AP9 Articles

AP9 PrivacyMatters Helps You Get Ready for Tax Time

If it’s a new year, it must be time to start finishing up and filing all the paperwork from the previous year — i.e., tax returns, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Even with the constant political wheeling-and-dealing over taxes, the number of tax-related questions never seems to decrease. How much are child credits worth this year? Does time spent as a volunteer coach for a youth soccer team qualify as a charitable deduction? How come IRA contributions made before April 2007 can be counted on 2006 returns but charitable donations made in the same timeframe can’t?

Because each tax return is a lot like a snowflake in its unique nature, hiring a qualified, professional tax preparer is often the wisest path toward peace of mind when it comes to tax returns. Still, as the midnight deadline on April 15 starts inching into view, AP9 PrivacyMatters has a few useful tips for fretful tax filers:

-- Extend the deadline as needed. Taxpayers who can’t file their tax returns on time can file for an automatic four-month extension using Form 4868, which is available at IRS district offices and by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). However, they’ll need to file that form with the Internal Revenue Service by April 15 — AND they’ll need to pay at least 90% of their owed taxes by that date to avoid an ongoing monthly fine (equal to 0.5% of the outstanding tax bill).

-- File something by the deadline. It’s a crime for anyone who owes taxes not to file a return by April 15. Therefore, even folks who can’t pay the taxes they owe should file their returns (or an extension request) by the deadline. The good news is that it’s not a crime to file a return without paying the taxes owed. People who do so still face interest charges and other penalties, but they won’t face jail time or criminal fines.

-- Pay as much as possible. Even upstanding citizens can run into financial difficulties at tax time. Filers who can’t pay the entire tax bill should send in a payment for as much of the tax bill as they can afford to pay, then speak with an IRS agent as quickly as possible to explain their situation. For a one-time user fee of $43, partial-payment filers can set up an Installment Agreement with the IRS to cover their outstanding debt, using Form 9465. A caveat: Installment Agreements typically include interest and penalty fees.

-- Know your rights. Taxpayers have the right to review IRS decisions that affect them, as well as the right to representation by a lawyer, a CPA, and/or other qualified advocates. For a complete list of taxpayer rights, visit http://www.irs.gov and enter “taxpayer rights” into the search engine.

AP9 Privacy Matters encourages its members to visit PrivacyMatters.com to order an updated single bureau credit report before filing their tax returns. Access to unlimited, single bureau credit reports and scores and continual credit monitoring are just some of the financial safeguards enjoyed by members of AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Simple Escapes Offers Ideas for Many Affordably Fun Dates

So you’re single and dating. A lot. And it’s fun, but it can also become very expensive. How do you keep on dating that “special someone” — or perhaps with a couple of people — without breaking the bank? AP9 SimpleEscapes, a leading travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has some simple and practical solutions for you.

An unforgettable date requires some planning and lots of creativity. AP9 Simple Escapes members can take advantage of money-saving benefits even if they’re going out on dates every weekend, including savings at perfect date-making retailers all over the country, from movie theatres and restaurants to bookstores and traveling options. With so many date options to choose from, AP9 SimpleEscapes offers just a few ideas:

-- The all-time classic. Movies are a great choice for dates if certain rules are followed. Don’t go to the movies on a blind date, unless you definitely know the other person likes the idea of spending two hours in a dark room with a stranger. Choose the movie theatre as an option if you already know the person you are going on a date with, and if possible, make the choice of movies a mutual decision.

-- Play a game. If the other half of the date agrees, a night of role-play can be a lot of fun! Pick an Italian restaurant, and try to speak as much Italian as you can, make up words or say a few lines from famous Italian movies. Ask the server for a traditional dish you’ve never tried, and discover a new flavor together. You can laugh at yourselves and bring new topics of conversations to the table.

-- AP9 Simple Escapes says, "Hit the road." Traveling — close to or far from your home — is a good way to meet people with dating potential, especially if you go to singles-oriented places (signing up for a beach or a ski house is a great idea). On the other hand, a weekend getaway with the person you’re dating will allow you to see each other in a different light. Getting out of the comfort zone is one way to discover new things about yourself and other people.

-- Public meeting. It’s easier to feel more relaxed if the date occurs in a neutral zone or a public place, so you don’t feel under the spotlight. What about a bookstore? Most have a coffee shop inside, so you can feel at ease surrounded by people and finding topics to talk about among books and magazines. You can even spend time picking a book to read together and discuss later on over the phone or, ideally, on another date a couple of days later.

“What to do on my next date?” is a much easier question to answer when you have a variety of ways to have fun while saving money, reports AP9 SimpleEscapes.

AP9 SimplyYou Suggests Tips for Pampering This Year

Don’t know what to do when you feel tired or a little down? AP9 SimplyYou, a membership program that offers thousands of discounts on health, fitness and beauty products, offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, is here to share a list of activities that will surely bring back smiles, revitalize hearts, and re-energize bodies.

Take advantage of the New Year and write down not only career and family related resolutions, but also resolutions about personal gratification, suggests AP9 Simply You. There are many ways to reduce stress, increase energy, and feel better about life in general. For the type of people who need alone time to recover from a stressful week, bubble baths, naps, scrap-booking, baking and shopping are nice options. On the other hand, if they are the type of people who like to be active, activities like yoga, Pilates and general exercise routines can be as good for the soul as they are for the body.

AP9 SimplyYou offers members discounts on health-related and beauty items and treatments to be used for pampering this by logging on to SimplyYou123.com. The following are places and activities AP9 SimplyYou suggests to take advantage of in 2007:

-- Visit a spa, it feels great when all the attention is about “Moi.” Get a massage and a pedicure. When your feet feel good, you feel good all over. Treat yourself to a natural body or facial scrub; combine it with a full body massage and a new you will be re-born.

-- Revive your senses. Treat yourself to some fresh flowers. Keep them on your desk at work or on your nightstand at home. Light scented candles. The odors released by scented candles will have an impact on how you feel. Use vanilla or lilac body sprays, they will add that special touch after a nice shower or bath. Indulge yourself by eating a favorite dessert or preparing a favorite meal – don’t forget to savor each and every morsel. Take a long walk, breath deeply, look around and enjoy the rejuvenating sights and smells of the outdoors.

-- Schedule a “Me Day.” Plan a day where you do some of the things you dream about doing. Browse through local stores for a special treat. Take a nap in your backyard hammock. Catch an afternoon matinee. Go to a local department store and get a free makeover at the make-up counter.

-- Connect with your inner self and with others. Connect with an old friend – take a walk together, make an unscheduled phone call or send a letter or e-mail just to chat. Join a yoga class, reading group, or go to special place where you can connect with your inner self. Consider helping a friend who is stressed by putting together a “pampering” gift basket. You’ll be doing something nice for a pal and for your soul.

Pampering is critical for a healthy mind, healthy body, and most importantly a healthy spirit. Taking the time to recover the energy spent during the week can make a big difference in one’s life, concludes AP9 Simply You.

AP9 Essentials Brings Spring Runway Styles to Your Closet

As the new season approaches and temperatures stay above normal during winter, it’s easier for consumers to start thinking about spring fashion, reports AP9 Essentials, a leading discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

There’s good news for those who want to look in style but also save money. The adaptable jersey and thin knits that have been in vogue during the fall and winter can be used again during spring of 2007. And to add to those savings, members of AP9 Essentials can purchase new items, fresh off the runways, by using their money-saving benefits at major retailers all over the country.

Two main trends govern the world of fashion for the upcoming season: one has a futuristic edge, with lots of metallic elements and sleek forms. The second one has a sweet touch, more feminine and soft. AP9 Essentials gives you some fashion highlights for spring ’07:

--Layering separates. The layered look allows you to combine both big trends easily. You can wear sleek, male-shaped pants with a floral silk shirt and a cropped jacket (yes, this style still rocks, no matter the season).

