Time and Money Saving Tips for Your 2010 Tax Return (350) (NewsUSA) – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will still benefit millions of workers, families and college students on their 2010 federal tax returns. The Making Work Pay Credit is equal to 6.2 percent of your earned income, up to $400 for individuals and $800 for joint filers in 2010. It starts phasing out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. Like last year, the credit is already being distributed in paychecks through increased federal withholding. (If you don’t withhold federal taxes, you’ll receive the credit when you file your 2010 return.) Even though you receive this credit in each paycheck, you’ll generally still need to claim the credit on your 2010 tax return. The credit on your federal return makes up for the reduced withholding throughout the year. The credit should be figured using Schedule M and recorded on Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Certain energy-efficient home improvements are worth up to $1,500 through the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit and Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Then add this sentence: The $1,500 limit is the maximum amount that can be claimed for both 2009 and 2010 combined, and you must claim the credit in the year that the improvements were made. Both credits should be claimed on Form 5695. The HOPE credit is now called the American Opportunity Credit and is worth up to $2,500 per student for tuition, related fees and required course materials in 2010. It phases out at a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint filers. Form 8863 must be filed to claim this credit. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, Inc., the makers of TaxACT, recommends these steps: 1. Using the preview versions of TaxACT made available in early October for year-end tax planning and to get a head start on your 2010 federal return. 2. Reviewing your withholding. The Making Work Pay Credit is being distributed through decreased federal withholding, so having too little tax withheld may result in a smaller refund or more taxes owed. 3. Learning more about the ARRA at www.IRS.gov/recovery and www.TaxACT.com/recovery-act.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

Promote Your Crafts or Business Website Free!
Garner NC City Guide And Business Directory

11 Ways to Save in 2011 (336) (NewsUSA) – If you occasionally struggle to balance your checkbook (or just want to be more frugal), a few simple changes can help you save. Coupon Mountain (www.couponmountain.com), the most trusted website for online coupons, discount codes and deals from major consumer brands, suggests the following tips: 1. Brew your own coffee. Home-brewed coffee costs about .12 cents a cup; buying your coffee will cost $1.50 to $3.50 a cup — you could end up saving between $500 and $1600 a year. 2. Drink filtered water. With filtered water, you will spend about 15 cents/gallon. Purchasing bottled water costs a lot more — about $10/gallon. 3. Use lower-wattage bulbs. Not only will less-powerful light bulbs lower your energy bills, they may also last longer. CFL bulbs can also save money long-term. 4. Shop online. Shopping online allows you to easily compare prices, plus you can use coupon codes from CouponMountain.com to gain additional savings. 5. Cancel your gym membership. Do bodyweight exercises from home to build up strength, or locate a recreation facility or park that offers free exercise equipment. 6. Invest in a vacuum sealer. Purchase your meats and veggies in bulk. A vacuum sealer will keep your foods fresher, longer. 7. Buy generic, store brand or discount. Generic brands will often use the same ingredients or materials. Shop discount stores to find name-brand items for less. 8. Shop out of season. Stores put summer and winter items on clearance at the end of the season — this is a good time to snap things up for next year. 9. Check your monthly bills and usage. Cancel all unwatched movie channels — or use sites like Hulu vs. cable. Use free VoIP like Skype or Google Voice for long distance calls. 10. Don’t overpay for cell phones. You probably rarely use all of your monthly cell-phone minutes, so reduce your plan. Unlimited texting is a good bet, though, because it’s very expensive to go over. 11. Get social to save. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter abound with discounts. Check out Facebook.com/couponmountain for savings tips, exclusive giveaways and more.

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Squirrel repellents do they really work? How can you stop these sometimes pest from getting into your feeders? Grey squirrels and eastern fox squirrels can keep you busy filling your feeders while your feathered friends are without feed. They can also damage or you may end -up with a total loss.
Despite efforts by home owners and bird-watchers, squirrels usually can gain access to your bird-feeders, even the experts with all their testing on bird-feeders and squirrel repellents have yet to find the “magic bullet” … So how or what can we do about these serenity takers?

The grey squirrel and the eastern fox squirrel can jump 8 feet sideways and 4 feet straight up from the ground, and can leap 15 feet down and hold on to where it land, “most likely your feeders” This some of the things I was told to try and have not tried them all but one is working just fine.

1. Avoid hanging feeders from trees, instead use a large post or pole and a baffle. Go to Lowe’s Home Improvement Center on 70 highway in Garner NC and get a fence post made of white plastic, its squirrel proof.

