Payday Loans Blog

Each spring Thanksgiving Point comes to life, literally, as hundreds of thousands of tulips take center stage with their bright colors and sweet smells.  The event displays over 250,000 tulips with over 95 different varieties of varying colors.  This is a great place to spend on a date, with family, or just by yourself enjoying the wonder and brilliance that the area has to offer.  This spectacular site spreads its joy over 55 acres for your viewing pleasure.  The event runs from April 16 through May 1 during the 2010 year and is located at Thanksgiving Point Gardens in Lehi, UT.

Points of Interest:

• This is the 6th annual Tulip Festival held at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. 
• On Fridays and Saturdays the festival also includes music, vendors, food and storytelling.
• You can also stop by a local famous artist; Sarah Samuelson's exhibit and show during the festival.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens
3003 North Thanksgiving Way
Lehi, UT, 84043
Phone: 801-768-2300
Price: $10 Adults, $8 Children

Do you need a cash advance loan with all of the same simplicity and beauty of a tulip? Apply for a payday loan online or at one of our many store locations today.  Check City also offers many other beautiful financial services to help you out when you need it most. Come in now and start saving!

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. 

You may be surprised to learn that some of the so called "facts" about gas mileage and your car are actually not facts at all, but instead commonly believed myths.  Today, I'd like to introduce you to some of those myths, most of which you have probably heard at least once, and give you the real facts on gas mileage, ways to save on it, and how to ensure that you get the most out of every penny. These tips can especially come in handy as gas prices are once again on the upward climb and with summer just around the corner, many families are beginning to make their summer travel plans.

MYTH 1: If your car manual says that premium fuel is recommended, and you use regular fuel, you will mess up the engine or other parts of your car. 

Fact: The truth is that unless you are running from the cops or are in a NASCAR event, the chances that using regular gas in a "premium" gas car, will not hurt it in any way.  Doing this, could save you up to 25 cents per gallon.  The only time you may even notice the difference is in the horsepower if you are driving faster than you should be. However, be aware of whether your owners manual says the premium fuel is required or just recommended. Cars that require premium fuel, will experience more problems and over time the engine may wear down faster.

MYTH 2:  In the summer, when the air is hot and humid, buy your gas at night or early in the morning, so that it will be colder, because colder gas is more condensed, and therefore you can get more for your gallon.

Fact:  Doing this, could in the long run possibly save you a little bit of money, but it is hard to get cold gas, and in addition, it doesn't add up to high amounts of savings and therefore may not really be worth your time. 

MYTH 3: Shopping around for gas is seldomly worth the effort because of the gas you use to find the cheaper price.

Fact: Crossing state lines, and checking online are great ways to find cheaper gas, and could in reality save you quite a bit of money each year.

If you are still looking for other ways to save money, Check City offers great rates on online payday loans as well as a number of other financial services to help you save the most money possible.  Whether you are looking for a short term payday cash loan, title loan, or a simple way to quickly cash your check, we have professionals who are standing ready to help. Visit one of our many Store Locations or at Check City Online to get all of the details on our services. 

You may or may not be surprised to find that many home insurance policies fail to tell you everything you need to know about your home insurance and so you may not be getting what you think you are getting, or even what you need.  This blog will include a few things that every homeowner and home insurance holder should know about their insurance coverage, so if you don't check with your provider, or visit a Check City location near you to learn all about our Insurance Options and how we can help you get the Insurance Plan that works best for you with all of the details and specific assistance you need.

What does the average/regular homeowners insurance cover?

• Fire Damage
• Tornado Damage
• Damage from falling/fallen Satellites

• Flooding and Water Damage (this often times includes mold)
• Earthquake Damage
• Sewer Backup
  
• War, Nuclear Accidents and Terrorism
• Natural Disasters (depending on location)
• Neglect (Termite infestation is included in this category)
• Trampolines, hot tubs, and pools (because they pose a threat of bodily harm)
• Dogs (dependent sometimes on the breed and size)
• Intentional Damage (whether by you or an angry spouse will probably not be covered)
• Computers and luxury items and collectibles are probably not on the average insured list

For more suggestions and advice on what to include in your homeowners insurance, and possible items to consider that may not have occured to you, check out the 5-minute guide to home insurance on moneycentral.msn.com and then visit Check City to find the Insurance Plan that fits you. 

