Asian Women

Asian women, Asiatic or Asian Continental Ancestry Group is a demonym for people from Asia. However, the use of the term varies by country and person, often referring to people from a particular region or subregion of Asia. Though it may be based on residence, it is also often considered a "racial group" or an ethnic group.


In the United States, Canada, and Australia, the term refers most commonly to people of predominantly East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian ancestry; however, in the United Kingdom and Anglophone Africa, the term refers most commonly to South Asians. In other countries, the term is applied to all people from Asia in general. In the US, however, Middle Eastern and Central Asian people are usually not considered Asian peoples.

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Playboy

Playboy is an American men's magazine, founded in Chicago, Illinois, by Hugh Hefner and his associates, which has grown into Playboy Enterprises, Inc., with a presence in nearly every medium. Playboy is one of the world's best known brands. In addition to the flagship magazine in the United States, special nation-specific versions of Playboy are published worldwide.


The magazine has a long history of publishing short stories by such novelists as Arthur C. Clarke, Ian Fleming, Vladimir Nabokov, and Margaret Atwood, as well as monthly interviews of notable public figures, such as artists, architects, economists, composers, conductors, film directors, journalists, novelists, playwrights, religious figures, politicians, athletes and race car drivers. The magazine throughout its history has expressed a libertarian outlook on political and social issues.

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Maxim

Maxim is an international men's magazine based in the United Kingdom and known for its revealing pictorials featuring popular actresses, singers, and female models, none of which are nudes.

In the United States, Maxim is an industry leader, reporting a circulation of 2.5 million readers which they claim is enough to outsell leading competitors GQ, Esquire, and Details combined. The magazine is now using the brand name to market myriad other magazines and projects.

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FHM

FHM or For Him Magazine is an international monthly Men's Lifestyle magazine. The magazine began publication in 1985 in the United Kingdom under the name For Him and changed its title to FHM in 1994, although the full For Him Magazine continues to be printed on the spine of each issue. Founded by Chris Astridge, the magazine was a predominantly fashion-based publication distributed through high street men's fashion outlets. Circulation expanded to newsagents as a quarterly by the spring of 1987. FHM was sold from EMAP to Bauer in December 2007.

In December 2006 it was announced that FHM will be discontinuing its United States print edition after the March 2007 issue, turning to an all-digital format with the launch of FHM Online.

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Hot Lingerie

Lingerie is a term for fashionable and alluring women's undergarments. It derives from the French word linge, "washables" — as in faire le linge, "do the laundry" — and ultimately from lin for washable linen, the fabric from which European undergarments were made before the general introduction of cotton from Egypt and then from India.


While the term in the French language applies to all undergarments for either gender, in English it is applied specifically to those women's undergarments designed to be visually appealing or erotc, typically incorporating materials such as Lycra, nylon (nylon tricot), polyester, satin, lace and/or silk and not applied to functional cotton undergarments. It is commonly pronounced in English with a faux French pronunciation (such as LONJ-er-ee in British pronunciation or lonj-er-AY in American pronunciation).

The concept of lingerie being visually appealing was a development of the later nineteenth century. Up through the first half of the 20th century women selected underwear for three major purposes: to alter their shape (first with corsets and later with girdles or bras), for reasons of hygiene, or for modesty. Women's underwear before the invention of the crinoline was often very large and bulky. As the 20th century progressed underwear became smaller and more form fitting. In the 1960s 'controversial' lingerie manufacturers such as Frederick's of Hollywood begin to glamorize lingerie and the idea of lingerie having a sexual appeal slowly developed.


The lingerie industry has expanded in the 21st century with designs that double as outerwear. The French refer to this as 'dessous-dessus' which basically means innerwear as outerwear. The boutique Faire Frou Frou, which is an antiquated phrase meaning "show it off", heralds this philosophy by categorizing lingerie as an accessory with details such as straps and lace trim that should be layered and shown as part of one's outerwear.

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Miniskirts

The miniskirt (often hyphenated as mini-skirt) is a skirt with a hemline well above the knees (generally 20 cm—about 8 inches—or more above knee level). The mini was the defining fashion symbol of "Swinging London" in the 1960s.


Around the turn of the 21st century, hipster trousers became highly fashionable for women. The micro mini has been reworked as an even less substantial beltskirt, which is more an evocation of the idea of a skirt than something that covers anything substantial. It may perhaps also provide rhythm for the hipline. Due to its revealing nature, the beltskirt is rarely worn in public. Miniskirts are also seen worn over trousers or jeans, or with leggings that provide coverage of each leg from above the knee. Although "floaty" skirts were most closely associated with the boho look of mid-decade, short skirts also featured in some outfits and in London, for example, minis were more widespread during the hot summer of 2006 than for several years, a trend that continued through the mild autumn and winter and into the following summer.

