We arrived home Saturday morning and I called the 800 number for Raleigh SECU customer service.  The rep told me that the $4000 check I had deposited to my account was going to be returned.  I had deposited a $4000 check, but was not aware of its status. 

I was told that my account was put on watch (basically frozen) because of the check.  I asked that my account be unfrozen and the rep told me that only the person who put on the watch could remove it.  Of course, I did not accept “no” for an answer and I asked to speak to someone that could do something about it.  I was put on hold and within a few minutes she came back and told me that the watch had been lifted.

Monday morning rolled around and I spoke to one of the managers at my local branch.  I wanted answers for why my entire account was frozen.  I could see freezing the $4000, but not the rest of MY MONEY!!!!

So far, I’ve spoken to one of the branch managers, the teller manager, and the district vice president and I don’t feel that their answers are good enough.  I’ve been given reasons about identity theft, making sure the money was there when they went to collect, and “I’m sorry”. 

My major issue with all of this is that they just didn’t freeze the $4000.  That would have been understandable.  But no, they froze my entire account.  That money is MINE.  I worked hard for it.  I saved it.  I stretched and pinched during hard times to make it last.  And now, all they can offer is “I’m sorry”?  I’m all for forgiveness, but I don’t feel like “I’m sorry” is good enough.  The vice president said he couldn’t guarantee that this wouldn’t happen again. 

I’ve been a member of SECU for more than 15 years and I find this practice absolutely unacceptable.  What do you think about this situation?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Hendersonville:

• Take a stroll through downtown Hendersonville. There are some nice shops and antique stores. I’m sure the old soda shop is still there too. They also have a general store.
• Visit the Carl Sandburg home. I’ve been there several times and always enjoy the tour. A guided tour is only $5.
• Stop for a show at the Flat Rock Playhouse.
• Take a drive up to Jump Off Rock. The view is beautiful and admission is free.
• Historic Johnson Farm has a farm festival in April. Admission is $4-6.
• Each fall, Hendersonville has their annual North Carolina Apple Festival.

Lake Lure:

• Just 25 miles from Asheville, you’ll find Chimney Rock Park. Some of The Last of the Mohicans was filmed at the park.
• Book a beautiful boat tour.
• Visit “the beach”. lol I grew up near the coast, so I wouldn’t really consider this a beach, but that’s what they call it. It’s beautiful though.
• Go camping.
• Visit one of the locations where Dirty Dancing was filmed.

Asheville:

• While this may not be a thrifty place to visit, you’ll want to stop at the Biltmore House. It is the largest mansion in America. I hope to go there some day.
• Visit The Botanical Gardens. It’s free!
• See lots of critters at the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Prices are about $5-7.

Hickory:

• In Hickory, you can visit the Catawba Science Center.
• Hickory is one of the nation’s largest furniture distributors.
• Stop by the International Spring Fest.
• Each fall, Oktoberfest features concerts, arts and crafts, caricature artists, street vendors, a variety of food, and rides. Admission is free, but of course you must pay for the food and rides.
• Shop at art galleries, look at pottery, browse through downtown.
• Listen to live music outside each summer at Union Square.
• Visit the Hickory Museum of Art for FREE.
• Board Queens Landing (in Mooresville) for a sight-seeing dinner cruise.
• Take the kids to Buffalo Beal’s Animal Park in Maiden. You can pet and feed some of the animals.
• All of you racing fans can stop by the Hickory Motor Speedway, “Birthplace of the Nascar Stars”.
• Travel to the nearby town of Valdese for Friday Family Nights. In the parking lots of Myra’s and Wachovia Bank you’ll find oldies music playing, old cars, and people chatting. Myra’s hosts a cruise-in and raffle.

These are just a few of the many frugal entertainment options for Western North Carolina. I plan to continue my research and have more information for you soon.

Would you like to write a guest post on thrifty entertainment and vacation options? If so, please contact me for more details.

image:  This beautiful picture of Chimney Rock was taken by me about 12 years ago.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Friday we left the kids with my parents and spend a night away at Bald Head Island, NC.  This was our first getaway in 3 years!

As you can probably tell from the pictures, it was really cold and overcast while we were there.  We stayed at a bed and breakfast for the first time ever.  It was so nice.  Since it was off season, it wasn’t too expensive. 

There are very few cars on the island (maybe 10).  Everyone rides around in golf carts.  The b&b we stayed at gave us a cart to use so that we could explore the island. 

Click here to see more beautiful pics.

Here is a view of the chapel from the top of the lighthouse.  It is beautiful from the top, but it certainly was a steep climb.

This is the oceanside part of the island.  This is another view from the top of the lighthouse.

Another picture of the beach.

It took a while to load all of the pics and size them down for the website.  I hope to post more next week. 

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Items most wanted right now include coats, sweaters, men’s suits, children’s clothing, shirts, blouses, jeans, dresses, skirts, sweat suits, coats, shoes, and blankets.  Also needed are small kitchen appliances, household items and electronics, including computers.

If you wish to make a financial contribution, please send a check to:
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Attn: Development Office
PO Box 668768
Charlotte, NC 28266

For more information, visit http://www.goodwillsp.org/.

Please check with your local Goodwill or Salvation Army to see what their specific needs are.  You can make a difference.

If you do donate items to Goodwill or other non-profit organizations, be sure to make an itemized list of the items you are donating.  Don’t forget to get a tax receipt.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy