The CommunityAmerica Online Magazine Stay cozy. | stay close. | stay connected. Volume 13 + december 2010
time to get cozy.
everyone’s
Winter’s here in full force, but just because it’s crazy cold doesn’t mean you can’t have one heckuva great time. Whether it’s chatting with your buds on Twitter, cozying up with your loved one for a great date night, catching the big game on a new TV or dreaming of—and saving for—a
How to use the social media tool that everyone’s chirping about. Sure, it might seem intimidating, but the Web’s fastest-growing social media site is both simple and powerful once you take the time to learn the lingo. So come along as we walk you through what the celebrities, news sources and maybe even a few of your friends have already discovered. Once we’re done, you’ll be Tweeting like a pro.
spring break trip to a warmer locale, we’ve got just what you need to get you through to spring.
[ Savings tip ] Winterize your home Warm up to savings by winterizing your house in four simple steps. 1. Furnace The worst time to make sure it’s in good working order is after it starts to get really cold. Schedule a tune-up now. 2. Thermostat Program it to a lower temperature at night or when you’re out of the house. The savings will add up quickly. 3. Energy Bills Call the utility company and get on a level payment plan. Knowing what you owe makes budgeting a whole lot easier. 4. Fireplace Keep the cold air out and the warm air in. When you’re not using your fireplace, keep the flue and doors closed.
buzzwords Timeline Your timeline is the hub of your Twitter experience. This is where all the action happens. Often referred to as a “Twitter feed.” Follower A fellow Twitter user who has chosen to add themselves to the list of people who receive your Tweets.
Following Choosing to receive another Twitter user’s Tweets. Tweet A 140-character message a Twitter user broadcasts to his or her followers. The most basic building block of Twitter. Retweet Say you read an interesting Tweet from somebody you follow, and, in turn want to show it to your followers. Simply click the “Retweet” button to relay the message. @Reply The most basic way to have a Twitter conversation with another user. Always begin with the @ sign and then your conversation-mate’s Twitter handle. For example, to talk to us, start your Tweet with @CommunityAmerCU, then type your message. Note: Even though @Replies are directed to another user, they are not necessarily private. If a user follows both you and the person you’re trying to talk to, he will be able to see your Tweets to them, and their responses to you.
Direct Message The only way to have a private, 1-to-1 conversation on Twitter. If you want to talk to somebody without your followers being able to see it, then a Direct Message is the way to go.
Hashtag (#) Twitter’s search tool. The # symbol is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. Kansas Citians, for example, might use #AmericanRoyalBBQ, #Royals, or of course #CommunityAmerica in their Tweets. Trending Topics A list of the most-used terms and Hashtags on Twitter at any given time.
URL-Shortening Services When you want to include a hyperlink in your Tweet, you can use URL-shortening Websites like bit.ly or is.gd to make them shorter, thereby saving you precious characters.
a fictitious feed Check out this handy diagram to figure out exactly what’s happening on your Twitter timeline.
What's happening?
1 Type your tweets here and hit the “Tweet!” button to send them out. The number next to the button lets you know how many characters you have left. 2 You can let your followers know
Hey followers! How’s it hangin’? I’m about to embark on another superdee-duper day. Add your location
56 Tweet
Timeline @Mentions Retweets Searches Lists
where you’re tweeting from by adding your location.
3 In your timeline, tweets are always listed in chronological order from most recent to least recent. A time stamp in each tweet indicates how long ago it was written.
CommunityAmerCU Community America Credit Union
The KC Aliens took out some CDs while they were in town. Said the rates were out of this world. 36 seconds ago
Favorite
Retweet
TheTruthIsOutThere The Truth Is Out There
The truth really IS out there. Aliens have made first contact! Follow @KCStar to see the story unfold!
4 When you hover over a tweet it turns
54 seconds ago
red and gives you the option to favorite, retweet and reply.
OhNoYouDi'int Oh No You Didn't
5 The TruthIsOutThere has tweeted the latest paranormal news, and mentions the source (@KCStar) so his followers can follow them and see the breaking news.
Reply
by YourFollower
It’s official: saying “super-dee-duper” is no longer cool. 1 minute ago
KCStar Kansas City Star
6 YourFollower has retweeted an
#BreakingNews: Aliens make first contact. Ask local leaders to “take us to your BBQ.” http://bit.ly/48rg2
important message.
2 minutes ago
7 KCStar’s tweet contains a hashtag and shortened link.
YourFollower Your Follower
8 YourFollower is trying to contact you here with an @reply.
@You: I just heard somebody say “super-dee-duper” in the grocery store. Who still says stuff like that? LOL! 1 day ago
our twitter accounts
a few top twitterers
@CommunityAmerCU Staying accessible to our
@KCStar Stay in the know on KC’s latest breaking news.
members and helping them live smarter financial lives, one tweet at a time.
@KCWeather Never get caught out in the rain again.
@SavinMavens This is where our super-smart
@PennyPinchinMom Deals that can save you big bucks.
team of financial wizards dispenses financial tips and tricks that help our followers save and spend wisely.
