AP9 Articles

AP9 Galleria USA Offers Advice on Throwing a Baby Shower

Baby showers are a popular tradition that’s celebrated differently in countries all over the world. In the United States, as AP9 Galleria USA reports, custom appoints the mom-to-be’s closest friend(s) to plan and organize the festivities.

AP9 GalleriaUSA, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, is a source of savings for everyone involved in the baby shower, including both the organizers and the invitees. The members-only benefits offer savings at major retailers across the country, providing discounts on party supplies, favors, presents for the baby, new clothes for the mom-to-be and much more.

AP9 Galleria USA offers some useful tips to those who are in charge of organizing a baby shower. The goal is to enjoy the planning and execution of this special day and, ultimately, to make sure the mom-to-be has a great time:

--Teamwork. Putting a baby shower together is a task that involves time and lots of energy, so don’t try to do it all on your own. Nowadays, it’s more common to involve sisters or the mother of the mom-to-be in the planning and execution of the shower, since they love her and can offer neat ideas to make the party even more special. They can bring pictures of the mom-to-be as a baby or offer endearing stories to spark original ideas.

--Focusing on the couple. Celebrating both motherhood and fatherhood has become more popular in recent years, and some men love it as much as others dread it. If the goal is to throw a traditional baby shower, feel free to let the men do their own thing. However, if the idea is to celebrate the future baby and the parents, then make it a gathering that embraces both genders and their roles in the life of the baby. Make it a party about the couple and the new stage of their lives, adapt traditional baby shower games to include the father, and invite other men who already have kids to participate in all aspects of the party.

--Good timing. The shower can be held after or before the baby is born, depending on the wishes or needs of the parents-to-be. A useful idea is to hold the shower at least two months before the due date to give the couple time to prepare for the arrival of the baby, and also to avoid the interruption of the party due to the imminent arrival of the baby.

--Theme party. Sure, this party should be all about babies, but you can spice it up by choosing a theme that’s related to the parents’ likes or interest. Go beyond the simplicity of blue-and-pink theme parties, and incorporate ideas related to the style of the parents-to-be. Create a sports baby shower if the father is a sports fanatic, make it about fashion if the mom loves to shop, or choose a topic related to the future baby’s expected month of birth.

In addition to savings on baby clothing, toys and party supplies, members can access discounts on gourmet foods, home decoration, family entertainment and much more, simply by visiting Galleria123.com, concludes AP9 GalleriaUSA.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Encourages Healthy Eating Habits

Good nutrition involves two main ingredients: what you eat and how you eat it. AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reminds consumers that eating right does not require a menu of bland, flavorless foods. It’s a matter of learning what’s best for you and your family so you can develop healthy eating habits and, therefore, better health.

As AP9 At Home Rewards reports, many healthy habits start in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Once you learn more about different foods, their nutritional values and the best way to prepare them, you’ll enjoy your meals more, and your health will thank you. In health and in cooking, a minor change can make a big difference, and the following tips can give you some useful ideas:

--Use olive oil. An essential ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil contains polyphenols, the potent antioxidants that have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The extra-virgin is the best kind.

--Switch to brown rice. The taste is great, and it’s a whole grain, which makes it an excellent source of fiber. Brown rice is also rich in vitamins, manganese, selenium and magnesium, elements that help produce energy, improve the health of the nervous system, and help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

--Cut down on salt. At least cut salt in half in your daily cooking, reports AP9 AtHomeRewards. The taste will not change noticeably, and your body will thank you. You can replace salt with garlic or onion powder, flavored vinegar or your own mix of garlic, onion, paprika and parsley flakes.

--Add garlic. Raw, crushed garlic is the best, so try to use it as often as possible. Garlic is full of antioxidant properties, which benefit the cardiovascular system most. Recent studies have also shown some weight-control properties, if eaten frequently.

--Boil and steam. Both cooking methods maintain flavor, color, and nutrients, notes AP9 AtHomeRewards. Other great and low-fat options are roasting, stir-frying, poaching and grilling. Keep in mind that extended heat and liquid can destroy valuable nutrients of the meals you are preparing.

--Eat more fatty fish. Yes, salmon, herring and sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids, a highly neuroprotective component. Add fish to your meals at least once a week if you want to aid the communication between nerve cells, improve your learning and memory skills, and reduce your risk of Alzeihmer’s disease.