--Rainbow-like hues. Color and more color is what designers added to their ’07 collections. The idea is to make a statement with accessories full of color, or to stand out with one piece in a vibrant hue while the rest of the outfit is subtler.

--All about the details. Dig up your trench coats or make sure to get a nice one, with delicate touches or a splash of color. Trenches are back this year, and they can be the magic touch to make a simple jean and t-shirt ensemble a look that catches everyone’s attention.

--Nothing more feminine. The dress is a key piece for ’07. It’s back for winter with tights and long coats, and it’s a major element of next spring’s look. Pick your favorites among floral styles, long and simple, short and cute, multicolor or solid. Dresses are appropriate for day and night, as well as for the office or a more casual place. It all depends on the fabric and the style.

--Hemlines hiking up. Teenagers and twenty-something women will be happy to hear that mini- and micro-skirts are no longer a total no-no. Short skirts are part of the spring wardrobe, and the rule of thumb to wear them is: the younger the girl, the higher the hem.

--Pants lovers. Pants are not forgotten this spring. The skinny pants are not going anywhere, although the wide-leg jeans and pants are also well received. The suit pants are a must-have, as are jackets and pieces with a slight masculine style.

Take these guidelines, and mix them up according to your personal style. The rule for this year is to break the rules, make your own combinations, and shop around for timeless pieces, reports AP9 Essentials.

AP9 Connections Helps You Pop the Big Question

When it comes to marriage proposals, there is nothing too cheesy or too over the top, reports AP9 Connections, a leading entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. The romantic factor is the one that should matter the most, and that factor varies depending on the style of each couple.

Along with the romantic touch, the certainty that she/he will say yes should be the first thing to check off the to-do list. AP9 Connections recommends coming up with a proposal that suits the couple, something that doesn’t need to be elaborate, but isn’t boring either. You can tailor your proposal by taking advantage of the money-saving benefits you have access to through your AP9 Connections membership. It will make it easier and much more fun.

Here are some ideas for you to consider, along with some tips, from AP9 Connections, that might help you narrow down your options or at least spark your imagination:

--Public vs. Private. Some girls would rather die than be proposed to in the middle of a baseball game. Some will never forgive the fiancé if he does it in private. If you know your partner, you’ll know what she likes, and that’s the first step. One public idea that can also be a little bit intimate is to arrange the proposal at a movie theater. Invite a group of close friends and family, and have the proposal be part of the advertisements before the movie begins. They can all join you two once they’ve seen (or heard) her affirmative reaction.

--Take a trip. Sometimes a weekend getaway can give your partner a hint, but you can still surprise her/him if you plan ahead. A tour guide can give you a perfect moment to express your feeling by saying things like: “And right here in front of this sculpture is where John proposed to Mary…” She’ll know they’re talking about her when she sees you down on one knee. Another trip-related idea is to take a drive and pretend you’re lost. Have your partner look at the map you keep on your car, in which you taped the ring and wrote the words, “I would be lost without you. Will you marry me?”

--Clueless proposal. Make a video with images of your life together, and be prepared to play it on a night when you decide to stay in and watch a movie. Tell your partner you think you’ve got the wrong movie from the video store, and have the ring nearby to propose with at the end of the video. You can also have a special cake made with the words “Will you marry me?” and have it delivered at an odd time, when she/he least expects it.

Trying an over-the-top scheme to propose will only add stress to an already stressful moment. Keep your sanity, and remember that fancy limos or dinners are not what make a proposal romantic and unforgettable. Just make it special in your own way, and use the resources you have on hand, recommends AP9 Connections.

