Payday Loans Blog

Are you looking for ways to burn off those extra calories you have built up in the long, cold winter months? There are plenty of fun and inventive ways to burn off those calories now that the weather is warming up and the sun is beginning to peak through the seeminly never-ending gray winter skies.  The best part is that you don't have to be inside a gym to do many of these activities, but you can do them inside if a cold spring morning is giving you the chills. These tips can be used no matter what time of the year, they are just always more fun to do when it gets warmer and you can move from the gym to the beautiful outdoors.

1. Move It: If you make a pledge to just get moving and start moving around more both outside and inside in the warmer weather, you should be able to burn a few of those annoying calories.
2. Walk the Dog: This easy, and fun task burns 3.5 calories a minute, if you are moving at a leisurely pace.  Ok so it isn't exactly heavy cardio, but every calorie counts when you are counting them.
   
3. Swim: Swimming, especially swimming laps, can burn up to 18 calories a minute.
   
4. Play: Remember those silly summer days of your childhood? Bring them back, pull out the sprinkler and play with your kids outside. 
5. Volleyball: Playing on a court can burn 5 calories per minute, and on sand will burn twice as much.
6. Biking: Biking through your neighborhood or on a trail can be a fun family activity as well as a great calorie burner.
7. Gardening: Gardening, and especially weeding, can burn calories. Also, using a push mower instead of a riding one to mow your lawn will help you burn a few extra calories as well.
8. Jump Rope: Jumping rope, whether it be for exercise only purposes or whether you are playing with your kids can help you burn some calories. Why do you think kids were so skinny in the 70s?
9. Rollerblade: Rollerblading can burn up to 11 calories a minute, and is a fun and quick way to get to wherever you want to go.
   
10. Run or Hike: Running or hiking can kill those left over calories that you haven't alread gotten rid of doing the other fun activities.

These are just a few of hundreds and thousands of ideas you can use to burn calories this spring and summer.  Even though you are trying to lose weight, you are probably looking for ways to save some money. Check City offers 11 different Financial Services to get you started saving today. We can help you save on your various Insurance Plans, Mortgage, and even your phone bill with our Prepaid Phone Cards.

Now that St. Patrick's Day is past, you can pull down your green leprechaun decorations and move on to your Easter collection. If you don't have an easter collection, don't fear; I have included some easy to make and cheap to buy easter decorations that are sure to be a hit with your kids and anyone else who visits your home. These inexpensive ideas will get your mind rolling and you will be able to come up with even more ideas on your own. Also, you can look forward to some upcoming Easter Posts such as:

• Easy To Make Easter Dinners
• How to Dye and Color Easter Eggs &
• Easter Family Traditions

Bunny Seat Cover:

Materials:

• Pillow Case or White Fabric (depending on chair size)
• Felt
• Fabric Glue
• Pins 
• Pipe Cleaners
  

Instructions:

Use the pillow case as a slip cover, or make your own using the fabric and then download this PDF file to create the bunny cutouts from colored felt pieces.  Use the large round circle for pink cheek spots, the ovals for eyes, the small circles for eyeballs and the triangle for the nose, then of course you can figure out the ears. You may want to buy removeable glue or just use pins for the ears so you can remove them so they don't become smashed and you can use the decoration for multiple years.

Easter Centerpiece:

Materials:

• Various fresh fruit
• Apple Jelly
• Water
• Superfine Sugar
• Newspaper
• Spring Flowers
• Pastry Brushes
• Easter Platter or basket

Instructions:

Lay out the newspaper so that you don't make a mess on the table or surface where you will be working. Lay out the washed fruit on the newspaper.  Mix, 1 cup of apple jelly and 1 cup of water.  Cover each piece of fruit with the mixture and then sprinkle the sugar over the fruit.  Let the fruit dry and then arrange them along with the flowers in a basket or on a platter for a sweet centerpiece. 

