Super Bowl Party Recipes – Snacks To Throw The Perfect Super Bowl Party

Published by Tyler R. on February 3rd, 2012

Football, commercials, family, friends and good food! It’s the tradition that around 110 million Americans plans on enjoying this Sunday. And I’m sure we can all agree that the food can make or break a good Super Bowl Party.

 

Here are a some of my favorite Super Bowl party snacks that won’t drain your bank account!

 

Every Super Bowl party needs a bean dip

super bowl bean dip

 

Ingredients:

Corn chips

1 can re-fried beans

2-3 cups salsa

1 pound processed cheddar cheese

Diced tomato.

 

Directions: Combine the salsa, beans and cheese(cut into 1 inch chunks), into a crock pot. Cook on medium heat making sure to stir often to avoid burning. Cook until cheese is melted and has the same consistency throughout. Put dip into a serving dish and you’re ready to serve!

 

Roasted Peppers

super bowl party snack

 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon drained capers

1/4 cup olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

3/4 teaspoon anchovy paste

1 1/2 teaspoon wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 yellow bell peppers

2 red peppers

 

Directions:

Cook peppers over a grill or gas flame until charred all over for around 10 minutes. Let peppers cool, then pull off the skin. Remove seeds, ribs and stems. Slice the peppers lengthwise into 1/2 inch strips.

In a large steel bowl, stir together the anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and vinegar using a fork. Stir in oil and add the peppers and capers and toss!

 

Teriyaki Chicken Wings(My Favorite)

super bowl wings

 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoon ground ginger

3 to 4 pounds chicken wings, wing tips discarded, separated at join

1/4 cup light brown sugar

5 cloves garlic, smashed with the side of the knife

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup grapefruit juice

1/2 cup sesame seeds

 

Direction:

Whisk all ingredients together except chicken. Place the chicken wings in a large zip-lock bag. Pour marinade over wings and seal the bag. Turn wings to coat evenly. Put in refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Heat girl to medium-high. Remove the wings from the marinade and place on grill for 8-10 minutes on each side while turning occasionally. Cook until golden brown and cook through.

 

Need some extra cash for Super Bowl Weekend? Have old or unwanted jewelry sitting in your drawer that hasn’t been worn for years? Bring it into Check City and walk away with cash!

 

 

 

More Days Of Winter To Come For 2012

Published by Don M. on February 3rd, 2012

Yesterday, as happens every year since 1886, all eyes were trained on Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania for the yearly divination of the coming of spring from the foremost expert on such matters, a groundhog. Excitement grew as the time approached for Punxsutawney Phil to make his ceremonious entrance into the limelight again this year. It seemed as though the lines were split on what onlooker’s hoped would be the outcome. While there are many that have enjoyed the mild winter that most of the US seems to be having this season the buzz from most,  Utahan’s included seemed to welcome more winter weeks. At the top of that list would be Utah area ski resorts. With Utah experiencing lower than average snowfall thus far in 2012 and temperatures that border on spring they can use all the time they can get this year. Resounding cheers could be heard from across the beehive state as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow indicating 6 more weeks of winter.

While there are many that question the inherent wisdom of the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the event many wonder whether we can really trust Phil’s “word” on the subject. The Weather Channel seems to agree that Phil has a decent record of prediction. For those eager to hit the slopes in Utah this season it would seem they don’t care who makes the predictions, just that they come true and that the additional weeks bring a plethora of the “Best Snow on Earth” with them.

As a resident of Utah for nearly 10 years now I’ve appreciated the lack of winter pile ups, slow commuting and the blistering cold that I’ve experienced on more than a few cold winter nights. However, I appreciate a nice snow covered run as much as the next guy and realize that the weather we’ve been having as of late isn’t conducive to those adrenaline filled dreams. So I say bring on the extension and lets get some snow going as it’s more than over due.

Speaking of overdue, if your gear is a little lacking or in need of a tuneup before you hit the slopes, but you just can’t seem to make the budget lineup with those needs Check City can help. With more than a few options to get some quick cash, get your tax return filed, or that tax return money a little faster Check City is ready and waiting with over 26 Utah Store locations or access online at Checkcity.com

Utah Mountains in Winter

 

Facebook Files IPO – Values Company at Nearly $100 Billion

Published by Tyler R. on February 1st, 2012

If you had the chance to watch “The Social Network”, you know Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, college roommates and students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. Facebook started as a service created in a Harvard dormitory room, used to connect students with others students. Eight years later, Facebook has filed for an I.P.O.