AP9 GalleriaUSA Presents Tips for Planning a Bridal Shower

Her wedding is usually the most wonderful moment in the life of a woman and everything that surrounds this singular moment should be as special as the wedding date itself. AP9 Galleria USA, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands this and kindly notes some tips on planning a memorable bridal shower.

AP9 GalleriaUSA offers its members fabulous discounts at popular retailers from coast to coast – perfect for anyone throwing or attending a bridal shower. Members of AP9 Galleria USA can log on to Galleria123.com to take advantage of all their money-saving benefits as well as great gift-giving ideas.

When planning a bridal shower, there are certain questions that absolutely need to be answered: Who should organize the bridal shower? Should the shower have a theme? How long should it last? When and where? Should there be games? As a general rule, planners need to take in consideration the bride’s personality, taste and most importantly, her availability. AP9 GalleriaUSA provides the following helpful hints on how to get the party started:

-- Maid of Honor is usually the planner. Bridal showers are traditionally organized by someone close to the bride like her Maid of Honor or a close friend. It’s always helpful to check with the Maid of Honor before any preparations begin.

-- Set a theme for the bridal shower. First, ask the bride what she needs and her color preferences. Then, choose decorations and find invitations that best represent the theme of the shower. Make sure all attendees are aware of the theme and what is expected from them.

-- Plan the shower with enough time. Plan the bridal shower about 2-6 weeks before the wedding. If the bride lives out of town, organize it around a time when she is in town. Remember, the availability of the bride is key to the success of the bridal shower. Bridal showers usually last 2-3 hours and should be planned on a date that is best for the bride.

-- Food and games. The next most important thing to having the bride present is the food and entertainment. A menu with a variety of food to choose from usually does the trick. Just make sure to cater to all tastes. Games also play a vital role during the shower. As a good planner and as the shower’s host, making sure guests enjoy themselves is important. Planning 3 to 4 games is always helpful to keep the ball rolling until the main entertainment arrives or until it’s time to open the presents.

-- Don’t forget party favors. Put together some party favors to give to guests as a token of appreciation. It doesn’t need to be something big, but a cute detail that will remind them of the shower.

-- Prepare a list of all guests and presents. This list will help the bride keep track of who gave what and will make it easy for the bride to the send thank you notes.

By following these tips, AP9 Galleria USA guarantees a bridal shower to be flawless, fun, and unforgettable. And as with any other event, the keys to planning a successful bridal shower are ample time, patience, creativity and enthusiasm, suggests AP9 GalleriaUSA.

AP9 ShoppingEssentials Guides You Through the Scented World of Perfumes

Have you ever gone shopping for a perfume, bought one you thought smelled great, only to find out later on that it wasn’t what you expected? Don’t despair. The same thing has happened to a lot of people, but AP9 ShoppingEssentials, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has some ideas to help you avoid this “stinky” situation in the future.

AP9 Shopping Essentials knows how important a sense of smell is for everyday life. The program offers savings and discounts on many retailers all over the country, so you can shop for the right perfume for you, while saving money.

There are many things to consider when choosing a perfume, and AP9 Shopping Essentials gives its members valuable and aromatic tips on how to pick the best perfume:

-- A nose by any other name. Finding the right scent is part luck and part research. It’s a good idea to consider perfumes that people recommend, but be sure to try to expand the search to include other scents in the store. The fact that a perfume has the name of a famous person is no guarantee that it’s going to be good for you. The nose has its own “tastes,” so take time to go to the store and try on as many as possible (not all the same day!).

-- Day and night. A good time to shop for a new perfume is in the evening, when the sense of smell sharpens. Try them one by one, spraying a tiny whiff on your pulse point or on the small cards that stores offer. Don’t ever smell it right out of the bottle. Remember to wait for the scent to settle (check back after an hour or so) and to “clear” your nose by smelling coffee beans while you’re testing, so the scents don’t mix.

