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?”

Led by top-ranked North Carolina, Southern states have the best business climate, according to Site Selection magazine.

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

These are the real estate transfers for the period Aug. 18-24. Information is prepared by John Dixon Auctioneers. Any questions may be addressed to John Vass Jr. at Chattanooga Times Free Press at 757-6322.

BUSINESS CALENDAR Chamber events North Chattanooga: The North Chattanooga Chamber will meet Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. The speakers will be Lt. Eric Tucker and Lt. Danna Vaughn of the Chattanooga Police Departm

The National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Equipment Register reported Oct. 27, 2009, that more than13,500 pieces of heavy equipment were stolen in 2008 and of that number the top five states represented 43 percent of the thefts.

Q: I am considering a direct sales job; what should be considered in making this decision?

Q: Ms. P asks: “My father recently passed away, and my mother’s income was automatically raised. I called Social Security office to talk with them (I have POA for her finances and medical — she has Alzheimer’s) and they said I needed to bring the POA papers to them before they would talk to me. All I really was wanting to know is: Do I assume the amount they’ve given her is correct or do I still need to go out there and talk with them? Thanks!”

ALCOA, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Air National Guard broke ground Monday on an $8 million operations facility for its KC-135 Squadron as part of a base expansion that will add 128 jobs.

Covenant reports quarterly loss on lower revenues

These are the real estate transfers for the period Aug. 11-17. Information is prepared by John Dixon Auctioneers. Any questions may be addressed to John Vass Jr. at Chattanooga Times Free Press at 757-6322.

Q: Mr. M of Chattanooga writes: "I retired early (62) because I didn't have a job. My wife will not retire till three more years (66). Her retirement benefits are more than mine even if she retires at 62. Can I collect on her benefits and if I can will this affect her benefits when she retires? When she retires do I revert back to my benefits or do we both collect off of her benefits?"