Posted by John Muir on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 08:52 AM

The season of buying and giving is upon us... At this point, we are knee deep in it but I am sure there are still many of us that are behind on our shopping. I changed things up this year and started shopping early and so far, I like the change. I do not believe all the deals happen the weekend of Black Friday and
Cyber Monday. There are great deals out there throughout the season. I have some tips and tricks to help find them.
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Posted by Phil Sloan on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 08:49 AM

With Father’s Day right around the corner, finding the right gift for dad might be a difficult task for some people, especially in today’s increasingly technological world. Let’s take a look at some gifts that might be what you’re looking for this Father’s Day. First, let’s look at some of the more basic gift ideas.
- George Forman Grill- Convenient and allows you to grill indoors on those dreadful stormy days. The grill is also fat-reducing!
- Tickets to a sports game- Get your father or husband tickets to his favorite sports team.
- Tickets to a concert- Whatever his favorite music genre may be, chances are the Chicago-land area has some concerts lined up for that genre this summer.
- Newest face shaving products- Companies such as Phillips Norelco offer very comfortable, affordable electric razors.
- New set of golf clubs- Everyone can use a new set of clubs for the links this golf season.
- Hammock- There is nothing better then relaxing out on a hammock on a pleasant summer night.
Next, let’s look at some ideas for those who are enamored with the newest technology.
- Any new Apple product- Whether it be the new iPod touch, new iPad, or a new MacBook, there is no doubt dad would love any of these products.
- Flat screen television- Nowadays, having a flat screen high-definition television is a must.
- Refresh charging station- Essentially what the charging station does is it allows you to charge multiple products at once. So charge your cell phone and iPod at the same time and place!
- Amazon kindle- With this e-book dad can have access to his favorite books right at his fingertips!
Make this Father’s Day one to never forget!
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Posted by John Muir on Thu, May 05, 2011 @ 08:43 AM

Mother's Day is upon us! Yes, this Sunday the 8th of May. Some call this a Hallmark holiday and others believe it to be the most important day of the year. Either way you should probably thank your Mom for all that she does and also think about giving her something to show your appreciation.
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Posted by Paul Dzurovcik on Thu, Apr 07, 2011 @ 08:44 AM

Shoulder surfing is not the new way to catch a wave in the ocean. It is one of the many ways criminals obtain the information they need to steal your identity! So what is shoulder surfing?
Think back to your classroom days when you caught your desk neighbor peaking over your shoulder. That is shoulder surfing. Some will say that is innocent, and it might be. The kind of shoulder surfing that we are focusing on is not. Here is a prime example. You are in line at the ATM and there is a person behind you or next to you hawking your transaction. This can also happen at a store while making a purchase with your debit card and using a PIN. This is how they get your PIN but they can also get your card number in a similar fashion. Some people take out their card and set it down on the counter, which gives the thief a prime opportunity to get the numbers off the front.
There are many ways to shoulder surf for information and thankfully, there are strategies to prevent it from happening to you.
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Posted by John Muir on Mon, Dec 20, 2010 @ 11:24 AM

Is your holiday shopping list still too long for comfort? Here are some tips to catch you back up and get rid of those sweat palms!
10. Save on speedy mailing. Use USPS Priority Mail which is a 2-3 day service that is much cheaper than their competitors
9. Donate to charity in someone else’s name which you can do online! All you need is a card which you can pick up on the way to the party!
8. Opt for practical ideas. You know the stuff people use everyday like toilet paper or laundry detergent!
7. Give the gift of yourself. You remember when you were a kid and gave IOUs? These work great, but don't forget to honor them.
6. Order magazine subscriptions. Another last minute idea that also keeps on giving, just put a picture of the magazine in the card.
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Posted by John Muir on Mon, Dec 13, 2010 @ 11:20 AM

Tips to save money this holiday season! And remember keep your purse, wallet, and valuables safe while shopping!
Tip 1: Use a detailed shopping list. By writing down all the presents and people you need to buy for you prevent accidental spending.
Tip 2: Make your own gift. Put your skills to use, or those of a friend, and make something extra special for your loved one.
Tip 3: Have you thought about magazine subscriptions? They are useful, budget friendly, and they keep on giving for months!
Tip 4: Buy Books. It is often said people don't read enough so let's change that. Books can be found cheap and shared with others.
Tip 5: Bulk Buying. This is how Wal-Mart passes on the low prices. Buy the same gift for people who don't know each other.
Tip 6: Grab Bag or Secret Santa. Only buy one nice gift instead of one for the whole family and either play a game or pull out of a hat.
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