Banks considering possible $50 spending limit on debit cards

“Money often costs too much.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson





I don't know about you, but I've seen some pretty negative shockwaves from the banking reforms. While the new rules were supposed to help the average person by taking away or limiting certain types of fees and charges, banks have responded by using them to justify adding new charges or increasing others that weren't specifically regulated. It's not a question of poor actions on the part of the government; rather, it's the result of banks doing whatever they can to make money off of you and me.

In the latest episode from the banking drama, banks are responding to proposed legislation that would limit the amount they are allowed to charge retailers for debit card transactions. Currently they charge an average of 44 cents per transaction (which is why many smaller, mom-and-pop places have a $5 or so minimum for debit purchases) and the new regulations would cap this at 12 cents.

The banks' response? Limit debit card usage or require retailers to allow (and thus also pay for) multiple transactions by putting a very low limit on how much can be charged at one time.

From cnn.com:

"JPMorgan Chase, one of the nation's largest banks, is considering capping debit card transactions at either $50 or $100, according to a source with knowledge of the proposal."

With a $50 cap, even going out to dinner could be something where you'd have to find a new way to pay. I don't think our bank (USAA) would adopt a policy like this, but if they did I'd be the first one out the door. After all, this isn't even credit - it's my money!

You can read more about the possible changes at money.cnn.com.

How would this limit affect you?

What to do when your phone gets wet - a trick that really worked for me

I once accidentally soaked my iphone overnight.

I had a bowl of water near my bed that I'd been soaking an injury in earlier in the day, and when I went to sleep I was so exhausted I didn't realize that the phone managed to find its way into said bowl of water.

The next morning I freaked out when I discovered the tragedy. I began scouring the internet for something, anything that would help.

I read about taking the phone apart, putting it in the oven, leaving it in the sunshine, and several other home remedies. Eventually I came across one that people were swearing by, and it seemed so crazy I thought "this just might work".

It turns out it did! One week later and my phone was back to normal. There haven't been any problems with it whatsoever.

So how do you fix an iphone that's been soaked in water?

Rice.

Yep, rice. I used instant because it's what I had on hand. After removing the SIM card and putting the phone in the cut-off toe of some panty hose (to make sure no bits of rice got inside) I sealed it in an air-tight bag of rice. I then put the bag of rice + phone in a tin and left it alone for a week.

Seven days later I retrieved it without much hope that things would work. Much to my surprise and delight, when I tried to turn it on a little apple popped up on the screen.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, the most important thing is do not try and turn the wet phone on. Even if the water hasn't done any damage yet, you could wreck the electronics inside by trying to turn the device on. Be patient, do what you can to dry it out, and only then try and push buttons. Again, I left mine in the rice for a whole week to make sure before I tested it. You also want to make sure the bag is as air-tight as possible so that the rice will absorb moisture from the device and not from the air.

I hope you'll never need this piece of advice, but if you do I hope it helps! It won't work for everyone, but it worked extremely well for me.

Your Daily Dose of Cute

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

~Ben Williams




Ball?

This puppy was found on CuteOverload.com

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth....

"It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift..."

~ lyrics from "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen



A great version of the song that immortalized the C, F, G, A minor, F chord progression.

Leonard Cohen first released the song back in 1984 and since then it has been recorded by many, many musicians. This version by Rufus Wainwright was featured on the Shrek movie album even though it was John Cale's cover used in the actual film.

$5 Amazon.com code giveaway at itsThoughtful.com - 200 Winners

www.itsThoughtful.com is hosting a giveaway for St. Patrick's Day where 200 winners will recieve $5 Amazon.com Gift Codes. It's free and quick to enter - click here to go to the form.

Cats quote Charlie Sheen

"Winning!"
~ You-Know-Who





All of these quotes are taken directly from interviews Charlie Sheen has given lately.











These cats and more can be found here, here and here at Medium Large.

Regretsy also has a new funny picture site inspired by Charlie's "winning at everything" attitude at http://winningateverything.com/.

$20 Dollar General Gift Card {Giveaway}

Time for another giveaway! This one is for a $20 Gift Card to Dollar General. Good luck and happy entering!



To enter:

Leave a comment letting me know what you like to read about on blogs.

For bonus entries (leave a comment for each bonus activity completed):

Subscribe to my feedburner emails
Follow me via Google Friend Connect
Follow me on Twitter
Enter my $10 Build-a-Bear giveaway (closed)



The last day to enter the giveaway is Sunday, March 20th (03/20/11). I will use random.org to choose a winner and will contact him or her by email (please leave an email if it is not visible in your profile).

Everyday Luxury - Put it in a wine glass!

I've always got an eye out for inexpensive everyday luxuries - those little indulgences that make me feel like I'm living high without breaking the bank. This is Everyday Luxury #3 - Put it in a wine glass!







