December 2009 Show Me StreetWise Guide to Using Financial Services CashPak The DCU Way StreetWise Scam Alerts Creative Ways to Save Dinner: $15. Movie: $10. DVDs and books: $10 and up. Fun: priceless? If you have income from a job, that’s great. It’s important to have fun with some of the money you earn from working hard. But going out with friends or shopping too often can squander your paycheck quickly – and that’s no fun at all. Less Spending, More Fun You don’t have to cut back on fun to trim your spending. Try these alternatives to common – and costly – free-time activities. You may find they’re more enjoyable than their budget-killing counterparts anyway!     Remember, some of the best things in life are free. Keep the money you save in your DCU Savings Account and have fun spending it later on bigger and better things. You can also use FinanceWorks™ through PC Branch at dcu.org to monitor your spending and savings. Check it out today to see where your money is going and how much you’re saving!     Going to the movies: Host a movie night at your place and ask friends to bring their favorite DVDs. You can laugh and pass the snacks without disturbing anyone around you. Buying CDs, mp3s, or DVDs: Check out the wide selection from the library or borrow and share with friends. Some web sites, such as hulu.com,* let you watch TV shows and movies for free. Dining at a restaurant: Invite friends to cook dinner with you, or host a potluck where everyone brings a dish to share. It’s a great way to interact, and sure beats picking up a tab. Going on a shopping spree for new clothes: Arrange a clothing swap with friends. Threads that are old news to you might revamp a friend’s wardrobe – and vice versa! Buying new books and magazines: Check out a used book store. When you’re done reading, pass your reading materials on to a friend – you’ll have something new to talk about, too. Giving (and receiving) gifts on birthdays and holidays: Make a pact to keep special occasions gift-free among your group of friends. Do something special instead – you’ll remember a fun occasion together far longer than a gift you probably don’t need anyway. * Web site provided for information only; no endorsement is implied. « Previous Main Menu

Have you had a good experience with DCU that you want to share with others? Send us an email at dcu@dcu.org or mail it to: DCU, PO Box 9130, Marlborough, MA 01752-9130, Attn: Marketing Dept. Visit Show Me and FoolProof Solo online for more money management advice and ideas. Visit dcu.org and select "StreetWise" then "Show Me." Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Jupiterimages, ©Getty Images, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2009 Digital Federal Credit Union. Digital Federal Credit Union PO Box 9130 Marlborough, MA 01752-9130 508.263.6700 • 800.328.8797 • dcu.org • dcu@dcu.org TTY 800.395.5146 (For hearing impaired only) Powered by Priority