AP9 Articles

Credit Diagnosis Provides Tips on Spending Less While Traveling

Traveling is a passion for many and a necessity for others, and it's no secret that during this summer season, soaring gas prices will force some avid travelers to stay off the roads. But despite the record gas prices, millions of people will drive or fly to national and international vacation spots, reports Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

These travelers are going away because they booked their trips in advance, because they haven't quite been affected by the slow economy, or simply because of business needs or simple pleasure. The reality is that all travelers need to be wary and spend their money wisely during their time away. According to Credit Diagnosis, financial alertness and security are necessary items to "pack" along for the road.

Whether traveling for business, adventure or pleasure, preparation is the key. Credit Diagnosis offers some valuable ideas to spend less and yet get away to enjoy the summer season:

-- Stay closer to home. Take a few day-trips to nearby towns, and do some research online to find affordable or free activities to do with the whole family.

-- Research online. Surf the web to find discount vacations ideas, both statewide and nationwide. Set a budget, then look for the best deal available. Maybe Hawaii is out of the question, but a weekend away at a beach four hours away is a more achievable dream.

-- Stay with relatives. Sure, staying at a hotel is way more comfortable than staying in Aunt Lily's guest room, but some sacrifices are worth the savings. Spend some time with the hosts, and then explore the area they live in.

-- Find free attractions. Many blogs or traveling sites have lists of free attractions all over the country. These places can be the highlight of this year's family vacation. Some spots to check out include: Central Park, New York; Freedom Trial, Boston; Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, Utah; and the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1, California, among others.

-- Preview the destination. This is a good way to save money on food while traveling. Research restaurants around the area, and check out the prices before arriving. Some experts also recommend bringing vitamins and powdered nutrition drinks to supplement a meager diet.

-- Use credit cards. Especially when overseas, charge expenses to one or two credit cards. Travelers get a better conversion rate than exchanging currency to obtain cash at banks or at the airport.

Try these tips, and incorporate others, either before or during the trip. The fun of any vacation trip isn't based on how much money is spent, but rather on the memories people create, reports Credit Diagnosis.

Credit Diagnosis Says, “Cut Expenses Now, Rejoice Later”

It's no secret that current financial times are hectic, and the word "recession" is popping up more and more. So is the verb "to save." The problem is, offers are tempting, and the flesh is weak — so much so that many people not only don't save money, they end up spending more than they should. Wise spending is a safe way to navigate these uncertain times, says Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

A few pennies here and there will make a big difference down the road. Take the time to make a plan to cut expenses on various fronts. Begin by calculating the amount spent during one month, and put the following tips to work during the following month and track the amount of money saved each time. The resulting amount will certainly be a reason to enjoy the long-awaited gratification. CreditDiagnosis offers some valuable ideas to incorporate on your cutting-expenses plan:

Groceries:

-- Plan a food menu for the week, make a list, and don't go grocery shopping without it.

-- Always use coupons, and take advantage of double-coupon days.

-- Use Sunday flyers to spot offers and sales at different stores.

-- Buy fruits and vegetables in season, and learn new recipes to maximize their use.

-- Grow vegetables and herbs at home.

-- Buy your canned goods and house-cleaning products in bulk.

-- Make your own baby food.

Utilities:

-- Select energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.

-- Use low-flush toilets or other water-saving devices in the tank.

-- Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, and bundle up inside the house on cool days.

-- Hang clothes out to dry. Air-dry the dishes by keeping the dishwasher's door open at night.

-- Eliminate extra cable features and telephone services.

-- Wrap the water heater with insulation, and turn down the temperature.

-- Shop around for affordable cable, telephone and Internet providers.

Clothing and Others:

-- Always use coupons, or buy during end-of-season sales.

-- Buy, trade and sell clothes at consignment shops, especially for kids' clothing.

-- Find ways to repurpose old clothes. Make something new out of something old.

-- Brown-bag your lunch at least three times a week.

-- Go to matinees or to free movie screenings at a local library.

-- Exercise for free. Walk the dog, bike, jog, and dust off the old workout videos.

-- Keep the car properly tuned, and use public transportation whenever possible.

Try these tips and incorporate others you come up with while analyzing your personal situation. Cutting expenses today is a great way to secure a better future if hard financial times hit home, advises AP9 Credit Diagnosis.

Credit DiagnosisSM Says, “Do Your Research”; Credit Card Offers Are Many

Credit Diagnosis, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members tips and insights on what credit card best fits their needs.

Not all credit cards are right for all people, so shopping for them is hardly a “one-size-fits-all” type proposition. That’s why Credit Diagnosis suggests doing some research to narrow down the choices. As the number of credit card offers has ballooned in recent years, so too have the “loopholes” associated with those offers. The expression “read the fine print” applies very directly to the credit card world, and CreditDiagnosis encourages a “show me” attitude when doing research.

So when it comes to finding the best credit card offers, be sure to shop around. For folks who are unsure about where to begin, Credit Diagnosis offers the following tips to help get the hunt off to a good start:

-- Take the lead. As it is with most things in the consumer world, there are definitely credit card companies out there that everybody knows — leading credit card issuers that spend big bucks on marketing, spreading their respective messages. Start with them. Chances are one of the major credit card “players” will offer the right combination of rates, perks and other conditions to match virtually any budget.

-- Bend it like Bernanke. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke might not have a set monetary policy on what credit cards to use, but he might well agree that financial flexibility is key when it comes to choosing a credit card. Choosing a credit card that offers flexible spending, for example, not only allows cardholders to carry a zero balance and avoid hefty finance charges, it can also help avoid revolving debt.

-- Fight fraud. Credit card fraud is an industry unto itself. So in case credit cards are lost or stolen, it’s probably best to go with a card that has built-in fraud protection. And read the fine print. Those “loopholes” we mentioned can be well-hidden amongst the disclaimers.

-- Reap the rewards. A lot of credit card issuers offer rewards programs, giving cardholders opportunities to earn points that can be redeemed for goods and services. Frequent flyer programs yield savings on airfares and other travel-related incidentals that can add up fast. Other rewards-based programs may even offer cash back, just for using the card.

When it comes to choosing a credit card, focus on those cards whose features best support individual and family lifestyle and spending habits, advises Credit Diagnosis.