It’s that time of year again! The 2010 New Year is right around the corner and it seems like this year, more people are vowing to keep their New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s quitting an old habit, reaching out in new ways or even bettering your health, you’re not alone. Here are the top ten New Year’s Resolutions for 2010:

1. Spend more quality time with family and friends.
2. Make more time to work out and get into shape.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Quit drinking.
6. Enjoy life more and learn not to sweat the small stuff.
7. Get out of debt!
8. Learn something new.
9. Help others.
10. Get organized.

If you’re like me, by the time January 14th rolls around your New Year’s resolution is a part of the past and long forgotten. If so, here are some tips to help you create achievable resolutions and stick to them:

1. Be realistic. Make sure your goals are achievable for you and that you have a plan to make it work throughout the year.
2. Tell everyone you know. If you have the support of your family, friends and coworkers, it will be much easier to achieve that goal.
3. Pick one or two resolutions and stick with it. Most people make the mistake of changing 10 aspects of their lives and quickly realize how difficult that can be. One or two goals is much easier and attainable.
4. Be specific. Create a plan with specific details. For example, if you plan on losing weight set monthly goals instead of one large annual goal. This will keep your goal in perspective and your plan on track. Smaller achievable goals will boost confidence and motivation.
5. Get to the root of the problem. Figure out why you’re doing something that you don’t want to do. If you don’t have time to work out because you’re not organized and get home late from work, get more organized.
6. Reward yourself!

Resources:

http://easyexpat.blogexpat.com/blog/expat/2009/12/28/top-five-new-year-resolutions-and-tips-to-help-you-keep-them

How much does it cost to return unwanted holiday gifts?

Have you ever opened a gift and felt highly disappointed? How many of you have made trips to stores after Christmas to return those gifts that just weren't for you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. The day after Christmas is rapidly becoming one of the busiest days at retail stores due to gift returns alone. But how much are you really getting back when you return an item?

The Massachusetts Consumer Affairs office conducted a survey in which more retailers are charging restocking fees for items returned if they're opened or not in their original packaging. Most companies charge restocking fees anywhere from 10-25% of the product price, with some retailers charging as much as 60% in restocking fees!

Retailers can charge these restocking fees on anything sold including electronics, jewelry, appliances, tools, and clothes. To avoid this fee, simply don't open the package if you know you don't want what's inside. Also, always make sure you know the return policy and the restocking fees when purchasing gifts for others.


Resources:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/16/pf/saving/returning_gifts/index.htm

Get your Money's Worth When Purchasing a Vehicle

Consumer Reports recently updated its top ten most reliable cars list and a great list it is! While Asian automakers continue to dominate the charts, American automaker Ford received great ratings for its consistent reliability and prices. So the next time you are searching for a new vehicle to purchase, make sure it is reliable, affordable and enjoyable. After all, you want to get your money's worth! Check out the list of the top ten most reliable cars:

1. Honda Insight
Sticker price: $19,800 - $21,300
Mileage: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

2. Toyota Prius
Sticker price: $21,000 - $27,670
Mileage: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

3. Infiniti M35
Sticker price: $45,800 - $45,800
Mileage: 23 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

4. Lexus SC
Sticker price: $67,505 - $67,505
Mileage: 23 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

5. Toyota Venza (4 cylinder)
Sticker price: $26,275 - $29,550
Mileage: 29 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

6. Honda CR-V
Sticker price: $21,545 - $27,745
Mileage: 28 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

7. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Sticker price: $23,680 - $25,270
Mileage: 21 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

8. Mercedes-Benz GLK

9. Toyota Sequoia
Sticker price: $38,530 - $58,905
Mileage: 19 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City

10. Toyota Tundra V6
Mileage: 19 mpg Hwy, 15 mpg City

Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/autos/0910/gallery.consumer_reports_most_reliable_cars/index.html

Save $1000 by the Holidays

A coworker of mine recently forwarded me a wonderful article with tips and tools on how to save $1000 by December. The best part about this article, is that you won't even notice the small amounts of money that you are setting aside each month. According to Yahoo Finance, there are six simple tips to start following to avoid holiday debt next year. Practice these tricks for the months of October and November, and you could have $1,000 saved by December:

