Let me start off by saying that I'm a HUGE movie person, huge being in capital letters because I just plain love film. As days go by, paying well over nine dollars for a movie ticket alone and an additional ten dollars or more on popcorn or candy is just not cutting it. I'm not saying I don't like going to the theater. More than anything, it's definitely a treat for me now. So going the frugal route of renting one seems to be more appealing, not just because it costs less, but you're sitting in the comfort of your own private theater. No one kicking the back of your seat or sticking your hand in gum on the drink holder. Netflix or Blockbuster are two options to definitely think about.

When it comes to purchasing clothes, I've learned to appreciate thrift stores as well. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to buy a shirt for two bucks. Especially making an entire outfit that can cost you a max of ten dollars if you do it the right way. So think of it like this: 3 outfits for thirty dollars. That's quite a steal! You can't complain about that.

I was lucky enough to learn most of my frugal ways from my Grandmother. This especially came in handy when she knew I was low on money. Something I loved and appreciated about her was her willingness to teach me these things before she passed. Couponing, eating at home, using what you have in the pantry or the fridge to make a meal instead of going out and loving to do the weekend garage sale run. All of these things I know saved me a great deal of money. After doing her grocery shopping, my Dad was shocked to see how much I saved her. I'm forever grateful to her for this.

Last by not least, taking advantage of free events around town is always fun. There is nothing like FREE entertainment to get you out of the house! Plus, everyone deserves to go out at least once a week and enjoy themselves. This is something I definitely live by. Whether it be doing something at a nearby park, a band playing with no cover, seeing a play or a book signing from your favorite author - there are always free things to do wherever you are.

Mies van der Rohe once said "less is more". I once learned this while going to college for design as well, but I definitely think this can apply to living life frugally also. Life's simple pleasures don't have to cost you an arm and a leg. So go forth and save some money!

Bay City will be home to our newest branch of the TDECU family. This new 5,100 square-foot building will feature a convenient drive-thru as well as an ATM and friendly staff to help serve all of your banking needs.

Take a look at the ceremony that was held this past Tuesday, August 17th. It was quite the event!

In the photo (L to R): Darline Guerra (TDECU Bay City Branch Manager), Steph Sherrodd (TDECU Sr. Vice President, Member Services), Ed Zingleman (TDECU Board), Peggy Miltenberger (TDECU Board), Mitch Thames (Bay City Chamber of Commerce President/CEO), Mark Bricker (Bay City Mayor), David Ozuna (TDECU Board), and Marcus Stephenson (TDECU Board Chairman).

We look forward to being able to serve you at another convenient branch!

Since the Hebrews struck the first coins or "shekels" in 3000 BC, currency has changed hands time and time again as goods are brought and sold. From pocket to pocket, tracking the places a paper note has seen hasn't been feasible for the masses...that is, until now. Check out an interesting website called Where's George?

Take a paper bill, enter its denomination, Bill Series, Serial Number, current zip code, and if you'd like, a short note about your bill. (I always like saying the famous "yeehaw! welcome to Texas" but this is completely up to you.)

After submitting the bill you'll see the travelogue of all of your notes. (Unfortunately, if there has been no previous history of Where's George tracking your bill there is no way of you knowing where it has been before getting into your wallet. Gotta start somewhere, right?)

More features on the site includes a Real Time Hit feed where you can see people entering in the bill they have. It gives their location, if it's the first hit, what denomination the bill is, the serial number and the description the person has entered to date, the total amount and how many entries have been entered today.

There's also a George's Top 10 that tells you information like where the most bills have been entered and in what state - for example, to date there have been over 16,000,000 bills entered in the state of California.

Hope you enjoy discovering where your money's been - and here's to holding on to it as long as you can!

Dear Parent,

Your child's starting college soon, right? We know what you're feeling.

It's a major milestone in her life and yours. Freedom (for you and her), new friends, and a financial commitment that will hopefully pay off for the rest of her life. It's a transition that when planned well, can go quite smoothly.

Here's a list that won't take all the stress away, but it should get you thinking rationally about the shift:

• Be supportive. Yes, it may be emotional but don't forget to be supportive of her and give her encouragement. On that note, will her to go out and conquer the challenges college may hold. Knowing that you are her biggest supporter will take her far!

