There are a few things in life that almost everyone dreads – paying income taxes, hitting the interstate on a holiday weekend, a summer cold – and standing in line at the Motor Vehicle Administration!  No matter how short your transaction, there’s never an “un-busy” time at the MVA.  However, there is an alternative – and a great one, at that – where you can conduct almost all of your motor vehicle transactions in 10 minutes or less.  Can’t believe it?  Then check out Frenny’s Tag and Title Service!

Frenny’s Tag and Title Service offers many of the same services available at the MVA, including registration, title service, tag service, tag renewal service, transfer tags, duplicate titles, and temporary registrations for motor vehicles and trailers (with the exception of personalized or handicapped tags). With locations in Pikesville (1310 Bedford Avenue, Suite 101) and Elkridge (7281 Washington Boulevard, Suite A), Frenny’s can get you in and out the door in 10 minutes – less time than you’d typically spend at the MVA.

Frentrice Glover is the owner of both locations of Frenny’s Tag and Title Service and is a true entrepreneur at heart.  Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Frenny worked in the insurance industry for 19 years and continued providing insurance services while striking out on her own with two additional businesses – the tag and title service, and a shop called Gift World that offered clothing, jewelry, accessories, and shoes.  After several years, she decided to focus all of her energies on the tag and title business and relocated to the Baltimore County location.  Her second location in Elkridge opened in 2011.

Frenny enjoys meeting new people and helping them with their vehicle needs.  She understands that time is valuable and helps people save time by providing fast, efficient, and accurate vehicle services at reasonable cost.  Frenny’s Tag and Title Service charges you the same fees that you would pay at the MVA, plus a modest service charge for the speed and convenience of the services. In addition to offering services to the general public, Frenny also works with small dealerships to help them process their registrations.

In addition to running the two locations of her business, Frenny enjoys traveling (when she can – she’s a self-proclaimed workaholic!) and swimming.  She offers the following advice for entrepreneurs or anyone looking to start their own business:  Do your research and do things the right way – don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Save your valuable time for something you enjoy!  Visit Frenny’s Tag and Title Service for your motor vehicle needs.  Locations are open as follows:  Pikesville – Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM by appointment (phone number 410-356-6877); Elkridge – Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM.

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Timothy J. Manleyis the owner of Cash Flow Plus, Inc., an electronic payments company in Edgewater, MD. He is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tim at 301-873-0470 or via email at sales@cashfloplus.com.

Did you get your golden ticket to Prom on April 28 at the Westin Hotel? Tons of students packed into the ballroom and danced the night away to “Cotton Eye Joe”, “Party Rock Anthem”, and “Starships.”

The sparkling atmosphere at this Willy Wonka themed “Candy Wonderland” was filled with lollipops, candy, and all sorts of sweet decorations.
The dance began at 8 o’clock, but the night had begun hours before. Groups began to meet at homes and restaurants to take their before prom pictures. They eventually attended dinner at a friend’s house or a semi-fancy restaurant like Sakura, Copeland’s, and The Federal House. Once at the hotel, students could snack on chicken fingers, pigs in a blanket, garlic bread, kabobs, and slushies. Students gathered around to feast on the “delicious spring rolls” and “awesome ice cream bar”.
While some people were focused on what to eat, others were in awe of the elegant attire of both the girls and the guys. Some of the students even got into the theme of the night with their outfits. Students Emily Zito and Anthony Pagnotta were the very picture of a cotton candy prom. They each wore the colors of cotton candy, light blue and pink. Others looked for that one perfect dress that would make the night so much better. Bria Warren, in a stunning cream and bejeweled floor length gown, said, “I spent so much time looking for my dress, but a week before prom I found that one, perfect dress that I fell in love with.”
After a few hours of non-stop music, crazy dancing, and talking with friends, the DJ stopped the music to announce the 2012 Prom King and Queen. And the winners were, drum roll please, Derry MacDermott and Kimmie Martin. “I was not expecting it at all!” claims MacDermott. The music then returned and the students once again began to dance. For the juniors, it was a good first experience for prom. Junior Matt McAlister said, “It was wonderful. Everything was perfect. I had a great time.” Junior Camryn Long “had the time of [her] life.”

For the seniors, prom is one of the last experiences they will have before going off to college or the workforce. Abby Lyons claims, “I had a blast and I will never forget these moments.” As the students left for their limos and buses, school officials handed out towels and lollipops, which was perfect cover for the rain that just began.
The after prom party began at midnight at the Glenwood Community Center. Students jumped off the bus in excitement as they ran through the doors and saw their candy wonderland waiting for them inside. Each student was signed in and received raffle tickets and carnival tickets, which entered them in contests to win various prizes including and gift cards, computers, televisions, and iPods.

