Custom Newsletter. Need more customers? Want to retain your current ones? Want to inform your customers about your products and services? Direct mail is one of the cheapest ways to attract new customers. It's also one of the most valuable method companies use to establish and further customer relationships. Why should you use direct marketing?

Our custom newsletter is tailored to your business, no matter what it is. Tell us your business and we'll write the newsletter for you.

A professional Web site is a marketing piece and a business tool, accessible both day and night by your existing customers and potential customers. It puts you on a level playing ground with the biggest companies in the world, or in your local area.

Keep your customers updated on the products and services you offer, as the information can be instantly changed as your business changes, and is one of the most efficient forms of advertising available.

Your corporate identity is often the first impression you make with your prospective customers.   It tells your story, who you are and the value you offer your customers. It's worth the time and money to create the image that reflects your business, but how do you do it?

With our deluxe package you get a corporate identity built into your Web site, letterhead, business cards, and envelopes. You also get one year's subscription to our standard newsletter written for your business. The comprehensive and top shelf Web site gives you a large and powerful presence, rivaling all of the big companies out there.

Here are a few of our sample articles, for several of the industries we cover. Select the industry you wish to view.

• Apartment
• Auto Repair
• Dental
• Financial Products and Services
• Financial Consultant/Tax Consultant
• Legal Firm/Attorney
• Mortgage Broker/Real Estate Agent
• Optical
• Veterinarian

You can even write your own articles if you wish. If you select one of our articles for your newsletter, your name will appear as the author.

Don't see what you like? Have something special in mind? We'll take your information, come up with a style that fits your needs, and give you a quote. Select a standard style and we'll even write a newsletter for your industry at no extra charge.

Want us to handle your printing and mailing? Want to do some target marketing? We can help. Give us a call at 888.257.3866.

Apartment

Going on Vacation?

Your apartment is most vulnerable when you're away for an extended period of time. Use these tips to help keep your apartment safe and secure while you're enjoying your vacation.

• Your best bet is to have a house sitter. Someone you trust can take care of any pets and/or plants in addition to making sure the apartment looks lived in.
• Keep lights, radio, and a television on a timer. Sounds and that blueish light in the window from a television will appear that someone is home.
• Ensure that anyone checking your apartment knows how to work your security alarm and who to call if there are any problems.
• Check your lease. It may require that you notify the apartment office if your apartment is going to be left empty for a period of time. This is usually so that they can enter your apartment for an emergency even if they can't reach you.

Protect Yourself

How can you protect yourself and your belongings from fire, theft, or even liability if someone is injured in your apartment? The answer is renters insurance. Your landlord's insurance will not cover you or your belongings.

Renters insurance is inexpensive. You can probably get complete coverage for a couple hundred dollars a year. Even if your roommate has insurance, you will still need it as their policy will only cover their possessions. You and your roommate can decide to purchase a single policy that will cover both of you and all of your items.

It's easy to get renters insurance. You can start with your auto insurance agency. You can also find companies in the yellow pages or on the Internet. Shop around to find the best coverage and price for you.

Automotive Maintenance & Repair

Caring for Your Transmission

Occasionally check your transmission fluid level and condition. If the level is too low, you have a leak which should be fixed. A leak can also be spotted by watching your parking space for any leaking fluids. Be sure to change your fluid as recommended by your owner's manual or when it becomes dark or dirty. When you change your automatic transmission fluid, some always remains inside the transmission, meaning you can only change about 60% of the fluid at once, another reason to change it often. Be sure to use only the type of transmission fluid recommended in your owner's manual as some vehicles are very sensitive to fluid type.

Wait until your car comes to a complete stop before shifting to Reverse or Park. If your engine rpm is higher than normal, do not shift out of Park. And always hold your brakes down when shifting from Park.

If your car has an automatic transmission and must be towed, use a dolly or place the powered wheels on the towing platform. This means that if your car is front wheel drive, tow it from the front, leaving the rear wheels on the road. Your car's transmission could be damaged if towing with the drive wheels on the road.