• Help her pack. You're not only being accommodating; you're thinking about things that may get overlooked in her rush to get enrolled. It's good bonding time, and even if she's not moving too far away from home, it's nice for her to know you're wanting to get some quality time in before the move.

• Make a "care kit". On the practical side, change for laundry, a small toolbox, and a medicine kit is a great call. On the sentimental side, don't forget the stuffed animal from her childhood and framed photos to remind her to call mom and dad.

• Let her know she can come home and decompress. College can be an emotional roller coaster ride. With the stresses of studying, homework, and new friends, when the going gets tough, tell her to come visit.

• Discuss expenses. Books, food, supplies, going out...it's not going to be cheap, but having a plan before she hits the door is the best way to go so that you can avoid stress down the road. (Shameless plug: I can't neglect to remind you to look at the Parent Survival Loans we offer!)

Clear your calendar for next weekend for a show you won't want to miss: FOX 19's Crossroads Idol!

Our Young & Free Texas spokesperson Josh Garrett will be emceeing the event at the Victoria Mall in Victoria, TX, August 7th & 8th. How do you get in on the action? Just stop by any of the following branch locations to pick up your registration form for the competition or to enter FOX 19’s American Idol Gear Giveaway:

• Cuero
• Edna
• Hallettsville
• Port Lavaca
• Victoria Mockingbird
• Victoria Mall
• Victoria Rio Grande
• Yoakum  

Also, we'll have a special VIP Lounge for our Go2 Account holders where you can mingle with Josh and contestants! If you don’t have a Go2 Account, click here to find out how you can get one. For official rules about FOX 19's Crossroads Idol and to find out more information, visit myvictoriaonline.com and click the FOX 19 Crossroads Idol link.

Call me crazy, but I love Sundays...do you know why? Getting those wonderful coupons in the newspaper is like getting a small present. Seriously, who doesn't like saving money, especially when it comes to groceries? We all know grocery shopping can get to be pretty expensive, so effective couponing will help to save you a bundle!

In 1894 Asa Candler , the co-owner of Coca-Cola, used handwritten tickets so that people could get a free glass of Coca-Cola. And so begins the evolution of the coupon! For more information on the history of coupons click here. It's really quite interesting!

In addition to the newspaper, you can also get coupons through family and friends. On top of that there are some EXCELLENT blogs out there that bring the coupons to you. Check out Hip 2 Save. Not only does the author give lists of deals currently going on, but also coupons to print out as well as FREE items to snag. You can visit Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and RedPlum.com for other great coupons. Don't forget to pick up store circulars as well, those are great sources for coupons too!

Sometimes there may be instances when you do not need or want a lot of the products that have coupons. However, with the items that you snag at a discounted price or for free that you don't want, you can always end up donating to a local shelter who can use them. On that same note, you may not have a child at home but maybe one of your friends is expecting. By finding good deals on formula or diapers, clothing, etc. you can gather all of these items together and make a nice gift basket! Those items will definitely come in handy down the road. 

Also, paying attention to really good deals is also another reason why you should coupon. You can frequently find items that are on sale for a dollar. Those are the best because you can stack a $1 coupon on top of that or one for 75 cents and practically get that item FREE!

Most importantly, couponing is all about being thrifty and saving as much money as possible. The money you save with coupons can go towards something like a vacation, unexpected expenses, old items that need upgrading (I'm sure you may have your own personal list). So get out there and start your clipping! Happy couponing :-) 

Summers in south Texas: they're sweltering hot (ok, so are the springs and autumns) with high electricity bills to match. With some extra care around the house, you can keep both your bills and your thermostat low.

First, have a certified technician come out to check that your ventilation, heating and air-conditioning is working efficiently. If there are any leaks in your ducts, this could reduce their energy-efficiency by about 20%. On average, the cost of these check-ups ranges anywhere from $50 to $100, but you could determine it's well worth spending to save yourself the money in the long run.

