December, 2008 | Shoot the Moon Photography

Excellent Money tool: and its free (and includes a great iPhone app!)

One of my new years resolutions is going to be to save more money and i love searching for new iPhone apps to make my life easier. I came across a highly rated (and free) app called MINT. It works in conjunction with mint.com (also free) where you can set up an account as a portal in minutes (just do a search for all of your savings, checking, credit cards, loans etc..) and securely log in…

It provides you with a snapshot of your whole financial situation as well as allows you to set budgets and even gives suggestions on ways to save money! For example, it suggested changing one of my credit card accounts to a different type of account with the same company to save a significant amount and made some savings suggestions!

The iphone app updates itself each night and gives you a daily snapshot of your financial portfolio!

Its a great tool!

Mint.com

Cozy up inside with a tutu!

This week I was able to photograph this lovely girlie in an array of tutus. Because the weather outside leaves more to be desired, we were able to stay inside and have some fun!

Giving Back

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $400 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Wisconsin and able to travel to my studio. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : joy@stmphoto.com

The winner will be contacted on or before Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Joy Vertz

Shoot the Moon Photography