AP9 Articles

AP9 PrivacyMatters Alerts Consumers to Identity Theft Threats at Automatic Teller Machines

As the number of identity theft cases either on the personal or financial level continues to rise, more members of AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy protection membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, are turning to the program for increased security and peace of mind surrounding their identities.

“Dumpster diving” (i.e., rummaging through the trash for personal information) has been the most prevalent form of identity theft for years. However, with technology increasing by the day, it seems like thieves are finding new ways to steal personal information. ATM personal identification numbers (PINs) and ATMs themselves are being used more and more by thieves as perfect tools/places to steal identities. This evolution of tactics reinforces the need for secure safeguards of personal information like those offered by AP9 Privacy Matters.

According to AP9 PrivacyMatters, there are potential identity theft risks consumers need to be aware of when using ATMs and ATM cards. AP9 Privacy Matters recommends consumers to be aware of the following:

-- Look out for “shoulder surfers.” These are people who steal information simply by looking over people’s shoulder while they enter an ATM PIN number.

-- Be aware of fake ATMs. They are used to dupe consumers into trying to withdraw money from an ATM, forcing them to enter their PIN number one or more times while their card is “locked” inside the machine. Thieves will either “shoulder surf” or videotape consumers as they enter their PIN, then use that information and the stolen card to drain their bank account.

-- Be careful even with legitimate ATM machines, they can also be used against consumers. Thieves will place a thin, plastic sheet into the card slot, which will then capture their card while they enter their PIN number repeatedly under the watchful eye of the thief. When they walk away in frustration, the thief will pull the card out and use their PIN.

-- Don’t forget the “skimmers.” These devices steal financial information from consumers when they purchase items with their ATM debit card. ATM skimmers can fit almost seamlessly into legitimate ATM machines to read the data on the magnetic stripe when a card is swiped. This information is then sent to associates who use the recorded data to purchase items or create counterfeit cards.

After reading this information, it seems like we better start looking behind our shoulder every time we walk out the door. However, the situation is not as frustrating as it may seem. AP9 Privacy Matters suggests the following guidelines to reduce risks that come with using an ATM card: shielding the keypad when entering a PIN number; checking the card slot for a plastic sheet before inserting a card; using ATM machines only in trusted locations, like local banks; using a debit card that has a cap on losses for which owners may be liable; and asking banks to set a daily withdrawal limit on debit cards. Of course, checking bank statements and credit reports regularly can also alert consumers of identity theft signs. And remember, life doesn’t have to be too hard when the right precautions are taken.

Members may log on to PrivacyMatters.com for immediate access to a wide range of benefits designed to protect their personal information, credit, assets, physical property and more provided by AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 24ProtectPlus Offers Consumers Tips for Safe Snow Removal

Knowing how to remove snow from driveways, walkways and other areas around the home can not only help make the rigors of winter a little easier; it may also provide some needed exercise. According to AP9 24 Protect Plus, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health says that just 15 minutes of snow shoveling may account for half of the body’s minimum requirement of moderate physical activity. But keep in mind that snow shoveling is not for everyone. Researchers report that an increase in heart attacks is often reported after heavy snow falls. AP9 24ProtectPlus members can take advantage of these handy tricks and tips to get through the season injury-free with limited hassle and inconvenience.

AP9 24ProtectPlus members can access their benefits via DealPass.com, a secure portal that offers members-only savings on a variety of safeguards for their families, homes, assets, pets and more.

AP9 24 Protect Plus is dedicated to educating and protecting the public on ways to make daily lives easier to manage. AP9 24 Protect Plus therefore offers these helpful tips to make the winter months a little easier:

-- Know your general physical conditioning. If a heavy snowfall hits, shovel the driveway or walkway in sections. Don’t over-do it. Snow shoveling can be hard on your back.

-- Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can strike in the cold weather too.

-- Stretch out your muscles. It can be easy to pull a muscle while snow shoveling. Stretch out, run in place, and generally warm up first.

