11th Heaven!

Online sites tout discount beauty products

About a year ago, a close relative (a recent college graduate) started posting wig reviews. They were fascinating to watch. Frankly, I had no idea that young adults would have any interest in wigs. Being the curious sort, I checked YouTube to see if any other young women wore wigs. I found hundreds of reviews posted.

Storefront beauty supply stores have been around for years. However, more and more women are turning to online sites for discount beauty products. This is particularly true in the African-American community, where women may spend a great deal of time and money achieving stylish and unique hairstyles. That said, women of many cultures choose extensions (weave) to achieve their "perfect look." Others may choose a human hair half wig. This style has become popular because, when blended with your own hair, it offers a natural look. The same is true of lace front products.

Extensions and wigs also are used extensively in the broadcast news and entertainment industries. One of the things I observed while working in television news is that women viewers pay A LOT of attention to the hairstyles of female anchors. Only God knows how many calls I took from female viewers voicing their approval or dislike for the anchor's hair.

Some callers accused one particular anchor of changing her hair color too often. Meanwhile, fans of this same anchor would ask who did her hair. Because of the pressure to look perfect on camera, I am sure that a few female anchors purchase human or synthetic hair to help maintain a polished look.

Professional women in most industries often feel the need to augment their looks. Today's wigs are much more stylish and lighter than those of a decade ago. Hair accessories also reflect current fashion trends.

Using weave or the human hair half wig is not the only solution for women who want to have beautiful hair. Women of all socioeconomic levels seek hair products that will give their natural hair a shiny luster and beautiful length. Good shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products can be pricey. Ordering these products from an online beauty supply site might save you big bucks.

Case study explores the impact of social-media sites on the spread of disease

A scientist examining attitudes toward the H1N1 vaccine has developed and implemented the first case study in how social-media sites can affect the spread of the disease. Marcel Salathé, an assistant professor of biology at Penn State University, explored how users of Twitter expressed their opinions about a new vaccine. According to ScienceDaily, he "then tracked how the users' attitudes correlated with vaccination rates, and how microbloggers with the same negative or positive feelings seemed to influence others in their social circles."

How live-chat software benefits business

The Internet has made it easier to do business around the clock. But the old rules of business still apply. For many people, exemplary customer service can only happen when they connect with a live person. Providing good live-chat experiences pays off in increased sales and ROI (return on investment).
Smart sales executives understand that in order for their businesses to remain competitive, they must have a strong online presence. Savvy managers seeking to boost their bottom lines use software to live-chat with customers. Live support software enhances traditional customer engagement. online chat software will not only field questions from prospective students. It is important, however, to understand that all live-chat software is not alike.

Look for a product specially designed for your business. At the very minimum, your live chat software should:

1. allow you to see who is on your website
2. monitor prospective customer behavior and provide assistance in real time
3. increase online sales
4. enhance your marketing campaigns
5. reduce operational costs
6. be user friendly

Many organizations in the private and public sectors understand the importance of engaging clients online. Among those industries:

• health care
• travel
• real estate
• financial services
• insurance
• web hosting

Even universities are utilizing live chat in the recruitment of students. The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) uses live chat to engage prospective MBA students. According to the Wharton website:

Chats are hosted bi-weekly at 6:00 PM (18:00h), Eastern Standard Time (EST) or "Philly Time," every Wednesday during the school year. Chats give you the chance to interact with current students, and fellow applicants.

The webpage also includes a schedule of upcoming chats.

Is your organization looking for ways to boost customer loyalty? Live chat can help you improve in this area and enhance your credibility.

Good live chat software also helps visitors to your site find what they need before they get frustrated and leave your site. An effective program will also allow you to integrate live chat, voice, email, and self-service FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Bridge the gap between your site and visitors. Live chat allows your agents get instant insight into your customers' concerns. Look for software that helps you to create a ticket management system for customer inquiries -- one that allow you to log, route, track, and resolve these concerns.

Incorporate Google Analytics into your live chat. Measure the ROI of your online marketing and sales initiatives. With systematic, results-proven approach, you'll increase your chances of increasing sales. Armed with several strong components, you'll be able to establish a full-service, multilevel contact center.

