Five Free Events This Week - Tucson, AZ

Five Free Events This week - Tucson
Week of Sunday, July 29th - Sunday, Aug. 5th, 2012
Contact the Businesses directly with any questions.
If you're a business that hosts a Free event, contact me for details to be included on the Sunday weekly posts.
 Email: tolendahand@yahoo.com

July 21st - July 29th
Tucson International Children's Film Festival
The Loft
3233 East Speeway, Tucson
Free Movie, Free Popcorn
Doors Open at 9:15 a.m.

Fri. Aug. 3, 2012
Free Jazz concert
Main Gate Square
7:00 p.m.
820 E. University Ave
Tucson, AZ

Sat. Aug. 4th, 2012
Southern Arizona Transporation Museum
414 N. Toole Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm
Locomotive Saturdays- Every Saturday

Sun., Aug. 5th, 2012
Tucson Museum of Art
140 N. Main Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Free Art for Kids 6-12 years of age with adults:
Native American Arts after Exhibit
Sun. Aug. 5th, 2012
Free Admission for All 1st Sunday of the month
Other Free Admission qualifications and hours


Sun., Aug. 5th 2012
Psychic Fair
4250 N. Campbell Windmill Suites
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission is Free

5 White Lie Break Up Lines

Are you debating how to turn your current suitor down delicately?  The experienced ones learn along the way to use phrases, that we hope, won't cause too much hurtful feelings. No one likes to break some one's heart and we're even more afraid of an unpredictable unpleasant reaction in return. The purpose of a white lie break up line is to softly mask while sparing hurtful feelings.  They may not be entirely true but used to cushion the blow of an already dramatic separation event.

1. I got back with my ex.

We know what you're thinking, "You mean the one you've been complaining about you can't stand anymore?"  If you don't know the ex, never met the ex, and don't know what the ex looks like, this excuse can't be checked for validity. The pattern of break ups and make ups is always a possibility.

2. I'm being transferred for work.

This can be used as an avoidance excuse to mask his true feelings of how he wants to stay away from you. This line can be delivered in many different variations that can trigger suspicions even in committed relationships:  "Working late at the office. Relocating for a job assignment, moving, deployed..etc."  If you aren't close enough to know where he works or have access to his job, then there isn't a way to check up on him to see if its true. And if you do, you will be viewed as an unstable stalker.  The appearance of someone being distant is not necessary an indication of disinterest.

3.  I just don't have time for a relationship right now.

This can be another version of number 2, take that how you want to interpret it.  If a person is truly interested in someone, they make the time. Be it a note of reassurance, a fifteen minute chat break, or a quick loving text. Long periods of absence will cause suspicion and feelings of neglect creep in. We often go after those things that we desire. Pursuing someone makes them feel desired. This phrase can also be followed up with: "It wouldn't be fair to you."

4.  It's not you- it's me

This classic overused line is usually followed up with: " I think I need time to myself. I need to get my life in order. We have different needs...and so on" This is a way to get out of listing all the wrong things about the other person. An attempt to deflect the blame back on to you.  Be wary, revealing your own faults can give them things to use against you if the moment turns into a anger fest competition match.

5. You're too good for me.

A few reasons people use this excuse is because expectations may seem too high, guilt, and comparisons of different social classes or The Pretty Woman effect.  Expectations may seem too high to achieve realistically from the unsatisfied party and it could feel like they automatically respond by finding faults in the smallest imperfections rather than being appreciative of the majority of good things going on.  

Feelings of guilt may arise from someone who isn't doing more towards the relationship.  They withhold putting effort into something that they feel they have no desire of it blossoming into something deeper and they don't want to give a false hope impression. Resentment can build with the feeling of unfairness of energy given and accusations of being used can be brought up.  The giver is now the one who is too good for the taker.


Know that the ones letting us go may also be trying to minimize further hurt to either party. Prolonging a mismatch uncomfortableness can feel like a unnecessary self inflicted suffering. Feel reassured to know that in any type of relationship, there are occurrences of disagreements, returning, giving space, and trying or not to work things out.

Building solid relationships are not as instant as people think, they get stronger over time. The ones who make time for us, stand by us and work on building a better stronger relationship are the ones worth our time who show us we are worth theirs. As we get older, many of us have experienced people returning back into our lives and friends becoming lovers.

Along the way, we experience love and are surrounded by people who enjoy us. We are capable and deserving of being loved over and over again throughout our lives and ccasionally, we will have to use these phrases delicately to turn someone down with an attempt to minimize hurt feelings, out of love.

Three steps to save money on ATM fees.

Steps to save money on ATM Fees.

