Consumer How-To 2013

2013

CONSUMER

HOW-TO

Consumer How-To Guide 2013, is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no extra charge. Use of material without written consent of publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved Š2013.

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24 - Thursday, July 25, 2013

Protect Your Personal Information When writing out checks to pay your credit card bills, or when referencing your account over the phone, use only the last four digits of the account number. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check or account will not have access to

How To

your full number.

Protect your personal information

Securing credit cards - When writing out checks to pay your credit card bills, or when referencing your account over the phone, etc., use only the last four digits of the account number. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check or account will not have access to your full number. Also, don’t sign the back of your credit cards because, if they are stolen, a thief will know what your signature looks like and can practice replicating it.

Rather, place the words “Photo ID Required,” which will prompt retail merchants to ask for a photo ID in order to complete the purchase process. If a cashier fails to look on the back of your card, alert him or her to this fact, Maintain a paper trail - Keep a copy of all your and bring up the matter with a store manager. important documents locked up in a safe place, like a Spread the word - If your wallet is stolen, be sure to safe-deposit box or personal safe at home. This includes the contents of your wallet (go ahead, dump it all on a cancel your cards immediately by reporting the theft copy machine and photocopy both sides of every card to the respective credit card companies. You should you have), passport, birth certificate, marriage license, already have those numbers handy because you made a etc. It’s much easier to replace these documents if you photocopy of the cards prior. Also, immediately call the know what you had on hand and the account and phone three national credit reporting organizations and place numbers to call if you have to cancel cards or accounts. a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.

This way, these organizations will know personal Check safety - With debit cards and credit cards a documents of yours were stolen and not hold any favorite for paying bills and more, you may wonder if liens or unauthorized purchases against you. It’s also paper checks are even used anymore. They are, and you a good idea to file a police report immediately in the should maintain a level of caution when ordering and jurisdiction where your items were stolen. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent in reporting the designing your checks.

The next time you place an order, only have your theft, and is a first step toward an investigation being initials put on the check. This way, if your checks are conducted. stolen, the crook will not know how you sign your Here are numbers to add to your phone book: checks - but your bank will. Also, see if you can forgo · Equifax: (800) 525-6285 the address and phone number inclusion on the checks. · Experian (888) 397-3742 If not, put a P.O. box or your work/cell number on them · Trans Union (800) 680-7289 instead. Never print your social security number on the · Social Security Administration fraud line check. This way, a thief will not have access to your (800) 269-0271 account number, address, name and phone number.

The less puzzle pieces he has to put together, the less likely he’ll be able to do anything adverse against your identity.

In this digital age, it’s easier than ever for wouldbe thieves to steal and profit from your personal information. Credit card numbers can be stolen from online shopping sites, bank account information can be lifted from unsecured pay-by-phone or online services, and all it takes is an overheard phone conversation on a cell phone for social security numbers and other personal information to be acquired. However, while you may put extra effort into safeguarding your information from technological threats, don’t overlook the other ways to protect your valuable information. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

1883 Nicollet County Bank was Chartered

Celebrating 130 years!

220 South Third Street • Telephone 931-3310 • St. Peter

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

Are FASTBRACES® right for you!

While there are no miracle shortcuts in orthodontics, Fastbraces® Technology

How To

is different by design.

Are FASTBRACES right for you!

3 months! Traditional braces are usually square in shape and typically move the crown of the tooth in the first year, and the root of the tooth in the second year, thus requiring two years of treatment time. The patented triangular bracket in the Fastbraces Technology gently allows for movement BRACES FOR KIDS - Misaligned teeth or a of the crown and the root of the teeth at the same dysfunctional bite can be a problem for some time with no extra risk for the patient. children. While this can complicate their oral Minimal Discomfort - University Research has hygiene, the additional pressures of being a kid can affect their day to day mood, attitude and shown that Fastbraces® Technology had “lower self-confidence. Fortunately, with the Fastbraces sensitivity”, “a clear-cut reduction in sliding friction” Technology, children can receive quick orthodontic and “the lowest mean frictional forces” compared to treatment with minimum discomfort. Ask Dr. Tycast the traditional braces systems. Through university at Le Sueur Family Dental about the Fastbraces research, Fastbraces® Technology typically works with just one orthodontic wire from start to finish, Lifetime Satisfaction Commitment. whereas standard braces usually require a series BRACES FOR ADULTS - Hearing the words “you of wires and tightening procedures. Fastbraces® need braces” can send some people into a battle Technology uses a special square super-elastic of insecurity. You’re trying to be a grown-up, but nickel-titanium wire which is activated by the heat you feel like a teenager again. When they are of the mouth. This dynamic wire helps upright the wearing adult braces, some people are afraid to whole tooth using the natural temperature of the speak up during a business meeting or enjoy the mouth in just one stage, safely and comfortably. adventure of a first date. As frightening as it may Lifetime Satisifaction - Most importantly, be, Fastbraces Technology could be the fastest, most affordable and best alternative for you and Fastbraces® Providers, like Le Sueur Family Dental, can give you the advantage of a quick, permanent are committed to their patients for a lifetime. If for any reason you need to see a Fastbraces® provider, solution. no matter where you are, you can seek out any SAME FANTASTIC RESULT of the doctors in the ever growing network of providers!

