Payday Loans Blog

Friday I talked a little about a few commonly believed myths when it comes to gas mileage and the facts that prove them wrong. Today I want to address a few more of those myths and correct them once again so that together we can stop the spread of false information and save some extra money. Check City also has some financial options to help you get quick cash when you need it. We offer customers quick loans, as well as money transfers and check cashing services for your convenience. Here are three more myths, and their corresponding facts to help you make sure you get it straight.

MYTH 4: For the best gas mileage you should not drive faster than 55 mph. 

Fact: The gas mileage remains about the same until you hit speeds of 60 or greater, or are doing city driving. Smoothness in driving is actually a much better predictor of gas mileage and hurts it much more than driving fast. According to the U.S. department of energy, most cars peak in efficiency between 35 and 60 miles per hour. They also say that for every five miles you drive above 60 adds about 24 cents to each gallon of gas you are paying for, because of the extra wind resistance. Drive as though there is an egg underneath the pedal, so that you aren't constantly letting on and off of the pedal. This will help reduce your gas usage by as much as 33 percent. 

MYTH 5: A car with a manual transmission will always get better gas mileage than an automatic. 

Fact: Newer automatic trasnmissions can get just as good or even sometimes better gas mileage than a manual transmission.  Before oil embargoes, manuals did indeed get better gas mileage, but because of the increased technology, including the updated five speeds on many automatic transmission cars, they are about even. When driving in town however, the manual may still get slightly better mileage. 

MYTH 6: This may be the one you were waiting to hear about. Shutting off the car's A/C and opening windows will help to reduce gas mileage. 

Fact: At higher speeds, opening the windows, creates so much air resistance that it cancels out most, if not all of the benefits gained from turning off the air conditioner.  However, air condition does burn up gas, and alternate recommendations include turning down the A/C and changing the mode to vent. Ford Motor Company says to reduce use of the A/C until the temperatures are above 80 degrees. 

According to www.cutimes.com "provisions of a regulatory reform bill aimed at increasing disclosure requirements for financial institutions and other providers of wire transfer and remittance services violate the Uniform Commercial Code and could prevent credit unions from offering those services." What exactly does this mean for you as a consumer? If the bill is passed, banks and credit unions, as well as financial services will have to provide full disclosure of the costs and risks associated with wire transfers.  The problem with this is that many banks cannot give consumers a solid price, because they are not in control of the entire process.

What exactly does this mean?

It means that the way the bill is currently written, would classify certain transfers as remittance services, and therefore require full disclosure up front on all costs. Because credit unions are not in full control of the process, they cannot always provide the full cost up front, because they don't always know it, and therefore if this bill passes, financial institutions such as Check City (through Western Union) and Money Gram may be the only way to obtain or send a money transfer.  

Why is it not a problem for these companies?

These companies have more control over the entire process, and therefore would be able to disclose those fees and costs upfront, unlike the banks and credit unions. The bill has passed the House and must now move onto the Senate.  It is still under debate whether or not the entire Senate will see the bill, or just a portion will look at it and be in charge of passing or rejecting the bill.

Check City, through Western Union offers convenient, easy and fast Money Transfers to help you get or send the money you need.  Our Money Transfer process is simple and the fees are cheap. Visit a Check City Location today or stop by our website at www.CheckCity.com to learn all about our Money Transfer Service. 

The Inter-American Development Bank agreed to forgive millions of dollars in debt owed by Haiti due to the recent earthquake devastations. The debts forgiven add up to about $479 million dollars and after a vote, the board of directors decided to forgive the debt and in addition have pleged their future support in the quantity of 2 billion dollars over the next ten years.  They also hope to help rebuild the country with the hope and courage they need to continue over the next few years.

This debt adds up to the biggest portion of the debt owed by the island nation in January, and the forgiveness of this particular debt is made by a bank that specialized in the construction of roads and power plants to help the progress of under-developed South American countries.  President Obama is also pushing to reduce the Haitian debt owed to other areas and countries as well.  Other countries have also pledged their help and banks are coming together to help this small, quake-ravaged country survive in the coming years. 

Do you want to help Haiti but don't know quite how to do it now that all of the news coverage has moved on to other breaking news? Check City offers Money Transfers that you can use to send money to those in need. You usually need a specific name in order to send money, but because of the earthquake Check City is offering our services to help those in need.  Come into Check City and send a Money Transfer to Haiti. Even if you can only spare a few bucks, visit one of our many Check City Locations or visit us online to learn more about our Western Union Money Transfer services and help someone today. 

Western Union and Check City have a similar philosophy, they strive to help the world around them by offering services that help people in their times of need. Western Union is all about connections, they are striving to bring people together and keep people together by offering ways for them to connect. They currently offer Money Transfers and Money Orders to over 40,000 locations in 200 countries and their service area is still growing. Their goal is to be able to reach all corners of the earth, where people reside, and give them a way to connect with their friends and families. 