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Sexy Women's Thongs

The thong is an undergarment and swimwear, worn by both sexes, in a style characterized by a thin strip of material along the center of the garment’s rear designed to sit between the wearer’s buttocks cheeks connecting the front or pouch to the waistband behind the wearer. Thongs come in a variety of styles depending on the thickness, material, or type of this rear portion of fabric and are available. It is known as the “tanga” in Brazil.


Types of thongs include the traditional thong, the G-string, V-string and the T-back. There are many other styles available:


* Traditional thong: This style is generally the most common and involves a strip of fabric in varying widths on the rear of the garment connecting the front or pouch to the waistband.


* G-string: This style consists of a string of fabric - as opposed to a wider-than-thick strip - connecting the front/pouch and the waistband in the rear. It is also called a Rio thong. In Israel the G-string is called “Khutini” (חוטיני), from the word Khut, which means String. In Lithuanian it is “siaurikės” (“narrows”), Italian “perizoma”, in Turkish “ipli külot” (“stringed underpants”), and in Bulgarian it is known as “prashka” (slingshot). A frequent metaphor, especially in South America, is dental floss as in Spanish hilo dental or Portuguese fio dental. A Puerto-Rican Spanish slang term, used by Reggaeton artists, is gistro.


* V-string: Similar to the g-string, this style connects via a single string along the rear that separates into two strings just at or before the waistband or into a small triangle of fabric above the buttocks but below the waistband can have tie sides like the T-back.


* T-back: A thong that makes a straight line of a strip of garment in the back like the English letter “T”. The sound has been causing some confusion among Japanese speakers with a tea bag, which is also common in today’s Japanese dictionaries. In the dialects of Chinese language, the G-string is commonly called dingziku which literally means “ character pants” (or roughly, “T-letter pants”). In Korean it is called (“T panty”). However, there are several usages of the term “T-back” in English as well (e.g. Children’s literature author E.L. Konigsburg’s T-backs, T-shirts, Coat and Suit).


* Dance belt: This is a type of thong designed specifically to be used in the same manner as an athletic supporter for male dancers, especially in ballet. Its purpose is to protect and support the male during athletic/dance activities without being seen through outergarments such as tights or a leotard.


* Cheeky: This style covers a little more area, but exposes the bottom part of the buttocks. Some cheekies are used as undergarments while others function as bikini bottoms.


· String Tanga: This is a type of tanga swimwear which has the waist band replaced with strings which are tied.

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Sexy Women's Bra


A brassiere (Brit. /'bɹæzɪə(ɹ)/; U.S. /bɹə'ziɹ/, commonly referred to as a bra, /bɹɑ/) is an article of clothing that covers, supports, and elevates the breasts.


As well as an undergarment, the bra is considered a foundation garment because of its role in shaping the wearer's figure. It was originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace the corset, and has now become, in many parts of the world, the standard method for supporting a woman's breasts.


The bra may be worn to support and enhance breast shape during everyday activities. A specialized bra, the sports bra, can be worn to support and restrain breasts during exercise. The bra may also be worn to preserve modesty or to present a certain image of femininity. Bras are typically designed to lift the breasts into a particular position, for a more youthful look or for enhancing cleavage. These roles are sometimes conflicting. Some designers aim at producing a garment that fulfills a practical role as well as making it look attractive.


Some have questioned the practical need for the bra given that some women prefer to go without a bra on a regular basis. The bra has become charged with political and cultural meanings that overlay its practical purpose. Traditionally it is viewed as symbolic of a young girl's coming of age. It can also be interpreted as a feminine icon. On the other hand, some feminists consider the brassiere a symbol of the repression of women's bodies.

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Women's Panties

Panties (in the USA and Canada) or knickers (in the UK and Commonwealth) are a form of underwear, usually light and snug-fitting, designed to be worn by women or girls in the area directly below the waist. Typical components include a waistband (often elastic), a crotch to cover the gentle area (usually lined with absorbent material such as cotton), and a pair of leg openings (also often elastic). They have either no legs or in some cases very short ones. The term is usually used in the plural -- a single unit is a "pair of panties" -- though "panty" is used in such derivatives as "panty liner".