Quick Treatment - The biggest question for a child who may need braces would probably be For a Free Consultation and to see if Fastbraces “how quickly can I get them off?” While there are is right for you call Le Sueur Family Dental at 507no miracle shortcuts in orthodontics, Fastbraces 665-6812 or visit lesueurfamilydental.com to Technology is different by design which allows schedule an appointment with Dr. Tycast today. for typically treatment time of one year instead of two. Some patients even see results in as little as What are FASTBRACES? Exactly that. Orthodontic treatment of misaligned teeth and bites in half the time as conventional orthodontics. The Question becomes how does it work and does it work for me?

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

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fastbraces 3 MONTHS

7 MONTHS

8 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

219 South 2nd Street • Le Sueur, MN • 507-665-6812

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

Healthy Living at age 50 Overall, maintaining optimal health at age 50 and beyond is within a man’s control.

By following some simple healthy lifestyle habits and by working with their doctor, a healthful future can

How To

be the reward.

Healthy Living at age 50

As men approach the 50-year milestone, their bodies undergo many changes and face new challenges.

At age 50, it is critical that men take the extra steps to care for their bodies to achieve optimal health. Regular visits to the doctor may prevent or delay the onset of many health obstacles, however, men are often unwilling to get the checkups they need.

“As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and cancer,” says Dr. Robert Gazzola, family practitioner at Mankato Clinic at Daniels Health Center. “Recognizing the factors that influence these medical conditions and focusing on ways to prevent their onset are keys to maintaining optimal health.”

muscle tissue. Daily exercise of 30 to 40 minutes a day is good medicine. It will keep muscles from wasting away, prevent or delay disease and make men feel better overall.

Get healthy sleep.

Many men over 50 experience sleep problems. Most adults reDr. Robert Gazzola quire seven to eight hours of sleep every Dr. Gazzola says most people do not realize that night for optimal health. Adopting healthy sleep habmuch of the aging that occurs around age 50 is within its, like maintaining a regular sleep and wake schedtheir control and that their doctor can guide them in ule, is essential to healthy living. When lack of sleep is affecting daily life, see a doctor. making choices for healthier outcomes.

Stop smoking. It is never too late to kick the habit.

Men should consider the following advice to ensure A common belief is that after years of smoking, the a longer, better quality life at age 50: damage has already been done. Actually, the body Focus on prevention. Taking action to protect one’s begins to heal from the damage already done as soon health before it is compromised is the key to living a as smoking cessation starts, reducing the risk of heart long, productive life. Men should get regular screen- disease as soon as smoking stops. ings for heart disease, prostate cancer, colon cancer Look good. Turning 50 may make a man psychologiand diabetes. Routine cholesterol, blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index checks should cally feel older. And, chances are if they feel older, they become older. Wrinkles, age spots, other skin condialso be performed. tions, weight, hearing and visual problems can cause Eat right. As men get older, healthy eating plays an men to “feel old.” Nipping these problems in the bud is important role in how they age. Focusing on good nu- a sure-fire way to maintain a positive self-image trition, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and Overall, maintaining optimal health at age 50 and decreasing sodium and fat intake, may help reduce beyond is within a man’s control. By following some the risk of serious disease. simple healthy lifestyle habits and by working with Exercise regularly—stay physically fit. As men age, their doctor, a healthful future can be the reward. they experience a decrease in stamina and loss of

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

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It’s time to put your health first: At the Daniels Health Center, we practice the belief that health care is for you, for your family, for life. Our team of providers approach health care with the unique needs of the individual in mind.

SERVICES AVAILABLE: FAMILY MEDICINE FOOT AND ANKLE CARE PEDIATRICS PSYCHOLOGY

For more information or an appointment call:

507-934-2325

St. Peter, MN • 1-800-657-6944 • www.mankatoclinic.com

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

Apply for a loan at a bank What you are using the money for is very important for the bank to know. A bank is more likely to lend you money if you are willing to tell them what you

How To

are using it for.

