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In this edition of the Beneficiary Bulletin, we will cover the holiday processing procedures and some tips for keeping your car in good condition through the winter months.
Happy Holidays!
The Secured Futures Trust Team
IMPORTANT DATES
 Secured Futures
will be CLOSED...
Thanksgiving
November 24 & November 25.
Christmas
Monday, December 26, 2016
New Year's
Monday, January 2, 2017
THE LAST PROCESSING DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS will be Monday, December 19, 2016
THE LAST PROCESSING DAY OF THE YEAR will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Please allow time for processing and delivery of items prior to the holidays.
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HOLIDAY PROCESSING
PROCEDURES
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While our standard processing time can range from 5-8 business days, we do ask that you allow additional time during the holidays to process requests. In addition to the volume of requests increasing, stores run out of stock much faster than other times of the year. Submitting your request early allows time to correct any unforeseen issues that may arise.
Tips to help smooth the process:
1) Make sure your request form is fully completed.
If you are submitting an Order Items request, make sure ALL applicable information is provided for the items you are requesting, like the item number, color, size, etc.
Some vendors do not accept third party payments, so we're not able to place an order on someone else's behalf.
3) Again, allow ample time before the holidays to shop. Unexpected setbacks may come up, so it's best to be ahead of the rush.
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COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS
For many people, the holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. However, for others who are confronted with the challenges of managing health issues, disabilities or depression, it can be a lonely time. This time can be even more stressful if your mobility is limited or if you are isolated from interacting with others.
Our advice to help you cope with surviving the holiday season is to be proactive and have a plan. First, if you don't celebrate a holiday or you don't want to get caught up with the commercialism of it, limit the time you are watching TV. Have some books, CD's, games or puzzles on hand to keep you busy. If you enjoy watching TV, you may choose to watch shows On Demand or watch DVD's so you can avoid the holiday commercials. Secondly, if you do want to celebrate but you can't go out, invite others in. Make it a potluck and limit the spending to just $5-$10 per person. You'll be surprised how creative friends can be on a budget. Thirdly, do not overspend on gifts. If you avoid paying your bills to buy presents, this will just cause more grief come January. Suggest to family or friends that everyone buys just one gift for under $20 and then when you get together, everyone gets to choose one present from the pile.
Most importantly, let someone know if you are concerned that you may have a very difficult time during the holiday season. This could be a family member, friend, caregiver or even a medical provider. That way they are aware and can be on call for support. You should also keep this crisis hotline contact information on hand, 1-800-273-8255 or you can TEXT "GO" to 741741. Finally, find a small way to treat yourself like buying a new robe, slippers, or a soft blanket. These are items that can be purchased from the trust and the feeling of something soft and warm can provide some comfort too.
Best wishes!
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WINTER AUTO MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
With winter weather comes winter driving. Whether you're reading this in a snowstorm or it's still balmy outside, getting prepared for winter is a right-now job.
Winter Specific Maintenance
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble:
- Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50.
- Inspect your tires
Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. Be sure to check your tire pressure ... they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up. Do you need snow tires?
- Replace your wipers
What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
- Check your windshield washer fluid
Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, washer fluid won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good time of year to take care of these other maintenance items.
- Clean your battery posts
- Inspect your spark plug wires
- Inspect your brakes
- Check your engine oil
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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES NOW AVAILABLE
Want a refresher on how to read your Account Summary Statement? Thinking about getting started on your prepaid burial arrangements, but don't remember the steps to take?
Now you can access the latest 4 editions of the Beneficiary Bulletin on our website anytime you want! Go to
www.SecuredFutures.org/newsletter and save it as a "Favorite" in your internet browser for quick and easy access in the futures.
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Hint: Plan Ahead!
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