Time to Board

With the biggest snow storm of the season so far, it's time to break out the snowboard and head up to your favorite resort. But what if you could keep that Snowboard in use throughout next summer!
The first Snowflex year-round wintersports slope in the United States is currently being built in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Snowflex is a revolutionary polymer composite artificial surface for ski and snowboard slopes that is placed atop a shock absorption layer. Snowflex is made in tiles and can be shaped to replicate an authentic alpine environment. It allows wintersports to take place anywhere at anytime of the year!
Check out the video and let me know what you think!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Having Seasonal Fun Locally (FREE or Almost FREE!)

I usually depend on others to tell me what fun can be had in our own backyard. But this season, I decided to be much more in tune with community events. So I thought I would list some of the fun things I found that are FREE or almost free events this season! Enjoy and send me some of your own to add to the list!

Christmas Utah (don’t miss this one!)
5631 Whispering Pine Circle (820 East) Murray, UT.
The synchronized display begins at 5:15 P.M. each night. It ends at 10:00 P.M. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday.
Come see the new Elves dance!

The Santa Cause
Monday, December 15
6pm to 9pm
Gallivan Center Ice Rink
The Santa Cause is a Sub for Santa that will benefit local Utah families. Originally organized solely on Facebook, this has snowballed into a great cause in the real world! Visit the Gallivan Center Monday the 15th to make a donation, enter the raffle or bid on great auction items. Skate rental will be free for those mentioning "The Santa Cause" and skate admission will be covered by a generous sponsor - that's right, both skate rental and admission will be free!

Holiday Gallery Stroll
The Salt Lake Gallery Association, sponsoring a Gallery Stroll on the third Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., pulls out all the stops for generating holiday cheer.

Santa's Reindeer Visit Thanksgiving Point
Nov 28 - Dec 23, 26-27
6-10 pm
Thanksgiving Point is helping take care of a few of Santa's Reindeer this holiday season. Stop by to visit these real, live, friendly reindeer and even give them treats.

Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point
November 28 - December 27 (closed Sundays and Christmas day)
6-10 pm
*6-8 pm Christmas Eve
$7/car
Enjoy an enchanting drive through more than one million twinkling lights.

Larry H. Miller’s Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Energy Solutions Arena
Monday, December 15m 2008
7:00pm
Free

Craft Night with Santa
Wednesday, December 3rd – Wednesday December 17th
5:00 – 7:00pm Wednesday of each week
Featured crafts will include: popsicle stick ornaments, pipe-cleaner and beaded bracelets, and a glitter ornament. Please bring your kids for complimentary craft projects!

Give Santa a run for his money without busting your budget – buy gifts that are frugal, but not cheap.
Easy for me to say – But how about promising yourself a frugal holiday? While it’s common to associate frugal with cheap, experts say there is a big difference.
A gift has meaning behind it when there’s thought behind it, not if the gift is expensive.
Here are a few ideas that may help you out this holiday season:
1. Plan a budget
List everyone you are planning to give a gift to and assign and amount of money
2. Keep an eye on sales
Watch the store circulars and also look for deals online
3. Get the family to go frugal
Ask your family to agree on a per-person spending cap
4. Save on your spouse
Agree to a low spending limit for your sweetie
5. Give of yourself

Share with us your ideas for a frugal holiday!

Smashing the Credit Crunch

With the markets still in turmoil and most companies in trouble, there is one business in San Diego that is thriving -- Sarah's Smash Shack. Customers can go there and break anything from mugs to TV's to vent their frustration over the credit crunch -- for a fee!
It costs $10 for up to 15 minutes of stree-relieving smashing. Plates are the most popular because you can write anything on them with black marker before hurling them into a wall.
Check out the video and tell us how you take your frustrations out on this bad ecomony!

Finding Small Ways to Save

By just making a few small changes in your spending habits, you can save money. Here is a short list of ways you can save money:

Brown Bag It: Bring your lunch to work. This is likely to be very difficult. Start out with once a week and slowly increase until you find a balance.

Use the Library: Instead of buying books, borrow books from the library.