Apply for a loan at a bank

The three basic steps to Applying for a Loan are choosing a you are willing to tell them what you are using it for. lender, preparing for the loan application, and applying for a How you will repay the loan you have requested is the loan. second most important part of the loan application. Know Choosing a Lender is the most important part of applying what your monthly budget is and how much of that budget for a loan. Choosing a Lender located in or near your com- you will be willing to commit to a new loan payment. Make munity that you can readily access either through regular sure you tell your lender right away what you would like your bank lobby hours or by appointment is the best way to start loan payment to be at and for how long you’d like to make those payments. Your lender will ask you detailed questions the lending process. about your income and current bills to assist you in deterPrepare for the Application before meeting with your mining if the payment you have requested will repay the Lender for the first time. During the application process, be loan in a reasonable amount of time. Additional verification ready to tell the Lender, who you are, what you plan to use of income and or debt may be necessary during the applicathe money for, how you will repay the debt, and what you tion process. Items that will be used to verify your income or are willing to pledge as collateral for the loan. To ensure that debts include but are not limited to pay stubs, tax returns, you have the highest likelihood of a loan application being and your credit bureau history. approved, remember to make timely payment on all debts What you are willing to pledge as collateral is the third & utilities and try saving some money prior to applying for a loan to use as a down payment as a down payment will most important part of the loan application. If you ask a assist you in getting more favorable loan terms should you Lender to loan you money and you give them nothing in return other than a promise to repay them it is very likely that be approved. your application will be declined for lack of collateral. HowApplying for a Loan - Remember that a loan application is ever, if you ask that Lender for the same loan and tell them your request to a Lender to borrow money that you promise that you have collateral it is much more likely that you will be to repay. You will want your application to be as detailed as approved for the loan. Collateral is an item or multiple items possible so that your Lender can offer you the best available that have a monetary value that you pledge in exchange for options for your request. Most Lenders have a request form receiving a loan. Remember that when you apply for a loan or application that they will want you to complete and good that not all collateral is created equal. A Lender will have Lenders will offer to assist you with completing this form. guidelines as to how to evaluate collateral that will share At a minimum a Loan application will ask you to fill in how with you when discussing either your approval or denial of much you are requesting to borrow and the information be- a loan application. low.

Congratulations, you have made it through the applicaWho you are is very important to your Lender. Most banks tion process. Once a Lender has an application completely want to ensure that they are lending to someone in their filled out from you they will begin the process called unmarket area whom they can communicate with easily, work derwriting where they evaluate your application. The unwith for many years to come, and who will repay them ac- derwriting process could take as little as a few minutes or cording to their loan terms and conditions. When you first as much as several weeks. A good Lender will communicate meet with your Lender, make sure to have government is- with you the anticipated time each application will take to sued identification with your photograph that is not expired underwrite and approve or decline. Should you be fortunate and a social security or taxpayer identification card with you enough to have your application approved, your Lender will then negotiate with you what the terms and conditions of a as your lender is required by law to verify who you are. loan will be. Should you both reach an agreement on terms What you plan to use the money for is very important in- and conditions for your loan, a closing date will be set and formation for the bank to know since it is the banks money upon closing your loan you will be the proud new owner of a you will be using. A bank is more likely to lend you money if loan payment.

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

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When you need a loan we are here for you.

• Auto Loans • Home Loans • Commercial Loans • Ag Loans • Government Programs

Call Brian, Dan, Tom, or Keith today.

112 South Main Steet • Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-2265

www.ffmbank.com

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

Choosing the right windows for your home Many warranties sound good until you dig a little deeper. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive service bill for a defective product. Make sure to find out the terms of the manufacturer’s written warranty, as well as the installation

How To

warranty.

Choosing the right windows for your home

6 questions most window companies hope you’ll never ask 1. How long have you installed this particular brand of window?

Some companies change their brands often trying to find their own better deal leaving previously installed window customers without service and to deal with their own warranty issues. Since 1984, Schmidt Siding & Window Co. has had 3 window brands, two of which we still carry. We take great pride in being able to service the products we sell.

2. Will new replacement windows jeopardize the look of my home’s original windows?

of seeing an actual full-size window.

4. Does your warranty cover parts and labor?

Many warranties sound good until you dig a little deeper. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive service bill for a defective product. Make sure to find out the terms of the manufacturer’s written warranty, as well as the installation warranty. You will be able to tell if your installer has confidence in the products they carry.

