The ELEMENTS of money tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1266738 2009-11-05T13:52:00-08:00 The ELEMENTS of money is for young credit union members. It's about everyone's favorite subject - money. Oh, and we'll occasionally write about other stuff too! TypePad Some serious outta-control “Financial Activity”! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a6a98d4b970c 2009-11-05T13:52:00-08:00 2009-11-05T13:52:00-08:00 Hey guys – hope you had an awesome Halloween! I know I did! :) Did you see Paranormal Activity yet? I’m still too scared to see it! But, because there has been so much buzz about it, I’ve been kinda... Kim

Paranormal_activity

Hey guys – hope you had an awesome Halloween! I know I did!  :)

Did you see Paranormal Activity yet?  I’m still too scared to see it! But, because there has been so much buzz about it, I’ve been kinda obsessed about finding out all there is to know about it ... especially since it was totally made on the cheap! 

It’s no secret that this movie has been a HUGE success, and what’s so impressive about it to me is that this was a product of creativity and ambition. That’s right – those two qualities are absolutely FREE!

I’m not saying it’s easy to come up with $15,000 on the spot or anything (after all, the movie had to cost something …), but seriously – with everything available to us these days, anyone can attempt to make something original (and make some money from it!) with a vision and some hard work. I wish I would have thought of the idea to make a movie like that!

So, as sort of final goodbye to the Halloween season this year, I’ll leave you with some fun financial facts about the movie:

  • The movie only cost $15,000 to make. The $15,000 included pizzas for dinner! As of now, it has become the most profitable independent film ever.
  • The movie made $9.1 million in its first week in the US, breaking the record of highest-grossing weekend ever for a movie playing at less than 200 theaters.
  • So far, it's grossed more than $65 million in the US and Canada. That's a record-breaking rate of return of more than 433,000%!!!
  • They saved a ton of money on the film’s location – the whole movie was shot in the director’s own home.
  • They also saved money on equipment - the movie was shot with just one hand-held home video camera. Most of the time, the camera sat on a tripod. They also didn’t need a camera crew like most movies, so there were some additional big savings there, too.
  • The director had no formal film training (Yep, no expensive film school loans to pay off!)
  • The whole movie was filmed in ONE WEEK.

Now, let me get back to my original screenplay … ;)
Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/11/some-serious-outtacontrol-financial-activity.html Space Case tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a604dfe4970c 2009-09-30T11:11:44-07:00 2009-09-30T11:11:44-07:00 I came across this awesome story about two MIT students who built and launched a space camera for only $150. Goes to show, you don’t need a NASA budget to capture that perfect picture! This shot was taken at about... Nayla <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">I came across this awesome story about two MIT students who built and launched a space camera for only $150. Goes to show, you don’t need a NASA budget to capture that perfect picture!</p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><p class="asset asset-image"><p class="asset asset-image"></p><p class="asset asset-image"><a href="http://elementslink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83533afd969e20120a604d6e4970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Space-camera_610x457" class="at-xid-6a00d83533afd969e20120a604d6e4970c " src="http://elementslink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83533afd969e20120a604d6e4970c-500wi" /></a></p><p class="asset asset-image"> <p class="MsoNormal">This shot was taken at about 93,000 feet high using a Canon camera, a helium weather balloon, a Styrofoam cooler and instant hand warmers to keep the camera and battery from freezing. The students rigged it with a prepaid GPS-enabled cell phone, so they can track the camera when it landed back on earth. <span>&#0160;</span>They set the camera to take pictures at 5-second intervals and the flight lasted about 5 hours total. The balloon got high enough, that the descent took about 40 minutes to return the camera back to earth. Check out the <a href="http://space.1337arts.com/" target="_blank">project website</a> to see the time-lapse video, look at more photos and to read up on how they did this. Pretty awesome and creative! Now, maybe NASA can save money by using some of these students’ ideas!<span>&#0160; </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&#0160;</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">-Nayla </p> </p><p class="asset asset-image"><a href="http://elementslink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83533afd969e20120a604d6e4970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a></p></p></p> </div> http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/09/space-case.html Good news for all you gadget girls/guys! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a55e3603970b 2009-09-09T15:02:07-07:00 2009-09-09T15:02:42-07:00 Hey! Did you hear the news? Apple just dropped the price of iPods today – and you know that’s not the usual! I think this definitely qualifies as a very important money-saving announcement. :) If you’re bummed that you haven’t... Kim