2. Elevate your feeder at least 5 feet off ground.

3. Hang your feeders by chain from the arm of the post with a baffle over it.

4. If you can’t beat them, feed them! Use food to attract them from feeders, corn, soybeans, nuts, or seeds.

5. Mix Fine Crushed Hot Red Pepper in with your bird feed. No it won’t hurt the birds or the squirrels but they will remember not to go to that feeder again. This works for me and most people.

6. Bulb booster with Bobcat Urine.

7. Hot Pepper Wax.

8. Ropel you can find ropel online from gardening catalog websites.

Buying Birdhouses And Bird-Feeders Things to consider and questions to ask before you purchase a bird-feeder or birdhouse. What is the product made of? Most handcrafted birdhouses and bird-feeders are made from the very best exterior grade woods, like cypress, western red cedar, eastern yellow pine, eastern red cedar, and plywood Baltic-birch or a very good grade from eastern Europe, these are all good for making birdhouses and bird-feeders.
Warning do not buy a birdhouse or bird feeder that’s been constructed with pressure treat lumber!

Ask how it was constructed? what kind of paints? what type of glue was used? a good polyurethane or marine glue is a good choose. Is your birdhouse or feeder guaranteed? There are some companies and crafters that do guarantee their products but as a rule you should not ask for guarantee if the product (birdhouse, feeder) is under $90.00.

For expensive birdhouses and bird-feeders don’t be afraid to ask, they just might include it with your purchase. Also get your guarantee in writing and full detail on how it works.

Ask where to hang it or the best place to put it? When to clean it and how to clean it? What type of food? Loaded with the right info you should be able to beat the squirrels and purchase a great bird-feeder or birdhouse.

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Handcrafted Wooden Birdhouses & Bird Feeders Made In Raleigh NC

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..
Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here

(NAPSI)-When buying a car, there’s more to consider than the make and model. Price, size, gas mileage–even the way it feels behind the wheel–affect your decision. You should also weigh your options when buying auto insurance. With many brands and features and price ranges out there, it pays to do your homework.

Here are some common questions people ask Progressive when they shop for insurance:

What type of auto insurance can I choose from? There are two types of auto insurance: Liability coverage pays for damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people that you cause. Physical Damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle. These two coverages are the foundation of your policy.

How much coverage should I buy? The state defines the minimum amount of coverage required, but after that, the amount of coverage you buy is up to you. You choose based on your comfort level, budget and lifestyle.

Some people want as much coverage as possible for all of life’s “what ifs.” Others are satisfied with bare-minimum coverage. If you have a newer vehicle, you may want more coverage to protect your investment. If you can afford higher deductibles (the amount you’ll pay out of pocket in the event of an accident), you can raise them and pay less premium.

How is my rate determined? Rates are based on a combination of pieces of information about you, your driving record and your car. It’s important for you to provide accurate information to your agent or to the insurance company. It helps determine the best options and rates for you.

Can I get a lower rate? Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your rate. For example, Progressive offers discounts for good student drivers, paying your premium electronically and having more than one policy.

Some companies offer rewards for renewing your policies with them. At Progressive, the longer you stay a customer, the more benefits you gain, such as lower deductibles and accident forgiveness. Ask your agent or customer service representative about available discounts and programs.

Where should I shop for insurance? If you prefer to look on your own, begin your search online. If you want to talk to someone about insurance, contact an agent. To find an agent, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

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Wooden Bird Houses

It 2011! Wow, how time fly, seems like 2010 only lasted a couple of months. I do remember most of the good, thanks to planning and getting things done on a schedule. As administrator here at City5nc I get to talk to lot of people from all over the world, and I get many thoughts and views, on how to make life better, as far as day to day living, some good and others not so good.

These are things we consider essential for most people, from low income to middle class trying to survive in this economy.