Matinee: Ever heard of going to a movie before 6:00 pm? The ticket prices are a few dollars less. And if you don’t absolutely want to see that movie right away, wait for it to go to the discount theater.

Sell stuff on eBay: Can’t really have a yard sale in winter. And besides, you reach a much wider audience online, who tend to appreciate more what you have to offer.

Establish automatic savings: Each paycheck, save a little as $10. With AFCU’s Dedicated Savings account, it will automatically take this from your account and put it away into a stash of cash. Check it out!

Vote and Get FREE Food!

Starbucks: Starbucks said it would give voters a free Tall coffee on Nov. 4. The freebie was announced during a national TV ad last night (Nov. 1) on Saturday Night Live. All you have to do is say you voted, the commercial said. Limit one per customer. To view the ad go to, http://www.youtube.com/starbucks.

Krispy Kreme: The doughnut chain is giving a free “star-shaped” doughnut to voters. To find locations -- http://www.krispykreme.com/

Ben & Jerry’s: All ice cream stores will give one free scoop of ice cream to customers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. This deal is good for “everyone” not just voters, says spokesman Sean Greenwood. I can only imagine the lines. http://www.benjerry.com/

Brainy Men Found More Appealing to Women

A recent finding by the Official Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society found that women find the brainy guy more attractive than the dumb jock.
The article says that women are surprisingly good judges of men’s intelligence and that, contrary to past studies; women prefer intelligence over attractiveness, even when they’re not looking for anything more than a one night stand.
In the study, 15 college men were filmed answering questions about news reports, what makes them a good date, and what would it mean if life were found on Mars. Men were also filmed playing Frisbee and other physical activities. More than 200 women were then asked to watch the videos and judge the men on four levels: attractiveness, intelligence, creativity, and appeal for relationships.
Reality? In the end if you had to pick from 5 men, you would probably pick the most attractive one – but it’s nice to know that the man with the pocket protector and the copy of War and Peace in his hand won’t necessarily be at a disadvantage to the attractive blonde.

Happy Anniversary Cell Phone

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the first cell phone call. How did we every live without our cell phones. Mine is attached to my hand! Along with myself, 84% of the US population owns a cell phone. Cell phones have become a necessity. Even ½ of all 8-12 year olds, have a cell phone. Some individuals have even removed their land line and use their cell phone as their home phone as well.
The first phone call was made on the Motorola DynaTAC 8000 X -- AKA The Brick Phone. It weighed about 2.5 pounds and would have cost you about $4000.
Cell phones in those days were gadgets for the super wealthy. But today, cell phones have become an essential part of our culture.

85 Days and Counting

Today I heard that Wal-Mart will be cutting prices on 10 popular toys to $10 for the 2008 holiday shopping season. It will also open its Christmas shops within its stores over the next 10 days. (What about Halloween, where do you think they will put all that stuff?) Wal-Mart said they conducted a study, that this year, people will start shopping for Christmas sooner in order to stretch their holiday dollars.

It seems every year, stores in general start to put out holiday items earlier and earlier. We don’t even have time to get through the next holiday without the stores rushing us on to the next big thing. Rushing into any holiday causes the quality of that holiday to diminish.
I first want to enjoy Halloween, then my yummy turkey at Thanksgiving – then it’s onto shopping for Christmas! Wal-Mart will not entice me to start my shopping earlier.

What about you? When will you start your holiday shopping?

I'm Frozen

Today I froze my credit reports. It cost me a small fee for all three reports. This means that now no one can run a credit report on me and I have protected myself against identity theft. Utah's new "security freeze" law has gone into effect and we now can effectively shut down individuals and businesses from running our credit reports without permission. And, the best thing -- if you need to buy something on credit, you can have the credit bureaus unlock your credit report within 15 minutes. Consumers who want to freeze or lock their credit files must go to each bureau's site - Experian.com, Equifax.com and Transunion.com - and make separate requests.

This is less expensive than paying for credit report monitoring. You should consider it!

Anti-theft Lunch Bag

Do you have a problem with your co-workers snagging your lunch from the office refrigerator? Well I found a lunch bag that even the hungriest worker would stay away from.

