20132013Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

The Natchitoches TimesThe Natchitoches Times

Let us help findwhat you’relooking for!

“HOW TO” GUIDECONSUMER

2D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Keeping up with thelatest trends in homedécor can seem impossi-ble with the near weeklychanges that take place.

No one wants to deco-rate their home’s interioronly to have to turnaround and decorateagain when the styleschange.

Considering this,instead of purchasingbrand new, modernitems, many home own-ers are choosing insteadto focus on timeless, clas-sic pieces of furnitureand accessories.

Outfitting your home

with antiques is a trendthat will never change, nomatter the current styleor fad. Choosing anantique store is no simpletask, however, as youwant to be sure that whatyou’re buying is truly anantique and not justsomeone’s old item.

To be considered anantique, an item shouldbe at least 50 to 100 yearsold. In that vein, not allold items are consideredantiques, so you need todo some research beforeyou buy.

An item is consideredan antique when it has

sufficient age, outstand-ing workmanship andhas gained popularityamong collectors. All ofthese factors also play abig part in setting theprice of various pieces.

There are two otherterms you may hearwhen out antique hunt-ing: collectible and vin-tage, neither of which arenecessarily “antique.”

Many things are col-lectible: Pez dispensers,Disney memorabilia andthimbles to name a few.While some items inthese categories may, infact, be considered

antique, in general, theyare simply collectible.Items considered vintagearen’t altogether old butrather come from a cer-tain era. Knowing yourterms will go a long waytowards your purchasingpower.

Speaking of purchas-ing power, there are agreat number of placesfrom which you can buyantiques. Online stores,auction sites, flea mar-kets, garage and estatesales are all places whereone can find deals onantique items.

Care should be taken,however, when buying apiece sight-unseen.Online auctions shouldonly be used when youare looking for a specificpiece and haveresearched it well and areable to tell a genuine itemfrom a knock-off.

If you are looking for avery special item, onlineshopping can save youhours, if not weeks, ofsearching. Just be surethat you take intoaccount the cost of ship-ping and insurance whenpurchasing your item.These costs can raise theprice of the piece consid-erably. If you are luckyenough to find your itemin a local shop or at anestate sale, you can oftenhaggle a bit with theowner and bring theprice down.

When shopping locally,how do you know that

you’re dealing with a rep-utable business? Checkwith your friends and askfor recommendations.When looking for a rep-utable dealer, you canalso check your localnewspaper for advertise-ments or look in yourYellow Pages.

Narrow your choicesdown to one or two andvisit their shops.Establishing a rapportwith the dealer will oftennet you some great dealson future purchases.

An antique dealer inthe know will be happy totalk to you about the his-tory of the pieces theycarry and often have aline on one-of-a-kinditems. If you’re lookingfor a certain piece, askthe dealer if they arewilling to locate it foryou; many offer this ser-vice to those who have asdeep an interest inantiques as they do.

Establishing this rela-tionship with a local deal-er or two is always a goodidea, particularly if youare planning to decorateyour entire home. Notonly can a dealer locatepieces for you but you canrest assured that thepieces are authentic.

Many dealers will alsooffer their client base bet-ter prices than they do toinfrequent shoppers.Developing a relationshipwith a local dealer willgive you someone you canturn to for years to come.

132 Rue St Denis Natchitoches, LA 318 -228 -8815 New shipments arriving weekly!

tresbienantiques.com tresbienantiques.com

Choosing an Antique Store

Many consumers spendan inordinate amount oftime considering otherfinancial transactions,but they rarely put somuch effort into theirchoice of banks.

Banking services caninfluence a wide range offinancial matters, andthere are several detailsto consider when choos-ing a commercial bank.

Interest Rate and FeesThe true value of a

bank account can befound in its interest rates.Each bank has a slightlydifferent interest rate forsavings accounts,although most of themwill adjust these ratesbased on the federalfunds rate.

Differences in interestrates may seem insignifi-cant, but they can resultin big changes whenlarge deposits are con-cerned.

Banks services also usu-ally involve fees andpenalties for certaintransactions. A checkingaccount might restrictthe number of checksthat you are allow towrite per month before

you pay a fee, or youmight be required tomaintain a minimum bal-ance in your savingsaccount.

Every bank has its ownpolicies, and these shouldalways be taken intoaccount by anyone who ischoosing a bank.

ConvenienceConvenience is another

factor to consider whenchoosing a bank. Try tofind one that has plentyof convenient branchlocations not just close towhere you live, but wher-ever you might travel ona regular basis.

It's more difficult toconduct financial matterswhen on the road if

you're using a local orregional bank. Theimportant thing is thatyour bank is accessiblewhen you need it.

There will most likelycome a time when youhave to stop at a bank onyour way home fromwork or make a mad dashto deposit a check beforea bank closes. Having aconvenient location (orseveral convenient loca-tions) will make your lifemuch easier.

Overdraft ProtectionAs much as you try to

avoid it, the occasionaloverdraft happens tonearly everyone. Eachbank has specific policiesregarding overdrafts.

Some offer overdraft pro-tection in the form of ahigh interest credit linethat kicks in when youbounce a check, while

other banks charge a feefor each overdraft.

Some banks don'tcover bounced checks atall. Consider the policiesof your potential banks ofchoice before you come toa final decision.

Bank StabilityStability is an often

overlooked element ofcommercial banking.When you deposit moneyinto a bank, it is impor-tant to consider the sol-vency of the bank's bal-ance sheet.

Most funds held ondeposit are invested bythe bank under a fraction-al reserve banking sys-tem, and a bank with aclean balance sheet canbest weather the turbu-lence caused by marketcorrections.

Most banks are insuredby the Federal DepositInsurance Corporationfor up to $250,000 perdepositor. This value canvary depending on thetype and number ofaccounts held by a cus-tomer.

Your money should besafe in any bank, but fail-ures can occur. A solidbank should have limitedexposure to toxic assetsthat put its balance sheetat risk.

Services You NeedBanks offer a wide range

of services. Whether youneed to take out a loan oropen a checking account,choose a bank that satis-fies your concerns withthe lost cost and highestrate of return.

Careful and vigilantshoppers can expect posi-tive experiences with atrustworthy commercialbank.

How to Choose a Bank

MEMBER FDIC

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 3D

4D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

How to Choose a Tree ServiceBefore hiring a tree ser-

vice it is wise to deter-mine what work needs tobe done on all the trees onyour entire property.

Your final choice of atree service will probablydepend on whether youjust need some brokenlimbs removed, an over-grown tree trimmedback, or an entire treeremoved. Tree servicesoffer different types ofservices and have vary-ing capabilities.

Some tree services spe-cialize in saving injuredor unhealthy trees anddealing with pest infesta-tion, while others special-ize in cutting them down.Still others have the capa-bility of dealing withvery large trees compli-cated by power lines.

Tree trimming andremoval is difficult anddangerous work. Treework can, however, bedone safely and efficient-ly, if it is being done bywell-equipped, experi-enced professionals.

Here are a few tips tohelp insure that you hirewell trained, properlyequipped professionals todo the work.

1. Ask friends, familyand relatives for recom-mendations. Regardlessof whether you get areferral or need to startwith a listing in the news-paper, it is important tocheck out the servicebefore you hire them.

2. Call at least threetree services. Explain

exactly what you wantdone and get them tocome out to do a siteinspection. This givesyou the opportunity toask about issues you mayhave missed, ask as manyquestions as you wantand get a feel for the com-panies’ experience andexpertise. Take notes anduse them for the secondand third companies sothat when you make yourdecision you are compar-ing apples to apples.

3. Ask each companyhow long they have beenin business, what types ofexperience they have,whether they can providereferences, and whetherthey are licensed andinsured.

Check with the BetterBusiness Bureau for out-standing complaints.Even a reputable compa-ny will have a few prob-lems. It is how theyresolve issues thatcounts.

4. Keep in mind thatestimates can vary wide-ly from company to com-pany. Some companiesare just better equippedfor certain jobs and there-fore more competitive intheir pricing.

Sometimes a companyis slow or may be tryingto “fill in” appointmentslots with smaller jobs tokeep their crews busy. Itis unwise to choose strict-ly by price.

Tree work is danger-ous. Proper equipment,well-trained employees

and insurance createhigh operating costs. It isworth paying a littlemore to insure that thework is being done by anexperienced, well-equipped and insuredservice.

5. It is criticalthat you hire a com-pany that has insur-ance. Ask to see acopy of the policy.This coverageshould include per-sonal liability, prop-erty damage cover-age, workers’ com-pensation and dam-aged vehicles orhome coverage.

6. Ask the com-pany if they have aportfolio of theirwork. This is agreat way to see atree company’swork style andwhether or not itsuits your ownneeds. If the compa-ny has a Web sitethis is also a greatplace to view photosof a tree service’swork.

7. Always get adetailed writtenestimate of thework to be per-formed before signing acontract. A legitimatetree service will be ready,willing and able to pro-vide detailed descrip-tions of the work to beperformed, the time itwill take and the cost.

Your written estimateshould also include an

understanding of clean-up expectations. Will thecompany be haulingeverything away or leav-ing it? Are logs to be cutup and left for firewood?If they are removing anentire tree, will the

stump be ground? Willthe leaves and twigs beraked up or run througha chipper?

8. When the companyshows up to start work,watch to see if they wearproper safety gear. Thecompany’s workers onthe ground should be

wearing helmets at alltimes.

In addition, theyshould have face shieldsor protective glasses andsteel toe boots. The per-son climbing the treeshould have arborist

climbing ropes, special-ized safety and climbinggear including steel toeboots, the proper saddle,helmet and safety glasses.

This specialized gear iscritical to a problem freejob and to keeping yourproperty and the workerssafe.

Member of theNatchitoches

Parish Chamber of Commerce• Fully Insured

• General Liability &• Workman’s Comp

318.419.3076 bdctreeservice.com

BDC TREE SERVICEBDC TREE SERVICEBDC TREE SERVICETree and shrub removal is a highly technical, yet delicate task that

requires highly qualified professionals such as those at BDC Tree Service.