There you are out at a ball game, gas station, concert, expo, fair or festival and forgot to grab cash at your local bank.  Hesitantly, because of the fees, you find an ATM machine, but you need to take out cash in a flash.  It seems like ATM fees, Bank fees, Merchant fees and any other fee is getting higher each day simply for using your own money. Presently, as of 2012, the highest ATM fee I've seen has been $3.50. Next is my foreign ATM fee issued by my bank of $2.00, even to inquire about my balance.

A foreign ATM fee is applied by your card issuer, the financial institution/bank, for using an ATM machine that is not directly linked to their system. ATM's can also be owned by people other than banks, who profit from the fees.

Each bank runs independently on what they choose to charge for any services such as: ATM use, excessive withdraws, over the counter transactions, transfers, overdrafts and more.  The list of various services can be endless, along with any possible fees for each service.

What are some steps you can take to reduce your fees at the ATM?

1.  Consider taking out more money at one time.

Keep the percent you're being charged lower than what you take out by taking out twice as much. For example, if you're taking out $40 and the ATM machine is charging you $3.50 plus your bank is charging $2, you are suffering a loss of almost 15%. This is similarly what cash advance companies or credit card companies charge. The fees are applied per transaction, each time you use an ATM. Perhaps consider taking out $80.  You'll most likely spend it on things you need like gas and food. 

2. Take out cash at the checkout line

Some banks are moving toward the requirement of customers using their ATM card a minimum of times per month in order to qualify for a perk, such as an earned interest. The bank sees this as a merchant transaction.  It's also more ideal to make a charge of a minimum of $10 to reduce additional services fees to all involved to run the transaction. There are merchant  fees for running your card through the card reader, which means the store owner or business gets charged, creating a loss for them. If they suffer a loss, they will try to find ways to recover that loss at the customers or employees expense.

3. Use your bank-Ask for perks

Your bank representative may let you know which ATM's in your local area do not charge a fee.  Or if you are budget conscious, visit your bank a few days after your paycheck gets deposited and calculate how much you spend on luxuries.  Take that amount out in cash. Stash your cash at home and only leave with the amount you may use.  Of course, be careful not to take out and store alot at home. Also, talk to your bank to see if there is a reward cash back system for using your ATM.


Carrying a card or carrying cash is a debatable choice on which is safer. Card services offer fraud alerts and limited liability if lost or stolen, of usually up to $500.  If you carry a limited amount of cash rather than a card, a thief can not go on a shopping splurge spree with an unknown limit in time and funds. Some Merchant card transactions can be chosen as a credit not a debit, not requiring a pin number.

 The charges for accessible conveniences are going higher. Use and find ways to minimize spending more money for spending your own money.

Safegaurd Yourself- Minimize the Memberships

Thursdays your consumer protection, so far

Open your purse or wallet and count how many cards are in there or how many online accounts we have. Part of being aware of how to eliminate identity fraud is to not be involved in so many memberships linked with personal information with cards and online accounts.

In today’s technologically advanced culture do we do need to carry around so many cards? Over half this list can be eliminated. It will also reduce your wallet, reducing the chance of things falling out.

Types of cards:

*Bank Cards

*Business Cards

*Coupon Cards

*Credit Cards

*Frequent customer Card

*Grocery store Cards

*Gym membership

Insurance Cards

*Library card

Military ID card

Photo ID card

*Social Security Card

*Store movie rental

*Travel Club card

*Not necessary to carry all the time

Time is of essence to report

Cards with identifying personal information attached should be reported right away such as: Credit Cards, Social Security Cards, Insurance Cards, Store Rental cards, Travel Club Cards. These are cards that can damage your credit quickly. Frustratingly, we may ask, “ How do we contact them if we don’t have a card to find the phone number.” It will take time to research and thieves know this.

Between the time the items got stolen to the time you call the companies, the thieves could already be using your information. Good news, Credit card companies only make you liable for a minimum amount.

During a fraud review, agents usually look at records of location, time and activity that seem out of character with any previous pattern.

Create a habit

Make a list of important phone numbers of each company or know where to locate them quickly.

· File or store them in a safe place

o        Not the sock drawer

o        Not under the mattress

· Preferably in a locked fireproof safe box.

· Only carry what you need at the time.

Use your photo ID often

Large companies with advanced computer networks can look up your account just by your photo ID information.  Or if you’re a regular, the staff recognizes you.  More specific identifiers are on the rise like fingerprinting or facial recognition software programs.

Online account safety

With so many hand held devices like Smart phones, the more ways are created to access online accounts. Be sure to take extra precaution when transmitting any sensitive information this way. There will always be errors and possibilities of any computer system getting hacked. Computers record data. Human mistakes can happen too, such as, sending to a wrong email address in which the computer recorded, recognized, and recommends by key strokes.