1. Adjust your tax withholding. The average tax refund last year was about $2,700. If you got a refund, that means you paid Uncle Sam too much money! Keep it for yourself to add to your holiday savings instead. You simply need to change your tax withholding by filing a new W-4 with your employer's human resources department. The changes will go into effect on your next paycheck.
Two months of savings = $450 (based on the average refund)

2. Take fewer trips to the grocery store. Make biweekly larger shopping trips so that you can stick to your budget. This will eliminate impulse buys. If you spend $10 each trip on impulse buys, and you visit the brochery store three times a week, that adds up to at least $120 extra each month. Shop with a list and think about what you'll need for the week in advance.
Two months of savings = $160

3. Kick a habit that is costly, yet not necessary. Perhaps it's those three Cokes a day, your lunches at Baggins, or your daily runs to Starbucks or workplace vending machine. Instead, bring a bottle of water, snacks and lunch from home -- and make your own coffee! Other tips include reading your magazines and newspapers online and walking the extra block to your bank's ATM to avoid paying the out-of-network fee.
Feeling extremely motivated? Look at bigger habits in your life that are costing you, such as gambling, smoking or even shopping as a hobby. You will be surprised as to how much you can save!
Two months of savings = $200

4. Eat out one less time per month. Dining out can be really expensive these days. But there's no need to go cold turkey. Resolving to eat at home just one time more per month than usual can make a big difference. Considering a meal at a casual dining restaurant costs about $20 per person, you would spend $80 for a family of four to eat out. Instead, you could cook a family meal at home for less than $20 total, saving you at least $60 each month.
Two months of savings = $120

5. Put on a sweater. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you save 5% off your heating bill, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. So on a $300-per-month bill, dropping your thermostat just two degrees and donning a sweater will save you $30 a month.
Two months of savings = $60

6. Examine your phone and cable use. Do you really need all those cable and movie channels? Drop your premium channels and you could save $15 per month or more.
Then there's your phone bill... Do you really need caller ID? Call waiting? Voice mail? Internet service on your cell phone? Dropping one or more of these extras could shave $5 to $50 off your phone bill. You might even consider dropping your landline phone service altogether in favor of your cell or a free online service like Skype. That could save another $20 to $50 per month.
Two months of savings = $100

Total savings by December = $1,090

Article taken from http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/107928/find-1000-by-the-holidays.html?mod=bb-budgeting

Halloween Costume Savings Tips

Halloween is just around the corner, and with costumes, decorations, candy and gatherings, it can really add up! Halloween is a one night event, therefore it's ok to be frugal and watch your expenses for this particular night. Here are some tips to save money on Halloween costumes:

1) Be creative! Use old clothes, material, foil paper, whatever you have in your home to make a costume.
2) Borrow from a friend. Sometimes they have pieces you can borrow, and some friends may lend you the entire costume they wore last year.
3) Purchase unisex costumes for kids. That way when one kids outgrows it, the next one can use it!
4) Shop yard sales. A lot of people sell costumes that have only been worn once for $5-$10.
5) Shop after-season clearance sales. Costumes usually go on sale the night of Halloween of the following day. I have seen even 90% off of costumes the next day!
6) Shop online early! Most costumes are fairly priced in February or March. The early bird gets the work.
7) Check out thrift stores such as Savers. They sell some new and used costumes and accessories at excellent prices.
8) Wear a costume you wore three years ago. No one will even remember that you have already worn that costume.
9) Save between $5 and $10 every month starting in November so if you prefer to buy a new costume, you will have the means to do so without breaking the bank.
10) Remember you will be wearing this costume for one night! Have fun, be creative, but remember that your costume does not have to be elaborate or expensive for that matter.

Auto Buying 101 Workshop

Join us for the TFCU Auto Buying 101 Workshop

This workshop will cover everything you need to know about the auto buying process from budgeting for a payment, choosing a dealer and insurance requirements.


When: Saturday September 26, 2009, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Where: Tucson Realtors Association 2445 N. Tucson Blvd (Just north of Grant and Tucson Blvd)

RSVP: Jacquelyn Valdez, Financial Education Specialist (520) 322-7401 or emailjvaldez@tucsonfcu.com by Friday September 25, 2009

Airline Priorty Boarding System

There is nothing more exhausting than waiting to board a flight at the airport. Between gold member card holders, diamond card holders, passengers with children and those that just check in online at exactly the 24-hour mark, it can take up to 20 minutes just to get on the aircraft.

