angle. The joint then runs from the inside corner to the outer joint corner.

FlOating DraWers: This refers to the bottom of drawers that are placed within the groves but are not secured by nails or glue.

CHARACTERISTICS

Large pieces of wood such as headboards and table tops typically have divisions. This is due to the fact that wood does not natu-rally occur in large pieces, so seaming and joining are inevitable.

All wood areas, such as internal or back ar-eas, should always be sanded so that they are smooth and able to fit tightly at the joints. The piece should be solid.

When you purchase buffets, dressers, hutches as well as other pieces, you want to examine the area for dust panels that are located between drawers. The drawers should open smoothly, and there should be no jamming, sticking or squeaking. When the drawers are closed, they should sit flat against the dresser or cabinet.

Display cabinets and hutches should have light fixtures that are built securely into the unit. For drawers that will hold silver-ware, the drawers of these pieces should be lined.

With this knowledge in hand, you should be prepared to purchase your next fine piece of furniture. Retailers of fine furniture take great pride in the merchandise they are of-fering. They will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding frame construc-tion and will be pleased to show you the quality joints and construction methods that are indicative of quality furniture.

There are really only two types of furniture: the solid, well-built kind that can last for generations, and the cheap, poorly made kind that will fall apart.

how to Recognize Quality Furniture

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Because of this, many people choose to wear hearing aids to correct their hearing problems. For some hearing loss can be devastating, but there is no reason to allow this to control your life help is readily avail-able.

It is easy to be self-conscious about the ap-pearance and the feel of the hearing aid. Because hearing aids are unnatural, it is not uncommon for people to feel deficient or “old” when they need them. Fortunate-ly the majority of today’s hearing aids are very discreet and blend into the ear area in terms of design and color. Because of this, it is often quite difficult for other people to notice that the patient is wearing the aid.

One popular style is the kind of hearing aid that can fit completely-in-the-ear ca-nal. Hearing aids that were first used were big, bulky and obvious. The hearing aid that is placed within the ear canal allows patients to receive the benefits of amplifi-cation while at the same time maintaining the natural appearance of the ear. Although this type of hearing aid can accommodate quite a range of hearing loss, it’s strength is limited based on the size and shape of the ear canal.

Today with the advent of the receiver in-the-canal technology and the use of thin tubes these behind-the-ear hearing aids have become increasingly popular. These hearing aids are now so small and discrete that it is difficult to see that men are wear-ing them. Behind-the-ear hearing aids have actually become more cosmetic than many of the traditional custom in-the-ear hearing aids. They also provide greater amplifica-tion for patients who have a more sever hearing loss.

Historically, individuals who suffered from severe hearing loss were given large hear-ing aids that filled the whole ear or very large in behind-the-ear hearing aid. Fortu-nately, today these individuals who have se-vere hearing loss have more styles available that can meet their hearing needs.

In order to determine whether you have a hearing loss, you need to have your hear-

ing tested by a state licensed hearing pro-fessional. A Hearing Instrument Specialist or an Audiologist can perform a complete hearing test. Should the hearing test indi-cate any possible medical concerns a refer-ral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist is in order, before considering the purchase of a hearing aid.

Once any medical concerns are taken care of, your hearing Instrument provider of choice should be consulted in order to de-termine the appropriate hearing aid style and circuit that will best meet your hearing needs.

Hearing aids come in a range of prices. Make sure that you understand the price of the hearing aid and the services included with your hearing aids before you agree to purchase. Ask your hearing aid provider why one hearing aid might cost more than the other and why he or she is recommend-ing that particular hearing aid for you. Gen-erally, the best digital hearing aid circuits cost more than the less sophisticated cir-cuits. Are you getting what is best for your lifestyle, listening environments and hear-ing loss? If the price is not within your budget find out what you would sacrifice by going to a less expensive product. Get all the facts so you can make an informed decision. If your hearing provider does not offer you any other options you may want to get a second opinion.

In addition to understanding the cost in-volved you should make sure you under-stand the terms of your purchase. For your protection the State of Wisconsin requires a thirty day minimum return privilege, and all the terms and costs involved are to be clearly stated on a contract. Make sure you understand the terms of warranty and any services that are included in the purchase of your hearing aid.

If you have a hearing loss, hearing aids are vital devices for improving the quality of your life, you need to make a well-informed decision when choosing a hearing aid. You need to be certain that you have the right hearing aid for your needs.

Over 31 million individuals in the u.s. experience some form of hearing loss.

how to Choose a Hearing Aid

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For people that want to live a healthier and happier life, chiropractic care is a great choice.