As much of a pain as it can be sometimes, replacing the air filters for your air conditioning unit is an absolute must as well. Layers of dirt, dust and even pet hair can clog the filter from allowing good air flow to come through. Air filters are cheap and are just one more inexpensive way to help you conserve more energy. If you use Microsoft Outlook or an online email and calendar client, simply set up a recurring reminder to change the filter according to the schedule recommended by your AC manufacturer.

 If your appliances are needing an upgrade, purchasing energy-efficient models can be another great way to cut down your bill costs. Do you know how well your windows and door frames are sealed? It's a good chance that air may be escaping from both. If that's the case, sealing them up as soon as possible could save you another 20% on energy year-round. You can check out these figures on Alliance to Save Energy.

Avoiding chores until the evening time is also effective for cutting summer electricity bills. Instead of generating heat using the oven, your clothes dryer or dishwasher during the day, wait until the evening time when temperatures are at their coolest to give your air-conditioner a chance to "chill out".

Finally, here are three things that will take you a maximum of five to ten minutes: changing your light bulbs, use your ceiling fans and closing your blinds. Changing your lightbulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescents can cut your yearly energy costs down considerably. And instead of letting the sun shine through during the hot summer days, keep it cool by using your fans and keeping the blinds closed when in direct sun. It's as simple as that!

This is just a handful of ways that will help put more money back into your pocket. With these helpful steps and hints, it will work wonders to help lower your electricity bill. So why not start now?!

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With summer in full swing (well, as long as the hurricanes and tropical depressions will give us a short reprieve from gray skies), sunburns can be just around the corner.  While we have many options on how to ease the process of healing a sunburn, the good news is that many remedies are already in our home cabinets.

Aloe is probably going to be at the top of your home remedy list for good reason. It’s packed with natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and sugars and is a great anti-inflammatory tool.  If you don’t already have an aloe plant in your backyard or on your front porch, find a friend with one and ask for an offshoot from the base of the parent plan. If you must use bottled aloe, put it in the fridge just enough to cool it down. You're not only getting the natural effects of it but the coolness also helps to soothe burned skin.

Ok, this may sound crazy, but apple cider vinegar is great as well. It's not going to heal the burn so much as it will take away the sting. Simply get a cotton ball and soak it just enough to cover the area of skin that is burned. The smell is, well, like you’d expect vinegar to smell, but if it means taking down the stinging, it’s well worth it! Vinegar also has natural acids and enzymes from fermentation. It’s best to buy a bottle that is free of chemicals and additives so that you get the purest apple cider vinegar possible, and if it comes with the “mother,” you’re getting the good stuff.

You’ve probably heard of oatmeal baths for chicken pox or >poison ivy. Oatmeal is also a great sunburn home remedy for reducing peeling, blistering and tenderness. Take an uncolored sock and organic rolled oats or colloidal (fine powder) oatmeal, which will be easier to dissolve in the bathtub. Fill your tub with cool to lukewarm water (hot water will dry out your skin even further). Soak the oatmeal-filled sock in the tub for a few minutes, soak for at least 30 minutes, and rinse with cool, clear water. Very relaxing!

Prevention, it’s been said, is the best cure, so before you plan on staying out in the sun, don’t forget your sunscreen!

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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of driving through the mountains of Northern California on vacation.  While taking the turns on the famous California Highway 1, I noticed an abundance of RVs on the road. (Then again, I was surrounded by nothing but State and National Parks as well as campsites, so it was only fitting.) It got me thinking, with the cost of peak-travel-season hotels, food, and transportation quickly draining dollars from the wallet, could I have taken my trip in an RV instead?

I don’t have an RV parked in my super-garage, so I’d have probably rented an RV before making such a big purchase (pun intended). (Also, on a side note, for my next car I may rent different models before even visiting a dealership to try before I buy.)

To get started, two of the top RV rental companies are El Monte RV and Cruise America, or check out RVRA(Recreational Vehicle Rental Association) as well. Don't forget that your options range from small camper to 40-foot motor homes - so deciding between price, comfort, mileage and navigability being at the top of the priority list is important. And before you embark, just like you would do with your car before a long road trip, make sure to take the RV out for a test drive beforehand.

