Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Advanced Resources is First in Chicagoland Area to Introduce Digital Video Resume Technology, the Latest Innovation Intended to Improve the Hiring Process

Chicago, IL 02, 2011 The unemployment rate in the Chicagoland area continues to hover between 9-10%, creating a highly competitive job market with hundreds of candidates applying for every open position. Advanced Resources LLC, a locally based staffing firm and talent solutions provider, has announced that they are the first to introduce CareerClip digital video technology in the Chicagoland area.

The Internet continues to be a powerful medium for companies and job seekers alike. With over 200,000 video resumes posted on YouTube, it’s clear that the role of a resume (or CV) is rapidly evolving. Advanced Resources recognizes and embraces the vital role that video and social media are playing in today's hiring process.

Advanced Resourcesapplicants highlight their qualifications in digital videos, which can then be sent to clients electronically before meeting Advanced candidates in person. This innovative advancement in recruiting offers value to clients in streamlining and shortening the interview process.

It also gives applicants the opportunity to stand out among dozens of competitive job seekers. CareerClip video resumes from Advanced Resources allow job seekers to showcase their abilities beyond the capabilities of a traditional paper resume. Prospective employers can see, hear, and “get a feelfor how an applicant presents themselves. It’s estimated that a professional digital video profile can increase a candidate’s chance for being hired by thirty percent or more.

“Our clients are finding tremendous value in the ability to observe candidates visually before meeting in person,said Rich Diaz, President of Advanced Resources. “Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for any businesssuccess, and it can take a lot of time and money. Our Career Clip video technology helps our clients reduce their time-to-fill and cost-per-hire. Our clients can assess a candidate based on much more than a paper resume, and our talented candidates have a much greater probability of being hired.

Advanced Resources has partnered with TalentRooster to manage their CareerClip digital video resume technology. Based in Columbus, OH, TalentRooster is a leading provider of digital technology. "We are really excited to be in Chicago with Advanced Resources,said TalentRooster CEO David DeCapua. "Given Chicago’s demographics, we're confident this technology will be well received."

About Advanced Resources: Advanced Resources provides talent acquisition and workforce business solutions for a wide variety of industries in the Chicagoland area. With 20+ years of experience and 4 locations (Chicago, Northbrook, Downers Grove, and Schaumburg), Advanced Resources is an established presence in the staffing and human capital fields, providing temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire services for Office, Finance, and Healthcare positions. The Chicago Tribune named Advanced Resources as one of Chicago’s “Top 100 Employersin 2010, and the Inavero Institute named Advanced a “Best of Staffingcompany in 2010 and 2011.

Monday, 19 September 2011

Dreamhelmet - Best Grad Gift Since Mrs. Robinson

Santa Monica, CA June 5, 2006

This recently patented sleep aid is so radical that enthusiastic travel experts from such prestigious publications as the Washington Post and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine have raved about it, using such terms as “ingenious and . worth its weight in psychotropic drugs! Seen on national TV, Howie Mandel quipped on his show “It’ll put you on cloud nine!It was in the news, on MSN, and has been featured in numerous prestigious magazines and newspapers.

The subject of all this excitement is a sleep mask combined with a sound-blocking pillow all in one! Dubbed the Dreamhelmet because of its adventure travel beginnings, this revolutionary invention has eased the lives of thousands of travelers and home folks alike. With the addition of two secret pockets, Dreamhelmet now provides a clever money belt. Dreamhelmet also converts to a hand warmer, and the pillow can be used without the mask to read or watch TV.

Graduates often take time off to travel and see the world outside the ivory tower. The Dreamhelmet is in its element on the road, letting its owner sleep on planes, trains, buses, airports, or unfamiliar hotel rooms. A set of foam earplugs is provided in one of the secret pockets if super sound blocking is desired. The utility of these secret pockets is hard to exaggerate; they hide credit cards, business cards, money, valuables, keys or an alarm watch for a personal wake-up signal. Folding reading glasses will never get lost in them.

Besides traveling, some graduates will work as medical interns, and will roundly bless the person who thought to give them a Dreamhelmet, helping them rest on long night shifts. For climbers of the corporate ladder, alertness is vital, and a quick Dreamhelmet power nap will give them that special energy push for the afternoon. Those who are continuing their education can: at home, in the dorm, in the study lounge; study ‘til they drop take a Dreamhelmet nap and bounce back fresh. Successful students can vouch for the value of the Dreamhelmet. 100% cotton cradles the head and a choice of several attractive fabrics grace the outside. Dreamhelmets can be dry cleaned or hand-washed.

Dreamhelmets cost $29.95 plus $4.95 postage. The direct 24 hour telephone order number is (888)918-5630. Dreamhelmet website is http://www.dreamhelmet.com

Saturday, 17 September 2011

Winners of the 2011 Frequent Traveler Awards Announced

Flushing, NY May 02, 2011

The winners of the 2011 Frequent Traveler Awards were announced Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. Over 300 airline, hotel, credit card, loyalty industry representatives and members of frequent traveler programs attended the ceremony.

Over a million people from nearly every country worldwide participated, casting online ballots, choosing their favorite programs and campaigns for 2010. Voters cast ballots for their favorite programs in seven categories across one of three global regions: The Americas, Europe and Africa, and the Middle East and Asia/Oceania.

"The second annual award ceremony was a huge success. Recognition of the Frequent Traveler Awards as the new industry benchmark for loyalty programs is now firmly established," said Tommy Danielsen, President of the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation.

In the Americas region, Air Canada Aeroplan won the airline Program of the Year and Marriott Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

In the Europe and Africa region, Lufthansa Miles&More won airline Program of the Year, while Marriott Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

In the Middle East and Asia/Oceania region, Emirates Skywards won airline Program of the Year, while IHG Priority Club Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

Lufthansa Miles&More took top airline program honors winning the most Frequent Traveler Awards with five overall, while Marriott Rewards took home the most for a hotel program, with eight.

In addition to the awards voted on by the public, The Frequent Traveler Education Foundation also presented the Loyalty Leadership Award to American Airlines for recognizing the historic milestone anniversary of their AAdvantage program with "30 Years of Frequent Flyer Miles" and also to British Airways for responding to customer feedback and now offering full mileage earning on all paid fares.

"We honor these two loyalty programs for their leadership in the industry, honoring their customers and adding value to their programs" said Danielsen. The Loyalty Leadership Awards are determined by editorial decision rather than by ballot. These awards honor the programs or individuals that have influenced or have had a significant impact on the loyalty industry.

The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs. Winners are determined based on the overall merits of each program as ranked by the voter.

For the second annual Frequent Traveler Awards event, The Frequent Traveler Awards partnered with American Express Membership Rewards, American Express Loyalty Edge, Visa, Loylogic, Seatguru by TripAdvisor, Milepoint.com, Synapse, FlyerTalk.com, AwardWallet.com and ExpertFlyer.com.

A recap of the event as well as a list of winners may be viewed online at http://www.ftawards.com.

Thursday, 15 September 2011

Travel Leaders Offers Insiders Tips on Holiday Travel

Minneapolis, MN (Vocus) November 19, 2009

With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend kicking off one of the year&39;s busiest travel periods, Travel Leaders experts throughout the United States are offering the latest in their series of "Insider&39;s Tips" designed to improve the overall travel experience. Travel Leaders&39; latest tips focus on strategies for making holiday travel as merry as possible.

"This holiday season, Travel Leaders&39; number one goal is for our clients to remain calm and bright, not only during their travels, but also as they prepare for them," explained Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group. "When we asked our Travel Leaders experts for their best &39;insider&39;s tips,&39; we received so many strategies on everything from booking travel to what travelers might consider shipping in advance, that we&39;ve posted much of their pre-trip advice directly on our Travel Leaders Facebook page. We also are pleased to share the best of their excellent recommendations on everything else here today."

Before Leaving Home
The watch words from Travel Leaders experts are simple: "Be Prepared."

  • Protecting the Home Front - Deepak Patel (Travel Leaders, Western Springs, IL) concurs: "Worried about what happens after your leave home Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and look in on things at your home while you&39;re away. Provide them with your out-of-town contact information just in case." Keep Copies of Important Items - "Bring along copies of all your travel confirmations," urges Sondra Wilson (Travel Leaders, Richland, WA).

