Q: Is there a federal government cash rebate for the purchase of new appliances?

In this time of significant business challenges and given the fact that customers are the lifeblood for every business, is there such thing as a "bad customer?"

These are the real estate transfers for the period Sept. 1-6. Information is prepared by John Dixon Auctioneers. Any questions may be addressed to John Vass Jr. at Times Free Press at 757-6322.

Chamber events Red Bank: The Red Bank Chamber will meet Tuesday at noon at Red Bank Community Center, next to Erlanger North off Morrison Springs Road. The speaker will be Warren Dropkins of Wachovia Securities. The cost of lunch is $10. Ooltewah/Colleged

Q: I am considering the use of using online auctions this holiday season. Is this a safe way to shop?

Q: Mrs. M, of Chattanooga, writes: “I turned 62 in August of this year and have decided to start drawing my Social Security, which will start in February 2010. My question is: I will still work part time and I am aware of the $14,400 cap that I can earn but my husband (who is 62) is still working full time and plans to continue until 66, and of course will continue to draw his normal wages. Is there any limitation on his earnings and is there a combined amount that we are limited to earn?”

Members of an engineers union at the Tennessee Valley Authority voted Tuesday to affiliate with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers union.

Volkswagen has surpassed Toyota as the world's largest car manufacturer, according to figures in The Guardian newspaper.

Dick Clinton had wanted to be a professional trumpet player, but that didn’t work out.

Cleveland, Tenn.-based Life Care Centers of America recently named Michael Lops as its new chief compliance officer.

These are the real estate transfers for the period Aug. 25-31. Information is prepared by John Dixon Auctioneers. Any questions may be addressed to John Vass Jr. at Chattanooga Times Free Press at 757-6322.

Now that ghosties and goulies have disappeared for another year, it’s time for holiday gift-buying. When in doubt about paying with plastic — or just the best plastic — BillShrink’s credit card solutions help consumers make the right choice.

Q: Can a consumer save money buying electronics online?

Q: “I applied for my baby’s Social Security number in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?”

Today's column will take the efforts put into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) exercise and transition it into a productive direction.