@ConanOBrien Because he’s just. So. Hilarious.
follow us and win! As if financial tips, contests, giveaways and polls aren’t enough reasons to follow us on Twitter, we want to give away 500 more. Simply follow @CommunityAmerCU or @SavinMavens and tweet using the hashtag #ILoveMyCU. When you do, we’ll enter you for a chance to win one of five $100 HyVee gift cards. We’ll announce our winners to our followers during the week of December 27.
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CD Sleeve Burn a CD of your favorite tracks from the past year and you'll have your friends
Crafty one-of-a-kind gifts are just a fe
So load up your printer with fresh ink
your inner Martha Stewart. The holid
it’ll be great to cross at least o
rockin' out all year long. www.cacu.com/insider/cdsleeve.pdf
Basic Instructions All you have to do is download the template you like, print it out,
Mini Gift Box You'll get an A+ from your children's
follow the assembly instructions
teachers by giving them a mini gift
and ho-ho-holy cow, you’ve made
box filled with candy, chocolate
something that’s sure to have
covered coffee beans or a tasty
everybody else turning red and
truffle or two. You can't buy better
green with envy.
grades, but you sure can try. www.cacu.com/insider/minigiftbox.pdf
Gift Card Holder That gift card may be a lastditch effort, but it doesn't have to look that way. www.cacu.com/insider/giftcardholder.pdf
ew snips, folds and glue sticks away.
k, grab your craft knives and channel
days are just around the corner and
one item off your shopping list!
Candy Labels Put a smile on your co-workers' faces by leaving behind a few Hershey's Nuggets wrapped in ®
Tools & Supplies
your very own seasonal labels. www.cacu.com/insider/candylabels.pdf
• Color printer • Card stock & regular paper • Self-healing cutting mat • Glue pen • Bone folder • Craft knife • Ruler
IN S I D ER + d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0
5
night Keep the flame alive
without burning your budget.
Whether it’s a kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s, sharing a candlelight dinner on Valentine’s Day or just cuddling in front of the fireplace on a Friday night, winter is undoubtedly one of the most romantic times of the year. But who wants to trudge through the cold and snow to get to an expensive restaurant or crowded movie theater? This winter, you can turn your house into your own couple’s retreat with our guide to the perfect stay-home date night.
Watch A Movie
Keep the Kids Occupied
Grab a bowl of popcorn, cuddle up on
It’s hard to be romantic with peanut butter stuck in
the couch and settle into a movie that
your hair. So ask your neighbors if they’d be willing
you’ll both enjoy. Here are the top 10 date
to host your kids for a night if you return the favor.
movies as chosen by Rebecca Murray
Or look for Parents Night Out events sponsored by
of About.com:
your gym, school or church. Your kids will enjoy a
1. Love, Actually 2. Knocked Up 3. The Princess Bride 4. Sleepless in Seattle 5. While You Were Sleeping 6. Notting Hill 7. Bull Durham 8. A Knight’s Tale 9. Ever After 10. Shakespeare in Love
Live in the Moment You can survive a few hours away from forwarded to you on email will still be
Dress for the Occasion Just because you’re not leaving the house doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look your best. Dress for your stay-home date like it’s a night out on the town and make your partner fall for you all over again.
Indulge Yourself One of the best things about a stay-home date night is that you don’t have to navigate icy roads when it’s over. So go ahead and enjoy another glass of wine— or try this hot drink recipe: Polar Bear Hot Chocolate
there in the morning. So see if you can
1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
remember how to communicate without
1 oz Peppermint Schnapps
using emoticons. Turn off your cell phone,
Hot Chocolate
unplug your laptop and give your full attention to your partner.
Mix in a coffee mug and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
IN S I D ER + d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Facebook. And the joke someone just
fun night of play—and so will you.
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Grabbing a few friends and heading somewhere fun for spring break is a rite of passage for college students. By now, most kids are already starting to think about sandy beaches or ski lodges. But have they given any thought to how they’re going to pay for it all? Here are some ideas to help your son or daughter experience an epic adventure without feeling tempted to max out a credit card.
Plan now, play later. Even if it’s just $5 or $10 a week, this is the time for your student to start putting something away toward spring break. A savings account from CommunityAmerica makes it easy. Starting with just a buck for the initial deposit, your kids can open an account that offers daily dividends and unlimited deposits and withdrawals. Plus, with payroll deduction and automatic transfer to savings, they can set it up now and not even think about it again ’til their bags are packed.
For some businesses, spring break means big bucks. Airlines and hotels often raise their rates, knowing that even perpetually broke college students are willing to pay the price for fun. The solution? Remind your kids to stay flexible with their flight plans. Have them consider visiting a slightly less popular destination or booking a hotel a few blocks from the beach. You might also suggest that they scale back on costly activities and buy some groceries to avoid having to eat out for every meal. The less they’re worried about their wallets, the more fun they’ll have.
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IN S I D ER + d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0
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To the winners of financial Makeover 2010
Bridgid Driscoll and Jim Ondick After a year of disciplined saving and careful spending, this young couple is making their dreams come true. That’s right—this dynamic duo has eliminated $17,000 of debt and saved over $28,000, allowing Bridgid to open the Driscoll School of Irish Dance. Congratulations, Bridgid and Jim! Keep dancing your way to a bright financial future. Read all about Bridgid and Jim at www.cacufinancialmakeover.com.