1. Try to pay your credit cards down or off, spend cash if possible, pay a few dollars more than the minimum, use only one card with low interest rate, and low balance for emergencies.
2. Eat healthy foods, buy local fruits and vegetables when you can, or grow your own when the seasons are in. buy food in bulk when appropriate, not just when it on sale.
3. If times are really tight, try turning your hobby or crafting idea into a money making venture. Do a search online for crafts and hobbies ideas, go to craft shows, take an online course from your local Community College, use what you already know as a starting point.
4. Remember that what goes around comes around, so don’t wait for someone to do something nice for you first, start by giving or helping someone along with an act of kindness, it just might come back to you when you really need it, or you just might feel good.
5. If you live in the City riding the bus a few days a week, could save you lots of money, gas, less traffic, and no headache.
6. Banking and Savings in the major banks is more expensive, with more fees and banking cost, using your debit card could cost you more at some banks, not just at the ATM but news fees. If you have a saving account and it’s been hard to keep the minimum balance that your bank have on that account, then you are paying the bank to save your own money. Find a bank that has a low minimum balance.
7. Make a plan to become debt free, it’s not impossible to do. Start paying a payment and a half each time you make a mortgage payment, credit card, car, medical bills and before you know it your bills are paid. Start small and test the waters, if you can do this without breaking your bank, then you’re on your way.
8. Down time, well it’s also important to get in your rest and relaxation, so budget enough for that special get away. Whether you are young, older, retired a break from the routine, same old same can can make Jack a dull boy and Jill too. Taking time off for that fishing trip, traveling, sight-seeing, visiting another Country or US State or just taking a break to pamper yourself is all good.
9. Small Businesses should try to invest in their companies, but don’t forget about the employees, before you pass out those lay-off or pink slips try working with your employees to maybe work out a salary or benefit compromise until the economy improves.
10. Don’t Complain about what you dis-like about your life, just add some things you do like, and the rest will fall in place.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here Free Wake County Business Listings

(NAPS)—Finding ways to reduce
utility bills and conserve the
area’s natural resources is a top
priority for people everywhere.
One solution that can have an
immediate impact on a household’s
bottom line is evaluating
the energy efficiency of appliances
in the kitchen and laundry room.

These appliances—a refrigerator,
dishwasher and clothes washer—
can account for up to 20 percent of
a household’s monthly utility bill.
“American families spend an
estimated $140 billion each year
on energy bills,” said Jill Abelson
of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. “If consumers use
Energy Star qualified products,
they could reduce annual costs by
up to 30 percent while also reducing
water use and air pollution.”

The Energy Star guidelines are
set by the U.S. Department of
Energy and the EPA. Consumers
can identify these appliances by
the government’s Energy Star logo
being placed on the exterior of
products at retail outlets. More
than 30 million people in the U.S.
are eligible for a rebate from their
utility provider just for purchasing
an Energy Star qualified
appliance—these rebates range
from $30 to $200.

Whirlpool, the world’s largest
manufacturer of energy efficient
home appliances, recently launched
a new Energy Star qualified
washer, refrigerator and dishwasher.
These appliances not only
save energy and water, but also
rank as some of the company’s
best performing appliances in its
90 year history.

The new Whirlpool washer
with Calypso wash motion uses
50 percent less water and 66 percent
less energy than conventional
washers. This is a toploading
machine that does not
have an agitator, so it is gentle
enough to wash delicate items
such as wool, silk and cashmere
that might normally have to be
taken to the dry cleaners.

A newly revised Conquest refrigerator
runs on less electricity than
a 75 watt light bulb and a 900
Series dishwasher saves over 700
gallons of water per year.
“Just by trading in an eight
year-old appliance for these new
Energy Star qualified appliances,
you can save over 11,000 gallons
of water per year and close to
$200 on your utility bills,” said
Jeff Cohen, vice president of the
Whirlpool brand. “These appliances
pay for themselves and put
money back in your pockets.”

Whirlpool.com also has a new
feature that allows visitors to
punch in their zip code and find
out what rebates might be available
from the utility providers in
their area just for purchasing
Energy Star qualified appliances.
The site also has an appliance calculator
that can help people figure
out the potential savings over the
lifetime of an appliance.

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to needed persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

Free Premium Business Listing For Wake County Businesses, Add your Logo, Website and All your business information Free! No Cost! Click Here Now!

How to cut more than $1,500 from your utility bill

(ARA) – In today’s challenging economy, homeowners are looking for a few extra bucks to help pay their monthly utility bills and other household expenses, but there’s no need to resort to searching for spare change in the sofa cushions. You can find plenty of extra cash throughout the house by making some simple and smart energy-efficient home improvements.

“The average household spends approximately $2,200 every year on energy bills, but there are definite ways to save,” says Bill Cunningham, an energy efficiency expert with home heating and cooling equipment manufacturer Lennox Industries. “In fact, homeowners who take the proper steps may be able to cut their annual energy bills by as much as half.”

Cunningham points to the following areas of the home, and estimates just how much each of these 10 simple steps can add to your bottom line:

Climate control:

* Get with the program. Install an ENERGY STAR-qualified programmable thermostat, and take the time to program it (the majority of consumers don’t).  When used properly, these thermostats can cut energy costs.  Average savings:  $180 per year.

