Budget Travel Tips

Summer is here and during this time of the year many families travel to various destinations for vacations. If you are planning a family excursion, below are some tips and resources that may help reduce your travel costs.
Use gas wisely. According to a survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), rising gas prices are not likely to affect travel plans of American consumers. The results of the survey participants indicates that travelers plan to cut costs on other vacation expenses in order to compensate for higher fuel costs. For example, 38% of respondents would drive to a closer destination or spend less on souvenirs and shopping. Web sites such as www.gasbuddy.com and www.gaspricewatch.com list prices in your local area and are updated by local volunteers. Getting a tune up on your vehicle before your trip may also help you get better gas mileage.
Use the Internet to plan your trip. In recent years, many consumers have taken advantage of the many online travel booking sites. ComScore Networks Inc., a marketing firm that studies online consumer behavior for marketing purposes, reports that 150 million Americans visited these sites in 2005 and revenues from travel sites exceeded $60 billion. These user-friendly sites allow you to enter your departure and arrival dates and allow you to choose from a variety of package deals. It is a great way to compare prices! These popular sites listed below can help you begin your search.
Timing is everything. Summer is usually the busy time of the year for many prominent tourist areas. Therefore, many vendors such as hotels, airlines, and restaurants raise their prices during peak season. When something is in demand, you usually pay top dollar for it. If possible, you may consider scheduling your vacation after Labor Day when the busy season ends. However, most families with school-aged children may not be able to do this since kids usually begin school around that time of the year. Another option may be to plan your hotel or airfare trip during the week and avoid the higher prices of weekend travel. If your schedule is extremely flexible, check out the last minute deals on many of the travel booking sites. Airlines do not want to travel with empty seats and may offer low prices just to fill vacancies.
Monitor your food budget. Food can be a major expense on a family vacation. Experiencing the local cuisine is definitely an exciting aspect of a trip, but dining out for every meal can really become a budget buster. Consider packing some non-perishable items like cereal, snacks, peanut butter, jelly, bread, soda, and juice boxes. If you are staying in a hotel, bring a cooler in which you can store milk and ice. You can create some quick meals instead of always visiting a restaurant.
Make it a family affair. Instead of staying in a hotel, check out the price of a beach house or condo. You may be able to split the costs with other friends or family members by staying in a spacious beach property. This would also help you save on food costs because most condos and houses are equipped with stoves and refrigerators, which would allow you to cook a lot more meals "at home." Check out the site www.beachhouse.com for a wide variety of vacation rentals.
Search for discounts. When planning your trip, be sure to search for coupons or special deals on area attractions, amusement parks, and events. For example, if you plan to visit a Six Flags Theme Park (www.sixflags.com), go to their web site and look for special summer deals. The American Automobile Association (AAA) also offers deals for members. Visit their site at www.aaa.com. Once you arrive at your hotel, pick up flyers and brochures in the lobby that may offer coupons for local attractions.

Online Travel Booking Sites
• www.travelocity.com
• www.expedia.com
• www.orbitz.com
• www.travelzoo.com
• www.hotwire.com
• www.hotels.com
• www.farechase.com
• www.all-hotels.com

Save on Summertime Grocery Shopping

Grocery prices may seem like they are constantly rising, especially with the volatile economy. Food is one aspect of most budgets that usually can be reduced. Summertime is typically a season in which most people may eat less because of the heat. That fact alone may help save money on buying food items. Below are some eating and food tips that may help you save money on your grocery bill during the summer months.
Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is usually more healthier and hydrating than filling up on sodas and sugary drinks. Water is also one of the most economic beverages. Unless you have a problem with the water in your local area, drink tap water instead of individual bottles of water, which can be harmful to the environment and costly to purchase.
Buy produce in season. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy staples of a well-balanced diet. Check your supermarket ads and consider buying produce that is in season.
Plant your own garden. If you have the space and a green thumb, consider planting your own fruits and vegetables. You may be able to save some money by growing your own produce and the taste of homegrown food can be very appetizing. Also, consider freezing and canning items so you can enjoy them throughout the year.

Go vegetarian. WebMD recommends eating vegetarian once per week to increase your consumption of plant foods. By cutting back on expensive meats and seafood, you can save money with more vegetarian meals that you eat.

Make homemade ice pops. Children usually love ice pops and other frozen treats. Consider making your own ice pops with natural fruits and juices instead of buying prepackaged processed frozen snacks. The Tree Hugging Family web site lists a variety of homemade popsicle making ideas. Visit their site at http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/homemade-popsicles-recipes/.

