Many students and faculty receive software discounts and savings from the particular purchasing program their college or university program has purchased a license for. These deep discounts are made because the software manufacturers understand that colleges and universities need to have the latest software to stay competitive with the learning curve required in business applications and software in the real world.

The software discounts and savings can be seen if a price comparison is done between the regular prices offered to the general public and the software discounts that are given to students, and further savings offered to educators and college institutions.

The price differences shown at one academic software retailer showed that the academic savings were $132.95. When you add those savings up to a college that has over 3000 students, then you can really see the savings! If the college had to purchase the same software at the commercial price, the software would have cost them $579.95. A single academic copy would cost $199.95, with the academic site license priced at $67.00 per license.

To be eligible to receive such software discounts and savings, students must prove that they are eligible by completing an online account and faxing proof of identity through college student identification cards, class schedules, or a letter from their respective college institutions that states you have a right to this type of software discounts and savings.

For teachers and faculty, the application and approval process is almost identical. They must be enrolled in an academic faculty position, and must send their faculty photograph identification card, and a verification letter from the school officials or they can choose to use a pay stub from the university or college that they work for as an alternative to this letter. The biggest requirement that must be made on the manufacturer software level is that some form of photo identification must be provided.

Students are required to learn several computer programs that they will use to complete their daily assignments and their nightly homework assignments. All of the programs that the student uses can be purchased at student discount prices. These software discounts and savings will add up to a lot of money over a two or four year college degree program.

The academic software manufacturers are known by the names of Adobe, Corel, Macromedia and Inspiration. The software discounts and savings that are provided to students and faculty by these software manufacturing companies are well-rounded and will keep the school up-to-date in licensing requirements for the multiple software programs they need to use to educate their classes with.

To qualify for an academic site license, which comes with each software program, the verification process is done for all people that are in school and are in grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12. These grade school software discounts and savings are then passed on to the college level, and only to accredited institutions. This licensing verification process ensures parents and alumni, that their college and university is not using pirated software to teach their children with.

Peter Gilbert
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/software-discounts-and-savings-133861.html

Insurance of all kinds has become endemic in our society today; car insurance, home owners insurance, health insurance, and everything in between. The role of insurance in our lives is the protection of our assets. And when it comes to horse insurance, the goals are the same. For those who own one or more horses, horse insurance provides them with the same peace of mind as any other insurance policy.

Just as a serious collector of antique cars would think nothing of purchasing a comprehensive insurance policy to protect his financial interests, the owners of horses must similarly protect their interests. Horse insurance policies are purchased just like any other insurance policy – through reputable underwriters that specialize in this particular type of insurance. The breadth and subsequent price of the insurance policy depends on the type and level of coverage that the horse owner chooses to purchase.

In most cases, horse insurance is purchased because the livelihood of the horse owner depends on the functionality of the horse. For instance, those horses that are used for racing or breeding – and subsequently bring their owners a financial return – are often considered to be prime candidates for horse insurance.

There are a number of different options when it comes to horse insurance and each owner must examine the policies as they relate to their particular situation. Insurance policies can often be customized to fit the owner’s particular situation and needs but there is some common practices standard to most policies.

One such horse insurance policy includes coverage for the death of the animal. In this case, the owner receives a pre-determined lump sum payout in the event of an untimely death of the horse.

In the event of permanent incapacitation, due to injury or illness, the horse insurance policy will often pay the owner a percentage of the amount the horse would have earned throughout a healthy lifetime. This coverage is often extended to race or show horses.

For horse breeders, a horse insurance policy that covers infertility is often necessary, as the inability to breed particular horses could result in a significant loss of revenue.

In some cases, owners will purchase a horse insurance policy that acts much like a health insurance policy for humans, covering major medical care in the event of illness, and even specific surgical procedures should the animal require surgical intervention.

There are often caveats placed on a particular horse insurance policy that extends coverage for injury or death to the horse as a result of particular risk factors such as lightening or during the transportation of the horse. These are factors that are spelled out in detail in the policy and are often pricey add-ons. But, depending on the particular situation, it may be well worth the cost.

