Sure, the library also has DVDs, audio books and eBooks, but it also opens a world of opportunity inside its doors. Most libraries have special events throughout the week for even more value. Some events are free, while others may have a fee attached. Check with your local branch for details on programs, classes, and expert advice.

Here are a few opportunities available at public libraries:

• Free Internet Access: The library is my go to place to work on school breaks. I can use the free wifi, while the kids read, join clubs or play in the children’s section. It’s also where I went when the air went out this summer, and I still needed to be on the computer. Or, the first place I think of when the DSL goes out at home.
• Tax Forms & Assistance: Since the IRS is no longer mailing tax forms, you can find them, as always, at your local library. Many branches area also offering tax assistance or classes.
• Computer Skills Classes: Gain valuable skills for work or personal use through computer skills classes at your local library. My own library offers basic skills like office programs, email and social media as well as advanced classes for those who need a little more information.
• Fun & Games: Libraries are also a great source of family fun & entertainment. We’ve been to animal entertainers, meet the author nights, craft days, and special events. The children’s department also has Legos, Wedgits and computers just for kids.
• Clubs & Social Events: Book clubs are a natural fit for the library. Ours also has a knitting club, euchre club, teen clubs, and various kids’ clubs based on special interests. My girls seem to have outgrown the Webkinz Club, but we’ll keep an eye on what’s next.
• Story Hour: I’ve been going to the library since my teen was just a little tyke. We’ve graduated through baby stories, toddler time and preschool story hour. The school aged story hour features a related craft each week.
• Homeschool Classes: Our library has recently started offering several classes for homeschool families. I’ve seen Spanish, creative writing, art, and science in the last couple years. It’s a great resource for those who want additional skills for their educational choice.

1. The Library – A Fantastic Tool for the Budget Minded
2. {The New Home Ec} 10 Ways to Save Money on Books
3. Free Summer Fun

Last week, I had the opportunity to treat my girls to a night out, courtesy of American Express Serve! In between shopping, holiday parties and end of year chaos, we set aside a night for dinner & drinks. Sans whiny kids.

We usually try to make it out for Margarita Monday at the Mexican restaurant at least once a month. For $.99 drinks, I wish we could make it every week! Typically, we pay for our own drinks, while one person picks up the tab for the queso dip we share.

With Serve, we can quickly split the bill on the mobile app, then send money through a digital payment service with the safety and security of American Express. Setting up an account is quick & easy. Visit Serve from your computer and get $10 just for signing up!

Once you have an account, they’ll send a Serve debit card for your account. It can be used wherever American Express is accepted. Which, makes me wonder if other perks come along with it. Like, being able to swipe a card at Costco. Or, advance ticket purchases. I haven’t had the opportunity to try it out yet, but it’s an interesting concept.

Plus, when you invite your friends, you’ll earn up to $50 referral credit. And, I do love sharing things with my friends! Like the amazing martini flight we shared last week at Houlihan’s. The mini martinis on the menu come in sets of three—and that’s too much awesome to have alone!

I went with Adam & Eve, Blue Moon and Guavatini. Wait. Let me rephrase that. The amazing Guavatini that tastes like cotton candy! I’ve been on the hunt for this cocktail since the first time I sampled it earlier this year.

I couldn’t remember what it was called, but I never forgot the taste! I have ordered a different cocktail every time I’ve been to Houlihan’s since, in search of the elusive cotton candy cosmo. I guess I should have tried a sampler flight a long time ago.

Of course, now that we’ve tasted them all, I’m going to have to go back to a full size Guavatini. So, so yum! I’m so excited to finally find it.

I’m also excited about today’s giveway—signup for a Serve account and comment below to be entered to win a $100 account credit! What will you do with $100?

Remember to sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 10 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Official sweepstakes rules and regulations may be found by clicking here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

1. Kelsay Farms Fall Festival Ticket Giveaway
2. FREE Milk at Kroger (Plus Kroger Gift Card Giveaway)
3. Why Buy When You Can Rent for $1 (Plus Redbox DVD Rental Codes Giveaway)

1. Any and all receipts that contain your credit card or other personal information on it should be immediately shredded after you have looked it over. If you do not do this, somebody less honorable may write everything down for their own use.

2. At most, you should only have only one or two credit cards on hand as you go about your errands and day to day activities. Should you carry more than that, it will become difficult to keep track of them, and you will receive more bills than you can handle.

3. Do your banking online, instead of opting to have your statements sent to you by mail. People do not like to think about it, but there are individuals that steal mail to find personal information. Destroying the paper trail makes this less likely.

4. Keep a close eye on your bank statements, reading them carefully. Should your identity be stolen, you will know about it quickly and can work to fix the problem before it gets worse.

5. If your purse or bag is stolen and you know that you had your wallet in there, it is imperative that you call your bank and credit card companies and ask them to freeze your accounts.

6. Consult with a financial advisor. They can assist you in responsible spending and saving up for what is most important. Such expertise can help you avoid spending over your means.

7. Carry cash with you instead of cards or checks when you can. When you have limited spending money and cannot go over that amount, you are less likely to do something reckless and damage your credit.

8. When giving out personal information to somebody, particularly over the phone, make sure it is a company or individual that you trust. If you are not familiar with them or it seems too good to be true, that is likely the case and your credit could be in danger.

9. Compare your receipts with the corresponding billing statements. While not that common, you can be charged a different amount than what is on the receipt, and it should be corrected immediately.

10. When in a grocery store checkout line or even at the local mall, do not display your credit cards openly. Keep them obscured before, during and after the transaction as best as you can.

This guest post is written by Advisor World team.

1. Credit Cards: They’re Not the Enemy
2. 6 Ways to Teach Your Child About Money
3. Upromise Security Hole: Your Credit May Be Compromised