Who doesn’t like money? It doesn’t mean you’re greedy, and money certainly isn’t everything. But while those greenbacks and bucks might not buy you love and may be the root of all evil, money is necessary for basic survival. After all, how many of us would go to work each day if we weren’t paid?

Just for kicks, here’s a roster of little-known “fun facts” about money.

These are just a few from Supermoney.com’s “20 Weird Facts About Money Most of Us Don’t Know”.

  • A penny costs 2.4 cents to manufacture.
  • More than two million Americans live on less than $2.00 a day.
  • 94% of bills are contaminated with bacteria.
  • It takes about 8,000 folds before a bill will tear from use.
  • There’s more Monopoly money printed every year than actual cash.
  • Rats ate $10 billion of Pablo Escobar’s loose change.
  • The largest denomination of U.S. currency was the $100,000 bill.
  • If you have $10 in your pocket, and no debts, you are wealthier than 25% of Americans.

Also, be sure to check out Reader’s Digest’s 16 mind-blowing facts about money at rd.com/culture/money-facts. Find out how to microwave those bills so vending machines won’t reject them!

Ever wonder how credit scores came about? Nerdwallet.com explains the origin of those mysterious scores, all the way back to the 1950s.

Did you know that it was the auto industry that advanced the use of credit? Just imagine, early car loans required 35% down! For other strange facts and a timeline on auto lending history, visit lendedu.com.

The first federal student loan was provided under the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Learn more about student loan history at newamerica.org.

Another interesting fact: Alphonse Desjardins formed the very first credit union in the United States in New Hampshire in 1909. Mycreditunion.gov offers up some interesting information explaining the origin of credit unions dating back to Southern Germany’s 19th century.

Lastly, according to nationaldebtrelief.com, cattle is the oldest form of currency. Their use as money dates back to 9000 B.C. Holy cow!

Whether you love to make money, save money, spend money, or invest your money, it’s a fact… money DOES matter. And we’re here to help. Call a VacationLand Federal Credit Union specialist at 1-800-691-9229 today. A brighter financial future is just a phone call away.