More than half of the credit or consumer reporting complaints sent to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last year were from errors on credit reports.
Boston, MA – June 26, 2012
For consumers who thought a summer vacation was financially out of reach this year, American Consumer Credit Counseling announces five budgeting tips that can ease the financial burden of any vacation.
“In today’s stressful economic climate it’s important for consumers to incorporate fun activities into their summer plans, but doing so does not have to mean breaking the bank and veering off course from a budget,” said Steve Trumble, President of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “By following these five money saving ideas consumers can enjoy a guilt-free summer vacation.”
Think outside the (Hotel) box
When choosing your vacation lodgings, take into account the variety of options available besides expensive hotels. Camping is not only affordable, but a clever way to un-plug from your busy routine and get your children away from the television screen and outdoors. If camping is not for you, consider a quaint bed and breakfast where you can enjoy a sit-down breakfast with your family. Save on your lodgings by embracing a simpler (much less expensive) lifestyle.
Pack a Picnic
To save big, plan ahead by packing lunches, snacks, and drinks. Instead of filling your cooler full of ice that will melt, freeze water bottles to cool your food down. When they melt, hand them to your kids for drinks. With a picnic lunch, you can avoid inflated amusement park prices and allot more money to other vacation activities. If you are staying in a hotel, make sure to ask if you can have a room with a kitchen so that you can cook on your own. If you can save on smaller meals, like breakfast and lunch, you may budget enough to eat out a few times, as a treat, while vacationing.
Off-Season, On-Savings
If you can take off weekdays from work, plan to travel Monday through Thursday so that you beat the crowds and weekend prices. Consider winter destinations, like Aruba or the Bahamas, as you will enjoy their off-season prices during the summer.
Stay on the Ground
Instead of flying (and getting tricked into baggage costs), take advantage of falling gas prices by setting out on a car adventure. Get your kids involved by using Google Maps to plot your destinations along the way. Bring fun trivia and car games to transform what could be a boring car trip into an exciting adventure.
Find the Free in Freedom
Do your research ahead of time to find out about special offers. Since it is summer and the economy is slow, many businesses and towns are offering special ‘free’ events and incredible deals. If you find a free concert a few states away, make it the excuse for your car adventure. While on your trip, pass up the overpriced souvenirs by guaranteeing your child lifelong memories through your digital camera. When your trip is over, compile your pictures into a colorful scrap book, a memento of how much fun a budget can be.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization, that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling. call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- For more information on financial education workshops in New England, call 800-769-3571 x708
- Or visit us online at ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial health through education, counseling, and debt management. ACCC provides individuals with practical solutions for solving financial problems and recognizes that consumers’ financial difficulties are often not the result of poor spending habits, but more frequently from extenuating circumstances beyond their control. As one of the nation’s leading providers of financial education and credit counseling services, ACCC works with consumers to help them with the best plan of action to reduce their debt and regain financial stability. ACCC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. It is also a member of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. For more information or to access free financial education resources log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit TalkingCentsBlog.com.
