Customer Service

I am a sucker for good customer service. When newly married, I shopped exclusively at Safeway for quite awhile due to their amazing customer service. Their employees would help you with anything. What do you need? Let me find that for you. At times I was afraid to ask for something, because I was sure they were running to their cars to find it at the nearby store!

I continue to be lured by good customer service. The way a customer is treated will keep them as your customer. Often businesses forget that I can walk away and spend my money elsewhere. Small businesses seem to know this. My husband frequents the same bagel shop at home because it is independently owner and the owner is now his friend. Why? Because the staff took the time to remember my husband and greet him. Such simple things.

Recently after receiving the replacement computer, I realized my iTunes was now empty. Not a big deal at first. Due to my buying history through Apple, I could easily replace those items. The piece missing, though, were our audiostories. At the end of last year I signed our family up for Sparkle Stories. My children really enjoy these tales. Initially I was just going to subscribe for the $1 trial month. I figured that would be enough. Nope. My kiddos wanted more, so we have continued our subscription and even given the subscription as a gift to family. Now the stories were gone.

I contacted Lisabeth at Sparkle Stories to see if there was any way to retrieve them. She quickly and kindly replied. Yes, she could help. After a few days, she sent me a file with all 24 missing stories!! This was a huge task for her, and she did it with aplomb. This morning, I downloaded the files, and we now have our complete set again. My kiddos will be so pleased when they find out.

Why am I telling you this? It all boils down to customer service. If she had scoffed and told me tough luck, I would have understood. It was a big request. However, she told me she thought she could help and did. She was prompt with her replies and helpful. I do hope her family business continues to flourish and expand. We do love the stories and now the company.

(the photos have nothing to do with Sparkle Stories-the kiddos took these yesterday)

No More Funk

I have been using a product called Funk Butter as deodorant for over a year. It works very well, but it can be pricey with shipping. I had heard of others making their own deodorant, so I decided to give it a try. My sister gave me a recipe, and it works great. It is so easy and cheap - equal parts baking soda and corn starch with enough coconut oil to make your desired consistency. I added a couple drops of tea tree oil as well. I really like it. I don't stink at all! It even stands up to rowing.

Higher Education here they come

I finally made the plunge and started 529 plans for the kiddos. It has taken me 5.5 years! It seemed like such a daunting task. There are so many plans to consider. Luckily my state provides tax considerations regardless of the plan you choose. I decided after reading a few finance blogs and perusing Bankrate on the Ohio CollegeAdvantage plan. The biggest draw aside from low fees and solid investments was the fact that they are currently offering a $25 referral and sign-up bonus. The initial investment needed is only $25. E already has $75 from the start-up money and a referral from his sister. The same will be for A. B will have $50 just from the sign-up bonus. It seemed like an easy way to begin.

How to Earn Your Referral Bonus

1. Open a new 529 account with $25.
2. Enter the following referral code: 2429910.
3. You will receive a $25 credit to your account within 7-10 business days after your account is established. (And E will get $25 for referring you.)
4. You must establish an account on or before December 15, 2008 in order to be eligible to receive the referral bonus.
5. Let me know if you decide on this plan.

So now for holidays, birthdays or any special occasion, you can always just add money to their 529 plans.