How To Guide 2014 by Austin Daily Herald

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

HOW TO Next to buying a home, a vehicle will likely be one of the most expensive items we purchase. To make the best decision for your needs and your budget you’ll want to be as prepared as possible throughout each step of the process. Do your research: Being knowledgeable and prepared will be your best asset in making your car buying decision. Car dealers and private sellers want to make a sale. By knowing what you want in a vehicle ahead of time you’ll be less likely to buy on impulse and be more satisfied with your final purchase. Utilize publications like Consumer Reports or manufacturer websites to inform your initial considerations. Ask around: Industry experts might have a lot of data to share, but that can’t beat a firsthand recommendation. Asking people you know and trust about their vehicle preferences can provide valuable insight. What works for them? What doesn’t? What would they change if they could? Make a list: What’s most important to you in a new vehicle? Good gas mileage? Room for a growing family? A lot of power? Upgrades and additional options? While it might be what you think you want in terms of style and comfort, a large SUV may not be your best choice if you’re going to be commuting long distances. By writing out all of your requirements you’ll be better equipped to determine your overall priorities and narrow down your options.

Set a reasonable budget: Once you’ve done your initial research you’ll likely have several cars you’re interested in. Now it’s time to decide how much you’re able to afford. Start by considering how much of a down payment you can make. If you have a current car will you trade it in or sell it on your own? You’ll likely get more for the car if you sell it, but trading it in is faster and involves less hassle. Be realistic with your budget and place emphasis AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

BUY A VEHICLE

on needs verses wants. When you determine a number you’re comfortable with, be sure to add in about 10% to cover fees and taxes. Insurance: In addition to the costs of purchasing the car, you’ll need to consider the costs for insuring it. Talking with your insurance agent before you buy will be helpful in keeping your budget on track. Ask your agent to compare quotes based on varying levels of deductibles as premium amounts can vary greatly. Also, ask what discounts may be available if you bundle your other insurance needs.

Securing financing: Once you have your budget in place, talk to your Accentra Credit Union representative about qualifying for your purchase. We can review your financing options to give you the best loan to suit your needs. We can also compare rebate options for you and give you the NADA value for your trade-in or prospective vehicle. Ask about our extended warranty to avoid costly repairs and also about GAP insurance coverage so that if you are in an accident, you will be covered in case your insurance claim reimbursement is less than the payoff balance of the loan. Accentra carries both products at half the cost a dealer may charge. Once you have your preapproval from Accentra you’ll now be able to meet with the dealer, confident that you’re in the best position possible to get the best deal and meet your needs. Don’t skip the test drive: Knowing what you want on paper isn’t the same as getting behind the wheel. The test drive isn’t just about how the vehicle handles on the road. You’ll want

to walk around it and look it over. Open the doors and the trunk or tailgate. Do they open easily? Is there enough cargo space? Sit in all of the seats. Are you comfortable? Will any future passengers be as well? Driving around the block isn’t enough to get a true feeling of whether a vehicle is right for you. Make sure you test the car in the same conditions you’ll plan to use it such as on the highway or in heavy traffic. Consider bringing someone who is knowledge about car mechanics to test drive the vehicle as well to avoid potential unseen problems down the road.

Make the deal: Dealers: Start by calling several dealers and asking for quotes. Be specific about the make, model and year you’re looking for to get an accurate price. If possible, get the quote in writing via fax or email. Once you have your prices, call the dealerships back and ask if they’re able to beat their competitor’s price. When you’ve finalized the deal over the phone ask the sales manager to send you a worksheet detailing the final price, along with any options, taxes, and fees. With the worksheet in hand you can head to the dealership to finalize the purchase. Private Parties: Do your homework and also look at purchasing from a private party. Often times, you may save significantly by purchasing from a private party verses a dealer. And, there are numerous websites today to help you find cars for sale from private owners. When buying from a private party, try to find out the maintenance history, ownership history, and consider a Car-Fax type report to verify any accidents the vehicle may have had. If you decide to purchase, just make sure you get a clean title with no existing liens. THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

HOW TO When people try on hearing aids for the first time, the vast majority are pleasantly surprised. Today’s hearing aids are lighter, smaller and more comfortable than ever before, and provide more natural hearing, even in challenging listening situations. The process of choosing hearing aids is different for everyone. Most people prefer visiting professional hearing aid dispensers. These experts focus exclusively on the diagnosis of hearing impairment and the treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids. They can show you the newest hearing aid technology; tailor a solution to your particular lifestyle; and furnish continuous care of your hearing health and hearing aids over time. Before you purchase hearing aids, take a moment to familiarize yourself with our How to Buy a Hearing Aid Checklist. By accomplishing each step, you’re sure to enjoy a rewarding experience and a satisfying outcome.

HOW TO BUY A HEARING AID CHECKLIST 1. Seek out an enjoyable “patient experience” – A top-notch hearing care practice puts time and effort into making the entire process pleasant and professional for its patients. Answer these questions as you begin your evaluation: Is the location you have in mind conveniently located? Were you treated with respect when you phoned for an appointment? Were your questions answered clearly and were directions offered? How experienced is the hearing care specialist? Is the hearing care practice on the cutting-edge of technology? A bit of upfront research will make you happier down the line. 2. Complete a lifestyle assessment – Your daily routine helps determine the right hearing aids for you. Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Are you retired or do you work? Do you often find 4

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

BUY HEARING AIDS

yourself in noisy environments? Make sure your hearing evaluation includes questions about the way you live. 3. Give a health history – Your general health, medications you take, childhood diseases, and your symptoms of hearing loss all influence the choice of hearing aid model appropriate for you. 4. Have a comprehensive hearing exam – An otoscope should be used to visually inspect your ear canal and eardrum. Many cases of hearing loss are caused by earwax, eardrum perforation or an abnormality of the outer earnone of which are helped by hearing aids. Next, hearing ability should be measured in each ear using tones of different frequencies, and speech sounds played through earphones. The results of these tests are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. 5. Understand your results – If hearing deprivation is detected, your audiogram will show what kind of hearing loss you have-conductive, sensori-neural or mixed, and whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe or profound. These factors are essential to selecting the style, shape, size and circuitry of the hearing aids right for you. 6. Try before you buy – Today’s hearing aids are easy to wear. They can automatically adjust sound according to changing environments, remember your listening preferences, recognize the difference between speech and other sounds, and so much more. Best of all, theyre tiny and light, so they’re practically undetectable. Demonstration models let you experience the look and feel of those hearing aids best suited to your hearing loss, lifestyle and expectations. Take a “test drive” before you buy to achieve a positive outcome. 7. Ask about follow-up care – Once your pro-

vider fits you with new hearing aids, aftercare is recommended. Your hearing can change over time, requiring subtle adjustments to your hearing instruments. Also, hearing aids are highly sophisticated digital devices that perform best when regularly maintained. Many hearing care providers provide these services on a complimentary basis. With over 70 years of experience, Beltone leads the industry in hearing healthcare. Schedule a FREE hearing assessment at your Hearing Care Center.

HOW TO BUY A HEARING AID CHECKLIST 1) Seek out an enjoyable “patient experience” 2) Complete a lifestyle assessment 3) Give a health history 4) Have a comprehensive hearing exam 5) Understand your results 6) Try before you buy 7) Ask about follow-up care AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

The Austin Daily Herald is committed to coverage of subjects that are uniquely important to our readers: local issues and those topics with national impacts such as economy, politics, technology, as well as breaking news, crime, education, national and foreign news. Readers throughout Mower County understand that for coverage of the topics that matter most in their lives the place to turn is the Austin Daily Herald and its online home,

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

HOW TO Instead of shooting in the dark with your marketing plan, try putting clear cut goals into writing. The following 6 steps serve as an outline for an extended marketing plan. They may seem simple, but these details are sometimes overlooked. 1. Generate Awareness Beyond producing brilliant advertisements; make yourself available. Build a campaign using all or a combination of media to consistently be in front of your potential customers. Let them know you are here to stay. 2. Motivate Your Customers To Buy Give your potential customers a reason to take action toward your products or services. You have two choices: market your products and services as affordable or as the best value. Address their concerns, needs and wants. Find a way to make your products or services available to “test-drive” before they buy. If providing a sample is impossible, use testimonials to demonstrate your expertise. Remember your employees are also your customers and to treat them the same as you would your customers. Word of mouth is best passed by your own staff.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Community groups help you to network yourself and your company within the business community. If you have representatives for your company, they should get involved with networking as well.

Quick Fix Try a new business card. Give someone a reason to hold on to your card by getting creative. Include a full color photo, an inspiring quote, a calendar or anything that is useful or eye catching. And hire a graphic designer, it’s a onetime small expense that can make a huge difference. Change your current advertisements to a consistent campaign. Have the same theme, both with

3. Establish Trust Clearly, your customer service techniques are top notch. But you need to earn trust from future customers. Promote your business by demonstrating your expertise: collect testimonial documentation from your loyal customers, publish articles you write about your profession and get involved with community business and service groups. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

creative elements and the information you share. If the background of a print ad is blue, the background of your online advertisement should be blue, etc.

4. Get a Commitment and More Whether it is scheduling a free consultation or sending a brochure, you need to ask for the sale or for the follow up appointment. It’s also imperative to offer complimentary products or services. You don’t need to be pushy, but why make the customer research and travel to another location to find something that you offer. Remember that most people buy a washer and dryer together, that is to say from the same store. Are your products and services offered as a package? 5. Create Opportunities Standing still in business is the same as going backwards. Change is constantly upon us and if you don’t prepare for change you can get left behind. Always be looking for new products or services to sell. Always be educating yourself. Always be cross-marketing. Create a strategy for generating referrals and look for new ways to reduce your customers’ perception of risk associated with your products or services. 6. Build a Rapport Once you have a customer, you need to maintain a positive relationship. You want them to continue to buy from you and to refer their friends and family to buy from you. Send them your newsletter or advice column, give them a courtesy call, invite them to your private open house, or send them new brochures; anything so they remember you. Advertising gets them in the door, you make them your customer. THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

HOW TO

SPEAK TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS A HEARING LOSS.