With over 845 million active users, Facebook is seeking to raise $5 billion, but believes that could be a much greater number. Nearly $100 billion.

Facebook recorded $3.7 billion in revenue last year, up 88 percent from the prior year. This might seem like a lot, until you look at the $37.9 billion Google was able to bring in last year. Just like Google, Facebook makes most of it’s money from advertising. But with the daily growth of Social Media and the need to stay “connected” with family and friends, Facebook has the potential to attract a lot more advertisers trying to target consumers. With users spending on average 9.7 billions minutes per day connecting with “Friends”, Facebook is every advertisers dream.

Forbes magazine estimated Zuckerberg was worth $6.9 billion. If Facebook hits a market value of $100 billion, Zuckerberg, with a 28.4 percent stake, would be worth $28.4 billion.

Facebook IPO

Being Thrifty and Saving Money

Published by Walter D on January 24th, 2012

If you are looking to save money over time or simply want to get in better financial habits, there are some things that you can do in order to get to a better place. These are simple things which can be done every day, which can make a big difference for you over time. Indeed, one of the msot important things to remember is that savings will stack over time, even if it doesn’t seem like it is too impressive in the moment.

Fiscal responsibility requires discipline on the part of the person. While there are no magical shortcuts that will yield good results, building up an effective habit set will let you get the most out of the experience.

1- First of all, it is essential that you are able to understand the difference between necessary spending and luxury spending. Many people feel that there is overlap between these two concepts, or that one trumps the other one. Essential expenditures should always be prioritized and taken care of first, so that people can figure out what to do with the rest of their funds. Necessary expenditures include rent or mortgage payments, car payments, taking care of paydays loans or cash advances, food, gas, clothing, utilities, and any costs that are associated with taking care of children.

Everything else in the spectrum is going to be optional, and should be treated as such. Being aware of fiscal responsibilities and knowing how tio prioritize is the first big things that you should address when you are trying to save. Mandatory payments will need to be taken care of, but the rest needs to be carefully gone over.

2- Next, you should try to figure out what you can do without, or what you can substitute in order to get similar results. For example, if your family goes to the moves a few times a month and racks up extensive costs that way, getting Netflix may be a good way to save. You will be able to view more movies for much less of a cost.

Likewise, a daily cup of coffee from a shop or restaurant is a daily expense may not seem very wasteful, but the costs rapidly stack. By buying more generic brands and making them at home, you could save a couple thousand dollars a year on drinks alone. The same concept also applies to grocery shopping. A common example is cereal, and the generic alternatives. One can get much more generic brand cereal for the same price as a name brand box, even though they are functionally identical in every way.

3- Instituting spending caps is another wise way to keep money within the budget which has been given. Using a prepaid debit card puts a defined limit on spending. Other alternatives include using a supply of cash to pay for luxury expenses, so that there is a physical reminder of how much there is in a given month. For some people, the visual is able to give context in a very real way.

4- Another thing to consider is to hold onto receipts and track expenses, and then uses professional tax services during tax season to handle your returns. Those that make the effort to hold onto the information governing their finances should be able to get a better return than those who do not. All you have to do is place your receipts and returns somewhere that you can easily store them.

5- Use common sense for every transaction. If you don’t need something or really gain anything from it, then it may need to be passed on for the sake of financial pragmatism.

By following these simple guidelines, you too should be able to create an effective set of habits that will save you money. As long as you are willing to stick with progress and be disciplined about it, you should be able to notice a real difference when it comes to your finances!

saving money

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Categories: tips

Our Services – Payday Loans

Published by Don M. on January 23rd, 2012

One of our premiere services at Check City is our payday loans system, which is meant to get you the money that you need, even if your payday isn’t for another little while. Sometimes, you need money immediately to take care of the stuff that life throws your way. With payday loans, we will be bale to cover you once you qualify and issue you the money that you need to get it all taken care of.

Qualifying for payday loans is simple and easy, and we have a great rate of qualification for our clients. All you have to do is either create an account and fill out the forms online, or you can visit any of our stores and do it in person. Once approved, you will be issued the funds that you need to cover yourself until your next paycheck.