These are just a few simple and inexpensive ideas for making your home a little more easter friendly. You can also decorate eggs and place them around your home, as well as other flowers and springtime decorations. Are you feeling a little lonely this Easter season? Come to Check City and get one of our Prepaid Phone Cards, they make it easy to stay in touch with loved ones as well as get in touch with old friends and family that you haven't spoken to in years.  We offer these great and inexpensive Phone Cards at our many Check City Locations and through Check City Online. Check them out today. 

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) released a national broadband plan that is supposed to make internet access cheaper and more available to 90% of Americans by 2020.  FCC Commissioner said it isn't something they are doing to just be nice, and that every American should be able to have access to the internet.  What is the FCC planning to do then to help more Americans get access to the internet and at cheaper prices?  The broadband plan includes multibillion dollar programs that are to be used to extend fiber optic cables to Rural America and educate people on why they need the internet and what benefits it can bring them. The plan also includes education programs for how to search and use the internet as a source of information.

The FCC says that if the United States doesn't step up its efforts to make the internet more accessible and affordable to more people the economy will suffer and those already disconnected Americans will become even more disconnected as the world moves on without them.

Why DO Americans Need the Internet?

• Much of our communication takes place via the internet.
• Most job applications are now found online.
  
• The FCC says that without the internet, many Americans will lose the ability to function properly in the world of technology.

The plan is supposed to be revenue neutral according to the FCC and profits made over the next ten years are projected to cover any costs incurred from the programs.  The plan is also set to speed up American's current average connection speed. Even though the internet was developed in the United States, we have since fallen behind in our connection rates and download speeds and 17 countries currently have faster and better internet connections. The plan still needs to be approved by congress, but an internet improvement plan was included in the requirements for President Obama's Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, so even if this specific plan is not approved, one evenutally will be.

This new internet plan should help the average, everyday American save money.   Check City can also help you as the average everyday American save money.  With our many great financial services you are sure to find something that can help you save. We have Prepaid Phone Cards to help you with your long distance phone bills as well as other services to help you save money in every aspect of your life. You can also get a Title loan or Payday Loan from Check City without getting a credit check. Visit us Online or in one of our Store Locations to get started today.

For the first time in many months, three American families were able to hear from their loved ones who are being detained for trespass in Iran. The phone calls were very reassuring for both the families and those in Iran.

Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd, and Josh Fattal were all hiking in northern Iraq last July when they accidentally crossed over into Iran. Iran is holding them under accusations that they are spies.

United States officials are working for their release. Meanwhile, the American families are hoping to visit their loved ones in the Iran prison.

The families have submitted a request to Iran authorities, but are still waiting for an answer. Iran’s foreign minister has stated that the Americans will be given a trial in court, but declined to specify a time or the specific charges.

Currently, the main charge against them has simply been stated as that they had “suspicious aims.” Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal are together in the same prison cell located in Tehran.

However, Sarah Shourd is by herself in a cell. Despite these circumstances, the prisoner’s families said they sounded well and strong.

Cindy Hickey, Shane Bauer’s mother, described her conversation with her son. She said the phone call only lasted a minute which was too short to say very much.

However, Hickey is optimistic and says, "[It was] exciting to hear this voice after not having his condition confirmed for over four months…The next time I hear his voice I'd like it to be in person."

She also said, "He sounded strong. He was talking very fast…He sounded determined. It was very good to hear that strength in his voice." Even though the phone calls were suspected of being monitored, the families said the phone calls were "a tremendous relief."

The ability to stay connected through fast and easy phone calls can relieve a lot of worry and anxiety. Cell phones help people to stay connected and feel an added measure of safety.

Find the perfect phone plan for your lifestyle and needs at one of Check City’s convenient locations. Our friendly and helpful staff members understand how busy life can be. They will be able to help you find a prepaid phone card that will seem like it was made for you in a minimal amount of time so that you can be on your way. These phone cards are designed for varying places that you will frequently call, the times of day you will make these calls, and many other unique factors. Become connected today by visiting Check City’s website to find out more about their pre-paid phone cards.

