Consumer "How to" Guide 2020 Telegraph/Intelligencer

2020

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How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

June 2020

HOW TO.... Choose a Lawn Tractor

Lawn tractors can help cut down the time it takes to mow your lawn. A high-quality vehicle can assist you with a variety of tasks, making landscaping easier and even more enjoyable.

Everyone knows it’s important to use the right tool for the job. Finding a good lawn tractor that is built to last will go a long way toward making your job less of a hassle.

SPEED, MANEUVERABILITY Most people want to finish the job in the least amount of time.

While it is true that large mowing decks will cover more ground with each pass, there are other things to consider as well.

The transmission and speed is also a factor. How easy is it for you to change gears and turn in different directions?

The zero-turn mower is another popular option.

These vehicles can turn quickly and precisely to cut lawns of all sizes and shapes. While they have been used for years by commercial lawn crews, only recently have these mowers become affordable for the average * homeowner.

Zero-turn mowers are particularly useful when mowing close to homes, playground equipment and other tight areas.

THE 1 SELLING FARM TRACTOR IN THE WORLD #

THE RIGHT FIT Lawn tractors come in a variety of capabilities and price points. Most range from $1,000 for a simple, basic model to $8,000 or more for a fully-featured, commercial-grade tractor. In between, you will find a vast mixture of features and durability.

You can select the right model by asking yourself how you will use the lawn tractor. The size of your lawn is important, of course. Bigger lawns need a wider mowing deck. You should also consider other things you will do with your lawn tractor.

High-end lawn tractors are more like pieces of farm equipment than traditional ride-on mowers. You can purchase accessories for them, such as baggers, trailers, powerful tillers and snowblowers.

THE 1 SELLING FARM THE #1 IN TRACTOR FARM THESELLING WORLD #

You are not only buying a lawn mower. These tractors are platforms that can be used for all kinds of jobs. So check on the accessories that come with each model, even if you don’t plan on purchasing them yet. You may appreciate the choices in the future.

DURABILITY The longevity of your lawn tractor is also an important consideration.

The brand’s reputation should weigh heavily when you are making a decision. Research consumer reviews and talk to your friends and family members about the best brands of lawn products.

Also, visiting a retail store and talking to knowledgable salespeople will also help you.

There are plenty of low-end, affordable riding mowers out there, but few have a reputation * for durability. It is economical in the long run to choose a well-built model from a reputable manufacturer.

Inspect the construction of each lawn mower careful to verify that it will meet your needs. While you probably don’t need the extreme engineering and * high price of a commercial-grade model, you ought to buy the best model you can afford and follow the maintenance directions closely. It will help you get the most usage for your money.

Finding a good dealer is an essential part of the process. When you locate an experienced local retailer with a long track record of happy customers, you will be well on your way to selecting the right lawn tractor for you.

TRACTOR IN THE WORLD

THE #1 SELLING FARM TRACTOR IN THE WORLD *

Tri-County Tractor Inc. SMITH TRACTOR SMITH TRACTOR .Town Name 0000 Street 26150 Sunderland Rd.Name • Jerseyville .Town .dealersite.com 0000 Street Name 000.000.0000 618-498-7703 • Name tricountytractorinc.com

000.000.0000 .dealersite.com *2018 data including all Mahindra group brand sales.

MahindraUSA.com © 2020 Mahindra USA Inc.

*2018 data including all Mahindra group brand sales.

MahindraUSA.com © 2020 Mahindra USA Inc.

June 2020

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

3

HOW TO.... Choose a Funeral Home Looking for a funeral home isn’t a pleasant journey.

Making funeral arrangements can be hard. Dealing with the death of a loved one is a challenge. That’s why it is better to think ahead so you can have a clear mind while making these difficult decisions.

Most people don’t have much experience with planning funerals. When the time comes to visit a funeral home, they find prices vary dramatically. Indeed, funerals can be costly. Planning before your time of grief will help you make wise decisions under difficult circumstances. Here are some things to consider when you must select a funeral home.

The first step is to find out if the deceased has made any funeral arrangements and whether these plans need to be changed. Sometimes weather may be an issue or other factors may get in the way of what has already been planned. If no arrangements were made, ask family and friends to see if the deceased made any specific wishes. If possible, respect those wishes. If pre-arrangements with a local company exist, then contact that company. Arrangements bought years ago may not cover the cost of the funeral or represent the latest wishes of the deceased. If you are

in this situation, look around to see if another funeral home has a better arrangement, or make adjustments as necessary.

