TCU Savers Club

'Tis the Season of Weddings

Did you know in 2008 the average wedding cost around $22,000?  To some that might not seem like a lot to spend on such a special day but to others that can be a lot especially when the bride and groom are paying.  Here are some tips on ways to save when planning for that big day.

• Start off by making a realistic budget for the wedding.
• Make a list of what you want for the wedding and then rank the importance of
• Shorten the guest list.
• Negotiate; you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to negotiate price on catering, flowers, entertainment, the hall, etc.
• Get crafty!  If you like to do crafty projects then why not make your own wedding invitations, flower arrangements or programs, not only will it save money but also makes it more personalized.
• Buffet style is less expensive than a sit down dinner.
• Alcohol can get pricey, so either have a cash bar or just wine/beer.

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Who really likes getting change anymore? It can be such a hassle to find a place to put all those coins, especially pennies. One place you can start putting those pennies and other loose change is in a piggy bank. It’s a great way to unload unwanted change if you don’t like carrying it around.  Just place a jar or bank in a centrally located area in your home so it can be a reminder to some one that walks by it to drop off their change. Then after an allotted period of time or when the bank gets full, take it to the nearest TCU or Coinstar to find out how much you earned. You’ll be surprised how much it can add up in the end. This can also be a fun activity for the whole family in seeing how fast or how much you get in the bank. Then with that extra money you can start a Vacation Club Account or college fund at TCU.

It’s Off to School We Go

It feels like summer has just begun but going back to school is right around the corner. Here are some tips on how to save when back-to-school shopping.

• Try to re-use school supplies from previous years. You’ll be surprised what supplies you can use over again.
• Write out a list of the needed supplies to help stay on track when shopping.
• Go to dollar stores. They usually carry the same supplies but are less expensive.
• Be on the look out for back to school coupons or other sales.
• Late July is when most the back to school sales are taking place.
• For college students, look at www.half.com for deals on cheaper text books
• It’s never too late to look/apply for scholarships for the following semester and year too.

Take your kids to TCU and have them open up a Treasure Chest Club or Teen Club Account. Have your college bound students look into student loans/checking or using their TCU Visa Check Card at school. For more information visit www.tcunet.com or your local TCU Service Center.