--Eat more veggies. Whenever possible, add vegetables to your meals throughout the day. The recommended quantity is five portions a day. Add new vegetables to the traditional soups, salads, stews and casseroles you prepare, and add veggie juice to the grocery-shopping list.

Consumers can enjoy significant, year-round savings on cooking and home needs for the kitchen, along with home improvement ideas and much more for the entire family, through AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 TodaysEscapes Presents Tips to Staying Fit While Traveling

Summer is quickly approaching. Soon warmer weather will reintroduce itself and bring with it a desire to travel. Over the winter, many exercise enthusiasts worked very hard to either maintain or achieve a “girlish” figure. And for those who are taking a much-needed vacation this summer, a few days away is no excuse to break the exercise habit. This is why AP9 TodaysEscapes, a premier travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has come up with a list of easy and convenient ways to keep in shape while taking a trip.

The first thing to remember is that vacations are vacations — no stress allowed. Don’t settle for the same old daily routine; find creative and fun ways to burn calories while taking in the breathtaking scenic views, recommends AP9 Todays Escapes. Going for a long walk, a run on the beach, or a few laps in the pool are just a few options for keeping the body in shape while on the road.

With a little planning, staying fit while traveling can be easy and fun. AP9 TodaysEscapes offers a few fun fitness tips that won’t ruin a vacation but will keep you in shape.

-- Pack with fitness in mind. Pack exercise tubes or bands (those stretchy things that add resistance to your workout) and a jump rope. All of these items are lightweight, portable and inexpensive — and jumping rope for 30 minutes can burn over 200 calories.

-- Take a break from the daily grind. Trips can be an excellent opportunity to add life to an old fitness routine. A change of scenery, a new exercise or a different intensity can offer a pleasant variation on a fitness routine. Altering an exercise regimen from indoor to outdoor or from running to swimming laps can renew one’s appreciation for working out without changing the purpose or goal.

-- Take advantage of hotel facilities. Today, more and more hotels have gyms and pools. Taking advantage of these amenities is convenient and smart. Some hotels provide "fitness kits" for yoga, strength training, or Pilates. Westin hotels even offer a yoga TV channel so guests can participate in a yoga class from the privacy of their own hotel room. Speaking of yoga … the next tip is another favorite.

-- Don’t forget the yoga mats. Hollywood stars don’t leave home without them, reports AP9 Todays Escapes. If space isn’t available to go for a walk or to jump the rope, then a yoga mat comes in handy. Many people believe yoga is not an intense calorie-burning form of exercise, but that’s not true. In addition to its relaxing benefits, yoga is one of the techniques that burn the most calories. Yoga is the perfect option for stretching and toning in the hotel room.

-- Use your own strength. One doesn’t need fancy equipment to get a good workout while on the road. Jog in place or in the hallway. Push-ups, stomach crunches with an upper-body twist, kneeling back-leg extensions, and one-legged lunges are perfect examples of strength training exercises that can be done virtually anywhere.

Finally, there are three things one should never forget when exercising. First, always warm up for 10-15 minutes before participating in any activity. Second, stretch your muscles, tendons and ligaments before and after the exercise — each stretch should be held for 15-20 seconds. Third, don’t forget to keep hydrated — drinking plenty of water helps keep the body up with the routine, concludes AP9 TodaysEscapes.

AP9 Simple Escapes Offers Tips for Traveling by Plane with Small Children

Air travel has become much more heavily monitored since 9/11, notes AP9 SimpleEscapes, a travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, and the tighter restrictions make no allowances for unruly kids. In fact, as a recent incident on a domestic flight to Boston demonstrated, an uncontrolled child can end up leaving the whole family stranded at the gate while the plane departs without them.

AP9 Simple Escapes members can go online to find significant savings on travel needs and family entertainment fare, including movie and theme park tickets, restaurant meals, books, CDs and much more.

In this post-9/11 world, no exceptions are made for disruptive passengers, regardless of their age. After a flight from Fort Myers, Florida, to Boston had been delayed for 15 minutes because a three-year-old child refused to take her seat, the entire family was asked to leave the plane, and their airfare was refunded. AP9 Simple Escapes therefore has a few suggestions for folks who are traveling with young’uns:

-- Prepare them before departure. If the kids are old enough to understand what’s going on around them, inform them that the pilot and crew need them to be well-behaved in order to fly the plane properly. Offer them rewards -- an extra snack, a trip to the zoo, whatever -- if they promise to behave, then remind them of those rewards if they start to act up.

