$20,000 for a holiday drink?

New Year’s Eve is a big night for partying, which for many means drinking festive alcoholic beverages. Be smart about your holiday indulgences because that last drink could cost you $20,000.  

2007 is ticking away

Today is day 362 of year 2007. That means it is almost time to toss that calendar, remove the ones from your desk, stop writing ’07 on checks and other paperwork and say hello to 2008.

While it’s a time for celebration, it is also time for reflection on the year that’s gone. It is also a perfect opportunity to think about ways to improve your life in 2008. In the coming days, our blog will offer a few tips on resolutions for 2008, including ways to improve your finances, your health and happiness.

Tragic accident is a reminder

Yesterday, I went to our temporary Hamden branch, located in the former town hall building, to give the staff a brief presentation. While I was waiting for them to close up for the day, I noticed a stack of postcards on display that I hadn’t seen before.

The postcards were brought by the mother of young woman, Janeé Wallace, who was killed in a car accident Nov. 3, 2006. Janeé was a 16-year-old honor student at Hamden High School when the driver in the car she was traveling in on Interstate 91 lost control and crossed the median divider. The car was hit by another vehicle traveling northbound and sheered in half. What caused this fatal accident?

Roll in with change, roll out with a new truck

Despite much talk in recent years about doing away with the penny, if you concentrate on saving your loose change, it can add up. Sure, you won’t see it overnight, but with a bit of persistence, those kept coins can really accomplish something. Don’t believe me? Paul Brant in Indiana would agree completely, and he could simply point to his new Dodge Ram half-ton pickup truck as proof. Yes, he’d say, more than $25,000 worth of change bought that!

Edison’s brightest idea dying out

It’s not your eyes… incandescent light bulbs have a dim future. Starting in 2012, they will be going the way of the dinosaur, and by 2014, they will be gone. One of the most influential and important inventions ever is no longer making the grade in our modern efficiency-conscious world. The switch over is geared towards reducing electricity costs and decreasing the number of bulbs purchased each year.

 How will this save money?  

Oh (real or fake) Christmas tree, Oh…

 You’ve probably all heard the familiar carol “Oh Christmas Tree,” with its line “How are thy leaves so verdant” (aka green with life) or alternately “With faithful leaves unchanging.” Just as there are many different versions of the song, there are different opinions as to which makes a better Christmas tree: a real one or an artificial one.  

You want a tip? Here’s a tip…

Mr. Pink, a character in “Reservoir Dogs” played by Steve Buscemi, says “I don’t tip because society says I have to.” While seated at a table with other sneaky criminals, Pink admits he will tip if somebody really deserves it. (There’s a lot more to this exchange, but since this is a family blog, that summary is good enough). 

Mac vs. PC parody that we love

Have you seen those “PC versus Mac” commercials on television? You probably have. The most recent has the PC guy and the Mac kid singing a happy holiday tune, only to have Mr. PC throw in a quick plug for buying his product.

As credit union people, we were happy to stumble upon a site that has similar pseudo-commercials, set up like the Mac ones… but these pit a loveable credit union guy and a somewhat uptight banker together.

The results? You should click on the link and check them out….

Death and taxes… certainties, but fair?

We’ve all heard Ben Franklin’s saying about the only two certain events in life (grim prospects indeed). A recent poll from Bankrate.com found that 92% of Americans surveyed understand the necessity of paying taxes and they feel that it’s up to everyone to pay their fair share.

Is the tax system fair or broken? Nearly 60% of the respondents felt the system is geared to benefit the rich.

Deal round-up on the web

Saving money is often about waiting for items to go on sale, or scouring the stores (and now the Internet) for the best deals. A Connex employee tipped us off to a website that lists deals on items ranging from jewelry and clothing to electronics and books. If you’re looking for last minute gifts, this may be the place to go for ideas…