By Dr. Amy Swain, Audiologist

It is very frustrating to speak to a friend or family member when they keep asking you to repeat what you just said. Most people who have difficulty hearing will go and see an audiologist to determine if their ears are just plugged with earwax or if they would benefit from the use of hearing instruments. While this is a good thing it is important to remember that hearing instruments can help people hear better but they can never be as good as the ears of a person with normal hearing. Friends and family members of someone who has a hearing loss can help their loved one hear better with some of the following suggestions. First of all, if you want someone to hear you then get their attention first. This is true even for people that do not have a hearing loss. Say the person’s name before beginning the conversation to be sure they will hear you and you won’t have to repeat. Secondly, when speaking to someone who has difficulty hearing, always turn your face towards the listener so they can see your face. Speak clearly, slowly, and distinctly without shouting. Shouting makes the speech harder to understand and it becomes more distorted. Often making the speech louder does not make it clearer so remember to slow down instead. Avoid speaking to someone from another room. The sound of your voice will be muted and will not sound distinct. People with normal hearing have a hard time conversing from one room to the next but this is much more difficult for individuals with a hearing loss. Also keep in mind, that not being able to see each other when talking is a common reason for people having difficulty understanding what is being said. When trying to get someone to hear you it is important to keep your hands away from your face while you are talking. If you are eating, 10

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chewing, or smoking while talking your speech will be more difficult to understand. Beards and moustaches can also interfere with the ability of the hearing impaired to get any visual cues to read lips. Extraneous noise also makes it difficult to hear so be aware of paper rattling, running water, jangling utensils, and other noises. It may be easier to wait to have a conversation when it becomes quieter rather than to try to talk over the noise. It is quite often hard for people to understand speech if they do not know what is being talked about. Try to acquaint the listener to the topic of conversation so they can better get an idea of what words might be used. Also avoid sudden changes in the topic. It can also be helpful to rephrase the wording in order to get the point across. If the listener did not hear you ask what time it is then maybe you could rephrase that and ask if they have a watch. In some cases, people with hearing loss have a hard time hearing certain sounds in speech and if you can find a different word to use that describes the same thing it can be helpful. For example maybe use the word “skinny” instead of “thin”. Another helpful tip is to ask a hearing impaired person to repeat information back to you to know if they heard it correctly, especially with specific information such as a time, place or a phone number. It is easy to mistake numbers and words that sound alike. Ask the listener if they understood you and pay attention to their facial expressions. Quite often hearing impaired listeners will not tell you that they did not hear you but you may notice by the puzzled look on their face that they did not understand what you had said. You might even try to ask a leading question to find out if you got your message across. One thing we forget is how well a person is

functioning so always recognize that everyone, especially the hard-of-hearing, have a harder time hearing and understanding when they are ill or tired. It is important to try and be patient and not get flustered as this only hinders communication. And last but not least…take turns speaking and avoid interrupting other speakers. Always a polite thing to do! Dr. Amy Swain is the owner of Amy Swain Hearing Centers and has been helping people hear better for over 20 years. Dr. Amy Swain wants everyone to hear better!

SPEAKING TO A PERSON WITH HEARING LOSS 1) Get their attention first. 2) Talk to them face to face and keep hands away from your mouth. 3) Speak clearly, slowly and distinctly without shouting. 4) Avoid speaking to someone from another room. 5) Ask them to repeat information back to you to know that they understood you. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

HOW TO

SUPPORT NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION

You can sponsor a class for a small donation. It only takes a few dollars a day to provide an entire classroom with a week’s worth of newspapers. If you are interested in learning more about our program or would like to make a donation, please call Jana Gray at 434-2220.

Teachers, are you interested in getting papers for the upcoming 2014-15 school year? Call today to be added to the list. We also have curriculum and Parade Magazine web access to share. Call 434-2220 or e-mail jana.gray@austindailyherald.com

Students using newspapers in schools scored an average of 10% higher on standardized tests. Newspapers in Education works especially well for students from non-English speaking households It reduces “avoidance’ attitudes related to reading. It gets students interested in what they are reading both by having relevant subject matter and by using materials written in a style that students prefer to the style of textbooks. It provides specific strategies and exercises that help students of varying abilities learn critical reading skills. The curriculum has proven to be flexible and adaptable. It has been used in both elementary and middle school settings, as well as high school summer school, and in both language arts and social studies classes. Significant improvement has been documented in Middle School aged children exposed to newspaper programs. 12

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - HOW TO GUIDE