Tire Pressure

Your tires' inflation pressures change with time and temperature. They also lose about 1 psi per month due to normal wear and tear. If you check your tires only every six months, you could find them under inflated by as much as 6 psi. Tire inflation pressures also fluctuate with changes in the air temperature. If you set your tires correctly at 80°F they will be under inflated by 6 psi at 20°F.

Your tires' inflation pressure should be checked frequently to prevent tires from wearing irregularly and possibly voiding the manufacturer's warranty.

If you check your tire pressure frequently, you could find a slow leak and have your tire repaired before it is permanently damaged. Check the pressure once a week, before you drive your car. Spending about two minutes a week will help lengthen the life of your tires, saving you money.

Dental

Special Needs Dental Care

A person with Alzheimer's disease may have special problems maintaining good oral hygiene. For example, he may have difficulty brushing because he forgets what to do with the toothpaste or how to rinse.

As the disease progresses, the person may forget that dental care is important and neglect caring for his teeth and gums. This is in addition to just not remembering that dental care is required. These are the areas in which we can help the person.

If you are the caregiver, you may need to assume increasing responsibility for your family member's dental care. Your efforts early in the course of the disease may help the person avoid extensive dental procedures later, when he may have trouble tolerating them.

In addition, good oral hygiene can help to maintain the person's integrity, appearance and comfort despite the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many different ideas on how dental care should be approached when it comes to checkups, their frequency, when work should be required, and what constitutes cosmetic dental work as opposed to what is needed for longevity of the teeth and gums. In the long run, any dental work that helps you chew your food or that takes away tenderness or pain is pretty much a given that it should be required, although some of this can be categorized as cosmetic as well.

Cosmetic Dentistry is sometimes viewed as vain, but in fact if something helps us get over a shyness due to poor looking teeth, it may have long term effects on our feeling of self-worth, our ability to go for that promotion or next job opportunity, and especially will hamper our confidence with the opposite sex. Things such as repairing or crowning teeth that show in our smile are important for our sense of well-being. Major surgery is something that is not very affordable, but there are many improvements that are. Feel free to ask what we have to offer on your next visit or cleaning.

Porcelain Veneers

Are your teeth stained, chipped, or slightly misaligned? Want a beautiful white smile that looks natural? Porcelain veneers may be the right answer for you.

Porcelain veneers are among the most recent development of the art and science of cosmetic dental bonding. This technique securely attaches a thin sheet of porcelain to a tooth.

Because they are translucent, porcelain veneers give a natural look. Another significant advantage over other dental bonding techniques is that, since they're porcelain (a ceramic), they are very smooth and will not pick up permanent stains.

Porcelain veneers are not for everyone, as they cannot be used for all circumstances. Only your dentist can determine if this technique will give you the results you desire. Even if it is determined that porcelain veneers are not right for you, there are other options available.

Contact us at <your telephone number> for an appointment for an examination to discuss the types of changes you desire. We will evaluate the present condition of your teeth and help you understand to what extent these changes are possible.

Dental Crowns

Do you need to restore or strengthen a tooth, or improve its appearance? A dental restoration such as a dental crown might be the solution.

Made of porcelain, gold, or other materials, a dental crown encases the tooth on which it is cemented, becoming its new outer surface. This is used to strengthen a tooth, rebuild a broken or decayed tooth, or improve its cosmetic appearance.

A dental crown is made by a laboratory technician. Your bite and jaw movements are thoroughly examined before the crown is created to ensure a perfect fit. It may even be more perfect than your original tooth.

Although a porcelain crown can be a cosmetic improvement, it probably should not be used unless there is another need, such as repairing a broken tooth, or there is no alternative. This is because your original tooth must be significantly grinded away first before the crown is attached.

A more conservative approach, such as a dental filling, may be your best option. With years of dental training and clinic experience, we can advise you on what we consider to be the best for the long-term health of your tooth. Call us at <your phone number> for an appointment.