To find the right funeral home, ask family, friends and pastors for a recommendation. It is a good way to focus on funeral homes with excellent reputations. You might also consider your own experiences at funeral homes in your city. If you cannot get referrals, look on the Internet. Select three or four funeral homes that might fit your needs. Visit each one with a close friend or relative.

Budget is a major concern for most people. Inquire about basic fees. Ask about services the funeral home may offer and if payment arrangements can be made.

Ask questions and take notes. Staff members should be patient with you. It is important to get written estimates for everything. Ask about hours for viewing, in-house versus off-site services, cremation services, additional fees and special requests. The Federal Trade Commission mandates that funeral homes must provide customers with a price list. If you believe the casket prices are too high at one funeral home, you can purchase the casket elsewhere without being

subjected to additional charges.

Do not decide on a funeral home right away. Think about it for a bit. The decision should be made with clarity.

After deciding on a funeral home and type of service, documentation is the next step. The funeral director can help you with the required forms and permits.

You should have a copy of the death certificates and make the actual burial or cremation arrangements.

When other relatives or friends are involved, it is best to find a funeral home that fits your family’s needs.

Talk with them honestly and compare notes. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into additional services you don’t need or can’t afford. Stay within your budget. Talk to the funeral home and tell them who in the deceased’s family is authorized to make decisions. Be very detailed about your expectations and what kind of arrangements you want. Tell them if something is not being done according to your intentions. Good funeral homes will guide you through the process to ensure that the funeral runs smoothly for everyone. In your time of grief and hardship, preplanning can give you a small measure of comfort and peace.

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4

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

HOW TO...

by Jim Rumsey, lecturer, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis To properly select farm equipment, you must predetermine a number of factors. These factors include the size and/or number of farm machinery equipment needed, equipment features needed, and where to buy farm equipment. You should also be aware of some of the pitfalls you may encounter when purchasing equipment.

New vs. Used Farm Equipment

The advantages of buying new equipment include in-

June 2020

Buy Farm Equipment come tax considerations and new technology (resulting in increased efficiency, productivity, etc.). Financing also may be easier to obtain on new equipment.

Small farming operations might find advantages in buying used equipment if the owner wishes to maintain control over certain equipment operations but finds that new equipment is not economically efficient. Used equipment also is appropriate when buying a back-up unit. Used tractors are useful to tow nut carts during walnut or almond harvest when the tractor will run a few hours seasonally. Used equipment can also be used for less-critical and/or low annual usage tasks.

You might also consider buying used equipment when starting a new farming venture. It would not be unusual for the lending institution to specify used equipment.

When you purchase used equipment, you are buying the remaining, unused service life of the equipment.

All equipment is designed with a certain number of hours in it. Depending upon how it is used, main-

tained and repaired, the equipment will use up these hours at a faster or slower rate.

Purchasing Equipment When you have narrowed your choice down to a particular unit, the first thing to find out is the asking price of the unit. It is no use going to the trouble of mechanically evaluating the equipment if the asking price is too high. However, be cautious of deals that are drastically below market value. Dealerships know the real value of machinery. If equipment is below market value, there is probably a good reason.

Keep financing separate from the purchase decision.

Great financing terms will not make your equipment run any better. Before buying used equipment, contact the previous owner if possible. Determine characteristics of machine operation that would be advantageous or disadvantageous to your position.

And, whenever possible, bring the equipment home for a trial run.

Call today to schedule a demo on the #1 selling compact tractor in the U.S. for over 10 years.* • Four affordable models to choose from • Performance-matched Kubota front loader • Kubota diesel engine and gear or HST transmission • Easy-to-use controls Together we do more.

I-70 @ EXIT 30 POCAHONTAS, ILLINOIS 62275 (618) 654-5799 KubotaUSA.com *Based on EDA tractor sales data of under 40 horsepower models from 2009 to 2019. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product informa-tion, consult your local Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

June 2020

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6

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

June 2020

HOW TO.... Choose a Plumber Any homeowner will tell you that plumbing issues are a nightmare. They can become a major problem in old or modern houses. Sometimes, you can use a plunger or liquid product to unclog a drain.

Sometimes, however, you will need something stronger.

If you are experiencing chronic problems, you will need to call a professional. The issues may be far bigger than you can handle on your own. A professional plumber can determine if your septic system or equipment need to be serviced or replaced.

A competent, experienced professional will ensure your house stays comfortable and sanitary. Here are some tips to help you find the best plumber.

Choose Ahead of Time Start your search now, before something bad happens.

Waiting until you have an urgent need is a common mistake. Emergencies leave you open to dealing with unscrupulous people. There is also a good chance that you will pay too much for their services.