We are a fully insured company that provides environmentally sensible tree care to home-

owners as well as commercial, institutional and government properties.

Call us for an Estimate Today!!

In order to function atyour optimum level, youneed the proper amount ofsleep. If you are trying tosleep on an old mattressor a mattress that is toofirm or soft for your phys-ical needs, you are not get-ting the restful sleep youneed.

Sleep deprivation canaffect your mood, your jobperformance and youroverall physical health.You should definitely takethe time to shop for a mat-tress that is more comfort-able than the old or inap-propriate one you are cur-rently sleeping on. A new,better quality mattresscan improve both thequality of sleep you geteach night and your quali-ty of life each day.

Before you decide on amattress, you should con-sider the size of bed thatis most comfortable foryou. If you share a bedwith someone, you willneed to consider theirsleep requirements andphysical needs also.

Adjustable beds areideal for some couples butthey may not be an afford-able option for everyone.Keep in mind that the pur-chase of such a bed is along-term investment, sothe cost may be one thatyou can justify even if ittemporarily strains yourbudget.

Once you decide on thebest size of bed for you,

you will need to explorethe mattress options avail-able. One of the newestand very popular mattressoptions is a memory foammattress.

Today, many people pre-fer a memory foam mat-tress for its pressure-relieving comfort, abilityto conform and adapt toeach person’s body, andoutstanding motion isola-tion. Even so, traditionalmemory foam technologyhasn’t changed muchsince it was invented morethan 40 years ago. Whileit can provide great com-fort to many, others findthat memory foam mat-tresses can sleep too hot,sink in too deeply or makeit hard to adjust sleep posi-tions in the night. Isn’t itabout time that someonereinvented memory foam?

The iComfort® SleepSystem by Serta® is madewith revolutionary CoolAction™ Gel MemoryFoam - the world’s firstmemory foam infusedwith the support and cool-ing touch of Serta’sMicroSupport™ gel. Thisbreakthrough gel memoryfoam is designed to pro-vide up to 7 times morecooling comfort and up to2 times more support thanordinary memory foam,for a cooler and more com-fortable sleep experience.

What makes iComforttechnology better thanordinary memory foam?

Serta’s Cool Action GelMemory Foam is designedto feel like traditionalmemory foam...only bet-ter! What makes CoolAction material differentis the MicroSupport gel,which is infused into pre-mium memory foam tocreate an extremely com-fortable, more supportiveand cooler sleep surface.

A mattress is not anitem you want to buy with-out having the opportuni-ty to personally check itout. You need to be able totouch it, sit on it and evenlie down on it to see how itfeels to you.

There are numerousareas in bedroom designand decor where you cancut corners by purchasingbargain priced items. Thebed and the mattress youwill be sleeping on are notthe place to skimp on qual-ity.

You should buy the bestquality mattress that youcan afford. If your budgetis tight, you may need towait for stores to put themattress you want on sale,but in the long run, it willbe worth the wait.

If you have physicalpain such as back pain orneck pain or if you have

circulation problems, youmay want to seek advicefrom your physician, aphysical therapist or a chi-ropractor concerning thebest type of mattress foryour specific physical con-dition.

A mattress that con-tours to your body andadjusts according to yourbody’s temperature maybe the ideal mattress foryou. These are a goodoption when you share abed with someone. Themattress will adjustaccordingly to each indi-vidual person’s bodydesign and temperature.

Lees

‘

FURNITURE DEPOT“YOUR HOMETOWN FAMILY FURNITURE STORE”

1500 TEXAS STREETNATCHITOCHES, LA 3 1 8 - 3 5 2 - 6 6 6 1

MON - FRI 9:00-5:30 SAT. 9:00-12:00

How to Choose a MattressWeekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 5D

As with any endeavorin financial decisions,knowledge is power.Research all aspects ofautomobile sales, service,quality and financing.Make use of the materi-als available to you; theInternet, auto magazines,newspapers and discus-sions with your familyand friends.

First, having a plan ofaction will make yourautomobile buying expe-rience simple andstraightforward. It isimportant to select thetype of vehicle that meetsyour needs and wants.Follow this withresearching dealers inyour area. Lastly, explorethe financing optionsthat will be available toyou.

Choose the RightVehicle:

It is important to selectthe right kind of vehiclefor your needs andlifestyle. One of the worstmistakes you can make isattempting to shop for acar without knowingwhat you want. If youhave a large family whotravels frequently, youshould look into purchas-ing an SUV or a van toaccommodate everyone.Extended daily travelmay require a vehiclethat has a high MPG(miles per gallon) rating.If light to heavy haulingis your requirement, thena properly equippedtruck may be right for

you. Another factorto consider whendeciding on the typeof vehicle you wantto buy are the optionsthat are available forthat model. Keep inmind, the generalrule is: the moreoptions, the higherthe price. You shouldhave an idea of theamount you can rea-sonably afford to payfor the vehicle youselect.

Choose the Dealer/Dealership:

After deciding onthe type of vehicleyou want, its time tostart researching thedealers in your areathat sell the make andmodel you have decid-ed upon. Prepare alist of several possi-ble dealerships.Factors to considerare the services itprovides to its cus-tomers, its location toyou and reputation inthe community. Asmall locally owneddealership may havea limited number ofvehicles, but offerbetter, more personal,service than the largerones. Contact the dealer-ships on your list. Havein-depth conversationswith the sales representa-tives to determine if heor she is someone you arecomfortable doing busi-ness with and are infor-mative and friendly; and

if not, ask the dales man-ager to assign you toanother representativewhom you can work withto make your car buyingexperience a pleasantone. Be sure to fullyexplain your wants,needs and budget con-cerns to the sales person,so that they can find the

specific vehicles for youto consider. Be sure tofirst test-drive the vehi-cles to ensure which oneyou would be most satis-fied with.

Once you have settledon the specific vehicleyou want, it’s time tostart discussing prices.Remember, “Price isn’t

everything”; ser-vice should play arole too, sinceyou’re hopefullygoing to beginbuilding a long-term relationship,it’s not worth get-ting a less thansatisfactory expe-rience just to savea few dollars.

Choose theFinancing

Option:Make sure you

discuss currentsales, manufactur-ers rebates, anddiscounts avail-able to you. Havethe dealer finan-cial person calcu-late these optionsseveral ways todetermine whichcombinations best“fit” your budget.Remember, have aplan, do yourresearch. Ofcourse, the dealerwill need to makea profit – which isperfectly reason-able, but youshould have anidea of the priceor payment you

should pay.When you find a dealer

you can trust, the wholeexperience of buying avehicle will be a simple,low-pressure transaction.A good car dealer willmake the entire processsimple and straightfor-ward.

TOMMY STEWART OF NATCHITOCHES“We sell cars

for fun!” 214 Texas Streetwww.tommystewartgmcars.com

318-356-9000

Choosing an Automobile Dealer6D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

“We weren't born with owner's manuals unfortunately, so it's our job to

educate you in the proper care of the body, and optimum performance so

that you have the chance to optimize YOUR body's performance.”

Xcel ChiroporacticJames Arceneaux, D.C.; P.T.

Chiropractic PhysicianPhysical Therapist

(318) 357-0270102 South Drive

Natchitoches, LA 71457Email: dra@xcelchiropractic.com

www.xcelchiropractic.com

People who suffer fromback, head or neck pain,often find relief by visit-ing a chiropractor. Thesetrained professionalsbelieve that realigningyour spine will helprelieve tension through-out the body.

Treatments can alsohelp your muscles, joints,bones and ligaments.

This type of care canimprove your generalhealth as well. Somepatients discoverheadaches and other ail-ments heal after treat-ments.

Whether you are expe-riencing pain or justwant to improve youroverall well-being, you

might benefit from seeinga chiropractor.

Here are some tips forfinding the right chiro-practor to fit your needs.

QualityAccording to the

American ChiropracticAssociation, accreditedchiropractors go throughat total of at least 4,200hours of classroom, labo-ratory and clinical train-ing time combined.

The educationalrequirements are amongthe most stringent in thehealth care industry.Each student spends fouryears in a pre-medicalprogram, in addition tothe required four or five

years of professionaltraining.

This rigorous trainingensures you will receiveexpert care.

Before choosing a chi-ropractor, ask about theirtraining and credentials.

Insurance CoverageCheck with your insur-

ance company to makesure your visit is covered.Most insurance carriersinclude chiropractic careas part of their regularcoverage.

Find out if your insur-ance company offers dis-counts for choosing an“in-network” chiroprac-tor, such as a lower co-payor more affordable cover-

age.In addition, most

chiropractors offeraffordable paymentplans or low cashrates to help patientswho aren’t coveredby insurance. Evenwithout healthinsurance, manypeople still find thatchiropractic care isa cost-effectivemethod of treatmentthat gets goodresults.

Get ReferralsOne way to find a

good chiropractor isto ask your family,friends and co-work-ers for referrals. Chancesare someone you knowhas received excellenttreatment from a chiro-practor. They are usuallyhappy to share theirexperiences with you.

Ask about the chiro-practor’s demeanor andthe ease with which youcan schedule office visits.You should inquire aboutthe chiropractor's philos-ophy about health andother wellness topics.Some practitioners willalso recommend otherforms of care, includingmassage.

By taking your time tofind a good chiropractorin your area, you areguaranteeing yourselfthe affordable, conve-nient and effective healthbenefits that come fromchiropractic care.

With the cost of med-ical care skyrocketing,chiropractic care is stillrather affordable. Giventhe results it can provide,it is also usually wellworth the money.

Unlike the ridiculousamount of time spent inwaiting rooms for largedoctor’s offices, chiro-practors are usuallyquick to see theirpatients. Despite the hec-tic schedule you mayhave, they can usuallyfind a time that fits intoyour busy day.

Overall, people are sat-isfied with the care theyget from their chiroprac-tor and will gladly tellyou about it. However, thebest way to see what it islike is to try it for your-self.

How to Choose a ChiropractorWeekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 7D

Sister Sister Event PlanningElegance on a Budget!