Flossing

When you brush, you cannot reach the areas between the teeth and under your gum line. Plaque accumulates and hardens over time. These plaque deposits can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Flossing cleans these hard-to-reach areas. Learning proper flossing techniques is essential. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how.

If you have limited dexterity or arthritis, it may be difficult for you to handle floss. Use a floss holder or intra-dental cleaner.

Brush and floss daily to ensure dental health. It aids in your overall health as well. People with periodontal disease are 1.5-2 times as likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and 3 times as likely to suffer a stroke. And individuals with artificial joints and heart valves are at an increased risk of suffering a serious infection when periodontal bacteria enter the bloodstream.

At your next appointment, ask us to show you the proper way to floss. We'll be happy to demonstrate and discuss the best type of floss for your use.

Financial Products and Services

Stored Value Card - Direct Deposit

Want financial peace of mind? Consider using Direct Deposit onto your Stored Value Card. No matter where you are, your payment is there. And Direct Deposits cannot be lost. "Once an ACH payment (Direct Deposit) is created, it really cannot become lost," according to NACHA. You'll never worry about lost or stolen checks again.

Direct Deposit is more confidential and safe as Direct Deposit uses the same safeguards and security that companies and the government use to transmit money to each other every day.

Also, your pay is available to your earlier, as you don't have to wait in line to cash a check. And there is no fee for using Direct Deposit, whereas a check cashing facility can charge up to 10% to cash your paycheck. 

To set up Direct Deposit, you can download the form at <your Web site> and give it to your employer.

Stored Value Cards - Fast Growing Product

Stored value cards are one of the most dynamic and fastest growing products in the financial industry . According to industry estimates, more than 2,000 stored value programs are available, with roughly 7 million Visa- or MasterCard-branded stored value cards in the marketplace. There are approximately 20 million users and that figure is expected to more than double to 49 million users by 2008. In 2003, stored value cards were used to make $42 billion in transactions. By 2006 over $72 billion in stored value transactions are expected. Experts put this industry in the introductory or early growth stage of the product life cycle, suggesting that there is substantial growth potential in the years ahead. (Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York)

Financial Consultant

Saving in Your Child's Name

Setting up an account in your child's name can immediately cut your tax bill.  Why?  The taxable income generated by the college account gets "split off" from your return and included in your child's 1040 instead.  The tax savings can amount to big dollars, as your child will likely be taxed at a 10% or 15% rate for ordinary income and 10% for long-term capital gains.

However, your child has to be the legal owner of the college fund for this strategy to fly with the IRS.  So you'll have to make gifts to get money into the child's hands. 

You can gift up to $10,000 per child per year ($20,000 if both parents make a gift) without any gift tax consequences.  The money can go to establish a custodial account in your child's name - with you as the custodian - under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).  Another way to save in your child's name is through a prepaid college fund.

The tax laws change yearly.  Please consult us for the most up-to-date information.

We can help you plan for your child's college fund.  Give us a call at < your telephone number > for more information.

Saving for College

Unfortunately, there is no way to pay for college without paying the IRS first. Unless, of course, you live in a tax haven like Bermuda . But say you're like the rest of us. You live in the U.S. and have some money to tuck away for your children's education. If you're smart about how you save and distribute that money, you can cut your tax fill by thousands of dollars.

First, let's address the question of whether you should save for college at all. It's true that the more you save, the less likely you are to receive financial aid. Ditto if your college-bound child has assets in his or her own name or significant earnings from a part-time job. But, by the same token, if you make good money, you lose out on valuable welfare benefits. If your income is high, you are unlikely to qualify for meaningful aid. So, if you can afford to save for college, you should. Besides it will be awfully difficult to tell your child that he has to go to junior college because you bought that expensive boat, hoping that he would get a grant to pay for college.

Legal Firm/Attorney

Workers' Compensation

If you were injured on the job, you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries and financial strain. Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. While the federal government administers a workers' compensation program for federal and certain other types of employees, each state has its own laws and programs for workers' compensation.