5. Are your window efficiency ratings based on whole window performance?

Some window companies only include energy efficient glass or frames in their ratings. This means that the glass may be considered efficient, but the Yes, if the replacement window frames reduce the window’s overall performance as a whole might be glass area of the window. The Renewal by Andersen poor. custom replacement window company uses a strong fibrex composition allowing for narrower 6. Are your windows Green Seal certified? framework, thus, maintaining the original glass appearance and integrity of your windows.

Green Seal is a national non-profit environmental organization that helps consumers choose 3. Can I see and operate a full-size environmentally responsible products. Andersen window before I make my purchase?

Corporation is the first and only window manufacturer to receive Green Seal Certification, To see, feel, lift, tilt and operate a full-size, fully including certification of all Renewal by Andersen operating window is what we always suggest to our custom replacement windows. prospective customers. We can demonstrate all of the different window styles - bay window, doubleGreen Seal estimates that if all windows in the U.S. hung, glider, casement or patio door right in our were as energy efficient as those made by Andersen, state-of-the-art showroom. You can lift, slide, tilt Americans would save up to 2.5 percent of the open and close all of the units. It is always best to annual U.S. energy consumption - an estimated 200 know exactly what you are getting before you buy. gallons of oil for every household in the U.S. If you only look at a small sample during an in-home demonstration, you will not get the true experience

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

EXPERIENCE

T H E S I

PAGE 11

DIFFERENCE!

Over 600 Years of Combined Experience!

BETWEEN YOU AND THE WEATHER SINCE 1949!

• 1949 Founder, Robert J. Schmidt begins selling siding, roofing and insulation in the Mankato area.

• 2001 Became the Temo Sunroom dealer.

• 1968 Opened The Fireplace Shoppe at 505 N. Front St., Mankato.

• 2003 Jim Hockert & Steve Beetch become part owners.

• 1971 Moved to present location on 5th and Madison in Mankato.

• 2004 Selected into Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50.

• 1981 Gary Schmidt & Dale Brenke purchase company.

• 2004 Began selling permanent steel roofing.

• 1981 Purchased our first seamless gutter machine.

• 2005 Purchased and opened window and sunroom warehouse at 1307 3rd Ave. in Mankato.

• 1986 Purchased ABC Seamless Siding franchise.

• 2009 Named to Mankato Area Business Hall of Fame.

• 1988 Closed Fireplace Shoppe to focus on siding and windows.

• 2011 "Above and Beyond" award from the Employer Support of the • 1989 First playhouse given away.

Guard and Reserve, presented by Gov Dayton and General McKinley.

• 1989 Became the Gutter Helmet dealer.

• 1994 First year included in Qualified Remodeling Magazine’s Top 500.

• 1997 Became the Renewal by Andersen dealer.

625-6412 • 901 N. 5th St. • Mankato, MN 56001

www.schmidtmankato.com MN LIC BC 006129

1-877-625-6412

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

SUNROOMS

SIDING & GUTTERS

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VALLEY HOW TO GUIDE

Wednesday, July 24-Thursday, July 25, 2013

Everything for your home in

One Location!

Kitchen

Pillowtop or Firm Twin Sets Starting at Full Sets Starting at Queen Sets Starting at

Beds -

Crosley Top Mount Refridgerators Model CRT182 NW • 14.3 cu. ft. Refidgerator • 4.07 cu. ft. Freezer • 1 humidity control crisper • 2 full wide shelves • Clear dairy • 2 crispers door racks • Half freezer shelf

Crosley Electric Ranges Model CRE3875 PW

Crosley Built-in Dishwashers Model CDB500 NW/B • 24”, white or black • 5 cycles • Tall tub • Direct feed wash • High temp wash • Heat dry • Delay start (2-4-6) • Control lock • Ultra quiet III sound pkg.

• White tub & racks

Reg. - $299 Sale - $229

Appliance Brands Available • Amana • Panasonic • Danby • Broan • Frigidare • Crosley

Family Room

• 5.3 cu. ft. oven capacity • Self clean oven • Smooth ceramic glass surface • (1) 6/9” radiant elements • (1) 9/12” radiant elements • (2) 6” 1,200 W radiant elements • Hidden bake element/broil element (watts) 2,600/3,000 • 10” ultraswept background • Color coordinated background controls • Extra large window with oven light • Electrical clock

3 pc package only! $1439 Reg. $1897

Twin Sets Starting at Full Sets Starting at Queen Sets Starting at

Bedroom

$299 $399 $499 $199 $269 $299

iComfort Bed Starting at $1299 Many sets to choose from!

Flooring

Plus LG Flat Screen TV’s in Stock!

Starting at $279

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