Credit card delinquency on the rise

Reporting agency says 11% increase could be an indication that tax refund checks are being used to cover daily living expenses.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Credit card delinquency rates jumped 11% in the first quarter, possibly indicating that consumers are using tax refunds to pay day-to-day expenses, according to a credit reporting agency report released Monday.
The delinquency rate -- which is the ratio of borrowers 90 days or more delinquent on one or more of their credit cards -- increased to 1.32% in the first quarter of 2009.
That's up 9.1% over the previous quarter, and 11% over the previous year, according to the report from credit reporting agency TransUnion.
The average borrower debt rose 4.09% from the previous year to $5,729, TransUnion said. The agency uses data from 27 million anonymous, individual credit files.
"This increase could be an indication that tax refund checks, typically used to pay down balances in during the first quarter in years past, are now being used to cover daily living expenses," said Ezra Becker, of TransUnion's financial services group, in a written statement.
The economy is losing jobs by the thousands, and mass layoffs and pay cuts have continued the credit crunch. Banks have tightened lending standards because of a heightened default risk, providing less credit to consumers.
State by state: Delinquency rates were highest in Nevada, at 2.44%; Florida, with 1.9%; and Arizona, 1.68%.
Rates were lowest in North Dakota, at 0.73%; South Dakota, at 0.77%; and Alaska, at 0.77%.
Alaska has the highest average bankcard debt, at $7,476, while the lowest is West Virginia with $4,640.
Outlook: TransUnion said it expects the 90-day delinquency rate will continue rising, nearing 1.7% by the end of 2009.
Depending on the effects of stimulus programs and unemployment, the rate's upward climb could hit a peak in late 2010 or early 2011, the report said.
TransUnion expects Nevada will have the highest delinquency rate by the end of 2009, at 2.95%, while Alaska will have the lowest at 0.96%.
But outside influences could have unforeseen effects, the report cautioned.
"The impact the changes to credit card regulations and associated legislation, and the response of card lenders to those changes, will have on consumer behavior and hence delinquency rates is still unknown," the report said.

By Julianne Pepitone, CNNMoney.com contributing writer
Find this article at: http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/08/pf/credit_card_delinquency/index.htm

Job Search Tips

According to a Household Data Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 14.5 million unemployed Americans as of May 2009. If you are one of the people that have unfortunately found yourself without a job due to the economic crisis, below are some tips that you may consider as you search for a new employment.
Make use of the web. Online job search has become very common with the advent of the internet. Check out some of the major job search sites listed in the box to the left. You may also check out a web site for a company that you would like to work for and see if they have posted open positions on their web page. Also, check out web sites for business and trade associations in your field. Web sites for your local newspaper may also have job postings online.
Consider a part-time job or temporary job. A part-time job may be easier to acquire at first than a full-time job. If you are collecting unemployment, some states allow you to still earn a certain amount of wages while collecting benefits. Job sites such as Snag-A-Job (www.snagajob.com) specialize in part-time employment. Summertime and holiday seasons are prime times in which retail stores, restaurants, and amusement parks may need extra employees. This may also be a good idea if you are currently working, but would like to supplement your income. Temporary agencies may also be a good source of income. You may have a wide range of long and short-term assignments. For the most part, the jobs through agencies may be a temporary gig, but could eventually result in full-time employment. Find ways that you can earn extra money by using your skills. For example, you can babysit, watch pets while people are away, perform computer tasks, or clean houses.
Network. Let all of your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you are looking for a job. You may find out about an unadvertised position through word of mouth. Contact your former college’s alumni office or visit their web site to see if they have alumni postings on their site. You can also create a profile on the LinkedIn.com, a business networking web site. You have the option of "linking in" with former business associates or people that work in your industry.
Volunteer. If you are currently unemployed, you may consider volunteering in your community while you search for employment. Offer to donate your specialized services whenever possible. For example, if you work in the advertising or marketing field, help a charity organize a fundraiser event. In addition to dedicating your time to a worthwhile cause, you will also be networking and making important contacts. A business owner that sees you in action may offer you a job at their company or refer you to another colleague in your field.
Continue to educate yourself. If you are currently unemployed, this may be a good time to continue your education. Enrolling in a college or university to obtain an advanced degree is one option. You may also consider inexpensive courses at your local community college to refresh your skills. Instead of a formal class, there are many other ways you can learn new information on a daily basis. For example, you can visit your local bookstore or library for books written about your occupation. Also, you may contact your local unemployment office to see if they offer any free or low-cost training or educational programs. You can find local resources by clicking on your state on the U.S. Department of Labor web site located at http://www.dol.gov/dol/location.htm.