-- Make them comfortable. For most infants and toddlers, airports and airplanes represent a whole new world of sights, sounds and people, and many youngsters don’t react calmly in such busy environments. Fortunately, a variety of child restraint systems, i.e., carseats, are approved for use on planes, so check with the airline, then bring the kid’s regular carseat on board. The familiar seating can help reduce fidgeting and, in some cases, promote sleep.

-- Keep them amused. From dolls to pacifiers to small games to books, their favorite diversions can distract and entertain kids for hours (ideally). Pack the carry-on luggage with their most popular toys and games (and, of course, an adequate supply of snacks, juice, diapers and any medications they may need). Just be prepared to substitute distractions at a moment’s notice, since that’s how quickly attention spans can shift.

-- Act like a parent. It’s the responsibility of the parents -- not the flight attendants, the pilots or other passengers -- to control their children on an airplane. If that means disciplining them in front of a planeload of strangers, so be it. While physical abuse should never be part of a parent’s arsenal, a stern lecture -- or even gently but effectively restraining a child in his or her seat, if necessary -- can be useful tactics for controlling a wayward child. And remember: As every other passenger will attest, a parent’s most important priority when flying with children is to keep the little ones under control.

Traveling with kids can be a nerve-wracking situation for even the most experienced parents, but with pre-planning and attention to detail, parents can help to make the flight as uneventful as possible, reports AP9 SimpleEscapes.

AP9 Connections Talks Oscar® Night Beyond the Red Carpet

Oscar® night has passed, and all you know about it is the fashion hits and misses pointed out by the entertainment shows? AP9 Connections, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, is the VIP pass that stranded moviegoers need to get back on track and see the Oscar®-winning and nominated films of ’07.

AP9 Connections enables avid and amateur moviegoers to receive substantial savings on the cost of their movie tickets at participating theaters nationwide. The savings AP9 Connections offer also include up to 20 percent off movie rentals, CDs and DVD purchases, for those who want to create their own movie-theatre experience at home.

AP9 Connections notes there might still be a chance for you to catch some of this year’s acclaimed Oscar® nominees at your local movie theatre. If that’s not the case, check out the shelves at your local rental store, and don’t wait another day to see the movies that created buzz on Oscar® night; including:

-- The Departed. Winner for Best Director and Best Movie, this police-and-mob thriller will keep you on your seat for all of its 151 minutes. Although Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg (nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role) give great performances, the one the Academy decided to acknowledge was one the public doesn’t see: the director award, which went to Martin Scorsese. After seven nominations in the last twenty-six years, “Marty” felt the embrace of the Academy and the public at the auditorium, who gave him a well-deserved standing ovation when he received the Oscar® from his friends George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola.

-- Little Miss Sunshine. A bittersweet family comedy that didn’t amuse critics but enchanted audiences, Little Miss Sunshine claimed two big Oscar® awards this year. Alan Arkin (Best Actor in a Supporting Role) and Michael Arndt (Best Original Screenplay) are part of a project that took over seven years to reach the big screen but ended up being recognized by the public and fellow actors.

-- Babel. This is an international movie in every sense of the word. Gustavo Santaolalla (Argentina) took home the Oscar® for Best Original Score. Co-produced by companies from France, Mexico and the United States, this drama weaves together stories taking place in Morocco, Japan, Mexico and the United States. Mexican, American, Japanese and Moroccan actors were involved in a movie that talks about human connections and how they can be found in the most unexpected ways. Critics give it great reviews or the ultimate axe; you be the judge.

-- Happy Feet. Winner of the award for Best Animated Feature, Happy Feet brought a refreshing moment to an evening splashed with tension every time one of the “big” awards was about to be announced. This is the kind of kids movie that everyone can relate to for its uplifting story and catchy tunes.

For discounts on movie tickets, movie rentals and many other entertainment needs, members can visit Connections123.com to access the money-saving benefits of AP9 Connections.

AP9 BusinessMax Guides Members Through Their Next Interview

New year, new goals, and new job. Sound familiar? And three months later, after finding an open position for the right job, applying for it, and finally getting that phone call asking for an interview -- blowing the interview just can't happen. AP9 BusinessMax, a leading membership discount program by Adaptive Marketing LLC^® offering members savings on everything from office supplies and services to professional development, provides members with the interviewing tips they need to ace their next job interview.