Is the end near for Google+?

What's going on with Google+?  It seems to have lost momentum big-time. 

A new report by Chitika, the data analytics company, suggests that Google+ traffic has dropped dramatically.  Amid a huge amount of publicity last month, Google+ entered public beta with a striking interface, the rapid release of new features, and strong focus on user interaction.  Yet, according to Chitika, traffic on Google's new social network fell 60%.

Google+ started strong.  An Internet marketing research company, comScore, reported in July that Google's new social product attracted some 20 million visitors during its first month.  Unofficial reports now estimate the number of Google+ users at 43 million.  However, the growth spurt went kaput.  Google+ users seem to have lost interest.  Even on my stream, there's not much happening, incoming or outgoing.

Granted, the once-blazing program is only a few months old.  Was there too much hype too early?  Should we stamp "FAIL" on Google+ or simply give it more time?

Exploring prepaid cards

In today's credit-driven world, it's difficult to live without a couple of things -- a bank account, and a credit or debit card. In the traditional world of finance, it's hard to cash payroll, unemployment, and Social Security checks.

Online retailers require that you have a credit or debit card to complete transactions.  The same is true is you're trying to book a flight or rent a car.  Consumers have essentially two choices when trying to purchase products and services, or paying bills:  obtain a card or carry large amounts of cash.

Today many of us are trying to stay above water in a sluggish economy. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 9.1 percent of Americans are unemployed.  It should be no surprise, then, that more and more people are turning to prepaid cards.

In a report examining the prepaid product industry, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia offered this observation:  "Prepaid cards encompass a tremendous variety of products and applications. With few exceptions, the prepaid market is a market of niches."

According to Federal Reserve figures, 17% of Americans are now using prepaid products, such as the Green Dot Credit Card, as a financial management tool. Many users are hardworking Americans whose credit scores plummeted because of loss of income.  However, not all users are strapped for cash.  Financial institutions now offer prepaid cards for a variety of purposes:

• Reloadable cards - With this product, you can choose how much money to load on it.
• Payroll cards - Many companies that employ workers who don't want direct deposit into a bank account. For these employees, the business will load wages onto a secure card.  Funds are available immediately.
• Government-issued debit cards - These secured cards, issued by government agencies, are used to load cash benefits, such as Social Security, unemployment, and child support.
• Teen cards -  Parents who want to monitor their children's spending often find this reloadable card useful.  The teen card is also a good way to teach teens responsible spending and budgeting habits.
• Travel cards - Using these prepaid cards are safer than carrying cash, and they offer the convenience of travelers checks or debit cards.
• Gift cards - This is one of the most popular cards on the market. You load money onto it once. Gift cards cannot be reloaded.  (For the latest federal rules on gift cards, check out some excellent tips on the Federal Trade Commission's website.)

If you opt for a prepaid card, make sure you understand what features it offers.  Unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid cards don't require that you have a stellar credit score or bank account. Prepaid cards begin with a zero balance until cash is added to them.  You can use these cards for purchases or at ATMs.  With each transaction, your balance will be reduced until it zeroes out.

With all prepaid cards, check to see if the one you're considering offers zero-liability protection in the event that your card is stolen or loss, or if you discover charges that you did not make.   Like traditional credit cards, prepaid cards come with fees and restrictions.  Make sure you understand the terms of agreement as well as your rights as a consumer.

Farewell to a visionary

Apple has confirmed that former CEO Steve Jobs has died.  The company released this statement:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

Apple.com added, "If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com."

Get the most from your personal finance and checking accounts

More and more consumers use the Internet to handle their personal finance and checking accounts. Aurora Bank checking account rates, for instance, attract new customers daily because of competitive rates. Typically, proponents of online banking are also attracted to other products, notably CDs (certificates of deposit), money market accounts, savings accounts, and home loans.