-- Outside influences. Avoid trying on a new perfume when under the influence of alcohol or some strong medicines. These can impair the ability to perceive the scents correctly. Also, don’t wear any perfume at all before shopping for a new one. The key to choosing the right one is to let the scent of the perfume combine with the natural scent of your body.

-- The one you love. If you found one you definitely like, buy the smallest size available. Try it on again for a couple of days, see how you feel, and weigh the responses of those around you.

Age, gender, personal style, type of skin and the temperature in your home can influence the way you perceive a smell and the way fragrances stick to your body. Take the time to go hunting for the right one for you, with help from these tips and all the savings that you can get with a membership to AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus Educates Members on the Art of Wine Tasting

Wine tasting parties have become so popular, today’s wine enthusiasts and party hosts include everyone from corporate honchos to former Major League baseball pitchers. For the rest of us, AP9 HomeWorks Plus, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, provides members with helpful tips for hosting a smashing wine tasting.

A love for both wine and entertaining friends and guests is the only prerequisites for hosting a great wine tasting event. Thanks to AP9 HomeWorksPlus, the details are simply a matter of following these four easy-to-follow tips and suggestions:

-- Keep the mood light. Wine tasting doesn’t have to be serious. Whatever pre-conceived ideas might exist about wine tasting events being stuffy, forget them! Many of today’s wine tasting parties are about sharing a love for wine with friends — certainly nothing stuffy or elitist about that.

-- Think big, but start off small. A good amount of people for a small wine tasting gathering is somewhere between 12 and 16 people. One bottle of wine, for example, can be poured in small amounts into each person’s glass this way. Start with four to six different wines for comparison and rating. This will make it easier to host larger events down the road — especially when you start receiving compliments on your wine knowledge.

-- Set a theme. Think about comparing Cabernets to Chardonnays, wines from different regions and even “wild card” wines — those that few people have heard of, but are decidedly tasty and pleasantly surprising. To add to the fun, bag each of the wines. Don’t let friends and guests see which wines they’re drinking. This is especially effective if each guest has been asked to bring a bottle for the tasting. Like they say, “Anonymity promotes honesty.”

-- Add some food to the mix. Matching food and wine is a somewhat different art, but even novice wine enthusiasts should consider adding food to a wine tasting. Remember that light foods go with light wines. And logically, heavier foods go with heavy wines. For example, a dish like filet of sole goes nicely with a Sauvignon Blanc but not with a Zinfandel. Conversely, a hearty dish like pesto pizza with cheese would be the perfect complement to Zinfandel but would probably overpower the Sauvignon Blanc.

As in most things, common sense usually rules. Keep things simple, and the party will be a smash! AP9 HomeWorksPlus offers these tips solely as advice. The beauty of an event like a wine tasting is that it doesn’t have to be an exact science. When in doubt, though, just leave all the details to AP9 HomeWorks Plus.

AP9 Todays Escapes Plays Cupid — Offers Advice on Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaways

For all the passionate souls out there, help is on the way. AP9 TodaysEscapes, a premier travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, gives its members valuable tips for making this coming Valentine’s Day a special one.

February 14 is fast approaching, but there’s still time to plan a romantic getaway. With the following tips from AP9 Todays Escapes as food for thought, it’s not too late to surprise your significant other with a romantic getaway plan that would make even ol’ Cupid himself green with envy:

-- Voice those romantic intentions. To start the plan off on the right note, be sure to make it clear to any travel agent, hotel employee or innkeeper that everything needs to be perfect! Let them know that the plans being made call for nothing short of the royal treatment — a special room, a great view and maybe even a bottle of that special person’s favorite beverage of choice.

-- Location, location, location — get specific when arranging the room. All that good romantic energy won’t amount to much if you end up with a view of the hotel parking lot! When arranging for the room, be specific. Ask guest services which rooms are considered “especially romantic” (e.g., a nice view, very private), and at the very least, reserve a room on the second floor or above. This way, the windows can be left open, and there will be some element of privacy.