-- Concentrate when using a snow blower. Keep a close eye on what you’re doing. The snow blower is easier on the back muscles than shoveling, but it does present other safety concerns. Sharp and potentially hazardous objects could be hidden beneath the snow and may present a danger.

-- Here are some other important snow blower safety tips. The small engine that runs a snow blower is still powerful enough to cause serious injury. It produces toxic fumes and can be a potential fire hazard. Make sure the person operating the machine is aware of these risks.

In addition to these helpful home safety tips, members have access to savings on home improvement projects, financial advice, medical records storage, and other family safeguards, including emergency roadside assistance and much more through AP9 24ProtectPlus.

AP9 HomeWorksPlus Shares Winter Home Improvement Project Ideas

Many people find winter a difficult time of year — limited daylight hours, colder temperatures and, inevitably, a lot more time spent in the home. Still, the onset of winter doesn’t have to mean it’s time to hibernate. Adaptive Marketing LLC^®’s membership discount program AP9 HomeWorks Plus offers tips for in-home projects that will keep things so busy that Old Man Winter won’t have a chance to bring you down.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus members can simply log on to DealPass.com for access to discounts of up to 20% off at popular national and online retailers.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus knows that a demanding daily schedule requires expert time management, regardless of the season. With winter dictating more indoor activity, though, AP9 HomeWorksPlus has some home improvement ideas that will not only fit neatly into a potentially hectic schedule, but will also chase away what is commonly known as “Cabin Fever.”

To keep up the activity and keep in-home projects as interesting and diverse as possible, AP9 HomeWorksPlus suggests trying some of the following ideas:

-- Consider potential indoor painting needs. Tired of looking at the walls in the bathroom, kitchen or study? If the walls in those rooms are chipping, peeling or just in need of a change in décor, winter might be a good time to paint.

-- Create window treatments. Wintertime may just bring out the decorator in you. It’s easy to design window treatments that add character and even define a given room.

-- Keep furniture and appliances clean. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean inside items should be neglected. Put some time aside to clean furniture and appliances. It’s best to use industrial cleaning supplies only in rooms where there is plenty of ventilation and no fire hazards.

-- Organize seasonally year-round. There’s an old expression that reads, “I’ve gotta get organizized.” Don’t let that happen. Use the winter months to get things settled within the house. It will make things that much easier when it’s time to head outside for spring cleaning.

Saving money on home furnishings and accessories, home improvement needs, home entertainment and gifts is easy for members of AP9 HomeWorksPlus. This membership discount program is your gateway for making your home a warm, inviting center of fun without breaking your household budget, concludes AP9 HomeWorks Plus.

AP9 Essentials Helps Job Seekers Navigate the

It may be cliché, but there really is only one chance to make a first impression. That’s why AP9 Essentials, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, wants to help its members dress for success when interviewing for jobs. Members can also get tips on how to maintain an image that will help propel them up the ladder — once they’ve reached that initial rung.

AP9 Essentials members may take advantage of their money-saving benefits whenever they need to by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs.

Interviewing for jobs can be pretty daunting — especially for all the “first timers” out there. Whether it’s right or wrong is clearly open to debate, but the initial interview can make or break a job candidate’s chances. AP9 Essentials understands this reality and offers members tips on how to make that first impression count — and perhaps more importantly, make it last. AP9 Essentials offers the following five tips on dressing for success:

-- Dress to attract — not to distract. Look businesslike, but try to show some style too. Don’t look so corporate that it seems… well, boring. Instead, aim for an ensemble that appears well-coordinated, highlighted by a tailored jacket or suit.

-- Stay ready at all times. Once the overall interview process has begun, appointments may start coming in buckets. Be ready. Have at least three outfits (traditional business or business casual, if necessary) pressed and ready to wear.

-- Play the game. Even though it has been argued that “Clothes don’t make the man” (or woman), in an interview environment they might. Just like carefully tailored jackets and suits, think carefully about shirt selection. There are no precise rules, but consider wearing long sleeves. Bare arms may send the wrong message — regardless of gender.

-- Dress for the job you want. This can be sound advice even after a job offer has been tendered. To look successful, look the part. Buy the best quality garments you can afford, and make adjustments to move towards the next goal. Dress and act in terms of “career” — not just “job.”

