| | |  Entertainment | February 2009 
Top 10 Smartest $1 Investments
 John Q. Reader - PVNN
In these times of economic uncertainty one has to be ingenious in getting more for one's money. Have a dollar in your pocket? Don't know what you can do with it? Here are some ideas:
• Time machine
Buy your all-time favorite song at an MP3 store, iTunes or Amazon.com and use your imaginary time machine, for only a dollar. There's sure to be a melody in your mind now that will take you to a nostalgic or magical destination. Maybe the song was played at your quinceanera, your wedding or was the theme song of the last World Cup. Let the music transport you to your favorite time and place.
• A ticket to Mexico
For a little less than a dollar, a packet of Mexican "chile en polvo" will transport you to a typical Mexican mercado. A small bag of chile en polvo, lime and some fruit, sliced cucumber or chicharrones will make your lips pucker and your eyes crinkle, and land you in a northern Mexican town where kids and adults enjoy this savory snack that is sure to knock your socks off.
• New pair of shoes
Hidden in a dark corner of your closet is what was once your favorite pair of shoes. Yes, the shoes that you wore at your graduation or wore regularly to go salsa or merengue dancing ... now you remember. Buy a container of shoe polish for around a dollar. Carefully apply polish to your shoes. If needed, guys can also replace their old shoe laces with new ones. Once again, you're ready to shine on the dance floor.
• Be a philanthropist
During slow economic times, people in our community need help, too. Make a difference! Donate a dollar to a charity close to your heart. Think of a nonprofit community organization with global reach; there is always a cause that could use an extra dollar or two, maybe hunger or disaster relief. And to stretch your donation, look for organizations that provide matching funds. Nonprofit organizations are experts in multiplying your donation and making it worth so much more. Plus, doing something good for your community will give you a great sense of personal satisfaction.
• A miracle
Of course miracles are free, but for around a dollar, a "veladora" of your devoted saint or the always-miraculous Virgin of Guadalupe will help you focus and establish that spiritual connection. There is no guarantee the "veladora" will make Chivas or Americas win the next soccer match; for that you'll have to grab your friends, watch the game, and cheer for your team.
• Open a new savings account
Banks are a good, safe place for your money, but the faithful "cochinito" could help you save for something special. Every day, deposit all the change you have accumulated in your pocket or purse in the piggy bank. If you deposit 25 cents a day, you'll collect $1.75 a week, or around $90 per year - not exactly pocket change. Use this money to jump-start your savings plan or splurge on something you've always wanted. Think big.
• Get in touch with old friends for $1
Perhaps your hectic life hasn't let you keep in touch with old friends. If your friends live in faraway countries, buy a one-dollar telephone card. Call them and remind them that you appreciate them and miss them very much. You'll be updated on their whereabouts, and you may even have a place to crash on your next vacation ... again, for only a dollar.
• A personal touch
Words are one of the few things that don't cost much. This, along with a dollar in postage stamps, is all you need to send a friend a personalized thank you or a congratulatory note. Sure, an email or text message will reach them faster, but those don't have the personal touch that a handwritten letter does. In these digital times, receiving a note in the mail is always a welcomed surprise. |
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