-- Pack with passion in mind. Even the most passionate among us can benefit from having some romantic extras on hand — perhaps some slinky clothing (e.g., lingerie or silk boxer shorts), chocolates or bubble bath should find its way into the suitcase. Other Valentine’s Day special touches might include flowers, some appropriate romantic music and even candles for a little old-fashioned mood lighting.

-- Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Considering all the planning and plotting that goes into a romantic getaway, make sure the accommodations are up to snuff. If they’re not, ask the manager to fix the problem — pronto. Advanced notice for special requests/VIP treatment should be, and usually are, honored.

AP9 TodaysEscapes notes that Valentine’s Day is really something of a multi-purpose holiday — calling for romantic acts based on everything from love to lust, even to acts of forgiveness and second chances. Whatever romantic circumstances may apply, now is a good time to start planning a getaway for that special someone. It’s all possible with an ardent heart and a little help from AP9 Todays Escapes.

AP9 Passport to Fun Presents Tips on Planning a Child’s Birthday Party

Planning a child’s birthday party can be stressful. Just the thought of tons of kids running around and eating sweets like there is no tomorrow could be nerve-racking. But there is nothing to worry about. AP9 PassportToFun, a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, presents five tips to make your child’s birthday party a success without any complications.

According to AP9 Passport to Fun, a child’s birthday party can be as easy or complicated as one wants it to be. It shouldn’t be really expensive or focus on what the parents want. The golden rule in this situation is to make the birthday child feel special and make sure all their friends have fun.

AP9 Passport to Fun suggests the following tips to make child’s birthday party the best it can be:

-- Listen to what the child has to say. Sit down with your child first and find out what type of birthday party he or she wants. Let him or her decide on a theme, such as a favorite cartoon character, movie, sport or hobby. Write down all his or her ideas and execute them. The party is about him or her.

-- Determine number of guests ahead of time. Decide on the number of guests to invite and ask your child for assistance. It is always positive to have the child involved throughout the entire planning process. Mail invitations to guests – only if the child’s entire class is not invited and ask for an RSVP so you can keep track of the number of attendees.

-- Don’t do it alone. Find other people who can help during the birthday party. It’s not healthy to stress when you know that you simply can’t be in two places at the same time, such as cutting the cake and attending to the guests. Call upon a spouse, a friend, siblings, or one of the regular baby-sitters to lend a hand.

-- Keep it simple. Buy decorations at one place and keep the food uncomplicated. PassportToFun.com is an excellent place for members to go to look for party-related discounts at popular retail stores and restaurants. Children won’t notice if the decorations were bought at the most expensive store or at a local retailer.

-- Don’t forget the entertainment. Plan for more games than you think you’ll have time for. Younger kids tend to get bored easily and may take less time to complete a game then originally planned. Also, if the kids attending the party are under six years of age, organize non-competitive games since these types of games could have an adverse affect.

In addition to these tips, AP9 PassportToFun recommends parents to plan the birthday party at least a month in advance. Don’t wait until the week before the big day. By putting together a timeline with tasks to be accomplished each week, parents will be able to take a break from time to time. Most importantly, parents as well as their kids should have the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy the party. A birthday only comes once a year so parents shouldn’t miss the fun, concludes AP9 PassportToFun.

AP9 24ProtectPlus Gives Members Helpful Tips on Buying Used Cars

There’s an age-old saying, “Let the buyer beware.” Often, this warning applies to the purchase of cars — especially used ones. But thanks to AP9 24 Protect Plus, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, members can get valuable tips and suggestions for saving money on used car purchases.

AP9 24 Protect Plus understands that there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a used car — whether to buy from a dealer or a private owner; figuring out what make and model best fits a given driving style and budget; and, of course, the asking price. With all those things in mind, AP9 24ProtectPlus offers the following tips to make buying a used car a little easier — and ultimately a better investment in the long run:

-- Do some homework, and shop around. Start by reading the classified section of the newspaper, magazines for car enthusiasts (e.g., Car Mechanics Magazine) and monthly publications such as the local Penny Saver. Also, use an Internet search engine, and type in the keywords “used car.” Search results should include detailed instructions for conducting a pre-purchase inspection, ads for cars available for sale and other useful information.