-- Walk the walk. Think in terms of the platitude, “Confident, not cocky.” Exude confidence in terms of dress, physical appearance and overall attitude. Smiling never hurts, either. In interviews and on the job, project an image that says, “I belong here.”

Knowing how to dress for success is just one of the many helpful hints and saving benefits available to AP9 Essentials members. So dress the part, and always look sharp. It’s that much easier with help from AP9 Essentials.

AP9 GalleriaUSA Provides Tips to Keep Shoes Shiny and New

The expression “Clothes don’t make the man” probably makes sense to most of us, but what about his shoes? According to AP9 Galleria USA, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, how a person maintains his or her shoes may go well beyond style and fashion.

AP9 GalleriaUSA members may access their benefits by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs. There members can save on shoes and other fashionable accessories, apparel, personal care items, storage and so much more!

When it comes to maintaining shoes and footwear in general, here’s a few things to consider: Did you know that, during a normal day, the feet produce a quarter of a cup of moisture? And they produce twice that when a person is active. The point is that the feet (and the shoes that go on them) take a beating every day. AP9 GalleriaUSA offers the following five tips that will not only protect the shoes and feet, but may also save money in the long run:

-- Tip #1: Use cedar shoe trees. Not only will these shoe trees help absorb all that moisture; they’ll also help maintain the shoe’s original shape. Additionally, shoe odors are naturally reduced by the powerful scent of aromatic cedar. Translated — the better a shoe smells, the longer it’s likely to last, increasing its overall value.

-- Tip #2: Rotate shoes. Just like people, shoes need a day off. Rotate shoes on a regular basis, and try to avoid wearing fine leather shoes on consecutive days.

-- Tip #3: Add a protective sole. The greater the cushion in a shoe, the greater the support. An outer rubber protective sole can be added and will protect the overall sole from general wear and tear.

-- Tip #4: Use a shoehorn. Using a shoehorn saves the shoe on two different fronts: 1) the heel collar; 2) the counter (the vertical portion of the shoe that wraps around the back of the foot). Protecting these two areas on a loafer, for example, will save the shoe from unnecessary wear.

-- Tip #5: Clean all shoes when possible. Of course, how often a pair of shoes is cleaned depends on its material and how often it’s worn. For leather shoes, apply a leather lotion with a soft cloth. For suede shoes, brush the shoe surface with either a suede brush or a clean toothbrush.

Knowing how to maintain your shoe arsenal and cash in on money-saving benefits are just two of the advantages of an AP9 GalleriaUSA membership. Members can also enjoy year-round savings on a wide variety of items they both need and want. So think big, but keep those feet on the ground with all of the great deals available through AP9 Galleria USA.

AP9 SimpleEscapes Helps Members Hightail it Towards Winter Fun

If the terms “winter” and “cabin fever” are linked in your mind, it’s never too late to make different connections, reports AP9 Simple Escapes, a travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^® that offers members chances to save on vacation getaways this coming winter and year-round.

Members may access their benefits by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs. There members will find exceptional savings on all their travels needs as well as other entertainment choices like movie tickets, dining, books, CDs and much, much more.

AP9 Simple Escapes recognizes that the old expression “different strokes for different folks” applies especially to the winter months — when some people seek to embrace the cold and snow, while others search for the warmth of the sun. In either case, AP9 SimpleEscapes offers its take on four top winter vacation destinations:

-- Ski, snowboard and revel in New England’s snow belt at Stratton Mountain. If flying down a ski trail with lots of freedom of choice sounds like a winter lover’s dream, Stratton Mountain in Stratton, Vermont, offers skiers and snowboarders 92 different reasons to start making vacation plans today.

-- Visit with Mickey at Disney, and leave the cold weather behind. If fun for both kids and adults alike seems like only a fantasy, it sounds like it’s about time to visit Disney World! The kids will visit with their favorite Disney characters, and you’ll get a break from the cold and snow in sunny Orlando, Florida. Start making plans today to visit the Magic Kingdom, and shake off the winter funk in the process.