In fact, it’s an increasingly popular choice for millions of Americans with back, head or neck pain, headaches, injuries and other ailments. What some people don’t know is that since chiropractors are expertly trained to work on muscles, joints, nerves, bones and ligaments — the things that keep your entire body connected — chiropractic care can improve your general health as well. In fact, preventive healthcare is among the fastest growing areas in chiropractic.

WHY CHIROPRACTIC?

The reasons people choose chiropractic care boil down to four things: quality, cost, convenience and outcomes.

Quality can be assured by the rigorous train-ing that chiropractors go through before they can be accredited. They’re trained on the hu-man body’s nerves and musculoskeletal sys-tem, and chiropractors’ educational require-ments are among the most stringent in the health care industry. They typically spend four years in a pre-medical program and four to five years of professional training.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, accredited chiropractors go through classroom, laboratory and clinical training that totals at least 4,200 hours.

Cost and convenience are two other reasons chiropractic care is so popular. Compared to the skyrocketing cost of other types of medical care, chiropractic can seem down-right affordable for the results it provides. And with the waiting times at other offices and emergency rooms becoming ridiculous, chiropractors can typically offer treatments that fit into your busy lifestyle.

Finally, the positive health outcomes people get from chiropractic care matter more than anything else. People love the care they get from their chiropractor — and are happy to tell you about it — but the best way to see the outcome is to try it for yourself.

HOW DO I PAY FOR IT?

The health care system has changed dra-matically in the last few years which is also another reason to seek chiropractic care as you have more control of where your health care dollars go.

Most insurance carriers include chiropractic care as part of their regular coverage, includ-

ing Medicare and some Medicaid plans, but you should check to see exactly what your health plan includes. In fact, most chiro-practic offices will do this for you and help you understand your plan. There may also be discounts for choosing an “in-network” chiropractor, which could let you have a low-er co-pay and more affordable coverage.

Even if you don’t have health insurance, or have a very high deductible which is becom-ing more common, you will find chiropractic care is a cost-effective alternative that gets great results. Most chiropractors will also offer an affordable payment plan to help patients without insurance coverage or high deductible.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT CHIROPRACTOR?

There are many ways to find a chiropractor so use all of them.

One way to choose a chiropractor in your area is to ask friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers who they see. You may be surprised how many people you know are under care and are happy to share their experiences with you.

They should be able to answer your ques-tions about the things you can only learn from first-hand knowledge — things like the doctor’s demeanor, how easy it is to sched-ule an office visit and any other concerns you might have about the chiropractic pro-cess.

You may also want to look at any local awards a chiropractor has received and how active that person is in the community. You may also want to use the Wisconsin Chiro-practic Association’s online “Find a Doctor” tool at http://www.wichiro.org to compare. Some chiropractors are more holistic and do nutritional counseling, structure exercise rehabilitation programs, encourage lifestyle changes and recommend stress manage-ment techniques for home.

Chiropractors are taught many different techniques so you also need to find some-one who will provide care the way you desire. Some chiropractors use only their hands, some use instruments and others use a combination of the two to get the de-sired results.

By taking your time to find a good chiroprac-tor in your area, you’ll get the affordable, convenient and effective health benefits that you deserve.

how to Choose a Chiropractor

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http://www.wichiro.org


The tap water that runs from your faucets and sinks can contain several components such as chlorine, fluoride, calcium deposits, iron, arsenic, nitrate and other added miner-als and “problem water concerns”. Working water and drinking water are typically dealt with in different processes and equipment.

Having too large an amount of calcium and magnesium deposits in tap water can be characterized as “hard” water, which can be thought of as unclean.

WATER HARDNESS… refers to the pres-ence in water of calcium and magnesium. Hard water, containing elevated levels of these minerals causes difficulty in creating a soapy lather and forms crusty deposits (scale) in kettles, electric irons washing ma-chines and dishwashers. If the scale collects on heating elements it shortens their life and makes appliances less efficient. Hard water will also make you use more laundry detergent, soaps and cleaning products. This concern can normally be dealt with by installing a water softener to remove these minerals. Some of the new modern High Ef-ficiency water softeners can provide you up to 60% savings over some of the older style water softeners.

PrOBleM Water… refers to the presence of undesirables effects of the water. Some common concerns are red/orange or green staining and spots on clothes, appliances and fixtures. Bad tasting water. Smells or odors in the water like chlorine (bleach), rotten egg (sulfur) or metallic (heavy iron) smells are common on municipal (city or vil-lage water source) and/or private well sys-tems. Currently on the market these con-cerns are dealt with by installing a “whole house water filter”.