    "Know important phone numbers for assistance, including your travel agent, airline, hotel and car rental companies," suggests Janowski.

    "Keep a list of your credit cards with you on your trip, but separate from your wallet," advises Mike Weingart (Travel Leaders, Houston, TX). "This way you will have the account numbers and phone numbers for the credit card company should your wallet or purse become lost of stolen."

    Confirm Departures - "You should call ahead to confirm your flight is on time," recommends Patel. "You can also find out about traffic delays, parking changes and estimated wait times for security checks."

    Checking-In Online - "To avoid getting bumped off overbooked flights, we suggest checking-in for your flight online within 24 hours of departure, and print out your boarding pass," urges Kim Fischer (Travel Leaders, Minneapolis, MN). "If you can get an advance seat assignment, say at time of ticketing, you are more likely to be safe from getting bumped. Your travel agent can help you secure a seat assignment in advance."

    However, since airline seat assignments can change, Kim Gray (Travel Leaders, North Olmsted, OH) recommends, "Be flexible as flights are full and some families may not get to sit together on planes. Many aircraft equipment changes occur during the holidays so pre-assigned seat assignments may be changed or even canceled."

    Vicky Voll (Travel Leaders, Glendale, CA) concurs, adding, "Some airlines even offer a discount for paying the fee online. Next day, look for the line that indicates &39;Bag Drop&39; to complete your check-in process."

    Travel Fully Charged - In the event that your travel plans are disrupted, "Make sure your cell phone is fully charged," advises Joe Janowski (Travel Leaders, Liverpool, New York), who also recommends, "Know your connecting airport layouts to make your flight connections less stressful in the event of delays or tight connections." Dress Comfortably - "Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear," urges Patel. "If delays extend your trip, you&39;ll be happy you are comfortable while waiting. Layer your clothing to easily adjust for cooler or warmer temperatures. Remember, slip-on shoes cut down on time when going through security check-points."
  • Below is an outline of the additional advice Travel Leader experts across the country shared in the full news release. The complete news release can be accessed by clicking here.

    Airport Arrival
    While Travel Leaders experts agree on many of the strategies outlined, one piece of advice was voiced more than any other: "Get to the airport early."

    Increase Minimum Advance Time
  • Parking
  • Airport Check-In

    Airport Security
    Over the past year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its new Secure Flight Rule, which theoretically should not impact the airport security screening process. However, Travel Leaders experts have practical advice for further speeding up the process.

    Know TSA&39;s Rules Before You Go
  • Match Your ID with Reservation
  • Know Your Carry-On Restrictions
  • Minimize Security Procedures

    Beyond Security

  • Remain Alert
  • Food
  • Staying Healthy
  • Keeping Kids Happy
  • Boarding Your Flight
  • Once On Board

    Patience Is a Virtue
    "One of the first things I advise my clients to do when travelling during the holiday season is to remember the reason that they are running this &39;Gauntlet of Holiday Travel&39; - to spend time with family and friends to create new memories," reminds Lederle.

    "Be flexible and be prepared," advises Elaine C. Goad, CTC, ACC (Travel Leaders, Tyler, TX).
    "Flights can be full and people can be cranky. Just don&39;t join in the cranky crowd - it is the holidays. Be happy!"

    "Keep your sense of humor and when all else fails, remember to give thanks for even having the opportunity to travel and visit family and friends," offers Lederle. "There are many who are not as fortunate."

    For more of Travel Leaders experts&39; "Insider&39;s Tips" for holiday travel, please visit us on Facebook by clicking here. When your holiday journey includes us, you travel better. To find the Travel Leaders location nearest you, go to http://www.travelleaders.com or call 1.888.206.TRIP (8747).

  • Rent My Vacation Home (RMVH) Prevents Damage&Identity Theft with new Technology

    San Francisco, California July 30, 2011

    Rent My Vacation Home dot com has new technology that checks every id and issues Travel Guard insurance for each stay unless the homeowner declines to offer this service.For a limited time this Rent My Vacation Home service is free for 30 days.

    Mr. Jay Kalin CEO of Rent My Vacation Home dot com said, “No one who follows our patented check out system has ever had damage like below and we have never had identity theft or major damage to any homes in the 25 years we have need renting homes. This is not luck it’s our patented check out system. We rented Vacation homes before the internet unlike our competitors who try this the other way around .If she would have rented with the Rent my vacation home system the owner below would have had renters insurance to cover damage and she would have know the id of the person staying as well. I really am trying to prevent this from happening to homeowners.

    Recently a woman's apartment in California was ransacked by a seemingly cordial renter who rented out her apartment on a competitors website. She had her home completely destroyed by a renter who turned out to be a vandal and a total fraud.

    The Rent My Vacation Home dot com system verifies all data and identity then notifies the home owner of the inquiry and if they want to accept the rental.

    The guy not only destroyed the apartment, but he also stole her identity, her locked-away valuables and and left the apartment in a terrifying state of disarray.

    She returned home after a week of business travel to a "pungent odor" wafting from her apartment and opened the door to find a harrowing series of sights: The creep had "smashed a hole through a locked closet door" to remove her passport, credit cards and her grandmother's jewelry she had secured away. A camera, iPod and an old laptop had been stolen along with a backup drive containing "her entire life." Her own scanner had been used to photocopy her birth certificate and social security card. And then it gets really bizarre:

    They did weird stuff too she said: "moving things around in a spooky, psychotic kind of way - creepy little things that I am still discovering as I dig through the wreckage - like cutting the tags off my pillows, and hanging a painting of Paris on the wall that I had never hung before."

    Rent My Vacation Home dot com system would have prevented this from happening. Rent My Vacation Home has over 70,000 homes at this time and 83 network sites that cover every city in the USA and every state, the identities are checked and insurance issued before the renter enters the home. Rent My Vacation Home also has a scam section on the site and work with various laws enforcement agencies who report crimes of this nature. The Rent My Vacation Home system guarantees against fraud and guarantees the homeowner rentals or the money is returned. When renting out a home be safe and try to use a company that is prepared for the worst in advance.

    Rent My Vacation Home dot com system would have prevented this from happening .They have 70,000 homes at this time and 83 network sites that cover every city in the USA and every state for sale and for rent. The Identities are checked and insurance issued before the renter enters the home. Rent My Vacation Home also has a scam section on the site and work with various law enforcement agencies who report crimes of this nature. When renting out your home be safe and good luck this year.

    This technology from Rent My Vacation Home dot com must be catching fire as Alexa the internet reporting agency reports Rent My Vacation Home is up over one thousand percent on web prescience over a 3 month period.

    For moe information call 800-699-7684

    Leading Bhutan Travel Company and Bhutan Tour Operator Announces Special Royal Wedding Travel Packages

    Thimphu, Bhutan June 22, 2011

    Yetis&Dragons, a leading Bhutan Travel agency and tour operator located on the worldwide web at http://www.BhutanTravelAgency.com has announced a full line-up of special Bhutan Royal Wedding travel packages for the month of October 2011. The travel itinerary for these Bhutan holiday packages have been scheduled to coincide with the upcoming wedding of the King of Bhutan, His Royal Highness Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.

    In the wake of the British royal wedding held recently, the King of Bhutan His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck announced his plans to wed Ms. Jetsun Pema, a highly accomplished and much admired young lady from the capital Thimphu, who does not share a royal lineage with the King. According to her official biography, the future Queen of Bhutan is the 2nd among 5 children of Dhondup Gyaltshen. Jetsun Pema is a keen student of painting and the fine arts. The King and the Queen both share a passion for the sport of basketball. The announcement of the royal wedding has generated great excitement among the people of Bhutan and the rest of the world alike.

    “We at BhutanTravelAgency have been inundated with special travel requests from all over the world,says Lakey Wangmo, CEO and founder of Yetis&Dragons Bhutan Travel Agency, who is herself very excited about the upcoming royal wedding. “Our beloved King has chosen to marry one of us and not someone from a far away land,she adds with much fervor and a dose of enthusiasm thrown in.

    The Magic of Bhutan and the Royal Wedding

    The company has announced two full-service Bhutan tour packages which match both the spirit and the ambience of the much-awaited occasion. Both packages are specially designed around the time of the royal wedding with a view to maximizing the guest experience of the royal wedding which will take place in the month of October 2011.