The carnival tickets were used to play the blindfolded money grab, black jack, pool, basketball, tarot cards, and get airbrush tattoos The night, sadly, had to come to an end. At 3:30 in the morning, the students piled out of the community center and headed home or to a friend’s house. Most students will never forget the memories from after prom, and hopefully the prizes they won will last as well.
April 28 was also the date of the Sweetlife Festival and many students chose to attend. This music and food festival contained some popular bands including Avicci, Kid Cudi, The Shins, Explosions in the Sky, Fitz and the Tantrums, A$AP Rocky, and FUN rocked Merriweather all night, drawing huge crowds. Joey Wrobleski claims, “Kid Cudi was awesome, and I’m really glad I went to the Sweetlife concert instead of prom.”  For those students that attended the concert over prom, they missed out.
The annual prom gives students memories that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Dressing up, dancing the night away, and winning prizes at the after prom party will always be a part of high school memories. So be sure to look for your Golden ticket for next year’s prom, if you’re lucky enough to find one of them!

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Dina Perry is a Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. She is a high school student and lives in Howard County, Maryland. She enjoys writing, cooking, and playing basketball.

I wanted to share with you which I though appropriate for Mothers Day weekend… a Mother and Son business collaborating for many years now helping each other and sharing their vision and passion for the Art. A few months ago, while meeting with Alberta Santora at Capelli Salon in Stevenson Village Maryland, I met a wonderful woman named Phyllis Dahme. She spoke to me about her son, her artwork and how she and her son for many years now have helped each other. She creates; and he is an award winning photographer and artist. I took the time to check out their website and was truly what amazing talent these two have to share with so many in Baltimore over the years. The talent that resides in this family is utterly amazing, and it was so genuine to see as a Mother and Son have teamed up to help each other which give a whole other meaning collaborating. Stuart Dahne and his mom, Phyllis, have been in Baltimore all their lives. Doing what they do best in creating and sharing their artistic talent with many, nationwide and also internationally. I hope you take the opportunity just as I did to read about them and see all the artwork and the incredible photographs taken.

It’s their passion and isn’t it great they get to live their dream, and do what they are passionate as a living … Having been raised in an extremely artistic and creative family, he has found a creative outlet in photography and become an award winning photographer…see through their eyes the world, the homeless its quite touching…I hope you check out their store on line! If you would like to hire Stuart Dahne or if you are interested in any of his framed and signed works; you may contact him at livephoto2@gmail.com www.stuartdahnephotography.com/

“Every day I look for beauty in the world, not a bad way to spend my time.” Stuart Dahne
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Tammy Bowers is a Charter Member and Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. She is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle. She is also the Owner of Inspiring Hearts LLC, a boutique specializing with handcrafted and uniquely designed items that are motivational and inspirational. You can reach Tammy at 410-615-4117 or 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@Rollingads.com.

You wouldn’t be shocked to learn that thousands of germs exist on trains and buses, but what if you found out your car was also a breeding ground for these same types of bacteria?

According to a 2006 study conducted by Dr. Chuck Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist, “cars are the moldiest of all forms of transportation…because people aren’t really cleaning or disinfecting these areas.”

Gerba has been studying germ hot spots for years, and this study confirmed what many people probably don’t want to hear: millions of bacteria can be found in the very place we think we’re safe from them…our vehicles.

Busy Lives Encourage Bacteria

Considering that many adults are now using their cars as a mobile office, a changing room, and transporting children, it’s no wonder germs feel comfortable settling down. Food, clothing, pet hair and the everyday bacteria that people carry on them are left in the car to multiply.

Moreover, these bacteria are encouraged when we use our heating and air conditioning. Gerba found that the areas of the car with the most germs were the dashboard, change holder, and wherever coffee was kept. “The air flows over your dashboard and so the bacteria tend to build up on that surface.”

Other places where bacteria were found were on car seats and floors as well as door handles. Even more surprising was the mold found on the child safety seat.

Tackling the Enemy

Eliminating these substances from your vehicle doesn’t take a lot of effort. Gerba suggests wiping down the areas most susceptible to germs with a disinfectant.

If you’ve never disinfected before or just need an entire cleaning of your car’s interior, seek out a reliable and experienced auto detailing center that can assist you.

