Amidst all of the headline news, Facebook statuses and Twitter tweets, I'm sure you've heard of the website Etsy. If you haven't, where HAVE you been?! All kidding aside, this website has taken off in a significant amount of time. Why you ask? Well, for one, there are too many crafty and talented people out there that don't want to pass the opportunity up to sell their trade. And second, this community of crafters was built by someone who wanted to get his trade out there as well. So welcome, to the wonderful world of Etsy!

When first approaching the website, you have to ask yourself three questions: do I want to sell? buy? or do both? If there is a trade that you are passionate about and want to sell, this is definitely the place for you. There are three categories that your items must fit into: handmade, supplies and vintage. It's a good idea to get well acquainted with the Sell on Etsy page and that way you know the ins and outs of being an Etsy entrepreneur. Plus, it's chock full of useful information you may need down the road and everything you need to becoming a seller is right at your fingertips.

Now, if you want to buy, well you are in luck my friend. Etsy provides everything from antiques to jewelry to furniture, you name it. I've done searches on this site for things I didn't even think existed, but they have them! Explore the site and browse around, you'll be quite amazed at all of the items for sale and I can guarantee you will find something you like. The more you look around, the more you will begin to understand how talented each and every one of these Etsy artists really are!

What really sets Etsy apart is their sense of Community. There is always something going on at the Community page: chatting, blogging, how-to posts and so much more. Artists that are part of this community are very willing to share their ideas on how to make several different things. This especially comes in handy if you are just a buyer as well and can't quite afford what you're looking for at the moment. Want a hand-stitched purse that is maybe out of your price range? Why not make it instead?! 

If you do happen to own your own business, taking advantage of Etsy may be a great benefit for you. Not only will you get local buys, but nationwide ones as well. Just something to think about! So the next time you are looking for a unique item to purchase or are wanting to sell something you've made, look no further than Etsy!

Cleaning out the attic or basement can sometimes be compared to pulling teeth -- you don't want to do it but it has to be done. But you have to ask yourself, what exactly do you do with all of that stuff now that you don't want it? If you don't already have a plan, there are a few things you can do that will brighten someone's day.

Once upon a time Beanie Babies were a smash hit. So if you're like me and you've managed to collect quite a few and have NO use for them anymore, you can donate them! After doing my research (because I counted them, I had 78 to get rid of!), I found an organization called the Beanie Baby Project. After you mail your donation of the Ty Beanies (and they have to be Ty), they help  premature babies while they are being kept in their incubators. The purpose for the little animals is to hold tubing, equipment or to be cuddled up to the infant. Since these premature babies aren't able to be held by their parents, this is where the stuffed animal comes in handy. Such a great idea!

Another great organization is Beanies For Baghdad. Shipments of beanies are sent to troops who are deployed overseas that can give them to children who live in extreme poverty. Not only are you helping to touch the life of a child, but a soldier as well.

Beanies (among other many things you are getting rid of) can also be sent in care packages to troops overseas through Operation Gratitude. Such items you may want to consider sending are scarves, ties, anything handmade but not breakable, Webkinz/Trolls, shirts or jackets and any other items that can bring home away from home to a soldier. And really, is there any reason why you're holding on to that pink haired troll anyways?

Starting in November, the week of the 15th through the 22nd, National Collection Week takes place for Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan's Purse. It’s a great way to get really creative by wrapping a shoebox and stuffing it with as many things as you can for a child in need. For over 40 years this organization has collected shoeboxes through churches, neighborhoods and now the internet. So put those unused notebooks, pencils and markers to good use!

If you’ve amassed a small collection of cell phones (those ones you NEVER use), instead of throwing them away, you can donate them to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence(NCADV). The proceeds and collections of these phones help to fund safe homes for victims of domestic violence. And what better way to get rid of that phone you aren't using, right?

These are only a handful of ways you can put those relics of yours towards a good cause. Not only is it a good feeling to know that you've cleaned and sorted through things you no longer use, but you can bless someone in ways you can only imagine.

After two tumultuous years rocking the financial markets and the global economy, being frugal is "in.” For many consumers, belonging to a credit union is the banking equivalent of buying produce at a local farmer's market – you’re making a difference by banking in your community with the folks you know, getting high quality products and high touch, high technology service.

When you're telling your neighbor about why you bank with TDECU, what do you say? If you don't have the elevator speech memorized, here are five talking points to explain the "credit union difference" when recruiting others to the cause:

1. We’re member-owned. One account = one share = one vote at the annual meeting = having a voice. We have a volunteer board of directors, elected by the membership.

2. We’re not-for-profit. Instead of paying stock dividends to shareholders, our structure returns benefits right back to our member-owners in the form of great rates and more convenient services.

3. We’re one-stop shops. We offer everything from the banking basics like loans and deposits to mobile banking, a 37,000-surcharge-free ATM network, home loans and much more.

4. We're safe and sound. TDECU is financially sound, an industry leader, and we've been a local financial institution of choice for half a century. 5. We're active in our communities. From our participation in financial education in local schools through the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) to our support of local charitable organizations including Relay for Life, we strive to make our communities a better place.

For 50-plus years, we’ve proven our worth, and continue to grow because of these principles. Next time someone asks where you bank, tell them you put your money in a place that’s better than a bank.

As a reminder, don't forget that Monday is Labor Day, and all TDECU branches and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. If you need to call us, Member Care will still be available, and Online Banking and Mobile Banking are always just clicks away.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend!