AP9 Articles

Passport to Fun Helps Provide Heart-felt, "Thank You" Gift Ideas for Teachers

Okay, pop quiz: "Where would we be without teachers?" Passport to Fun (SM), a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that question has many different answers. And this May, teachers everywhere will be honored; May 6 is National Teacher Day.

All too often, teachers' efforts go largely unappreciated; we just expect them to educate, mentor and guide students, with little or no fanfare. And even though history suggests that the roots of National Teacher Day are unclear, one thing is certain: Everyone has had a teacher who made a difference, who made the seemingly impossible, more than possible. So isn't it time we gave them their proper due?

With that in mind, AP9 PassportToFun would like to recommend these great gift ideas to honor teachers on May 6:

-- Say so in a letter. A picture may say a thousand words, but for a teacher, a heartfelt note from a parent or student can last a lifetime. They say teachers often return to their "thank you" file when times get tough. Try to remember that when composing those well-chosen words of thanks.

-- Pick up the tab. All those hours spent correcting papers, teaching geometry and providing social guidance merit a great meal. Send that special teacher out for some special eats, or -- better yet -- surprise him/her with a home-cooked meal.

-- Read 'em and weep. No educator can resist a good read. So why not treat the teach to some great literature, a magazine subscription or a book on a favorite hobby or pastime? A gift certificate to a bookstore should offer plenty of freedom of choice.

-- That's the ticket. As resilient as they are, even a teacher needs a break from the daily grind. So give that special mentor and guide a different type of education -- an escapist one. Send them to a ball game, show or day spa -- anywhere where the lesson plan calls for just two things: Rest and relaxation.

-- Day by day. It's great to honor that special teacher on May 6, but there's no rule that says things have to -- or should -- stop there. Remember that a little encouragement goes a long way throughout the entire year -- especially for a teacher. Like someone once said, "All professionals can boast, but the teacher taught them all."

Don't forget to honor that special teacher on May 6. And in the meantime, no matter what time of year it is, there's always a way to have fun for less, courtesy of Passport to Fun.

Shopping Essentials Offers Ideas on What to Give Expectant Mothers on Mother's Day

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says "dig deeper" when deciding what to give a mother-to-be on Mother's Day.

If you feel lost, you're not alone. Most people have a hard time with this situation. The most important thing to remember at this point is that no matter what you give her, the present must be for her, not for the baby.

That's why Shopping Essentials recommends going beyond the obvious and thinking about the pregnant mother's needs and desires during this special time in her life. Pay more attention to her comments, hear what she has to say about the changes she's going through, try to put yourself in her situation … this will give you many valuable ideas. Gift cards make excellent presents during this time, because they allow the mother-to-be to get what she wants the moment she wants it. Remember that pregnancy can be a nine-month emotional roller coaster.

With that in mind, take a look at some useful ideas, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

--A day of beauty. All the physical changes women experience during pregnancy are hard to deal with. It can make them feel beautiful one minute, fat and ugly the next. The gift could be a spa day with various treatments specially designed for pregnant women, or a less expensive but equally effective afternoon at a beauty salon. A new haircut, a manicure and pedicure or a makeup makeover will help her feel pampered and good about herself for days to come.

--The gift of time. Give her free baby-sitting once a week for a couple of weeks, so she can run other errands or simply relax at home while a trusted friend takes care of the other kids. Any mother-to-be will appreciate that "me" time as one of the best presents ever.

--Sexy and practical undergarments. Both types are needed, and maternity lingerie isn't what it used to be. These days, designs are more convenient, so the mom-to-be can feel sexy and comfortable at the same time. Maternity/nursing bras are also cherished throughout the pregnancy and after the birth.

--A pregnancy pillow. Getting a full night's sleep during the last trimester of pregnancy is a luxury not all pregnant women have. There are different pregnancy pillows out there, but they all serve the same purpose: body support. Finding a comfortable position to sleep in will also help her ease back pain and aching joints caused by pregnancy.

Jewelry, a new digital camera, bath oils or skin care products are other ideas to keep in mind. And for savings on practically any present, gift-givers can always go to Shopping Essentials.

24 Protect Plus Gives Pointers on How Not to Leave All Your Money at the Pump

As gas prices rise day by day and the average price in the U.S. heads for numbers no one ever thought possible, gas-saving advice abounds. And yet many people keep driving carelessly, paying more and more money every time they stop at the pump. 24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows well the pain of many concerned consumers and recommends taking extra measures to make the most of the gas in their tanks.

The top recommendation, and the most logical one, is to drive less. This might not be entirely possible for people living in rural or suburban areas, but there are always little tricks everyone can use to cut down on driving: carpooling or walking are two such options. Here are other practical suggestions that AP9 24ProtectPlus has put together:

-- Map it out. Find an alternate route to work and school that has fewer stoplights and less traffic. Use the Internet to help you find this new route and calculate mileage differences.

-- Plan your errands. Try to schedule errands when the traffic is light. Stop-and-go traffic is a sure way to waste gas. Also, if all the errands are in the same general area, park the car in one spot, and walk to each place. It'll be good for your pocket -- and your health.