Most importantly, it is essential that anyone interested in purchasing a horse insurance policy do so through a knowledgeable and trustworthy underwriter. If you are unclear about a particular company’s reputation, you should be sure to do your homework. Just as you do with any other insurance policy, get a variety of quotes and comparison shop. In so doing, you can find horse insurance that makes significant allowances for the care of your horse and subsequently protects your financial interests.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/protecting-our-horses-with-horse-insurance-121451.html

Think you can live without health insurance? Think Again! Mary Levins was driving home from work one Saturday night when something happened that would change her life forever. As she turned onto another road she was met head-on with an eighteen wheeler – a stolen eighteen wheeler. The collision turned a beautiful convertible to a pile of worthless metal and nearly took Marys life. 

Mary was lifted into an ambulance by paramedics and rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries.  She suffered multiple fractures, third degree burns on her legs, and a punctured lung.  As she faded in an out of consciousness, she could hear the doctor asking her husband if she had health care coverage.  With many setbacks, her recovery took almost ten years.  The huge financial burden placed on her family no doubt had added to her anxiety as she struggled to get her life back.

Mary had always been healthy and had rarely even visited a doctor, so she didn’t think she needed to spend the money on a health care policy.  But an unplanned accident suddenly nearly destroyed her health and her financial situation at the same time.  As she recovered over the next several years, she wished many times that she’d had the foresight to take out a health insurance policy.

Many people don’t think they can afford to buy health insurance, but the alternative is much more expensive when the stress and worries arrive when you need it and don’t have coverage.  There’s a reason they call it insurance.  Mary now is covered under a plan because she learned the hard way that you never know what can happen in an instant.  She realized that if another accident happened, she’d be in the same situation all over again.

An interesting fact to note is that people have no qualms about paying to get full coverage insurance on their new car, but fail to spend a penny on themselves for basic health insurance coverage.  Considering that cars can be replaced and people’s lives can’t, there is nothing that holds a higher value than health care coverage.  It is not worth it to take the chance of being burdened with thousands of dollars of medical bills simply because you didn’t have a plan.  Make yourself the most important person in your life.  Go get some health insurance.

Georgia is fast becoming a retirement favorite for seniors, and trying to find answers for <a href=”http://www.gohealthinsurance.com/insurance/states/Georgia”>Georgia health insurance</a> can be a challenge. If you’re looking to find answers for your <a href=”http://www.gohealthinsurance.com”>health insurance</a> questions, be sure to visit www.gohealthinsurance.com. They offer the most comprehensive collection of health related information on the web.

Ethan Kalvin
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/health-insurance-is-a-necessity-728252.html

How much insurance does one need? You have the big four: home, health, life, and car insurance. Then there’s a second category, which starts getting a little hazy with credit card insurance, purchase protection plans, fraud insurance and more. Extended warranties, also called extended service contracts, or extended service policies fall into the mist of this second category.

Extended warranties are supposed to pay (in full or in part) for specified repairs for a specific period of time after the expiration of the factory warranty. They can be a great value. They can also be a significant waste of money. It gets quite foggy in the details. What exactly is covered? How long? How much? Are there hidden charges?

There are numerous extended warranty companies and an even wider variety of warranty packages available: silver, gold, platinum, platinum-plus, and a host of other confidence-building words. What’s the best plan, and are extended service contracts worth the money? Extended warranties, like life insurance policies, are a numbers game. They’re a gamble. You pay $2500-$4500 for a 2 year, 100,000-mile protection plan and hope that you get at least that back in warranty repairs. The provider on the other hand, hopes to pay out less than it insured.

There are three major types of plan providers: The manufacturer, the dealership/third party, and third party providers. Each one has its assets and liabilities (discussed ahead).

What exactly is covered in an extended service plan? As mentioned above, what’s covered depends on the package purchased. Some plans only cover the power train: the mechanical components of the engine, transmission, and rear-end. Others cover the power train plus some electrical components. Still others cover electrical, advanced electrical, and computer components. Some only cover what’s listed in the contract. This is called a “Stated” or “Named” contract. This means that if it’s not stated, it’s not covered. Some cover bumper-to-bumper, similar to a manufacturer warranty, except trim pieces, upholstery, exterior components, cosmetic items, and a number of other exclusions.

Never before has the adage, “The devil’s in the details,” been so applicable.

Manufacturer Extended Plans:

Extended service plans from the manufacturer are the best in terms of coverage, convenience, and quality. Coverage is similar to the warranty while the vehicle was under its original factory warranty—with similar exclusions stated above. The billing is direct, meaning you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket, except for a deductible, if applicable. Quality is great too, as an extended warranty from the manufacturer will only use factory parts. They also have money, so there’s less risk of bankruptcy.

The down side of manufacturer extended service plans is that they are not cheap. These plans are generally the most expensive, require low mileage standards, and necessitate servicing your vehicle at a dealer for coverage.

Dealership/Third Party Plans:

Extended warranties from a dealership are actually from a third party insurer. These providers are “generally” reputable, but not always. However, if there is an issue (such as the warranty provider filing chapter 11, which is quite frequent in the extended service contract business), the dealer “may” step in to cover any repairs that would have been covered under the defunct plan. Also, claims are easier: billing is direct because the dealership has a working relationship with the provider, and there is usually agreement on price.

Some dealers set up their own “internal extended warranty,” which is honored by the selling dealer. This is rare, and should not be confused with a manufacturer warranty. Important: extended warranties are often passed off as “manufacturer” warranties. They’re not. This is a sales trick. Also be aware that there is a significant mark up, as the dealership is merely acting as the middle man. Lastly, extended warranty companies often go bankrupt without warning.

Third Party Plans:

These plans are called third party plans because they are outside the responsibility of the manufacturer and the service center performing the repairs (unless there’s a working relationship with a repair shop as stated above).

There are hundreds of extended service contract companies. Some have good reputations, some don’t. Third party plans are frequently sold by used car dealers. You may also receive an official looking notification in the mail stating that your warranty is expiring, and directing you to call an 800 number ASAP. This is a marketing tactic by an independent warranty provider. Despite the “official” appearance of the postcard or envelope, it’s not from the manufacturer. Manufacturers do not send out reminders about warranty expirations.

Given the wide-variety of third party plans there are numerous red flags.

1) Claims: Extended warranty companies will be quick to tell you that filing claims is easy, and that the service center gets paid immediately via a credit card. Thus, there’s no out-of-pocket expense for you. However, the warranty company can’t dictate a service center’s policies. Some service centers will only accept payment from the repair customer. Thus the burden is on the repair customer to fill out the forms, contact their warranty company, and await reimbursement via check, which can take 2-8 weeks.

It is the service center’s responsibility to contact the extended warranty company to let them know what’s wrong with the vehicle and to check coverage. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 days, sometimes more, depending on the degree of repairs and especially the amount. (See $1000 and Adjusters ahead)

Service centers and extended warranty companies frequently battle over the “fair” price of repairs. Many repair shops no longer negotiate, and just state the price, leaving the contract holder (i.e., the service customer) responsible for the difference.

2) Rentals: Rental coverage is a great benefit. However, there are fixed rates and time limits. In other words, the warranty company is not going to pay to have you drive a Mercedes-Benz, even if you drive a Benz. Rental allowances range from $25 to $35 per day. Also, rental coverage is based on the number of hours it takes to repair the vehicle, NOT how long your car has been at the shop.

3) $1000 and Adjusters: Repairs that approach $1000, or that require a significant amount of work, will be cause for the warranty company to call in an adjuster to confirm the diagnosis. This will delay the repairs by a minimum of 24-48 hours. It may cost you additional money when an adjuster is involved. You may be charged to have your vehicle pulled back into the shop for inspection, as well as for the time spent with the adjuster.

