Tired of bake sales and fundraisers at your school?

Aren't we all tired about hearing about cuts to school budgets, teachers losing jobs and reductions to school activities? Who wants to have another five or 10 bake sales and fundraisers next year? Hands?

Here's one option I just stumbled upon that seems like a win-win for school districts. I'm sure it would require local and superintendent approval, but something to think about.

According to the Associated Press, about a half dozen states already allow school bus advertising, including Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas. And it's an idea being considered in Ohio, New Jersey and Utah.

LINK: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100319/ap_on_bi_ge/us_school_bus_ads

Networking for a job

Those in the market for a job are finding slim pickings out there right now, unless you happen to be in North Dakota, where the current unemployment rate is only 4 percent. The national average is about 10 percent this month.

Finding a job is becoming more difficult, but the Internet is making it somewhat easier (and hopefully faster). Someone created LaidOffCamp, an ad-hoc gathering of unemployed and nontraditionally employed people (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each other.

LINK: http://laidoffcamp.pbworks.com/

Steps to take if you're laid off

From one of my heroes: Clark Howard. He and David Bach belong in some special Hall of Fame, in my opinion.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/03/12/clark.howard.unemployment/index.html

Source: CNN

Easy tips to avoid identity theft

Identity theft has become so rampant that nearly every family has been victimized. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.

Yours truly was hit when someone created credit card accounts to the tune of about $20,000 and was even paying on one or two of them. And someone else even tried to list a stolen Honda CRV in my name on eBay, where I have a flawless history of about 10 years.

If you ever find yourself the victim of identity theft or wish to prevent it, visit this site:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Coupons galore

Who doesn't use coupons these days? I use them for entertainment (movies, rentals), eating out, take-out and retail.
The Entertainment Book is nationwide and has reduced its prices. You'll find them filled with local coupons. Much better selection than ValPak and these coupons are typically good for one year.
I just punched in my zip code, 23236, and found the book reduced by 50 percent- down to $17.50. Use one or two coupons and it will pay for itself. It's loaded with pizza coupons too folks.
I'd pay another one, but we already have two.