Well the wait is finally over! According to Fox News, Southwest Airlines has introduced a new program that would allow passengers to purchase priority boarding. U.S. passengers may now choose the option "Early Bird Check-In" for a $10 fee, in order to allow them board with the priority passengers.

It appears that Southwest is hurting due to the economy and is exploring other ways to boost revenue. However, others have criticized Southwest for their decision to allow for priority boarding, suggesting they join the other airlines and charge passengers for the bags that they check in. Earlier in the year, Southwest announced that small pets could now travel on their flights for an $85 fee.

Will you take advantage of either of these new flight options?


Resources:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/index.html

Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget

Each August barbers, salons, malls and retail stores fill up as families begin their back to school shopping. From pencils and ruler, to haircuts and new shoes, back to school shopping can add up. Here are some tips to help you get the essentials, without spending more than you need to and can afford:

Reuse some of last year's supplies including backpacks and lunchboxes that are in mint condition.


Compare online prices with physical store prices. Online coupons and free shipping may get you a better deal online than in a real store.

Stick to a list. Buy only what’s necessary and stick with the basic model. Don’t be swayed by “great deals,” the hype of back to school, or the begging of your kids.

Plan your budget now. Don’t wait until three days before school starts to think about this. Go ahead and figure out how much you’ll need and start putting a little extra money away to cover it.

Start early. Buy a little at a time as you find sales, coupons, and great buys. It may be easier to buy everything in one trip, but that is rarely the most cost effective method.

You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe before school starts. Get one new outfit to “make a good impression” on the first day and let them wear other clothes the rest of the time. Buy new clothes as needed, not just because “it’s back to school.”

Look for freebies and keep them throughout the year in a “back to school” stash. How many times have you picket up free pens, pencils, memo pads, etc. from conventions, expos, or hotels? Keep them and put them to use when school rolls around.


Resources:
http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2009/07/13/104827_back-to-school-shopping-on-a-budget.html

Lose to Win: Financial Education

I recently had a coworker forward me a link to a website that they thought I might enjoy. Upon arriving to the site, I noticed that it was a challenge, similar to the show The Biggest Loser. However, instead of shedding pounds and gaining muscle, these contestants are competing to lose debt and gain wealth.

There are four teams competing: the Hall Family, the Ridings Family, the Smith Family, and the Willis Family, all competing to win $10,000! This website allows you to learn more about the families, follow their blogs throughout the challenge, and learn about how YOU can lose debt and gain wealth. Click here to view the website.


Resources:
http://www.losetowinfe.com/

“UN-BROKE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONEY”

Schools teach us almost everything, but not "Money 101." For the basics on finance, turn to "UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know About Money." It's an unconventional look at the fundamentals of everyday finance with all the facts about credit cards, mortgages, stocks and bonds, investing and 401(k)'s, in a fresh new format combining information and humor. The one-hour special airs FRIDAY, MAY 29 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Hosted by "Good Morning America" contributor and President of Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, the special features Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, the Jonas Brothers, Christian Slater, Cedric the Entertainer, Seth Green, Sesame Workshop's Oscar the Grouch, Rosario Dawson and the E*Trade Babies, among others. Hobson said: "Financial education is critically important, and 'UN-BROKE' proves that it doesn't have to be boring. The economic crisis was a harsh wake-up call that we can't keep doing the same thing in the same way. To me, that meant taking a fresh look at my own approach to financial education. This will make people laugh while they learn."
The special's take on basic money sense includes:

• Will Smith, who gets down to basics with a boardroom full of corporate finance executives.
• Samuel L. Jackson, who appears as a bestselling author of self-help books and who is "Broke as Hell and Not Going to Take it Anymore!"
• The Jonas Brothers, who teach screaming teenage girls the mysteries of the stock market.
• Seth Green, who explains the fundamentals of a smart mortgage from his "crib."
• Cedric the Entertainer, who talks back to credit cards.
• Christian Slater and Rosario Dawson, who visit an office workplace to explain the importance of investing in a 401(k) retirement plan.
• The E*Trade Babies, who meet Mellody for an online chat from their high chairs.

"UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know about Money" is a co-production of Lincoln Square Productions and Overbrook Entertainment. The executive producers are Mellody Hobson and Rudy Bednar. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

Found on http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051209_05

The Games of Money

While out in the classrooms, teachers are constantly asking how they can enhance their money lessons with a more authentic experience. I tell them simulations, role-playing and games. Games are a fun and easy way to not only express the financial concepts, but a way for the students to act out what it is they are learning about. It's easy to read about paying bills, or take notes on credit cards, but one can only fully understand it once they have experienced it. Here is a list of great games (board games and online games) that can help enhance your lessons on money and achieve the desired levels of comprehension.

Monopoly- Students can buy and sell properties, and collect rent. Monopoly is a great money game for kids learning how to count money and make tough financial decisions. You can either play the classic Monopoly with paper money or the new Monopoly with Electronic Banking. I recommend both!

Life- Students make decisions about money, careers and other life decisions. The decisions made, affect the income received and how money is spent.

Moneywise Kids- Two different games are included in Moneywise Kids, one for making change and the other for budgeting money. Players must account for food, clothing, and housing in the play option focused on money management.

Payday- Students learn how to manage a paycheck, pay bills and still try to have money left over to save and spend!

Online sites with money games:
Piggy Bank-students learn about coin denominations and how to make change
Change Maker- students learn how to make change by doing addition and subtraction
Money Flash Cards- students learn how to add money
H.I.P. Pocket Change- US Mint website with several games and lessons for students on money
It's My Life- students learn how to budget for a month with a set amount of money

Resources:
http://kidmoney.about.com/od/teachingchildren/tp/6-Money-Games-for-Kids.htm
http://www.kidsmoneystore.com/bdgame.htm

More Fun Money Facts

I posted a blog a few weeks ago discussing interesting money facts. I received great feedback from this posting, therefore I decided to share more fun money facts. Who would have thought that learning about money could be almost as fun as spending it?

• During the fiscal year of 2008, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced approximately 38 million notes a day with a face value of approximately $629 million.
• If you had 10 billion $1 bills and spent one every second of every day, it would take 317 years before you went broke.
• A stack of currency one mile high would contain over 14½ million notes.
• You can double fold a note 4,000 times before it will tear.
• Contrary to popular belief, the automobile pictured on the back of the $10 bill is not a Model "T" Ford. It is a creation of the designer of the bill.
• All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of a $5 bill.
• There is more Monopoly money printed in a year, than real money printed throughout the world. The amount of money in a Monopoly game is $15,140.
• There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
• Nine thousand years ago, people used cows for money!
• The words "The United States of America" appears on the $100 note 12 times
• 3 in every 10,000 US bills is counterfeit.

References:

http://www.moneyfactory.gov/document.cfm/18/106

http://www.delraycc.com/InterestingMoney/12MoreAmazingMoneyFacts/tabid/183/Default.aspx

http://www.happyworker.com/magazine/facts/weird-and-wonderful-money-facts

10 Technologies That Will Soon be Extinct

Technology is all around us, and it continually evolves and becomes more sophisticated. We use technology in almost everything we do; computers, iPods, cell phones, GPS etc. Technology is used at home, work, in the car and at school. However just like anything else, some technology comes and goes with the time. According to FOX News, here are the top 10 technologies that will soon disappear:

1. Landline phones- Cell phone plans with unlimited calling and text messaging quickly replaced the land lines that once occupied every home
2. Floppy disks- Flash drives and CDs are more compact and easily accessible and therefore, more popular. In fact, most newer computers don't even have a floppy disk drive.
3. Wrist watches- While watches can be fashionable, most cell phones and iPods can tell you the time and date.
4. VHS tapes and VCRs-Today people rely on DVDs, Blue Ray discs and even TiVo to supplement their entertainment needs.
5. Beepers-Most beepers took a hike when cell phones hit their peak.
6. Film cameras- Digital cameras have conveniently replaced film cameras due to the fact that you can view photos taken, upload them to your PC, and print them from your own home.
7. Typewriters- Laptops and computers are a much easier route to type a report, letter or compile data.
8. The Walkman and Discman- The introduction of MP3 Players and iPods in the early 2000's quickly decreased the sales and production of the Walkman and Discman
9. Dial-up internet- High speed, high speed, high speed
10. DVD's- This one actually surprised me but according to the article companies like Netflix are now sending movies right to your computer!