    Royal Wedding Enchantment

    The first package, appropriately named Royal Wedding Enchantment, is a basic week-long tour of Bhutan centered around the capital city and its surrounding areas. Guests will be provided opportunities to participate in the wedding festivities organised by the locals as a gesture of their love&affection towards the king. Arrangements are being made for the company’s guests to witness the festivities around in full color, these festivities can be local festivals, mass gatherings for showing the respect to the king, groups meeting&singing in happiness, all in all events which are born out of immense joy which every Bhutanese has already started to feel. As soon as the wedding is solemnized, guests will depart on a whirlwind tour of the country and visit many of its temples, fortresses and monasteries located in different cities, and thereby witness festivities in various parts of Bhutan.

    Royal Wedding Paramount

    The Paramount package is a comprehensive 13-day deluxe luxury tour of the country which provides guests with a unique and unprecedented opportunity to first experience the festivities in the city where the royal wedding will be held in full splendor and then visits several major cities in the country in the aftermath of the royal wedding. The travel itinerary includes visits to Punakha, the former capital, the Bhumtang Valley and the Trongsa district.

    Other star attractions of both the 7-day and the 13-day package include:

  • Chauffeur-driven private automobile or small luxury mini bus
  • English-speaking tour guides and every possible royal wedding commentary
  • Prices inclusive of luxury western-style hotel rooms based on double occupancy, three meals and snacks, evening outing and bar hopping too
  • Plenty of “metime woven into the itinerary for R&R, shopping and walks around town
  • Special activities for children visiting with their parents including the wearing of traditional and colorful Bhutanese costumes on special wedding days
  • Airport pick-up, drop-off and hotel transfers included

    Since Bhutan has limited air connectivity with the rest of the world and a huge demand for airline tickets during this period is anticipated, Bhutan Travel Agency recommends that Festive attendees book their Bhutan wedding packages well in advance. Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport and is serviced exclusively by Druk Air which is Bhutan’s National flag carrier and connects Bhutan to India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand via regular flights.

    Bhutan Travel at a Glance

    Bhutan is a tiny landlocked kingdom in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas just north of India. It is one of the last remaining monarchies in the world and is popularly referred to as the ‘Last Shangri-la on Earthdue to its pristine beauty and the carefully preserved culture. Bhutan is a welfare state where the government uses ‘Gross National Happinessto measure the nation’s growth. Bhutan travel is an experience in itself. The government of Bhutan limits the number of tourists who visit the nation each year in an effort to preserve its natural heritage and its delicate ecological balance.

    Bhutan Visas

    There are no visa requirements for Bhutan in the traditional sense of the term. All visas are issued on arrival and are processed in advance by licensed Bhutan tour operators. Guests are asked to initiate the process well in advance of their arrival dates and submit the visa forms to their tour operators for all members of the group at the same time with the official Bhutan visa fee of approximately US $20 payable in advance either with a credit card or wire transfer paid preferably along with the package costs.

    About Yetis&Dragons Bhutan Travel Agency

    Yetis&Dragons is a Thimphu-based full service Bhutan travel agency and licensed Bhutan tour operator which offers individual, group and corporate travel opportunities in Bhutan. Found on the Worldwide Web at http://www.BhutanTravelAgency.com, the company also offers Bhutan packages that can be fully customized in accordance with the requirements of both individuals as well as groups wishing to explore the country’s yet untouched and preserved beauty. The company welcomes sales inquiries from potential partners and resellers. All travel Bhutan services are provided in-house by a dedicated and highly experienced team of 120 full-time and part-time employees.

    For more Information

    URL: http://BhutanTravelAgency.com
    e-mail: PleaseBotherMe(at)BhutanTravelAgency(dot)com

    Media Relations

    Media contact: Lakey Wangmo
    e-mail: pleasebotherme(at)bhutantravelagency(dot)com
    Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/TravelBhutan

  • The Age of The Big Spender... Revealed

    Cardiff November 15, 2009

    New research from Confused.com has revealed attitudes towards spending on credit cards vary drastically between old and young. The price comparison site found vast differences between the generations with regard to applying for credit, maintaining credit and paying off credit.

    Careful spending over the years may explain why 77% of the early 50&39;s do not worry about the refusal of credit cards when applying. In fact this group is so confident in the state of their credit history, 83% of them have failed to check their credit scores - an indicator of a person&39;s credit worthiness - for 12 months or more.

    Unsurprisingly, it is the youngsters who struggle in securing extra funds. Thirty four per cent of early twenty year olds are refused credit - either immediately or after a referral. This could explain why almost half of this age group do not apply for credit cards out of fear of refusal, and a black mark next to their name.

    Joanne Garcia, head of credit cards at Confused.com said: "Our research highlights the different spending habits between age groups. Approaches and attitudes differ, however the recognition in clearing credit balances must remain consistent. Those with existing balances should make every effort to clear them as soon as possible. Ignoring the debt, resulting in closure of an account by the credit card company is not advisable. This will have an adverse affect on a person&39;s credit rating that will remain with them for a long time, creating difficulties for a range of things in the future.

    Those considering applying for a creditcard should visit Confused.com and use our new tool. This will show customers which cards on our site will be most likely to accept them. Not only is this service free, but it leaves no credit footprint - therefore does not jeopardise any credit ratings."

    Confused.com offers a stark warning to the one in three 46 - 50 year olds who do not keep up with regular payments on outstanding credit card balances. Failure to repay will result in refusal for future funds. Ignoring the debt is ill advised and those tempted, should visit Confused.com&39;s debt management area for advice on how they can rectify certain situations.

    For further information please contact:
    Press office, Confused.com: 02920 434 398

    Notes to editors
    Research conducted by OnePoll during October 2009 amongst 2,000 respondents
    About Confused.com:

    Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

    Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

    Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

    Wednesday, 14 September 2011

    TLC Delivers on the Promise “We Show Your Members the Moneywith New Member Benefit Program

    Fountain Hills, AZ April 5, 2006

    Working closely with associations and affinity groups, TLC created an online shopping mall and gift card club that allows association members to earn rewards by shopping online at their favorite merchants. Members who shop at the TLC mall earn upwards of 15% in rewards at more than 400 nationally recognized merchants, whose products range from music, books, cooking, apparel, gardening, electronics, floral and more. In addition, TLC’s Gift Card Club Program offers up to 15% savings on online gift card purchases from over 50 nationally recognized merchants including iTunes, Blockbuster, Borders, Cabela’s, Bath and Body Works, Spa Finder, KB Toys, Sharper Image and more.

    “With purchases for the Valentines Day period accounting for $3.9 billion in online sales alone, why not earn rewards when you shop online I tell all my members to take advantage of this program whenever they are considering making a purchase online.

    From everyday spending on groceries and gas, to specialty items such as movies, books, music, travel and dining out, association members have the potential to save hundreds of dollars each year. In addition, the TLC mall can be customized by associations for their individual members to help them retain and reward their loyal members.

    “Everyone likes to get a little something extra when they shop says TLC CEO Scott Peters. “With the rapidly growing online shopping and gift card buying trends, we felt it was time to provide the shopper a little something extra. By reaching a wide audience of shoppers and aggregating their volume purchases, TLC can offer its members a way to earn rewards every time they shop.In addition, every member receives a $100 gift card as a thank you, which entitles them to $100 of magazines for one year. The member selects from a list of their favorite magazines tailored to their interests and hobbies, whether it be travel, business, cars, sports, etc. there is something for everyone…to enjoy as a gift from TLC.

    For more information, contact Jim Felty at jfelty@tlcloyalty.com or visit the web site at http://www.tlcloyalty.com.

    About The Loyalty Concept Established in March 2004, TLC provides a unique and powerful reward platform designed to enhance a consumer’s shopping experience. TLC is the technological customer service invention of an experienced international executive team. The TLC team has substantial expertise in retail chain store management and operations, credit cards, banking, and website and information technology. TLC’s secure data center and efficient fulfillment operation guarantee satisfied customers.