4) Tear-down Charges: In many cases, an extended warranty company will require that a particular component be taken apart for inspection to determine if the repair is indeed needed and covered. This puts the service customer in a very awkward position. The customer will have to authorize potentially hundreds of dollars of tear-down expense in the hopes that the repair is covered. If it’s not, the customer is out the hundreds in tear-down PLUS the actual repair. This does happen!

Common Myths:

1) “Extended warranties cover maintenance services and brake work.”

No. Extended warranty plans do not cover maintenance or wearable items. Brake pads and rotors are wearable parts. Maintenance such as coolant, brake and transmission flushes, tune-ups, services, oil changes, bulbs, wipers, and more are not covered.

2) “They told me it’s bumper-to-bumper, so it covers everything right?”

Wrong. Not even a factory warranty covers everything. When pitching the sale for the extended warranty, one is very often lead to believe that he or she will have nothing to worry about. This is just not true on so many levels. For example, if your bumper falls off it’s not covered.

3) “I don’t have to pay anything, right?”

Wrong. Despite the claims of 100% coverage, there are many factors involved. The labor rates, labor hours, diagnostic times, parts prices, and machine work are just a few items that often conflict with a service center’s policies. Some extended contracts only pay a maximum of $55 per hour, and only allow one half hour for diagnostic time. This is generally unacceptable to the service center, as labor rates have skyrocketed to over $100 per hour at many dealerships, and average $75 at local shops. Moreover, with the complexity of today’s vehicles, diagnostic time is at a premium. The customer pays the difference.

4) “If I have an expensive problem, I can just purchase an extended service contract.”

It’s unethical, but it’s an option many attempt. However, most service contracts have a minimum time requirement before the first claim can be filed: usually three months. Also, many contracts require that your vehicle be inspected by a service center to check for pre-existing conditions—just like life insurance.

5) “My contract lasts up to 100,000 miles.”

Only if the time limit doesn’t run out first. All extended warranty plans have a time limit. For example, a typical contract will state that the vehicle is covered for two years or 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. During the sales pitch, however, the emphasis will be on the 100,000 miles, not the time.

6) “If my car breaks, it gets fixed like new.”

Actually, depending on the contract, an extended warranty company can insist on installing remanufactured or even used parts.

Items commonly not covered by extended warranties:

• Any component with a pre-existing condition

• Any component related to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

• Many components that has been updated by the manufacturer

• Extra components necessary “due to manufacturer updates” to complete the repair

• Trim pieces: molding, cup holders, dashboard, console, body parts, glass

• Many accessories: radios, DVD players, TVs

• Many expensive electronics: climate control units, navigation assemblies

Service contract positives:

Some service contracts are transferable, and may thus increase the resale value of a vehicle. Many come with trip interruption reimbursement, towing and 24-hour road side. Some plans can also be financed, or have E-Z Pay Plans. Others offer a money-back guarantee.

What should you do?

You’ll get lots of advice about doing the research, comparing plans, and reading the fine print. This is all sound advice. But what about doing the math?

Let’s say a plan costs $2500 for 2 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. To break even you’ll need a minimum of $1250 per year in covered repairs, excluding regular maintenance. Remember covered is the vital word here.

Another way to break it down is to anticipate having to pay $104.17 per month over the next two years in “covered” repairs. Do you want to take that bet?

What could happen?

You could double your money or more in repair work. You could conceivably get a new engine and transmission (or used ones anyway). You could also easily spend $2500 for a service contract, and still have to pay another $2500 for repairs, which for a variety of reasons, were not covered under your plan. Now you’re out $5000.

Alternatively, you could keep the initial $2500. In many ways all an extended warranty does is prepay for repairs. You could stick the money in the bank and collect interest. Then you could withdraw the money for repairs as needed.