-- Car shop. Smaller cars are typically more fuel-efficient. Big cars mean big gas tanks and lower fuel efficiency, so remember how high gas prices are, and do the math.

-- Tune it up. Keep your car well-maintained, with periodic oil changes and tune-ups when they're needed. Change the air filter every 15,000 miles, and keep the tires correctly inflated, according to the car's manual.

-- Keep junk out of the trunk. The more a car weighs, the more gas it needs to keep moving. Keep only what's necessary for emergencies, and store the other stuff at home.

-- Use cruise control. Get better gas mileage on the highway by driving at a constant speed. Push the cruise-control button, stay alert, and save gas.

-- Hit the off switch. Turn off the engine instead of idling. A car starts wasting gas within a minute of idling while the engine is running.

-- Slow down. Accelerating uses much more gas than driving at a constant speed. Gently step on the gas when the light turns green, and maintain a steady 55 mph when driving on the highway.

In addition to offering these helpful tips, 24 Protect Plus can help families with their home improvement projects, legal and financial advice, and other key safeguards. For savings and safety information, families count on 24 Protect Plus.

Shopping Essentials Presents Spring Fashion Tips

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says that, this spring, “old is new.” Early spring fashion trends point to floral-printed garments. And while that may not be anything new, the way these flowers and floral prints are being worn, and how designers have chosen to combine them, is the foundation of Spring 2008.

This year, designers seem to be very focused on color combinations. They’re relying heavily on combining basic neutrals, like white, off-white, light beige and grays, with brighter colors that are simply a must: energizing reds, cool waterborne blues and eco-friendly greens. With that in mind, take a look at some further Spring 2008 fashion insights, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

-- Water the flowers. This spring’s fashion flowers have a definite “watercolor” look to them. So consider floral-print sweaters with jeans or a solid-color dress. That “watercolor” look makes flower prints seem more blurred than usual, and similar prints can be found on almost any piece of clothing. Check out Grandma’s closet or vintage stores to find old pieces that will work wonders today.

-- Brighten up with accessories. The right necklace or purse can make or break an outfit. This year, the main trend is color, so don’t be afraid to mix and match as you please. How bright colors look on the whole depends largely on skin tone, so pick your accessories carefully, even if it means spending a good chunk of time trying out stuff in front of the mirror. And yes, it’s valid to wear solid-color outfits and add drama with bright-colored purses and shoes.

-- Go retro. Dresses are in this spring, and designers looked back in time to offer up-to-date versions of old successes. The airy, “long-floaty” dresses of the 1960s (called “maxis” in fashion jargon) and the more ’80s “minis” are back on the runways and on the streets. For a casual look, wear “minis” with leggings, and use colorful pantyhose for more formal occasions, too.

-- Hippies are still hip. The retro aspects of Spring 2008 fashions aren’t limited to just dresses. In fact, what fashionistas are calling “hippie chick” headbands and headscarves are definitely back in. That counter-culture look is still going strong today. Dig out pictures of mom, and take notes of what was hot back in the ’60s and ’70s.

Fashion tips like these mean that spring is definitely here. And for savings on all the essentials — no matter what the season — any time is a good time to get into AP9 Shopping Essentials.

AP9 PassportToFun Says Family Fun is Truly Affordable

Sometimes it seems like all the fun family activities always involve spending tons of money. Members of Passport to Fun (SM), a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, know that's simply not true. They can count on their benefits and savings to come up with creative ways to have fun as a family for hours on end.

The key word is creativity, notes Passport to Fun. Anyone can plan a whole afternoon or an entire weekend of entertaining games and activities for the family, no matter the age differences or the size of the group. The thing is, people have gotten so used to paying for everything, including entertainment, that they forget how to do it themselves in a simple, more affordable way.

Get your creative juices going, and start off with some of these ideas, brought to you by AP9 PassportToFun:

Board Game Day:

Any rainy Saturday or Sunday afternoon is ideal for playing lots of board games. Place three different games on three different corners of the house. Start early, and kick things off with some milk and cookies to get everyone excited. Go to the living room, and put a puzzle together as a start, then play Pictionary or Scrabble in the kitchen, and for the finale, let the kids rule in the Beat the Parents Family Trivia Game.

Write a play ... and act it out!:

Role-playing is one activity that everyone enjoys, and kids actually learn a lot by role-playing. It's a perfect activity when relatives are visiting -- the more people involved, the merrier. Split the whole family in two groups, then act the plays just like Broadway professionals. Let each group invent the argument of the play, or use a theme, such as: "Mom and Dad's wedding day" or "life when grandma and grandpa were kids," etc.

Free Day to Learn:

The major expense for this idea might be gas. Schedule a family outing to a nearby museum on a day when admission is free. (Many galleries, museums, zoos and aquariums have a special day of the week when admission is either discounted or free.) Seize the chance to take the whole family, and make it a fun and learning day. Pack sandwiches and refreshments to keep costs to a minimum.