DRINKING WATER… Is measurable. Most consumers today are using some form of drinking water treatment for this concern in

their homes and businesses or purchasing bottled water in multiple packaging sizes at the grocery stores or having it delivered by a local water treatment company... As the world continues to change so does the “quality” of our drinking water sources. When thinking about how to improve your drinking water quality and these concerns, the latest technology of reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems offer the consumer a high standard of filtration that no refriger-ator or stand alone carbon filter can match. it is incredible to find that the rO systems will reduce Aluminum, Chlorine, Copper, Lead, Arsenic, Asbestos, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrates and Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) just to list a few.

High quality drinking water is definitely something you would want to consider if you dislike the quality and taste of your tap water.

Today’s local Water Treatment companies have the expertise to evaluate your con-cerns in your home or business and recom-mend the proper solutions for those con-cerns, typically this evaluation/ process is at no cost to the consumer. Properly applied water treatment equipment is a low cost in-vestment for your family and home to insure it provides soft water to help you save mon-ey on laundry detergents,soaps,cleaning agents, plumbing and appliances, also excessive energy consumption with hot water heaters. It will also take away those nuisance problem water concerns you have of stains and undesirable smells and odors. Staying healthy and hydrated is something we all deserve. With today’s technology it’s just that simple.

Simply consulting with a well known local water treatment company about your con-cerns, will allow them to provide you with the proper solutions to solve your water concerns.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether your work-ing water and drinking water are as clean and puri-fied as you think they are.

how to Choose a Water Treatment Company

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Choosing appropriate windows for a resi-dence or commercial building can be a diz-zying experience. Functionality, aesthet-ics, placement, cost and efficiency are all factors which must be weighed equally.

Moreover, window terminology can be daunting and confusing, but with just a little education, you, too, can become a fenestration expert.

WINDOW GLAZING

The glazing of a window refers to the actual glass in a window. Today, most structures are built with double-glazed windows — meaning that there are two panes of glass in each frame.

Many older buildings and homes still fea-ture single-glazed windows, but caveat emptor: windows with a single pane of glass aren’t very energy-friendly. Triple-glazed windows are the best, and as a re-sult, more expensive.

R-VALUES

An R-value measures a window’s thermal resistance. In laymen’s terms, R-values in-dicate the amount of heat lost through a window. The higher the R-value of a win-dow, the more efficient it is. Typically, the lowest acceptable value for a residence is R-3.

U-VALUES

A U-value — technically known as the over-all heat transfer coefficient — measures the level at which windows conduct heat.

For residential windows, if efficiency is a concern, it’s important to use windows that let out the least amount of heat. Therefore, the lower the U-factor of a win-dow, the better.

For those who live in colder windy climates, equal importance should be placed on the U- and R-values of a window.

LOW-E

Low-emissive, or low-e, windows are one of the latest innovations in the energy-ef-ficiency market. Simply stated, low-e glass traps heat.

Low-e is achieved by placing a thin metallic coating on the appropriate pane of a win-dow. Like U-values, those who live in more frigid climates should give serious consid-eration to low-e windowing because in-door radiant heat is reflected back inside,

thereby lessening the work of your home’s heater.

Conversely, in the summer, infrared heat from the sun is reflected away—thus mak-ing low-e windows a good choice for peo-ple in warmer regions as well.

UV FACTORS

UV rays from solar penetration can wreak havoc on items inside a home or building by causing furniture and carpets to fade in color. That’s why a window with high ultra-violet blockage is recommended, especial-ly for people who live in hotter climates.

CASEMENT WINDOWS

If energy efficiency is of the utmost con-cern, casement windows are the best op-tion. The simple hinge-and-crank design diminishes air seepage, and when wind pushes against the glass, the window seal becomes tighter, further reducing leakage.

Generally speaking, casement windows are hinged on the sides, while windows hinged at the top are known as awning windows and bottom-hinged windows are called hoppers.

Hinged windows must be maintained prop-erly, as the seal erodes over time. If left un-checked, continued erosion can render the window less efficient.

OTHER FACTORS

As taught in elementary school science classes, when there’s a large difference between indoor and outdoor tempera-tures, condensation will form on glass. That’s why you should choose a window appropriate for your climate.

Window placement is another factor to consider when building. If you are looking to increase a structure’s passive solar ef-ficiency, consider the position and location of the building relative to the sun. Windows that face the south let in more heat than north-facing windows.

Also, frames and seals can deteriorate quickly when dealing with extreme tem-peratures. It’s vital to choose windows with warm-air technology and decent spacers.

Lastly, to avoid fines and/or expensive re-windowing construction, be sure to research and adhere to any area building codes.

how to Buy Windows

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When you hire a professional you are paying for more than just the work. You are paying for their warranty, too, so that if the roof leaks two years later they are still liable and will have to correct the problem.

With that in mind, there are several points you definitely want to check out before selecting a roofer.

First, how long has the company been in op-eration? A good roofer should offer a guar-antee of anywhere from five to 12 years on their work. If you are dealing with a company that has only been in business for two years, you do not know if that guarantee is worth anything.

You also want to try to find a roofing contrac-tor who is local to your area. This is especially true after high winds have passed through your region and damaged many area roofs.

Contractors from other regions of the coun-try often follow such storm events, scooping up jobs and insurance payments. If their work fails and leaks after a year, it is extremely un-likely that they will return to your area to re-pair their error.

Remember, you are paying for the warranty, so finding a local roofing contractor who has been in business for a while should be a top priority.

How do you accomplish this?

First, ask family, friends and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Even if they have not used a roofer recently, they may have other friends who have. Personal recommen-dations are worth much more than ads in the newspaper or phone book yellow pages.

Personal recommendations often include advice on who not to use, as well as com-mentary on the quality of the work and the cleanup. For example, if someone puts on a good roof but leaves shingles from the old one lying all over the yard, you may not want to use them.

You should also do an Internet search for roofing contractors in your area. Many Web sites list contractors and allow reviews of their work to be posted.

Finally, look in the local classified and the phone book yellow pages. Those aren’t the

best sources, but they will give you some companies to check out.

The next step is to contact the roofers you have identified in order to get estimates and ask questions. Getting estimates is obvious, but asking questions is also extremely impor-tant. Doing so will let the contractors know that you will not simply let them work and think nothing about it. It will let them know that you are paying attention to the process, right from the start. It can also let them know that you understand some things about roofs.

Good questions to ask are what they will do if they find damaged decking, whether they recommend standard or architectural shin-gles, what the warranty is on their work, do they provide the warranty in writing, how long would it take to complete the work, and when could they start the job.

The answers you receive to these questions will give you a basis to decide whether or not you trust the contractor.

You should also make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded. Insurance is especially important for roofing contractors. While it is important they they be bonded and able to cover any damages they cause to your prop-erty, it is even more important they have cov-erage for their own workers who may be in-jured or even fall to their death in the process of repairing your roof.

Asking about these kinds of issues will dem-onstrate to the contractor that you know what you are talking about and will prompt them to be more open with you in discussing the job. The topics you discuss will grow as the num-ber of roofers you interview increases, be-cause you will be able to ask following roofers about things the first roofer said.

Finally, be sure to get a written contract with the roofer you choose. Contracts should always be in writing so there are no misun-derstandings about what materials are to be used, exactly what the scope of work is, and what the final cost is to be.

Following these simple steps, you should be able to find and reasonably evaluate a roofing contractor to replace your roof. You will get a good product for your money and be confi-dent that you made the right choice.

Replacing the roof on your home should be left to professionals.

how to Choose a Roofer

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Finding a dream home may take quite some time, but once it is accomplished the buyer will be anxious to solidify the transaction. Impatience can be a problem at this point. It is not the time to rush through the clos-ing process. It is the time to choose a good mortgage lender.

The mortgage lender can be a help or a hindrance to the buyer. If the lender is not just looking out for him or herself, the experience can be positive. However, if a mortgage lender is thinking only about future commissions and sales, the buyer must beware.

The lender should be well prepared and ready to discuss all available options no matter how much time is involved. Reliable lenders encourage potential clients to ask questions and look forward to explaining confusing financial jargon to the buyer, taking their time to ensure everything is understood and clear.

Becoming familiar with mortgage lending options beforehand is one important way a home buyer can test the honesty and ethics of a potential lender. Are you being steered to what is in your best interest or to what is in the best financial interest of your lender?

Being forearmed with a basic understand-ing of the lending process will enable the client to more quickly grasp the profes-sionalism and integrity of the lender.

BUYER’S RIGHTS

Dealing with mounds of forms, declara-tions, and financial obligations can be diz-zying to the inexperienced home buyer. However intimidating, care must be exer-cised in making sure what is signed and agreed upon is understood by the pur-chaser.

A signature cannot be erased, and a buyer only has a short time to legally back out of a purchase in some cases — if at all.