* Retire the failing furnace. Replace your furnace if it’s more than 15 years old. Today’s state-of-the-art furnaces, like the new Lennox SLP98V gas furnace introduced this year, can save hundreds of dollars each year in heating costs compared with older furnaces that are only 65 percent efficient.  Average savings:  $800 per year.

* Insulate the attic. Since only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well insulated, it’s a good idea to add extra insulation to prevent the home’s heating and cooling system from having to work harder. The amount you may need to add will vary with climate, but you can save up to 10 percent on your energy bill by air sealing the home and adding insulation with a higher R-value, which refers to the insulation’s resistance to heat flow.  Average savings:  $220 per year.

Water heating:

* Dial it back. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater from 145 degrees to 120 degrees – the only place you’ll notice the difference is on your utility bill. Average savings:  $36 to $61 per year.

* Go with the (low) flow. Replace your existing shower head with a new 2.5-gallon-per-minute (low-flow) version. The new water-efficient shower head, coupled with a shower of 10 minutes or less, will save 5 gallons of water over a typical bath as well as the electricity that’s used to heat the water. Average savings: Up to $145 per year.

* Let the laundry chill. To save hot water and the fuel that it takes to heat that water each year, wash your clothes in cold water. Be sure to choose a laundry detergent that is formulated for use in cold temperatures. Average savings:  Between $24 and $40 per year.

* Discontinue the drips. To keep your hard-earned money from literally going down the drain, be sure to repair kitchen and bathroom faucet leaks. Hot water leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste up to 1,661 gallons of water annually, as well as the electricity or natural gas that heats the water. Average savings: $35 per year.

Lighting:

* Make a light switch. Replace your five most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and can last up to 10 times longer. Also consider motion sensors for outdoor lighting and occupancy sensors indoors to automatically shut off lights when no one is in the room. Average savings: $65 per year.

Appliances:

* Make a dent in the lint. Clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer before every load of laundry, which will help increase the drying efficiency of the machine. Average savings: $34 per year.

* Stop the standby energy use. Unplug TVs and other digital devices when not in use, as “standby” energy consumption (particularly with plasma TVs) can add up and drive your energy bill higher. Average savings: $165 per year.

Whether you choose to tackle all these energy-efficient home improvements or just a few, Cunningham says there are real benefits to be had.  ”Not only can you save more than $1,500 a year with these improvements, you also will be helping protect the environment with each step because you’ll be reducing your household energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.”

For more information about how to cut energy bills, visit www.lennox.com or www.itpaystolivesmart.com.

Free Business Listing For Garner NC Businesses
Our City Guide, Business Directory, Event Calendar and Free Classifieds allow local residents, as well as anyone around the world, to find information about Garner, NC, and the surrounding areas. Included are businesses from a wide variety of categories ranging from Arts & Crafts to Real Estate, Barber Shops to Business Services. City Guide offers local businesses an affordable way to put their brand in front of thousands of visitors each month from the major search engines and directories including Google, MSN, Yahoo, Alexa, AllTheWeb, Dmoz, Jayde, and others.

Best of all, Gold Member businesses are evenly rotated and featured on our home page, as well as on the top of their respective category page. Therefore, this yields, the highest level of exposure for their business. Even, more exposure is available by adding more detailed information about your products, services, and business website in our new personal webpage that’s included when you upgrade or add your business to our Gold option. You can also use our MARKETPLACE for buying and selling products and services in the CLASSIFIEDS ADs Section.

Local Premium Classifieds are FREE, Please contact us about anything you may want to know about our business directory that may not be covered here or on other pages. Contact Us by clicking on the Contact Us link above, or just give us a call- 919-324-8905

We invite you to use Garner’s Event Calendar, it’s also free! “List your events” Crafts, Government, Charity, Sports, Holiday, Business, Church, Theater, Party, Networking. Lots of things are happening in Garner, NC, Adding your events to City Guide is very easy,, just click the Event Calendar link above and type or copy and paste your information in the box and hit “Submit” and you’re done!

Paw friendly tips for a fresh home and a healthy pet

(ARA) – After a few months of oscillating between indoor and outdoor living, it’s time to prepare pets for cold weather and residing in closed quarters. To make sure your home is fresh and clean through the seasonal transition and that pets stay healthy and odor-free, consider these tips.

