money smart week

Since 2010 we've heard "there's an app for that." So why not use an app that will help you accumulate and invest a penny here or there without the limits of a brick-and-mortar institution? There are numerous apps on the market that let you do just this. As always, make sure to research apps and websites before entering any personal information.

  • Mint - this app "brings together everything from balances and bills to your credit score and more. It’s your financial life, in one place that’s easy to understand." Mint is intended to give an overview of finances and help create a budget.
  • You Need a Budget (YNAB) - "Combines easy software with Four Simple Rules to help you quickly gain control of your money, get out of debt, and save more money faster." Similar to Mint but requires a fee and more hands-on management. 
  • Acorns - "Automatically invests your spare change." When connected to a checking account, this app collects the change left after rounding up your purchases and puts it into exchange traded investment funds.
  • Digit - "Saves for you so you don't have to think about it!" Digit is similar to Acorns but works by grabbing random amounts like $2.00 one day and $5.00 a few days later
  • Tip Yourself - "You tip everyone else, but what about yourself? Tip Yourself! You Earned it!" This app is works like a swear jar or a piggy bank except you transfer small amounts of money from a linked account. 

Check out these links for more info:

11 Apps to Automate Your Savings

These Apps Are the Perfect Money Saving Tools for Lazy People Like Me

Budgeting Software Showdown

Saving App Showdown

 

One of the best ways to save money is utilizing your very own library's resources. Grab your CPL card and try any of these tips to get started.

  • Do you love e-books?  The CPL has both OverDrive and Hoopla e-books including newest releases and bestsellers, in iOS, Android and Kindle formats.
  • Have you tried audiobooks?  They are great in the car and on the go!  The CPL has them in a book on cd format as well as in OverDrive and Hoopla.  
  • If you love music, try Hoopla for the most recent music releases and hundreds of other titles.  The library has many other popular titles in music cd format as well. 
  • If you love magazines, save money by downloading the Zinio app to your computer or mobile device.  
  • Try out a video game before you buy it!  
  • Are you a movie buff?  The library has thousands of DVD's for both adult and children.  Hoopla also a great selection of streaming movies. 
  • If you love holding a book and reading, we still have many, many books for all ages!  
  • Speaking of books, be sure to visit our Secondhand Prose Bookstore, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, for great deals on used books (as well as other items)!

 

bitcoin currency

 

 

Bitcoin is a revolutionary new currency that was created anonymously in 2009. Transactions are made with no middle men – meaning, no banks! There are no transaction fees and no need to give your real name. More merchants are beginning to accept bitcoins. You can buy services, pizza or even manicures. Bitcoins are earned when people compete by using computers to solve complex mathematical problems. Currently, a winner is awarded 25 bitcoins every 10 minutes. OR, one can buy bitcoins at a bitcoin exchange using various currencies.

Here are Bitcoin books that explain more about it:

Blockchain revolution : how the technology behind bitcoin is changing money, business, and the world / Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

The age of cryptocurrency : how Bitcoin and digital money are challenging the global economic order / Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey

Digital gold : Bitcoin and the inside story of the misfits and millionaires trying to reinvent money / Nathaniel Popper

Here are websites that explain it in full:

 CNN Money

What is Bitcoin? (with introductory video)

Bitcoin Introduction with resources, links to participate, and frequently asked questions

Senior Discounts & Deals

Looking for ways to save money?   Senior discounts for a variety of services and goods are readily available.  Members of AARP are eligible for discounts simply by showing their membership card.  The Senior List is another resource for discounts available to individuals as young as 50 years of age.   Canton Township's Club 55 hosts monthly events and trips. Those over 60 can lunch at Senior Center daily (Reservations are required by 12 pm the day prior by calling 734/394-5485 ext. 1253).

In addition to offering discount and deal resources, these sites offer tips on retirement living.

Gift Card Granny

Tough Nickel

The Balance

 

Save time and money with a freezer full of homemade favorites. Smart cooks make the most of their time-- and pocketbooks. Their secret? Stocking the freezer with family favorites. And with the 343 dishes in Freezer Pleasers Cookbook, you can save money and serve a homemade meal-- no matter how busy your schedule.

Features 154 recipes that can be prepared for little money per serving, including breakfasts, appetizers, meat dishes, and desserts.

Save money, compare prices, view weekly store ads and even earn money for groceries with these smartphone Apps! Most apps are available for iPhone and Android users.

  • Coupons.com
  • Apples2Oranges

"Guide for parents and high school and college students on how to win scholarships. Contains advice on finding the right scholarships, crafting applications, writing essays and asking the college for a financial aid reassessment. Also has a scholarship directory of 150 awards; examples of winning scholarship applications, essays, and interview questions and answers are included"--.

"A resource for high school students and parents on how to apply to selective colleges. Covers strategies on college selection, college applications, essays, interviews, standardized tests and scholarships and financial aid. Outlines what selective colleges look for in applicants. Includes more than 20 essay examples"--.

Provides information on each step of the college admissions process, including selecting a college, writing application essays, handling college interviews, and obtaining financial aid.

Travel can be enlightening, enjoyable... and expensive. We've gathered together ideas for those who want to expand their horizons without emptying their wallets.

Getting Started

Many sources of travel guides have information online for budget traveling. These can be a great place to gather ideas.

Or check out the books 

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