Note to Business Owners...Grow Your Business and Reward Loyal Customers

I know a lot of you own your own local businesses, and I like to support what you do. When you thrive and prosper, so do our local communities.  Today I met with a gal named Kathleen who is introducing a newer, interactive, user-friendly automated rewards program to businesses designed to make rewarding your loyal customers easier.  It also streamlines the process of interacting with those who patronize your business as well as bring new business in.  If you would like more information on the program, I'd be happy to put you in touch with Kathleen so she can tell you more. It sounds very exciting for businesses as well as customers and will surely change the way things have been done in the past! If you'd like to know more, please use my "contact us" form and send your information my way. I'll get back with you shortly. 

Half Priced Certificates for Lots of Fantastic San Diego Restaurants and Businesses

DoubleTake Deals is one of my favorite daily deal sites. They offer lots of variety at some fantastic San Diego restaurants and businesses.  Currently you can purchase half priced vouchers for places such as: Sabor de Vida Brazilian Grill in Encinitas, Mr. Taco in San Marcos, Cafe Merlot at Bernardo Winery, Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, Via Sicilia (only 3 left) in Vista, The Back Porch in Vista and Swirlz Candy in Escondido, and so many more.  http://www.doubletakedeals.com/friend/~barb.98A7B8

It's Never Too Soon to Start Planning for College Costs

As we all know, college expenses are crazy these days, so from the moment you bring a little one into the world, it's time to start thinking about college. Your planning will continue as they age and approach college entry. To consider:

529 plans:  they offer tax advantages, and make it easy for grandparents to contribute if so desired. Even $100 a month can make a substantial impact. Important: do not let saving for a college plan ever take precedence over saving for retirement. https://www.scholarshare.com/index.shtml

Try to resist student loans. Do not take on more in loans than half of what student expects to make their first year of working (starting salary).

Be sure to look for all scholarship opportunities. It's amazing how many are out there!

Pay close attention to financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS). These can make or break your aid opportunities and are often filled out incorrectly.  It's not a bad idea to hire a professional to make sure this step is completed correctly. 

Plan your investments:  When your student is within two years of college, this is the time to become more conservative with your investments. It's not the time to be risky and potentially lose their college funds.

Scholarship Money Available for Children of Marines

If you are a Marine, good news! Your child may qualify for valuable scholarship money!  Last year 100 scholarships were given to students from Camp Pendleton and surrounding areas within a radius of 50 miles. Check out all the information and find out how to apply in this article by U-T San Diego.

Free Yoga Classes at Lululemon at The Forum (Carlsbad) Each Saturday

Free yoga class anyone? You can get yours at lululemon at The Forum every Saturday at 9am!

Activate that New Year's resolution!  Bring your mat or use one of theirs. Beginners welcome! Join us!  http://www.lululemon.com/carlsbad/carlsbadforum

Get Cash for Your Gently Used Clothing with Tradsey

I just heard of this today, and I LOVE IT! We all know about EBAY, but now there is Tradesy for selling your gently used clothing!  They take all the hassle out of it for you, even down to providing you with the shipping package and payment processing. Check it out!  http://www.tradesy.com/how-it-works/

Financial Aid for High School Seniors

If you have a high school senior, be sure to file for the FREE application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to ensure that you don't miss out on available college financial aid.  http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

New Pilates Studio BodyLogic Opens in San Marcos- Special for Around The Towners Available

A new cutting-edge Pilates studio has opened in San Marcos.  The owner, Angelique, is offering Around the Town Facebook followers $10 off as a first-time client special. That means as an Around The Towner you can get 1 week of unlimited classes for $25 (originally $35).

The studio is in San Marcos right on the border of Carlsbad. They offer private, semi-private and group classes. Classes on equipment as well as mat classes are available and BodyLogic is the only studio in San Marcos and Carlsbad to offer Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis. There is also an apprentice instructor that offers private rates at a lower price point. Now is the perfect time to stop in and keep that New Year's resolutions to get in shape.  http://bodylogic-pilates.com/