Hey!  Did you hear the news?  Apple just dropped the price of iPods today  – and you know that’s not the usual! I think this definitely qualifies as a very important money-saving announcement. :)

If you’re bummed that you haven’t gotten an iPhone yet, you can at least get yourself a shiny new iPod touch – the price just went down $120!  That’s definitely worth the wait, if you’ve been holding out. Nanos went down by $50, and if you wanna go old school, the iPod classic just dropped by $20.

100-million-ipod-sales

And, just a little plug for the elements of money podcast, the new one just came out today. Perfect timing, too - it’s all about saving money on all those gadgets I’m – I mean, YOU’RE – dreaming about! Check it out here.

Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/09/good-news-for-all-you-gadget-girlsguys.htmlhttp://www.elementspodcast.com/vault/2009/2009_09_01_elements.mp3 Ode to Pennies tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a57ddd88970c 2009-08-27T14:44:46-07:00 2009-08-28T10:13:12-07:00 They fill massive jars… they hide between couch cushions… they line sidewalks and wishing fountains… and on occasion, they stir up a little controversy. But what we don’t know about the common penny is what makes them so uncommon. Now,... Nayla <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They fill massive jars… they hide between couch cushions… they line sidewalks and wishing fountains… and on occasion, they stir up a little controversy. But what we don’t know about the common penny is what makes them so uncommon. <br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, I know I am getting all nerdy about the penny, but hey, it’s the little things… So with that, here are some interesting facts about pennies. If anything, you might gain some serious bragging rights after winning a trivia game on account of your knowledge of obscure penny facts… you can thank me later!</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It costs 1.4 cents to produce each penny. So next time some says “penny for your thoughts,” they actually owe you 1.4 cents. <o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some vendors are starting to refuse to accept the penny as a form of payment. That doesn’t seem right, but then again, I’m not the one who has to count all those pennies. <o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The penny has been a target for counterfeiters? Who would spend their time counterfeiting measly pennies? Seriously guys, aim a little higher. <o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There’s a battle to ditch the penny altogether. Some people think it’s pointless to produce pennies at a loss, especially if stores stop accepting them. So will the nickel now be the new penny? I think the penny will be around for awhile.</span></li> </ul> <p>-Nayla</p><p><a href="http://elementslink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83533afd969e20120a52b4480970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="6a00d83533afd969e20120a57dd5dd970c-800wi" border="0" class="at-xid-6a00d83533afd969e20120a52b4480970b image-full " src="http://elementslink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83533afd969e20120a52b4480970b-800wi" title="6a00d83533afd969e20120a57dd5dd970c-800wi" /></a> </p></div> http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/08/ode-to-pennies.html Just in case that scholarship isn’t coming through … tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a5387a92970c 2009-08-10T16:15:43-07:00 2009-08-10T16:16:08-07:00 Okay, so maybe this is a stretch – but with all this talk lately about finding new ways to make some extra cash, I couldn’t believe it when I came across this article: Making money from video games? It's child's... Kim

Okay, so maybe this is a stretch – but with all this talk lately about finding new ways to make some extra cash, I couldn’t believe it when I came across this article: Making money from video games? It's child's play!

Talk about extra cash … the boys (and KIDS) in this article are making enough money to fully fund their college educations!  Just goes to show that you never know how you may be able to work your income angle.

Yeah, so maybe we won’t be making $60K for our high scores on Rock Band. But, don’t underestimate your cash-making abilities! Hone into those special talents and interests of yours and have a brainstorming session with a few friends to see if you can combine efforts to rake in some dough.  You just never know!

Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/08/just-in-case-that-scholarship-isnt-coming-through-.html App-mania! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e20120a4ca8bf2970b 2009-08-05T15:07:46-07:00 2009-08-05T15:37:15-07:00 I got the chance to check out Kim’s iPhone and it’s pretty sweet! In honor of her new purchase, check out the list of the top 20 all-time free and paid applications. Although some applications can cost you a little... Nayla

IPhoneapps

I got the chance to check out Kim’s iPhone and it’s pretty sweet! In honor of her new purchase, check out the list of the top 20 all-time free and paid applications.

Although some applications can cost you a little bit of cash (starting at $0.99 and topping out at $5.99 per application), you will find there are tons of free apps you can use. In fact, some are even available to help you save money. Here are a few to check out:

Cheap Gas lets users know where they can find the cheapest gas in their area; also, map the route to the gas station.

My Budget Money Management lets you track your budget on a regular basis and keeps you updated with all your budget needs.

Wi-Fi Finder has a list of more than 200,000 locations across 135 countries. All of these locations are verified hotspot locations that are available on iPhone and iPod touch.

Save Benjis is a free price comparison app that supports over 15 million products.

SnapTell lets you take a picture of a product's cover and within seconds, you'll see the lowest price offered online and you'll also see the closest location with a cheaper price.

Coupon Sherpa is a program filled with coupons and you can create a list of favorite stores, email coupons to friends, and coupons can even be scanned by optical scanners.

Now, if only these apps could help me save enough money to buy an iPhone…

Happy searching!

-Nayla

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/08/appmania.html My iPod story: The Happy Ending! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e2011571cb9098970b 2009-07-06T10:54:03-07:00 2009-07-06T10:54:03-07:00 Hey guys – just a quick update this time: I am VERY excited to report that I have been able to save enough money for my iPhone and I’m getting it on July 20th when my current contract expires! The... Kim

Hey guys – just a quick update this time: I am VERY excited to report that I
have been able to save enough money for my iPhone and I’m getting it on July
20th when my current contract expires! The day can’t get here soon enough!!!

I kept going back and forth trying to decide if I should get the new one or
not, and after scoring a pretty cool "job" unexpectedly (I’ll tell you about
that one in a sec) – I am choosing to go for the new S model.

The thing I am most surprised about? How I was able to earn extra money in
such unexpected ways! My latest job was something I did for my aunt.  She is
really clueless when it comes to computers and her digital camera.  She has
a friend at work who made a photo book for her husband for Father’s Day, and
loved it so much she wanted to do something similar for my uncle’s birthday.
She paid me to put it together for her … and it was EASY!  (If you wanna
make one, try using iPhoto for a iPhoto book, or mypublisher.com)

After that, she decided she wanted me to help her do one for their vacation
last year … and for my grandma’s birthday!  Even better, my aunt’s neighbor
got all excited about it and asked me to make two books for her.  After
getting paid to put together 5 photo books, I found myself with a pretty
solid stack of cash!

I can’t say this enough – be creative when it comes to thinking about ways
to make money. You may not make a ton from each little thing on it’s own –
but a bunch of odd jobs and creative efforts can really add up!

Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/07/my-ipod-story-the-happy-ending.html Pocketful of music costs a pocketful of cash tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83533afd969e2011571924b88970b 2009-06-30T10:50:46-07:00 2009-06-30T10:50:46-07:00 I saw the latest Microsoft Zune (zunepass.net) commercial the other day and it claims that at $0.99 per song on iTunes, you can spend as much as $30,000 to fill an iPod. Now that’s a whole grip of money! With... Nayla

I saw the latest Microsoft Zune (zunepass.net) commercial the other day and it claims that at $0.99 per song on iTunes, you can spend as much as $30,000 to fill an iPod. Now that’s a whole grip of money! With the Zune Pass, for $14.99 a month, you can subscribe to the service, which allows you to play music on up to three PCs and three Zune players for as long as you have your subscription. Then you also get to keep 10 of your favorite songs each month. But even this can set you back almost $180.00 a year. I even did the math and those ten songs you get to keep each month, they cost you almost $0.67 per song.