Even if done within that legal time limit

the buyer still forfeits the deposit for re-neging on the agreement and may owe an additional amount formulated according to when the first payment was originally due. It is an expensive proposition that can be avoided by signing forms carefully.

If a mortgage lender is rushing through the paperwork and pushing you to just sign the forms, the lender is not doing his or her job. The home buyer’s best interests are not being looked after and could easily result in a misunderstanding for the pur-chaser.

KNOWING YOUR LENDER

Questions and areas of concern for pro-fessional lenders involve the future long-range goals of the buyer.

A lender wants to know how long the home will be lived in. Such knowledge helps the lender suggest the mortgage that best suits the homeowners needs. If a lender is not concerned with such questions it most certainly is a red flag for the buyer.

DEAL LOCALLY

Finding a local area mortgage lender is most preferred. Since interest rates can change daily, a local lender will be more attuned to the changes in the local housing market and whether or not selling condi-tions have changed.

A local lender also allows closer monitor-ing of the loan application and is close by to answer any troubling questions that the potential home buyer may have.

USING REFERENCES

Feel free to ask family members and friends who they used as their mortgage lender and if there experiences were good and positive.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are of-ten totally reliable. Also check the amount of time the lending agency has been in op-eration and whether it has built up a good business reputation.

For enthusiastic home buyers, the purchase of a house can be a thrilling yet confusing experience.

how to Choose a Mortgage Lender

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Building a new home can be a daunting task unless you choose the right builder. A num-ber of issues can come up during the pro-cess, which is why choosing a great builder is essential. This way you will end up with a home that is designed to fit your needs and with the aesthetic and architectural appeal that makes it exciting as well as timeless.

There are many key factors in choosing the right builder. When it comes to construction, word-of-mouth is a great way to find out in-formation. When asking someone about the experience they had with a particular builder it is important to be specific.

Things to ask your builder about and confirm with references include how the design pro-cess works. Does the builder have a variety of pre-priced plans to choose from? Does the company have an in-house designer who is highly skilled and responsive or is design farmed out to a third party? Will the company make modifications to their standard plans free-of-charge? Is the builder open to you bringing in your own ideas for plans and de-sign your home from there? Does the builder charge for these design services, and is that charge applied to the home price once you commit?

Once you have determined the floor plan and elevations of your home, you need to work with the builder on interior and exterior fin-ishes and features. How are the selections for these finishes and features handled? Does the builder have a design center with a selections professional or does the builder send its customer around to various suppli-ers to pick out plumbing fixtures, siding and roofing, countertops and cabinets, etc. Does the builder pre-price all these choices to make the process easy and worry-free?

Most builders will give you a commitment to a time frame for construction once they ex-cavate the foundation. Find out if the builder will guarantee the time of delivery. Ask refer-ences about delays (other than weather) and if the builder finished when they had com-mitted to finish. It is also important to ask if the crews were professional and cleaned up along the way and when the project was completed.

Ask if repairs had to be made after the project was done. Some minor issues are expected, but if there are repairs or minor touch-ups that had to be done, ask if they were handled quickly. You want to make sure they have good follow-up service. This is a question you want to ask to past customers, who are likely

to be the most honest about it.

It’s a good idea to drive by homes the builder has worked on in the past. You might want to do so on the weekend, that way you can talk to the home owners and ask questions. Take a notebook with you with questions you want to ask and write down their answers. It will be easier to review your notes later and make a final decision. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions. Even questions that seem in-significant can yield important answers.

Ask the builder you are considering for ref-erences. When you contact the references ask the same questions. It is also a good idea contact your local Better Business Bureau and Home Builder’s association. Once you have compiled a list of three of four possible builders, set up meetings with them.

It is recommended to meet at the site of the building to give the builder an idea of what is required in terms of site improvements. If your home is in the builder’s own subdivision, will the builder guarantee to cost of these im-provements? If you have your own lot with well and septic, is the builder knowledgeable about these installations and such things as house placement and grading

Prepare a list of questions about the con-struction process. Ask how much of the work is done by the builder’s own crews and how much, if any, is subcontracted. Ask ahead of time who twill do the excavating, siding, roofing, insulation, cooling and heating, etc. Many builders will subcontract out the work for most of the project, which typically means they can be more cost competitive and more predictable with timing. Ask about the quality of materials used and if the builder has a set of standard specifications for you to review.

Ask if the builder will oversee the work on a daily basis or if they have a project manager who will do this. This applies even if the work is subcontracted. You want to make sure that any possible problem is noticed and ad-dressed quickly. If a problem is left undetect-ed until the project is complete it could be very costly to correct it. It is generally much easier to catch a problem early on and cor-rect it while the initial building process is still going on.

