November 5, 2024

American Financial Clarifies Recent Banking Practices

American Financial provides customized financial services to support the needs of individuals and families hit hard by the recent economic crises. In recent years, America has met with significant economic headwinds that include a sub-prime mortgage crash, stock market instability and the repeated TARP bailout funding. Homeowners, small business owners and everyday consumers have had to bear the brunt of these difficult economic times.

By enlisting the services of American Financial, clients gain the knowledge and support they need to successfully navigate the complex methods of a bank dominated economy. To insulate against losses in a soft economy banks have increased existing usage charges and begun charging for services that were previously free. American Financial notes that banks are charging customers more for services like issuing cashier’s checks, stopping payments on checks and even debit card cash advances. American Financial says that most consumers who have been banking for some time are not aware of the new charges until it is too late.

An unnoticed higher fee for a cashier’s check may overdraft a customer’s checking account, leading to an overdraft penalty. Beyond that, most checking accounts have “overdraft protection” which draws from the customer’s savings to cover the shortfall in their checking account. However, American Financial adds that most banks have recently started charging an overdraft protection transfer fee, so the transfer itself costs more money.

By the end of the chain reaction a customer will pay three increased fees for simply issuing a modest cashier’s check. Furthermore, most of the customers that incur such fees cannot afford to pay them. In these cases, the bank itself may cover the shortfall, charging the customer again the next time they cash a paycheck. American Financial work tirelessly with their clients to give them financial management knowledge and tools to avoid being thus fleeced by big banks.

JS Properties, LLC Discusses Several Local Opinions of Murfreesboro

JS Properties, LLC is a local real estate brokerage and property management firm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. As such, states Joyce Smotherman of JS Properties, LLC, the company is in a unique position to witness firsthand the changes that have occurred in the Middle Tennessee area and particularly in Murfreesboro in recent years.

With the addition of retail outlets such as The Oaks and The Avenue, Murfreesboro has become a shopping destination. This is especially nice for those that don’t want to make the drive to Nashville to experience quality dining and shopping. Residents and businesses like JS Properties, LLC are proud to be a part of Murfreesboro’s continued growth and economic success.

JS Properties, LLC adds that the city has been able to achieve a balance between the city’s older, more quaint downtown area and the newer, more modern construction by focusing civic enhancements and developments on Murfreesboro’s neighborhood-scale downtown center. Historic downtown, according to JS Properties, LLC, offers visitors a chance to frequent art galleries, various clothing shops, hardware stores and restaurants as well as other businesses and government offices with the centerpiece being the pre-Civil War courthouse.

The new Middle Tennessee Medical Center, located on Medical Center Parkway in the Gateway area for Murfreesboro, will be opening October 2, 2010, says Joyce Smotherman of JS Properties, LLC. The “green” facility is a part of the St. Thomas Health Services group, contains 286 beds that are 277 square feet each and has the most advanced technology in Middle Tennessee, notes JS Properties, LLC. MTMC is also the first hospital that features voice over IP throughout the entire facility. JS Properties, LLC states that the construction of the new medical center is a huge boon for Murfreesboro.

Overall, the response to the vast changes that have come to Murfreesboro from locals and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. While traffic may be a bit more congested, adds JS Properties, LLC, the family-friendly atmosphere and southern hospitality are still very prevalent.

Tips from SMART Carpet | How Often to Clean Carpets

Having carpets cleaned professionally–and regularly–will prolong their life, according to SMART Carpet. The entire SMART Carpet staff knows carpets, having served over 100,000 SMART Carpet customers since 1995 in an area now covering New Jersey, Staten Island and eastern Pennsylvania.

Even if carpets are vacuumed and spot cleaned religiously, the SMART Carpet team says there’s a toll that normal wear and tear takes on carpets. It’s caused by a build-up of microscopic dirt and oil particles that can only be removed by cleaning the carpet thoroughly, advise the professionals at SMART Carpet.