It's a lunch bag with mold. Actually it's a zip-lock bag with a mold like pattern. Gross huh?

Even if I was trying to deter my co-workers from taking my sandwich, I think I would still have a hard time eating it myself.

The designer is New York based Sherwood Forlee.

7 Years Ago Today

Driving to work 7 years ago today, I remember the overwhelming sadness of the days events. Today I will take time to appreciate the freedoms we have and the family I love.
The silence in the sky that followed and wondering how this could happen to us. It's hard to believe that it has been so long and yet I can still remember the feelings I had on that dreadful day.

Viral Politics

Old game, new tools. Presidential candidates are taking advantage of social media tools. They know the way to reach out to younger voters is through Facebook, MySpace, texting and YouTube.
Barack Obama's facebook page has 1.6 million fans, where as John McCain's facebook page has 280,000 supporters. (That could possibly show you who the young vote is going to.)

You can view speeches from all the candidates on YouTube. Barack Obamas DNC speed has been viewed close to 386,000 times, highlights from Governor Palins speech (one of my favorites) has been viewed over 58,000.
In the end, no matter how many Facebook supporters they have or how many times we have seen their speech, they need to get out the vote -- we need to get out and vote.

It will be interesting to see which candidates continue to keep up with their social media networks once the election process is over. Do they (politicians) really buy into these tools as a form of communication or are they just being used to get votes and money? They should use this form of media to engage their constituents year round rather than just at election time.

Gotta Love the Boss

Today I went to show my boss the wireframes for the new young adult website. First thing out of his mouth “I hate it!” Wait! I have not even said anything yet! (Wonder if he is reading this, guess I’ll find out) This response is good and bad – I love feedback, well positive feedback, the negative stuff is hard to take. I consider my boss to be pretty open minded – did I just say that? I guess I should be happy he gave me a second chance to fix things. And in the end, I must say he made some pretty good points. (Don't let this go to your head)

Everyone has a good boss story – tell me yours!

College Drinking

Recently there has been talk of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. College presidents from about 100 of the nations best universities are calling on lawmakers to consider this issue. They say current laws encourage dangerous binge drinking on campus.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths from alcohol poisoning of college-age people in 2005 was almost double what is was six years before. Most deaths occur on the weekends.
The Amethyst Initiative is supported by Westminster College President Michael Bassis. “Irresponsible drinking among young people – college-age and high school students, and even those who are younger – is a nationwide problem,” Bassis said. “Westminster vigorously upholds the drinking laws of the state, and the incidents of irresponsible drinking here are substantially lower than on most campuses across the country. I signed the Amethyst Initiative because I advocate exploring new ideas and new approaches about the best ways to prepare young adults to make responsible decisions about alcohol. I did not sign to advocate changing the legal drinking age from 21 to 18.”
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) strongly oppose the initiative. They said that lowering the legal drinking age would result in more incidents of drunken driving.
In the end, both sides agree that alcohol abuse by college-age students is a huge problem.
What do you think?

Student Loans at America First Credit Union

America First Credit Union is one of the few financial institutions to continue its student lending program. In the past few months, Zions, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan Chase and Key Banks have all pulled out of the student loan programs.
We are still here to help you with your continuing education. AFCU has no origination fees. Once you're enrolled in a federally accredited school, you can apply for your student loan. Here's how:

1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov You'll see a reply in two to four weeks. Be sure to request America First Credit Union as your lender. List our Federal ID number, 822373.
2. Ask about the qualifications and application deadlines. Complete any additional applications your school's financial aid department may also require.
3. After submitting an application, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Double-check the details, and let your school's financial aid office know if there is any incorrect information.
4. If approved, your loan check will be received by your school. You may also review the status of your student loan, including balance information online at www.uheaa.org .

Always remember that a student loan is a serious financial commitment that has to be repaid. Never borrow more than you can handle.

Using Coupons?