Women Celebrity Swimsuits

A swimsuit, bathing suit or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn for swimming. In New Zealand English and some areas of Australian English, swimsuits are usually called togs. This term is less common in other parts of the Commonwealth where it can also refer to clothes in general. Swimsuits can be skin-tight or loosely fitting and range from garments designed to preserve as much modesty as possible to garments designed to reveal as much of the body as possible without actual nudty. They are often lined with a fabric that prevents them from becoming transparent when wet.

Celebrity Bikini

A bikini or two-piece is a type of women's swimsuit, characterized by two separate parts — one covering the breasts the other the groin (and optionally the buttocks), leaving an uncovered area between the two garments. It is often worn in hot weather or while swimming. The shapes of both parts of a bikini closely resemble women's underwear, and the lower part of a bikini can therefore range from the more revealing thong and modest square-cut shorts.


Bikini is the most popular beachwear around the globe, which is, according to French fashion historian Olivier Saillard, due to "the power of women, and not the power of fashion", as he explains, ""The emancipation of swimwear has always been linked to the emancipation of women." By mid 2000s, these two-piece bathing suits eveolved into an US$ 811 million business annually, according to the NPD Group, a consumer and retail information company. The bikini has boosted spin-off services like bikini waxing and the sun tanning industries.

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Safe Internet Banking Tips

As use of the Internet continues to expand, more banks and thrifts are using the Web to offer products and services or otherwise enhance communications with consumers.

The Internet offers the potential for safe, convenient new ways to shop for financial services and conduct banking business, any day, any time. However, safe banking online involves making good choices – decisions that will help you avoid costly surprises or even scams.

This brochure offers information and tips to help you if you are thinking about or already using online banking systems. We will tell you how to:


Confirm that an online bank is legitimate and that your deposits are insured

Keep your personal information private and secure

Understand your rights as a consumer

Learn where to go for more assistance from banking regulators


Confirm that an Online Bank Is Legitimate and that Your Deposits Are Insured

Whether you are selecting a traditional bank or an online bank that has no physical offices, it’s wise to make sure that it is legitimate and that your deposits are federally insured. Here are tips specifically designed for consumers considering banking over the Internet.


Read key information about the bank posted on its Web site.

Most bank Web sites have an "About Us" section or something similar that describes the institution. You may find a brief history of the bank, the official name and address of the bank’s headquarters, and information about its insurance coverage from the FDIC.


Protect yourself from fraudulent Web sites.


For example, watch out for copycat Web sites that deliberately use a name or Web address very similar to, but not the same as, that of a real financial institution. The intent is to lure you into clicking onto their Web site and giving your personal information, such as your account number and password. Always check to see that you have typed the correct Web site address for your bank before conducting a transaction.

Verify the bank’s insurance status.


To verify a bank’s insurance status, look for the familiar FDIC logo or the words "Member FDIC" or "FDIC Insured" on the Web site.


Also, you should check the FDIC’s online database of FDIC-insured institutions. You can search for an institution by going to Bank Find (formerly “Is My Bank Insured?”). Search by name, city, state or zip code of the bank, and click the "Find" button. A positive match will display the official name of the bank, the date it became insured, its insurance certificate number, the main office location for the bank (and branches), its primary government regulator, and other links to detailed information about the bank. If your bank does not appear on this list, contact the FDIC.

Some bank Web sites provide links directly to the FDIC’s Web site to assist you in identifying or verifying the FDIC insurance protection of their deposits.

Also remember that not all banks operating on the Internet are insured by the FDIC. Many banks that are not FDIC-insured are chartered overseas. If you choose to use a bank chartered overseas, it is important for you to know that the FDIC may not insure your deposits. Check with your bank or the FDIC if you are not certain.


For insurance purposes, be aware that a bank may use different names for its online and traditional services; this does not mean you are dealing with separate banks.


This means, for example, that to determine your maximum FDIC insurance coverage, your deposits at the parent bank will be added together with those at the separately named bank Web site and will be insured for up to the maximum amount covered for one bank. Talk to your banker if you have questions.


Know where to get more information about FDIC insurance.

Don't worry about your deposit insurance coverage if you or your family have less than $100,000 in all your accounts combined at the same FDIC-insured bank. But if your accounts total $100,000 or more, find out if they're within the insurance limit. Contact your bank for more information.


For additional assistance from the FDIC about the legitimacy of an institution or the insurance of your deposits, call the FDIC's Division of Compliance and Consumer Affairs toll-free at 1-877-275-3342 or send an e-mail via the FDIC’s online Customer Assistance page.


The FDIC’s Web site also has an interactive service called EDIE (Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator) that can help you determine the amount of your insurance coverage. Or, you can read the online deposit insurance brochure "Your Insured Deposits."

