Regional pacts may help lock in free-market reforms, particularly in developing countries.

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Customer validation can help lock it down.

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Sell rules can also help you lock in profits before greed takes over, making you hold a stock too long.

FORBES: Mimic Buffett, Lynch And O'Neil With Rules-Driven Investing

He has seen his popularity slip and decided not to run for re-election this year, but could help the Dems lock up a state most observers currently put in the "showdown" category.

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We expect these efficiencies will not only attract new cargoes to the rivers, but that the increased cargo will help justify revitalization of the lock and dam infrastructure.

WHITEHOUSE: A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships

Listed funds can also help investors avoid the risks of long lock-up periods.

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Commodities are generally traded using futures contracts that help professionals, farmers and big companies lock in prices for different assets.

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Mr Webb highlighted the triple lock pensions guarantee as evidence of the coalition's help for pensioners, but told MPs the long-term solution involved energy efficiency of homes.

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And he hopes that the Republicans will join him on that path and achieve this -- take advantage of this opportunity and lock in a plan that would achieve significant deficit reduction, would protect the middle class, and would help our economy.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,