The number has hit 22, just in the year 2010, with two new Ohio banks debit cards being breached this week. The first Ohio breach occured in the Cleveland, OH based National City Bank, which has transferred ownership to PNC Financial Services. The second break in security was with an Unidentified Third-Party lender of Fifth Third Bank and has caused the bank to replace affected debit cards in not only Ohio but Michigan as well. 

The first break was believed to be a small breach and a PNC spokesman says that they believe that the only consumers that were affected were found in the Cincinnati, OH area and were previous customers of National City Bank. They believe the breach occured before the merge in 2008 and employees admit that they were just informed of the breach this past week. The bank says that all open accounts are now being monitored.  The bank's spokesman declined comment on exactly how many accounts were affected and how much money is missing. 

The second breach, Fifth Third Bank, located in Cincinnati, OH has caused various problems as well.  Fifth Third Bank had to reissue debit cards to a number of Ohio and Michigan customers because fot eh security breach. This bank has locations in Ohio and Michigan as well as 10 other states.  According to the bank, no personal information such as Social Security numbers or other valuable information was stolen, and that no money has been lost and they are taking all precautionary measures to make sure that this doesn't happen. 

After 22 breaches already this year, it is more important than ever to keep an constant eye on your bank account and the funds going in and out of it.  It is especially easy today given the technology and resources we have readily available to us. To learn more about your bank or credit union's website, visit their store location and ask about their online services. Check City also offers Online Services, to help you save and invest your money wisely.  We can help you manage your money with our netspend Prepaid Debit Card you can eliminate your month bill and still get the conveniences of a credit card. Learn all about our Prepaid Debit Card and get started saving today. 

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.

Saving money during a recession should be a thought at the front of everyone's mind. However, some people have a hard time finding ways they can actually save those extra few dollars they so desperately need. Often times, instead of searching harder to find ways to save money, they just give up.  Here are some areas and ideas for places you can save money in your everyday life. You can save money by repairing instead of replacing, smart grocery shopping, travel, and just staying away from stuff that you don't need, or already have.  Here are six ways I found to be the best when trying to save money during a recession.

First, replace broken parts and pieces before buying a whole new device. Sometimes your local repair shop, or home supplies store may not have the part needed for your toaster oven, but that is why we have the internet now. The internet makes it easier to get things you need but can't find locally.  If the part you are searching for is expensive, sometimes it may be beneficial to buy a whole new device, but often times, it really isnt. Saving those extra bucks by buying the part instead of the new machine can really start to add up.

Second. Save on Groceries. It is easy to save when at the grocery store.  You can be a smart coupon cutter. Cutting out coupons you know you will use and will need within the expiration date can help your family save quite a bit of money. If you aren't already a member of your particular grocery store's preferred customer savings program, join it. It can help you save on a number of items, that you can only save on if you are a member as well as adding up special points so that you can get coupons based on your buying habits. Find the cheapest grocery store overall and stick with it. 

Third. Grocery items you can save on. 

• The less processed, the better.  Processed foods often cost more money because the manufacturers do all of the preparing, or at least a lot of it for you. In other words, instead of buying, dinner in a bag, buy the ingredients separately. It may seem as though you are spending more at the time, but you will get more meals for your money and be more healthy in the process.
  
• Buy whatever variety is the cheapest or on sale at the time. Unless you are very brand loyal, most brands and varieties of things such as pasta, rice, sugar, and flour are really not much different and most people will never be able to tell the difference. For instance, if the long grain rice is on sale, buy it instead of short grain. 
• Buy the loss leader of the week, or what is on special sale for the week.  Don't have such a strict meal plan that you aren't willing to compromise.
  
• Check quantity. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a bigger package, but not always.
  
• If there is a deal for buying in quantity, and you use that item often, take advantage of that deal!

Fourth. If you don't need it, don't buy it.  Believe it or not, you can probably go a year without buying any new clothing.  Don't overspend on hair or facial care. Find a cheaper hair sytlist or skin care products or don't buy them at all.  As for electronics, if it isn't broken, don't fix or replace it.  Instead of going to the theater, rent movies, and eat in. 