It’s important to note that only deposits offered by FDIC-insured institutions are protected by the FDIC. Nondeposit investment and insurance products, such as mutual funds, stocks, annuities and life insurance policies that may be sold through Web sites or at the bank itself, are not FDIC-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank, and may lose value.


Protect Your Privacy


Some consumers may want to know how their personal information is used by their bank and whether it is shared with affiliates of the bank or other parties.


Starting July 2001, banks are required to give you a copy of their privacy policy once you become their customer, regardless of whether you are conducting business online or offline. You may also see a copy of it posted at the bank’s Web site. By reviewing this policy you can learn what information the bank keeps about you, and what information, if any, it shares with other companies.


Banks may want to share information about you to help market products specific to your needs and interests. If you do not wish to participate in information sharing, however, you have the right to prevent your bank from sharing your private personal information with parties not affiliated with the bank, except in certain limited circumstances. As of July 2001, your bank should provide a clear method for you to "opt out" of this type of information sharing.


You may have heard that some companies track your Web browsing habits while at their site, to understand your interests and then to market particular services or promotions. You may want to ask whether your bank tracks your browsing habits if these practices concern you. Also, your Web browser may enable you to block the ability of outside companies to track your browsing habits.


Your bank and your internet service provider may have more information about how to protect your privacy online.


Help Keep Your Transaction Secure


The Internet is a public network. Therefore, it is important to learn how to safeguard your banking information, credit card numbers, Social Security Number and other personal data.


Look at your bank’s Web site for information about its security practices, or contact the bank directly.


Also learn about and take advantage of security features. Some examples are:


Encryption is the process of scrambling private information to prevent unauthorized access. To show that your transmission is encrypted, some browsers display a small icon on your screen that looks like a "lock" or a "key" whenever you conduct secure transactions online. Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through unsecured e-mail.


Passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) should be used when accessing an account online. Your password should be unique to you and you should change it regularly. Do not use birthdates or other numbers or words that may be easy for others to guess. Always carefully control to whom you give your password. For example, if you use a financial company that requires your passwords in order to gather your financial data from various sources, make sure you learn about the company’s privacy and security practices.


General security over your personal computer such as virus protection and physical access controls should be used and updated regularly. Contact your hardware and software suppliers or Internet service provider to ensure you have the latest in security updates.

If you have a security concern about your online accounts, contact your bank to discuss possible problems and remedies.


Remember that nonfinancial Web sites that are linked to your bank’s site are not FDIC-insured.


As an added convenience to their customers, some banks offer online links to merchants, retail stores, travel agents and other nonfinancial sites. An outside company’s products and services are not insured by the FDIC, and your bank may not guarantee the products and services.


As in everyday business, before you order a product or service online, make sure you are comfortable with the reputation of the company making the offer. Only then should you give out your credit card or debit card number. And never give the number unless you initiated the transaction.

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Smart Banking Tips


Good deals out there.

Credit card providers, every-day e-accounts and even home loans are increasingly offering discount deals and cash-back offers to win customers.


As Effie Zahos reports in the March issue of Money magazine, perhaps the most ground-breaking product in recent times is the salary transaction home loan. It works on the principle that interest is calculated daily, so the more you throw in on day one, the more you can save.


It's linked to a credit card. Borrowers are encouraged to deposit all of their salary into the loan, live off their credit card during the interest-free period and withdraw living expenses once a month.


If followed correctly, at 7% a homeowner with a $160,000 25-year mortgage who has a monthly salary of $3100 and spends around $2000 a month can expect to save one year and three months off their term and over $14,000 in interest payments.


Tiered interest rates

Another favourite boost for your financial bottom line can be found in credit cards that offer tiered interest rates. This can be handy if you know you are going to need more then, say, 55 days to pay off a large purchase.


The Commonwealth Bank, for instance, allows some purchases over $1000 to be paid off at a heavily discounted rate of just 0.99%. The rate applies for three months and there's no interest-free period during that time. Then it's back to the regular interest rate of 15% to 17.65%.


Citibank has a credit card that matches interest rates to spending.


Cash-back credit cards

There's only one so far — National Bank's Visa Mini card — but more are sure to follow if the US example is anything to go by. With National, if you spend $1000 a month on your card, you receive $120 cash back each year. You must repay your charges in full each month. If you apply before May 31, the annual fee of $19 will be waived.


Trendy card users may like the fact that the card, nearly half the size of a standard credit card, comes in five different colours, has a phone hook and a cover.