Passwords and User Names

· Don’t allow a system to save your password

· Change your password every couple of months

· Combine Capital letters, numbers, symbols unevenly

· Don’t use personal numbers or words: SSN, Birthdate, phone, zip codes

· Don't use other passwords for other systems

Clean Phones and computers

· Clear your cache and cookies regularly

o        Internet window

o        Tools

o        Internet Options

o        Delete Browsing history

· Run a reputable antivirus software program (Avg: $50-$100)

· Some Internet providers offer a free brand version

Don’t click on unrecognizable links

· Curious, bizarre, shocking, threatening

· Too good to be true

· Doesn’t look like the official site by name in the website link

· Short email messages with unknown link name

· Things you didn't sign up for

· When in doubt, contact the company directly.

With so much varying interests growing with easier access, we enjoy life with many social groups. As our identity spreads across so many people, our links of bits and pieces of personal information spreads. We can do what we can to try to minimize the risk, there is nothing that is completely 100% confidential.

Places with the Most Free Samples

Monday Money Savers Series, So Far

Let's get a small cart of free goodies online or in our neighborhood. The majority of these giveaway items are non-perishable products, which include beauty products, detergents, and sometimes paper products. There are a few that are food or over the counter medicine products.

The two most popular ways of redeeming free sample items are: providing contact information online or contacting the nearest location.  For items sent by mail, you must provide information, the item won't be very big in size and it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.

Check your favorite brand website:

If you have brand loyalty, check their official website for periodic promotions.  Newer items or versions of items often times are on the first page with a free sample link.  Be cautious, as there are fake deceiving websites that may be collecting your data. 

                                                     

*On their website, look for tabs or enter key word searches: 

News and offers, promotions, coupons, samples, savings, and free.

Once on their page, a handy keyboard short cut tip:  instead of scrolling and scanning for the word Free enter the Find command: Ctrl key and F at the same time.

Keyboard Shortcut Find command:

Ctrl + F

In the pop window search field Enter: Free

   When it works,  a search window appears either somewhere on the page or on the top of your internet bar. Your PC should highlight the words within the page either scrolling for you when you click next or you can scroll.

   Free meals on your Birthday

Getting at least a free piece of cake or ice cream is a traditional treat on your birthday. Restaurants are aware of this and try to make their place part of your tradition. Morning, noon, and night there are a few major chain restaurants that participate.

Chain Restaurants Free Birthday food.

Baskin Robbins

Denny's

Mimi's Cafe

Perkins

Texas Roadhouse

Be aware some of them are franchise businesses who choose to participate or not. Its always best to call usually between 2pm-4pm to see if they offer the free birthday meal special. They may ask for ID to verify the date.

Name Brands  who offer Frequent Freebies

Always

Aveeno

Dove

Head and Shoulders

Pantene

Prilosec

Target

Wal-mart

When going to their official site, enter key word search fields mentioned before.

Go to a Conference Center with Events

Getting face to face social with businesses in booths at Festivals, Conventions, or Seasonal events can get you a bagful of stuff. Attending these types of events gets you supplies like pens, magnets, notepads, water bottles which are promotional items but usable items. Some require a small entrance fee, but if you spend enough time visiting booths you can take home alot of loot. Bring your own recyclable bag as not all of them hand those out.

Some of those businesses also run prize contest promotions, where you enter your contact information in a drawing for a prize package. 

Tips:

·        Stick with the name brand company directly.

·        Create another email address for solicitations, not mixed with personal.

·        Quantities may be limited, seasonal, and location specific.

Getting free items takes some time to find but in the end can save you a little bit of money. It’s enticing to see Free. Keep your eyes alert to any sort of legitimate advertisement through major media outlets or the brand name items' website directly. Be cautious and have fun hunting for your free finds.

How education hurts jobs, besides the price.

Colleges claim certain majors pay higher when students get jobs in those fields. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a guarantee. Companies choose who to hire and how much they pay them – educated or not. Job trends and unemployment rates change every few years. The rising cost of education is not the only cause that hurts a job hunt. 

Hiring managers have to be selective with a list of sought after skills growing. Blame can get shifted back to them if they hire someone who isn’t best suited for the job, even if the department manager sits in on the interview. Employers ideally, want someone who is flexible to conform to their way of doing things.


Lack of education/experience
The employer may not be able to devote time to train them or the position usually requires years of experience, such as a manager role. They may feel the candidate should get some formal education elsewhere. 

Too much education/experience
Experienced workers also get turned down if they have too much. The older we get, we establish set habits of doing things. The employer may even feel fearful. Those knowledgeable professionals may know more than they do and could cause conflicts of ego. Plus, they may fear the person may not be as flexible with training. 

Those that have experience in many fields or one company also get treated questionably. Their stability, loyalty, and trust are under scrutiny. 

Recent Graduates
Managers may feel bruised egos from feeling inadequate about their lack of current events in the field. They may feel threatened, steal ideas, and get annoyed with well-intended encouraged suggestions of improvement.

