Life in my twenties has not always been about living extravagently. In fact I've had my fair share of living on ramen noodles and not getting to treat myself to new things from time to time. But you know what? That's ok. The more I think about it, the more I've learned to appreciate the smaller things in life that don't have to cost an arm and a leg.

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!

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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!

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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!)

I hope this helps you feel relatively better about your child's upcoming departure. With careful planning, she'll appreciate it down the road and you will too!