Cash-back home loans

Non-conforming lender Pepper Homeloans recently launched what's probably the only home loan that hands you cash in return for your loyalty. Other lenders offer discounts or rewards but Pepper is the only one that will actually pay you for banking with them.


Every three years and subject to satisfactory payment history, you get a cash-back of one percent of the outstanding loan balance. The rebate is credited to your savings account, not the home loan.


With all these deals, you need to check all the rules and potential costs before you decide they're for you.

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Online Banking Tips for 2008


(1) THE BASICS: What to Expect from Your Online Bank

Free checking, direct deposit, online bill payment, online statements, and ATM fee rebates are the basic requirements that every online banking customer should expect out of their bank. While many brick-and-mortar banks claim to offer online banking many still cannot provide all of the above through their online platform.

(2) RATES, RATES, RATES

Consumers use sites like Money-Rates.com to find the best deposit rates online. The rates earned on accounts at the top online banks can be 5 or 6 times the rates paid at the nation's largest multi-branch banks. It's your money...don't let the banks borrow it for free.

(3) NEGOTIATE FEES WITH YOUR BANK

Banks are suprisingly willing to negotiate fees and terms when given the prospect of losing an account. Many banks will match the deposit rates of another bank or lower fees rather than lose an account. Just ask!

(4) READ THE FINE PRINT ON TEASER-RATE BANK OFFERINGS

Sometimes the terms for receiving the advertised rates can be quite burdensome. Make sure you fully realize the terms of the offer before opening an account. Have a customer service representative explain it to you if you lack the patience to read the small print.

(5) CONSIDER INTRODUCTORY MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT OFFERS

Many web sites imply that "introductory offers" from banks are somewhat deceiving. Our philisophy at money-rates.com is that any money market rate can be changed at any time by a bank at its discretion. The fact that a bank is telling you up front that their rate is good for only a certain number of days actually can work to the investor's advantage in planning their banking moves. Better to know up front the bank's intention than to rely on constantly checking their current money market rate!

(6) USE ONLINE BILL PAYMENT

Ever see those people balancing their checkbooks while sipping coffee at Starbucks? Now it is time for you to join them. Besides the obvious organizational and convenience advantages, online bill payment will save you money in the long run as you more effectively manage your float and prevent banking errors and costly late charges.

(7) VERIFY FDIC-INSURANCE COVERAGE OF YOUR BANK

Every day a new offshore bank solicits investors who are looking for the safety of FDIC insurance. In some cases these banks are international banks in other cases these banks are in fact criminal enterprises. Verify any new bank you are considering opening an account at by visiting www.fdic.gov.

(8) CONSIDER CREDIT UNION CD SPECIALS

Some credit unions offer superior deposit rates to banks. While these offers are usually restricted to members it could be very useful to visit http://bankdeals.blogspot.com to see if any credit unions in your area are offering a superior rate. Credit Unions are not covered by FDIC-insured but are insured by the National Association of Credit Unions

(9) MINIMUM BALANCES FEES

A silent killer that banks use to extract money from your account is the minimum balance fees. If you a banking customer that frequently takes your account balance down below $100 you will want an online bank with no minimum balance fees.

(10) CREDIT CARD TRAP

Banks make a huge amount of money off the extraneous fees associated with credit cards. The 0% balance transfer card that looks so attractive may have a 3% cash advance fee. The card may charge $50 for being late one day on a payment. And the biggest trap is the teaser rates that changes from a low APR to a high APR if the cardholder is late just one time. Look at all aspects of a credit card before opening a new credit card or tranferring a balance to a new credit card.

(11) BANK ALERTS

By now nearly everyone has received phishing e-mails purported to be from a legitimate bank with an alert about their account and an interface closely resembling the bank's own web site. Don't ever give up your account number or password unless you know that you are actually visiting the secure site of your online bank.

(12) MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS

The last tip listed here is by far the most important. Monitor your account! Having a good firewall and spyware is not enought to ensure that your computer security has not been breached. Monitor your account at least weekly for activity.

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Internet Banking Tips


1. Consider online savings accounts

Consider alternative options such as online savings accounts. These new account offerings offer higher interest rates than traditional branch-based accounts and lower fees. Their returns can also be as good or better than fixed interest investments like term dposits and debentures.


2. Online transactions are cheaper

Pay bills, check balances and transfer money between accounts using online banking. These transactions are significantly cheaper over the internet than over the counter - and far more convenient.


3. Online transactions are convenient

Online banking allows you to do your banking whenever you want, not when the bank wants to open for business. Internet banking websites offer 24-hour, 7 days a week access to pay bills, check balances and transfer money between accounts, even apply for a new account. Best of all there are no queues.