To read more about the phone calls of these three Americans visit:
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12115344 

<strong>Verizon wireless</strong> recently has extended a helping hand to those with <strong>families in Haiti</strong>.  They have waived all long distance, wireless and now prepaid phone card fees for calls made to Haiti up until February 14 (Sunday). Land lines and wireless fees had previously been waived from January 12- Jan 31 but Verizon decided that due to the high number of their customers with prepaid phone cards that they should extend the deals to them as well.  The provider wanted people to understand that they care about them, and wanted them to feel like they could call their loved ones without using all of their minutes.  This press release was made on January 25, 2010 and ran through February 14.

Verizon points to the ease and convenience of <em>prepaid phone cards</em> as one of the number one reasons people prefer them to long distance plans and we agree.  Verizon was also one of the carriers who offered the option of sending ten dollars to Haiti by texting the word Haiti to a certain number.

With a prepaid phone card you can use your minutes to call anywhere long distance or local and it costs the same.  You can substitute your high long distance bills with these prepaid phone cards in order to help reduce your monthly bills and still be able to make calls.   

Check City offers Prepaid Phone Cards that can offer a helping hand to you and match your calling situation.  We can match your phone card to when you call the most, where you call the most and how often you call.   We mold our plans to fit your needs that's why we can say with confidence that we have the <em>prepaid phone card</em> just for you.  Come into one of our many Check City locations and ask our representatives about our Prepaid Phone Cards. They can answer any questions you may have and send you on your way with a card made specifically for you. 

 Hopefully you wound up looking for something for your loved one that not only makes them feel loved but just keeps on giving.  If not, then next time around you might want to consider these next few gift ideas.  These great gifts not only contribute to the world, but can help show your loved ones how much you care for them. Some are simple, some are elegant, and for some, the money used to purchase them all goes to worthy causes.  Think of it as loving the world and your loved ones all in one big gift giving guesture. These are all true gifts of love that could positively change someone's life forever.

The first way to give back is through a Charity: Water E-Card, it costs $20 but the money you spend on the e-card will be put in the recepient's name and they will be notified that you donated in their name.  The donation will go to fund 20 years worth of water to someone who is in desparate need. You can also leave a special love note in the card to your special someone.

If however you would rather send a physical card to a loved one, you may want to consider a Save the Children k2k Card. For every $20 dollars donated you will receive 25 Valentine's Day cards decorated by children from around the country and your money will be donated to help with early childhood education, literacy, health and a number of other causes relating to children across the United States. 

Divinity is all around us. Buy Divine Chocolates from your local Whole Foods Market or Divine Chocolates USA and you are giving back to something good. Divine Chocolates USA is owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana, the number two cocoa exporter in the world, but Divine Chocolates is a little different than many chocolate companies. They are dedicated to making sure the cocoa farmers are being paid and treated fairly. Buying from Divine Chocolates is supporting fair wages and treatment for a people in need.

Flowers are something that are often given during the Valentine's day holidays.  This year when you give a bouquet from Teleflora you are giving to the ASPCA which supports the rescue of abused and abandoned animals. If your spouse happens to love animals and flowers this is the perfect gift. 

Are you looking for something a little less mushy, and maybe a little more tech savvy? You should check out the RED iPod Nano.  A portion of every red iPod Nano purchased is donated to help fight the AIDS/HIV epidemic in Africa. To make your gift a little more special you can even engrave the name of your valentine on the back of the iPod. If the iPod is a little out of financial reach, you may consider purchasing the Hope for Haiti CD instead. All money raised by purchasing this CD will go to relief and aid for the recent Haitian earthquakes which devastated their small island. 

Give the Goods is another great way to give more, and to purchase a gift that gives back. There are many different ways to give back through give the goods. You can donate a stuffed animal to a child in a hospital or give sports equipment to children across the world. There are many great ways to give back through Give the Goods. 