AP9 BusinessMax reports that finding the perfect job is not as easy as one may think. But the reality is that the majority of people have a more difficult time landing their dream job than they do finding it. Many times, a job interview that didn't go as well as planned may be the blame.

A job interview is not only about professional experience. It's about first impressions, body language AND professional experience. While many job applicants worry about how they will answer every possible interview question, in reality many don't do well because of their improper body language. There are certain techniques AP9 Business Max recommends using for a successful interview:

-- Feeling prepared equals being prepared. First, we'll assume that the interviewee has already done her homework before the interview by reading up on the company and industry news, practicing and thinking of answers to the most common interview questions, and following the "what to wear for an interview" guidelines. What's important is feeling prepared and, as a result, being prepared for the interview. The key to success: The interviewee needs to feel 100% confident of her knowledge and experience.

-- The interview begins at "hello." Many managers claim they can pick out a good candidate in 30 seconds or less -- a decision based on physical appearances and first impressions. Looking clean, professional, and eager to start is the key in the first 30 seconds. However, body language is just as important as one's personal appearance. From the moment an applicant walks into the building to the moment he leaves, positive body language, professional posture, and professional behavior should become one.

-- Look alert. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair to show interest and engagement. If more than one person is doing the interview, briefly address both people with a gaze, then return the attention to the person who asked the question. Think before answering a question -- taking a minute to gather one's thoughts is not a mistake. Interviewees should try to provide examples of past experiences to highlight their own expertise in a particular area.

-- It's not over until it's over. Think of the interview as being over only until after leaving the building. Everything that happens between the last handshake and the closing of the front door can still make an impression. AP9 Business Max recommends not letting one's emotions take over -- stay calm and collected until you are officially off the property.

The interview is just the beginning of a career journey. Remember that, at the end of the day, sheer hunger, excitement, professionalism and confidence are what will differentiate one job candidate from the next, concludes AP9 BusinessMax.

AP9 Privacy Matters Preaches Patience — Pitfalls to Avoid in Home Buying

AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, helps its members safeguard their credit and identity — while also offering valuable tips on everything from making major purchases to getting low home mortgage rates.

AP9 PrivacyMatters understands that homebuyers — especially first-timers — often get so excited about a new home, they tend to forget about other financial responsibilities. AP9 Privacy Matters seeks to steer would-be buyers in the right direction, offering five helpful hints/friendly warnings — a short list of what NOT to do when it comes time to buy a new home:

-- Don’t overdo it. It’s perfectly natural to get excited when it comes time to purchase a home. It’s also perfectly natural to go on a spending spree at the same time. Avoid this at all costs. Don’t make a major purchase (a car, boat, etc.) when it comes time to close on a new home. Being up to your eyes in debt is no fun.

-- Don’t jump jobs. If possible, don’t change jobs as closing day approaches. A sketchy job history tends to make lenders nervous. Sometimes a job change can’t be avoided, but lenders and creditors crave stability.

-- Don’t pay the seller directly. Even if a home is listed as “For sale by owner,” take that with a grain of salt. Its better to have deposits go into a trust account, or to an attorney or another neutral party that can keep those good-faith dollars safe until closing.

-- Don’t boil over. Getting a new home can be a prideful and fulfilling experience. It can also be both aggravating and frustrating beyond compare. During the inspection process, for example, be realistic. No home is without problems and needed fixes. If emotions do run high, take a deep breath. And if potential repairs seem extensive, make sure buying the house still makes sense.

-- Don’t be a hero. When working with an agent, let him/her do their job. Make sure he/she keeps on top of things from a scheduling standpoint. And when it comes time to schedule the final walkthrough, make sure a firm date (plus a back-up) is secured.

Get excited about a new home. Just don’t get too excited. The home buying preparation taken now will pay off in the long run. For these and all other credit-related issues, just call on AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 HomeWorksPlus Gives Tips on Keeping Things “Shipshape”

In the never-ending struggle to keep a clean house, AP9 HomeWorksPlus, a leading membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members tips on how to make walls shine and floors sparkle more efficiently.