-- Find yourself in a winter paradise at Park City, Utah. For those in the east wondering what “skiing out west” is really like, isn’t it about time to stop wondering? For those who have skied out west, here’s another chance. Park City Mountain Resort is waiting with over 3,300 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain available.

-- Discover Sea World, and float above the waves. Jacques Cousteau just might have had the right idea uncovering the secrets and mysteries of the deep, but for the rest of us, it can be done more easily and comfortably. Discover those same wonders of the deep at Sea World in San Diego, California, where over 100 million visitors have already seen the sea treasures offered by the deep blue.

AP9 SimpleEscapes is standing by to give all its members useful travel tricks and ideas for memorable getaways. The chance to escape today depends on two things: a strong desire to save money on travel and a will to have fun. The rest of the details will be taken care of by AP9 Simple Escapes.

AP9 PremierHealthPlus Offers Healthy New Year’s Resolution Tips

Soon it will be time to sing another verse of “Auld Lang Syne” — time for new beginnings, new dreams and, of course, New Year’s resolutions. With that in mind, AP9 PremierHealth Plus, a leading healthcare membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, wants to encourage its members to keep health issues at the top of the coming year’s “I resolve to do the following” lists.

Members may access their benefits by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs. AP9 Premier Health Plus members can enjoy savings on many health-related items to help ring in the new year.

New Year’s resolutions are tough enough to make, let alone keep. But AP9 PremierHealthPlus wants to help put that best foot forward in 2007 with these five health-minded resolutions that will have you eager to turn the calendar:

-- Get checked out. Yeah, we know it can be a pain, but don’t put it off. If it’s been more than a year since the last time you said “aah” for the doc, make plans to do it again.

-- Start/maintain an exercise program. If “exercising” means walking from the couch to the fridge, it might be time to make some changes. Start slow, but start — getting and staying healthy depends on some form of regular exercise.

-- File this under “must dos” this coming year. For the ladies, don’t overlook a mammogram. It’s just too important not to take a few minutes out to make sure all is well. And for the gentlemen out there — especially those over 40 — make plans for a prostate exam.

-- Eat better. Everyone knows it’s a lot easier to eat badly than to eat healthily. So why not try a little harder? There are no guarantees, but eating better might lead to feeling better. That’s something to look forward to in a new year.

-- Take a chill pill. Fact: Life is stressful. Solution? Try chilling out. Develop a hobby that makes you happy, forget about the daily grind when possible, and take a minute out to “smell the roses.” It’s cliché, but it also works. Relieve daily stress, and take what author Robert Pirsig called a “Chatauqua,” a short personal trip to anywhere the mind can go. Try it — no ticket or boarding pass required.

As thoughts of new and improved New Year’s resolutions dance around the head, remember that AP9 Premier Health Plus is not insurance. Instead, it’s a healthcare savings program that provides members access to preferred rates with a nationwide network of over 400,000 healthcare service providers and 20,000 highly qualified dental professionals. Think new beginnings and think AP9 PremierHealthPlus.

AP9 TodaysEscapes Provides Tips for Smart Holiday Travel

The end-of-year holiday season is one of the busiest times to travel. Millions of people every year brave busy roads, long lines at airports, flight delays and cancellations and extreme weather conditions to celebrate with family and friends. AP9 Todays Escapes, a leading entertainment membership discount program administered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, lends a hand to the sometimes chaotic world of travel by providing discounts on a variety of travel needs as well as other exclusive entertainment discounts.

According to AAA, almost 5 million people took to the skies during the 2005 holiday season. With the number expected to increase this year, travelers must plan ahead for a variety of possible travel interruptions, notes AP9 Todays Escapes. Adhering to the carrier’s recommended check-in times, baggage rules and especially to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) carry-on regulations that were update on September 26, 2006, will get you where you need to go on time and safely. AP9 TodaysEscapes advises travelers to visit the TSA website at tsa.gov for more information about flight regulations and travel tips.