Another wonderful thing about taking the RV out for a spin is your luxury to plan your own agenda. You may want to plan routes that will lead you to the most scenic areas (hey, that’s what the dotted line on all those printed maps is for!).

With an RV, instead of having to cram all of your necessities into one small suitcase, you have the whole RV at your disposal. Most RVs come equipped with plenty of storage space, so take advantage and keep clothing that is ideal for your destination. This means being able to stick to a smaller food budget by keeping food items stocked, having access to electricity and a bathroom as well as the comforts of your own home. Having the ability to buy your own groceries is also a great way to save money, plus you aren't having to take time to stop and find a place to eat. Being able to have a picnic in nature is always fun, too! Is anyone needing a nap? You have the bed and air conditioning to use at anytime.

RVing is a great way to save money so you're not having to book a hotel in advance. Taking an RV allows you to plan your own itinerary and change it if emergencies occur. Staying in a hotel locks you into a bit of an itinerary which leaves little room to change plans if something like the weather shifts. If you are traveling with a group of four or more, airfare as well as gas and staying in hotels or motels can get to be pretty expensive. This way you have everything right where you need it.

Getting to see more than just one area of interest is definitely a plus with RVing. Instead of just being able to go to one destination, you can see several sights of interest from museums and historical points to parks, beaches or the mountains. The sky is the limit with wherever you want to go!

Taking an RV for vacation may not be for everyone, but it definitely has its strong points. For additional information you can also visit Go RVing. Definitely do your research before planning your vacation; it will be well worth it in the end!

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Hurricane season’s here and we’re prepared to provide uninterrupted service to our members during the event of a storm impacting our communities. Our commitment to getting us through storms like Hurricanes Ike and Rita goes far beyond access to cash on the way out of town.

Our Hurricane Preparedness page outlines our promise to our members.

Before the storm we will:

• Keep branches open in areas not directly affected by the storm.
  
• Enable access to your money at all ATMs within a 100-mile radius of any TDECU branch.
  
• Advance emergency loans for hotel, meals and miscellaneous expenses prior to evacuation.

 During the storm we will:

• Protect your personal financial data in a secure back-up location.
• Provide uninterrupted service and access to emergency money through online banking, credit union service centers, TDECU Visa or MasterCard credit cards, as well as through 37,000 free ATMs throughout the U.S.
• Inform you of TDECU operations, open and closed branches, and storm updates through our website at TDECU.org and via our e-NEWS communication system. 

After the storm we will:

• Provide loans for repairs to your home or business and replacement of contents and equipment.
  
• Increase available funds on your TDECU credit card for unexpected expenses.
  
• Consolidate your multiple payments into one low-interest payment. Allow you to skip up to 2 monthly loan payments with no penalty. 

How can I access my account during a disaster if physical access to TDECU branches is cut off?
Your account will always be within reach, even when we’re not. During a disaster, if physical access to TDECU branches is cut off, there are several ways you can still access your account:

• Online and Mobile Banking: 24/7 access from your computer or cell phone with our easy and free online and mobile banking services.
  
• Credit Union Service Centers: Access your TDECU accounts at over 4,000 Credit Union Service Centers and other credit unions across the country to make cash withdrawals, deposits and loan payments. Find exact locations of surcharge-free ATMs and service center locations by entering your ZIP code on this website's homepage or throughout many pages of the website, including this one.
  
• Visa® Debit Card and ATMs: Use your TDECU Visa® Debit Card or ATM card at any ATM carrying the Pulse®, Interlink® or Allpoint® network symbols. For a full list of TDECU’s surcharge-free ATMs, including 37,000 Allpoint machines, enter your ZIP code on this website's homepage or throughout many pages of the website, including this one. Have an iPhone? Visit iTunes and download the free CULoc8 app.
  
• e-LERT Communication: Now that we have launched Stay in Touch, our electronic communication system, TDECU will use this service in the event of a storm to keep in contact with members. We will send out critical information like evacuation notices, how you can continue to access your funds, and how to reach TDECU for help or clarification with your finances. If you received our Stay in Touch email but have not enrolled, please do so before this year’s storm season goes into full-force.