So before you buy into a service or purchase individual songs, consider some of the following tips to get the most out of your music:

•    Stream internet radio, it’s free and there’s lots of stations to choose from
•    Before buying music online, check out second-hand shops for used CDs, you might score a great deal on some tunes
•    Check out different resources online and compare prices, you may find that song or album for less somewhere else
•    Consider buying the entire album over individual songs, you will get more for your money that way

There’s lots of great music out there and lots of ways to load up your player, so check out your options and happy listening!

-Nayla

http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/06/pocketful-of-music-costs-a-pocketful-of-cash.html Determined to bypass “Flipping Burgers” … the update! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67866301 2009-06-08T14:50:37-07:00 2009-06-08T14:50:37-07:00 OMG!!! I just found out that I may be closer to getting my iPhone than I thought I was! Apple just announced today that they are reducing the price of the current model because they are coming out with a... Kim

OMG!!!  I just found out that I may be closer to getting my iPhone than I thought I was!  Apple just announced today that they are reducing the price of the current model because they are coming out with a new version later this month. (You can see the prices here)

Now, this is where I have to put emotions aside and try to be smart about this decision.  This is an investment!  Do I go with the $99 current version, or do I keep saving for the new & improved one at $199?  


NEW? or ... CHEAP?!????  Help!
0609_iPhone

Here is what I’m thinking … I am already on my way to saving enough money, because I was counting on the phone costing me $199 anyway.  And, everyone always tells me that I should always buy “up” when it comes to technology … it gets outdated so quickly.

BUT …if I get the $99 version, I’ll have extra cash to play with! I can buy more apps, get my Paul Frank skin that I’ve been wanting ever since I saw it - AND, I might even have extra money left over for some new ringtones!

This is such a tough decision!  It seems like the $99 phone with all of the extras I wanted is a better deal.  But I am still so unsure!  Should I stay the course and continue to save … or do I quit while I am ahead and purchase the cheaper phone and SAVE the extra money instead of getting everything?!? Come on you guys … what do you think?  I need your opinions!

Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/06/determined-to-bypass-flipping-burgers-the-update.html Determined to bypass “Flipping Burgers”! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-66464101 2009-05-06T11:08:22-07:00 2009-05-06T11:14:01-07:00 This month, instead of sharing some crazy news story I found with you like usual, I am just going to tell you all about my current situation. I figure with any luck, you guys might be able to help me... Kim

This month, instead of sharing some crazy news story I found with you like usual, I am just going to tell you all about my current situation. I figure with any luck, you guys might be able to help me out with some suggestions (hint, hint)?

Summer is coming up. And I need a J-O-B, just like everybody else. It’s no secret that unemployment is crazy right now, and a lot of people are looking for work. So, this means I need to get really creative when it comes to money-making plans, because the more options the better. I’m on it now, because I decided that not reaching my “financial goal” by the end of the summer is NOT AN OPTION.

Why the desperation you ask?  Well, I admit I’m kind of an exaggerator (shhh, Nayla!), but here’s the truth: I want an iPhone. BAD. Seriously, I can’t take it anymore – it’s time for me to get one!!! And seeing how it’s not likely that one is just going to end up on my doorstep, I'm gonna need a big stack of cash to buy the iPhone, open my new account with AT&T … and buy all my apps and accessories! 

IPhone0509CZ

This is where you come in … can you think of ideas to help me make some extra $$$? Getting a job is the main plan, but I need backups. Here’s what I’ve done so far:

*Cleaned out my closet and hauled a big load off to Buffalo Exchange.
*Reunited with all my jewelry making supplies – time to put new items up for sale on etsy!
*Ran into my neighbor last week, and she told me that she & her husband are going on a cruise for their big 35th anniversary … guess who gets to watch the dogs and water the plants?  :)

 

I know there’s a lot more to do, so leave me a comment if you think of something! I’ll definitely keep you guys updated on my iPhone situation ...

Kim

 http://elementslink.typepad.com/elements_blog/2009/05/determined-to-bypass-flipping-burgers.html