AP9 TodaysEscapes suggests these other travel tips to help start and end your holidays on a happy note:

-- Arrive early. Since the holidays are the busiest time to travel, there will be traffic congestion, limited parking, and long security lines. Arriving early to the airport is key to making your travel a pleasurable experience. Pack and fuel up the car the night before to avoid any delays in getting to the airport. Check out your airport’s website for real-time parking availability before leaving the house. And, most importantly, arriving early can help you steer clear of getting “bumped” on an overbooked flight.

-- Remove jewelry, belts and other accessory items that may set off the security alarms before you arrive to the airport. You might even consider wearing shoes that can easily slip off and on. Both of these things will help you get through security checkpoints quickly.

-- Travel light. Full flights mean stuffed overhead bins. Ship your gifts to your destination and check your luggage. Many airports offer curbside check-in, which is usually quicker to get through than the full-service check-in lines inside.

-- Keep your medications and other essential items with you at all times. And remember to bring along reading material, a crossword puzzle, or other diversion. While airport shops offer all these items, they will cost considerably more.

-- If you have a connecting flight, plan for the worst. Have a contingency plan in place just in case you find yourself stranded partway to your destination. Pack a change of clothes and basic regulation-permitted toiletries in your carry-on. Stake out possible hotels where you can get last minute travel reservations or touch base with people you know who live at your connecting city.

AP9 Todays Escapes members simply and conveniently log on to TodaysEscapes.com to access their money-saving benefits. And remember, family and friends eagerly await your arrival to celebrate the holidays — a trip well-worth your travel reservations, concludes AP9 TodaysEscapes.

AP9 PassportToFun Suggests Scrapbooking to Capture Holiday Memories

The holidays…months of preparation for one or two glorious days only to have them come and go in what seems to be at the blink of an eye. Before one can process the events, family and friends have made their exits and what used to be the comforting hum of chatter and laughter throughout the house has been replaced by the average, everyday drone. Rather than allowing precious memories to simply slip away, holiday photographs and mementos can be easily assembled into a scrapbook – a perfect keepsake of the best of times. AP9 Passport to Fun, a discount membership program administered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, provides creative ideas for putting together all those holiday mementos into in a special scrapbook to be shared for years to come.

AP9 Passport to Fun notes that as with any special occasion, it seems the host or hostess of the event is busy making everything just perfect. Cooking, baking, cleaning and decorating lends little time for socializing with their guests. And before they know it, their children are packing up vehicles to head back to college, friends are putting on their coats and relatives are passing out good-bye hugs and kisses. And many are left feeling it was just not enough time – another year come and gone. AP9 PassportToFun suggests that scrapbooks not only allow people to reflect fondly upon the past, but they also make great gifts to be passed on for generations.

AP9 PassportToFun can save members up to 20% on a plethora of entertainment choices for bringing the family and friends together, including movies, dining, travel, and shopping. Benefits can be easily accessed by logging on to PassportToFun.com.

AP9 PassportToFun offers these creative solutions for putting together a scrapbook that captures all those holiday memories.

-- Keep a paper trail. Holiday cards, postcards and even gift card stickers are easy pieces to include in an album. Pick out the cards given by people who matter most and design a theme page around each person -- including the card, pictures and a personal note about why that person is special. Don’t forget, if you have little ones, to create a page dedicated to “A Letter to Santa” or “A Letter from Santa.”

-- Think beyond photos. Items such as holiday napkins or doilies, place cards, celebratory horns, party hats, confetti, children’s drawings or coloring book pages or even recycled calendar pages can be mounted in a scrapbook with double-sided tape or acid-free glue. A collection of these can be applied as a fancy border or a colorful, interesting background for many of your pages.

-- Crop and trim. Local craft stores carry special scissors and cutting tools to trim photos. These tools can turn an ordinary picture into one that has rounded or fancy corners. Look for fun paper punches that create holiday-themed shapes like snowmen, holly, ornaments and even Christmas trees. Punching along a page makes a border and the punched-out shapes can be glued on other pages as accents.