(318) 352-222499 South Drive, Suite D • Natchitoches, LA

www.sistersistereventplanning.com

From Birthdays to Weddings and every event in between, we can plan your party,while making sure you and your guests have an unforgettable experience.

• Complete theme development, vision & overall look• On site decoration & event manager• Vendor reccomendations, selection & management• Complete event planning coordinator

How to Choose an Event PlannerHiring an event plan-

ner used to be some-thing that only thewealthy did in the past.In today’s busy worldthough, many havefound that an eventplanner is the best wayto go. An event planner

can help save money,time and a lot of stress.Before you set out tohire one though, thereare some things that youshould know beforesigning a contract.

What ConsiderationsShould be Made?

There are many differ-ent event planners thatcan be hired. On thehigher end of the spec-trum, a high-class eventplanner can plan and runthe entire event. They

will direct the event, helptake care of emergencies,and even help consultbefore the event date.

There are also plan-ners that can help withmaking your vision

become a reality. Theycan help you pick out thevendors and guide youalong the way throughconsultation sessions.This option can often be alot cheaper. Before youeven start the hunt for anevent planner, make sure

you know which path youwant to take.

How to Hire aSuccessful Event

PlannerResearch: The best

way to find an event plan-

ner is through a referral.Consider asking familyand friends if they haveany recommendations. Ifthis doesn’t work, checkreviews online to seewhat other people aresaying about planners inthe local area. It’s alwaysbest to talk with at leastthree to five peoplebefore making a finaldecision.

Interview: Firstimpressions shouldcount. If you feel that youcan connect with anevent planner, this is agood sign. Are theyfriendly? Do they seemedorganized? Does it soundlike they know what theyare talking about? Thelast thing that you’llwant to come across issomeone who you’reafraid to talk to.Remember that you’rehiring this person tolessen the stress load onyour life, not add more toit.

Commission Policy:An event planner oftenwill receive a kickbackfrom various vendorsthat they recommend orsign up. Because of thisfinder’s fee, the eventplanner may often belooking out for their ownpocketbook. While someview this as unethical,it’s best to find a plannerthat won’t be biasedtoward a certain personor company.

Qualifications of anEvent Planner

Courses: A great eventplanner will often havesome sort of qualifica-tion or participation.This course will showyou that the planner hasthe knowledge of suc-cessfully running anevent.

References: Picturethis event planner as ifyou were hiring a newemployee. Are you goingto hire an employee with-out checking references?You may, but it’s not agood idea. Consider get-ting a handful of refer-ences. These referencescan include previousclients, vendors or evencorporation. If they arehesitant to give this infor-mation, it’s best to skipthis choice.

Business History:While an event plannerdoesn’t have to be in busi-ness for 20 years to besuccessful, it’s best toknow their history. Likeany business, the longerthis business has beenaround, the more trust-worthy they may be.

It’s best to ask lots ofquestions. Write themdown ahead of time sothat you don’t forget dur-ing the interview process.The more that you knowabout this particular per-son, the easier theprocess will be. As long asyou compare at leastthree parties, you’rebound to find the bestplanner on the block.

Courtesy ofeventplanner.com

8D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Selecting a dental pro-fessional is key in main-taining one’s health andappearance. The processcan, however, prove chal-lenging, given theimpressive growth in thenumber of practitionersworking throughout thenation.

In the past, picking adentist posed little diffi-culty whatsoever. Routinecleanings, x-rays and thehandling of more com-plex dental procedureswere all the duties of thelocal dentist or the dentaloffice that was designatedby the patient’s insur-ance company.

These days, patientstend to conduct indepen-dent research in order tofind a dentist in whichthey have complete confi-dence, and one theybelieve is best able toimprove their dentalhealth in a convenient,comfortable environ-ment.

The process of select-ing a dentist shouldinclude consideration ofseveral factors. Physicallocation and hours ofoperation are key. Itmakes sense to seek adentist whose office isnear your home or work-place and operates attimes convenient to yourfamily.

Getting recommenda-tions from loved ones andcolleagues can be a greatway to identify the bestdentists.

Dental offices oftenhave their own websiteswhich include lots ofuseful facts about thepractice itself and theeducational and profes-sional backgrounds ofthose working there.

A few things toresearch on a dentaloffice’s website includethe rates to be chargedfor various types of pro-cedures, how appoint-ments are handled andwhat kinds of special-ized services are offered.

You should also try tolearn how much leadtime is usually needed inorder to make appoint-ments for teeth cleaningsand other routine proce-dures.

It is important to find adental office able to pro-vide emergency serviceswhen unexpected issuesarise. You can learnwhether a given officeoffers such services bysimply placing a call dur-ing business hours. Tryto find a practice staffedby knowledgeable, per-sonable employees.

Some basic informa-tion should be verified inregards to any prospec-tive dentist prior to aninitial visit. Check thatthey have earned thenecessary degree from areputable school and arecurrent on all licensingand continuing educa-tional requirements.Ideally, they will befamiliar with the latest

dental technologies andtrends.

Always make certainthat a prospective prac-tice accepts your dentalinsurance. The best den-tists are known for pro-viding state-of-the-art

dental care while strivingto create and maintain ahealthy, beautiful smilefor their patients.

Payment policiesshould be discussed inadvance of any proce-dure, with estimatesbeing given for any andall services. If dentalinsurance will be used,always check to be sure

your chosen dentistaccepts your coveragetype. If they do not, youmay need to find an alter-nate dentist.

Discuss payment planoptions ahead of time,especially for the most

expensive procedures.When visiting a dentist

for the first time, he orshe should be profession-al and friendly. Everydentist should be willingto answer any and allquestions pertaining tothe individual patient’sneeds and concerns.

If phobias and pain areconcerns, patients should

make that fact knownduring an initial visitwith a prospective dentistand determine what canbe done to alleviate them.Many dentists are willingto go above and beyond tocater to patients withthese specific issues.

A basic oral health his-tory should be taken bythe dentist, and possiblefuture treatment and pre-vention options should bediscussed. A good dentistwill work to make his orher patients comfortableand should have a pleas-ant chair-side manner.

First impressionsmean a lot when choosinga dentist. If the dentist,hygienists or office staffcreate an atmospherethat is anything less thanprofessional or compe-tent, a new dentist shouldbe sought.

The best dentists offerfriendly, happy dentalexperiences. They place ahigh priority on the pref-erences and concerns oftheir patients and offerexceptional, cutting-edgedental services.

Teeth are extremelyimportant to overallhealth and appearanceand should be entrustedonly to the very best den-tists. Finding a good den-tist truly is akin to find-ing a true friend withinthe dental industry whoconsistently makes ittheir goal to improve thebeauty and health oftheir patients’ smiles.

Choosing the Right DentistWeekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 9D

It's not uncommon touse a storage center dur-ing temporary situations,such as moving into anew home.

Here are some of thekey features to considerbefore selecting a storagefacility:

LOCATIONDepending on the pur-

pose of your storage andhow often you will visit,you may want to choose afacility that is close tohome or work for ease ofaccess.

SECURITYOf course, you'll want

to make sure that yourbelongings are safe forthe duration of therental. The best way toevaluate security is tovisit the facility in per-

son. If you live at a dis-tance, at least talk to aknowledgeable represen-tative over the phone. Thebest facilities have threecomponents:

1. Secure fence aroundthe edge of the property.Look for a fence that isnot easy to climb andthat, preferably, is toppedwith barbed wire to dis-courage any attempts.

2. Gated entranceguarded with a key orcode, or with a humanguard to grant or denyaccess.

UNIT SIZE &CLIMATE CONTROL

FEATURESThe size, type and num-

ber of items to store willdetermine the size of theunit needed and whetheryou require features such

as air conditioning. Forjust a couple items, somecompanies offer units assmall as 24 square feet. Ifyou're storing furnitureor a vehicle, you'll proba-bly need at least 300square feet. Storing aboat will require an evenlarger space.

And if you're storingsensitive items, such asmusical instruments,look for climate control toregulate the temperatureand humidity within thestorage unit.

HOURS OF ACCESSBefore you shop

around, determine howoften you will need toaccess your property atthe storage center.

For instance, if youplan to store items for

three months and onlyaccess them once ortwice, this may not be abig issue. But if you needthe items for a job or foryour home, then youmight need to visit theunit several times a week.

If so, then make surethe hours of operation fityour schedule easily.Some facilities offeraccess 24 hours a day,while others are onlyopen for certain hours ofthe day.

PRICEEveryone is concerned

about price, but don't letprice override other fac-tors. Don't choose a facili-ty based on the lowestprice, or you may end uppaying in other ways —such as stolen or dam-

aged items or having totake time off work tovisit your storage unit. Ofcourse, within a storagefacility, a smaller unitwill cost less to rent thana larger one.

Finally, how do you finda good storage center?One of the best ways isword of mouth: Ask yourfamily, friends and co-workers for recommenda-tions. You can also lookfor advertisements, orcheck the yellow pagesfor local listings. Beforevisiting any facilities callseveral companies to getan initial feel and tobegin narrowing yoursearch.

Before deciding on afacility, be sure to takeyour time and researchyour options carefully.

How to Choose a Storage Center

(318) 471-9001 • 332 Rapides Drive “Mill Street” • Natchitoches, LA 71457

We Provide Safe & Easy Storage to Help Simplify Your Life!

10D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 11D

Anyone interested inpurchasing their ownhome knows how excit-ing the process can be,but also how over-whelming it can some-times feel.

Locating the home ofyour dreams can be atime-consuming endeav-or, but when it happens,most purchasers areeager to close the dealas quickly as possible. Itis important, however,to remain patient as youbegin to arrange forfinancing. The key is totake as much time asnecessary to do thingsproperly and select thebest mortgage lenderfor your specific needs.

Loan professionalshave the potential tomake the home buyingprocess either very easy.When you work with alender who is dedicatedto providing great ser-vice, the process is like-ly to go smoothly.

But, if your lenderappears to be focusedprimarily on securinglarge commissions inany way they can, orpushes loan productsthat you’re not interest-ed in pursuing, youshould exercise cautionbefore proceeding.