Job Search Sites
• Monster: www.monster.com
• Careerbuilder: www.careerbuilder.com

• America’s Job Bank: www.ajb.org

• Indeed: www.indeed.com

• HotJobs: www.hotjobs.yahoo.com

• USAJOBS: www.usajobs.gov

• Craigslist: www.craigslist.org

• Job of Mine: www.jobofmine.com

• LinkUp: www.linkup.com

• Jobster: www.jobster.com

• Snag A Job: www.snagajob.com

• Groove Job: www.groovejob.com

• Job.com: www.job.com

Save money on your cell phone bill

Cell phones have become a common gadget in most of our lives. According to CTIA – The Wireless Association, there are now more than 262 million wireless subscribers in the United States, which includes 83 percent of the total U.S. population and 3.3 billion active cell phones worldwide. Since there is a good chance that you may have a cell phone, below are some tips that may help you save money on your monthly bill.
Assess your minutes. Track your usage each month to make sure you subscribe to a plan that meets your needs. Check to see if you are using more minutes than your plan allows. If so, you may benefit from subscribing to a plan that offers more minutes instead of incurring overage charges. You may also want to sign up for a service such as www.overmyminutes.com. It is a free service that sends you an alert before you are about to go over your monthly minutes. On the other hand, if you are not using as many minutes as you are paying for, you may be able to save money by switching to a less expensive plan.
Scale down your plan. In addition to your minutes, you may also want to consider if you are paying for extras that you do not use or are not really necessary. For example, you may be able to eliminate extras such as games, ringtone downloads, and web surfing capabilities.
Decide whether to keep your landline. According to the FCC, nearly millions of land lines have been discontinued since 2000. Canceling your home phone may allow you to eliminate a bill each month. Before you decide to cancel your landline, ensure that the decision is right for you. From a debt settlement standpoint, basic home phone service allows you to give collectors a phone number in which they can leave a message. Numerous voice mail messages on your cell phone may use up some of your minutes. Also, a land line gives you an opportunity to make local calls for free. Cell phones usually use minutes whether you call locally or long distance.
Use the same plan as your friends and family. Some carriers allow friends and family members to talk for free if they subscribe to the same service. There may also be a discount if you form family plans. So, it is usually wise if everyone in the household has the same cell phone carrier.
Consider a prepaid phone service. If you use your cell phone sparingly, you may consider a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan, which usually allow customers to buy minutes as they need them and do not involve lengthy contracts. Search for pay as you go plans by visiting www.myrateplan.com.
Be wary of cosigning for a cell phone. Cosigning for a cell phone for someone that may not qualify for one can result in a costly experience. It is wise to think about what can happen before you make that commitment.

Warm weather allows you and your family to complete certain chores and participate in seasonal activities. Throughout your neighborhood, you may see people planting gardens, washing cars, and children playing in backyards. Below are some money-saving tips that may help cool your wallet as the temperature heats up.
Save money on your air conditioner. You may want to prepare your air conditioning unit for hot and humid days. For example, keep all objects away from the air conditioning unit. Make it a habit to routinely remove grass and leaves from vents. These items will block airflow. For more tips, visit the Department of Energy’s web site at www.energy.gov.
Consider inexpensive ways to have family fun. Some families plan vacations during the spring and summer seasons and these excursions can be costly. Just because an elaborate vacation is not in your budget does not mean that you can’t have fun. Discover the many activities that you can enjoy in your local community. Most libraries offer summer reading programs for children and adults. You can also rent movies at the library for free. Call your local zoos, museums, and amusement parks to see if they offer discounted rates on certain days or during specific times of the day.
Spring clean your vehicle. Extreme temperatures may be difficult for your car to handle. Routine maintenance on your vehicle may help its performance and improve gas mileage. For example, have an oil change performed regularly and keep your tires properly inflated. Visit the Car Council’s educational web site at www.carcare.org for more auto maintenance tips. Also, keep in mind that gas prices tend to skyrocket during the warmer months. Web sites such as www.gaspricewatch.com and www.gasbuddy.com track gas prices in your area and are updated by local volunteers. You can also save on gasoline by carpooling. Visit www.erideshare.com to search for local commuters that are going the same way you are or you may post your own listing.
Sell items that you no longer use. During the spring season, some people shed all of their unwanted and unused items. Ebay (www.ebay.com) is the largest online auction site and a good source to sell items that you no longer use. Visit their web site for more details on how to begin selling. You can also try your local Craigslist site (www.craigslist.org) to place an online classified ad for free to people in your area. Also consider placing ads in your local newspaper, host a garage sale, or check with the recreation department in your local community to see if there are any neighborhood flea market days. You may be able to reserve a table.
Save money on home improvements. Many people perform home improvements in the spring and summer months. Although you may have to hire a professional for some complicated projects, you may be able to tackle some tasks yourself. A wealth of informational resources exist to teach you how to do home improvement jobs such as cleaning your gutters, painting, and installing a ceiling fan. Visit your local bookstore or library to find a comprehensive guide on do-it-yourself home improvements.
The Internet and television are also great sources. DIY Network offers an information-packed site located at www.diynet.com. This site features a wide array of do-it-yourself projects, with topics that range from home improvements to decorating. Home Depot also offers free Do-It-Herself Workshops, Weekly Clinics, and Kids Workshops. Visit www.homedepotclinics.com to register at a Home Depot near you.
Freebie Finder
Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder (www.absurdlycool.com) is a site that automatically lists freebies on the web, while filtering out the scams. Common freebies include offers for household products, fast food restaurants, and educational materials.