Do you use coupons? I always have good intentions of using coupons. I get the Sunday paper, cut out the coupons, place them in an envelope and there they sit. I go to the grocery store, without the coupons. It seems in the past, that people would have to endure snickers and grumbles from others as they pulled out their fist full of coupons while checking out at the grocery store. But that has changed. With grocery prices higher, people are asking for tips on finding and using coupons.
Here are 10 coupon savings tips from Stephanie Nelson who wanted to be a stay at home mom and needed to make that financially feasible.
· Know how your stores' coupon policies work. Ask if they double coupons.
· Wait to use grocery coupons when the item is on sale. You might get the item free!
· Buy two to three copies of the Sunday newspaper to load up on grocery coupons.
· Print free coupons from coupon Web sites. Also download electronic coupons to your loyalty card from store sites such as Kroger.com.
· Be brand-flexible. Buy the brand that's on sale with a coupon, or get the store brand if it's less expensive.
· Sign up for your store's loyalty card and provide complete mailing information. You'll get special store coupons.
· Know the usual prices for your regular items and stock up when they're discounted.
· Shop once a week or less to reduce impulse shopping. Plan your week's meals around your store's sale items.
· Be flexible about your store choices. Check ads for area stores and shop at the one with the best deals on your items that week.
· Use the drugstore savings programs. Combine sale prices, store coupons and automatic rebates to get free merchandise every week.
For more ideas, visit her website http://www.thecouponmom.com/. Another good source is Ken Rosbery AKA The Grocery Guru, your local expert on saving you money on your monthly grocery bill http://www.utahcityguide.com/new/guru/index.asp .
Guess I should pull those coupons out of the envelope! Are you using coupons? What is the most you have saved by using coupons? We want to know!

It's So CUIL

Cuil, pronounced “Cool”, is a start-up search engine started by the former senior Google employees. They wanted to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the internet. They say that it can index faster and cheaper than Google. Cuil is an old English word for knowledge. Cuil searches for and ranks pages based on their content and relevance.

So, I decided to give it a try. The first thing I found different, is the completely black background. It was quick to give me information on what I asked for, and let me break it down in more detail to find what I was looking for. I kind of liked it.

Instead of “googling” yourself, CUIL yourself.

Let me know what you think – Are you going CUIL?

For more information of CUIL, go to http://www.cuil.com/info/

Off to College?

It’s getting close! A few more weeks and you may be off to your first year in college. College is a time of new experiences – new friends, new faces, new responsibilities and new money issues. Here are some tips to help you manage your money:
1. Know Your Budget!
Knowing how much your income and expenses are is really important. You may have a part time job or you may receive a monthly allowance from your parents, either way, it is important
2. Be Economical
College life can be expensive, so save money where you can. Start out by searching for coupons, these can be really helpful when it comes to buying groceries or eating out . Also, buy your textbooks used, borrow books or check them out from the library.
3. Find Out What’s Free
Universities are well known for free or low cost events. They can be both fun and entertaining, and you may even meet some new friends. You may also want to consider joining a club or organization, which insures you will always have something to do and someone to do it with.
4. Choosing a Credit Card
A credit card is a great financial tool. At the same time, it is a big responsibility. If you don't use it carefully, you may owe more than you can repay, damage your credit rating, and create credit problems for yourself that can be difficult to undo. Chances are your mail is full of solicitations from credit card issuers. Check with America First Credit Union to find the right credit card for you.
5. Value Your Education
Obtaining a college education will require sacrifice on your part. It will be well worth it. It is well known that college graduates earn more in their lifetime than someone without a degree. Giving up some now, will definitely payoff later.

Off you go! If you have questions about managing your college finances, turn to America First Credit Union for help. Near or far, we are always here to help you out with money!

We've Gone Green

Today I found out many ways America First Credit Union is going green. I wanted to share a few:
1. 461,360 lbs of paper recycled
Saving:
· 3,922 trees
· 761.2 cubic yards of landfill psace
· 87,658 gallons of oil
· 1,614,760 gallons of water
2. Lighting Environmentally Efficient
· All T-8 fluorescent blubs
· Recycle bulbs
· Motion switching
· Photo cells
· Computerized lighting schedule
3. Landscaping
· Zero scape
· Drip systems
· Indigenous plants and grass, drought hearty for the Utah area
4. Recycling
· Cardboard and paper
· Asphalt and cement
· Carpet tiles are made of recycled carpet
· Sheet rock is made from recycled products
These are just a few items. I am proud that America First is environmentally aware.
What are you doing to go green? Share your ideas!

