Ideas For Frugal Travelers

Ideas For Frugal Travelers Saving for your debt management program does not mean you can not take a vacation. Discover new ways to travel, frugal answers for vacation lodging and how to save money on gas. If you are traveling singly or as a couple, Pod hotels might be the frugal answer for vacation lodging. Rooms are small and you may be sacrificing amenities such as staff and restaurants, private bathrooms or even windows, but your reward might include practical, uniquely styled rooms available for a greatly reduced rate.   Pod hotels are available across America, where rooms at New York City’s new Pod Hotel (www.PodHotel.com) start at $89 per night in a great location, to Europe’s easyHotels (www.EasyHotels.com) which start at $35 per night.   For pod hotel customer reviews and more information, type pod hotels into your Internet search engine and browse the results.Another idea for unique, inexpensive lodgings might be www.AirBnB.com which connects budget travelers with locals who are offering anything from an air mattress in their living room or a private bedroom in a guest house to a whole house or even a yacht!   Tips To Help You Save Gas Money   Automotive website www.AutoMD.com and Ladies Home Journal released their suggestions for a more fuel efficient drive.   Replace/Tighten Your Gas Cap: Fuel evaporates through gas caps with broken or weak seals.   Monitor Tire Pressure: Tires that are not properly inflated have a higher rolling resistance, which reduces efficiency.   Change Your Oil: By using only energy conserving or synthetic motor oil, you can reduce engine friction.   Replace Spark Plugs: Misfiring spark plugs can increase fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.   Replace The Engine Air Filter: Replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy.   Avoid Aggressive Driving: Refraining from quick acceleration and braking should reduce your fuel burn and improve your gas mileage. Keep in mind each five miles per hour (mph) that you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Also, try to avoid excessive idling.   Use Your Air Conditioning Wisely: Air conditioning or open windows (because of the drag) make your vehicle less fuel-efficient. If it’s hot out, you may want to turn off your AC and roll down your windows when driving around the neighborhood or in city traffic, and do exactly the opposite on the highway – driving fast with the windows open can burn more fuel than AC.

Credit Checks and Employment: Are You At Risk?

Credit Checks and Employment: Are You At Risk? A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that six out of 10 private employers conduct credit checks on at least some job applicants.   Using credit history as part of the employment screening process has been controversial. According to www.CreditCards.com, some employers reason that an individual’s credit history could be one measure of judgment and character. Those who oppose the practice argue that there is no proven link between poor credit and job performance. So, what can you do if your credit is less than stellar?Check Your Credit Report   According to the Federal Trade Commission you have a right under federal law to obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide reporting companies. If you are interested in reviewing your report, go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com.   Read The Fine Print   Under federal law, prospective employees must give permission for employers to conduct background checks, including credit checks. Try to read the fine print and be aware of what you are agreeing to before you sign an employment application. You may be signing a consent and disclosure clause that gives the employer permission to check your credit and background information. You can visit the FTC’s website at www.FTC.gov for more details.   Ask The Employer’s Policy   Try not to divulge any details regarding your credit history during a job interview. If you receive an offer for a position pending background check results, you might want to ask what the screening includes.   Speak Up With Confidence   If an employer confirms that a credit check is part of their screening and you are worried about negative activity on your credit report then you might consider discussing your concerns with your potential employer. Try to rehearse a clear, confident explanation and be professional.   More information regarding credit reports and employment background checks can be found at www.FTC.gov.

