There’s a lot of talk these days about the economy, recovery plans and economic stimuli. Politicians and others like to throw around promises that they may or may not be able to keep. When it really comes down to it, there’s still no such thing as a free lunch – and even if there were, it rarely comes when you’re desperately hungry.

So if you are really looking for stimulus in today’s sour economy, there’s only one place to look: yourself. Finding creative ways to save can help you put away a bit of extra cash to prepare for rainy – or rainier – days ahead.

Here are a few tips for stashing away an little economic stimulus of your own:

1. Cut back on impulse spending – How much do you spend on coffee on your way to work? Try brewing a cup or two at home before your leave and keep the $4.13 per cup in your pocket.

2. Alternative energy – How much gas do you use running to the store or to pick up dry cleaning? Why not try walking or riding your bike to take care of simple errands – not only will you save some easy cash, you may get a nice workout in the process.

3. Brown bag it for lunch – Looking for an easy way to save $20 or $30 a week? Stop dropping cash on eating lunch out every day. Making a lunch at home and bringing it to work not only saves you money, but is often a healthier alternative to boot.

Take advantage of these sure-fire saving techniques and create a small economic stimulus of your own! For more information on how to save cash or access emergency money need options, visit CashNetUSA.com.

That dreaded time of year is finally here – welcome to tax season 2009. However, for many Americans, tax season can bring a sense of relief if you’re expecting a hefty refund to help you through the next few months.

The anticipation for a tax refund may be even greater this year due to the sour economy, credit crunch and increased unemployment rate. But if you’re relying on that refund money, you may have to wait weeks or months until you actually see the cash.

Why wait so long for the money you need now? Bridge the gap between filing your taxes and seeing the refund check with an online cash advance from CashNetUSA. Not only does it take less time to apply than it does to do your taxes (as quickly as five minutes online), but you’ll see your money a heck of a lot faster. Apply by 9pm and get your money as quickly as the next business day – now that’s fast!

So if you’re looking for a fast alternative to a slow tax refund, look no further. Apply today for a fast, private and convenient cash advance from CashNetUSA and get your money, when you need it most.

All these numbers add up to some alarming trends. Bretton Woods, Inc., a bank strategy firm, used these numbers to draw some generalities about overdraft fees and the effect they had on consumers. According to their report, the average American household accrues more than 12 overdraft transactions annually, resulting in $368 in fees on average.

The result of these fees is a $37 billion annual industry for U.S. banks and credit unions. An amount, says the firm, which is causing these institutions to become ever reliant on overdraft fees as sources of revenue. “We see no reason for this trend to change,” said report author G. Michael Flores. “Bounced check fees and overdraft protection will have a larger and larger financial impact on households.”

And, ultimately, it is the young, low-income and underbanked that are the ones that will reap these consequences.

To read the FDIC report in full, click here, or for the Bretton Woods report, please click here.

Click here for a short comparison between banking fees and other short-term loan options, such as online cash advance services, presented by the CFSA.