The sources and services I recommend here are those which I use or have used myself. I offer them to you not as an advertisement or an endorsement so much as simply those that give me satisfactory results.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
I use two different ISP's. At home I use DLS, which has nationwide coverage with 2183 local dialup numbers and excellent customer service. This site is hosted on one of their servers.
On the road, and for all correspondence not related to the family, I use AT&T Business (aka Global, formerly ibm.net).
Search Engines
I use:
Cellular Service
After years of having to have an electronic leash, I was a little slow in jumping on the cell phone bandwagon. I finally settled on an i2000 Nextel phone, with a worldwide, dual-mode access plan. There are some places I may find myself on the globe, where they don’t have service, but most of the places I go I can make and receive a call. Someone in the industry also told me they are a strong, viable company, worth investing in. Since I don’t have millions lying around looking for that kind of place to be put, the only value that information held for me was that they would probably be around awhile. I know the phone itself is well made…it's a Motorola.
Pilot Supplies and Aviation Information
Sporty's provides unparalleled customer service. If you need something they have, that's the place to get it!
For easy, portable access to almost any aviation information the Summit Aviation CD-ROM is the best solution.
Family Safety
This website tracks registered sex offenders. You can search and easily see those that are registered close to any address. There is a debate between those desiring to protect their family from potential harm, and those who wish to preserve the human rights of the "accused" (those who have a record of convictions). Awareness, however, never hurt anybody.
Financial Services
My relationship with USAA goes back to 1982, when I was commissioned. For those who don’t know, you must have or have had a relationship with one of the seven branches of the military in order to become a member. They do almost everything financial and the service is beyond excellent.
Identity Theft
If you believe you may have become a victim of identity theft, or other fraudulent use of your credit instruments, choose one of the following and call or write. Be sure to include your full name, complete address, social security number, daytime telephone number and, it must be signed.
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Experian
1-888-397-3742
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
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Equifax
1-800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 |
Trans Union
1-800-680-7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834 |
Immediately contact the creditor(s) that are affected. It may be wise to contact all your creditors. Keep records of conversations and any correspondence. File a report with either your local police or the police in the community where the "theft" took place. Obtain a copy of the report and keep it with the other information.
Air Carrier Industry Per Diem Tax Deduction
For as long as I have been in the Air Carrier Industry, I have used this company, Investec, to help me compute my perdiem deduction for my annual Federal Income Tax. There are others to choose from but Stu and his folks do a real good job.
If you want a fairly broad idea of retirement planning, click here for a popup that gives you just that.
Opt Out -- Marketing Services
Tired of those nuisance calls? How about tons of mail you don't even want to open? Go to this link to fill out a form to stop the calls, and to this link for one to help cut back the mail. Neither are fool-proof, but either or both may help make life a bit easier.
The Direct Marketing Association also tracks consumers who prefer not to receive mail or telephone solicitations. DMA members, including Experian, remove those consumers from their own mailing lists. The addresses are:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512
If you write the DMA, you’ll be removed from DMA-member lists for five years. Even though your request becomes effective within five days, it may take several months before you see a reduction in the amount of solicitations.
Want to "Opt Out" of credit card and other types of credit offers? It is your right! Call 1-888-567-8688, or choose one of the following and write. Be sure to include your full name, complete address, social security number, daytime telephone number and, it must be signed.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
If you live near me (Algonquin, Illinois, in the Chicago Northwest 'burbs) then Adam's HVAC is a click and a phone call away for all of your mechanical needs. Principally handling residential, but the occasional light Commercial project can be serviced. Installation, preventive or corrective maintenance, and replacment of tired systems are just some of what Adam does.