In fact, SMART Carpet recommends that most home owners have their carpets professionally cleaned yearly if possible. This is especially true if they have large families with young children and pets in the house, adds the SMART Carpet sales team.

If household traffic is lower, SMART Carpet staff advises that a cleaning every 18 months should suffice. According to SMART Carpet installers, the more regularly you have your carpet cleaned, the easier it is both to maintain it and to clean it next time.

Professional steam cleaning is the preferred method of cleaning carpets by most carpet manufacturers as well as sales and installation companies, including SMART Carpet. Most professional carpet-cleaning technicians use either portable or truck-mounted units, according to SMART Carpet staff, which are quite powerful while leaving no residue of detergent behind.

Another benefit of using professional cleaners, according to the carpet experts at SMART Carpet, is that the increased extraction power allows your carpet to dry faster than if you clean it yourself with a rental machine. Drying your carpet quickly is important, say the professionals at SMART Carpet. This is because wet carpets are very quickly at risk of mildew and mold, explains an SMART Carpet team member. Once a homeowner has spotted mildew, the fix is usually expensive, warns the SMART Carpet staff, most often requiring full carpet and even sub-floor replacement.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD Examines Tooth Sensitivity

Dr. Eric Siani, DMD, who practices general dentistry in Palmdale, California, says that tooth sensitivity is a common problem affecting nearly half his patients. Some people call the condition root sensitivity and dentists themselves, including Dr. Eric Siani DMD, sometimes call it dentin hypersensitivity.

Whatever you call it, you’ve got sensitive teeth if drinking or eating hot or cold liquids or food makes your teeth ache, explains Dr. Eric Siani DMD. Sometimes your teeth will hurt when eating acidic foods like oranges or drinking tart drinks such as lemonade. Even breathing in cold air can make your teeth throb if you’ve got sensitive teeth, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD. [Read more…]

Fantich Media Group Offers Creative Marketing | The Key to Business Success

Fantich Media Group knows the value of a good marketing campaign. A well-executed marketing campaign, says Fantich Media Group, gives a business maximum exposure to its most likely potential customers. The professionals at Fantich Media Group have spent the last twenty years crafting integrated media marketing strategies for a wide spectrum of clients.

The modern world is inundated with so many products and services, says Fantich Media Group, that providing quality products no longer ensures success. Fantich Media Group explains that success in the modern market is ensured through marketing. Customers and potential customers, adds Fantich Media Group, need to be drawn in to a relationship with the businesses that are trying to reach them.

The best way to cultivate a fruitful relationship with customers, according to Fantich Media Group, is through multi-media marketing. Multi-media marketing spearheaded by the team at Fantich Media Group entails utilizing every form of communication available to educate and retain consumers. Fantich Media Group knows from experience that businesses must do more than merely advertise their products. In fact, businesses must use a combination of print, radio, television, and word-of-mouth and digital marketing channels to cultivate a position of market authority.

By disseminating expert information and executing savvy sales strategies, explains Fantich Media Group, businesses can secure the confidence and repeat business of their customers. By being a leading source of information, adds Fantich Media Group, businesses also attract the attention and loyalty of new customers. The best way to create a pervasive and evocative marketing campaign, says Marc Fantich of Fantich Media Group, is to find a creative ad agency that makes a habit of thinking “outside the box.” Fantich Media Group says outside-the-box marketing is not for special occasions or large multi-national corporations. It is a marketing philosophy anchored in creativity that makes the most of every advertising channel. A marketing agency that is worth its salt, says Fantich Media Group’s Marc Fantich, will be thinking “outside the box” all of the time.

Tips from Marc Fantich | Things to Remember when Advertising Locally

Growing numbers of small businesses are turning to local advertising to grow their companies. Media director and advertising expert Marc Fantich knows this well. To help large and small businesses alike, Marc Fantich has compiled several tips to consider before purchasing local advertising.