Either way, be sure you take the time to address this important issue in all of your vehicles. Getting rid of germs now can help you and your family avoid health problems in the future.

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Ernest Reed is a Community Reporter and Charter Member with The Village Connector Community News. His wife, Mia and he are the owners of Mobile Car Wash and Detailing. You can reach Ernest at 301-649-0564.

Spring is the time of year when people like to be out doors riding bikes, hiking trails, visiting parks and other activities. Those activities can be turned into the ultimate adventure vacation.

Combining an outdoor activity with a vacation is becoming popular. Vacationers can hike down the Grand Canyon and camp, traipse through the Amazon Jungle, visit a safari or hunting area in Africa, climb a mountain in the Himalayas or Alaska, bicycle in Europe, visit the Outback in Australia, or go whitewater rafting in Canada. The possibilities are numerous, and travelers are creating packages to fit their love of adventure into a week or 14-day trip.

These adventure vacations have aspects in common. They appeal to people’s desire for some danger in their lives. They also promote a willingness to protect the earth in its natural beauty. Many adventurers also want to preserve the environment and their health. These aren’t vacations for the infirm, elderly or couch potatoes.

Adventure vacations take travelers around the world and offer excitement for those looking beyond relaxation. America Outdoors is an association that provides guides and information about popular destinations and activities. These types of vacations have become so popular that the Weather Channel has a regular show depicting exotic locales that features some adventure. These Weather Ventures episodes have showcased places throughout the world that appeal to the adventurer in people.

Vacation Dayz can help place adventurers into their trips inexpensively. Even though the vacation club may not offer the great outdoors for sleeping arrangements, the company can find a locale that is known for its adventure vacations for each member. Vacation Dayz is not a time-share company, but a travel club. It works similarly to Sam’s club or BJ Warehouse.

For those with small budgets, adventures can be found closer to home. Marylanders can hike the Appalachian Trail, camp in Acadia National Park in Maine, bike along the C&O canal or climb mountains in Virginia. Active Excursions is a local company that provides adventures to outdoor enthusiasts close to home. Vacation Dayz also can arrange lodgings in those areas closer to home as well.

Corporations also have begun using the great out doors for training and team-building. Companies often book these adventure vacations to teach employees how to rely on each other and build camaraderie. These types of vacations also can be completed through Vacation Dayz’s membership.

Whether individuals or companies are looking for adventure locally or elsewhere, Vacation Dayz is here to help plan the ultimate vacation.

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Doug Donaldson is a member of The Village Connector Community News as well as president of Vacation Dayz. You may reach Doug at (240) 508-3839 or via email at: Doug@helloworld.com. Please find out more about Vacation Dayz by visiting them on the web at: http://vacationdayz.com/

There was no question about it – the only reason I suffered the embarrassment of braces in the 1970s was because my teeth were seriously screwed up and my parents were only too happy to pay for someone to fix them.

Nowadays, not only are the professionals trying to sell you on the latest orthodontic procedure to correct the most minor flaws, even the kids pressure you to sign on the dotted line just so they can pick bands to match their school colors. They won’t listen to reason. You can’t convince them by pointing out that Jay Leno would be nowhere today without his characteristic under bite, and Jewel would be slinging burgers at McD’s if she didn’t have that fang poking straight out of her face.

So here I sit, in the orthodontist’s waiting room, picking stuff out from under my fingernails, while somewhere across town, money is automatically being withdrawn from our dwindling checking account to pad the overstuffed coffers of our orthodontist.

And as we careen ever so slowly toward financial ruin in the name of orthodontic perfection and middle school fashion sense, I comfort myself with the knowledge that, with all this waiting room time, my purse has never been more organized.

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Lisa Smith Molinari is a Community Reporter for the Village Connector Community News. She is also a military wife and stay at home mom. She is a freelance writer with pieces published in The Washington Post, The Citizen and The Indiana Gazette. In addition, Lisa manages her own blog “The Meat and Potatoes of Life.” You can connect with Lisa via email at: meatandpotatoesoflife@googlemail.com

What will you be doing the weekend of May 5th-6th? I will be joining forces with thousands of folks to walk in the Washington DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This will be an amazing tour of America’s capital along with our country’s most treasured monuments and every step will help take us closer to a world free of breast cancer! The monies collected will go to support research to find a cure or prevention, as well as programs that enable all patients to access quality care. Click Here for more details on the Avon Walk in Washington DC or to make a Donation.

