I know EVERYONE is talking about it – how do I save money? Another topic everyone is all a-buzz about is GOING GREEN!

So, I found a way to kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak My friend and I decided to try out the Public Transportation in Tampa. I am from New York, so I’m used to not driving a lot, and trust me, it’s a lot easier to navigate routes here than in the subways.

HART is pretty much the option for Hillsborough County. They have an awesome web site. One-Way Cash Fares start at $0.85! There’s a local option, and an express option for those computing from the “suburbs” to their jobs. There’s also an In-Town Trolley for $0.25, which takes you to some of Tampa’s signature downtown hot spots like the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Theatre. Just make sure you have exact change or bills no larger than $1.00 in most cases.

HART even has a USF U-Pass Program. Students show a valid USF ID and then they can ride HART’s local connector and limited express bus routes for FREE.

Honestly, it was a really nice experience – not scary at all. People from all walks of life were on the bus. My driver was really cool, and the routes were easy to figure out. I would recommend going with a friend the first time around. It’s like an adventure, getting from point A to point B. I know it sounds dorky, but we had a great time.

Check out U224U.com for more money tips and fun stories. Brought to you by GTE Federal Credit Union and the U22 account for 12 to 22 year olds.

Hey everybody!!

I really love a good old fashion baseball game. The beautiful stadiums with an entire field of the greenest grass and best dirt you’ll ever see. It just makes you wanna jump on the field and frolic in the dirt like a kid again. The aroma of mouthwatering hot dogs and toasted peanuts tickling your nose until you can’t resist yelling the words, “HEY, HOT DOG GUY!! TOSS ONE OVER HERE!!” And did I mention the atmosphere? Oh well it’s to die for, really, I mean imagine being surrounded by hundreds of like-minded people all cheering together in celebration, after your favorite player hits another homerun. And being able to sing and dance along to your favorite song that’s being played over the loud speakers, without fear of ridicule and shame!! Ok, well maybe a little ridiculous, but still baseball games are great.

Did I mention GTE Federal Credit Union has been reading my mind lately?

If you are a baseball enthusiast too, you should checkout www.U224U.com, U22 Takes Over the Trop. Four 12 to 22 year olds will be selected to fill exclusive roles in the Rays versus New York game on July 31st! Can you believe it? It doesn’t get any better than that! Rivals, playing at home, in a sell out game, and you could be right in the thick of it. The winners will also receive 4 FREE tickets to the game. Whoa!

Here’s what ya do:

* Grab a parent and go online at www.U224U.com
* Register for the contest and submit a video or photo – depending on what position you want to fill
* GTE Federal Credit Union will select their favorite entry for each category

Also, open a U22 Account at GTE Federal Credit Union before July 14, 2010 and you could meet a Rays player before the July 31st game! Complete an entry form at a branch. We will select 1 winner from the pool of collected entry forms. See www.U224U.com for details.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this Summer, go online and order some tickets to see a Rays game at Tropicana Field. They are doing really well this year, and they need our support!! And with tickets as cheap as 15 dollars, we can still keep saving up for our dream cars. So remember to use your U22 card to buy the ticket, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you there!!

PS – Vote for Evan Longoria, U22 Spokesperson, in the MLB All-Star Race!