Make sure the builder is open to questions and is good with communication. While choosing the right builder may take some work, in the end the efforts of being selec-tive will result in satisfaction with the finished project.

how to Choose a Builder

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In today’s uncertain economy, financial planning has become increasingly impor-tant. With an overwhelming number of op-tions for saving and investing, managing your finances can be difficult. Creating a financial plan helps you see the big picture and set long and short-term life goals, a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. When you have a strategy, it’s eas-ier to make financial decisions and stay on track to meet your goals. Working with a CFP® professional can secure your finan-cial wellbeing and give you peace of mind.

Some people decide to do their™own fi-nancial planning, but you may want to seek help from a Certified Financial Planner™ professional if you:

Want to better manage your finances, but aren’t sure where to start.

Don’t have time to do your own financial planning.

Want a professional opinion about the plan you’ve developed.

Don’t have sufficient expertise in certain areas such as investments, insurance, tax-es or retirement planning.

Have an immediate need or unexpected life event.

Know what you want. Determine your gen-eral financial goals and/or specific needs (insurance policy analysis, estate planning, investment advice, college tuition financ-ing, etc.) to better focus your search for a suitable financial planner.

Be prepared. Read personal finance pub-lications (Worth, Money, SmartMoney, Ki-plinger‘s Personal Finance, etc.) to maxi-mize your familiarity with financial planning strategies and terminology.

Talk to others. Get referrals from advisors you trust, from business associates and friends. Or contact one of the financial planning membership organizations for a referral to a financial planner in your area.

Look for competence. A number of spe-cialty designations exist in the financial planning and services arenas. Choose a financial planning professional with the

certification that indicates that he or she is ethical and has met standards of finan-cial planning competency, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Interview more than one planner. Ask the planners to describe their educational backgrounds, experience and specialties, the size and duration of their practice, how often they communicate with clients and whether an assistant handles client mat-ters. Make sure you feel comfortable dis-cussing your finances with the planner you select.

Check the planner‘s background. Depend-ing on the financial planner‘s area of ex-pertise, call the securities or insurance departments in your state regarding each planner‘s complaint record. Call CFP Board toll-free at 800-487-1497 or visit www.CFP.net to determine if a planner is currently authorized to use the CFP certification marks or has ever been publicly disciplined by CFP Board.

Know what to expect. Ask for a registration or disclosure statement (such as a Form ADV) detailing the planner‘s compensation methods, conflicts of interest, business af-filiations and personal qualifications.

Get it in writing. Request a written adviso-ry contract or engagement letter to docu-ment the nature and scope of services the planner will provide. You should also understand whether compensation will be fee or commission-based, or a combina-tion of both.

Re-assess the relationship regularly. Fi-nancial planning relationships are quite often long term. Review your professional relationship on a regular basis and ensure that your financial planner understands your goals and needs as they develop and change over time. If you have concerns regarding the conduct of your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant, call CFP Board toll-free at 800-487-1497 or visit www.CFP.net and ask for a Complaint Package.

Sources: www.letsmakeaplan.org and Cer-tified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

how to Choose a Certified Financial Planner™

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http://www.letsmakeaplan.org


Hopefully funeral plans were previously discussed and perhaps pre-arranged. How-ever, if no funeral plans were made prior to the death, you may find yourself facing dif-ficult decisions.

When you are ready to begin planning, the first step you need to take is to choose the type of service that will take place and what type of disposition will follow the funeral, namely, burial, crema-tion or entombment. This may be easier if your loved one ex-pressed their desire earlier.

Next, an arrangement conference needs to be scheduled to gather the necessary information for coun-ty, state and federal reporting, to be com-pleted by the funeral director.

Most likely, the cost of the funeral is one of your concerns. All fu-neral homes provide a General Price List describing service charg-es and merchandise provided by them.

From there, you can follow-up with ques-tions on available services and any down payments you will need to make. During the arrangement meeting, you can determine if service costs and merchandise selected meet your funeral budget.

It is said that a funeral can be one of the most expensive purchases you will make, other than the purchase of a home, auto-mobile or paying for a wedding. The total cost of a traditional funeral can easily run over $10,000.

Funeral homes provide caskets in a wide variety of costs allowing you to make a

selection within your budget. Generally, discounted packages are available when purchasing services and casket exclusively from a funeral home.

If you are planning the funeral with other family members, make sure you discuss who is going to be the primary contact for all funeral arrangements. This makes things

easier for both the fu-neral home and family members who are try-ing to get information on arrangements.