With spring fast approaching, those “spring cleaning” chores will go a lot quicker — leaving more time for outdoor pursuits — with some helpful timesaving tips. AP9 HomeWorks Plus suggests five ideas that will eliminate overall clutter, save time and perhaps even make anti-grime spokesman “Mr. Clean” green with envy:

-- Clean top to bottom. When dusting, for example, start at the top and work down. Those “dust bunnies” can be stubborn, so use both a wet and dry rag when fighting off dirt, build-up and cobwebs.

-- Divide and conquer. Everyone one has a preferred method, but AP9 HomeWorksPlus suggests taking all needed cleaning supplies into each individual room. This will cut down on unnecessary back-and-forth trips and save on overall cleaning time.

-- That’s fresh. The fresher-smelling the house, the cleaner it probably is. Try using baking soda or another carpet freshening product at night, and then vacuum the next morning.

-- Welcome mats stop unwelcome dirt. A welcome mat is not only a nice personal touch for guests and visitors, it also serves as a great dirt picker-upper/knocker-offer. Keep a large welcome mat out front to be cordial, but more importantly, use it as a friendly reminder: “Please don’t track mud/dirt/grime into the house.”

-- Make it a family affair. When it comes to keeping things clean over extended periods, get the whole family involved. Assign specific jobs and areas of responsibility to each family member. For example, put one person in charge of running the dishwasher before the day’s end. Instruct another, perhaps, to bring dirty clothes down to the laundry room. The more concise the routine, the easier it is to maintain.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus offers these tips solely as advice. Cleaning and keeping things neat doesn’t have to be an exact science. It just needs a routine that works best for all those concerned. In simple terms, just do what works. But if that tried and true cleaning routine seems to be falling short of expectations, just fall back on these and a host of other helpful tips from AP9 HomeWorksPlus.

AP9 PassportToFun Offers Consumers Tips for Keeping Kids Active While Having Fun

The subject seems to come up all too often these days, but child obesity continues to be a problem in the U.S. AP9 PassportToFun, a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that kids need exercise — and, of course, fun.

AP9 Passport to Fun points to statistics indicating the large increase in child obesity. In short, kids who are overweight stay that way into adulthood — about 80% of them. This can not only lead to additional medical issues, such as general mobility problems and high blood pressure, but may also affect self-esteem. For parents and guardians alike, this is a problem that should not be ignored. And AP9 PassportToFun has some helpful exercise guidelines and tips to keep kids healthy and happy:

-- Remember when. It may seem like a long time ago, but being a kid can be, well, a pretty good time. Try to remember that when instructing kids on keeping in shape. Keeping active and healthy should equal keeping things fun.

-- Stretch out. It’s true that older muscles and sinews need more stretching, but young ones need it too. Make sure kids do some light stretching, such as jumping jacks, knee bending and running in place. It’ll prevent injury, and kids will respond best to parents and guardians who take a “do as I do” attitude.

-- Take the high road. Sure, it’s easier to ride the elevator than taking the stairs; to drive instead of walk; to watch TV rather than read a book. But kids need good role models. Show them how it’s done, and they’ll want to do what you do.

-- If at first you don’t succeed ... There is an old proverb that goes, “Patience is a virtue. Find it if you can….” It’s no secret that it can be tough to have patience with kids. If that happens, see point #1 on this list. Remember, kids not only want to have fun, they also want to have fun when adults are around. It may take a while to get a child involved in a regular exercise program, but once that happens, they’ll depend on it, just like they depend on parents and guardians for guidance.

AP9 Passport to Fun is a wealth of facts and tips just like these across a variety of categories. AP9 PassportToFun is standing by to give members great deals on entertainment, dining, books and movies. Having lots of fun shouldn’t cost lots of money. Find all these deals and more at AP9 Passport to Fun.

AP9 ShoppingEssentials Offers Tips on Treating Rosacea at Home

We all strive to present our best face in almost every situation, but sometimes events conspire against us -- events like an outbreak of rosacea, reports AP9 ShoppingEssentials, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Nearly 14 million Americans are afflicted with the chronic skin problem, which can cause small, red bumps filled with pus, also known as pustules, to appear on the face.

While rosacea isn’t a life-threatening condition, it tends to have negative effects on one’s appearance and, as a result, one’s self-esteem. Members of AP9 Shopping Essentials can log in online at www.shopping-essentials.com to access money-saving benefits on personal care products and other everyday shopping needs that can enhance their self-image.