Congrats Grads! Let Better Spending Lead You To Success

Congrats Grads! Let Better Spending Lead You To Success Whether you’re graduating from high school or finishing post-secondary eduction, the money decisions you make now could set the course for your financial future.   Create A Budget That Works For You   If you are a high school grad heading to college or post-secondary training, responsibly sticking to a simple budget plan could help you save toward your debt settlement program and stay fiscally organized, encourage you to avoid debt and build a solid foundation for a lifetime of good spending habitsA budget does not have to be complicated. All you need is a simple sheet of paper or you could create a spreadsheet in Excel. Consider major spending categories such as school expenses, transportation, food, clothing and entertainment. You might find more budgeting tips and resources at www.FinAid.org or www.JumpStart.org.   If you’re a college graduate who has already experienced the advantages of sticking to a budget, keep up the good work! Consider future financial goals and income. If you have debt to pay down you should also include that in your budget. If you haven’t landed your dream job yet, it may be a good idea to take job search expenses into consideration.   A helpful budget tool might be www.Mint.com, a personal finance management site which can send you text messages regarding bank fees as well as bills that are due. Whether you are a recent grad or not it may be a good idea to monitor your bank statements and bills in case of any discrepancies.   Don’t Get Cornered By Credit   According to Kiplinger magazine, credit card companies are no longer permitted to issue cards to applicants below 21 years of age without an adult co-signer or proof of adequate income. Even if you qualify for a credit card, resisting the temptation to use one will probably save you major financial headaches in the future.   Keep in mind that during the college years your income may be sporadic. You may not have the funds available to pay your bill each month. Recent college graduates should remember that it could take a while in today’s economy to find a job. As an alternative to credit cards during your college years, you might try a debit card or a prepaid card that can help you get into the habit of tracking your spending. Relying as little as possible on credit should be something that lasts throughout your lifetime!   Be Aware Of Costs And Fees   Whether you are leaving high school or a college, you will be facing greater financial responsibilities.   Although debit cards can be a good way to manage money without relying on credit they do have some drawbacks. As with any bank transactions, you should be sure to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals to avoid overdraft fees. In addition, keep in mind that you could be charged a fee for withdrawing from an ATM that’s not part of your bank’s network.   If you are heading to college, try to be aware of any hidden fees or charges incurred through special activities that you participate in so you aren’t faced with surprises you haven’t budgeted for.   Graduates of all ages should remember that paying bills on time will help avoid late fees and lead to building a good credit score.   Guard Against Identity Theft   According to the Federal Trade Commission, young people between the ages of 20-29 are some of the biggest targets among an estimated 10 million victims of identity theft each year. Keeping personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank statements, PIN numbers, passwords and other sensitive data in a safe place could be a good habit to practice.

Can Buying In Bulk Boost Your Savings?

Would buying in bulk be beneficial to your budget? Could it help you save toward your debt settlement program? Warehouse retail chains can be tempting to join but before you hand over your hard-earned cash, consider whether the benefits would be worth the price of membership.   What Should You Buy In Bulk?   The answer to this question is usually different for each individual or household. There are really no rules as to what you should or should not purchase in bulk – that depends on individual or family preferences. Think about what you or your family use on a regular basis. For example, you might save money by buying larger quantities of any non-perishable food items that you use often. Staple foods with a long shelf life might also be wise bulk buys. For example, if you love to bake bread it might make sense to stock up on flour, sugar, etc. Try to consider how much of an item you would really use. You won’t be getting a deal if you purchase an item in bulk that will go to waste because you cannot eat or use it by the expiration date!   Calculate Price Per Unit.   Be aware that bigger doesn’t always mean cheaper! According to www.TheSimpleDollar.com, you should always check the price per unit of an item before purchasing, especially when buying in bulk. Saving money per unit could really add up over time. You can usually find cost per ounce, pound, liter or other unit of measure listed alongside the price. If the unit cost is not listed, Francine Jay, author of ‘Frugillionaire,’ suggests carrying a calculator with you when you shop or use the calculator on your cell phone if your model features one. Just divide the item’s price by the amount in the container to come up with a per-unit cost.   Consider Your Storage Options.   Do you have room to store your bulk items? If you are short on storage space, there may be a solution for you. The writers of www.WiseBread.com suggest utilizing unused space as storage. For example, consider an ‘under bed’ pantry to store bulk toilet paper or other non-perishable toiletries such as cotton balls, shampoo, deodorant, cotton swabs, laundry soap and toothpaste. Items could be organized in under-the-bed storage containers.   Discount stores often sell over-the-door shoe racks or shelving which could also serve as an option for your bulk storage. If you have a little extra closet space, hanging shoe racks with tough fabric pockets might be a good idea for canned items. Wasted corner space? Make your own pantry by stacking bulk items in the corner. Then you could run a rod or cable across the corner and hide your ‘pantry’ with an inexpensive curtain fabric. A folding screen room divider might also work if you have one.

Frugal Retirement Ideas

Good money management is crucial if you want to maintain financial stability and enjoy a fruitful retirement! So, how can you stretch your retirement dollar? Try these tips.   Pay Off Debt!   If you have debt, try to imagine your life and how you would feel if you were debt free. You should be working with your debt settlement company as much as possible in order to make sure your debt gets resolved. Just think of what you can do with all that extra money once your debts have been settled! Make this a goal to work toward. Try to curb overspending and use cash only in order to avoid future debt.