If you are injured because of some reckless or intentional action on the part of your employer, you can bypass the workers' compensation system and sue your employer in court for a full range of damages, including punitive damages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

Product Recall - Baycoll (Drug)

The cholesterol drug Baycol has been removed from the market after reports of at least 40 deaths linked to its use. The FDA states that Baycol has been linked to rhabdomyolysis, an adverse muscle reaction that can be fatal.

Initially approved in 1997, Baycol (cerivastatin) is a member of a class of cholesterol lowering drugs that are commonly referred to as "statins." Patients using Baycol have frequently more cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis than for other approved statins.

In a person with rhabdomyolysis, the muscle cells break down and enter the bloodstream, causing a life threatening condition. This occurs most frequently in the lower back and calves, sometimes causing such severe damage that renal failure or other organ failure can occur, which may be fatal. According to the FDA, symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever, dark urine, nausea and vomiting.

If you have taken Baycol, the FDA advises that you promptly consult your physician.

Your Legal Rights - DUI

Every drug offense is actively pursued by the federal and state governments. Know your rights. Don't assume that the police will tell you your rights or how to assert them.  Know what to do, say, and how to act, if the police consider you as a suspect or potential suspect of a crime having been committed.

Using a urine test, you could have "positive" results of marijuana for twelve weeks or longer, in some cases.  If a positive result is claimed, immediately ask for a blood sample to be taken or go to a laboratory for your own sample. Ensure a private lab tests the sample independently.  A false positive reading may occur from ingestion of over-the-counter products, passive inhalation, or even from certain illnesses.

Even if the drugs in your system are illegal to possess or use, you may have a legal defense to a DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, OMVI, or DUII prosecution. We can help. Contact us at <your phone number> for more information.

Tort Reform - S.B. 3 (Georgia)

Senate Bill (S.B.) 3 was signed in February, 2005. It reformed the rules for patients filing medical malpractice suits against physicians and other medical providers. Some of the items S.B. 3 includes are caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice actions (defines non-economic damages to include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium and injury to reputation). These caps include $350,000 total amount recoverable regardless of how many healthcare providers are named as defendants or the number of separate causes of action claimed; $700,000 total amount recoverable if a single medical facility is included in the judgment along with a healthcare provider; and $1,050,000 total when multiple facilities are named.

S.B. 3 requires clear and convincing evidence in cases against emergency care physicians that the physician or healthcare provider's actions showed "gross negligence"; established requirements for expert witnesses; and elimination of joint and several liability. It requires all medical malpractice judgments and settlements to be reported, and physicians with two or more previous judgments are to be investigated. Any physician that has been disciplined three times in the past ten years will be assessed to determine their fitness to practice medicine. Other regulatory procedures are included.

Bankruptcy

Are you hopelessly burdened by debt? Bankruptcy law can give you a fresh start by wiping out your debts.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation proceeding. You turn over all non-exempt property to a bankruptcy trustee. The trustee converts the property to cash for distribution to your creditors. You'll receive a discharge of all dischargeable debts typically within four months. If you have no assets, Chapter 7 will give you a relatively quick fresh start.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as a reorganization bankruptcy. Use this if you want to pay off your debts over a period of three to five years. This is appealing if you have non-exempt property that you wish to keep. If you have a predictable income, and your income is sufficient to pay reasonable expenses with some amount to pay off your debts, this is your only option.

By law, all creditors must cease to harass you once the documentation is filed.

Bankruptcy filings are public records, but usually no one will know that you went bankrupt. The credit bureaus will record your bankruptcy and it will remain on your record for ten years.

Bankruptcy - Non-Dischargeable Debts

Some of your debts may be declared non-dischargeable in Chapter 7 if your creditor challenges your request to discharge them. These may be discharged in Chapter 13.