Mortgage profession-als should be extremelyknowledgeable about a

wide variety of loanproducts and should bewilling to spend asmuch time as necessaryto explain them. Solidlenders are eager toanswer buyers’ ques-tions and take pride inguiding themthrough what canbe a confusingprocess.

The best mort-gage professionalskeep the borrow-er’s best interestsand financial prior-ities in mind whenhelping themfinance their homepurchase.

Doing someadvance researchon loan options is agreat way for home pur-chasers to measurewhether or not they aredealing with an honestmortgage professional.Knowing a bit aboutloan products before yousit down with a lendercan help you determinewhether he or she istruly concerned aboutyour needs.

Having at least someknowledge about thefinancing process willallow you to make asound assessment of themortgage professional’smotivation and decidewhether he or she is agood fit.

PURCHASER’SRIGHTS

Dealing with mounds offorms, declarations, andfinancial terminology canbe dizzying to the inexpe-rienced home buyer.However intimidating the

process may feel, greatcare must be exercised inmaking sure you under-stand everything you aresigning and the obliga-tions you are assuming.

A signature cannot beerased, and buyers mayonly have a short time —or no time at all — inwhich they can rescindtheir offer.

Even if done within thepermissible period, a pur-chaser will still likely for-feit any deposit paid ifthey do not follow throughwith the deal, and theymay also owe an addition-al amount based on theamount of the initial

mortgage payment. Thisis an expensive proposi-tion that can be avoidedsimply by exercising suffi-cient care when signingall agreements.

If a mortgage lender isrushing through the

paperwork andpressuring you toquickly execute theforms, they reallyare not doing theirjob properly. Undersuch circum-stances, the pur-chaser’s best inter-ests are beingneglected, and thelikelihood of misun-derstandings growssignificantly.

SEEK LOCALLENDERS

Finding a mortgagelender in your geographi-cal area is usually best.Because interest rates canchange on a daily basis, alocal lender is better ableto remain attuned to rapidchanges in the local hous-ing market, and willalways know how suchchanges may affect his orher clients.

A local lender alsoallows for closer monitor-ing of your loan applica-tion as they will be morereadily accessible toanswer any questions apotential home buyer mayhave along the way.

COMMUNICATE WITHYOUR LENDER

Experienced mortgagelenders take the time togain a thorough under-standing of a purchaser’slong-range financialgoals.

A good lender will wantto know how long thebuyer intends to remainin their new home. Thistype of knowledge helpsthem suggest the mort-gage products that bestsuit the borrower’s needs.If a lender fails to ask thiskind of question, the pur-chaser should consider itto be a serious a red flag.

TAKE ADVANTAGEOF PERSONALREFERRALS

Feel free to ask familymembers and friendsabout their experienceswith mortgage lenders,and if they are comfort-able recommending theprofessionals they usedfor their home loans.

Word-of-mouth recom-mendations offer a greatway to identify the verybest professionals in yourarea. Once you receive afew possible names, takethe time to verify theirprofessional backgroundsso that you will feel confi-dent in their ability toprovide the sort of qualitycustomer service youdesire.

Tips for Selecting theRight Mortgage Lender

Searching for an apart-ment can be difficult. Ittakes time to find an afford-able apartment with theamenities, location, andprice range you need.

This process can becomeeven more complicatedwhen roommates areinvolved; finding an apart-ment that meets all of yourindividual needs can takesome time. However, if youknow what you are lookingfor and do your researchahead of time, you canmake your apartmentsearch far easier.

There are two thingsthat you must establishbefore starting your apart-ment search. First, youmust determine how many

people will be sharing theapartment. Second, youneed to set a reasonable bud-get range. Knowing thesetwo factors early on willhelp you streamline yourapartment search and elimi-nate unfeasible options.

Some things to considerwhen sharing an apartmentwith others are the follow-ing: First, make sure thatthere is one bedroom perrenter, unless two peoplewant to share a room andcan get along well.

Secondly, make surethere is one bathroom forevery two renters. Finally,make sure that each personwill be able to afford theirshare of the rent and utili-ties before entering into an

agreement with them.After determining these

basics, you can begin yourapartment search. Thereare several avenues to pur-sue when looking for anapartment.

First, never underesti-mate the power of word-of-mouth. Your friends or co-workers may know of anapartment in their buildingor complex that is up forrent. Let people know youare searching for an apart-ment, and they may be ableto help you.

Second, look through thelocal newspaper for rentallistings. You should alsoconsider calling propertymanagement companiesthat may have a number of

apartments in differentbuildings available.Sometimes, you can findgood real estate magazineswith up-to-date informationabout apartments in yourarea.

Finally, online sites orother apartment searchtools can be incredibly help-ful. One thing to note is to becareful of sites that ask youto pay a fee to view listings.You should be able to findwhat you need without pay-ing a fee.

When you find a listingthat fits your budget andneeds, call or email for moreinformation. If your corre-spondence with the renteror company is positive, youand your roommates shouldbe ready to visit the proper-ty.

Visiting an apartment isthe most important aspectof your apartment search.First, you should plan toarrive early to drivethrough the neighborhood.Make sure that the areaaround the apartment isclean and feels safe.

You will also want tocheck out the parking situa-tion and make sure theapartment is not next to anynoisy nightclubs or a majorroad that will have a lot oftraffic during the nighthours. Be on the look-out forany concerns in the neigh-borhood immediately sur-rounding the apartment.

When you get to theapartment building, checkto make sure the roof, walk-ways, and hallways are in

good condition. In the apart-ment itself, you will want tolook for clean carpet, updat-ed appliances, good lighting,properly opening windows,and other maintenanceissues.

Ask if the apartmenthas already been cleanedsince the last tenant or ifthe landlord has yet to pre-pare the apartment for thenext renter. Finally, consid-er security issues. Are thelocks working properly? Doyou need a key or accesscode to enter the building?Are there security alarmsand fire alarms in the build-ing?

After viewing the apart-ment and considering thesequestions, you are ready tosit down with your room-mates and discuss the mer-its of the apartment togeth-er. Everyone must be inagreement on the apart-ment before you sign thelease. If one person haslegitimate concerns, thegroup must take those toheart.

It is very important toview a few different apart-ments to get a few differentperspectives to consider. If,after viewing a few apart-ments, you have found theright one, it is time to con-sider the lease with yourroommates.

Read the lease in full,and make sure you ask anyquestions you may havebefore signing. This canhelp you avoid any prob-lems with your apartmentin the future.

Choosing an Apartment

Welcome to Upscale Townhome Living2 Bedroom, 1-1/2 Bath, Two-Story Townhomes

Office Hours:Monday - Friday:

9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Weekends by Appointment)

388 Rue De Gabriel Natchitoches, LA 71457

CALL TODAY FOR A PRIVATE TOUR!318.238.4500

AMENITIES- 1,180 Sq Ft- Oversized Kitchens with Modern Appliances- Plush Carpeting- Two Tone Paint- Key Code Entries- Back Door Facing Beautiful Wooded Area- Internet and Cable Ready- Lots of Parking Space- Friendly Staff & 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance- Close to NSU, Shopping & Restaurants- Corporate Units Available

Fabulous Location!Off Bypass #1

between Northwestern

Hills Golf Course and NatchitochesRegional Airport.

www.themagnoliaplaceapts.com

12D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

The process of choos-ing the very best stockbroker for your needs issomething that should beundertaken with greatcare, as it can greatlyimpact your future finan-cial health.

Picking a stock brokershould be done withpainstaking deliberation,given the significantnature of the job. Beforetrusting them with yourmoney, you should takesteps to ensure that youwill receive the serviceand attention youdeserve.

Though it is impossiblefor any financial profes-sional to make complete-ly accurate stock fore-casts all of the time,input from a qualifiedprofessional can helpshape a sound investmentstrategy and maximizeprofits.

It is important to thor-oughly interview a poten-tial broker in order togain an understanding oftheir investment tech-niques and philosophy. Ifyour discussion leavesyou with a sense of confi-dence in the broker’scapabilities, he or sheought to receive strongconsideration for the jobof guiding your invest-ment strategy.

It is vital to be wary ofany broker who appears abit too slick or makesclaims that seem too goodto be true. Instead, focuson engaging the services

of someone willing to putin the time and effort nec-essary to provide youwith solid, dependableservice. Make sure youwork with a broker whois accessible wheneveryou have a question orconcern about yourinvestments.

Whenever a prospec-tive broker boasts aboutprevious successes, askfor proof. A streak ofgood luck is one thing,but a long record of solid,successful performanceis what really counts.

By examining a bro-ker’s historical results,you will be betterequipped to assess theirtrue abilities. Those withthe most skills are sure tostand apart from thecrowd.

Take full advantage ofoutside, third-party rat-ing agencies. You canalways check with theBetter Business Bureauto see if there have beenany major complaintsagainst the broker or thefirm of which he or she isa part.

You can verify thebackground of a prospec-tive broker, researchwhere they went toschool and confirm thatthey have passed theSeries 7 exam and arefully qualified to work asa stock broker.

Make sure no criminalrecord surfaces and steerclear of any broker thathas ever been accused of

churning accounts. Youwant your broker to be awell-trained, bright indi-vidual with solid values.

Another source forfinding a good stock bro-ker is to check with pro-fessionals in relatedfields. Bankers, accoun-tants and tax attorneyscan often provide youwith a recommendation

or two when it comestime to select a reputablebroker.

While the main reasonfor actually engaging theservices of a stock brokeris to manage your moneyand investments for thegreatest return, this isnot the only reason an

individual may with tohire a stock broker.

If you are essentially anewcomer to investing inthe stock market and donot wish to perform thedue diligence required tomake smart investmentchoices, a stock broker issomeone who is alwaysavailable to offer guid-ance.

It is still prudent tokeep close tabs on allyour investments, howev-er, so you will have a gen-eral picture of how yourportfolio has been per-forming.

Finally, there is no lawthat says you are obligat-ed to stick with a stock

broker no matter what.You can fire your brokerany time.