Check City has some great gifts for Valentine's or any other timel. We have Prepaid Phone Cards that you can personalize for the specific recepient. That recepient can then call you as often as they like, its a win, win situation and a gift that gives back to you. Also, if you are looking for some free loving, check out our FREE Money Orders! Not only are they free, but they are easy and you can give them as a gift. They can also be used in almost any business, government facility or bank. 

The simple life may seem old or even out of fashion, but you may be surprised by the amount of money you can save by changing a few things around your home that could add up to big savings.  By now I am sure you realize that your parents are smarter than you think, but remember when they would always tell you to turn off the lights when you leave the room, or to not leave the water running when you brush your teeth? These are the small things, in addition to some bigger things that could add up to big savings in your bills.

Replace your regular light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs.  You can buy them in bulk at stores such as Costco and Sam's Club for just a few bucks a pop.  You can then replace anywhere from 6-8 light bulbs in your home at a time.  They are now brighter than previously and are available for dimmers as well.  It will surprise you how much a simple change can save you on your electricity bill. Along with replacing the bulbs, turn off the light everytime you leave a room.  It may not seem like you are saving much, but it doesn't really hurt to conserve energy either right?

Turn down your water heater. You will still have hot water, and plenty of it. It is not only more energy efficient and will save you money, but it is safer as well.  Sometimes our water heaters are heating to dangerously hot temperatures, which could be a fire hazard.  Also, do your dishes by hand and let them drip dry or hand dry them. Using a dishwasher, especially for you college students with dishwashers that basically don't do anything for your dishes, will waster your money and your time, because you will either have to basically clean them anyways before you wash them, or clean them afterwards. 

Unplug your Dryer. Gasp, shocker, your clothes dryer uses a lot of energy and probably tears up your clothes faster than anything else.  Instead of always tumble drying your clothes, try hanging them on clothes drying racks or in the summer, outside on a self made clothesline.  The sun not only warms your clothes, it leaves them smelling fresh and clean.  True, it may fade them a little, but so will being outside in the sun while you are wearing them.  Save yourself some money, let your clothes dry naturally. One downside is that during the winter your house may be noticeably colder when not using the dryer, which could increase your heating bill, so weigh your options. 

Unplug appliances you don't use. Anything that is plugged in that you aren't using, unplug it. Some things use electricity even when you don't know it, especially if there is a light on it somewhere. Also turn your computers off when you aren't using them, and especially the surge protectors at night if they have an on/off switch on them.

Other small things you can do to save yourself money.  If you don't have to preheat the oven, don't.  Cover a pot until water boils, it will boil faster. Prepare 2 or 3 meals at once. Buy push-on night lights, so overhead lights aren't necessary. What it really comes down to is watching what you do. If you don't really need that extra electric blanket, don't use it. If it is dark in your home, try opening the blinds and curtains. 

Check City offers money saving tips for your financial situation as well.  We have Prepaid Phone Cards to help you save on your long distance or roaming charges. Check City can set your card to the time of day you are making calls, or even the people you are calling. We match your card, to your situation.  Check City also has Prepaid Debit Cards to help you get rid of those monthly credit card bills. You have to preload your money onto the card, so when the money runs out you will have to reload it order to spend more.  It will help you keep a better budget and provide you with the ease a card offers without the interest and other credit card fees and obligations. Visit CheckCity.com today to learn more!

This is the last weekend before Valentine's Day. That means that this may be the last chance you have to enjoy your preperation, instead of running around like crazy at the last minute.  While your family is watching the football game on Sunday, you could all sit down together and make Valentine's Day cards for that special someone in your life, whomever they may be.  Making crafts as a family is a great way to spend some extra time with the people you care about.  Family Fun offers some good ideas for easy-to-make Valentine Cards.  Getting your kids involved to create cards for the kids in their class is a great alternative to those found in stores. Growing up, there was a girl in my same class who always hand wrote and colored all of her Valentine's cards all the way through the 6th grade. Those were always my favorite to receive because they were different and everyone knew she was their friend becasue of the time she spent, versus just buying a big box and scribbling your name in them, for everyone.These days with so many great products available to the crafter, home made items don't need to be cheesy or "crafty" looking like they often used to.