Fewer people are reading the newspaper, says Marc Fantich, but the rates are still rising. Newspaper advertising is not nearly as cost-effective as other means of advertising, explains Marc Fantich. He recommends staying away from it unless there is an extreme sale and your clients are college-educated or elderly. Remember that only some people read newspapers, says Marc Fantich. The newspaper has lost its reader base to the endless news stations on cable and satellite TV, as well as other news stations on satellite and local radio stations in markets across the nation.

Marc Fantich points out that yellow pages have gone by the way of the buggy whip. People simply don’t use them as much as they used to. Normally, people search online for phone numbers and companies they wish to find, says Marc Fantich.

Another option is to study Google search and learn how Adwords works in their search engine, continues Marc Fantich. This will take the average person three hours to learn, but is very important if you want people to find you, according to Marc Fantich.

It’s also important to stay away from clichés when writing scripts or providing the radio and TV stations with information. Marc Fantich explains that very few people care that your business is “family owned and operated for over 20 years.” This overused phrase has essentially lost its original value and meaning, says Marc Fantich. He also believes that the phrase “fast, friendly service,” causes listeners to think, “So what? You better offer me that!”

One of the most important tips that Marc Fantich offers clients is to avoid under spending. If a client needs $4000 to run a good campaign and they only have $2000, he recommends waiting until the complete budget is available. According to Marc Fantich, too may businesses fail because they under spend on an idea that is fundamentally a good one, but that not enough people will ever see or hear.

Chef Ben Vaughn Brings his Talents to the Farm Table

Chef Ben Vaughn is a James Beard-nominated chef who has graced Memphis with his culinary skills for years. Recently, Chef Ben Vaughn opened a second restaurant in Midtown Memphis, called Au Fond Farmtable. Au fond is a French term, explains Chef Ben Vaughn, that is pronounced like the English “Oh faun” with the “n” left off. This idiomatic phrase means “essentially” or “at bottom.”

What Chef Ben Vaughn wants to bring to his Midtown niche is the relaxed and rustic feel of agricultural life. In addition, Chef Ben Vaughn pairs that informal atmosphere with the same delightful and carefully prepared menu that his patrons have come to expect. Unlike Chef Ben Vaughn’s dinner-only restaurant, Grace, Au Fond Farmtable focuses on brunch and lunch offerings. But Chef Ben Vaughn assures his customers that Au Fond Farmtable is not always idle in the evenings. On Monday nights only, at Au Fond Farmtable, Chef Ben Vaughn presents a family style dinner. What’s more, says Chef Ben Vaughn, family dinner Mondays have no corkage fee, so patrons are invited to bring their own wine and enjoy.

Chef Ben Vaughn’s Au Fond Farmtable is in a large airy storefront for shopping, dining, or relaxing with friends and coffee. For Chef Ben Vaughn, Au Fond Farmtable must bring forward all of the best things about a relaxed cafe atmosphere while still providing more culinary range than any cafe. In addition to Au Fond Farmtable’s affordable gourmet menu featuring $6 – $10 food items and an inviting atmosphere, Chef Ben Vaughn has prepared a retail nook in this new establishment. Here, says Chef Ben Vaughn, patrons can purchase some of the finest locally produced artisan foods in west Tennessee. Au Fond Farmtable’s retail counter, Chef Ben Vaughn stocks fine cheeses, fresh baked bread, and a wide variety of imported treats that are sure to bring shoppers back for more.

Au Fond Farmtable
Cooper-Young next to Grace Restaurant
938 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN, 38104
901.274.8513

Neil G. Pansey – Neil G. Pansey Suggests Ways to Keep Personal Data Secure

Online security is important, believes Neil G. Pansey. As an engineer, Neil G. Pansey knows how information is kept secure on computers. Let Neil G. Pansey walk you through how to keep your private information private.

There are three things that are especially critical to keep safe, begins Neil G. Pansey. These things are date of birth, social security number, and credit card information. Neil G. Pansey realizes that these may seem obvious, but most people post their full birthday on the Internet. This is harmless as long as long as your other information is secure, but according to Neil G. Pansey, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.