For any full service bank, checking remains one of the most popular products. If you're considering an online account, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provides several tips on safe banking:

• Verify that an online bank is authentic and that your deposits are FDIC- protected.
• Learn what you can about the bank from its website. The "About Us" section is a good place to start.
• Protect your personal information, and beware of fraudulent websites.
• To verify that accounts are FDIC-protected, check Bank Find, the agency's online database of FDIC-insured institutions. Don't guess or assume when it comes to insurance.
• Know your rights as a bank customer. The FDIC website is an excellent resource on these issues.

When searching for an institution that offers checking accounts and online banking, make sure the services are secure and convenient. Smart consumers also check for competitive interest rates, and a nationwide network for ATM withdrawals. According to the Associated Press:

The average total cost for using an out-of-network ATM rose slightly to $3.81, from $3.74, the year before, the study found. That's including the fees charged by the customer's own bank and the ATM operator. The average overdraft fee also rose slightly to $30.83, from $30.47.

Other services you'll need are self-explanatory:

• check writing
• check card purchases
• electronic transfers
• direct deposit

You may even want to ask customer service if newer banking features are available. Among the newer offerings: online check deposit, debit card rewards, and ATM fee reimbursement. (Online banks tend to be more generous with the latter.) These products are particularly popular with consumers.

Many observers believe that free checking is quickly becoming a thing of the past. A study released by Bankrate.com last week found that free checking accounts with no strings attached are getting harder to find.

The good news is that you may be able to avoid the fees. Many banks will waive the charge is you establish a recurring direct deposit. You can also avoid a fee if you maintain a certain balance. Before opening a new account, check with the bank to learn all terms of agreement.

The happy pattern test

Doing Your Own Thing Makes You Happy

You can't help but think outside the box. As far as you're concerned, you don't even know where the box is. You have a delightful and colorful inner world. People would be stunned if they could see inside your head. You get a lot of laughter out of life, and others are surprised by how easy it is to make you happy. You prefer to not be a part of the crowd.

The Happy Pattern Test

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Taking a closer look at savings accounts

Even on its best day, the banking industry struggles with its image. As more banks announce new fees, unhappy consumers, who are fearful in this unstable economy, are wondering what they can do to minimize the damage to their pocketbooks.

One thing that fed-up customers can do is change banks. But before they do so, they should do their homework. All banks are not alike. It pays to evaluate the bank products you use, and then compare the cost of those products with your bank's competitors.

I just did a query to find out what institution offers the best online savings account. I was surprised to learn that CNN Money placed Discover Bank at the top of the list.

Not sure how to do your homework? The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers some suggestions:

• From time to time, check your accounts to make sure they are still meeting your needs.
• Shop and compare. Check out other banks' websites and advertising to see if they offer better deals on the bank products you use the most.
• If a certain service is essential to you, such as online bill payment, make sure the institution you're considering offers this service.
• Dig deeper into the literature to make sure you know the most important fees, terms and limitations on the new accounts. You don't want any surprises, should you change accounts.
• Before applying for a bank product online and supplying your personal data, make sure you're dealing with a legitimate financial institution. The FDIC provides a free service in this area. Call the agency at 1-877-275-3342 or check out FDIC Bank Find, an online directory of FDIC-insured institutions.

While you're doing your homework, check your credit reports for inaccurate or incomplete information that could prevent you from getting the best deals on credit cards, mortgages, or other loans.

So...

You completed your homework and decided that you want to change banks. Switching banks will take a little planning, but it doesn't have to be a big hassle if you follow a few simple steps.
Many banks provide "switch kits" online. If you cannot locate one, you can follow these simple steps. Let's say you're going to open a savings account.

1. Choose your new bank. You need to open the new account before you close the old one.
2. Open the new bank account. Make sure you have proper identification.
3. You'll need money for the new account.
4. Switch your automatic deposits.
5. Redirect your online payments.
6. Once your new account is open, balance your old account and stop using it.

Hint: Ask about any possible early withdrawal penalties before you close your old account. For Certificates of Deposit (CDs), it is important to double check maturity dates.

Here's hoping you have a great banking experience.

Tips on options trading

After experiencing so much third-quarter turbulence, many investors seem to be laying low and seeking safe havens. U.S. stocks are exhibiting their worst quarterly loss since the 2008 financial crisis. While many investors are spooked, others continue to see opportunities to make money.