Not all brokers are cre-ated equal. Some havebetter track records thanothers. Always keep inmind that it is yourmoney, and you shouldhave ultimate controlover how it is spent.

Selecting the right

stock broker can meanthe difference between aowning a winning portfo-lio able to generate sub-stantial profits and hav-ing your assets parked inunimpressive, lacklusteraccounts that add noth-ing to your overall senseof financial security.

Selecting a Stock Broker

Shawn DailyFinancial Advisor443 2nd StreetNatchitoches, LA 71457318-352-5891

Why Go Anywhere Else?When it comes to meeting your financial goals, you really only need to see one person. At Edward Jones,

we strive to meet all your financial services needs while providing exceptional personalized service.

Because we serve individual investors and business owners, all of our energy and resources are dedicated

to helping you reach your long-term financial goals. That’s why we live and work in your community.

We meet with you face to face to discuss the key steps to creating your financial strategy.

You talk, we listen, and we get to know you.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today.

• Mutual Funds

• Fixed Income Investments

• Individual Retirement Accounts

• Annuities

• Online Account Access

• Retirement Plan Rollovers and Consolidation

• Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 13D

Real Estate Agent vs.Realtor

First, what’s the differ-ence between a real estateagent and a Realtor? Areal estate agent may ormay not be a Realtor, butevery Realtor is requiredto be a licensed realestate agent.

To become a Realtor, areal estate agent has tojoin the NationalAssociation of Realtors

(NAR); this allows him orher to attend industrymeetings, receive NARnewsletters, and accesssoftware and educationaltools.

Choosing a Realtorgives you the peace ofmind of working withsomeone who has beentrained well, who hassolid knowledge of thereal estate business, andwho is bound by a strictcode of ethics.

Enlist the help of a rep-utable Realtor and real

estate agency when youbuy or sell a home. Theagent and agency thatyou choose can make thedifference between sell-ing your house for theasking price or settlingfor the best offer on thetable.

That’s thousands ofdollars of your money atstake.

Investigate the reputa-tion of an agency before

you retain theirservices. Whatdo their pastclients say aboutthem?

Rely on theexperience offamily and neigh-bors. Theiradvice will helppoint you in thedirection of a

reputable agency.Find out how long an

agency has been doingbusiness in the area. Onethat has been establishedfor a long time is prefer-able, but newer ones maywork harder to sell yourhome, too.

A real estate agencyrun as a side businessfrom a private home maynot be able to devoteenough time to showingyour home. They’re notnecessarily bad but maylack the time and experi-

ence to get the results youwant.

Phone a few agenciesthat look as though theymight be good choices foryou. Ask them a few ques-tions about their listings,related fees and commis-sions. If an agency seemsto place too much empha-sis on what they get out ofthe deal rather on how itwill market and sell yourhome, you probably wantto move on to the nextbusiness on your list. Itshould be all about youand your home.

You will be spendingmost of your time withthe real estate agent youchoose, but his or heragency can also affect thesale or purchase of yournext home. Choose anagency with plenty oflocal connections, a keenunderstanding of theneighborhoods that inter-est you and has solid con-tacts with other realtycompanies.

This assumes majorimportance when you’reselling your currenthouse, because theagency usually handlesthe sale while the Realtorhelps you find your newone.

How an agency adver-tises its listings and howit handles the sales

process is what makes itdifferent from other realestate agencies.

This can greatly influ-ence the sale of yourhome and how much youwill be paid for it.

While they look similarat first glance, real estateagencies may have a pref-erence in the kinds ofproperties they show orsell. Some might be morefamiliar with commercialproperties while othersare great at selling high-end homes. You’ll want todo business with one thatconcentrates on sellinghomes similar to yours.

Browse the agency’slistings beforehand to seeif your home meshes wellwith their existing list-ings. Examine how thelistings themselves aredisplayed to see if you, asa prospective buyer,would find them easy toread yet informative.

Size matters whenyou’re choosing a realestate agency. Whilesmaller agencies may beable to dedicate moretime to the sale of yourhome, they may not havethe networking advan-tages of larger agencies.A larger agency’s agentshave more opportunitiesto network and sell yourhome.

On the other hand, youmay not get the personal-ized attention you getwith a smaller agency.The difference mightnudge you in either direc-tion for the wrong rea-sons.

There are several ques-tions that you should beprepared to ask whenselling a home:

— What advertisingmethods will be used tosell my home? Will theagency use the Internetand newspapers?

— How many picturesof my house will appearonline?

— On which sites willmy home be displayed?

— Can you see exam-ples of other homes thathave recently been sold inyour price range?

— How long have hasthe agency been sellinghomes in my neighbor-hood?

— What makes youragency different from theothers?

Buying and selling ahome are probably thetwo biggest financialdecisions you’ll evermake during your life-time. Protect your invest-ment and your happinessby selecting the best realestate agency you canfind.

How to Choose a Real EstateAgency & Realtor

REALTOR®

Bolton Realty318-354-0404

Brad FergusonReal Estate

318-354-7253

Realty USA318-354-1200

Bolton Realty318-354-0404

Brad FergusonReal Estate

318-354-7253

Realty USA318-354-1200

Cane Heritage Realty318-357-8220

Gloria J. CannadayReal Estate LLC

318-214-2126

Capitol Realty of Natchitoches LLC

318-356-9052

Cane Heritage Realty318-357-8220

Gloria J. CannadayReal Estate LLC

318-214-2126

Capitol Realty of Natchitoches LLC

318-356-9052

We’re Here to Help!

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The Voice for Real Estate®

StraughanReal Estate

318-648-0980

Sutton Agency318-352-6267

Collins and StameyReal Estate

318-357-1262

United Country/Edgar Gaddis Realty

318-932-3333

StraughanReal Estate

318-648-0980

Sutton Agency318-352-6267

Collins and StameyReal Estate

318-357-1262

United Country/Edgar Gaddis Realty

318-932-3333Independently Owned & Operated

®

14D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

USED CAR SALESBUY-SELL-TRADE

www.drivejacksonauto.com

CLAY JACKSON cjackson@cp-tel.net

1300 Washington StreetNatchitoches, LA 71457

(318) 354-2277FAX (318) 354-8118

You work hard for yourmoney, so you don’t wantto pay more for a used carthan necessary. And youdon’t want to be stuckwith a clunker you can’treturn.

The dealer is entitled tomake a decent profit, butyou don’t want to overpay.Make sure you have agood idea of what thevehicle you want to buyshould cost before youeven set foot on the deal-ership.

Follow these tips tochoose a good used cardealer:

Choose Your VehicleDon’t shop for a used

vehicle without firstknowing what you want.If you don’t know theexact make and model, atleast narrow it down toautomobile type. Do youwant a sports car, an SUV,a pickup truck or a van?Make up your mind earlyin the process so youdon’t waste time visitingdealerships that don’t sellthe type of used car youwant.

Search the "BlueBook"

Next, decide how muchyou want to spend. Searchthe Kelly Blue Book(http://kbb.com) or theNADA Guides(http://nada.com/) for ageneral idea of pricerange you are shootingfor.

Also search newspa-

pers and the Internet tosee the asking prices forcars that you're interestedin.

Talk to Friendsand Family

Your friends and familymembers who purchaseused cars are a greatsource of information onreliable dealers. Theyhave experience with whotreated them right – andwho didn’t – and are thebest people to trust.

If you get more thanone positive review of adealer during yourresearch, make sure to

check the dealer out.

Make AppointmentsMake a list of dealer-

ships you want to visit. Inaddition to the ones

you’ve gathered fromfamily and friends, checkout the phone book andonline Iistings.

Call and make appoint-ments to visit and talk to asalesperson. Also askabout financing and anyextended warranties theymight offer.

Try to make appoint-ments with all the dealer-ships on your list. Youshould compare as manyas possible so you canavoid making a hasty,uninformed decision.

Visit the DealershipsStop by each dealership.

Look for cars that matchthe type you are looking

for. Talk to the salesper-son to ensure he or she issomeone you are comfort-able dealing with.

Ask about financing,warranties, maintenanceand past owner reports.

Don’t buy on the firstvisit. Take a business cardand move on to the nextdealership.

After you have visitedall the dealerships,research customerreviews of the ones youwere most impressedwith. You’ll find the bestdealership by narrowingit down to the one whowill offer you the best dealand who has gotten thebest customer reviews.

How to Choose a Used Car DealerWeekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 15D

16D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Pharmacies havechanged a lot over theyears. In the past, phar-macies were usuallysmall neighborhoodstores where the employ-ees knew your name. Theselection mightnot have beenthe best, but thecustomer ser-vice they pro-vided wasalways excel-lent.

These days,p h a r m a c i e shave grown. Inmany cases,they haveturned intolarge, corporatestores. Withtheir expansionin size has alsocome an expan-sion in the typeof products theycarry. No longer sellingonly medicine or medicalrelated supplies, thesepharmacies have turnedinto small retailers.

Along with pharmaceu-tical goods, many ofthese stores also carry avariety of groceries, inthe hope of creating forits customers a one-stopplace to shop.

Unfortunately, notevery pharmacy has keptits focus on its customers.As pharmacies havechanged, it has becomemore important thanever to sift out the good

pharmacies from the bad.When deciding on whichpharmacy you want ser-vicing your prescriptionneeds, there are severalimportant factors to con-sider.

AVAILABILITYOne of the factors to

consider is the pharma-cy’s hours of operation.Stores that are only openduring regular businesshours will not be veryhelpful if you or yourloved one gets sick afterhours.

Try finding a pharma-cy with business hoursthat are convenient foryou. If you look hardenough, you are sure tofind a pharmacy in yourcity that is open 24 hours.

Unfortunately, it is thelarger corporate chain

stores that are likely tobe the ones open late.Smaller, locally ownedpharmacies may havemore limited hours, buttend to provide more per-sonalized service than

the largerstores.

Regardlessof the phar-macy youchoose, it isalways agood idea toknow wherea 24-hourpharmacy islocated incase of a late-night emer-gency.