These debts include:

• Debts you incurred on the basis of fraud, such as lying on a credit application. Loans of $750 or more made within 70 days of filing.
• Debts from willful or malicious injury to another person or their property. Debts from embezzlement, larceny, or breach of trust.
• Debts you owe under a divorce decree or settlement unless after bankruptcy you would still not be able to pay them, or the benefit you'd receive by the discharge outweighs any detriment to your ex-spouse (who would have to pay them if you discharge them in bankruptcy.)

New bankruptcy laws went into effect into October 2005. These laws are too complex to file without the aid of an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Call us at <your phone number> for a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a Will?

You don't have a will? You are not alone. Although most Americans need a will, over half will die without one.

Without a will, state law will decide what happens to your assets. They will be distributed to your spouse and children, or other relatives. Your estate could even be claimed by the state. Do not assume that your surviving spouse will receive all of your assets. In most instances, this is not the case. For your spouse to receive your entire estate, you must state so in a will.

A will is especially important if you have minor children. If you do not have a will and have no surviving spouse, the court will appoint a guardian. A will lets you determine who will be the guardian of your children.

You can also name your executor, the person that will oversee the settling of your affairs. Otherwise, the court will step in and make that determination. If there is any conflict, a neutral attorney may be assigned and paid with estate funds. This could be costly.

Your will can be changed at any time. In fact, you should periodically review your will and make any desired amendments, especially if there is a change in your marital status. Call us at <your phone number> to create or update your will.

Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between you and your partner, prior to marriage, that states how assets will be divided in case of death or divorce. It can address other issues as well.

Consider this if there are children from a previous relationship, or if there is a significant difference between your and your partner's assets. It can help prevent costly disagreements, emotional distress, and aid in ensuring your children will receive their inheritance.

Keep in mind, however, that the court may not uphold the agreement, or parts of the agreement. For example, any parts relating to child support or child custody may be overturned, as the court's primary consideration is the child's best interest.

The laws relating to prenuptial agreements are complex, and vary between states. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, you need legal advice from an experienced attorney.

For more information, call us at <your phone number>.

Mortgage Broker/Real Estate Agent

Should You Remodel?

Is it more cost effective to remodel your existing home or buy a new one? A simple renovation such as beautifying your living area can be done with a new paint job or new floor, although it has little affect on your home value. On the other hand, adding on a room by knocking out a wall and expanding the size of your home can increase your home value assessment. However, this type of remodeling project can be very expensive.

Home remodeling percentages of around 20-30% of your home value are acceptable ranges for most neighborhoods, and will provide a good return on your investment. This percentage will vary by region and by type of renovation.

For example, if your current home value is estimated at $200,000 and the remodeling cost is $40,000, your remodeling percentage is approximately 20% of your home value, which is acceptable for most neighborhoods. For most neighborhoods, renovation projects greater than 30% of your home value are generally not a good value. The cost would be better spent on the purchase of a new home.

Calculating Your Home Value

Your home value is determined by a number of factors, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, property type, acreage, amenities, and location.

Other factors that influence the selling price include the school district, property age and condition, view, growth expectations for the area, and the current number of competitive listings.

The simplest way to calculate your estimated home value is to take the sales value of similar homes in your neighborhood. If comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for $200,000, your home value may be similar to that price. However, a more accurate home valuation can be provided by a real estate professional.

For more information on determining the value of your home, contact us at<your phone number>.

What's Hot in Home Remodeling?

The fact that kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms have become more extravagant may not surprise you, but what about his-and-her kitchens and urinals making their way into residential home remodeling projects and new-home constructions? Read about meditation rooms, pet suites, and other hot remodeling trends today.

Other things that have become a hot deal out in the home market are antique items that are almost clashing in nature. The trend of matching everything and color coordination is not the "in" thing in many circles as the individual pieces and their uniqueness are being exploited, which actually brings on a very interesting interpretation that I don't think the original makers had intended.

The market will no doubt continue to change. This definitely proves that old saying that the only thing constant is change.

Tax Benefits for Homeowners

America homeowners get two major tax benefits under our tax laws: they can deduct their mortgage interest and real estate tax payments while they own their house, and when it is sold, there are significant capital gains exclusions.