Resources:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,515647,00.html

http://www.indianamuseum.org/uploads/images/collection/sh_slay_typewriter.jpg

How Coins are Made

When out in the classrooms, I am constantly being asked how coins are made. Therefore, I have decided to educate not only myself, but you as well, just in case your students ask you how coins are made.

Step 1- Blanking
The U.S. Mint purchases strips of metal 13 inches wide and 1,500 feet long used to process the coins. The strips come rolled in a coil. Each coil is fed through a blanking press, which punches out round discs called blanks. The leftover strip is then recycled.

Step 2-Annealing, Washing & Drying
The blanks are heated in an annealing furnace in order to soften them. They are then run through a washer and dryer.

Step 3- Riddling
The newly washed blanks are sorted on a riddler to screen out any that are the wrong size or shape.

Step 4- Upsetting
The good blanks then go through an upsetting mill. This raises a rim around the blanks edges.

Step 5- Striking
Finally, the blanks head to the coining press. Here, they are stamped with the designs and inscriptions, which make them genuine United States coins.

Step 6- Inspection
A press operator uses a magnifying glass to spot-check each batch of new coins. Then all the coins go through a coin sizer to remove any misshaped or dented coins.

Step 7-Counting & Bagging
An automatic counting machine counts the coins and drops them into large canvas bags. The bags are sewn shut, loaded on pallets, and taken by forklifts to be stored in vaults. New coins are shipped by truck to Federal Reserve Banks. From there, the coins go to your local financial institution.

For more information please visit the US Mint website.

College Saving Tips

Your college years can be an expensive time in your life. There is the tuition that seems to increase each year, the cost of books, living accomodations, food and for most college students the trips back home. Here are some tips to save money while in college so that you can make the most of your dollar during these hard economic times.

1. Join a Credit Union, they usually pay higher dividend rates and less in fees.
2. Do not get a credit card unless you absolutely need one. If you have one, use it for emergencies only.
3. Pay your bills on time, late fees add up.
4. Make a budget and stick to it.
5. Save your receipts in order to compare to your account statements monthly.
6. Buy used textbooks (Amazon and half.com have competitive prices) and sell them back after the semester is over!
7. Ride a bike or walk.
8. Learn how to cook.
9. Apply for ALL scholarships and grants.
10. Take advantage of student discounts, several places around town give discounts to college students.
11. Get a meal plan.
12. Go out once a week instead of every night.
13. Get a part-time job.
14. If you live off campus, get a roommate.
15. Buy a coffee maker, those everyday Starbucks drinks really add up!
16. Subscribe to rental places such as Blockbuster or Netflix.
17. Skip the Spring Break trip, relax at home instead.
18. Use coupons when buying food and buy in bulk (Costco is a great place to grocery shop affordably).
19. Use the on-campus gym.
20. Continue saving money!

Here are some links with additional information
Amazon- an online resource for purchasing new and used textbooks
Half.com- an online resource for purchasing new and used textbooks
FAFSA- a government website used to apply for financial aid
Netflix- website that provides unlimited movie rentals at an affordable monthly fee



Resources:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/30/27-money-tips-for-college-students/
http://www.thinkyourwaytowealth.com/2008/08/22/25-smart-budget-and-money-saving-tips-for-college-students/
http://www.collegescholarships.org/student-living/save-money.htm

Children's Books on Money

Money is an important aspect of our lives. Beginning in first grade, school children are taught the importance of money, denominations, economics and credit. While money can be a hard topic to teach in a relatable manner, there are several fun and educational books that you as educators can read as the basis for mini-lessons. A few of my favorites include Just Shopping with Mom by Mercer Mayer, The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Lanczak Williams, Pigs Will be Pigs by Amy Axelrod,Trouble with Money by Jan and Stan Berenstain and King Midas by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Please enjoy the following links that list hundreds of fun and educational books that discuss economics and finances:

http://tennesseesaves.org/TeachingTools/TeachingKidsMoney/MoneyonBookshelf/childrenbooksmoney.pdf

http://www.kidsmoneystore.com/kdbk48.htm

http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/moneybookshelf/books/

About a month ago I said that I would post monthly pictures of the thank-you cards that I receive from the different schools I visit. One of the first teachers to ever invite me into her classroom was Ms. Stein at Gridley Middle School. I have taught several lessons in her classroom over the past two years. Her students are always hospitable and respectful. Please enjoy some of the thank-you cards that I received from her classroom. Thank you!