4. Twelve tips to ensure internet security

Online banking fraud is on the rise and there are a number of ways you can protect your credit card and bank accounts if you transact over the internet:



* keep your computer secure and the access to it;


* don't send credit card or account details by e-mail;


* reject any email that asks you to follow a link to website and input account details for verification - even if the website looks authentic, its probably a fake replica


* make sure you log out of your online account when finished - especially at work, libraries and net cafes


* deal only with established and reputable merchants;


* only make payments to secure websites - look for the padlock symbol in the bottom-right of your browser and click for details


* if using a new site, do business first in a small way;

* check your accounts and report discrepancies immediately;


* ignore the "remember my password option" on banking and shopping sites


* change your password regularly;


* cancel any card that has been used fraudulently;


* read a company's privacy policy before buying online

Safer Banking Tips on Credit Cards


There are a number of things you should remember regarding security for Credit Cards:


* Never share, write down or disclose your PIN number, access codes or passwords to anyone, or store them or your Credit Card number in a file on your computer. Do not provide your credit card number or expiry date if they are not specifically required for a transaction.


* Always sign your new Credit Card as soon as you receive it.


* Destroy and dispose of old documents that display your credit card number such as airline tickets or receipts.


* Never email credit card or bank account details.


* Don't choose a PIN that is easily associated with you e.g. your birth date, phone number, or parts of your card number.


* Use different PIN numbers for each different card.


* Dispose of expired cards by cutting them in half.


* Make sure you get your card back after each time you use it.


* Never let anyone else use your card.


* Do not use any ATM or EFTPOS terminal that looks like it has been tampered with as it may have been altered for the purpose of skimming your card details.


* When using an ATM be wary of anyone attempting to observe you entering your PIN, where possible use your hands to block the view of those nearby.


* Be wary of anyone offering assistance, especially if your card has just been retained by the ATM, as they may be attempting to obtain your card or card details. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anyone talking to you.


* If your card has been retained by an ATM go immediately to the nearest bank branch or call us on 0800 803 804. If overseas either ring the ASB Contact Centre on 64 9 306 3000 or go to any Visa/MasterCard member bank branch to arrange cancellation.


* You will automatically be sent a new credit card shortly before the expiry date of your current ASB Credit Card. If you have not received your reissue card before the current one expires please contact ASB.


* If you lose your ASB Credit Card please contact ASB immediately.

When shopping online

· Always use a secure browser connection when entering credit card details online. Check that a locked padlock or unbroken key symbol is shown in the bottom right of your browser window and that site has a URL that starts with "https".


· Never use your Credit Card number as a form of identification - only enter your Credit Card details when you are ready to make a purchase.


· If you make an online purchase, print out a copy of the transaction for your records. This will make it easier to check against your credit card statement.


· Check that the online merchant or store has a return and refunds policy.


· When using your card to purchase online, look for reputable Internet stores. If you are unsure, request more information from them about the company and the goods and services they are selling.

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Online Safer Banking Tips


There are a few simple things you can do to help protect yourself online, not just when using banking online but when using the internet in general.


When using Fastnet Classic we recommend you do the following:

· Select a suitable Password

· Always protect your Password

· Use ASB's two-factor security solution, Netcode

· Tell us if your suspect your Password is known by someone else. Similarly, let us know if your Netcode device has been lost or stolen

· Always log out of FastNet Classic


You can also help protect your computer and your identity online by doing the following:


· Check that the website is secure, when you are entering in your personal information

· Be careful with emails

· Secure your computer


Select a suitable Password

The first time you sign on to FastNet Classic you will need to select a personal Fastnet Classic Password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone else to guess. Unsuitable passwords include number and letter combinations that may be easily guessed (e.g. 3456, ABC, 1111, AAA), passwords used by you for other banking or non-banking services, or other easily accessible personal information (e.g. birthdate, family, pet or street names).


Always protect your Password

Never write your password down or give it out to anyone. Remember that we will never ask you for your online banking password. It is also important that you change your online password regularly. To do this, sign on to FastNet Classic, select Update Details from the left hand menu and then select Change Password.


Register for Netcode

Netcode is ASB's two-factor authentication solution - an extra layer of security in addition to your password to make sure it's really you using FastNet Classic internet banking, and to help protect your bank account against fraudulent people.


A Netcode is a unique number that is either texted to your mobile phone, or generated on a Token, when making certain transactions in FastNet Classic. So even if your access code and password were to fall into the wrong hands, you can rest assured that no money over your daily Netcode limit would be paid out of your account, without your approval.