This is my snack this evening, and if you look closely you'll see that tasty beverage is actually regular old Coca-Cola. I love enjoying my everyday drinks in a fancy glass, and dishwasher-safe wine glasses are actually quite inexpensive - you can get a set of four at Wal-Mart for under $15 or pick some up for almost nothing at thrift stores.

Reasons why you should put it in a wine glass:

1. It adds that "little something extra"
2. Portion control. I find that I drink slower from a wine glass and since it holds less than most of my normal glasses it helps cut down on high-calorie sippage.
3. I have an instant prop if I feel the sudden urge to give a speech.
4. Since it's dishwasher safe, it's no more hassle than any other glass.

How do you add flair to your daily beverages?

Awesome, Easy Science Experiment - Psychedelic Milk

Want a quick way to impress the kids? Try this little experiment and watch the amazement unfold! All you need is milk, food coloring and a little bit of dish soap.

Nightclub party ideas - highlights from the suggestions

This is part of a series based on the nightclub-themed birthday party I held on 02/26/11. Over the next week or so I'll be posting several of the ideas and items that really helped make it a success!



Looking for more club party ideas? Check out my other party-related posts here.



There were some great nightclub party ideas submitted by readers during the Target giveaway. I asked everyone to "give me an idea for my party! It could be food, inexpensive decor, or anything else you think might help me set the club mood."

I got many fabulous answers. Here are just a few of the highlights:



From Sksweeps:

"I'd go with lots of jewel toned balloons like in your blog header, and you could echo that with the plates, napkins, centerpieces..."



From Stephanie:

"You can cover lamps/lights with inexpensive cuts of fabric or scarves to create a moody, club feel with lighting (just make sure the fabric doesn't touch the light bulbs), then definitely get some great music going. You can invent a special drink for the night in honor of your birthday to serve to everyone. Most importantly, have fun with it, don't stress over it and celebrate another year of life!!!"


From Dawns41:

"I would have Creme Puffs as a dessert. You could put them in the Gold Foil baking cups and arrange them on a tray."


From BethElderton:

"Change to combination colored and black bulbs; move the furniture back for dancing,set a long playlist for music, don a fabulous gothic ball gown!"


From Yaz:

"To get a club feel i think it would be good to have somewhat an upscale club scene. I would say have a few friends serving drinks like as waiters but you want them to have fun too so not too much of that. But you could have refreshments such as chips and dip, meatballs or chicken wings,a fruit tray, or even a oster fondue pot which can be purchased for $25 at Target. You can always keep this for the future. For music you should have a friend control what is being played. I know it may take time but have cds that someone can pop in and out with your music everyone will enjoy. If you have lamps in your house then you can easily replace the bulbs with different colors bulbs to have a great effect!"


From Deanna:

"have a red carpet outside
place snacks like nuts and pretzels around
Have a person walk around with trays of small food like mini burgers or chicken on a stick
create fun drinks with colored sugar around the edge of the glasses
disco ball
have a cool DJ
dance floor"


From Erica C.:

"Go buy a sexy outfit to feel awesome during the party!"


From Taleah:

"Christmas lights! They're great for low lighting, and you (hopefully) have them in different colors!"


From Hippie4ever:

"How about one of those balls that has different colored circles inset and rotates around an internal lightbulb. Finger foods, but not to messy...stained clothes, rug, furniture: maybe delectable sandwiches cut into small portions, rolled lunchenmeats/cheeses around roasted red pepper, olive assortment, a chocolate tray might be nice - bite size variety of different chocolates...Ghiradelli has a # of different bagged and individually wrapped varieties, nuts (try to be sparing on salt...it will make your guests thirsty and if you're serving alcohol make sure each group has a designated driver or plan for a sleepover). "


From Dandmrobbins:

"Have someone at the door pretending to be the bouncer and stamp their hand"

From Amied027:

"Mardi Gras beads would be a fun addition! They are cheap and everybody loves them!"


From Beeb:

"Check your local dollar store for inexpensive decor! They often sell party supplies, tinted lightbulbs, even cocktail glasses and ice trays."

From Kellyr78:

"You could decorate with old records or paint old cds on one side and hang them from the ceiling."

From Kpintn:

" love using the novelty ice cube trays for drinks....my favorite is the one that makes round solid ice balls.

Oh, and those do-it-yourself ice sculpture/molds makes for convversation........"


From Nancy:

"Some ideas: select a couple of colors and go to a dollar-type store to get tablecloths, cups, plates, napkins, etc for just a dollar each. Get some clear glass vases and fill with colored glass marbles or colored glass rocks that match your colors. Use colored light bulbs to give a nice glow. Have a signature drink - either alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic versions can be made. Have finger food that is OK at room temperature - that doesn't have to stay hot: chips, dip, small sandwiches, chocolate cupcakes, etc. Have fun!"


From Dave:

"My idea would be whole grain crackers next to the veggie tray as so many are trying to eat better. This way they can throw sliced cucumbers, or another vegtable slice on it."


Thanks for all the wonderful ideas, everyone!