In order to qualify for these tax benefits, however, the home in which you live must be your legal, principal residence. And although these deductions are also available for investment properties, in most cases if it is rented, the credit is not given, although there have been many court cases that have dealt with the finer points of this.

For the most part, the average homeowner or property owner won't have to worry about this as they only own one piece of property and it is 9 times out of 10 their primary residence, and they live there an extended period of time unless uprooted by a job transfer or upgrade.

Buying a Home?

Use a professional real estate agent. If you're looking to purchase a home, we will provide you with statistics, research comparable home prices, and give you detailed demographic and school information to help you find the best neighborhood.

Want to know the average sales price per square foot? Or the average days on the market for a community? We can give you this information.

Not sure what you can afford? We can give you advice based on your income. Relocating? We know the area and can give you all the information you need. We will also negotiate on your behalf and deal with the sellers, saving you time and energy.

Need financing? We're experienced, and can help you find and arrange financing.

One of the most confusing and stressful part of buying a home is the inspection, paperwork, and closing process. We'll be with you every step of the way, making it as simple and painless as possible.

Give us a call at <your telephone number > to learn how we can help.

Optical

Selecting Flattering Eyewear

One way to select flattering eyewear is to use color techniques in eyewear selection, matching you and your eyewear through compatible colors. Often the colors that make you look your best can be found in your eyes' irises.

To do this, inspect the colors and featherings in your iris. If you have a cool-colored iris (such as blue) you might consider cool-colored eyewear. If you have yellow tones, that indicates a warm-toned iris and you may look your best in warm-toned glasses. To confirm the color of the frames, hold them against a white background.

Feel free to select gold or silver frames. Almost everyone looks good in these as they reflect off your skin tones.

We'll work with you to ensure you select the most comfortable and flattering eyewear available.

We can help you choose the look that's right for you.  Give us a call at < your telephone number > for more information.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

If you spend more than two hours using a computer each day, you could develop Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Some of the symptoms of CVS include loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, double vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.

Characters on a computer screen lack sharp contrast and well-defined edges. Our eyes can't remain focused and drift out to a point called the resting point of accommodation (RPA). Our eyes move out to the RPA then struggle to focus on the computer screen. This continuously flexes the eyes' focusing muscles, creating fatigue and CVS symptoms. According to a 1998 study by the American Optometric Association, more than 70% of computer users need computer eyeglasses.

t's easy to solve this problem. See your eyecare specialist about CVS. The doctor will evaluate your condition and determine your correct computer working distances. You'll get a prescription that allows you to work comfortably, and can greatly increase your productivity. Call us at <your phone number here> for more information.

Veterinarian

Hot Weather Care for Pets

Summer's hot weather is just as tough on pets as it is on people. Here are some tips for protecting your pet:

• Please remember that asphalt and concrete can get very hot and burn the pads of your pet's feet.
• Don't shave off all of your pet's hair, thinking it will keep him cool. Leave about an inch of hair - this will protect him from sunburn.
• During the summer many people will use pesticides and fertilizers on their lawns. Keep them away from unfamiliar lawns as this can cause severe intestinal upset if ingested.
• Ensure that your pet always has fresh, cool water.
• Watch out for puddles of auto coolant. Although poisonous, it has a sweet taste for animals and can be toxic.
• Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are at their coolest.

Dental Care

There are many different ideas on how animal care should be approached when it comes to check ups, their frequency, and when work should be required but all veterinarians feel that a check up is vital to ensure the health of your pet. Don't worry about when you should bring your pet in for a check up as we'll send you a reminder when it's time for a visit.

Dental care for pets is as important as it is for people. We'll be happy to show you how you can clean your pet's teeth. We will also discuss if any veterinarian dental treatment is needed. Healthy teeth enable your pet to properly chew his food, and contribute to his overall well-being. There are other services we offer as well. Feel free to ask what we have to offer on your next visit.