As soon as you can, begin your search for a plumber to service your home.

Ask for Recommendations

Compare Prices

Friends and family members may be able to refer you to an excellent professional. Good word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way to find excellent service.

Look for people in your local area. Sometimes, plumbers may charge extra if you are not in their designated service region.

Cost should always play a role in picking a plumber.

Contact at least three different plumbers to get an idea of the differences in labor and material costs. They should be able to provide you with estimates for different services.

Search Online Consider looking online for a good plumber. Just remember that information on the Internet is not always correct.

Be mindful of who is giving a stellar customer review.

Look closely for complaints about shoddy work or high prices. Dissatisfied customers are more likely to talk about their experiences.

Of course, one person’s bad experience may not accurately reflect what you can expect. Look for multiple reports from different sources before drawing a conclusion.

It is vital that you find a professional who knows what he is doing. Whatever you save up front could turn into extra expenses down the road if the work isn’t done correctly.

Ask Questions Asking questions is the best way to form expectations.

Not only should you understand labor rates, but you should also know if there are any guarantees on work.

Find out how long the plumber has been in business and where he received his training.

The bottom line is that you need to hire someone who cares about their customers and their homes. Conducting a thorough search before an emergency will prevent you from being disappointed.

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June 2020

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

7

HOW TO.... Choose a Computer Repair Specialist

sues. Ask them for recommendations. You might also consult Price with the IT department at your workplace. They will be able As with most essential services, don’t automatically choose to point you in the right direction. the person who offers you the lowest rate. If something goes There is nothing worse than having a computer stop working. After all, modern society has become increasingly Electronic vendors often have a help desk who can also sug- wrong during a repair, you may have to pay additional fees to solve the problem. dependent on computers. It is vital that you can find a progest qualified technicians in your area. Or the store might fessional to fix your computer quickly and successfully. have specialists on staff that can help you.

But that doesn’t mean the highest priced vendor will offer Whether you use your computer for work or entertainment, You can also use your local newspaper as a resource. Often- you the best quality or service. it’s a good idea to find a qualified computer repair specialtimes, computer specialists have promotions and specials Small shops and individuals typically have the best deals ist you can trust. Here are some factors to consider before that can save you money. because they don’t upsell you on services or software that beginning your search. you don’t need.

Experience Type of Device The ideal specialist is someone who has successfully fixed Make a Personal Visit Do you use a PC (personal computer) or a Mac (Macintosh)? many computers. You don’t want someone getting on-theVisit the computer repair shop where your potential specialMost computer specialists will focus on only one system. If job training by fixing your machine. ist works. there’s a picture of an apple on your computer, you have a Ask how long they’ve worked on computers and how they Be wary of sales representatives who might try to sell you Mac. If you are unsure, then chances are you have a PC. keep up with new innovations. Experienced specialists ata new product rather than fixing the problem. Ask to meet PCs and Macs are quite different from each other. Choose a tend seminars or classes to learn about the latest operating with the technician who will work on your computer. technician who focuses on your type of computer. systems and hardware.

As you describe the problem, watch the technician’s reIs your computer a desktop or a laptop system? They often Training and Certification sponse carefully -- both words and body language. Do they have unique issues, so find someone who can work on Microsoft and Apple give software certifications to technispeak knowledgeably and in a way that instills confidence? your type of computer. Desktop systems consist of a tower, cians for completing a specialized training program. Anyone If not, take your business elsewhere. monitor, keyboard and mouse. Laptops are self-contained in who has these certifications has demonstrated self-disciIt is important that you feel comfortable and confident a package that travels easily. pline; however, that is no guarantee of a technician’s ability. handing your computer to the specialist.

If your tablet or smart phone is giving you trouble, be sure to In the world of computers, experience and skill carry more When you find the right mix of experience, skill and price, weight than a diploma. find someone who specializes in those devices. you can rest easy that the problem will be solved.

Someone in your social network has likely had computer isIn today’s technological era, when a computer goes down it affects nearly every aspect of life.

www.acetechcs.com office@acetechcs.com

8

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

June 2020

HOW TO... choose the right Hearing Center Deciding on which hearing clinic is the right one for your needs is not always easy, especially with all of the hearing advertisements out there. Below you will see why people choose Professional Hearing Associates over other hearing providers: • Doctors refer their patients and family for quality and professional hearing care

• Compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and connected to the community

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June 2020

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

9

HOW TO...

Recognize the Signs of Heart Attack Signs of a heart attack can be deceiving. You may feel as though you have indigestion or maybe even back pain.

Distinguishing the differences can save your life.