After examining your options, finalize your decision on what type of service is best for your family, after all, funerals are for the benefit of the survi-vors.

This may all seem overwhelming, but remember that if you have given thought to the arrangement prior to the death, you can be assured that the ar-

rangement process will be easier, and the funeral will provide healing for your family and offer a tribute to the one that has died. Hopefully your family has established a re-lationship of trust with your funeral director. Caring funeral directors have the expertise to guide you through this difficult process and to ensure the funeral runs smoothly for everyone.

Remember if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask the funeral home for their advice, as they are able to offer estimates of their services and charges at surrounding cemeteries in as well, allowing you to make the best choice. It is always a good idea to visit the funeral home first when beginning your funeral planning.

When grieving over the loss of a loved one, plan-ning a funeral can be overwhelming.

how to Choose a Funeral Home

After examining your options, finalize your

decision on what type of service is best for your family, after all, funerals are for

the benefit of the survivors.

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A good attorney can be the difference be-tween winning or losing one’s case. Here are some tips that help a person choose the right attorney for his or her legal situation:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Sometimes paying more money for a highly skilled attorney is worth it, as opposed to paying a small sum of money for an unskilled or inexperienced attorney. The worst situ-ation would be hiring an attorney that has been disbarred in your state or another state in the United States.

RELEVANT ISSUES

First, it will be important for a client to decide what legal issues he or she is dealing with. If the client is about to be sued for negligence in a driving accident, then a personal injury lawyer will be required for the case.

On the other hand, if one is dealing with a purely commercial real estate transaction, then a real estate lawyer will be needed. It is important to know which legal issues you are dealing with — includ-ing whether a legal sub-speciality might be helpful — before hiring a lawyer.

GET REFERENCES

A great way to find a good lawyer is to obtain refer-ences from others. Per-haps you need a good divorce attorney who will achieve a great settlement in the case. A good idea is to ask other divorced people about the attorney they used to handle their situation.

Surprisingly, many people are more than willing to recommend a great attorney that achieved good results for them in the past. At the same time, people are more than will-ing to also dissuade a person from going to a bad lawyer.

SETTLEMENTS

Depending on the case one is dealing with, it is a good idea to research the case his-tory of an attorney. There are plenty of Web sites which show an attorney’s success rate at winning cases or achieving good settle-ments with companies.

Otherwise, it is a good idea to directly ask an attorney regarding his or her case history. If the attorney has great case history, then he or she will not be shy about discussing it. Otherwise, move on to find a different at-torney.

ONLINE RATINGS

With the Internet, it is increasingly easier for consumers to find great lawyers. A consum-er has plenty of Web sites he or she can look to for ratings on attorneys. Be sure to read the comments on how people have rated certain lawyers on these sites.

Comments can be quite telling about a law-yer’s success rate. If a lawyer has a bad per-

sonality yet was still able to achieve great results for a client, then it may still be wise to hire that lawyer. Conversely, if a lawyer was always avail-able to clients, friendly, yet lost cases, then that is probably a lawyer to stay away from.

CONSULTATION

Sometimes, a person will simply need to have a meeting with a lawyer to decide if that attorney is the right one. By meeting with a lawyer, a person

can instantly “feel out” an attorney to see if they’re a good match for your needs.

If you feel uncomfortable with the attorney, then it is probably not the right one for the job. You should also make sure the attorney is not billing the client for the first meeting.

Choosing the right attorney is the single best decision a person can make for his or her situation. There are some unethical lawyers out there, and it takes knowledge of the field to choose the right one.

how to Choose an Attorney

It is important to know which legal

issues you are dealing with —

including whether a legal sub-speciality might be helpful —

before hiring a lawyer.

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The first thing to determine is the kind of auction you wish to conduct. Auctions can be held for a variety of purposes, includ-ing raising funds or liquidate a business. An auctioneer must possess charisma and con-fidence, and vector these personality traits with their voice.

They must be affable and gregarious, and use their gifts of speech to create a rapport with the audience. The auc-tioneer must connect with the bidders in a way that entices them to participate. By having a verbal connection with the audience, they can help maximize the bids on even the most unat-tractive of items.

When hiring an auction-eer, one of the best plac-es to begin is an auction house. Many skilled and experienced auction-eers are independently contracted and can work at a variety of lo-cations.

As it is their career, these experienced auc-tioneers will know how to push bids higher and when to close. They also have the speed and verbal dexterity to move through lots expediently.

If a professional auctioneer is unavailable or too expensive, another viable option would be to find a person in the community who possesses these qualities of charisma.