Let us know if you suspect that your Password is known by someone or if your Netcode device is lost or stolen

It is important that you let us know as soon as you suspect or know that your FastNet Classic Password is known by someone else or if there has been any unauthorised activity on your account. You should also notify us if your Netcode Device has been lost or stolen. You can contact us on 0800 803 804 or 64 9 306 3000.


Always log out

You should log out and close your browser window after you've finished using any online banking services or if you are leaving your desk.


Check that the website is secure

To check if a site is secure, look for https:// at the start of your browsers' address bar. You should also look for the padlock in your browser window, to show that your session is being encrypted. You can then double-click on the padlock to see the level of security being used.


Be careful with emails

Emails are a common way to spread harmful codes or to trick you into revealing your internet banking information. Don't open emails from unknown senders. If you are in doubt about the source of an email, for example if you don't recognise the sender, don't click on any links within the email and delete it. Never open unexpected attachments.


While we will email you from time to time, we will never link to the sign on page of our online banking websites.


Secure your computer


Watch this space for a special security software deal for ASB customers


Use a personal firewall

A personal firewall is your first line of defence between your computer and the outside world. It helps control who can access your computer and protects you from viruses and any other unwelcome visitors.


Some options include:


· Symantec's well respected Norton brand has high quality firewalls that feature regular live updates for the latest threats (www.symantec.co.nz).

· If you're on a budget, you can download free or low-cost firewall software from companies like Zone Labs (www.zonelabs.com).


Install anti-virus software

Viruses, which can be extremely destructive, are pieces of code that attach to your computer. A virus usually accesses your computer via email attachments or from software you install from a CD or DVD or download from the internet. By installing anti-virus software you can protect your computer against the latest viruses. You may already have anti-virus software on your computer, but for it to be effective it must be updated regularly.


Some options include:


· Symantec (www.symantec.co.nz) release regular anti-virus software such as their Norton AntiVirus series.

· Virus alerts are also available from Trend Micro (www.trendmicro.com), Panda Antivirus (www.pandasoftware.com), McAfee (www.mcafee.com/au), and Computer Associates (www.ca-store.com.au).


Get anti-spyware software

Spyware is a file placed on your computer that can provide information on what you are doing online to a third party. In its worst form, spyware can be used to access personal information such as bank accounts or credit card details. Use should use up-to-date anti-spyware software to protect against programmes that fraudsters can use to collect this information.


These are easy to download and are generally available online for free. You should make sure to regularly update your software.


· Ad-aware (www.lavasoftusa.com)

· Spybot (www.safer-networking.org)


Regularly update your operating system

Get the latest software updates from the company that produces your operating system to protect against any security threats. Security updates are released regularly to fix holes in a computer's operating system. You should regularly check your vendor's website to see whether operating system updates are available or select to receive updates automatically.


· Microsoft users can visit: www.microsoft.com/security

· Mac users can visit: www.apple.com/nz/support


Beware of using public or shared computers

Be wary of using other computers (e.g. in an internet cafe, library or university) to access online banking. It's impossible to know if they have up to date protection and you're likely to be overlooked by others.

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Car Buying Tips


How To Find and Make a Good Deal in Tough Times


Whether you believe we're in a recession or simply a slow economy, the news hasn't been good. The housing debacle, credit crunch and tumbling dollar mean many consumers have a hard time making car payments and paying for fuel. As a result, more people need to get out of their car lease early, delay buying a new car, or buy a used car instead of a new one. And with gas prices near $4 per gallon, there will be more demand (and probably fewer deals) for compact and hybrid vehicles.


Automakers are also tightening their belts, closing dealerships, eliminating "twinned" vehicles and carrying some of their lowest inventory levels since 2002. That translates to less selection on the car lot.


So consumers are caught in a tug of war: Car dealers, most of whom already are facing hard times, need to increase their profitability — just as car buyers are trying to spend less. This affects the entire car-buying process, from vehicle availability to new car financing and incentives to lease deals and the price of used cars. Here's what you can expect and how to best take advantage of the slow economy's impact.


Financing Your New Car

Historically, automakers and dealers have pumped up sales with financial incentives, and this slow economy is no exception. Expect to see higher cash rebates (manufacturer-to-customer and possibly dealer-to-customer), and more zero-percent financing and low APR programs, particularly from domestic automakers.


While such auto incentives used to blanket an entire brand, this time around expect automakers to cherry-pick which models get big incentives. Understandably, the biggest discounts will be on large, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. Incentives will also vary from one geographic region to another depending on vehicle demand.