Signs of a heart attack vary according to gender. If you think you might be having a heart attack, stop whatever you are doing and have someone call 911. Each second is important when treating a heart attack.

MEN

• Severe Chest Pain For men, the first sign of a heart attack is tightness in the chest that lasts several minutes. While everyone experiences minor chest pain every now and then, a person having a heart attack will feel severe chest pressure.

The pressure will sometimes shoot up from the chest to the shoulder area, arms and back.

Most ordinary chest pains pass when you relax. But during a heart attack, the pain doesn’t go away. Instead, it intensifies.

• Shortness of Breath A man having a heart attack will have shortness of breath. He will feel as though he has run up a flight of stairs when he is totally out of shape.

This shortness may become so severe that he will feel like he might vomit. Some heart attack victims describe feeling like they have developed the worst flu of their life instantly.

• Dizzy Dizziness is caused by a lack of oxygen to the body, particularly the brain.

A man having a heart attack may faint due to lack of oxygen.

• Teeth and Jaw Pain Experts have discovered that most men experiencing a heart attack will feel pain in their teeth and jaw. This pain typically rates a 7 or above on a scale of 1 to 10.

• Cold Sweats Men having a heart attack may develop cold sweats which leave him feeling chilled and clammy.

• Frequent Burps Heart attacks often cause acid reflux. A man having a heart attack may respond by burping frequently.

• Yawning A man experiencing a heart attack may yawn frequently because the heart is not moving enough blood through the body.

WOMEN

Heart attacks in women can be more difficult to diagnose. In fact, physicians may even miss initial signs of a heart attack. Therefore, it is important for you to know the differences between how a man and woman feels when experiencing a heart attack.

• Chest Pressure A woman having a heart attack will often feel chest pain, just like a man.

However, the pain is often lower. It might make some women think they are having stomach pain rather than chest pain.

• Shortness of Breath Almost six out of 10 women who are having a heart attack feel they are short of breath. Resting may lessen the symptoms in some cases, but not always.

• Extreme Fatigue She will often feel unusually tired, as though she cannot get enough sleep or rest. In fact, extreme fatigue can be an early warning sign for a heart attack. It may start several weeks in advance.

• Back Pain Women often experience severe back pain during a heart attack. Men seldom complain about back pain when having a heart attack.

• Nausea Many women having a heart attack will experience nausea and will often vomit. Doctors do not fully understand why this symptom occurs.

Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save a life. Seconds really do count, so seek emergency care immediately. Call 911 if in doubt. If treatment is not sought quickly, a heart attack may be fatal.

HOW TO.... Choose a College or University Choosing a college or university is an important, very personal decision that you should research extensively.

Crucial selection criteria can help when sorting through admission catalogs and visiting websites or local college fairs.

Prepare a list of five to seven schools, advises Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. “You may want to include both larger and smaller schools if you are unsure about the size of the campus you want to attend,” she says.

Admission counselors—professionals who work for colleges and universities—will guide you through the decision process but before you apply, consider the following: Does the college offer quality academic programs?

Colleges offer a wide variety of academic programs, from liberal arts to pre-professional. If your major is not listed but you are interested in other programs, you may have

an opportunity to minor, pursue independent study or self-design a major.

How will you pay for tuition?

Financial aid is available through grants, loans and a variety of scholarships. These are based on financial need or good grades and activities outside the classroom.

Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what state and federal support is available based on your family’s or personal income.

Will you live on campus?

Living on campus is a great way to immerse yourself into the college community. Research indicates that students who are engaged with their learning community are more likely to succeed in school.

Do you need special attention?

A small student-to-faculty ratio offers more opportunity

to participate actively in class, know your professors and receive personal attention. Many colleges and universities offer tutoring, special testing environments or academic support centers to help students succeed.

Does the college offer co-curricular activities or athletics that interest you?

Co-curricular activities and athletics expand students’ participation on campus. There are many ways to get involved including student government, residence life, activities and special interest organizations, intercollegiate athletics, forensics and debate, Model United Nations, social fraternities and sororities, the college newspaper, band, choir and theater productions.

Where is the school located?

Location is important not only for commuter students but also those who want to get involved in the community. It can also affect the availability of internships and employment opportunities. Safety is also an important factor to consider when selecting a school.

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How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

June 2020

HOW TO...

navigate through Medicare Insurance, Rate Increases and Retirement needs We can answer your questions about Medicare Insurance, Rate Increases and retirement needs!

