No game updates today. I've been playing virtually nothing besides Kingdom Hearts ReCoded. Some of the requirements for 100% are absolutely annoying (the 99 dalmations in particular). But, I'm going to stick with it... for now :P.

In other news, the concept of saving money. I am actually a big fan of credit cards. They are great for generating a high credit score if you keep up with your payments and cash back never hurts either. In fact, I have found a set of cards that give me 5% back on almost anything I buy.

1. The oldest card of the bunch is my Speedway MasterCard. I spend more on gas than just about anything else (all of the driving as a tutor), and the Speedway gas station less than a mile from my house has a great setup for the gas, and it even carries Krispy Kreme doughnuts if I need Sunday breakfast in a pinch. The card gives 5% back at Speedway and 1% back everywhere else (actually can be even higher depending on rewards, but I like GameStop gift cards :P)

2. A couple months ago, I got a Target RedCard. It gives 5% back at... well Target :P. I don't know if those stores are in your area, but the one around here has basically all of my grocery items, from health bars to frozen to toiletries and cleaning supplies. It only gives % off at Target though, but considering my bill and that the % off is instant, it's well worth to keep.

3. My most recent addition is the Citi Forward card. I actually found it on accident while trying to find out if the Amazon credit card was a worthwhile addition since I buy a lot there. As a bit of irony, the Amazon card gives 3% off its site whereas the Citi Forward card gives 5% :P. In fact, the Forward card gives a permanent 5% off on any entertainment purchase, including books, video games, and restaurants (including fast food).

Thus, I get 5% off basically everything I buy. So long my annoying Discover card which gives the rotating 5%. I found a permanent solution instead ;). For any of you able to use credit cards, it is worth taking some time to investigate the best ones for you. 5% off quickly adds up, especially since it is after any other discounts or coupons you use :).

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Now to the flip side, spending money. One thing I don't understand is why Christians have developed a reputation as poor tippers. From what I hear, that reputation is earned, so I am not talking against waiters/waitresses but rather my fellow Christians. To me, tipping is one of the best ways to make an impact. Why not lay down a $20 on an $8 meal and say "God loves you" as they stare at you wide-eyed? It's a great way to put actions behind your words. Perhaps they will think you are crazy. So what? Isn't it a good thing that they are wondering what's different about you? To top it off, the warm feeling of having made someone's day is well worth the extra money :)