Here is one of my personal favorite from the site. The Butterfly Card; It's not too girly, or mushy and is made with sticks of gum! Instructions and materials taken directly from FamilyFun.Com On their site they also have paper airplane valentines (maybe not the best idea for school), glow stick valentines and candy flowers. There are some good ideas for the classroom as well if you are a teacher looking for some ideas. 

Materials

• Sticks of gum
• Licorice strings
• Construction paper

• Scissors
• Heart stickers
• Tape

Instructions

1. Place two pieces of string licorice between two sticks of gum, taping the top and bottom closed to secure the antennae in place.

2. Next, cut two heart-shaped wings from construction paper, write your valentine message on them, and secure them to the top stick of gum with a heart sticker. Add other stickers to give personality to your butterfly.

The new year brings new resolutions as we have already talked about plenty of times, one of my resolutions this year was to learn to take better pictures on my digital camera.  I have found some tips and tricks for taking better pictures that have helped me and hopefully they will help you too as you strive to make this year the best picture year ever for you and your family. Also, I have included some often used terminology when taking pictures that may help you if you are working with professionals developing your pictures.  It is important to remember that you can take just as great of pictures as the professionals, and with digital cameras it is easier than ever.  The biggest hint to taking great pictures is taking a lot of them. The professionals just keep taking and taking and they find a few good pictures in the many they take.  This is your goal.

That's right, you don't need a big camera to take good pictures.  A regular digital camera will work just as well as a fancy one as long as it has decent pixel quality.  Most cameras are about 5 pixel cameras now and I wouldn't go much lower than that.  Anything higher will be excellent quality and anything lower may make the pictures a little blurry. 

The biggest difference in the quality of your pictures is you! The framing of the photo is everything. Sometimes it isn't always better to be far away, sometimes a close up or a funky frame can make all the difference.

Learn the rule of thirds.  The rule of thirds involves learning where to place focal points in pictures. It is important to know where to focus so that your picture can come out superb. This is most often the point of interest in the picture, such as a person's eyes or a stream. Don't put that point in the middle of the picture, it is more interesting when you make it to one side. Make sure you have points of interest all around the center of the picture because it will make the picture look much better while still bringing out the parts you love. 

Learn about cropping. Cropping, i'm not going to lie, is kind of a big deal.  When you learn how to artistically crop a photo, you're pictures will come to life.  Many people leave way too much of the picture in their picture. Part of what makes a picture come to life is the close up and cropped details of it. Don't be afraid to be ruthless when cropping your photo.  In order to make a good crop on your photos. Look at your photo while covering part of the picture, if you don't miss the part you are covering it is probably a good crop. Check City can help you crop your bills with our prepaid phone plans. 

The angle of your shot changes a lot. The angle with which you take your picture changes a lot. Try shooting from above the object, below or even at eye level and see if it changes anything. You'll be surprised. 

Zoom in and don't be afraid to blur in the background. Details are ever so imprtant in pictures you take.  When you get the details you get more of the essence of the subject of the picture.  Don't cram things into a picture, instead take multiple pictures of multiple details you will thank yourself later. 

Add forground interest. When taking a picture of a landscape or building maybe add something to the front of it, such as a graveyard or a tree. 

These few tips should help you produce much better pictures.  Also always be aware of lighting and the effects it can have on the picture. Also the colors of the picture you are taking compared with other colors.  Overcast days are always better. 

In order to get the best cropping on your budget visit us at Check City and learn about our great Phone Cards. They give you an easy way to call loved ones serving overseas and still save money.  Keep your phone costs down with our prepaid phone cards now at Check City and read the latest blog with more details on our great deals.