LOCATIONA pharma-

cy’s locationis just asimportant as

its hours of operation.Using a pharmacy that isclose to your house is notonly convenient, butmakes purchasing yourpharmaceutical needsmuch easier.

You may even be able tofind a store that is onyour way home fromwork or school, allowingyou to quickly and easilystop and pick up yourmedication on your wayhome.

It is also useful to havea pharmacy that is only afew minutes away, in casesomeone in your family

becomes sick in the mid-dle of the night.

DRUG COVERAGEOne of the most impor-

tant factors to considerwhen choosing a phar-macy is whether theyaccept your prescriptiondrug plan, since notevery pharmacy acceptsevery kind of insurance.

If you have insurancethat covers prescriptiondrug costs, it is a goodidea to call ahead tomake sure they take thetype of insurance youcarry. Even if the phar-macy has convenienthours and is convenient-ly located, these advan-tages mean nothing ifyou are going to have topay out of pocket.

For people whoseinsurance offers little tono prescription coverage,it is smart to contact thestores in your area andask about their policiesregarding prescriptiondiscounts.

Many pharmacies arenow offering lower priceson various generic ver-sions of medications,some of which may bemedications that youtake. By using a pharma-cy that offers prescrip-tion drug discounts, youcan save a good deal ofmoney.

Older patients who areon Medicare should bealso careful when decid-

ing on a pharmacy. Checkwith potential pharma-cies in your area to see ifthey accept your specificMedicare Part D plan.

As there are manyoptions available onMedicare Part D plans, itis vital to make sure thepharmacy you select iswilling to work with yourMedicare plan in order tocover the medicationsyou need.

SERVICEOne last thing to con-

sider when picking apharmacy is the cus-tomer service they offer.As previously men-tioned, smaller neighbor-hood pharmacies arequickly becomingreplaced by larger corpo-rate owned pharmacies,so it is important to finda store where you feel athome.

Do the pharmacistsand staff remember yourname? Does the pharma-cist take the time toanswer any questionsyou might have aboutyour medication?Finding a pharmacy staffthat is knowledgeable,helpful and friendly cango a long way.

While it may not beeasy to find a pharmacythat meets each of thesecriteria, with a littleresearch you should beable to find one that fitsyour needs.

- -

- -

How to Choose a Pharmacy

When you are tired or sick: there's no other place in the world you would rather be than at home. That is some-thing we at MOSS HOME HEALTH believe should be a top consideration when exploring care options for ouraging or ill loved ones. It is a difficult transition for vibrant, independent adults to admit they are no longer ableto care for themselves 100 percent of the time. This ability to stay at home and recover from surgery or an illness,or even to learn how to live with a new diagnosis, is what we offer through the services of MOSS HOMEHEALTH.If your answer is "yes" to one .01' more of these questions, ask your doctor if home health is the right choice foryou:

Have you been to the doctor more than twice in one month?Do you need help understanding your diagnosis and medications?

Have you fallen recently and have trouble walking?Do you need help bathing and getting dressed?

Are you a newly diagnosed diabetic and do not understand diabetes?Have you recently been diagnosed with CHF or heart disease?

Have you recently had surgery?Are you considering having surgery?

Have you had an accident and need therapy and assistance?Have you been diagnosed with arthritis?

Have you recently had orthopedic surgery?Every patient has the right to choose the home health agency they would like to have in their homes. Very impor-tant information in making that decision would include these things that MOSS HOME HEALTH is happy to beable to provide:

CHAP (Community Healthcare Accreditation Program) AccreditedThis is a method of survey that holds this company to a higher standard. Accreditation is something very fewother agencies in our area offer.

Medicare CertifiedMedicaid Certified

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Preferred ProviderVA accepted

Celebrating our 20th year in business, MOSS HOME HEALTH is locally owned by LSU graduate and former Navypetty officer, George Moss. WE ARE NOT A LARGE FACE-LESS CORPORATION. We are a family business andour motto since 1992 has been “Our Family Caring for Your Famiy”' and we mean just that. Our office inNatchitoches is located on the Highway One Bypass directly in front of Mariners Restaurant. We are open from8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and are on-call for our patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Giveour friendly, local staff a call for free information regarding whatever you want to know about home health ser-vices. We’ll be excited to hear from you!

There’s No Place Like Home...

Founded on the principle of providing the best patient care possible, our focus is FAMILY. The professional staff at

is dedicated to helping your doctor help you remain and recover in your own home.

has been caring for patients across North Central Louisiana since 1992.

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 17D

18D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Cosmetics today arebeing permanentlyapplied through a processknown by the medicalprofession as dermapig-mentation; this process

evolved from the ancientart of tattooing.Advanced CosmeticT e c h n i q u e s ,www.PermanentMakeup

Studio.com, is located inNatchitoches onUniversity Parkway,across fromNorthwestern StateUniversity.

A wide range of proce-dures have been offeredfor more than twenty-four years; including per-manent eyebrows, eyelin-

er, eye shadow, cheekcolor/blusher, lip linerand complete lip tint.Dark circles under theeyes can be camouflaged,as well as scars from an

injury or surgery, such asface lift scars and burnscars. In the eyebrow andeyelash area, this processis used to replace missing

hairs; the effects arequite pleasing and actual-ly simulate hair growthto the point that one can-not tell, without touchingthe pigmented area, that

it is not real hair.Owner, Jennifer

A d k i n s ,Artist/Technician, KarenFord, and their associates

strive to ensure everyclient the individualattention necessary toachieve their desiredresults. Benefits of per-manent cosmetics for theaverage person includeincreased confidence anda time saving conve-nience. To spend time dayafter day applying con-ventional makeup, only,to have it disappear whenyou swim, exercise orperspire, is frustratingand can be embarrassing.Makeup that won’tsmudge, smear, or washoff, eliminates this wasteof time and provides amore natural look aswell.

Their artistic abilityand knowledge of theskin have played animportant role in theirsuccess and the highstandards they set forthemselves havebrou7ght them widespread respect and recog-nition. They are consid-ered experts in their fieldand have appeared onseveral national televi-sion talk shows such asOprah, Joan Rivers,Montel Williams,Lifetime’s “Attitudes,”and WWOR’s “9Broadcast Plaza.”

Anyone interested inscheduling an appoint-ment for a complimenta-ry consultation (no oblig-ation) may call 318-352-4983.

Complimentary Consultation Natural Looking Make-upThat Won’t Smear, Smudge or Wash off

permanentmakeupstudio.com (318)352-4983110 University PkwyFree Brochure!

Eyebrows • Eyeliner • EyeshadowRepigmentation • Lipcolor • Blush

Trust Your Face in the hands of experience...

Applying Makeup For 23 Years

Jennifer Adkins, Owner

Today’s Permanent Cosmetics

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 19D

Travel Place(318) 352-8600

1 (800) 444-1836www.travelplace.biz

Call Us To Book Your Fun Vacation

THE TRAVEL PLACE242-B KEYSER AVENUE

#106 (Mailing)BEECHWOOD ESTATES

NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457318-352-8600 or 800-444-1836

Email: mfleming@trav-elplace.biz or

Fax: 318-352-3024www.travelplace.biz

Summer time is trav-eling time. This is thetime for families whoare teachers or havechildren in school tomake time for a shorttrip or an extended stay.

Many resorts havechildren’s programsfrom small children toteenagers. Most of thecruise lines also havechildren and teen pro-grams which are wellplanned and enjoyed byall ages. This is a greatway for the adults toenjoy adult activitieswhile the children are

in a different area ofthe resort or cruiseship.

Summer time is also atime for familyreunions and alumnireunions. Group travelis very popular for peo-ple who want to travelwith family or friends oflike interests. All inclu-sive resorts are one wayto save on food andmany activities offeredby the resort.

Cruise lines from ourarea who offer childrenprograms are Carnivaland Norwegian fromNew Orleans andGalveston. RoyalCaribbean sails in ourarea in late fall, winter,and early spring.

Disney Cruise Line andPrincess offers sailingsfrom Galveston at cer-tain times of the year.

Disney World is a hitwith most families dur-ing the summer whetherthey are driving or fly-ing. The new Art ofAnimation Resort is agreat family resortonsite as well many oth-ers in the Value Resortcategory class to theDeluxe categories.

Call The Travel Placefor more information onresort destinations orcruises. The TravelPlace is a member ofIATAN (International

Air Traffic AssociationNetwork), CLIA (CruiseLines InternationalAssociation) andVacation.com (a U. S.and Canadian consor-tium of travel agencies).

The agency has beenin business since 1981,and was a storefrontoperation until the fallof 2009, and at that timebecame a home-basedagency. Home-basedagencies have grown innumber for severalyears.

Call for an appoint-ment or email yourinquiries.

Choosing a Travel Agent20D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Brittanie TedderBranch ManagerNatchitoches HLE

Hertz Local Edition105 Ralph StrretNatchitoches, LA

71457318 352 6562

Compare rates onrental agency and travelwebsites. Be sure thatany “deals” really are

deals: Manager Special’sand weekend rates areusually about 40 percentcheaper than the regular

weekly rates at Hertz. Asking for AARP-mem-

ber discounts could saveyou up to 20 percent,while AAA and travel loy-alty programs can alsotrim costs.

C h e c k i n gwww.hertz.com for dis-counts and special pro-motions and educatingyourself on the optionalservices Hertz offers,including 100% peace ofmind driving.

Consider collectingyour car at your localneighborhood Hertz totake advantage of freecustomer pickup service.

Hertz now offers flexiblerefueling services, takeadvantage of FuelPurchase Option at timeof rent and if you happento find a cheaper price wewill remove the originalpurchase of the fuel.

Depending upon theprice at the pump Hertz isusually cheaper per gal-lon, talk about a SAV-INGS!

Booking early givesyou flexibility — both interms of choice and pric-ing. Longer lead timesmean more availablecars, a broader selectionand better rates.

Arrive early, or at leaston time, when returninga rental car.