Sometimes having a person known to the bidders can be even more effective than us-ing a professional auctioneer. However, it is still recommended that this individual under-go some training with regard to the logistics of the bidding, closing, and overall auction process.

Another method of finding auctioneers is through the Internet or newspaper. Newspa-pers typically have an auction section where you can locate professionals in the area. It is

also vital to ensure that all auctioneers listed are licensed and currently working auction events. Ask for references and work history.

Another option is to contact the National Auctioneers Association or visit their Web site. The National Auctioneers Association

website provides a list of qualified auctioneers in your area.

Many auctioneers are also certified and cre-dentialed by similar auc-tioneer organizations such as the Certified Auctioneers Institute, or CAI. This credential dem-onstrates that the auc-tioneer has undergone extensive training as well as a standard of in-tegrity and professional-ism, some of which goes beyond what is required for a state license.

If you are unsure about an auctioneer, you can always watch them per-

form an auction. Most auctioneers are con-tracted throughout the year, and it is excel-lent idea to visit them working and get a feel for how they handle a crowd. By examining and comparing each auctioneer, you can de-termine which one best fits the needs of the audience and the auction items.

The Internet is also a great tool for finding the right auctioneer. Not only do Web sites nar-row down the search to auctioneers in the area, they also provide contact information and can expedite the entire hiring process.

However, some sites may not list creden-tialed auctioneers. The quality of these lists will vary from site to site, and it is recom-mended you visit a Web site of a certified institution.

Nevertheless, by performing a quick back-ground check and obtaining reliable ref-erences, you can locate a professional auctioneer who can perform the job with confidence.

When deciding on an auctioneer, the selection pro-cess does not have to be difficult. However, it is nec-essary to take a few things into consideration before you make your choice.

how to Choose an Auctioneer

The auctioneer must connect with the bidders in a way

that entices them to participate. By having a verbal

connection with the audience, they can help maximize the

bids on even the most unattractive of items.

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Unfortunately, choosing the mobility equip-ment that is right for you can be somewhat difficult. This issue is only complicated by accessibility requirements, medical needs and the limits of your financial situation. This makes the large number of options both a good thing and a bad thing, depending on how you want to think about it.

The good news is that the large number of choices available means it is almost always possible for you to find an option that is per-fect for your needs. If you take the time to narrow down exactly what it is that you are looking for, it will make the search much less difficult and the results more satisfying.

The first thing that you will need to do is de-termine what type of equipment is going to be necessary and whether or not it will be enough to suffice in the future. As an ex-ample, a patient who is older is more likely to have a growing need for assistance with their mobility.

In many cases it is possible for you to form a long lasting relationship with a health mobil-ity company. They will be able to work with you and your changing needs as circumstances continue to move forward. Not all future needs can be predicted, of course, but mobility specialists can help you gain an un-derstanding of what may be necessary.

The search can be nar-rowed down by consid-ering your current level of mobility. Is walking as-sistance required, or will the full body weight need to be supported? If it has been determined that a cane or walker is all that is necessary, it should not be too difficult to find the right equipment. These can be found in many places, including pharmacies and large de-partment stores.

On the other hand, if a device for full trans-portation is necessary, there are a few differ-ent options to consider. The most important thing is that the machine can be used by the patient to its full capacity. As an example, if a person can not use their fingers or forearms, scooters are not a good choice because of the fact that they require both hands. Alter-natively, power chairs have many more op-tions when it comes to steering.

Another consideration is the amount of weight that the device will need to be able to support. If the capacity of the device is exceeded, the warranty will be voided. This means that an expensive repair cost will be incurred, or an entirely new device will be required.

A power chair or scooter needs to be stored, of course, and this is another factor to take into consideration. If it needs to be moved around a great deal, the weight of the device is important, and it is nice to choose an op-tion that can be folded. If, on the other hand, it does not need to be transported a great deal, it is better to choose an option based

primarily on its comfort.

Once the needs have been properly addressed, the next step is to determine how the purchases should be made. Online busi-nesses can be convenient because you do not need to leave the home. At the same time, their is no face-to-face contact, and you have no opportunity to see or try the equip-ment before you make the purchase.

The benefit of a physical store is that you can communicate with peo-ple directly about what they have to offer. If you need further assistance, you can simply go back to the store again.

If you are suffering from a lack of mobility, either in the short term or the long term, finding the right mobility equipment can make a big difference in your life.

how to Choose a Health Mobility Company

If you take the time to narrow down exactly what it is

that you are looking for, it will make

the search much less difficult and the results more

satisfying.

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