In the world of finance, options trading has large potential rewards, but it also comes with high potential risks. Still, to the savvy investor, options trading presents a world of opportunities.

If you're new to options trading, the Options Industry Council is a good place to start learning the basics. So just what is an option? According to the site:

An option is a contract to buy or sell a specific financial product officially known as the option's underlying instrument or underlying interest. For equity options, the underlying instrument is a stock, exchange-traded fund (ETF), or similar product. The contract itself is very precise. It establishes a specific price, called the strike price, at which the contract may be exercised, or acted on. And it has an expiration date. When an option expires, it no longer has value and no longer exists.

Options come in two varieties, calls and puts, and you can buy or sell either type. You make those choices - whether to buy or sell and whether to choose a call or a put - based on what you want to achieve as an options investor.**

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) also offers an excellent glossary of terms.

It's possible to generate income and manage risk with options. Still, educate yourself so that you'll understand the risks involved. This activity is not for the uninformed. The Options Industry Council provides some tips:

• Establish a goal.
• Know how to accomplish your goal. Read up on strategies.
• Choose a broker with whom you have confidence -- one that is willing to work with you on your individual investment plan. One size does not fit all.
• Find out what you're eligible for in your options agreement. Based on that agreement, your brokerage firm will certify you for a particular level of options trading.
• Complete an options agreement form and any other necessary paperwork.
• Watch the margins.

Read, read, read! The more informed you are, the more you'll improve your likelihood for success.

It's true that individual investors aren't feeling so confident these days. At the same time, however, Americans historically have seen themselves as go-getters and risk-takers.

When it comes to options trading, there is a time to be cautious, and a time to move forward. Investors who stay informed know the difference.

Bank checks are here to stay

When banks first made debit cards available to consumers, I quickly embraced the convenience of the new product. Debit cards are great for paying everyday expenses, and the money comes out of your bank account immediately. I never realized that a day would come when some businesses would charge an extra fee for using plastic.

Many businesses, such as gasoline stations and doctor's offices, do not accept debit cards, but they'll take checks. Now that debit cards and online bill pay are easily accessible, I thought checks were becoming a thing of the past. I still needed checks to pay my church offering or to send an occasional check to my daughter. I thought I'd probably keep the checks on hand for another year. I was wrong.

Two years ago I noticed a trend -- consumers being charged a fee for each transaction at the gas station. Doctors' offices I visited stopped accepting bank cards but would accept checks.

Here's what happened: Banks targeted vendors with the new fees. Businesses such as gas stations and convenience stores, insisting that they have a low profit margins, passed on the cost to consumers. I remember when I first experienced the "shock" at the gas pump when I used my bank card.

When I looked at my receipt, I realized that I had been charged a $0.45 fee on top of the gas total. I ranting to my husband about this "outrage." Ultimately, the Obama administration established new regulations on the banking industry.

Shortly afterward, I paid a visit to a new doctor. When I arrived, I discovered that this physician did not accept cards but would accept bank checks. That's when I realized that checks would be around for a while.

I used to leave my checkbook at home. I don't anymore.

Facebook and the ultimate makeover

The only thing that seems to be constant about Facebook is change. My son, the IT guy, posted this update a recently:

Hey folks, just a forewarning. Facebook is about to undergo a HUGE makeover. No, I'm not talking about bogus charging rumors (though they will sell apps, music, etc.) But take a look here to see how your Facebook profiles will change in a few weeks. I'm just bracing people for the inevitable. This is a link to an official Facebook page showing off the upcoming features. No virus, no spam, no forward, just an FYI. http://www.facebook.com/about/timeline

I checked out the official Facebook video on the subject. I then visited the social giant's blog post for additional details. Facebook makes reference to "the evolution of your profile" and "filling in the blanks." The headline to the post -- "Tell Your Story with Timeline."

It appears that FB encourages you to tell your life's story. For me, all this sharing is TMI (too much information). Of course, you can still control how much information you'll share. I guess I should have seen the writing on the wall when I noticed that FB profiles now prompt you for your blood type. I don't need to know everything about my online buddies, and I doubt that they'd want to know every minute detail about me.