-- Take one page at a time. Pouring through dozens of holiday photos can be overwhelming. Set realistic goals for designing a page or two at a time. Be selective with photos as only the best ones tell the most memorable stories. Less is more so consider using two to three pictures per page as other items described above will complement and fill each page.

A scrapbook is a great way to spend a night together as a family. Each family member can find their inner artist and contribute their own designs and written memories of holidays past. These scrapbook tips are presented by AP9 Passport to Fun.

AP9 Connections Takes You to the Movies this Winter

While the weather outside may be frightful, does the smell of freshly popped popcorn, the taste of a cool, crisp beverage and the chance to unwind and immerse yourself in a great storyline sound delightful? Well AP9 Connections, a leading membership discount program administered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, can assist avid movie goers from coast to coast by providing an inside look at upcoming movie releases – not to mention the members-only discounted movie ticket prices.

AP9 Connections suggests that with all the hustle and bustle associated with the holidays, everyone should take a little time out to recoup. And with pocketbooks feeling a bit lighter due to holiday spending, AP9 Connections provides discounts of up to 40% off box office prices – giving you and your budget a break from being Kris Kringle.

AP9 Connections takes a peek at upcoming movies scheduled to be released this winter:

Charlotte’s Web – (December 20) Starring: Julia Roberts (Charlotte), Dakota Fanning (Fern), Steve Buscemi (Templeton), Robert Redford (Ike), and Oprah Winfrey (Gussy). An all-star cast comes together to recreate E.B. Whites’ classic children’s tale about friendship, trust, sacrifice and love. Join in the fun and life lesson as barnyard animals unite to save the life of their friend, Charlotte the pig, from becoming “the Sunday ham.” This animated picture is the perfect for movie-goers of all ages during this holiday season. Rated G.

Night at the Museum – (December 22) Starring: Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson. Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is in for an adventure of his life when he accepts a job as a night security guard for a museum of natural history. When Larry’s watch begins, out-of-the-ordinary and comical events occur. The displays come to life and Larry, with a little help from a friend, must stop a wickedly evil plot to destroy the museum. This film is not yet rated.

The Good Shepherd – (December 22) Starring: Matt Damon, Angelina Joile and Robert DeNiro. This is the untold story about the start of the CIA. As one of the underground founders of the CIA, working in the middle of a society where deception is mandatory and nothing is taken at face value, Edward Wilson's (Matt Damon) idealism is steadily destroyed by a growing suspicious nature, reflective of a world settling into the long paranoia of the Cold War. Rated R.

We Are Marshall – (December 22) Starring: Matthew McConaughey. A true tale based on the events surrounding the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 Marshall University’s football players and staff. It is a story about determination, love of the game and healing as a young coach (played by Matthew McConaughey) tries to rebuild a team and community. Rate PG.

AP9 Connections members may access all their benefits easily and conveniently by logging on to Connections123.com. Here members will receive substantial discounts on a wide variety of entertainment choices including movie tickets, DVDs, CDs, electronics, theme park passes and much, much more – all through AP9 Connections.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Plots a Course for Safe Shopping

Even though the Internet has revolutionized how many of us shop, some people still enjoy the occasional jaunt out to retail land. AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members some helpful hints on how to stay protected, safe and aware while out on an offline-shopping run.

In addition to learning offline-shopping practices geared to keeping things safe and secure, members of AP9 Privacy Matters may access their benefits at PrivacyMatters.com, a secure members-only online portal.

Hitting the local shopping mall, specialty retail store or supermarket can certainly be fun at times, but it can also be dangerous. AP9 PrivacyMatters offers the following important tips and cautionary notes for when it’s time to leave the online shopping environment and hit the stores:

-- Just carry the essentials. It may sound silly, but a lot of people start the day deciding how many different people they’re going to rob. Be smart. Carry only the essentials in a purse or wallet. Carry an ID and any needed credit cards, but leave the non-essentials (and large amounts of cash) at home. Thieves are opportunists, and, like poorly lit ATM machines, large shopping outlets are notorious havens for stickups and the like.

-- Let there be light. Park in well-lit areas. Those same thieves love to strike in parking lots. Park near other cars — not out in “no man’s land.”