How to Save Money on Lunch

Lunchtime can be an expensive time. Whether you eat out every day, or bring your own lunch, expenses can really add up. While spending money on lunch is inevitable, there are opportunities to save money by taking advantage of teacher discounted school lunches, or making your own lunch. For example, the average daily cost of eating lunch out is $6. So during a five-day workweek, one can spend $30 a week on lunch. This adds up to $1560 a year just on lunch! However, the average daily cost of packing a lunch from home is $2.20, adding up to $11 a week. This adds up to $572 a year, with a savings of $988 a year!
I recently visited Pueblo High School for a few presentations on Budgeting. I had a short break in between classes and decided to head down to the teachers' cafeteria and get a bottle of water. I happened to notice while standing in line, the wonderful price breaks teachers got on a nice lunch. For example, one could get a bottle of water, a freshly made sandwich, and a cup of fruit for $3.75. Not only is that a great deal on lunch, it is a great deal on a healthy lunch.

Here are some tips for saving money at lunch:

• Go home for lunch, or bring a sack lunch
• When eating out, order water, soda and tea can add up
• Order lunch specials, they are usually offered at a discounted price
• Avoid dessert, they are pricy and full of calories
• Budget how much money you are going to spend weekly on lunch
• Put your business card in the fish bowl at the front of the restaraunt, you may in fact win a free lunch

Resources:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/save-998year-by-bringing-your-lunch.html
http://www.helium.com/items/1360387-saving-money-on-lunch
http://www.ehow.com/how_4668949_save-money-eating-lunch-work.html

Fun Money Facts

How many ridges does the quarter have?
How long does a $50 bill last?
How many times can I fold a dollar bill before it tears?

We use money every single day. Money allows us to eat, live comfortably in a home, buy clothes, purchase cars and much more. While money can purchase fascinating tangible objects, money in itself is quite fascinating. Please enjoy the fun money facts I have included in this posting, and the great websites you can use in your classrooms to show kids how money is made.

• Cattle is the oldest of all forms of money. Cattle as money dates back to 9000 B.C. Some cattle were still used as money in parts of Africa in the middle of the 20th century.
• The Massachusetts Bay Colony issued the first paper money in America in 1690. The colonies would later form the United States.
• Parker Brothers printed more money for its Monopoly games than the Federal Reserve has issued in real money for the United States. If you stacked up all the Monopoly sets made, the pile would be more than 1,100 miles high.
• There is about $823 in circulation for each person in America.
• A piece of currency can be folded forward and back 4,000 times before it will tear.
• Currency is made of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton paper. Red and blue synthetic fibers of various lengths are distributed evenly throughout the paper.
• A mile of pennies laid out is $844.80. By this standard, America is about $2.5 million wide, coast to coast.
• A quarter has 119 grooves around the edge.
• If you have three quarters, four dimes and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins possible without being able to make change for a dollar.
• The Federal Reserve System lists the following life spans:
  $ 1 lasts 22 months
  $ 5 lasts 2 years
  $ 10 lasts 3 years
  $ 20 lasts 4 years
  $ 50 lasts 9 years
  $100 lasts 9 years

PBS-Check out this fun site which shares the fun secrets about making money

The Bureau of Printing and Engraving- Enjoy the resources and lesson plans on how money is made

Teaching your children the value of money-This how-to approach goes over the basics on how to teach children the value of money and why it is important to save

Work Cited:

http://www.childrensmuseum.org/special_exhibits/moneyville/pop5.htm

http://www.treas.gov/kids/

Want to Make Money?

The economy has taken a plunge, and there appears to be one thing on everyone's minds, how can I make more money? It seems like everytime you open a newspaper or turn on the news, you learn about a different business that has closed its doors, or an increase in the number of employees laid off. However, the idea of making and saving more money is not out of the question. Since one can only save so much money, I have included some tips to start making more money.