I Love a Good Roller Coaster

At America First Credit Union, I sit in a cubicle near our Deposit Services Department. I hear them helping members and branch employees over the phone on a daily basis. But over the last few days, there are an overwhelming number of calls coming in. Here are the questions: Is my money safe? Is my money insured? Is all my money insured? Should I withdrawal my money and put it under my mattress? HOLD ON!!
On July 11th, IndyMac Bank, the largest savings and loan in the Los Angeles area and the 7th largest mortgage originator in the United States, was closed and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took over. At the same time, the government is dealing with a crisis at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the two largest mortgage finance companies in the nation.
This has now sent people into a crazy frenzy, wondering if their money is safe at America First Credit Union. The funds deposited in your share accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), an arm of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). This means your financial resources are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. (To learn more about Share Insurance try out the NCUA insurance estimator)
It’s a wild ride right now – keep you hands, feet and your money inside at all times!

Chocolate Fix

We all know that we need our chocolate fix periodically (some more often than others). Researchers have found that eating chocolate, the number one food craved by American women, causes the brain to release endorphins, chemicals that make us feel good. The trick is to only eat a little bit -- yeah right. But this might help -- Pieces of chocolate (“Rompicollo” by L’Agenzia per il Disegno e la Funzione ) whose portions come printed with calorie counts carved directly on the surface. The chocolate bar is divided into portions of different sizes with different calorie count. This allows you to treat yourself to a bit of chocolate while keeping you aware. That way you’ll be able to monitor how long you’ll have to hit the treadmill for to make up for those excess calories.

Does this still make it a guilty pleasure?

Bear Lake Beach Not Free

So I joined the crowds up at Bear Lake for the 4th of July. I have never seen so many people on the beach -- and I go to Bear Lake quite often. This year the community of Garden City decided to charge to go down the road to the beach. -- $7 per carload, $5 per 4wheeler. They even have a cash drop box if someone is not there to collect your money. The amount of money they collected was probably substantial. This really bothered me! Needless to say, I did not pay to go to the beach. I find it hard to believe that Garden City can charge to go down a road in their city to get to a Free State beach.
Who'd of thought?

Where Have the Tips Gone?

Recently there has been discussion on the amount of tips we are leaving a local dining establishments. Due to the recent struggles in the economy and the cost of gas we are all finding ways to cut back – this is one of them.

When eating out, if I receive good service, I leave a 20% tip. I have not changed the amount I leave because of the economy, I change the amount based on the service. Really the difference between a 10% to 20% tip is just a few dollars. If the service is poor, you should leave 10% and let management know; otherwise you are just being cheap. If you can’t afford to tip your server, don’t go out.

How much do you tip?

I Need Gas Again

Some simple ways to save on gas:

1. Don't fill until the last quarter tank. If you do this, it can extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter load as the tank nears empty. This also allows you to buy gas on low-cost days. However, in cold weather, you run an increased risk of condensation in the fuel tank. And you never know when you might be in an emergency and need some gasoline in your car!

2. Buy gas on Wednesday. Gas prices are statistically the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this is only statistically true over a large number of days. It won't be true every week.

3. Check the air pressure in your tires every week. Buy an accurate tire gauge. Keep all tires inflated to the pressure as recommended for your car.

Also, check out this website, http://www.utahgasprices.com/, to find the least expensive gas in your area.

And of course, drive less. Share your ideas, we all need help with gas these days!

Let Freedom Ring!

July 1st is Financial Freedom Day. Financial Freedom is when you no longer have to work a job in order to pay your living expenses. What? Are you kidding me -- I don't know if I will ever be financially free. In order to achieve Financial Freedom, most people will have to save money, make smart investments, create a budget for themselves and minimize any debt.