In order to qualify, you will need three things.

1- A steady source of income.

2-A state of federally issued ID card or paperwork

3-A checking account

These three things allow us to make sure that you are well qualified for our services, as well as helping us to expedite the process of getting you your loan. As with any loan, we do expect you to pay us back once you are able to.

Payment can either be made over the phone, online, or in person. We are proud to be able to work with you on an individual basis in order to set up plans that suit you and your needs best. Everyone is going to be different with their wants and needs, so individual options are the best way we have to get satisfactory results for you!

We encourage financial responsibility for our customers and urge them to make payments promptly and as comprehensively as possible, so that the process can be expedited and both parties can get what they want. That being said, our payment plans can be altered to fit with what you can afford, should you need to restructure the agreement in any way. Our team of friendly experts are glad to assist with any questions or concerns that you might have regarding your payday loan arrangement.

Whether you are in a financial jam or trying to get ahead on something, we are glad to offer our payday loan services to anyone who is qualified who needs them. Come into any store and see why the experience you have with our service is going to be better than what others in the industry are able to offer. Give us the chance to make a difference in your life!

online payday loan

SOPA and The Internet Blackouts

Published by Jared W on January 20th, 2012

Yesterday marked a unique day when it comes to the history and direction of the Internet, as there was mass shutdown and protests with regards to SOPA and PIPA. For those of you who don’t know what SOPA and PIPA are, we recommend reading this little overview. Put simply,  if these controversial bills pass, it would change the nature of the Internet as we know it. SOPA and PIPA are measures which would allow the government to punish and restrict copyright violation in ways previously unheard of, which would theoretically curtail much of the illicit activity on the Internet.

Major websites shut down or protest the bills, raising awareness and shutting off common resources which most of us take for granted. Of special note are sites Reddit, Wikipedia, and WordPress- all Internet giants in their own right. Indeed, the inability to access Wikipedia alone will be of major inconvenience to many people and will likely raise a huge amount of awareness. The opposition of major players such as Google to the bills passing is adding to the furor being felt in the online communities. Some of the primary concerns which have been raised by these groups include the difficulties involved with moderating such a wide field, the international impact of US laws on the matter, and the severe punishments which would accompany copyright violation.

It is important to understand that along with the restrictions and changes which would be implemented with SOPA and PIPA, the backlash of the Internet community as a whole is also going to be an element that will change up how online interactions will go. Online fringe groups have already vowed to disrupt the web and to set up their own “dark” connections to each other in order to circumvent these possible measures. Such threats are made with weight and gravitas, especially given the ruthless way that online fringe groups successfully hacked and disrupted many major services and websites last year.

Put simply, the struggle to influence the direction of the Internet is a war, and it is one that will likely have big ramifications in the following months. Should SOPA and PIPA pass, it would be wise for users and site owners alike to tighten their security in order to prevent possible backlash. When it all comes down to it, the actions being taken today will likely be reflected and amplified in the future, as the government attempts to lock down the Internet and enforce copyright on behalf of interested parties.

Indeed, such efforts in the future could easily interrupt services such as money transfers and insurance coverage to clients in need. Disruption of the web by disgruntled parties also would interfere with banking, payday loans, and other important financial services, causing real world damage.

No matter what your perspective on the matter is, there can be no denying that yesterday was a special one, and is one that will set a lot of precedent for the way that the web will be directed in the future. As everyone relies on the Internet for every type of service now, such changes stand to completely change online interactions and the rules of conduct which govern common use.

What are your thoughts on SOPA and PIPA and the future of the Internet? Share away in our comments section!

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Categories: Social Media

Notion of Motion Exhibit

Published by Jared W on January 19th, 2012

We’d like to remind everyone that the Notion of Motion exhibit is now open at Thanksgiving Point, and is going to be running through June. Thanksgiving Point has a long history of bringing in attractions that are both entertaining as well as being educational, and Notion of Motion is no exception. Being centrally located is another one of the perks that Thanksgiving Point brings to the experience, being both easy to locate and easy to access, no matter where you are coming from in Utah.