-- Examine the car personally, and use an inspection checklist. Here’s where all that research comes in handy. Many car magazines include easy-to-follow checklists, and the Internet is loaded with a variety of car evaluation checklists.

-- Test-drive the car in different weather conditions. Depending on where you live, test-drive the car in rain, snow and both cold and hot temperature extremes. Also, test it on highways, local roads and in stop-and-go traffic.

-- Talk to the previous owner. Make sure you know the car’s history. Remember that what’s commonly known as “curb appeal” (how the car looks) doesn’t always tell the whole story.

-- Hire a mechanic to give the car a clean bill of health. All that homework won’t mean anything if a professional doesn’t check the car out before the buy. Have a certified mechanic test the car, check the battery and inspect other key parts and features.

AP9 24ProtectPlus is standing by at 24ProtectPlus123.com to give all its members useful tricks and tips on a variety of consumer matters. The chance to get in on the details depends on two things: a strong desire to save money on important purchases and lifestyle needs, and the curiosity to learn more. The rest of the details will be taken care of by AP9 24 Protect Plus.

AP9 BusinessMax Says, “Keep Customers Happy” — Key to Long-Standing Business Relationships

One of the oldest axioms in business is, “The customer is always right.” AP9 BusinessMax, a leading membership discount program offering members savings on everything from office supplies and services to professional development, knows that a whole lot more goes into making a customer happy. In fact, AP9 Business Max advises its members that one way to create lasting business relationships is through excellent customer service — the lifeblood of many successful companies.

There’s a six-letter acronym (also known as 6P’s) that claims “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” This bald-faced statement was likely intended to remind people that a sound overall plan is the hallmark of any successful business. That said, AP BusinessMax reminds its members that the following tips can help turn well-executed customer service into big dollars down the road:

-- Be honest. It has been nearly a century and a half since Abraham Lincoln became the face of honesty and good intentions, but those same principles remain key factors in customer service today. The number one rule? Don’t make promises to customers that you may not be able to keep. If the problem will take time to fix, level with the customer.

-- Don’t play ping-pong with customer calls. A lot of customer service calls address already-existing problems. So the best way to get a customer really angry is to bat him around from one representative to another. Don’t let that happen! Instead, instruct customer reps to fix the problem quickly and efficiently. Accountability is a huge factor in maintaining customer loyalty.

-- Be in the know. Good customer service reps are not only problem solvers; they should also be experts on the company — its products, services and guarantees. When customers call up with questions and problems, they’re counting on the fact that the reps are professionals. A good rep also knows how to get help on a potentially unfamiliar subject. Knowing company specifics also goes back to the first two tips — honestly and accountability.

-- Let cooler heads prevail. The simple fact is that certain customers are just not nice! That’s why it’s critical to remember the age-old rule: “The customer is always right.” Of course, this rule might have some potential loopholes, but still, there’s no point in getting into a shouting match with a caller. It’s better to focus on the eventual solution rather than the specific details of the problem. Even if a customer request is highly unreasonable, focus on lifetime customer value.

Having access to these handy customer service tips is just one aspect of what AP9 Business Max can provide. For all those little things that give a decided business edge, the name to remember is AP9 BusinessMax.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Helps Put a Kick into Super Bowl Sunday Parties

With the NFL playoffs now in full swing, the countdown to Super Bowl XLI (41) on February 4 has officially started! And now, thanks to AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, members can get some fun and valuable tips for making an upcoming Super Bowl party better than being at the game!