In today's financial environment, when we are struggling just to make it day to day, Financial Freedom seems almost unrealistic. I believe Financial Freedom can have a different meaning for everyone -- Freedom from debt, earning more money, eliminating credit cards from your life, finding a new job, savings more money -- or anything that helps you achieve a life you want to live.

So this week, while we get ready to celebrate our countries Independence, find a way to become financially independent by setting up a budget, being frugal and putting a little more in that savings account. Then declare your financial independence by writing it down!

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Marriage & Money

The great debate -- Marriage and Money. Young couples can't possibly expect to know everything about finances. How you spend money as a couple can be even more difficult. Did you know, financial stress is the number one reason for arguments in marriage? That's because we tend to make it more emotional and reactive, not strategic.

Some couples have a joint account, some keep their money separate from each other and others may even try the allowance type thing. But the first thing you both should do is seek out the advice of people more experienced in good financial choices. Married couples should try different ways of handling their money to see what works best for you both.

What are your 2 cents on making finance in marriage work? I would love to know!

To sum things up remember, in marriage, it’s yours, mine and ours; not united we stand, divided we bank.

Are freebies worth it?

Have you ever signed up for a credit card because they gave you a freebie? Whenever I go to a Jazz game, there is always a certain credit card company giving away a free Jazz hat or basketball -- stuff that makes you think...I want one of those! I see multiple individuals busy filling out the credit card application. Is it really about the credit card or the is it about the instant gratification of the prize?

Acquiring a credit card is a financial decision that should not be taken lightly. Do not make these choices under pressured circumstances.

When choosing a credit card always be mindful of the following:

* Interest Rate
* Annual Fees

* Benefits (rewards, cash back etc.)

* Late fees

* Check the fine print

For a great credit card, make sure to visit http://www.americafirst.com/ . And give up the freebies -- they will find a place in the closet or garage -- and you will be paying for it with the high interest rate on a card you never wanted in the first place!

Do you Flip-Flop?

You may flip for the style, but as walkers, they flop. Do you always have on a pair of flip-flops? I know for me they are the easiest and most comfortable pairs of shoes to put on. Not only in the summer months, but all year round I see people in these shoes! But a finding last week, stated that flip-flops cause pain in your lower legs and feet -- ever noticed?

The thing is, flip-flops now come in all different styles. You see people not only wearing them to the pool, but to work, walking on campus to class and even with wedding dress.

So a few pains in your legs -- It won't make me give up mine. What about you?

$1 Million Dollar Mistake

Last night, I heard a couple had a $1 Million error in their checking account. They went to make their deposit at a local bank (not to be named). When she asked what their current balance was, the teller handed her back her receipt with a total amount in her account that was over $1 Million -- WOW! She said her account only averages about $700 per month. My first thought -- time to make a withdrawl!
So what would you do? Honesty and integrity are definitely challenged in a day where mostly everyone is struggling for that extra dollar. This couple felt it was pretty nice to be a millionaire, even if it was only for 24 hours.
They told the teller the balance was incorrect. In the end, a wire transfer was deposited to their account incorrectly, and the money was given to the correct individual.
As Earl would say (My Name is Earl, NBC) "As you go through life, fixing the errors you have made, I've learned a thing or two about karma, and part of keeping good karma is sharing it with others. If you want a better life, you need to be a better person. Karma, you gotta love it!"
So here's to the honest couple -- may karma come your way for being honest. I hope you win the lottery!

Anywhere, anytime...

Want access to your account anywhere, anytime? Mobile Banking is now up and running at America First Credit Union, and it's a killer application. Do you want to know if you have enough money in your account to spend on that new swimsuit for summer? Just quickly log into your account on your mobile device. You can view your balance and even transfer money from your savings account.

It's fast, secure and at the speed of life! According to a study by financial consultancy Celent, 35% of online banking households will be using mobile banking by 2010, up from less than 1% today.

So why aren't you using mobile banking? Become a part of the most convenient way to access your money, click here to learn more!