As I am a survivor, and coming from a family of survivors, I am walking for my daughter, my nieces and all the other women out there, so they never have to fight this battle with cancer. The goal is to eliminate this disease, once and for all.

Enjoy this video from Martina McBride, as someone loved me through this and now, it is my turn to “Love Someone Through It” with your help!

Please consider making either a small or large donation, as every dollar makes a difference. If you, a family member or friend has ever battled breast cancer you know how important this is to all of us. Please Click Here   to make a donation to help me with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Thank you for your consideration and help.

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Linda Dear is a Charter Member and Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. Linda Dear and the Dear Team Realtors are with Re/Max Advantage Realty and you can contact them by phone at 410-740-4437 or find them on the web at: www.lindadear.com.

Preparing for One of Retirement’s Major Expenses – Taxes

As you plan for retirement, you’re likely considering the major expenses you may encounter, such as housing and health care. But are you overlooking something that may have a significant impact on your ability to achieve a financially secure retirement?

If the bulk of your retirement savings are in tax-deferred accounts (workplace plans and traditional IRAs), most or all of your distributions will be subject to ordinary income tax rates. This may leave you with less cash flow than you expect, which could impact your ability to meet your day-to-day expenses.

A starting point – spread your savings out

So how can you reduce the impact of taxes on your retirement portfolio? Just as portfolio diversification is recognized as a good approach to investing, tax diversification can play an important role in helping you potentially enhance your retirement savings when the time comes to withdraw money from your accounts. You may have the ability to stretch your retirement dollars further if you can manage retirement distributions in a tax efficient way.  Consider diversifying your savings into three different tax “buckets”:

•     Tax-deferred accounts – workplace savings programs (including 401(k) and 403(b) plans), traditional IRAs and annuities.

•     Tax-free accounts – Roth IRAs, cash value life insurance, municipal bonds, if appropriate

•     Taxable accounts – savings and investments outside of tax-advantaged vehicles

The biggest challenge is often directing enough money into tax-free accounts such as Roth IRAs. Because there can be tax consequences in that event, Roth conversion is not always a viable option for investors to consider – so keep in mind that if you choose this process, the earlier you begin the better. Also be aware that you are not able to deduct any contributions to a Roth, as they are after tax dollars.

In retirement – manage your distributions

Efficiently managing distributions from your tax-deferred accounts is important because most distributions from 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs are subject to ordinary income tax rates, and will increase your taxable income.  Investors with a tax-diversified portfolio, comprised of assets in taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, are often best positioned to manage cash flow during retirement.

For example, let’s assume you expect to use your 401(k) plan to meet your annual income requirements. You will need to pull out more than what you need as annual income from your plan – or tap your bank account – to cover the taxes you’ll owe on this income. (The actual amount depends on your income tax rate.) If you didn’t account for this in advance, your savings may be depleted more quickly than you planned. And depending upon where you are in the tax brackets, the actual amount you withdraw may push some of your income into a higher tax bracket, making it more important to manage your distributions.

If you have the ability to pull part of your necessary cash flow from a tax-free account, such as a Roth IRA, you may be able to reduce the amount of taxes you pay throughout your retirement, stretch out your qualified plan distributions and still meet your income needs. (Remember of course, that you did pay tax on the money that’s saved in your Roth account. You simply paid it before you invested it for retirement or at the time you converted it from a traditional retirement savings plan.)

Also keep in mind that there’s a common assumption that your income tax rate in retirement will be lower than it was during your working years. While that is true for some retirees, it is not true for all. Your individual retirement savings and distribution strategy needs to be based on how you intend to spend your retirement years, with the potential impact of taxes only being one piece of the puzzle.

Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you to plan for retirement and other long-term financial goals while keeping tax expenses in mind. Though your financial planner will not be able to give you direct tax advice, he or she will work with you and your tax advisor. By being proactive in the years when you are still accumulating wealth for retirement, you can achieve greater tax-diversification in your overall portfolio by the time retirement begins, giving you more flexibility with the money you’ve saved.

Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™ who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com/jeffrey.d.carlson.

I’m proud to announce that I was recognized as a 2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager in Baltimore Magazine.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AL, CA, DE, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, FL, WA, DC.

Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

© 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Save Money: Smarter Spring Cleaning

It may seem like the answer to de-cluttering your home after the spring thaw lies in the aisles for storage containers and cleaning supplies that can often cost a small fortune. But getting your house clean and organized can be financially beneficial if you’re willing to wield your creativity and recycling bin at the same time.