Show and Tell:

Reverse the roles, and make the kids the spectators. Include aunts and uncles, Grandma, Grandpa, other relatives, or even neighbors specially invited for the occasion. Adults can make it fun for kids if they tell funny stories or tales of their youth or times when their parents were little. Use pictures or homemade movies to make your presentation more enticing.

When it comes to quality time with loved ones, money isn't important. With ideas like the ones included here and many more you can plan together, family recreation won't push you into bankruptcy, reports Passport to Fun.

SavingSmart Provides 10 Ways to Slash Grocery Bills

SavingSmart (SM), a premier membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, shares Americans' concerns about rising food prices. Here are 10 strategies to help families save money when grocery shopping.

1. Factor in gas when chasing sales

It may not make sense to drive to multiple stores each week for different sale items if the money spent on gas exceeds grocery savings.

2. Don't be store-loyal

Supermarkets aren't the only retailers selling groceries these days, notes AP9*SavingSmart. Many big-box stores, drug stores, warehouse clubs, discount supermarkets and even well-known online retailers offer groceries, household cleaning supplies and personal care items.

3. Sign up for email sale circulars

Sign up for supermarket email circulars containing each week's sale items to help plan ahead, advises SavingSmart. Signing up for more than one can help organize supermarket runs, based on which store is offering the best sales. Try to organize the family's weekly menu based on what's on sale that week. Use coupons, which most supermarkets double, to coincide with a sale and save even more.

4. Compare prices by unit costs

Always compare prices by the unit cost, which is based on the cost of the item per ounce, quarter, gallon or pound, not the item cost. This can help shoppers determine what size package offers the greatest cost savings. Larger quantities don't always offer the best prices.

5. Store brands rule

Store brands are less expensive than name brands, and there is no difference in quality.

6. Buy in bulk

Most discounted items go on sale in regular 10 or 12-week cycles, says Saving Smart. Stock up on items the family regularly consumes. Remember that many items, like milk, orange juice or bread, freeze well.

7. Go vegetarian

Consider replacing red meat in at least some meals with a less expensive (and more healthy) source of protein, such as beans, suggests AP9 SavingSmart. Free online recipe sites like http://www.recipezaar.com offer plenty of meal ideas. When choosing red meat, save money by buying cheaper, less tender cuts of beef, such as round, chuck and shoulder, and use the pressure cooker or slow cooker to make an equally delicious meal.

8. Stay in season

Never buy fresh fruits and vegetables out of season, when they're priced highest.

9. End aisles

Pay attention to the supermarket end aisles, where sale items are usually placed.

10. Look up; look down

Trying to rush in and out of the store means overlooking the best deals, so take the time to compare prices. The brands that dominate the market are placed at eye level; look at the top and bottom shelves for lesser known but more affordable brands, suggests SavingSmart.

Credit Diagnosis Says, “Cut Expenses Now, Rejoice Later”

It's no secret that current financial times are hectic, and the word "recession" is popping up more and more. So is the verb "to save." The problem is, offers are tempting, and the flesh is weak — so much so that many people not only don't save money, they end up spending more than they should. Wise spending is a safe way to navigate these uncertain times, says Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

A few pennies here and there will make a big difference down the road. Take the time to make a plan to cut expenses on various fronts. Begin by calculating the amount spent during one month, and put the following tips to work during the following month and track the amount of money saved each time. The resulting amount will certainly be a reason to enjoy the long-awaited gratification. CreditDiagnosis offers some valuable ideas to incorporate on your cutting-expenses plan:

Groceries:

-- Plan a food menu for the week, make a list, and don't go grocery shopping without it.

-- Always use coupons, and take advantage of double-coupon days.

-- Use Sunday flyers to spot offers and sales at different stores.

-- Buy fruits and vegetables in season, and learn new recipes to maximize their use.

-- Grow vegetables and herbs at home.

-- Buy your canned goods and house-cleaning products in bulk.

-- Make your own baby food.

Utilities:

-- Select energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.

-- Use low-flush toilets or other water-saving devices in the tank.

-- Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, and bundle up inside the house on cool days.

-- Hang clothes out to dry. Air-dry the dishes by keeping the dishwasher's door open at night.

-- Eliminate extra cable features and telephone services.

-- Wrap the water heater with insulation, and turn down the temperature.

-- Shop around for affordable cable, telephone and Internet providers.

Clothing and Others:

-- Always use coupons, or buy during end-of-season sales.

-- Buy, trade and sell clothes at consignment shops, especially for kids' clothing.

-- Find ways to repurpose old clothes. Make something new out of something old.

-- Brown-bag your lunch at least three times a week.

-- Go to matinees or to free movie screenings at a local library.

-- Exercise for free. Walk the dog, bike, jog, and dust off the old workout videos.

-- Keep the car properly tuned, and use public transportation whenever possible.

Try these tips and incorporate others you come up with while analyzing your personal situation. Cutting expenses today is a great way to secure a better future if hard financial times hit home, advises AP9 Credit Diagnosis.