In debt and indentured
Both scholarships and tuition reimbursement plans make you go through qualifying paperwork, only a certain amount and only towards specific courses. Either one can be taken away at any time based on their expected return requirements. The student becomes obligated to fulfill a contractual agreement to those offering funds to pay for education.

Tuition reimbursement makes you pay first. They do not reimburse any additional interest added on your credit card purchases. When approved, you will have to work and go to school until you get your final grade. 

When we are in debt, we may feel forever in debt to work for someone, by their rules and ways of doing things in order to fulfill a financial obligation.


Pros and cons of education and experience 


Pro: Degrees and experience increases your chances of job qualifications.
Con: You may have to take a job, based on needs, not in your field of study or experience.

Pro: Student loans generally have low interest rates.
Con: Can not be wiped off in bankruptcy.

Pro: Your knowledge can be a contributing asset.
Con: You may be viewed as a know-it-all. 

Pro: Degree in current demand job trend.
Con: Jobs and people replaced with the next job trenders or budget cuts.  

Pro: Self employed
Con: Self-employed also let go of unprofitable projects plus abide to federal and state regulations.


Colleges are just as much a business looking for profit as any other business. They sell services. Before you sign up, enroll, and take on a loan, look carefully at the obligation requirements. Review projected accumulated interest and your own budget.  

Never feel any education or training is wasted. Knowledge is empowering and no one can ever take that away from you. It is up to you to share it and up to someone to listen to benefit from it. It is always a priceless gain. While on your job hunt, you may even consider finding or creating a teaching job opportunity.

Are You Double Tipping?

Are you Double Tipping?
Thursdays: Your Consumer Protection Series, So far:                

Lenda Hand Yu is available to offer service industry training sessions for your wait staff. She has over 20  years of experience. Call her at 402.932.3497 for details.

Double check any double lines of tip on a bill. Follow these cautionary tips to be sure extra tips aren’t added later. In any economic times, eating out is the most agreeable entertainment for groups.  But look twice, when the final bill comes, a second tip line appears.

Part of delivery charges may go to the delivery driver.  Assume less than half, as the business may have a standard amount that gets divided in a pool. While eating in, automatic party gratuity percent tips are posted on signs or noted on the menu. 

Separate checks for large parties may not always include the gratuity percent. If patrons don’t leave the minimum party tip, it makes the wait staff’s work feel minimized. If you want separate checks, tell them before ordering. More experienced wait staff will usually separate in the beginning. At the end, it’s easier to run a total bill, if one person decides to pay it all. Asking to separate at the end takes more time. 

As of 2012 in the Midwest:

The average standard percent rate for a party gratuity tip is 18%. 

The average expected tip, is at least 15%.

Self quick calculating tips:

Using calculators to figure out a tip, makes you look cheap, even if it’s on your cell phone.  

Rounding up to a whole number is a lot easier to calculate, plus is only a matter of a few percent generous difference. For example, if we have a $16.76 bill. Round the 10% $1.67 to $2, give 15%=$3.  The actual percent will still be in the range of the average expected tip.  

Examples:

10%
$20.00 bill

Decimal 1 digit left:

$2.000

15% :

$20.00 bill

Decimal 1 digit left:

(10%) $2.000

Add half of that to that: $1 

The tip is $3.

20%

$20.00 bill

Decimal 1 digit left:

(10%)$2.000

Multiply that X times 2=$4

The tip is $4

Of a $20 bill, 18% is between $3 and $4 and a little bit past half the difference of the two. It isn’t a percent number to easily calculate quickly in the head. Computer systems will calculate the amount for you and will appear on the first line of tip.  

Sneaky tip tricks

• They may draw a smiley face or circle around the extra tip line.
• They hope you don’t pay attention to the already added 18% and hope you add 15% more on top of that subtotal.
• They may add a number later if you leave blank lines.
• They know, some, under the influence of alcohol, may tip more.
• They may pressure your time, by hovering, pausing, or coming back to collect quickly.
• Some may delay giving you change from cash.  

If you DON’T WANT TO TIP MORE than the 18%:

·        X out the extra tip line.

·        A subtotal may include the 18%.

·        Re-write that subtotal in the total line at the bottom.

·        Sign

·        Keep your receipt

·        Hand to your assigned waiter.

 

If you WANT TO TIP MORE than the 18%:

• Enter the amount in the extra tip line area.
• Write in the added total from the subtotaled 18%.
• Sign
• Keep your receipt
• Hand to your assigned waiter.

It pays to double check the double lines of tip. Be sure to only give the final bill back to your assigned waiter. Be sure to keep your copy of your credit card receipt too, in case there’s a dispute about charges. The establishment may have to produce those receipts for a chargeback issue.

Lenda Hand Yu is available to offer service industry training sessions for your wait staff. She has over 20  years of experience. Call her at 402.932.3497 for details.