Tax Tips.   You should try to take advantage of any kind of deductions or tax credits available to you at this life stage. Local senior centers and churches may be able to help you complete your tax forms each year. For tax information and advice go to the Internal Revenue Service website at www.IRS.gov and click on the ‘Seniors and Retirees’ tab. You can also call the IRS and speak to a Retirement Plan Administrator at 1-877-829-5500, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.   Cut The Clutter.   Do you feel weighed down by extra furniture, clothes, your children’s and grandchildren’s old toys and other mementos? A garage sale is just one idea that could bring in extra income. If you enjoy using the computer you might also try the Internet at web sites such as eBay.com, Amazon.com or Craigslist.org.   Downsize.   According to Fortune Magazine, living beneath your means is important financial advice that many individuals never consider and it could save you money. This may force you to change a few of your spending habits or a lifestyle you have been used to. Try making a simple budget on a piece of paper. Consider all utilities as well as groceries, rent or mortgage, property taxes and medical and leisure expenses. If you have debts you are paying off, include those payments in your budget. Try to cut out costly extras and focus on what’s most important for your life and well-being.   Keep Working.   If you are close to retirement, consider deferring it. Or, if you’ve already retired, pick up a part-time job, do contract work or consider freelancing for extra income. For example, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, you could work as a handy person on a part-time basis. In addition to stretching your retirement dollars, you might enjoy the interaction with others and other benefits employment and the workplace can bring.   If you don’t want to travel to a work site, you may be able to write freelance articles for magazines or blogs for websites, be a pet sitter or provide child care for neighborhood families.   If you do plan to return to work, AARP suggests making sure you are aware of issues that can arise with pension plans or Social Security. It could be a good idea to contact your pensions department and a tax advisor as well as your regional Social Security office to see if your benefits could change due to work income.

Changes Coming For Bank Overdraft Fees

New guidelines may begin to impact some banking customers in the next several months as overdraft protection regulations go into effect.   Various banks will not be providing ATM and debit card overdraft protection beginning July 1 for new accounts and August 15 for existing accounts. If customers want this service, they will either have to opt in or sign up specifically saying that they want the service.   However, overdrafts which are triggered by checks and direct debit transfers, such as bill payments, should still be automatically covered.

Customers who are consistently responsible with managing their money and keeping accurate records of all checks, withdrawals and transactions, shouldn’t be affected by the new regulations. However, those who often forget to record checks and debit card purchases may consider the new regulations welcome news.   According to the new regulations, if you attempt to make an ATM withdrawal that will put their bank account balance into the negative, the transaction will be denied.   A recent study by Bretton Woods Inc., a management consulting firm serving financial institutions, discovered that $38 billion in overdraft fees were paid by bank and credit union customers in 2009.   These changes should be welcome news to anyone in a debt settlement program. With these new regulations in place customers will not be able to spend money on their debit card if they do not have it in their checking account.

Credit Answers Has Been Listed as a Member of USOBA

The United States Organization of Bankruptcy Alternatives (USOBA) has selected Credit Answers to be a member of their prestigious organization. Exceeding all standards in the debt settlement industry, Credit Answers stands out as one of the best settlement firms in the country.
 
“We take our commitment to our clients very seriously at Credit Answers. It is very humbling to be acknowledged as member of a great association like the United States Organization of Bankruptcy Alternatives. At Credit Answers, we will continue to strive to bring our clients the respect and service they deserve. In today’s world, it is vitally important for consumers to have the ability to choose how to manage their debt. With USOBA recognizing Credit Answers, our clients know that they are getting the best settlement service available from a reliable company,” said Bill Loughborough, CEO & President of Credit Answers.
 
About USOBA
 
USOBA and its members support additional regulation of the debt settlement and negotiation industry. USOBA supports efforts by the States and the Federal Government that ensure strong consumer protections, while preserving the ability of honest, ethical providers to serve consumers in need.
 

USOBA is an independent and neutral association with a vested interest safeguarding American consumers by preserving debt settlement as a viable debt relief option.
 

USOBA is the most established association in the industry with the longest history of legislative action.
 

USOBA promotes consumer protection and fair regulation at the state and federal level.
 

USOBA supplies its members with educational tools to build a strong foundation, and continuously provides industry updates.
 