This exhibit is on loan from the world famous Exploratorium in San Francisco, featuring attractions where science and spectacle meet up. Notion of Motion uses custom attractions built by scientist and physicists, which illustrate scientific principles in an accessible way for everyone that is involved in viewing them. They also have various degree of interactivity, so onlookers are able to alter and affect what is going on.

Notion of Motion is great for both kids and adults. If you are looking for a fun family experience that everyone can enjoy, then consider checking it out! The exhibit is based on the experiments run by Newton and Galileo, giving them a scientific base and pedigree that is awesome to look into. Learn about our world and the natural laws that govern it while being amazed at the exhibit itself.

The exhibit is run by friendly professionals who are glad to answer your questions and show you a great time. Family time is bonding time, so we always encourage the stuff that is both fun and educational to our readers! The more you go out and experience and learn about, the

At Checkcity, we encourage our readers and customers alike to check out cultural points of interest around the state whenever you can! these exhibits are there to entertain and to educate. whether you are taking your family there or are going for yourself, there is always something to be found in these spaces which can impress and make a difference!

Do you have a favorite Utah based exhibit or attraction? Sound off in the comments and let us know about it, or go to our Facebook to check out other local offerings!

Tax Services FAQ – Part 2

Published by Jane Q on January 18th, 2012

This is the continuation of tax services frequently asked questions:

4. What do I need to bring in to have my taxes prepared?

You should bring

  • W2’s, Photo ID, and Social Security Cards for you and all your dependents
  • Any other important tax documents like 1099’s

If you are wishing to itemize, bring your

  • 1098 (home mortgage)
  • medical bills
  • charitable donations
  • non-reimbursed employee expenses

If you are self employed bring any receipts/expenses

5. What is a Federal Refund Anticipating Check (Federal RAC)

You could get money quickly and conveniently with a Lightning Tax Refund Anticipation Check.

You could get up to $9999 with a Federal RAC and pay nothing out of pocket at the time of your tax preparation. A Federal RAC offers you a convenient way to receive money faster than a mailed federal refund check from the IRS when Lightning Tax prepares and electronically files your taxes. Receive the balance of your refund in a Direct Deposit or check in approximately 8 to 15 days from IRS acceptance of your efiled tax return.

tax prep

Cash Advance FAQ – Part 2

Published by Jane Q on January 17th, 2012

Cash advance frequently asked questions continued.

6. What if I can’t pay it back on time?

If you are unable to pay off the loan in full, we offer our customers the option to extend or to defer their loan. You just need to pay the interest for us to hold on to the check until your next payday. We recommend that you pay as much as you can towards the principle first, to ensure the least amount of interest possible.

7. How do you determine if a person qualifies to borrow?

Each application must meet our underwriting criteria. Most customers qualify if they are currently employed (have a source of income), have an open and active checking account, and have a working home phone or cell phone.

8. How much can I borrow?

In most cases you can borrow up to 25% of Gross Monthly Income. However, state specific laws and other factors may affect your credit limit. For more information please check the Annual Percentage Rate Disclosure for your state.

9. How do I qualify for a cash advance?

Qualifying for a Cash Advance is Easy! All you need is Employment, an open and active Checking Account.

10. When do I have to pay it back?

In most cases, your loan will be due on your next payday that is at least 8 days away.

11. What is the interest rate?

For specific Interest rates charged in your state please refer to our Rates and Fees page.

12. Can I do a payment plan?

In most states we follow CFSA guidelines regarding payment plans; however some states have specific payment plan requirements.

13. What if I can’t pay back on time online?

If your loan defaults you can contact our Collections Department at 866-371-6012 to take care of any past due balances. Once your account is back in good standing you are welcome to borrow again.

cash advance

Check City Honors Ogden Officers with Dollar for Dollar Donation Match

Published by Jane Q on January 13th, 2012

Check City would like to honor fallen officer Jared Francom and the other five officers injured on January 4th, 2012 in Ogden, UT.  We respect and support all the officers who protect and serve our communities, and would like to help out families of  Officer Francom, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty, as well as his fellow officers who were willing to make the same sacrifice if necessary in order to protect their community.

In an effort to raise money for the families of these officers, Check City will match each contribution made dollar-for-dollar. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and it will go a long way in helping the families. Please bring all donations to any Check City Location. Thank you for your love and support!

Officer Jared Francom

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