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At Secure Insurance we strive to make complicated insurance language easy to follow. Brokering for over 40 companies, we are able to give you a printed out cost comparison for you so you can compare side by side. When I opened Secure Insurance in 2007 I wanted to be able to find the best plan that suits you as an individual. Being a broker agency that is exactly what we do. We specialize and continue year to year training and certification for all Medicare Plans, Life, Health, Long-Term care and Estate and Financial Planning (before and after retirement).

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1354 D’Adrian Professional Park Godfrey, IL. secure_insurance@outlook.com

June 2020

How To Guide | Supplement to the Telegraph & Intelligencer

11

HOW TO...

How to Plan a Garage that Complements your Home A new garage will have an impact on the value and overall appearance of your property. Incorporating your home’s architectural features into the design of the new garage will provide a natural flow, making it seem like the new construction was part of the original plan. To accomplish this, you will want to choose building materials and colors that match or coordinate well with those used on existing structures.

Matching Colors and Materials Lack of access to information about building materials used on existing structures can hinder the ease of securing materials that are an exact match on future projects. While this can be a challenge, research will allow you to locate a close match for materials such as existing shingles, siding, and trim. Keeping good records and taking note of the specific brands and colors used when building or renovating will save you from having to track down the information from contractors who may or may not keep good customer records on past projects. This will also help you if warranty claims ever need to be made.

Cost hindrances can also be a stumbling block to the continuation of existing design features on new construction, but lower cost options may be available. By taking advantage of some of the engineered materials that are available today, it is possible to mimic the appearance of expensive siding materials such as brick, stone or wood siding, allowing the natural look and feel to flow between the existing and new structures. Lower maintenance and higher R-values can be addi-

tional, cost-saving benefits.

to meet with the approval of any local authorities, home owner associations or architectural review Design Elements boards. Stringent requirements regarding the eleWindows and doors, roof lines and pitches are ments of design and materials that can be used on features that you will want to make sure coordi- new construction within your neighborhood may nate with those used on your home to ensure curb be in place. Make sure you know what is required appeal. Details like trim and siding accessories or who to contact in case of uncertainty. should also match those used on the existing structures.

Placement and Type of Garage Choosing a garage door that is complemenThe placement of a new structure on your tary to your homes style, is made from suitable property is one of the most important decisions materials for the climate of the area you live in, you will make. The purpose of the garage will be meets local building requirements and will acone factor in the decision-making process. Garagcommodate vehicles or other objects that will pass es are often multi-purpose buildings. In addition through the overhead door opening are all things to the traditional use of parking your car inside, new garages are often built for uses such as pool to consider when planning your garage. Garage doors are available in styles that range from very houses, garden sheds and hobby shops.

Deciding whether to add on to your home basic to elegant, traditional to contemporary and for an attached garage or to build a detached window glass options designed to enhance the structure will determine many of the steps in look of the garage as well as allow sunlight into planning your new garage. Available land space, your garage. size, shape and grade of the ground on which you Wood doors look nice but require maintenance and without proper attention over time, are building are other factors that can affect the will be subject to rot and insect infestation. placement and type of structure that you will be Inadequate upkeep will affect functionality and able to build. longevity. Consider a wood look fiberglass option Having to walk from the garage to the house if the required upkeep might become a burden in inclement weather is an obvious downside to over time. If the garage is to be heated, make sure having a detached versus an attached garage. Convenient access to stored items, additional living that you choose a garage door with an adequate area for children to play or for hosting gatherings R-value for proper insulation.

While it seems right that the individual home when extra space is required to accommodate a crowd can be of great benefit as well. owner’s preference and personal taste would be If the garage will be used as a workshop the top priority when choosing colors, design elements and building materials, choices may need for projects that require the use of chemicals

capable of producing hazardous fumes or to store flammable liquids such as paint and gasoline, a detached structure is ideal. A new garage is often needed to provide additional garage space when an attached garage is already included as part of the primary structure. Storage of seasonal items like pool or garden equipment is best kept near the activities they are used for to save you from having to haul items from place to place when needed.

Building Requirements Adherence to local governing authority requirements will affect the feasibility of the type of garage you will be allowed to build and the desired placement. Consideration of local requirements can affect what is possible. Knowledgeable building professionals and those with experience serving the community in a municipal capacity can be valuable resources when planning a project such as a new garage. You will also want to make sure that the building site is accessible.

Fences, trees and existing structures on yours or a neighboring property can be obstacles to building crews and equipment.

Additional Considerations Additional considerations regarding possible placement and type of garage to be built may include plumbing, electricity and concrete work. Contracting of professional services may be required. Utility location services for cable, water and sewer, electrical lines and underground structures may also need to be contracted.

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