Though often mistaken for acne, rosacea is a distinctly different condition, an inflammatory facial skin disease that often gets progressively worse if left untreated. The key is to avoid factors that can trigger a flare-up, which generally include environmental and emotional stimuli that increase the flow of blood to the skin’s surface. AP9 ShoppingEssentials therefore has some home care recommendations designed to help stave off a full-blown rosacea outbreak:

-- Protect against the elements. Throughout the year, wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher when spending prolonged time outside, and wear a scarf or ski mask in winter to guard against the sun and the wind.

-- Keep the hands off the face. Try to avoid rubbing or scratching the face. Repeated contact can irritate the skin, bringing more blood to the surface.

-- Avoid alcoholic drinks and alcohol-based facial products. Those rosy cheeks that often accompany a cocktail or two are a sign that blood is rising to the surface of the skin. Likewise, alcohol-based skincare items can irritate the face and bring blood rushing to its defense.

-- Read the skincare labels. Look for “noncomedogenic” skin products, which are less likely to clog pores and thereby hinder the release of oils and sweat.

-- Play it cool. Avoid situations that can overheat the body, whether it’s over-exercising, wearing too many layers of clothing, or even just sitting next to a roaring fireplace for too long. Any situation that can increase the blood flow to the surface of the skin is a situation that risks aggravating a case of rosacea.

Naturally, if a rosacea flare-up persists and worsens, people are encouraged to see their healthcare providers for treatment.

For great deals on skincare and other grooming products, as well as on clothes, family entertainment, home furnishings and more, make your first destination AP9 Shopping Essentials.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 Offers Insights into the Value of a Good Credit Score

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last five years or so, you’ve probably been bombarded with advertisements and offers for free credit reports, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. As important as credit reports are, there’s another piece of related financial data that consumers should keep their eyes on -- their credit scores.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 members can access benefits designed to help them be aware of their credit histories by ordering triple bureau credit reports, credit scores and daily credit monitoring plus much more, at PrivacyMatters.com, an online portal provided by Adaptive Marketing.*

While credit reports offer a snapshot of a consumer’s credit history, credit scores provide a measurement that’s far more valuable -- to both the consumer and the companies that may do business with the consumer. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 explains why credit scores carry so much weight in today’s economy:

-- Credit scores define credit risks. A credit score places a numeric value, ranging from about 400 to about 800, on a person’s credit history. The higher the score, the better, for both consumers and companies. A low score suggests that a person may have serious problems paying off a loan, paying credit card bills on time, even paying monthly rent. A high score, on the other hand, signals that a person has demonstrated fiscal discipline over the years and can be expected to pay off loans and other bills on a timely basis.

-- Credit scores help determine interest rates. Credit card and mortgage companies are in the business of offering consumers money that consumers don’t have on hand -- with the expectation, of course, that consumers will pay that money back, with interest. Consumers with high credit scores are the most trustworthy and, as such, are more desirable customers, so financial institutions will compete for their business by offering lower interest rates. Consumers with low credit scores are bigger risks, though, so these companies -- who still want to do as much business as they can -- will “penalize” those consumers with higher interest rates in order to encourage them to pay off their loans or their credit card charges on time. If they fail to pay off these debts on time, consumers then have to pay even more down the road.

-- Landlords can access credit scores. Just as mortgage companies don’t want to be left holding the bag on a loan, landlords want to be sure their tenants can afford the lease on an apartment or house. Potential renters with high credit scores have demonstrated an ability to manage their finances; rental applicants with low credit scores haven’t shown that ability and therefore are more likely to renege on their obligations.

-- Even employers can check credit scores. Employers are looking for reliable candidates to fill job openings. One way to determine that reliability is financial discipline, which can be measured using credit scores. Applicants with high scores are presumed to be less likely than candidates with low scores are to face financial problems that could prompt them to act unethically.

Clearly, building and maintaining a high credit score is of vital importance in this credit-centered economy, which is why many consumers who want to manage their credit history -- and credit future -- head to AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

*AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides you with the tools you need to access and monitor your financial/credit information through the program's credit reporting and monitoring benefits. AP9 Privacy Matters 123 and its benefit providers are not credit repair service providers and do not receive fees for such services, nor are they credit clinics, credit repair or credit services organizations or businesses, as defined by federal and state law.