Fifth. Carpool! If you can, carpool to work, school, church, and any other activities that you can carpool for. Gas is a huge expense each year so if you can find a way to reduce your gas bill you can save significantly.  You could even try riding a bike, moped or taking public transportation.

Sixth. Reduce your travelling.  I love to travel so I know how hard this can be, but choose to find things to do closer to home. If you do have to travel, or just can't stop travelling, try travelling to someplace a little cheaper. If you go out of the country, try a nearby country that may not be a tourist destination. Don't get the package "deal." Often this deal really isn't much of a deal other than that you don't have to organize your trip. You can usually save more money by planning each stop and detail on your own. Travel off season as well, that will help you save a lot on prices. 

Are you feeling a little short on cash just to buy those things you need? Check City's Gold Buying Program could be your perfect solution.  You can bring your unwanted Gold, Silver or Platinum items to any of our Store Locations, or you can use our Online Gold Form to get a Gold Pack sent to your home.  When you receive that Gold Pack you can send your unwanted precious metals back to our processing center where we can promise you 3-5 times more for your items! If you have any questions about our Gold Buying Program visit our Gold Program FAQs. 

1.  Buy Online:  Many stores have sales and discounts available online that are not available in store. These savings must be grabbed early though, to avoid rush shipping fees and to get the best deals possible. 

2.  Shop Throughout the Year: This is obviously not the best advice for this year, but maybe next year, you can save some extra money by buying things throughout the year as you see good sales and deals.

3. Have a Gift Swap After Christmas:  If your relatives or friends, have a get together after Christmas, you may find that everyone has some item or even items that they don't need or want, and I'm sure you do as well. Wrap them back up, have a gift swap. Keep swapping until everyone finds something that works for them.  It saves money and you still get something from it. 

4. Homemade Gifts: Some may consider homemade gifts as cheap and cheesy, most people however, consider them thoughtful, from the heart and a treasured memory.

5. Christmas Cards: You don't have to spend a ton of money going out and buying Christmas cards to send to your friends and family. Instead try sending postcards, letters, or just sending cards to the people that mean the most to you. People will understand in this tough economy.

6. Wrapping Paper:  It may seem cheesy, but use pretty holiday magazine pages, or comics from the newspaper, it provides an interesting twist to your holiday wrapping. Also, save the old, big pieces of wrapping paper that you use throughout the year, it can be reused, and no one will even know.

If you want to save even more money this Christmas season, come into Check City and ask about our insurance options. We offer great savings for you and your family on all kinds of insurance plans from automobile to life insurance including homeowners and commercial insurance. Visit us today to start saving money this Holiday season!

Well, it is officially December, that means I get to start writing about Christmas and ideas and tips to make your Christmas season even better than it already is.  If you haven't heard of the book Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright, you will know all about it after these tips to help you share the true spirit of giving this year at Christmas.  So, what is a Christmas jar?

A christmas jar can be any kind of jar you find sitting around your home. (Peanut Butter Jars, Canning Jars, basically any clean jar will work. 

All of your spare change from today (Dec 1) through December 20 should be placed in the jar, regardless of what kind of change it is, pennies are just as important as quarters.

Think of a family, co-worker, or neighbor on the 20th who has had a hard year, could use a little support, or is struggling financially. 

Leave the jar anonymously on their doorstep, mailbox, or other spot where are are sure they will get it.

You will be surprised how much spare change you and your family collect in 20 days and how much your spare change can "change" someone's life.  If you want to you can even go to the Christmas Jars website and put a star on the map where you leave your jar. Christmas Jars have already helped many families and people in need. Positive change in the world can happen through you.

If you want an easy way to get that extra change for your Christmas Jar project. Bring your unwanted gold, silver and/or platinum jewelry to your nearest Check City location or visit us online to get cash for your unwanted precious metals. Check City offers a variety of other financial services to help your family out during this time of year. 

If you would rather have a dinner, instead of a treat, or if your children won't eat anything but treats, consider this idea. If you love homemade pizza make sure you cook up a healthy meal for your children this Halloween, or at least yourself to actually jump start that diet you have been planning for years.

Preparation Time: About 40 minutes. (Including cook time)

Check this out, to find a homemade recipe for you and your family.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully if you want to be sure your children are healthy this halloween.