1. Work overtime if possible (some companies may even pay time and a half per hour).
2. Have a yard sale and sell items that you no longer use.
3. If time permits, get a second job.
4. Visit http://www.missingmoney.com/ - There are billions of unclaimed dollars that could be owed to you.
5. Become a tutor and help students achieve their success, while also earning a few extra bucks.
6. Mow neighbor's lawns or walk their dogs.
7. Donate plasma.
8. Become a mystery shopper.
9. Turn your hobbies into a business (art, jewelry, hair, etc.).

10. Baby-sit for family and friends.



Work Cited:
http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/20-easy-money-making-ideas.html#more-3947

http://www.donatingplasma.org/

http://www.missingmoney.com/

http://make-money-1.com/wp-content/themes/thesis/rotator/make-money-sign.jpg

TFCU 17th Annual Scholarship Contest

Graduation is right around the corner, and college is more expensive than ever. Between the months of January and April, most high school seniors and college students are busy applying for scholarships and financial aid to assist with the cost of education.

TFCU has been providing the community with an opportunity to alleviate some college expenses with a scholarship contest for the past sixteen years. This year, students will need to submit an essay answering the following question, "You are the youngest CEO in the history of TFCU. What is your vision to better serve the Tucson community?"

All entries are due by April 24, 2009. The prizes are as follows:

First Place - $2,500.00
Second Place - $1,500.00
Third Place - $1,000.00

For more information please visit our website or call (520)795-8520.

Other scholarship resources:
Fastweb-a large database that lists several scholarship offerings nationwide
Hispanic Scholarship fund- a website that provides funds for higher education for Hispanic Americans
Scholarships.com-resource for all financial aid needs

How to Save When on Vacation

I recently returned home from an expensive four-day vacation. It was my first time planning and paying for a vacation on my own. I had no idea how quickly airfare, hotel accomodations, food, cab rides and souvenir shopping would add up! Spring Break is a month away, and while I will not be going on vacation, I am sure most of you are. Here are some tips to make the most of your money while on vacation:
1. Save up the money to pay for your vacation ahead of time.
2. Rent a car.
3. Take advantage of coupons.
4. Bring refillable water bottles (they can be expensive to buy).
5. Make your own reservations. Websites like http://www.expedia.com/ and http://www.southwest.com/ usually have great vacation packages at discounted prices.
6. Bring your own snacks.
7. Make sure to bring a debit card or lots of cash. ATM fees can really add up!
8. Plan your vacation during off-peak times (usually during the school year or during weekdays).
9. Pick a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast.
10. Leave credit cards at home to avoid temptation altogether.

If you don't have the time or means to take a vacation, stay close to home. Enjoy a bed and breakfast, or take the family camping. Wherever you decide to travel, plan ahead and save save save!



http://goflorida.about.com/od/couponsdiscounts/a/moneysavingtips.htm
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/travel/onvacation.htm

I would like to take a moment and thank all of the teachers and students that have invited me into their classrooms over the past two years. I would also like to say thank you very much for the wonderful thank you cards and letters your classes have sent me. I have received hundreds of cards, and have kept each and every one of them. Each month I will post some pictures of the creative cards that I receive, so be on the lookout for your classroom's cards.

Please enjoy a couple of the thank you cards that were sent to me after visiting with the second grade classes of Ironwood Elementary. Thank you again!

Take charge of your college education

College is a memorable time for students, in which several notable changes occur, a plethora of knowledge is acquired and several friendships are created. Although college is a fun and educational period, it can be costly. Typical college expenses include, textbooks, lab fees, housing, meals, and of course tuition. According to the College Board Report, the average college student in the U.S. pays $6,585 per school, and the cost continues to increase annually.

In order to assist students, the University of Arizona has implemented an automatic late plan for tuition. The tuition plan was set in place to allow those students waiting for tuition funds to pay their bills in three installments over the course of four months. Those students who do not pay their bills within the first two weeks of the semester, will automatically be enrolled. There are additional costs associated with this plan however. The cost of the plan itself is $75, and students will also pay a $50 late fee as well.

Now is a great time to prepare your students for covering college expenses. I have included several links pertaining to financial aid, scholarships, and tips on saving for college right now.

FAFSA-apply for Federal Financial Aid
FastWeb-view and apply for scholarship opportunities
Education Index-a list of websites with tips for parents and students on saving for college expenses
College Saving Tips-read useful everyday tips for saving money while in college