Another consideration that’s rarely discussed is the cause of the problems. Many car repairs problems are the result of wear and tear, neglected maintenance, physical damage, or acts of God—such as flood damage. None of this is covered. The gamble only covers failed components.

If the vehicle you’re driving does cost $2500 to $4500 in repairs due to outright failed components, is it a vehicle you even want to consider keeping? A vehicle that needs this kind of repair work due to mechanical, electrical, or computer failures may not be worth it. The $2500-$4500 would be better spent on an upgrade to a quality vehicle rather than insuring a lemon.

There’s no question that auto repair is expensive, and even quality cars break from time to time. But do they breakdown to the tune of $2500-$4500? That’s a hefty bet on a “possibility.”

Terence O’Hara from the Washington Post makes an excellent assessment about extended warranties in general. He writes:

…extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gain…the gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

What’s the best plan?

Money in your bank account!

Theodore Olson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/auto-repair-insurance-extended-warranties-myths-and-facts-68518.html

Theater tickets in New York can be both expensive and difficult to find. With the current popularity of Broadway shows and the revitalized draw of audiences to New York theater prices have seen an incline and many venues sell out regularly. Huge box office hits such as Wicked and Mary Poppins garner endless amounts of patrons willing to pay a lot of money just to catch what the buzz is all about. Adding to the cost of these theater tickets in New York is the production values of the shows themselves. Hollywood actors have been hopping on the Broadway stage more and more and these salaries can reach unimaginable amounts. The props and musical scores along with the orchestration also adds to the increasing popularity and price. Theater tickets in New York can be obtained and with a discount if you know what to do.

The box office is always the best way to find theater tickets in New York. Theater tickets can be booked months in advance even for the larger productions. Knowing when you will be in the city and a simple phone call to the theater will garantee you a great seat at face value. Purchasing from a major ticket seller will also guarantee you the theater tickets, however they typically add a service or booking fee making the total cost more the box office direct pricing.

The theaters are able to provided discounted theater tickets and they often do, even for major events. Discount codes, early bird specials, student discounts and obstructed view seating are a few ways to save on your theater tickets in New York. These savings can be substantial and still provide a great viewing experience at a discounted price.

Discount codes are released to the venues box office and major ticket sellers as well. These secret codes can provide over a 50% savings off the face value. That is more then a half price ticket and they do this for almost every theater show in New York. Finding these discount codes may sound difficult or a hassle, but some simple research on the Internet and in Broadway related forums you may be able to find the code you need for the show you want to see.

Most theaters in New York will sell extra tickets on the day of the event for half price. If a show is not sold out and tickets are still available showing up a few hours early may assure you of a discounted theater ticket in New York. Popular shows may be more difficult to find such a ticket as they tend to sell out often. Mondays and Wednesdays are normally the slowest days on Broadway and will give a patron the best chances of securing great seats to the most in demand shows.

Student discounts are available for every venue on Broadway. There are 39 legitimate Broadway theaters and each venue will allow student to show their id and purchase tickets at a deep discount. Purchasing these tickets again requires traveling to the theater three or four hours ealry and paying for the theater tickets in cash, as this will be the only payment form accepted.

Partial view or obstructed view seating is abundant at most New York entertainment events. These tickets are sold with the understanding that a full view of the stage will not be available from the seating section. The music quality will remain perfect, however parts of the theaters construction or props from the production itself will block or obstruct sections of the stage limiting the viewing experience. Standing room only tickets are a great alternative with the advantage of being able to see the complete stage. There will be no obstruction and sound quality will be perfect also. The only disadvantage to these theater tickets is that you must stand throughout the entire performance as no seats will be available to you. These two options provide great discounts and are usually available for every show on Broadway.

Many resources for theater tickets in New York are available. Newspapers, magazines and Internet websites with forums are exellant places to do some research and locate a discounted theater ticket. These information sources also will provide you with reviews, show times and general ticket information to help you hunt down theater tickets in New York at reasonable prices.

Al Terry
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/how-to-find-theater-tickets-in-new-york-61730.html