Credit and Car Buying

Since you are currently enrolled in a debt settlement program, buying a car may seem difficult. However, if your only means of transportation is unreliable and creating costly repair bills, you may make the decision to purchase a different vehicle to save you time and money. Here are some tips that could help you purchase a reliable car at an affordable price.
Make a list of expenses. Establishing a budget will help you determine how much of a car payment you can afford.
Know your credit score. It is good to know exactly what your credit score is before you apply for a car loan. You have the right to receive a free copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. For more information on how to purchase your credit score, visit www.myfico.com. According to Jeff Ostroff, host of the informative web site, www.carbuyingtips.com, "Lenders have greatly tightened requirements after the financial crisis to ensure a buyer’s ability to pay back the loan. It’s more important than ever to make sure your credit report is as clean as it can be."
Choose a vehicle. Before you apply for a loan, have some idea of the type of car that you would like to purchase. Visit sites such as www.Autoweb.com, www.Cars.com, and www.CarsDirect.com to search for vehicles in your area and to research makes and models. You may consider obtaining a vehicle history report at www.carfax.com for any car in which you express an interest. Unlimited reports for 30 days cost $39.99.
Since you are enrolled in a debt settlement program, select a reasonable-priced, modest vehicle. Remember, you are buying a car for reliable transportation and not as a status symbol. In most cases, you want to select a late-model used car as opposed to a new car. You can find many quality pre-owned vehicles for less money. In addition, you avoid the hit on the first year depreciated value of the new car.
Choose a financing option. There may be lenders who will extend credit to you despite your financial trouble. With the rise of the internet, you no longer have to rely solely on the dealer for financing. CarBuyingTips.com strongly recommends the use of online lending services such as www.autocreditfinders.com. This site will put you in contact with lenders who specialize in high risk loans. You may also try applying for a car loan through your credit union.
Be aware of dealer scams. Salesmen realize that individuals with flawed credit reports and tight budgets focus heavily on the amount of the monthly payment. Therefore, they may offer you a car loan in which payments extend for 72 months. Although the payment amount may fit your budget, you will most likely be paying too much for the vehicle. If you decide to sell or trade in the car before you have made all of the payments, you will be "upside down in the car," a phrase used by dealers to mean that you owe more than the car is worth.
Try to obtain a car loan for no longer than 48 months. If the figures are not workable with the car that you choose, select a less expensive vehicle. Oftentimes, some dealers prey on your emotions and make you feel as though you should be grateful that they approved you for any car. They might also tell you that you could not get financed through any other dealer or lending institution. If the dealership
will not budge on the payment or loan terms, consider taking your business elsewhere.
Read all paperwork. Before signing any paperwork, read everything carefully. Oftentimes, dealers add a variety of miscellaneous charges such as VIN# window etching, dealer prep, and a warranty that you never requested. In most cases, these services are not necessary and can be done cheaper on your own.
"The buyers need to be reminded that they are in dire straits, they can barely afford the car, so they should be going there to buy a car only, nothing else," said Ostroff.
Visit Ostroff’s site at www.carbuyingtips.com to read in detail about the top ten car dealer scams. Arming yourself with knowledge will help prevent you from falling victim to car salesman trickery.

Helpful Car buying Web Sites
* Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com): This site provides car buyers and sellers with new and used vehicle information. Visit this site to see how much your car is worth if you are selling, buying, or trading.
* Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm): The auto section of this site gives details and unbiased reviews of new and used vehicles in categories such as safety and value.
* Bankrate.com (www.bankrate.com/calculators/index-of-auto-calculators.aspx): Bankrate offers a long list of helpful online calculators that may assist you with car buying. There are calculators such as the "Car Early Pay Off Calculator" and "Negative Equity Auto Loan Calculator".