Go paperless

A good first step to getting your home in order is to reduce the amount of paper documents you have, which also presents a chance to organize your financial documents. Start by tossing obsolete paper like ATM slips you no longer need, old product warranties and outdated insurance policies. Then digitize your important receipts and records by scanning them into an electronic document and shredding the original copy. If you don’t have a specific budget, use this opportunity to make one using old receipts and bill statements as a guideline to calculating your regular income and expenses.

After minimizing the paper backlog, set up online bill payment and electronic statement delivery with your bank as a way to keep your desk and your finances organized. E-statements are convenient, secure and allow you to track your payment history without digging through stacks of old records. Online bill payment, which most banks offer for free, can be set up to make single or recurring payments as well as regular transfers to your savings account, which is an easy way to make saving a priority. Both will save you time spent paying bills and trips to buy yet more storage bins to hold a longer and longer paper trail.

Clean smarter

Smart cleaning and organizing of your home’s surfaces and appliances can also be a money saver when the electricity bill comes each month. When you’re vacuuming, don’t forget the coils on the back of your refrigerator: The dirt that builds on them makes the machine spend extra energy; a quick pass over them may save you money on your electric bill each year. If you still have the same air conditioner filter as last year, replacing it can be a quick project and could save additional cash come summer. And while your mind is on appliances, consider getting rid of extra ones – is having a mini fridge in your garage worth the added cost to your electric bill?

Pair up projects

Cleaning can be invigorating and inspire you to try out a new look for your home. Put that impulse to use and take advantage of newly cleaned spaces to start painting or remodeling projects. While you have the ladder out, replace old bulbs with new, energy-efficient ones that will save you money regardless of the season.

If your house still seems cluttered with unneeded stuff, identify the things you can live without and team with your neighbors to host a garage sale. Gently-used clothing and other items can be sold to consignment stores or donated to a number of charities (which might be written off on your taxes¹).

Whatever your annual spring cleaning tradition may be, make the most of it this year by organizing your finances and using these budget-friendly tips. While finances are fresh on your mind, consider working with a financial professional who can help create and maintain a budget, and work with you to plan for your short- and long-term financial goals.

Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™ who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com/jeffrey.d.carlson.

I’m proud to announce that I was recognized as a 2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager in Baltimore Magazine.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AL, CA, DE, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, FL, WA, DC.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

¹Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

© 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

While most colleges have already had their spring breaks, elementary schools and secondary schools are just coming up to their breaks. And, many people like to travel when the weather gets warmer in April and May.

Vacation Dayz recommends these hot spots for fun and entertainment. Cancun, Mexico; Las Vegas; Nassau, Bahamas; Negril, Jamaica; Panama City Beach, Fla.; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republican; and Party cruises are some of the ways to have fun this spring.

In Cancun, travellers can have an experience like it would have in Las Vegas. The hotels are luxurious and built for the ultimate tropical experience. They are located near the heart of the action, which allows vacationers to have fun at night clubs and party near the beaches.

For those too skiddish to travel to Mexico, they can always head to Sin City where night meets day and no one remembers which is which. But, Vegas is much more than casinos and gambling. The city offers nightly shows for very little money, a fun water park for families and plenty of restaurants. The unique designs of the casinos also allow for interesting tours and shopping. But, for the gambling enthusiasts, Vegas is the ultimate in spring destination.

Nassau, Bahamas, is a great place to go for single people. Many hotels offer taste-testing in rum drinks. Rum enthusiasts will love tasting the different cocktails in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. When not drinking rum, Nassau gives people the opportunity to see the beautiful island and lay out on the beach.

In Negril, vacationers will experience daily pool events and welcome parties. Negril also offers clear blue Caribbean waters and sandy beaches. It offers the best of both worlds, partying and relaxing.

Punta Cana offers the beaches, but it also is a great place to get married. Many destination weddings are taking pl.ace there. However, travellers should be cautious about possible summer storms.

Taking a spring break cruise is a great alternative for those that can’t decide where to go. A cruise offers every amenity available and several port destinations too. In the ports, cruise-goers can shop, lie on the beach or take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

Vacation Dayz wants its customers to experience first-hand the fun these beach resorts can provide. The company offers the ability for Americans to travel for less by joining a vacation club. It is not a time-share or a travel agency, but it can offer vacation deals to its members.

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Doug Donaldson is a member of The Village Connector Community News as well as president of Vacation Dayz. You may reach Doug at (240) 508-3839 or via email at: Doug@helloworld.com. Please find out more about Vacation Dayz by visiting them on the web at: http://vacationdayz.com/