USOBA is a full service association. Complementary to the bankruptcy alternative industry efforts, USOBA is readily available to answer questions, perform research and provide industry resources.
 

Members of USOBA are consumer protective, compliance oriented and continuously evaluated.
 

USOBA uses various compliance programs and resources to promote best practices, consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
 

USOBA is dedicated to strengthening awareness of the value of debt settlement as a bankruptcy alternative.

USOBA’s Best Practice Standard is enforced by BSI and is a compilation of guidelines relating to consumer protection of finances and personal information, security through proper training and regulation of debt assistance personnel, accurate and honest advertising, and clear verbal and written communications between company representatives and consumers. This accreditation reflects the company’s compliance with meeting the USOBA Best Practice Standards. In addition, several states with debt settlement specific laws have accepted the BSI audit as fulfillment of the state law requiring that a company be audited and certified by a neutral third party.
 
To view more please visit the USOBA website.
 
Credit Answers Policy To Clients
 
The Credit Answers Settlement Services Team is committed to delivering world class customer service. We strive to achieve a true partnership with our clients and serve as their trusted advisor, guiding them through each and every step of the debt settlement process. Our Settlement Services Team is supported by an organization with over 100 years of combined debt settlement experience. Our Settlement Coaches uncover each client’s unique, personal story and provide customized, individual attention. We become our client’s personal advocate in their quest to Live Better Debt Free. Our proven debt settlement program and team of professional negotiators have helped thousands of clients become debt free. Credit Answers partners with our clients so they are never alone in their decision to Live Better Debt Free.
 
Credit Answers realizes the importance of money in peoples lives and also the accompanied strain that debt can cause. To assist its clients, Credit Answers offers financial education with a commitment to specialized personal debt settlement service. Through long-term and established relationships with creditors, Credit Answers represents its clients vigorously. Credit Answers has been selected as one of the leading credit and debt professionals of the Western United States by Goldline Research and is a proud member of The United States Organization of Bankruptcy Alternatives. The firm is located just north of Dallas in Plano, Texas.
 
Credit Answers specializes in debt settlement, credit card debt negotiation and bankruptcy alternatives. Credit Answers works to enable a new and fresh financial start for individuals with debt problems.

DIY Home Tips Can Save You Money

Saving money for a debt settlement program can be stressful. When it comes to home improvement, small, inexpensive changes can make a big difference. Here are a few ideas that might help you spruce up your home.   Curb Appeal   A well-kept lawn and walkway as well as flowers and shrubs give a nice first impression to anyone passing your home. Regular yard maintenance and the care of plants and flowers can be a family activity.   According to This Old House magazine, pretty, purple lavender plants can be an attractive, fragrant and inexpensive choice to beautify any landscape, porch or garden.

Enhance The Look Of Furniture   The addition of colorful pillows or unique fabrics could accent your interior and give your furniture a new look. Pillows aren’t difficult to sew. If you don’t have a sewing machine you can even stitch by hand. Check your local fabric store’s remnant table for inexpensive fabric choices.   Add Some Art   You can pick out some of your favorite photos, print them out in various sizes and display them in inexpensive photo frames which can be purchased at discount stores, donation centers, yard sales and flea markets.   Put Off Buying New.   According to www.hgtv.com, it may be a good idea to consider simple fixes for furniture or household items before purchasing something new.   For example, you could bring life back to leather furniture with a little olive oil. Small tears could be stitched or patched. Kitchen chairs might look new again with a little spray paint and some fabric.   Get A Handle On Things   A unique lighting fixture or other accent might give your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom an entirely new look. If you have a local salvage yard, it could be a treasure trove of unique lighting fixtures and other home décor items available for very low cost.   Paint   Cabinets, shelves and walls can be revived with a fresh coat of paint. Check your local home improvement center to see if they have discounted paint available. A one to five gallon pail that another customer didn’t like after mixing might be exactly what you are looking for.   Get Organized.   Money saving website www.Walletpop.com suggests de-cluttering and getting organized. Small containers or pretty baskets could serve as a decorative place for things.   Flooring   Keep wood floors looking great through regular maintenance and care.   If you have carpeting that is showing its age, you can cover worn spots with inexpensive area rugs.   Make a dirty carpet look nicer by giving it a thorough cleaning.