    CONTACT:

    The Loyalty Concept

    Jim Felty

    Phone: 480-767-6600

    Fax: 480-718-7616

    http://www.tlcloyalty.com

    Monday, 12 September 2011

    New Projects in Moshen Brand Gains Speed in Transaction Processing Industry

    February 18, 2006

    Terry Moshenberg, Internet Strategist renowned for his "inside the wave" thinking is enjoying powerful momentum. The new Projects In Moshen brand (moshenmedia.com) update reflects this new found gain in momentum. "It&39;s not good to ride ahead of the wave. You risk surfing in slow-moving water. It&39;s crucial to ride inside the curve. You want to be where the action is." These are the words of wisdom written on the walls of Moshenberg&39;s office.

    Terry has spent the last two years developing ecommerce solutions that go above and beyond standard online credit card processing. There are many other ways to transact and they&39;re only now becoming available to the business community at large. The next wave of ecommerce solutions are powerful, independant and highly portable. Banks and other financial institutions are looking to generate revenue from outside sources, so companies with new ways to process transactions are being welcomed with open arms.

    Terry Moshenberg and his team were selected by CardOne Plus to develop version one of it&39;s debit card platform and from there Terry saw the writing on the wall. There aren&39;t many individuals in Canada who have this experience and Terry is now helping organizations world-wide. Projects In Moshen is known for it&39;s powerful ability to develop strategies that work in real world situations. Terry has combined transaction management with content management and now the possibilities are truly endless.

    The new Projects In Moshen brand accurately reflects the fast moving world of internet communications and how the group embraces this speed. We believe our new brand speaks volumes and we look forward to helping our clients reach mach 3 in a world that isn&39;t slowing down".

    Projects In Moshen (moshenmedia.com)delivers a powerful and highly versatile suite of solutions used by companies, organizations and consumers to transfer money and make payments. Multi-use debit and alternative transaction options give organizations the power to transact without the high cost and time restrained rules we&39;re used to.

    There are alternatives such as ACH, Debit, and Cell Phone Based direct transactions. Companies enjoy the power to transact in many ways now at retail or online, and it doesn&39;t cost as much per transaction as it used to.

    These new options allow network marketing companies to use debit cards as commission cards, insurance companies to use debit cards as insurance payout cards, and travel companies can offer purpose-built travel cards.

    Projects In Moshen can design a suit of payment solutions from concept to launch and when combined with the WriteNow Content Management Solution, all content in a website can be managed like using MS Word.

    "We&39;re excited to be working in this industry at such a fabulous time. Development is happending at break neck speed and we love it".

    About Projects In Moshen (moshenmedia.com

    Projects In Moshen is an innovativ e multi-service organization specialized in strategic marketing, transaction software development and web solutions. The Company’s flagship service is debit card platform strategy and development and deploys its WriteNowtm Content Management Solution to let users manage their websites like using MS Word. Projects In Moshen provides strategic, web-based solutions to successful companies in the Financial, Entertainment, Technology, Consumer Health, Human Resources, and Not-For-Profit industries. The Company creates, develops, and delivers web based transaction solutions that enable clients to achieve higher profitability and more efficie nt workflows.

    Egyptian and Turkish Currencies Predicted to be Sought After in 2010

    London, UK January 20, 2010

    The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is predicting that Egypt and Turkey are going to be among the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers in 2010.The travel trade body believes that the countries will be tempting to UK holidaymakers due to investment in luxury hotels, roads and airports. The higher standards available at these destinations combined with lower costs and better foreign currency exchange rates could help UK holidaymakers get the most out of their travel money.

    This rising popularity of Egypt and Turkey is also evident in Post Office research which found the Egyptian pound to be one of the fastest-growing types of foreign currency in 2009. In recent years, the Turkish lira and Egyptian pound have become two of the fastest growing foreign currencies for UK travellers, showing UK holidaymakers are increasingly being tempted to spend their travel money outside the euro zone.

    However, as always, when travelling anywhere abroad the Post Office urges UK holidaymakers to make sure they arrange their foreign currency in advance of travel. Buying foreign currency before jetting off on holiday will avoid higher commission fees from airport or overseas foreign currency exchanges.

    Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel, said: "UK travellers can save themselves unnecessary extra costs by buying foreign currency in advance or taking the Post Office pre-paid Travel Money Card rather than changing money at the airport or at an overseas ATM using a credit or debit card."

    1 New Years Day Resolution by Dr. Richard - Learn How Anyone Can Achieve Financial Fitness in 2009

    Los Angeles, CA 1, 2009 Dr. Richard (a/k/a America&194;’s Financial Fitness Trainer&194;™) is offering consumers useful advice and tips on how to get their personal finances in shape for 2009. Many people overspend during the Holiday Season and 90% of all Americans have the worry of living their lives paycheck-to-paycheck. This is where Dr. Richard can help by providing some simple suggestions that will help make 2009 a year of increased financial fitness and security.

    Dr. Richard highlights just how important it is to keep your personal finances in shape. Its no secret that 50% of all marriages end in divorce &194;– and finances are the number one reason. Once people can control over their finances, a lot of stress will disappear. With a reduction of stress, they may end up quitting smoking, losing weight, or maybe even save a failing relationship.

    &194;“Achieving financial fitness is actually easier than most people think. Especially after the Holiday shopping sprees, it is essential you take action now to remedy the situation before it is too late,&194;” according to Dr. Richard, Publisher of the FinancialFitnessTips.com Report. &194;“If you do the exact sames things last year, you will get them same results this year. Get out of your financial trap. Let me show you how to make 2009 the year you get your finances into shape - a year to remember.&194;”

    Dr. Richard will show you how to:

    &194;&183; Take control of your finances

    &194;&183; Avoid the &194;“out of sight &194;– out of mind&194;” syndrome

    &194;&183; Tell if you&194;’ve been a victim to identity theft and what steps you need to take

    &194;&183; Increase your FICO score (credit rating) after the Holidays

    &194;&183; How to stay motivated throughout the New Year

    With the advent of today&194;’s financial scandals, financial education is a difficult and daunting topic; however, Dr. Richard specializes in delivering this information in a clear, simple and more understandable manner that consumers can really feel the benefit from.

    Dr. Richard takes a light-hearted and fun approach to the serious way that people deal with their finances. He is considered one of the nation&39;s leading experts on personal finance and consumer credit.

    Dr. Richard is also the former television host of "Consumer Credit in the 80&194;’s." As a former investment banker, he has participated in real estate transactions of more than $700 million since 1991 and has been featured on "Living the American Dream - Today&39;s Success Stories."

    Dr. Richard is available for interviews.

    BACKGROUND NOTES

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard has over 20 years of expert financial knowledge.

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard is the designer of the 2009 $200,000 Financial Fitness Challenge.

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard is the former television host of Consumer Credit in the 80&194;’s.

    &194;&183; As an international public speaker, Dr Richard has appeared on many TV and radio shows, as well as educated individuals from all walks of life about financial fitness.

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard has been described as making finance &194;“understandable and sexy.&194;”

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard is a Co-Author with Dr. Wayne Dyer and Mark Victor Hansen (&194;“Chicken Soup and the Soul&194;”) in &194;“Wake Up&194;…Live the Life You Love.&194;”

    &194;&183; Dr. Richard has written a book due for release early next year entitled &194;“Financial Aerobics &194;– How To Get Your Finances Into Shape&194;”

    &194;&183; For more information on Dr. Richard go to http://www.FinancialFitnessTips.com

    CONTACT

    For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Richard:

    Paul Armstrong

    T: (310) 248 6222 ext 27

    E: paul@levinepr.com

    Dawn Miller

    T: (310) 248 6222 ext 13

    E: dawn@levinepr.com

    Photography available upon request.

    Saturday, 10 September 2011

    SimplyFinance.co.uk Announces Personal Finance Content Partnership with Sky Text

    6, 2010 SimplyFinance.co.uk, the UK consumer finance website, will be powering the &39;Simply Finance&39; section of the Sky Text platform, formerly named &39;Your Money&39;, which is available on page 160. The section will cover key financial areas including mortgages, insurance, loans and debt management, as well as more general money management tips.

    Katie Jenkins, Site Producer of SimplyFinance comments, "We exist to help consumers to manage their finances more effectively, and are very excited to be working with Sky Text to make personal finance news and articles available to Sky Text&39;s readers. The Simply Finance pages will provide informative, entertaining news and articles to equip people with the knowledge to make more informed choices about their finances."