Back to the 100% per-cent peace of mind dri-ving, mentioned earlier.Why not make your tripworry free? Takingadvantage of our

Complete ProtectionPlan, it not only coversthe Hertz vehicle (regard-less of fault) but it coversprimary liability cover-age for you, your passen-gers, some of yourbelongings and premiumroad service.

Still hesitant, all ofover coverage plans areavailable not just in theComplete Package but,

individually as well sofeel free to mix and min-gle any of our coverageoptions to suit yourneeds.

Most, of our vehiclesoffer UNLIMITEDmileage. Yes, not just insome states almost ANY-WHERE in the US. Ourfleets are diverse andcarry most of the topbrands of vehicles. Let ustake you on your nextJourney!

Hertz Car Rentals Do’s Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 21D

“You matter because ofwho you are. You matterto the last moment ofyour life, and we will doall we can , not only tohelp you die peacefully,but also to live until youdie.”

—Dame CicelySaunders

What is hospice care?In its earliest days, the

concept of hospice wasrooted in the centuries-old idea of offering aplace of shelter and rest,or “hospitality” to wearyand sick travelers on along journey. In 1967,Dame Cicely Saunders atSt. Christopher’s Hospicein London first used theterm “hospice” todescribe specialized carefor dying patients. Today,hospice care provideshumane and compassion-ate care for people in thelast phases of incurabledisease so that they maylive as fully and comfort-ably as possible.

Hospice is a philosophyof care. The hospice phi-losophy or viewpointaccepts death as the finalstage of life. The goal ofhospice is to helppatients live their lastdays as alert and pain-free as possible. Hospicecare tries to managesymptoms so that a per-son’s last days may bespent with dignity andquality, surrounded bytheir loved ones. Hospiceaffirms life and neitherhastens nor postpones

death. Hospice caretreats the person ratherthan the disease; it focus-es on quality rather thanlength of life. Hospicecare is family-centered —it includes the patientand the family in makingdecisions.

This care is planned to

cover 24 hours a day, 7days a week. Hospicecare can be given in thepatient’s home, a hospi-tal, nursing home, or pri-vate hospice facility.Most hospice care in theUnited States is given inthe home, with familymembers or friends serv-ing as the main hands-oncaregivers. Because ofthis, a patient gettinghome hospice care must

have a caregiver in thehome with them 24 hoursa day.

Hospice care is usedwhen you can no longerbe helped by curativetreatment, and you areexpected to live about 6months or less if the ill-ness runs its usual

course. Hospice gives youpalliative care, which istreatment to help relievedisease-related symp-toms, but not cure thedisease; its main purposeis to improve your quali-ty of life. You, your fami-ly, and your doctor decidetogether when hospicecare should begin.

One of the problemswith hospice is that it isoften not started soon

enough. Sometimes thedoctor, patient, or familymember will resist hos-pice because he or shethinks it means you’re“giving up”, or thatthere’s no hope. This isnot true. If you get betteror the cancer goes intoremission, you can be

taken out of the hospiceprogram and go intoactive treatment. Youcan go back to hospicecare later, if needed. Butthe hope that hospicebrings is the hope of aquality life, making thebest of each day duringthe last stages ofadvanced illness.

Hospice has experi-enced extraordinarygrowth with more than

3,000 hospices now serv-ing people in every stateof the union and theDistrict of Columbia.

Bringing death outinto the open and mak-ing sickness and loss atime of sharing andremembrance is diffi-cult. Yet those who

choose hospice find thespecialness of caring fora loved one and the rich-ness of sharing memo-ries of youth, trials andjoys a rewarding experi-ence never to be forgot-ten.

For more informationabout hospice care callHospice of Natchitochesat 318-214-0944 or visitwww.hospiceofnatchi-toches.com

Caring Hands, Compassionate Hearts

Hospice of Natchitoches340 Second Street • Natchitoches, LA 71457(318)214-0944 or toll free 1(877)253-0006www.hospiceofnatchitoches.com

Choosing a Hospice Care22D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

How Does DebtConsolidation Work?

Debt consolidationusually involves takingout a low interest loan ata fixed rate to reducemonthly payments. Thisoften entails rollingmany smaller loanamounts into one. Anasset is used as collater-al for the new consoli-dated loan. The mostcommonly used asset isyour home. This meansthat if you default on theloan, you agree to allowthe house to be sold tocollect the remainder ofthe funds. This methodof debt management isusually secured to payoff student loans orcredit card debt that car-ries large interest ratesthat may increase fre-quently. There are prosand cons to debt consoli-dation.

The Positive Side ofDebt ConsolidationOn the positive side, it

allows you to pay downthe principal amountfaster. As a result, creditscores may increase.This is especially usefulwhen you are trying tosecure a mortgage tobuy a home. The consoli-dation takes many small

payments, with variablehigh interest rates androlls them into onemonthly payment with alower interest rate. Thistakes away the stresscaused by trying to man-age many payment duedates to avoid late fees.The smaller paymentmakes it easier for mostpeople to create a budgetthey can stick to.

Debt consolidationloans often extend theoriginal terms of a loan.If the balance wouldhave been due in sixmonths, the deadline canbe moved back to 12 or 18months without penalty.If a home equity loan isinvolved, the interestmay be tax deductible.

The Negative Side ofDebt ConsolidationOne of the disadvan-

tages to this type of pro-gram is that it does notteach you new habits, itjust enables you to con-tinue the bad spendinghabits that have alreadybeen established. If youdon’t stop using yourexisting cards, debt willcontinue to build andyour credit may be nega-tively affected.

Debt consolidationdoes not work for every-

one. Many people believethat a consolidated loanis easy to get. While thatmay have been true atone time, it is not today.If your credit is still ingood standing, it may bethe most appropriateoption. Though themonthly payments andinterest rate has beenreduced, the amount duehas not. This means thatthe loan has beenstretched out which willpossibly take years torepay. It is only shiftingthe debt from immediateto long-term. Many peo-

ple find debt settlementmore appropriate fortheir situation.

HOW CITY BANKCAN HELP YOU?

We encourage you tostop by any of our fivebranch locations tolearn more about howCity Bank & TrustCompany can help youconsolidate your debt.Our officers are avail-able to provide you withfriendly, hometownbanking and can helpyou with any of yourpersonal banking needs.

LOCATIONS:Main Branch-146 Rue St. Denis Street(318) 352-4416

University Branch-600 University Parkway(318) 357-3722

Keyser Avenue Branch-430 Keyser Avenue(318) 357-3729

Campti Branch-3180 Highway 71(318) 476-3723

Many Branch-315 San Antonio Avenue(318) 256-4416

DEBT CONSOLIDATION: THE PROS AND CONS

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 23D

Whether you are new tothe area, have switchedfaiths or are simplyreturning after a longabsence, you may findyourself looking for anew church.

Selecting a church canbe an overwhelming andoften daunting task.

If you are looking for anew church, plan to visitseveral congregations.Attend services and findthe ones that most suityour spiritual needs. Gowith a positive attitude,do some research and askquestions of the parish-ioners.

The first thing anyoneneeds to understand isexactly what a church is.A church is a group oflike-minded individualswho share a set of reli-gious beliefs. The mem-bers of a church are oftena community within acommunity, offering sup-port, encouragement andassistance to each other.

The church communityworships together at settimes but also learnstogether. Growing in yourfaith should be one ofyour main goals inattending church ser-vices. A church “home”can be incredibly benefi-cial to your spiritual life.

When searching for achurch, pray to God forguidance. Ask God tohelp you find the rightchurch to call home.

Next, determine whatkind of church you arelooking for. Is a formal

setting important to you?Perhaps you are lookingfor a less-formal, moremodern church withenergetic sermons. Willyou be comfortable in amega-church, or do yourequire a smaller, moreintimate setting?

Are you of a particularfaith? If you’re aMethodist, Baptist orLutheran, finding achurch that is in linewith your beliefs and val-ues will be important.Would you, instead, pre-fer a non-denomination-al, experimental church?

Knowing the answersto these questions sillnarrow your search for achurch and help youavoid pointless visits.

Once you’ve decidedwhat you want in achurch, do someresearch. Look in yourlocal newspaper, theYellow Pages, online ordrive around your cityand see what’s available.Most local newspapershave listings of servicesthat can help you decidewhere to attend.

Ask friends, relativesand co-workers whatchurch they attend. Manypeople are happy to bringalong a friend, andchurches welcome guestswith open arms. This is aparticular benefit if youare shy or uncomfortablein new situations; havinga friend along can put youat ease.

When you visit achurch for the first time,

gather as much informa-tion as you can. Speak topeople sitting next to you,and speak to the pastorafter the service has con-cluded. Take home anyliterature offered.

Reflect deeply afteryour church visits. Doesthe church’s statement ofbelief fall in line withyour own beliefs?If not, scratchthat church off ofyour short list.

Did the churchyou attendedoffer opportuni-ties to getinvolved in yourcommunity? Ifvolunteer work isimportant to you,you will want tofind a churchthat plays anactive role in thec o m m u n i t y.Whether it isthrough soupkitchens, home-less shelters oreven the localparks, manychurches play abig part in theircommunities.

Was thechurch you visit-ed comfortable?Did you feel atease when youwere there, orwere you itchingto leave? Did thepastor hold yourattention or didyou find yourmind wander-ing?

Ultimately, choosingthe right church is veryimportant. Choose aplace of worship whereyou and your family willbe comfortable.

Knowing what isimportant to you andyour family will help youchoose the right church.Because worship and

spirituality can be deeplypersonal, don’t feel asthough different mem-bers of the family can’tattend different church-es.

If you feel that God isworshiped and present inthe church you’ve cho-sen, you know that you’vemade the right decision.

How to Choose a Church24D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Finding the right finan-cial advisor for your situa-tion is essential for yourfinancial health. Think ofit this way: Choosing afinancial advisor who’sright for your specificfinancial situation is simi-lar to choosing the rightnutrition program for yourspecific body type.

THINGS TO KEEPIN MIND

Since not every diet pro-gram is suited for your spe-cific health and wellnessneeds, not every financialadvisor is suited for yourfinancial wellness needs.You want to be able to relyon your financial advisor’sadvice when it comes totrimming your expendi-tures and what to do to savefor retirement the sameway you rely on your doctorfor keeping your body trimand fit.

