If you’re wondering why you haven’t seen any posts on Frugal Fun and Fortune today, it’s because I’m on “strike” with a slew of many other bloggers and websites.

I’m not one to get political on my blog, but this is an issue that will affect every single last one of us.

The Stop Online Piracy Act is up before Congress.  On the surface, it seems pretty harmless…and actually beneficial in some ways.  When you really dig deep into the language of the bill, though, it is pretty scary and could have catastrophic effects on the Internet as we know it.

Imagine your favorite websites – Twitter, Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook, and more – being shut down as a result of accidental infringement.  Many blogs like this one could be shut down without notice.  Freedom of knowledge, speech, and the ability to make money on the Internet would be gone.  It goes far, far beyond simple censorship.

Take some time today to educate yourself about SOPA.  If you’re like me and get easily confused by legislative language, this is a great article to read that kind of “dumbs it down” for us.  It helps explain why SOPA is extremely dangerous.  Here’s an excerpt:

“This bill turns us all into criminals. If it passes, then you either stop using the Internet, or you simply hope that you never end up in the crosshairs, because if you’re targeted, you will be destroyed by this bill. You don’t have to be a big, mean, nasty criminal — common Internet usage is effectively criminalized under this law. This bill will kill American innovation and development of the Internet, as it will become too risky to do anything of value. It is toxic and dangerous, and should not, under any circumstances, be supported.”

Let your voice be heard.  Tell Congress to vote NO on SOPA and PIPA.  It only takes a few seconds.

You know it’s gotta be a pretty big deal if websites like Wikipedia are completely blacked out today in protest.  (Been wondering why Google has a black box over it?  This answers your question.)

I’ll be back tomorrow with my regular posting.

Tide is offering a high-value $2/1 coupon on their Facebook page right now.  Just head over here, fill out the quick form, and the coupon will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks.

Good “Tide”ings… 

So I’m sure all of us have heard about some of the recent changes that Bank of America will be making.  The one that has outraged many of us is the $5 per month fee to use your debit card.  It’s pretty ridiculous, in my opinion…but I’ve never ever been a big fan of Bank of America.

For a while, there was a rumor that many other banks would start implementing this $5 charge.  Even though some banks have started backpedaling and now say they will not charge a debit card fee, I’m sure they’ll make up for the loss of income somewhere else.  I’m not okay with putting more money into stockholders’ pockets.  I’d like to keep the money I earn.

I recently sat down for lunch with Lauren and Beth from 121 Financial Credit Union here in Jacksonville.  We had a great chat, and they told me all about the advantages of credit unions over banks.  I must say – they have me convinced.  I was very impressed with the services that 121 Financial Credit Union offers.

In general, Credit Unions are not-for-profit financial institutions that are owned and controlled by their members.  They are very individual-focused and care about their members.  They return earnings to their members in higher savings rates, better services, and lower borrowing rates.  In comparison, Banks make loans for a profit and are owned by stockholders whose main interest is to earn a healthy return on their investments.

121 Financial Credit Union takes it a step further in caring about their customers.  They offer all kinds of perks with their free checking accounts.  My favorite is the Benefits Plus program.  With this program, you have access to all kinds of coupon savings, entertainment discounts, and gift cards for less.

I’m about ready to switch to a Credit Union myself, especially after my talk with these ladies from 121 FCU.  With all these great perks, how can you really go wrong?  Are you ready to Unbank Yourself?  You can head over here to see what you need in order to start a free account with 121 Financial Credit Union, or get some of your questions answered on their membership page.

121 Financial Credit Union has many locations in Jacksonville to help serve you better.  Stop by any branch with any questions you may have, or to open an account today!  I may see you there! 

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for 121 Financial Credit Union.  Compensation was in the form of traded advertising.  All opinions are honest and 100% my own.

Even though I am out of town, I wanted to highlight a couple of great back to school deals this week at Walgreens!

Crayola Washable Markers 8ct $2.00, Get $2 RR

Fiskars Scissors $.79 after in ad coupon

Acco paper clips 100 pk 3/$1 after in ad coupon

Composition Books $.59

None of these require manufacturer’s coupons, only some require store coupons.  All of these are what I would consider stock up prices!

What About You: Have you started school shopping yet?

You can get 140 free labels this week from Vistaprint! Shipping will be around $3.00!

Don’t need return address labels? How about making labels for school supplies or books?

What About You: Could you use some new labels?

EverSave is hosting a Staycation Twitter Party tomorrow, July 14th, at 3 pm EST.  Join in on the fun for a special promo code and the chance to win some fun prizes.  You can RSVP for the event here.

Also, you can enter their Summer Staycation Sweepstakes for a chance to win $500.

Have you signed up for EverSave yet?