Rules of thumb for auto incentives:


* Unless there's a zero-percent program or the interest rate is less than the prime rate, keep your term as short as possible. To help decide which program is better for you, use our Low APR vs. Cash Back calculator or this basic rule of thumb: If you'll keep your car three years or less, take the cash. Four years or more, take the low APR.

* If you're considering switching brands, ask the sales manager (not just the salesperson) about any "conquest" rebates. This can mean up to $1,500 toward sweetening the deal.

* Beware of the six- and seven-year car loans that are trickling down from very expensive brands to more mainstream ones, such as Toyota. Don't use a longer-term loan to get into a vehicle you can't really afford or to spread the cost of a negative-equity trade (being "upside down" on your current vehicle).

* Unless your credit is good, be prepared to put down a larger down payment or look for a used car instead. It's more difficult than before for folks with below-average credit to find car financing, as banks and finance companies are tightening their standards.


Car Leasing

As a countermeasure against falling residual values, a number of manufacturers have overhauled their leasing programs. So if you leased in the past, the same rules may not apply. Additionally, many lease payments will be so high that consumers will have no choice but to go to a less expensive vehicle — one they can actually afford.


In addition, keep the following advice in mind as you shop for a new lease:


* Credit requirements will be tighter. In some cases, only people with the best credit will qualify for manufacturers' leases.

* Dealers will urge people to buy rather than lease and extend the loan terms to 60, 72 and even 84 months. (Warning: This results in more "upside-down" buyers and more buyers will carry negative equity from one car loan to another.)

* The higher payment might still make sense if you can take the tax write-off as a business deduction.

* Check several banks, smaller leasing companies or your credit union for a good lease. (Our financing tab will help you get rates from different companies.)

* If it suits your needs, look to foreign automakers, whose lease programs are stronger.

* Consumers looking to take over someone else's lease can visit Lease Trader or Swapalease.

* Buying looks better than ever, especially with dramatic incentives in both cash and financing.

* Carmakers will offer low-interest financing to try to match low lease payments of the past.


Used Cars Are Affected, Too

As the amount of money in consumers' pockets goes down, people who cannot afford the new car they want will look at less expensive new models, but will consider used cars as well — possibly for the first time. Say you're a Ford guy with your heart set on an Explorer, but you can't afford a new one. You could consider an Escape, or you could simply buy a used late-model Explorer instead.


This means that older cars that are "clean" — in good condition — will hold their value and depreciate less quickly. For example, a very clean eight-year-old Honda Accord with 60,000 miles may cost a few hundred dollars more than it used to, as consumers compete for reliable (and fuel-efficient) vehicles.


Rules of thumb:


* There is a silver lining: If you currently own a good car, it will retain its value better than before the economic slowdown when you sell or trade it. Use Edmunds' Used Car Appraiser to learn your car's True Market Value® (TMV®) so you can hold out for the right price.

* If your current car is still under warranty and in very good condition, dealers will want it for their Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs.

* More CPO cars will be available on dealer lots. They cost up to $1,500 more than the same car without certification, but offer peace of mind and longer warranties.

* Compact vehicles will hold their value better overall, as people start realizing the cost of all that horsepower. Ask yourself if you really need a V6 when a four-cylinder engine will do the same job.


So Where Are the Deals?

If you do nothing else before buying a new car, at least check the latest auto Incentives and Rebates and Deals of the Month for a head start. Remember, there are always bargains to be had, even in tough economic times.


For new cars:


* Look again at larger vehicles. If you don't put a lot of miles on your car each year, the discount programs on these vehicles may more than outweigh the difference you'll spend in fuel.

* Due to the weak dollar, luxury and midrange vehicles from European automakers may offer new incentives.


For used cars:

* There are very sweet deals on recent model-year vehicles that didn't sell that well when they were new. Many of these are rental or fleet vehicles (former company cars), including Chryslers (like the 300) and minivans. Some examples: A 2007 Ford Five Hundred SEL four-door sedan with a 3.0-liter engine and automatic transmission had a $23,785 MSRP, and an invoice price of $22,031. You can buy it used now for around $16,995. Similarly, the 2007 Kia Sedona LX with a new MSRP of $24,295 can now be bought used for under $18,000.

* Don't wait too long to buy: There may be less selection to choose from come summer/late summer than in years past, since people who don't have the money to buy a new car may choose to hold onto their cars longer.


In the meantime, if you do decide to hang onto your car for a while longer, make it last using our tips, "Top Five Ways to Make Your Car Run Forever."

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