Be sure to do your home-work before starting a rela-tionship with a financialadvisor.

Before making a choice,perform a backgroundcheck on the financial advi-sors on your list and reviewtheir credentials. Yourfinancial advisor must havethe necessary training froman accredited institutionand the prescribed certifi-cation for your state inorder to be a true financialadvisor.

Ask yourself the follow-ing questions:• How many years of expe-rience does the financial

advisor have?• Have any complaints beenfiled against the financialadvisor?• What awards, if any, hasthe financial advisorreceived?• Can the financial advisorprovide concrete proof of asatisfied clientele?

Answers to these ques-tions are key when search-ing for a financial advisorwho will meet your specificneeds.

AREAS OF EXPERTISEThere’s a complete buffet

of financial products thatcan contribute to yourfinancial well-being.Everything from bonds tomutual funds and com-modities to stocks are com-mon investing tools.However, depending uponyour appetite for risk, someinvestment vehicles are bet-ter for your portfolio thanothers. You want to find afinancial advisor who’s anexpert in customizing afinancial plan for your ben-efit, not for your detriment.

Consider the specific seg-ment of the market inwhich you want to investyour money. Look for afinancial advisor specializ-ing in that particularinvestment type. For exam-ple, you might want toinvest in the commoditiesmarket. If your potentialfinancial advisor has littleexperience in the commodi-ties market, consider a dif-ferent choice on your candi-date list.

RATE OF SUCCESSTake a look at the rate of

success each potential can-didate has. Has the rate ofreturn of his recommenda-tions outpaced the averagemarket rate of return overthe last year, five years, orten years? One indicator ofa solid rate of return is howwell a financial advisor con-ducts research to strengthenhis clients’ portfolios.

Here’s where experienceplays an important role.This is especially importantin tough economic times.How well has your financialadvisor-candidate weath-ered past economic reces-sions for his clients? Do hisclients continue to thrive ina bleak financial environ-ment? On the other hand,have his clients experiencedmultiple hits to their portfo-lios?

That’s why an advisor’ssuccess is well worth yourconsideration.

FEES ORCOMMISSIONS?

Ask your financial advisorabout her compensation. Isshe fee-based or commis-sion-based? That will makea difference in your finalselection. After all it’s yourmoney you’re investing, notyour financial advisor’smoney.

A commission-based advi-sor is more apt to suggestfinancial products thatfavor her compensation.Such a situation could need-lessly increase your expo-sure to market risk. Only go

with a commission-basedadvisor if she has a proventrack record of success andhas your best interest inmind.

If you feel the need to guar-antee that your best interestwill be served, go with a fee-based advisor. A fee-basedadvisor is compensated onlyfor the time spent on servic-ing your portfolio.

INTERVIEWFinally, make arrange-

ments to meet the top candi-dates on your financial advi-

sor list. Get a feel for howthe financial advisor willtreat you as his or her client.Will he act condescendingtoward you and your ideas?Will she have the heart of ateacher when addressingyour concerns? A good wayto do that is to ask directquestions regarding experi-ence, services and financialproducts offered, and the feeschedule. How your finan-cial advisor-candidateanswers your questions willgive you a solid idea ofwhich one is right for you.

Choosing a Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Certified Financial PlannerTM

Registered Financial Assistant

www.crossfinancialgroupllc.com

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 25D

Estate P lanning T ips

It is a common miscon-ception that only wealthypeople need to worryabout estate planning.However, this is most defi-nitely not the case.

Regardless of your cir-cumstances, whether youare rich or poor, old oryoung, you really shouldcreate a plan for the han-dling of your property andother assets in the eventyou die unexpectedly.

Not having a soundestate plan can result inlegal difficulties, greatinconvenience, unneces-sary taxation and familystrife. Taking the time toconsult with estate plan-ning professionals canhave a significant impact

on your lasting legacy.Keeping those thoughts

in the forefront, also con-sider the following tips forcreating a sound, logicalestate plan.

SEEK LEGALCOUNSEL

Though boilerplate,online will drafting formsare certainly easy to find,the majority of peoplewould be wise to consultwith an estate planningprofessional.

The best estate plans arethose drafted with theassistance of an experi-enced lawyer who can cre-ate documents writtenwith your specific circum-stances in mind.

Everyone should have awill, regardless of age,but that only representsone piece of a solid, com-prehensive estate plan.You should also thinkabout having a living willdrafted, assigning powerof attorney, and possiblyestablishing a trust.

Each of these thingsshould be done in consul-tation with a seasonedlawyer who has a solidhistory of developingestate plans for thosewhose situations are sim-ilar to yours.

LIFE INSURANCEPOLICIES

You may wish to enter-tain the notion of pur-chasing a life insurancepolicy that can be used tocare for loved ones in theevent of your death.

The life insurance mar-ket offers a wide range ofoptions, only some ofwhich will make sensefor your situation. It iswise to consult with aprofessional who canguide you through thepossibilities and help youmake a suitable choice.

Many people gravitatetoward term life insur-ance policies becausethey are generally lessexpensive than othertypes of coverage, thoughthere are other options toconsider. Whole life poli-cies, annuities and otherinsurance vehicles maybe appropriate for yourcircumstances.

In some cases, policiestend to benefit the sales-person more than they dothe customer, so due dili-gence is required.

In any event, it isimportant that you takethe time to learn aboutany insurance policy youdecide to purchase. If youfeel any sense of hesita-tion or confusion, seekthe advice of another pro-fessional or do additionalresearch so that you feelcompletely certain youare choosing the best pol-icy for your needs.

FUNERALEXPENSES

Today’s funerals rou-tinely cost tens of thou-sands of dollars. Whenyou factor in the cost ofthe burial plot, services,officiants and everythingelse that goes into afuneral, the bills canquickly become quite sig-nificant.

That’s why it is impor-tant to plan ahead tocover your funeralexpenses. You don’t wantto leave your familyresponsible for largebills.

Fortunately, in additionto traditional life insur-ance policies, there areother options available tokeep from leaving yourfamily with a large finan-cial burden. Pre-paidfuneral plans are a popu-lar choice, or you couldsimply purchase yourburial plot in advance so

that one major task willbe handled well beforeyour passing.

It may be uncomfort-able to think about, but itis something that must beaddressed as part of asolid estate plan. Visitfuneral homes in yourarea to discuss the typesof prepayment optionsthey offer.

COMMUNICATIONIS KEY

Finally, an importantpart of an estate plan iscommunicating withyour family about whatthey can expect to receiveas part of the estate. Youshould be frank withthem and, while you don’tnecessarily have to gointo every detail, theyshouldn’t be too sur-prised by the size andnature of the inheritancethey receive after yourdeath. Many estate dis-putes and heartache canbe avoided by simplyengaging in open commu-nication. This is anotherarea in which a goodestate planner can behelpful. Estate planningis their professionalfocus, and that includesthe complicated familydynamics and concernsthat typically accompanythe process. With theright estate plan andexperienced profession-als to help, your estatecan be a blessing thatyour heirs will treasurefor the rest of their lives.

26D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013

Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 27D

• 24 Hour Towing Service Available• Collision Repair• Computerized Alignments • Frame Stretching• Brake Repairs & Installation• Windshield Repair & Replacement• Classic Car Restoration• Car Unlocks (318) 352-1068 or (318) 730-5543

1825 South Drive • Natchitoches, LA 71457

Serving Central Louisiana since 1985Archie Metoyer

Owner30 years experience

Our cars, trucks, SUVsand minivans get us towork on time, back andforth to school and trans-port our families to andfrom their destinations.So it is a necessity to havea trustworthy mode oftransportation.

But at some point yourare likely to find yourselfin an accident.

It is vital to choose anauto body shop that youcan depend on. The shop

you choose should be ableto complete all manner ofwork, from a minortouch-up to a full-bodyrepair.

Even the smallest acci-dent can throw yourentire car, and schedule,into disarray. You’ll needan auto body shop thatyou can consult when youhave an accident toensure your car isrepaired quickly, afford-ably and correctly the

first time.Talk to your friends

and family that live nearyou and ask which autobody shops they prefer.Once you have a list ofnames, consult theInternet for more infor-mation and customerreviews.

Internet testimonials,both positive and nega-tive, should be taken witha grain of salt. No busi-ness has a 100 percent sat-

isfaction rate, no matterwhat they say. Someonewill always be displeased.Also, keep in mind thatpeople are more apt toleave a negative reviewthan a positive one.

If you can’t get anygood recommendationsfrom friends or family,consult the Yellow Pagesor perform an Internetsearch.

After you have createda short list of auto body

shops, make some phonecalls. Describe to the per-son who answers thephone your exact problemand pay attention to thetype of response you get.

If the person seemsboth knowledgeable andhelpful, keep that shop onyour short list. If the per-son seems rushed oruninterested, it can meanthat the shop is too busyright now or just simplyhas poor customer ser-vice. In either case, youcan eliminate that shopfrom your list.

Once you have chosen ashop, check for plainlydisplayed prices, certifi-cations and guarantees.

Be aware that you mostoften get what you pay forwhen it comes to autobody work.

Low prices may betempting, but they mayalso mean sub-par work,used parts and paint thatis not applied properly.

Ask the shop manageror owner for referencesbefore you have themwork on your car. Theyshould be more thanhappy to provide names ofcustomers with whomyou can speak.

Also be sure to look attheir work. If you notice acar with paint drips, pan-els that don’t line up orpaints that don’t match,

look elsewhere. You willnot be saving money inthe long run if you have tohave the work redone.

Make sure that the shopis able to inspect yourvehicle for repairs thatare not visible. Choosing ashop that can completethe entire job will saveyou from having to takeyour car to several placesfor a complete repair.

Picking a great autobody shop is the first stepin getting your car backon the road. Once youhave made your selection,you should be comfortablewith every aspect of theshop: customer service,price and quality of work.

How to Choose an Auto Body Shop

28D THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Weekend Edition, June 29-30, 2013