Right or wrong, some people just aren’t interested in football. That’s why AP9 At Home Rewards advises planning ideas geared for two separate parties: one for the football fans who want only to yell and cheer for a competitive game and maybe munch down some pretzels and drink a few beers, and the other for everyone else — those who want to chatter with their friends, dine on tasty hors d’oeuvres, and see which advertiser will roll out the most outrageous and clever commercials during TV timeouts.

With all those things in mind, AP9 At Home Rewards offers the following tips to make your Super Bowl party a hit — from the hours before kick-off to the final gun:

-- Kick things off with a football pool. Tracking the score of the big game by quarter, using a randomly arranged betting sheet, is a Super Bowl tradition. Display the pool right in the middle of the action, and encourage everyone to buy at least one square. If the game itself is boring, the battle for which guest wins the randomly arranged pool may become the main event.

-- Break out the playbook. When it comes to food, there’s safety in variety. Think “pot luck” — from mini-meatballs to shrimp treats — even to tiny hot dogs with Jack Daniel’s sauce. Freedom of choice with both food and beverage is always a safe bet.

-- Stand by for a TV timeout. Super Bowl Sunday has traditionally marked the launch of many innovative and often outrageous TV commercials by top advertisers. Have each of your guests select their top two commercials by the end of the 3rd quarter, and set up an informal balloting box.

-- Call an audible and throw out a wild card. Some of your guests will care about the game’s outcome. For those sore losers, let them try smashing a football piñata to let out their frustrations. Fill it with chocolate football treats and other assorted goodies.

AP9 AtHomeRewards is standing by at AtHome-Rewards.com to give all its members useful tricks and tips on all kinds of home care, decorating and home entertainment ideas. To get in on the action, all it takes is an open mind and a desire to save. For everything else, just consult the pros at AP9 AtHomeRewards.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Helps Consumers Safeguard Their Identities On the Road

Losing something along the way is a constant concern for travelers — especially when that “something” is your identity. Fortunately, with a little planning and due diligence, you can reduce your risk of identity theft while traveling, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

In addition to benefits that help them keep their financial information in order, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 members can access benefits designed to help keep their identities secure at PrivacyMatters.com.

Wherever you go, there you are — and so are identity thieves, whether it’s a vacation destination or a business locale. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 therefore suggests that travelers take the following steps to ensure that their identities don’t stray from them when they’re on the road:

-- Look into travel assistance. A lot of credit card issuers and other financial institutions offer programs to help travelers access emergency assistance if their passports, credit/debit cards and other personal identifiers are lost or stolen. While these programs may not aid in recovering the missing items, they can reduce the replacement time significantly.

-- Book your accommodations wisely. A cheaper hotel rate may seem like a financial godsend to travelers — until someone breaks into their room and steals their wallet, their laptop and other personal items. To reduce the likelihood of a break-in, look for lodging at reputable hotels and motels.

-- Lock down your home. Beyond simply securing the doors and windows, alert the police and trusted neighbors or friends to impending travel plans. Some local police departments offer drive-by vacation checks to town residents, and having a close friend pick up the mail and newspapers can serve to hide obvious signs of absence. Putting timers on indoor lights to suggest that someone is home at night can also help mask travel plans.

-- Secure your documents. This applies to papers that are needed for traveling as well as those that are left behind. Any important documents left at home — including bills, credit card and bank statements, and more — should be put in a safe, secure place (like a home safe or even a bank safe) before departure. Personal documents that are taken on the road should be kept in the hotel safe whenever they’re not being used. While hotel safes aren’t foolproof, rental cars and hotel rooms simply don’t offer the protection against identity thieves that personal documents require.

-- Use computers cautiously. Make sure the security software is fully updated before taking a laptop on the road, and think twice before accessing personal accounts from or inputting personal data into a public computer. Identity thieves are clever, and they’re not above putting spyware on a computer in the business center of a hotel.

Whether you’re at home or on the road, it’s probably safe to assume that identity thieves are around every corner. Even if they’re not, acting as if they are can help keep you safe rather than sorry, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123.