-- Stand by on the panic button. Most of today’s cars feature automatic locking devices that include an audible “panic” mode. If it seems like there might be trouble, press that button. Having the keys out and ready to go before arriving back at the car is another good preventative measure.

-- Stash the stuff. Most people make multiple stops when shopping. Keep would-be thieves honest by obscuring purchases left in your vehicle from plain view. Additionally, stopping at home to drop off recent purchases before the next errand is always smart.

Every consumer is a potential target for thieves. So let AP9 PrivacyMatters help keep offline shopping fun and safe. Members can also get comprehensive credit monitoring, easy access to critical information and computer protection. Life affords enough worry. So why not keep that worry in check with a little help from AP9 Privacy Matters?

AP9 Connections Presents Tips for Fighting off the Winter Blues

Short of moping around and simply waiting on spring, there are plenty of ways to cure what many people call “The Winter Blues.” AP9 Connections, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members and their families helpful hints that will make chilly temperatures, limited daylight hours and snow accumulations nothing more than an afterthought.

AP9 Connections takes pride in offering its members a wide variety of entertainment choices for the entire family. And members can access their program benefits by simply logging on to DealPass.com.

Whether your family consists of couch potatoes, activity nuts who like to keep things moving or some combination of the two, AP9 Connections offers the following tips to create family fun at every turn:

-- Start with the right attitude. If winter isn’t a personal favorite…it’s time to get over it! Shake off the funk and get in the game. Ice-skating, sledding and snowman-building are activities the whole family can do together. Dress warmly and forget about the cold. Besides, it’s a lot easier to get warm in winter than to get cool during the summer.

-- Look forward to longer days. For some, it’s the lack of daylight — not the cold — that brings spirits down during the winter months. So consider this: December 21st is the first official day of winter and the shortest day of the year. The good news? Every day after that features more daylight until the latter part of June. Share that thought with the family, and get an early start on Groundhog Day.

-- Attention, all couch potatoes: Lazing around the house does have its advantages during the winter months. Families with school-age kids can start informal reading groups, plan in-home movie nights and even organize mock spelling bees. Just because the body chooses to rest doesn’t mean the brain has to.

-- Attention, all activity hounds: The beauty of outdoor sports like skiing and skating is that, much like riding a bicycle, you never really forget how. Hit the ski slopes, the rinks and the ponds. Healthy activities make it easy to wave goodbye to the “Winter Blues.”

When it’s time to think about family fun and savings on great entertainment, including movie tickets, movie rentals and purchases and more, just consult the pros at AP9 Connections.

AP9 ShoppingEssentials Helps Shoppers Find Built-to-Last Bargain Tips

AP9 Shopping Essentials, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers shopping tips that are built to last. Thanks to this money-saving membership program, there’s a lot more options out there these days to help consumers spend hard-earned dollars wisely. When, for example, English farmer/writer Thomas Tusser famously warned, “A fool and his money are soon parted,” it’s a safe bet that Tusser and his fellow 16th-century bargain hunters didn’t have access to AP9 Shopping Essentials — offering significant year-round savings for both men and women on shopping, entertainment, online purchases and more.

Members may access their benefits by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs.

There is a wealth of shopping advice out there, but most seasoned shoppers know that less is most often more. That’s why beginning bargain hunters and savvy shoppers alike can benefit from these five key shopping tips from AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

-- Stick to the plan, and don’t make hasty decisions. Plan spending carefully, and avoid impulse buys. It’s fun to treat yourself every now and then, but don’t go overboard too often.

-- Don’t wait until the last minute. To avoid crowds, try not to shop after work, right on or right after a payday, or just before a major shopping holiday. Waiting on long lines doesn’t have to be part of the deal. Be smart, and plan ahead.

-- Don’t buy on the cheap just because you can. We know how much fun it is to save, but try to avoid buying an item just because it’s on sale. If it’s not going to be used, don’t buy it.

-- Don’t get emotional. We know life can be hard and that it’s important to reward hard work and effort, but keep the ol’ guard up. Emotions do affect shopping patterns, and the “I deserve it” mentality can start trouble.