* Prevent unpleasant odors.  Pet odors are a downside to sharing your home with a furry friend. These smells can become even more prominent during the cooler months when you cannot open the windows to let in fresh air. When guests are coming over it’s not uncommon for homeowners to worry about pet odors in the house. In fact, according to AcuPOLL research in Jan. 2010, 86 percent of cat owners believe that sometimes they cannot smell cat odors in their own home but others can.  To combat this, use an advanced odor eliminating product like new Arm & Hammer Double Duty Clumping Cat Litter to destroy both urine and feces odors on contact.

* Stay healthy, remain healthy. Healthy pets’ owners keep their areas clean and odor free. Just as we would not use a filthy bathroom, cats’ natural desire for cleanliness extends to their litter box. Keep the litter box clean by removing waste daily and changing the litter frequently. Be sure to keep regular vet appointments and monitor your pet’s behavior. Changes to litter box use habits may be a sign of a potential health problem.

* Wash, tag, repeat. Though flea and tick season is over, it is essential to keep pets clean. Put an appointment on the calendar for regular bathing which helps minimize shedding and odors. If the air is dry, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to discourage excess dander. Also, make sure that you or the groomer puts your pet’s collar and ID tags back on afterwards. Even indoor cats may slip through an open door or window, so it’s important to tag as well.  Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information on how to receive customized identification tags.

* Keep furniture fur free. Since pets may not have the option of lying in a sunny spot in the yard, they will need a cozy place to curl up in the house. To discourage pets from sitting on the furniture and getting pet hair all over you and your guests it is best to make sure they have their own beds. Just be sure to wash pet beds regularly to keep them clean and smelling fresh.

* Maintain a scratch-free home. Whether you have cats or dogs, you know what a toll their nails can take on furniture and floors. To keep damage at a minimum, it’s important to trim pets nails regularly. If you’re wary of using traditional guillotine-type clippers, you have a few new options to consider, like nail grinders or nail covers.

By taking these paw friendly indoor tips, you will have a happy, safe and odor-free winter season with your pets. For more ideas on how to prepare your pets for indoor life, go to www.armandhammer.com.

Free Business Listing

Medicare Open Enrollment: It’s Time to Review Your Plan (369) (NewsUSA) – Every year, there are new prescription drug and health plan coverage choices available to people with Medicare. Open Enrollment is the time of year when current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including people with original Medicare, can review their current health or prescription drug plans, compare the plans to other options and choose the plans that best meet their current needs. There’s never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. With the new health care law, there are new benefits available to people with Medicare, including lower prescription costs, wellness checkups and preventive care. The new law also provides better ways to protect beneficiaries from fraud, making Medicare stronger for all of us and for future generations. Take advantage of Open Enrollment — November 15th through December 31st — and be sure to compare current plans with new plan offerings, as well as learn about the new benefits that are available. People with Medicare may find a way to save money, get better coverage, or both. Medicare has several ways to ensure people get the information to help in deciding what kind of coverage works best, including: * Visit www.medicare.gov, where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area. * Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. * Review the 2011 Medicare & You handbook. It is mailed to beneficiaries in October. * Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx and on the back of your Medicare & You 2011 handbook. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048). Medicare has a program to help pay for prescription drugs for those with a limited income. To find out if you qualify, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the “Extra Help” program. More information is available at www.healthcare.gov, a new online portal made available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

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(NAPSA)-Wells Fargo’s online Smarter Credit resource center has information, tips and tools to help you take charge and improve your credit, and its Retirement Center can help you plan and get on track for the future. Go to www.wellsfargo.com to learn more.

* * *

The virtual hostess, Aimee, featured on the interactive video game “Sleepover Party” on Wii, can help you plan your party, choose your party theme, build your guest list, create shopping lists and more. Then, at the party, she’ll help you enjoy a variety of games and activities. For more information, visit www.amazon.com.

* * *

Designers such as those at Lane Bryant are answering the demand for high-quality cotton fashion by expanding their Supima® cotton collection to include fresh new styles and colors for spring and beyond. All styles and colors are available in stores and online at lanebryant.com.

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Being aware of the dangers of texting on the road could keep you from being driven to distraction, say experts at MetLife Auto & Home. For free brochures-”Driving While Distracted: Be a Safer Driver” and “In the Driver’s Seat: About Driving Safely”-call (800) 608-0190. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

* * *

Ultrahydrating Vaseline Clinical Therapy is a prescription-strength body lotion available over the counter. It can be used every day, all over the body, to provide instant relief, long-lasting protection, and sustained recovery from dry skin.

* * *

A leading provider of online technology services called Sup port.com recently announced that it is embarking on a campaign to hire more than 100 work-from-home online technology-solution engineers within the next 100 days. For more information, visit www.support.com.

Free business listing in Wake County NC