The SmartyPig Blog
October 4, 2010 • Posted by Sarah FossIntroducing PhilanthroPig – Our Answer to Simple, Cost-Effective Fundraising
We’ve used the same technological innovation that brought you the most money for your money on your saving goals to create PhilanthroPig, the safest, easiest and most effective way for non-profits of any size to turn donors into advocates and dramatically expand their fundraising reach and results.
PhilanthroPig will provide bank-level audited technology to any non-profit and the ability to accept credit card and bank donations, brand and customize their site as they see fit, and a safe, simple and social way for advocates to fundraise. The cost for a non-profit is just 4% of each transaction. There are no setup fees, monthly fees or custom build costs.
For more information on PhilanthroPig, stay tuned to the SmartyPig blog for further details.
Sarah Foss, SmartyPig’s Media Mad Woman
SFoss@Smartypig.com
Setting Goals and Crossing the Finish Line
I measure ALL of my personal success by setting and reaching goals. I have to. Whether it’s saving for the down payment on a new home, losing weight, or completing a degree, goals are the best way for me to get where I’m going. I’m currently training to run a half marathon, and I have a four-month old at home. How am I making it happen? I wrote my plan down. I follow my plan religiously. It’s as easy as one, two… don’t even need a “three.”
In an article this week Visualeconomics.com quoted the smart folks at Harvard Business School stating: “When people write down their goals, they are 80 percent more likely to achieve them.” What were they talking about? SmartyPig. Why? Because we help people set financial goals and reach those goals. Period. And we are currently working feverishly to expand our product line to ensure that no goal goes without the tools necessary to make it happen.
“It is possible that SmartyPig and other banks that allow you to set specific goals by naming your savings accounts accordingly are on to something,” the article reads. And we could not agree more. At SmartyPig we help you set it and never forget it. We provide you a place to state your goal, encouraging you to share it via social networks (a little peer pressure goes a long way), cheer you on by charting your progress toward your goal, and reward you with huge incentives when you cross the finish line.
Remember, the first step is simply just deciding where you want to go. We’ll help you get there. Right now, I gotta run! Seriously!
Sarah Foss, Smarty Pig Media Mad Woman
SFoss@SmartyPig.com
“Race Out of Debt” – Win Thousands! Contest Update
Over the past seven days, our contest has helped thousands of current and new SmartyPig customers create goals, as they look to reverse the credit-card mindset of “buy now, pay later.” We are hearing stories of remorse and optimism. We are seeing the SmartyPig story spread far and wide. And everyone (us included) is anxiously awaiting the live Iowa pig race to take place on September 28, 2010, as one lucky contestant will “Race Out of Debt” with nearly $5,000!
There’s still plenty of time to enter! See full entrance details and rules here:
http://blog.smartypig.com/read/race-out-of-debt-win-thousands
Looking For Help Can Pay Off
Why do some individuals find it so difficult to ask for help, especially when it comes to money? Laura Rowley from Yahoo.com Finance put together an interesting piece this past week, answering that very question. How many of us get help with the math on our credit card debt, or even bother to ask questions about the unbelievably high interest we pay? Many individuals fail to understand the concept of these rates and put themselves in a hole by only making minimum payments.
It’s a hole that becomes difficult to get out of. And without a closer look, you’ll never know just how hard of a hit you’re taking. Negotiate, explore and always make sure to read the fine print and you’ll be rewarded.
At SmartyPig we’re trying to help reverse the credit card mindset of “buy now, pay later” for people who have goals. And our “Race Out of Debt” contest is going to reward one lucky person with almost five grand to help him or her get back on solid ground with regards to plastic. But when a couple thousand dollars of credit card use can lead to more than 10 years of monthly payments, the real reward lies in learning how to save and spend smartly. It will change your life. You can do it. All you need to do is take the first step and ask a lot of questions along the way.
Wishing you luck in all of your savings goals!
Sarah Foss, SmartyPig’s Media Mad Woman
SFoss@SmartyPig.com
“Race Out Of Debt” – Win Thousands!
Are you one of millions of Americans living with Credit Card Debt? The average American’s credit card debt hit an 8-year low this summer, bringing the national average to $4,951 – down 13% from $5,719 last year. Americans are doing better… But who couldn’t use a big boost to get over the hump?
That’s why we are going to help one lucky contestant “Race Out of Debt” with a cash prize of $4,951 to put toward his or her credit card bills, holiday gifts, a much-needed vacation or whatever they choose! The process is simple, the reward large, and both new and existing customers are eligible. The contest officially begins this morning, September 14, 2010, at 10 AM CT and will remain open until September 27, 2010, at 10 AM CT.
On Monday, September 27, 2010, SmartyPig will randomly choose eight finalists. Each finalist will be assigned to a pig on the SmartyPig Farm. These pigs will then race to determine which lucky contestant wins the grand prize. On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, we will post the video of the SmartyPig race and officially announce the “Race Out of Debt” winner!
How do I enter? It’s easy…
- New and existing users must add a NEW goal under the NEW category, “Race Out Of Debt“
- Follow the instructions to set up and activate your new SmartyPig goal.
- Enter your qualified checking or savings account from your credit union or bank.
- Make the initial deposit requirement of $25. Remember this is NOT an entrance fee. You will automatically begin earning 1.75% APY, have access to up to 14% cash back at many retailers, and you always have the option to redeem the $25 + interest earned back to your checking or savings account.
- Follow each step closely as failure to complete all steps will disqualify you from the contest.
Full contest rules here:
http://www.smartypig.com/PayOffYourCreditCard_ContestRules.pdf
Official press release can be found here.
Best of luck in all your savings goals!
The SmartyPig Team
SmartyPig Blog