    Verity Jowett, Managing Editor for Sky Text says: “It was a very easy decision to work with http://www.simplyfinance.co.uk for our personal finance content. Not only can they provide us with experienced editorial on the latest changes in personal finance rules and regulations in a straightforward and consumer-friendly way , but they also publish a useful website offering calculators on savings, mortgages, loans and other items which we can refer our viewers to. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.

    Notes to Editors

    SimplyFinance.co.uk is a personal finance website that exists to help consumers manage their money more effectively. SimplyFinance.co.uk provides a range of informative content, tools and calculators to empower consumers to make more informed financial choices.

    Note for Editors: Sky Text is Sky’s digital teletext service, published on all* Sky-branded channels (*except Sky Box Office and Ch999) and is available free to access to all Sky subscribers 24/7. The service receives around 2m views per week across all channels.

    Press Contact:

    Katie Jenkins, Site Producer, SimplyFinance
    Office: 0207 993 8945

    Thursday, 8 September 2011

    Britons Pay Out &163;122 Million in Unnecessary Foreign Exchange Fees Each Year

    February 13, 2010

    Britons incurred a staggering &163;122 million pounds in unnecessary foreign exchange fees when using their credit card abroad last year, new research by Santander Cards has revealed.1

    The massive sum was generated after Britons spent &163;1.5 billion on credit cards overseas in 2009 an average of &163;600 per traveller. Nearly all credit cards in the market impose a foreign exchange fee of around 2.75 per cent on purchases made abroad, generating a hefty bill for travellers but one that is entirely avoidable.

    Of the 25 million Britons who went abroad in 2009, the average time spent overseas during the course of the year was three weeks. However, more than 7.5 million of us (30 per cent of travellers) were away for four weeks or more.

    Almost five million people (one in five travellers) used a credit card as their primary means of making purchases abroad last year, while a further eight million chose a credit card as their secondary payment method.

    While Britons spent an impressive &163;15 billion in total overseas last year, one in five travellers (19 per cent) are planning to reduce the amount they spend abroad this year due to the weakness of the pound.

    Emma Roberts, Director of Santander Cards, commented: “With many Britons embracing a more careful approach to their spending, foreign exchange fees are one expense that those travelling abroad this year can definitely do without. The Santander Zero Credit Card is one of the only cards on the market to offer fee-free foreign usage anywhere in the world, providing our customers with peace of mind and leaving them with more money to enjoy their trip.

    The research showed that more than half of people (52 per cent) still pay with cash when abroad. Credit cards are the second most popular method of payment, followed by debit cards (15 per cent) and traveller’s cheques (5 per cent).

    Last month, Santander announced its latest initiative to reward existing customers. Customers who have a current account or mortgage with either Santander UK or Alliance and Leicester can now apply for the award winning Santander Zero Credit Card and benefit from a zero per cent balance transfer fee for 12 months, in addition to the existing Zero benefits of fee-free foreign transactions anywhere in the world, zero per cent interest on purchases for three months, and no cash advance fee.

    The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.

    Notes to Editors
    1)Omnibus research of 2,000+ British adults in December 2009 and January 2010.

    About Us
    Banco Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N, BNC.LN) is a retail and commercial bank, based in Spain, with presence in 10 main markets. In the UK, Santander operates two retail businesses Santander, which was formed out of the Abbey and Bradford&Bingley retail network, and Alliance&Leicester. Together they have over 1300 branches, around 4,500 cash machines and they provide a full range of savings, corporate banking and mortgages services to 25 million customers.

    Alliance&Leicester will become known as Santander by the end of 2010.

    http://www.santander.co.uk

    Media Enquiries
    Siobhan O’Shea Tel: 020 7756 4189
    Louisa Dreja Tel: 020 7756 4211

    The press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.

    CSI globalVCardMobile App Looks to Change the Way Mobile Online B2B Payments Are Made

    Bonita Springs, FL September 01, 2011

    CSI Enterprises, Inc., a leader in innovative financial solutions for enterprises and businesses, has done it again with the CSI globalVCard/a> Mobile App. CSI Enterprises, Inc. introduces this mobile application to on-the-go businesses of all sizes as a revolutionary and customizable B2B payment tool to create secure virtual MasterCard&174; account numbers via a smartphone or tablet.

    The CSI globalVCard/a> mobile app is a payment method that allows the business owner or user to create secure single and multi-use virtual MasterCard account numbers from their mobile device. It’s a perfect solution to make secure online payments. More and more businesses are using smartphones and tablets as their day-to-day operations become more mobile. Mobile payments are more prevalent than ever in everyday business, in fact, according to Juniper Research, mobile payment transactions already total $240 billion and the market expects to more than double in the next five years.

    The CSI globalVCard/a> app contains enhanced security features including pin-prompting at setup, the option to create single and multi-use virtual MasterCard account numbers for each vendor payment, all without storing sensitive credit card data on a mobile device’s operating system or hardware. The app has custom control features which include purchase restrictions and the ability to set profiles specific to employees by MCC group, dollar amount and/or transaction limit. Cards can also be assigned to specific purchase orders, invoice numbers and be customized with memo notes. Convenience features of the app include the ability to copy and paste card account numbers within a smartphone browser to enhance the online purchase experience as well as view or block existing cards. CSI globalVCardgoes beyond the smartphone with its web version, GPS (globalVCardPay System), which enables batch payment creation through the upload of a single payment file from your A/P system and electronically disburses secure vendor payments.

    In addition, the CSI globalVCard/a> mobile app allows cards to be created in another name from the administrator’s account, which is perfect for employer/employee card creation. Secure virtual account numbers can also be sent from this application via email as a card image or SMS text message. Future app updates will include NFC enabled PayPass Integration.

    “The CSI globalVCardmobile app has been a long time in the works,explained Keith Stone, CSI President and CEO. “The app is more than a B2B mobile payment solution. It is meant to work for the user. There is always a sense of urgency in today’s fast-paced business world and now you will have a secure payment app built to accommodate today’s on-the-go businesses.

    The vision for the CSI globalVCardmobile app is to allow users the ability to make secure online purchases and card-not-present transactions from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world, from the palm of your hand. The app is geared towards the world of business professional mobile payments not consumer retail purchases and coupon retentions.

    The CSI globvalVCardmobile app is now available to Android mobile users and will soon be available to all iOS and Blackberry devices early Fall 2011. GlobalVCardis only available for CSI MasterCard customers. Click here or call 1.866.998.0437 to get information on becoming a customer. Customers can receive a 1% rebate on all globalVCardtransactions. Offer Details A 1% rebate will be paid to the customer for achieving certain spend volumes as indicated on a separate CSI Rebate Agreement. Customers will need to complete the separate agreement to receive the rebate.

    CSI globalVCard your business payment solution on the go because you are.

    Click here to see a short product introduction video.

    Click here or call 1-866-998-0437 to request more app updates.

    About CSI Enterprises, Inc.
    CSI Enterprises, Inc. provides a specific line of controlled financial payment products including business fleet fueling/maintenance payment cards, a corporate virtual payment MasterCard&174; and card solutions for corporate purchasing, travel and entertainment spending. Today CSI and its products operate in all fifty states including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, with operating subsidiaries involved in municipal tax reclamation, venture capital activities nationwide since 1989. The CSI Virtual MasterCard&174; is issued by Regions&174; Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

    Wednesday, 7 September 2011

    MHNSAVES.COM Advises Consumers to Make the Most of Travel Customer Loyalty Programs

    Columbia, MD July 29, 2011

    It’s no secret that customer loyalty programs have exploded in the past few years. According to the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census* Americans accumulate approximately $48 billion in various rewards points and miles annually. The travel and hospitality sector is the second-largest industry in terms of rewards at $17 billion a year. Yet few travelers compare programs before booking, which may lead to choosing a rewards program that doesn’t meet their needs.

    MHNSAVES.COM, a new online travel savings club, compared the rewards programs offered by some of the industry’s key online travel sites to help consumers choose wisely.

    MHNSAVES.COM
    *Savings of 5-30 percent each time members use it.
    *Book any of the hotels in the MHNSAVES.COM network and earn a minimum of 5 percent in MHNSAVES Cash Back Reward Points. Some hotels offer discounts of up to 30 percent for instant savings plus an additional 1 percent in Cash Back Reward Points.
    *One point equals $1, and members receive their cash rewards simply by requesting a check, which is mailed directly to them with no restrictions.
    *The minimum number of points required for redemption is five.
    *The points do not expire as long as the membership is current and members may use any credit card for payment.
    *Membership is free.

    Expedia.com&174;
    *Awards one point for every dollar spent on any credit card, with limited time special offers for additional points for using specific cards, such as MasterCard&174;.
    *Booking packages earns multiple points, which vary depending on the number of items booked.
    *Points expire after 18 months if there is no activity or redemption on the member’s Expedia.com account, and the points are restricted to redemption only on Expedia products.
    *3,500 points is the minimum required for redemption, which earns a $25 hotel savings coupon.

    Orbitz.com&174;
    *Only offers rewards for using the Orbitz Visa&174; Card issued through Capital One&174;.
    *Cardholders earn 3% rewards on all purchases at Orbitz.com and 1% rewards for all other purchases, with additional rewards points as special periodic incentives.
    *The points do not expire and 100 points equal $1 of travel spending (a $200 hotel room would require redeeming 20,000 points).
    *Points may be redeemed on Orbitz.com or for merchandise and gift cards as determined by the program.

    Hotels.com&174;
    *Does not award points, but simply awards one free night for every ten booked through the site.
    *Consumers can use any credit card to book, and after booking ten nights earn one reward night at a value equivalent to the average cost of those last ten nightsstays.
    *The reward night must be earned and redeemed within three years, and the reward night must be claimed by booking through Hotels.com.

    Which program makes the most sense depends on each person’s priorities. For cash back with no restrictions, MHNSAVES.COM offers the simplest and easiest program; for travelers booking a complete vacation package Expedia.com may earn the most points. By knowing the reward program options, consumers can choose the one that gives them the most value for their needs. Rewards program details can change at any time, so consumers are always advised to confirm the rewards offered before enrolling.

    For more information, including a comparison chart on these programs, visit http://www.MHNSAVES.COM.

    About Members Hotel Network (MHNSAVES.COM)
    Members Hotel Network (MHNSAVES.COM) is an online travel savings club that offers its members exclusive discounts and cash back rewards points on hotel stays across the United States. MHNSAVES.com members receive: savings of 5-30 percent off participating hotelslowest advertised rate; the ability to combine MHNSAVES.COM discounts with other national discount programs, including AAA&174; or AARP&174; membership, government or military discounts, at participating hotels; cash back reward points earned on every night’s stay at any hotel booked through MHNSAVES.COM; and the ability to still earn points on other hotel and credit card loyalty programs on every stay booked through MHNSAVES.COM. Headquartered in Columbia, MD., MHNSAVES.COM was founded by a team of hoteliers to offer hotels and consumers a more affordable alternative to other online travel agencies. To learn more or to become a member, please visit http://www.MHNSAVES.COM.

    *Additional details: http://www.colloquy.com/press_release_view.aspxd=95

    card.io Aims to Change the Way Consumers Pay with Credit Cards, Launches Mobile Commerce SDK for iOS Developers

    San Francisco, CA June 23, 2011

    card.io, a start-up founded by two former AdMob employees, Mike Mettler and Josh Bleecher Snyder, today announced a $1M seed round of funding from a hotlist of angel investors and the launch of a private beta program for mobile developers who want to integrate a fast, easy and secure mobile commerce experience into their applications.

    Unlike mobile advertising, mobile commerce has yet to mature despite the efforts of a variety of players including major banks, credit card companies, tech brands, mobile operators and well-heeled startups. Typing in credit card info on a mobile keypad is slow, and most consumers don’t have separate hardware to swipe a credit card. Card.io is trying to solve both of these problems: you just hold a credit card up to the phone, and card.io automatically reads the card information using the phone's camera.

    Rather than target retailers, card.io is targeting iOS developers in e-commerce, local, ticketing, travel, and daily deal apps with today’s private beta launch. card.io is working with MogoTix for event tickets, TaskRabbit for local services, and SamaSource for donations.

    “We’re betting that, over the long term, software will win out over hardware-dependent payment solutions,said Mike Mettler, co-founder and CEO of card.io. “Because we’re software, we can scale and improve more quickly. Also, we can reach every device owner from day one - as long as you have your phone, just point and pay.

    “Tons of innovation is already happening at the physical point of sale for in-person transactions. We're doing something different. Mobile checkout for ecommerce needs a rethink. Card.io's software-only service lets developers build mobile checkout right into their app. It turns any smartphone with a camera into a cash register,said angel investor Michael Dearing of Harrison Metal.

    Dearing joins other card.io investors such as Jeff Clavier and Charles Hudson of SoftTech VC, Manu Kumar of K9 Ventures, Alok Bhanot (former VP, Risk Technology at PayPal), and Omar Hamoui (CEO/founder of AdMob).

    “One of the biggest hurdles to mobile commerce adoption is that users don’t want to type lots of information into their phone to make a purchase,said Scott Thorpe at MogoTix. “card.io’s software solution is disruptive because it allows consumers to use their phone camera to pay with a credit card, with no need for extra hardware. This improves our purchase conversion and thus increases revenue.

    App developers interested in more information about card.io’s solution can sign up from the website at http://card.io or email beta(at)card(dot)io.

    About card.io:
    Located in San Francisco, card.io aims to change the way you purchase on your mobile device. You can follow us on Twitter at @cardio.

    Media contact:

    Eric Gonzalez, VSCpr

    eric(at)vscpr(dot)com

    415.272.0836

    Hurricane Season - CreditCardsPlus.com Offers Tips for Financial Help in an Emergency

    Los Angeles, CA August 29, 2008

    With the forecast of a &39;well above average&39; hurricane season proving to be accurate, we are reminded of the devastation that hurricanes and other natural disasters can cause to our country. Each year Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,000 tornadoes as well as an average of six deadly hurricanes. Potentially deadly weather impacts every American.

    Credit Cards Plus (http://www.CreditCardsPlus.com)], one of the internet&39;s oldest and top websites entirely devoted to helping consumers find, compare and apply for credit cards that meet their individual credit history, encourages consumers to be prepared with a backup plan for emergency financial needs. "One of the most important elements that should be added to your hurricane preparedness essentials is a backup plan for handling finances. When disaster strikes you may be caught up in an even more stressful situation than you would be otherwise if you haven&39;t planned sufficiently in advance."

    Have you thought about what you would do from an immediate financial standpoint if you had to evacuate on short notice How are you going to pay for lodging and meals How will you be paying for fuel on the road How will you collect your paycheck or pay your bills These are questions you need to answer before disaster strikes to alleviate added financial stress.

    As a potentially deadly storm approaches, all focus should be toward communication and safety for family members, neighbors, pets and home. "There is little time at that point to figure out how to manage your emergency spending needs. CreditCardsPlus.com advises that you to have three different payment methods in place and ready to go to handle your emergency spending: 1) one prepaid card or debit card; 2) one or two credit cards; and 3) cash."

    CreditCardsPlus.com suggests that you designate or set aside one credit card and one pre-paid card each that you can use, if necessary, exclusively for emergency expenses. Prepaid cards (or debit cards) can be invaluable tools when an emergency situation arises. You - or others on your behalf (like an employer or relative) - can load cash onto your prepaid card from locations all across the country. You can retrieve cash from the card via ATM machines as needed. These cards can be used much like you would use a conventional credit card to pay for many types of expenses. With the prepaid card you can also have your paycheck directly deposited onto your card and many prepaid cards (or debit cards) even have a system where you can pay any or all of your bills by accessing your prepaid card account via phone or the internet. These are essential features to have available to you while you are displaced.

    A prepaid card in conjunction with an emergency credit card and emergency cash allows you to have your payment bases covered to handle most any expense away from home.

    At this time we don&39;t know just how devastating Hurricane Gustav and Hanna will become. With the third anniversay of Hurricane Katrina upon us, we know all too well how lives can be turned upside down by storms and other natural disasters. We wish all those in locations so often in harm&39;s way along the Gulf Coast - New Orleans, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas - the very best as they ready themselves for these and future emergencies.

    Be financially prepared. You can review, compare and apply for prepaid card offers at the CreditCardsPlus.com website. Why not have the designated &39;emergency&39; credit card also provide special benefits CreditCardsPlus offers a selection of credit cards that will meet any of your needs and preferences. Choose from travel credit cards, rewards credit cards, low interest credit cards, cash back credit cards and even credit cards for bad credit.