The most important step is to keep a computer secure, according to Neil G. Pansey. You may believe you’ve cleared all data from your computer, but this is probably not true. Neil G. Pansey explains that if a computer user has ever entered any of the above information online, he or she could be at risk. If someone gained access to the computer, they may be able to find this data, says Neil G. Pansey.

To protect against this, proper software should be installed. Neil G. Pansey asserts that only verified programs known to be secure should be used. Research, read reviews and ask around. Neil G. Pansey believes that most people don’t know the dangers of unsecure computers. Without the right security programs, those with the right skills can gain access to your computer remotely or through wireless networks, points out Neil G. Pansey. For these reasons, it’s important to have a firewall installed on the computer, adds Neil G. Pansey.

Being safe on the Internet is most important, believes Neil G. Pansey. Neil G. Pansey recommends following these tips to stay safe.

On Off Digital World Presents Apple’s Latest Innovation | the iPad at On Off Digital World

When Apple announced the introduction of its new handheld computer, says On Off Digital World, techies around the world were not quite sure what to expect. Many Apple fans, notes On Off Digital World, were sure that the iPad would be a roaring success. Other more skeptical users figured that the iPad would be just one more superfluous gadget, notes On Off Digital World, like the ill-fated Newton of decades past. However since Apple launched the iPad in April, notes On Off Digital World, the digital device has met with enthusiastic approval. On Off Digital World reports that the iPad sold 2 million units in less than 2 months. With returns like that, On Off Digital World says it looks like the iPad has made good on its promise of computing innovation.

On Off Digital World explains that the iPad fills the computing niche between a laptop and a smart phone. iPads showcase all of the usability, versatility, and screen space of a net book, says On Off Digital World, while remaining sleek and ultra portable like a smart phone. With an iPad, adds On Off Digital World, a user can watch movies, store music and photos – even edit word documents – all through the high-resolution 9.7-inch backlit LED touch screen. On Off Digital World says that iPad users can also browse the web, exchange emails, take Skype calls or use instant messaging. All of these popular Internet based computer tasks, notes On Off Digital World, can be performed on the slim, lightweight tablet interface of the Apple iPad.

The iPad available at On Off Digital World is a highly customizable miniature computer. Depending on preferences, says On Off Digital World, users can download any number of thousands of apps at the iPad App store. On Off Digital World explains that apps are small programs that add functionality to iPads. iPad users, continues On Off Digital World, can download apps to do everything from playing games to finding restaurants to tracking the weather.

Contact On Off Digital World at:
485 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-573-6827

Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers on Puppy Training

Marian Harding of Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers knows that puppy training can be a stressful process. To help new owners successfully train their puppies, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers offers the following tips.

Puppies learn fastest between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks, teaches Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers’ Marian Harding, so owners should introduce new experiences and people during that time. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers instructs owners that consistency will yield the best results. Therefore, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers advises making a plan, then sticking to it no matter the circumstances.

In general, Marian Harding and Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers teaches that it is most effective to reward the dog’s positive behaviors. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers suggests that a keeping supply of healthy treats on hand for every time the dogs behaves – or responds to training – well.

For barking inappropriately or biting, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers recommends using a stern voice and if needed, hold the muzzle together gently. The extreme of physical contact, according to Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers, should be a tap on the nose accompanied by a firm “No!” to communicate the message. When the dog obeys, the experts at Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers administer the treat.

According to Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers, a medium size, heavy plastic crate is an excellent investment for house training. To ensure the safety and comfort of the dog, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers recommends a thick pad or pillow for the bottom. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers encourages owners to let the puppy sleep in the crate at night and whenever it is indoors alone. Tossing in a dog cookie or several pieces of dry dog food as the dog goes in will help as a motivator, according to Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers. Far from viewing the crate as punishment, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers notes that the dog will view it as a resting place.

To ensure successful house training, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers advises owners to take the puppy outside every time it wakes up and finishes eating, as well as frequently while playing. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers says owners should stay with it to praise correct behavior.

For more information about Marian Harding’s breeding services, please visit the Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers website at www.hardinhaus.com.