With globalization and migration becoming an ever popular trend, people are constantly relocating from country to country. Check City, partnering with Western Union offers you a way to keep in contact with your loved ones when they move away, or even if you do.  You can send our Money Transfers to anywhere there is a Western Union location and your relatives or friends can pick them up by bringing in a valid picture I.D.  The process is simple and easy. These money transfers may be done online, or by walking into one of the many Check City locations found throughout the United States. 

Check City also offers Free Money Orders via Western Union.  They are a great alternative to a traditional bank account and can be used to pay bills, make purchases or be cashed at some check cashing businesses, banks or retailers. It is like having cash in your pocket with your name on it. Visit Check City today to get started with one of our great Western Union services. 

Yesterday I wrote about the problems going on with Credit Card duplication with many banks around the country. Old National was added to that list of banks that have been hit by fraud, so it is now more important than ever for you to watch your cards and your finances to be sure you aren't being hit by these theives. In addition to these card copiers, there are card skimming machines that you may not know about as well. These are little machines that are either right above or below the actual credit card scanner that scan your card as well, therefore picking up your number.  A lot of places, such as Redbox have added blockers to their machines so that their credit cards cannot be skimmed (a picture is shown below). 

Just this week detectives in Sydney are heading to a city in Australia to investigate links between suburbs credit card skimming and international fraud gangs.  Yesterday an announcement was made in which it was revealed that these credit card skimmers have already made more than $50 million.  

There are problems in the United States as well, credit card skimmers have been found on Redboxes (which is what caused them to install the anti-skimming devices) and in other places, allowing these crooks to get your credit card number and use it on whatever they want.  The skimmers found in Australia however are believed to be linked to teams of criminals in India.  Hundreds of thousands were stolen from residents via there credit and bank cards in November. 

Fraud boss Detective Superintendent Col Dyson says that criminal gangs were committing armed robberies to obtains these machines used in the nationwide scam.  He also says that it is an international group that is believed to be very large.  Members of this group arrive in cities, travel around between them and then leave the country. It is believed that there are at least 50 people involved, and each has a specific function.  Six people have been arrested so far. Warnings have been issued around the country so that people will know to watch out. Criminal activity has continued to rise so the government felt that it was time to make the general public aware. 

The machines that have been compromised in Australia are called EFTPOS terminals and have been removed from the stores.

So what exactly do these machines do? The same thing that the ones in the United States do.  They are modified and can copy information stored on the magnetic strip of a debit or credit card and can be used to make further withdrawals from the account. The most common withdrawal amount coming out of the Australian frauds are $1,000 and are made overseas. Detectives are urging people to change their PINs often and regularly and to check store receipts, bank statements and be aware of how much money is held in an account.  They also say that if you can avoid it, don't write down your PIN number. 

Have you been the victim of credit card or debit card fraud? Maybe you should consider moving your transactions to cash.  At Check City there are many ways you can make cash and check transactions.  We have Payday Loans (using a check), Check Cashing (using a check), Money Transfers (Cash), Free Money Orders (Cash), and our Gold Buying Program can help you get cash when you are running a little low. 

Money transfers that have been sent by family members to their loved ones in Haiti have slowed down and have almost completely stopped. This is not because the Haitians do not need the money or that their family members are not sending them money, but because the Haitians are unable to receive their money.  

Previous to the first Haitian earthquake almost $1.9 billion was sent to Haiti annually. Even before the earthquakes Haiti depended on the money transfers for daily living because they are one of the poorest countries in the world. Statistics have shown that over 1/3 of Haiti survives because of the money transfers sent from the United States.   

After the devastation of two earthquakes, there was only one money transfer firm that is able to fully open its door to the public. The other firms are able to function limitedly and are working hard to become fully functional. The money transfer firms realize that the Haitians need those money transfers even more now that many people are unable to work. 

In addition to struggling money transfer firms, Haiti’s banks have been closed. This has left everyone in the same desperate state for money. Transfer firms had to wait for cash to be flown in from the United States. Since the cash arrived, more transfer offices have begun to operate. Due to the circumstances, the transfer companies that are operating have been omitting transfer fees.

Fernand Amandi has been working for the United Nations and IDB in Haiti for the past several years. He says money transfers are“…the most direct form of aid, from family member to family member, and the need is so stark now.” Money transfer services are a vital part of the disaster relief program and they are working hard to become fully functional again. Meanwhile, they are operating to the best of their ability and Haiti depends on these money transfers. 

You could help these people to get the basic necessities of life by sending your own money transfer to Haiti. Check City can help you send a money transfer to any Western Union location in the world or to the recipient’s bank account. To send a transfer you will need your photo ID and either cash or a debit card. Find out more about how to send a money transfer by visiting Check City’s website.  

To find out more about how vital money transfers are to Haiti visit: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9609180

They are suggesting that if you would like to donate to Haiti to seek out a secure, reliable organization’s site that you already know about. Be careful what sites you give your information to, because there are already e-mails being circulated that will try take your money and not give it to the people in Haiti.

There is one email in particular that Symantec is trying to warn people about. This email looks like it comes from the British Red Cross and follows a 419-style scam. A 419 style scam is one in which there is a often heart wrenching letter begging for help or donations. They usually ask for a legitimate reason, and then they will not deliver the money.

Just like the cheesy advertisements on TV that exhibit the newest contraption that will help you lift boxes, or something similar, most people do not fall for them. However, there are a few who will. With a natural disaster backing up the claim it is especially more likely for people to be deceived.

In this case, the email uses the real London address of the British Red Cross so it can seem legitimate. However, the email connects to the scam artist instead. Another indication that this email is a fraud is that the money sent to this contact, does not go through the Western Union.

In addition to emails, there are potentially harmful websites that can trick people into visiting them by using a Haiti related headline. Once people click on their link, their website will begin trying to lead the visitor to linked antivirus program websites, which a few people will download, and the people will be asked to pay for those programs. These programs are deceptive at best and criminal at worst.

This kind of website headline trick has been growing throughout the past few years and it has resulted in millions of computers becoming infected with viruses. These websites have been able to make their way onto the front page of search engines, so people need to beware of these scams.

The purpose of this information is not to discourage people from donating, but to make them aware that they need to do it safely. The best way to donate is through a reliable, well-known site that you are already familiar with.

Check City offers reliable money transfer services by working through the Western Union. It is easy, convenient, and trustworthy. Check City also offers Western Union money orders. Money orders are also a safe, reliable, and free way to pay bills that are accepted by almost any organization. 

Whether you love Miracle on 34th Street or would prefer something a little more on the wacky side such as Elf or Earnest Saves Christmas there is a classic Christmas movie to please just about everyone.  Here is a list of some classic Christmas movies.  They are listed in no particular order.

Miracle on 34th Street  - The charming tale of a department-store Santa who believes he really is Kris Kringle - and he just may be.

It's a Wonderful Life - A magical tale of a man who's allowed to see what his family, his friends and his community would have been like if he had never been born. 

A Christmas Story - The infamous "leg lamp," the kid who sticks his tongue to a frozen lamppost, the pink bunny pajamas, the terrifying trip to a department store Santa and Ralphie's vivid imagination will make anybody but a true Grinch remember the fun of the holidays.

A Christmas Carol - Whether you prefer one of the older versions, or the new one,  Scrooge has visits from ghosts of Christmases past, present and future and realizes his life must change.

A Charlie Brown Christmas -  A cartoon Christmas story for all ages that reminds us that the true spirit of Christmas is giving remembering the spirit of Christ the ultimate gift giver.

At Check City, not only do we want to give to you, we want to help you give to those who matter most in your life.  Check City offers Western Union money wire transfers to anywhere in the world. Bring in your photo ID and the money you want to send (cash or debit card only), and we can either transfer the funds directly into the recipient's bank account or send the money to any Wester Union location around the world. You can of course receive Western Union money orders at Check City as well. Just bring in your photo ID to any Check City location and we will disperse your funds to you.  Giving is easier this year with Check City!

Celebrate the New Year at The Living Planet Aquarium! Shawn Stevens from B98.7 will be there for fun games, crafts, activities and prizes to kick off the New Year! B98.7 will be giving away 98 passes to The Living Planet Aquarium that can be used in 2010.

The Living Planet Aquarium is a non-profit organization. The aquarium is dedicated to enhancing public interest in the environment, conservation, and the enhancement of our planet and its creatures through adoption, education, research and recreation. 

There are various exhibits to see with new ones being shown all the time. Coming soon will be an exhibit called the South American penguin encounter.

What: Noon Year’s Eve at the Living Planet Aquarium 

Where: 725 E. 10600 S.
             Sandy, UT 84094

When: December 31, 2009

             12:00-3:00 pm 

When you need some extra cash Check City can help you out! They offer services that range from cash advances to scrap gold. The friendly staff can even provide you with money orders and money transfers. With so many options, when you need financial services, think of Check City.

Red Butte Gardens has its own Christmas tradition. Every year in December they offer free admission to the public and host a holiday art show.

The art show features a host of local artists. Everyone can find Christmas joy at the Art Marketplace with a variety of handcrafted block-print ornaments, felted gifts, knit caps, glass objects d'art, jewelry and more to choose from.

During this time, you can also join in on one of Red Butte Gardens popular Wreath-Making workshops.

What: Red Butte Gardens Holiday Art Show

Where: Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

               300 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108

When: December 5-6, 2009

Admission: Free

This month is the season of red, green, silver, and gold. At Check City, they are willing to accept any of your scrap gold or silver in exchange for some green. The process of bringing in scrap gold or silver is simple. Simply bring your gold, silver, or platinum in to any Check City store. Your material will be weighed on a jeweler's scale and tested for precious metal content so that we can determine its cash value.

At this festive time of giving and receiving gifts and money keep Check City’s money transfers in mind. Check City in partnership with Western Union makes sending money anywhere in the world fast and easy.