    About CreditCardsPlus.com:
    Credit Cards Plus is in it&39;s 10th year as a top website offering a free credit card comparison service. "Credit Cards Plus helps you to quickly compare credit cards, choose the best card for you and then apply directly online." At CCP, you will find all the top credit cards offering online applications, many with instant approval. "CreditCardsPlus.com features over 100 credit cards from issuers including Chase, Citibank, American Express, Discover, Bank of America, HSBC and more." The Credit Cards Plus website is http://www.CreditCardsPlus.com.

    Survey of Best Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping is Released by Credit-Land.com

    Brooklyn, NY December 11, 2006

    More consumers than ever are planning to use credit cards as the preferred payment method for holiday gift purchases this year according to a survey by Credit-Land.com.

    Credit-Land.com, the consumer&39;s watchdog for credit card deals, analyzed and ranked credit cards to identify credit cards that offer the best consumer value for holiday shopping. Ranking formula is based on the combination of credit card benefits, cost of credit card use and consumer protection features offered by credit cards for holiday shopping season.

    Based on the objective criteria outlined above, Credit-Land.com is pleased to announce the top 5 credit cards for holiday shopping are as follows:

    Discover&174; Card Platinum - is a 2006 Holiday Shopping Credit Card of the Year winner for gift givers nationwide. With generous cash back of up to 5%, $0 fraud liability guarantee, generous 25 day grace period, and no annual fee, it&39;s a great choice for holiday shopping bonanza. Low interest rate, including 0% introductory rate and reasonable late fees of $15 for balances under $500 make it this year&39;s winner.

    Chase Bank Platinum Visa&174; - took a respectable second place in 2006 Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping ranking. Chase Platinum Visa offers no annual fee, generous Flexible Rewards Program that offers points for every dollar spent that are redeemable for merchandize and hard cold cash. Auto rental collision insurance is a great money saver for holiday travel.

    Blue from American Express - is a great choice for holiday shopping. It offers no annual fee, and low APR. Give gifts and earn some for yourself with generous rewards program offered by Blue Card from American Express. Points are redeemable for travel, widest selection of merchandize from major retailers and gift cards.

    Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards Visa - is a great choice for holiday travel and shopping. It offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and 2% on gas purchases. It offers generous travel insurance, no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate.

    First PREMIER Bank MasterCard&174; - is a great choice for Americans with poor credit history who are trying to rebuild their credit history. It offers the lowest total cost of ownership among the credit card offerings for individuals with less than stellar credit. Generous 25 day grace period on purchases with low 9.99% APR and one of the most reasonable late fees on the market ($25) make it a card of choice for those who do not qualify for a credit card otherwise.

    Additional details are available at:

    http://www.credit-land.com/holidays/

    Credit-Land.com encourages wise use of credit cards during holiday shopping. Credit cards offer numerous benefits including credit card rewards programs, convenience and consumer protection.

    Credit-Land.com is committed to consumer education. Holiday shoppers are advised to make their credit card payments on-time to avoid late fees and finance charges.

    You can learn more about wise use of credit cards by visiting Credit-Land.com Personal Finance Library: http://www.credit-land.com/education/

    About Credit-Land.com

    Credit-Land.com is consumer credit education provider offering a best-in-kind credit card watch service with ranking of credit cards based on consumer needs.

    For more information, visit: http://www.credit-land.com

    Contact:

    Name: Gary Ratinetz

    Company: Acclaim Network

    Position: Manager - Public Relations

    E-mail: garyr @ acclaimnetwork.com

    Phone: 1-718-368-4385

    Fax: 1-718-646-7773

    Survey Names Capital One Cards The Best Credit Cards For World Travel

    Vancouver, BC, Canada August 03, 2011

    In a survey conducted by Indexcreditcards.com on the Foreign Transaction Fees (FTF) for top credit cards providers, Capital One Credit Cards came out on top. The results also showed that there was a wide variance in the transaction fees of these major credit card providers.

    Consumers who plan to travel outside of the United States choose to take their most trusted credit cards along with them since they receive a lot of benefits including travel assistance, fraud protection and security because carrying a card is a lot safer than carrying cash. The benefits that they receive come at a price though since the foreign transaction fees on most credit cards can really make a dent in their travel budget.

    Most consumers who have fully read the terms and conditions of their credit card program are fully aware of what foreign transaction fees are and seek to avoid them especially if they plan to travel a lot outside of the United States. The survey reveals that most credit card providers charge this fee, all except Capital One. Why a fee In the past the fee had been called a foreign currency fee because it was used to cover the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars. More recently the fee is just charged for transactions that involve a foreign bank even when US dollars are involved.

    One major point that consumers should take note of is that the foreign transaction fee is charged even if they never leave the country as purchases made through foreign companies will also result in a foreign transaction.

    To avoid this charge when traveling abroad consumers can make the switch to any of Capital One’s credit cards. This way they will completely avoid any foreign transaction fees, even the 1% charged by Visa and MasterCard because Capital One has gone the extra mile to even absorb this 1% for its cardholders. An added benefit of Capital One credit cards is that they charge little to no annual fees and the interest rates are industry standard rates.

    Indexcreditcards.com is not the only one singing the praises of Capital One credit cards. CSI monitor (csmonitor.com) has given three out of five cards to Capital One for the best picks for world travel. The three cards that made the list include Capital One Secured MasterCard for those with poor credit which requires a low $49 deposit. Capital One Venture Rewards Card which is the ultimate card for those who would like to earn rewards even while they travel. The card offers the best incentive in the industry where cardholders can earn double miles for every dollar spent and the ability to convert the miles to cash value for travel related purchases. The $59 annual fee on this card is negligible since program members receive 250, 000 or $250 in travel when they charge $1000 in the first three months. The top spot was given to Capital One’s Prestige credit card which features no-hassle perks and no annual fee and on top of that cardholders pay no interest until September 2012.

    Sherry Garcia, a representative at Airline Miles Credit Cards (airlinemilescreditcards.net) chimes in, “There is a reason we have always promoted Capital One’s cards, they provide value and are the most effective cards for consumers all round. There no annual fees and the no interest promotions make them an ideal choice for consumers who are not thrilled about all the credit card fees of other programs. Aside from that Capital One is the only major credit card provider who has waived foreign transaction fees on all their cards. Now that’s value.

    To find out about the best airline credit cards including those from Capital One visit airlinemilescreditcards.net

    Monday, 5 September 2011

    CreditDonkey Identifies Best Family Credit Cards for Back to School

    Los Angeles, CA August 10, 2011

    CreditDonkey has released its picks for the top credit cards for every family’s wallet this back-to-school season.

    “With all of the extra expenses that come with back-to-school, families can save quite a bit by simply choosing the right family credit card,?said Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey. “Paying attention to rates, fees and the extra perks can help put families into better financial positions.?/p>

    When evaluating cards, CreditDonkey looked for ones that would meet the needs of the various members of the family, narrowing down to the following top three:

    • For the Mom-on-the-Go: Discover Open Road
    Places to go, people to see is the modern mom’s mantra. Busy running around town for play dates, sports practice, school plays and daily errands, these moms are logging serious miles on their cars. If you’re driving all around town, you may as well be rewarded for the miles you log in the car!

    The Discover Open Road Card is a rewards credit card that puts cash back in busy moms?wallets for their everyday purchases. Benefits include:

    • Free $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase
    • 2% automatically at any gas station and any restaurant all year long
    • No annual fee or rewards redemption fees
    • For the Father on a Budget: Blue Cash Everyday
    Keeping the family finances on-track is a big undertaking; this is especially true during back-to-school when kids need new clothing, shoes and school supplies. No matter how much we mentally prepare for school shopping, the total cost always creates a shock.

    The Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express helps ease the shock of these extra expenses through its rewarding cash back program. Benefits include:

    • 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
    • No spend minimum or enrollment requirement to start earning cash back
    • Opportunity to add more money to your wallet with the $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
    • No annual fee
    • For the Collegiate: Discover Student
    When students move out of the house, it may be time for them to move out of their parents?wallets, too. A student credit card is the perfect opportunity for college students to gain some financial independence from their parents.