Staying healthy will save you money

Many Americans aspire to lose weight by following fad diets or buying gimmicks that promise unrealistic results. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that Americans spend $38 billion on weight loss products each year. If you want to lose weight, but not money, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you search for the best way to shed unwanted pounds.   Consult A Physician For Dieting Advice.   Before beginning any diet regimen, seek the guidance of a doctor. Everyone has a different metabolism and health concerns. A medical professional may advise you on the proper way to lose weight and still obtain the nutrients and vitamins that you need.

Avoid Diet Products That Seem Too Good To Be True.   You may have seen commercials on television or magazines that claim you can lose weight while you sleep or lose 30 pounds in a month. However, in-depth studies conducted by the FTC found that 55% of weight-loss ads contain false or unsupported claims. During the past decade, the FTC has filed more than 100 cases against weight loss manufacturers that make deceiving or bogus promises. Realistically, healthy dieting usually involves losing no more than one or two pounds per week as a result of lifestyle changes, exercise, and better food choices. The FTC recommends that you research a diet product thoroughly before wasting any money on gimmicks that simply do not work. If you have purchased a diet product that you feel did not live up to its promises, you may file a claim with the FTC at www.ftc.gov.   Discover Low-Cost Ways To Exercise.   Joining a gym or health club may provide modern exercise equipment. However, before enrolling, make sure you can afford the membership fees and that the facility offers hours that fit into your schedule. You may also consider other less expensive ways to exercise and stay in shape. For example, walk or jog in a park with family members or do floor exercises while playing your favorite music. Check out fitness videos from your local library or look in thrift stores for low-cost workout DVDs. Again, consult a medical professional before starting an exercise routine.   Develop Healthy Habits.   If joining a gym or buying exercise equipment does not fit into your budget or your schedule, consider changing simple aspects of your daily lifestyle. For instance, take the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Also, prepare meals at home and bring your lunch to work instead of dining out. You have the ability to read ingredients and control your portions. Visiting restaurants and fast food joints on a frequent basis can really deplete your food budget.   Find A Support System That Works For You.   Achieving major goals such as losing weight or saving money for a debt settlement program is often easier when you have a support system. According to a study by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), nutritional scientists concluded that dieters who have the help of a support group may experience less stress than those who go at it alone. Therefore, many people pay to join organized support groups. Although these programs may work for some dieters, the fees may be quite hefty and the company may try to persuade you to purchase their brand name pre-packaged food. An alternative could be to organize your own support group among your family and friends.

Fun, Frugal Ideas For Kids

If you’re looking for some fun and inexpensive ways to keep the kids in your life entertained, you might not have to look further than your own backyard! While saving toward your debt settlement negotiation, it is important to save money and change your spending habits.
 
Create Your Own Camp
 
Summer camps or specialized camps can be costly. Would a ‘mini-camp’ organized by you and a few of the neighborhood parents be a viable option? Families involved can take turns hosting a day of ‘mini-camp.’
 
Try thinking of a fun and interesting camp theme that will stimulate the imagination of the children involved and keep kids active and interested. Camp supplies, such as crayons, coloring books, pens, pencils, etc., can be purchased at dollar stores. Children can bring sack lunches while the host family may decide to provide drinks and dessert.
 
Give Back Together
 
Whether you are spending time with one child or several, you can always make a difference together. Could you volunteer together at the local library, helping to shelve books? Perhaps your youngster would benefit from helping those who are ill, lonely or living in a nursing home. You could also donate items to a children’s hospital.
 
Make Each Day A ‘Theme Day’
 
Consider what your child is interested in and think of special activities they would enjoy. You could plan a hike, fill a backpack with drinks and snacks and go on a nature walk. Go to the beach or park. Make the adventure educational by collecting outdoor treasures such as leaves, rocks and flowers and using those items to make a project later. Making a scrapbook together containing pictures and mementos from your adventure may also be a fun idea.
 
Learn A New Skill
 
Do you know how to draw, knit or take great pictures? If so, perhaps the young person with whom you are spending time would also like to learn. Do they have a skill or interest you would like to know more about? Perhaps this could offer possibilities for a fun and interesting conversation.
 
Go To The Library
 
Local libraries don’t just offer access to free books, they also usually offer reading clubs for people of all ages as well as story times for younger children and summer reading programs. Many libraries also have information about free or low-cost community activities.
 
Movies
 
Some cinemas feature special family-only days with discounted tickets. Check with your local theater.