-- Play the name game. Get to know store employees by name. The more personal and pleasant the shopper, the more efficient and ultimately rewarding the shopping experience. Let them know that you know who they are, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

With tips like this to choose from, shopping can be what it’s supposed to be — fun! For all the essentials, the inside-and-out details that make shopping worth the effort, start saving today with AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

AP9 PassportToFun Provides the Scoop on the Stars

With the current calendar year rapidly winding down, AP9 Passport to Fun, a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, wants to recap some of the top celebrity gossip of 2006. Whether it’s Reese and Ryan’s breakup or details on both baby and nuptials for Tom and Katie, AP9 Passport to Fun reviews five not-to-be-missed celebrity stories.

AP9 PassportToFun members can save money on the latest releases from their favorite performers by logging on to DealPass.com to purchase discounted gift cards to a wide range of entertainment outlets. AP9 PassportToFun also offers savings on restaurant dining, movie tickets, theme park tickets and more.

The celebrity circuit offered a little bit of everything this year, and AP9 Passport to Fun is pleased to feature these five hot stories:

5. May 2006 — Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn buy a home. After repeated reports that the couple were “just friends,” it seems that Jen finally moved past her troubles with Brad Pitt, and Vince moved on from… whatever he was doing before he met Jen.

4. October 2006 — Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe split. A romance that started on the set of the film “Cruel Intentions” (1999) has ended cruelly for the film’s co-stars, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe.

3. October 2006 — Meet the new king. Late Grunge rock idol Kurt Cobain replaced Elvis Presley as the top earning dead celebrity in 2006, amassing over $50 million since October 2005.

2. November 2006 — Britney Spears and Kevin Federline cut the chord. It seems that Britney the pop diva is back on the free agent list. Britney gave birth to her second son in September, less than two months before her split with Federline, but it sounds like Kevin may want to keep playing dad.

1. November 2006 — Suri’s parents make it official. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married in a small ceremony in Bracciano, Italy, surrounded by a slew of celebrity pals that included Richard Gere, Brooke Shields, Jim Carrey and Will Smith.

This article was brought to you by AP9 Passport to Fun.

AP9 BusinessMax Offers Top Tips for Successful and Effective Business Meeting

Ever wonder why so many companies spend several hours meetings in any given day? So does AP9 BusinessMax, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, that offers members-only savings on office supplies and services, corporate services and professional development and sales tools. In fact, AP9 Business Max advises its members that there are a variety of reasons for conducting meetings in the workplace…but the meetings don’t mean much if they don’t produce results.

AP9 Business Max members can access their benefits by logging on to DealPass.com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs. With broad online and offline distribution capabilities, members can get access to effective tools that enhance market presence, strengthen customer affinity and generate additional value through programs such as AP9 BusinessMax.

Investing icon Warren Buffet once observed that good ideas tend to come along on their own schedule — perhaps implying that all strategic planning must be opportunistic and flexible. With that being said, AP9 BusinessMax reminds its members that the following tips can help turn effective meetings into money:

-- Plan the meeting. Have a definite goal. As financial guru Stephen Covey said in his best-selling Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “Begin with the end in mind.” Everything done in the planning phase will determine what is discussed, who attends the meeting and the meeting’s overall purpose.

-- Make sure you need a meeting. Once you’ve developed the meeting plan, make sure it’s the best way to reach the goal. Consider company newsletters and email discussions as other potential ways of communicating the message. Meetings can be powerful, but they can also be expensive — especially if attendees have to travel in from out of town.

-- Make sure all key players attend the meeting event. Postpone the meeting rather than go forward with it if there’s a chance that critical people will be missing.

-- Send out meeting materials in advance. The worst obstacle to running an effective meeting could be ineffective time management. For example, don’t waste time reading materials in the actual meeting that could have been reviewed by all earlier.

In addition to these handy meeting planning tips, AP9 Business Max can provide year-round discounts of up to 50% off on hotels, convenient savings on office supplies and equipment, plus much more.

This article was brought to you by AP9 Business Max.