    The Discover Student card gives students that independence they crave as well as great benefits to help offset the extra expenses of college:

    • Get $25 Cashback Bonus when you make your 1st purchase within 3 months.
    • 0% intro APR on all purchases for the first 6 months - giving students the opportunity to learn how to responsibly use the card before having to pay interest
    • 5% Cashback Bonus in categories that change like travel, department stores, gas, groceries, restaurants, and more.
    • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy.
    • No annual fee

    Families can visit CreditDonkey to compare credit cards to find more deals for your family.

    Sunday, 4 September 2011

    Post Office Travel Money Reveals Not Being Able to Use Travel Credit Cards Abroad as Major Holiday Moan

    September 14, 2010

    A report from the Post Office has revealed UK families' concerns with holiday spending. In the new Family Holiday Report, 11 per cent of those surveyed cite not being able to pay with a travel credit card or debit card while abroad as a major irritant.

    Many tourists value the flexibility of their travel credit cards to cover any unexpected costs. However, using them abroad can be expensive because of the charges many high street banks impose when using travel credit cards overseas.

    The report also found that while UK holidaymakers want to use a travel credit card abroad, the charges imposed on them when they do so are also an irritant. When it is possible to pay via a travel credit card, over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) cite the charges frequently imposed when using travel credit cards or debit cards abroad as a 'rip off'.

    The Post Office reminds UK tourists that they can avoid these costs by searching for a travel credit card with specific advantages for travellers. For example, the Post Office is offering its travel credit card customers a range of benefits, including 0% commission on transactions overseas, and no cash advance fee when purchasing Post Office travel money with its travel credit card at branches.

    Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: "Families should take enough holiday cash to cover any unexpected costs, rather than pay out hefty charges for using plastic abroad - or take a travel credit card like the Post Office one, offering 0% commission on overseas transactions."

    The Post Office Cuts Cost of Travel Money for Credit Card Holders

    London, UK (UK) June 10, 2010

    Post Office Travel Money is helping UK travellers avoid additional travel money costs by waiving the standard 2.5 per cent cash advance fee when purchasing foreign currency from the Post Office - either online or in branch using the Post Office credit card.

    For UK travellers using their credit card to purchase travel money, the removal of the fee could make a noticeable difference to the overall foreign currency received - especially as other credit card providers charge up to three per cent on each transaction.

    While the waiver could reduce the cost of travel money when using a credit card, the Post Office is reminding travellers to avoid other foreign currency pitfalls which could add to holiday costs. For example, changing travel money at airport bureaux de change and using overseas ATMs to withdraw foreign currency can mean that UK travellers end up paying more for their travel money through poorer foreign currency exchange rates, commission or cash withdrawal fees.

    Post Office Head of Cards Az Alibhai said: "Our customers love the fact that we don&39;t charge commission when they use their card overseas, so we are now saving them even more money by removing the cash advance fee when they use their Post Office Credit Card to purchase great travel money from the Post Office."

    Overseas Travel Still Considered a Luxury for UK Families in 2011

    (PRWeb UK) January 15, 2011

    According to a recent poll by TNS and Travel Weekly, many UK families see taking a holiday in 2011 as a luxury and are considering staycations rather than overseas travel as a way to keep costs down.

    For those keen to make their holiday budgets stretch further in 2011, the Post Office is providing some travel credit card spending tips. Firstly, before heading away, UK holidaymakers are advised to shop around to find a good travel credit card deal to help their cash stretch further. Many travel credit cards can charge customers fees when making purchases overseas. Furthermore, some providers also charge travellers for purchasing foreign currency on their travel credit cards. Research from the Post Office has discovered that some 42 per cent of UK travellers are unaware how much their travel credit cards can cost them.

    The Post Office’s travel credit card offers zero per cent commission on foreign purchases, as well as no cash advance fee when purchasing foreign currency from the Post Office (either online or in branch). The travel credit card also offers zero per cent on balance transfers for the first 12 months and zero per cent on new purchases for the first three months.

    Saturday, 3 September 2011

    Citi Opens New Training Center in Dalian

    April 14, 2010, Dalian -- Citi China today announced the opening of a new training center in Dalian, in partnership with the Dalian University of Foreign Language (“DUFL. A ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by Mr. Darren Buckley, Citigroup Japan Holdings Representative Director, President & CEO, Mr. Gary Li, General Manager of Citi Data Processing Services, Ms Sun Yuhua, President of DUFL, as well as Dalian government officials.

    Mr. Andrew Au, Chief Executive Officer of Citi China said, “The opening of this training center in Dalian reflects Citi’s intent to continue to grow in China and to launch new initiatives which facilitate job creation and the ongoing expansion of the talent pool in support of China’s financial services sector.”

    Mr. Darren Buckley said, "This is yet another exciting example of fresh thinking and innovation by Citi. The collaboration between Citi in China and Japan, the DUFL and the Dalian government to make this a reality has been exceptional, brining benefits to the students of Dalian and ultimately, the local economy."

    The new center will focus on the provision of banking and financial services training to DUFL’s third-year and forth-year undergraduates and some post-graduate students, as well as to Citi’s own employees. The training will primarily be conducted in Japanese, and some English-language courses will also be available. Citi trainers will conduct the courses, which will cover areas including personal banking, international clearance, transaction services, and compliance and corporate governance.

    Citi maintains longstanding ties with Dalian. In addition to its Dalian branch, Citi has based two critically important operational centers in Dalian. Citi Data Processing Services provides professional back office services to Citi's customers in the Asia-Pacific region and Citicorp Software and Technology Services provides software development and technology support for Citi businesses worldwide. In 2009, Citi opened a lending company, in Wafangdian City, outside of Dalian, in Liaoning Province.

    The Citi-DUFL Financial Services Training Center includes classrooms, conference rooms and a lecture hall with a capacity for more than 80 people. The training center will offer video conferencing services, allowing Citi professionals to train students from remote locations such as Japan.

    Mr. Gary Li said, “We are delighted to be further expanding our presence in Dalian, and to be partnering with the Dalian University of Foreign Language to launch a state-of-the-art training center. We look forward to continuing to play an active and important role in the Dalian community.”

    Ms Sun Yuhua, President of DUFL said, “We are very pleased to partner with Citi to launch this program. The establishment of this training center creates a win-win situation for both DUFL and Citi, also it will contribute valuable and well-qualified young professionals who in turn support the success of Dalian’s local economy.”

    Citi and DUFL have officially agreed to offer courses for the next five years, with the option to extend the program at that time.

    Citi’s Agency And Trust Launches Innovative Renminbi (RMB) Services In Hong Kong

    Hong Kong Citi’s Agency and Trust, part of the Global Transaction Services division, has unveiled significant enhancements to its RMB product portfolio, launching a comprehensive suite of RMB agency and fiduciary services for corporate and institutional clients in Hong Kong. Covering RMB bonds, loans, escrows and structured finance transactions, these new capabilities allow Citi’s clients to access the growing RMB market both in Hong Kong and internationally. Already an established provider of RMB-denominated services in Mainland China, this move further enhances Citi’s position as an innovative provider of corporate trust services and demonstrates its commitment to growing capabilities across its unrivalled network.

    The new products, which support an extended range of RMB activities in Hong Kong and internationally, include:

    Bond Administration trustee and paying agency services for RMBdenominated bonds issues in Hong Kong
    Escrow and Account Bank Services –support for mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, trade, project finance, and a variety of other client transactions
    Security Agency Services for RMB-denominated collateral
    Loan Administration facility agent and related services for RMBdenominated loans
    Structured Finance transaction administration and other related services for RMB-denominated securitizations

    In addition, Citi can now support RMB-denominated global bonds to be settled via the Euroclear and Clearstream clearing systems.

    “Hong Kong is quickly becoming the hub for offshore RMB services, requiring transaction services providers like Citi to develop comprehensive solutions to support growing client needs. With the introduction of these innovative RMB products, Citi has drawn on its vast network and expertise to create solutions that enable our clients access to this growing opportunity and further cements our position as a market-leading corporate trust service provider,said Ben Lumleysmith, Director, Regional Head, Agency and Trust, Asia Pacific, Global Transaction Services, Citi.

    These new products complement Citi’s existing wide range of RMB products and services for corporate and institutional clients across Asia Pacific and globally, which include account services, time deposits, remittances, liquidity management, trade, foreign exchange and custody and fund services.