The first strategy for a consumer struggling to manage his or her debt is to reduce expenses and improve spending habits. This is especially difficult in the summer months as gas prices soar, families take vacations, and air conditioners are running up electric bills.

“Consumers must budget for those added expenses the summer can bring,” says CareOne Credit Counseling Services Spokesperson Clarky Davis. “It’s tempting to splurge on extras like summer travel, but, if you are in debt, taking a trip can put you in a bigger financial hole. Instead, reschedule your vacation for when your finances are not so shaky. Reexamine your budget to account for necessary expenses - gas to get to and from work and energy to keep you cool. Don’t forget to take advantage of seasonal food items that are found at your local farmers’ market for a low cost.”

Providers of CareOne Credit Counseling Services offer the following tips and advice for consumers wanting to save on summer expenses:

1. Gas prices affect not only long distance driving trips and vacations, but also flight costs. Take vacations closer to home if possible. Some common, local vacation spots may include amusement parks, national parks, camping grounds, ocean or lake beaches, or historical sites. Also, consider day trip ideas such as museums or the theatre, for relaxing, air-conditioned entertainment.

2. The high cost of fuel in the summer also affects day-to-day driving. To save even more money, try to consolidate errands into fewer trips when possible (such as buying groceries directly before or after picking up the kids from a play date). Carpooling is another option to save money on fuel. Run errands with a friend or neighbor so that you both can take advantage of the savings.

3. An air conditioner can run up an electric bill quickly. Minimize these expenses by setting the thermostat to around 78 degrees during the summer, and don’t turn it on during the season until absolutely necessary. Leave it turned off whenever possible and, instead, open a window if there is a breeze outside. Avoid heating up household items too quickly again by keeping shades drawn and closing off areas of the home that do not need to be cooled (such as closets, bathrooms, and spare bedrooms). Finally, if you are using a window A/C unit, ensure there are no gaps allowing warm air in through the window.

4. Grocery bills can increase during the summer for families with children who are temporarily back home. Plan meals ahead of time to take advantage of store sales and coupons and supplement the weekly meal schedule with leftover ideas to stretch groceries further.

5. Even cooking regular meals can rack up summer costs. On top of the typical gas or electric costs of operating a stove and oven, the added heat can force consumers to leave air conditioners or fans running longer than necessary. Instead, use the microwave, plan cold meal options (such as sandwiches or salads), or cook outdoors on a grill.

6. Many consumers like to eat outdoors during the summer months. If eating outside frequently (such as for picnics) is commonplace, invest in inexpensive dishes and utensils that can be used outside rather than repeatedly purchasing disposable materials year after year.

7. Hang clothes outside to dry. This not only saves money on utilities but also decreases the amount of extra heat being released into the home, again cutting down on the dependency on an air conditioner.

8. Don’t run up utility bills by over-watering the lawn. For those who insist on having a lush green lawn at all times, water it early in the morning or later in the evening. Mid-day watering costs you more as the more direct sun evaporates more water than earlier or later in the day, meaning it takes more water to get the same effect.

About CareOne Credit Counseling Services:
CareOne Credit Counseling Services is a service mark of 3C Incorporated, and its providers are industry leaders committed to providing consumers with education and debt management services related to improving and maintaining their financial health. CareOne Agencies have helped over 4.5 million people pay down debts through their solid relationships with over 220,000 creditors.

For more information about CareOne Credit Counseling Services, please visit www.CareOneCredit.com, or contact Clarky Davis at (410) 925-9769.

While credit cards are sometimes portrayed as a necessary evil, they also provide a lot of benefits. The key is to know how to use them to your advantage and not to get caught up in the traps that lurk behind the benefits.

Play the Float
Banks and insurance companies play the float all the time, investing the money you pay for premiums or park in a savings account at 0% interest. You can do that by playing the float yourself, and a credit card is the perfect way to do it. Charge a high-ticket item on your credit card and pay it in full when the bill is due. Time it right and you could get nearly two month’s interest free. Find out when your credit card issuer’s billing cycle closes (call customer service or check your previous statements) and then make your purchase right after that date. The charge won’t appear until next month’s bill, and depending upon the length of the grace period, you might luck out with a good healthy float. Note that this strategy does not typically work if you are carrying a balance on your credit card.

Rack Up Rewards
If you want travel rewards, free movie passes, or even cold hard cash, just pull out the plastic. There are rewards to suit just about every interest. The challenge is picking one! If you carry a balance, understand that the interest rate may be higher than what you can get elsewhere. And watch out for strings attached to the rewards, such as minimum purchase requirements, blackout dates for travel, or caps on the amount you can earn. Once you’ve found a card you like, you may find yourself using it for all your purchases. That can be rewarding - and addictive -so make sure you don’t overspend just to earn rewards.

Shop Safely
Credit card purchases are backed with the protection of consumer law. To dispute a billing error on your credit card, you must follow the rules, though. Picking up the phone to complain is not enough! Here’s what to do:

* Write to the credit card issuer at the address for “billing inquiries,” not the address for sending your payments (the address for billing inquiries is often found on the back of your most recent monthly statement); include your name, address, account number, and a description of the billing error.

* Send your letter so that it reaches the credit card issuer within 60 days after the first bill containing the error was mailed to you.

* Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you have proof of what the credit card issuer received. Include copies (not originals) of sales slips or other documents that support your position. Keep a copy of your dispute letter. One warning: billing error protections don’t offer help in the case of buyer’s remorse.

Build Your Empire
Plastic is usually a lot easier to get than a bank loan, especially for a start-up venture. But that easy credit has its downside. With a large line of credit on your Visa or MasterCard, you may be tempted to spend money on things not essential to your business. If finances charges rack up faster than revenues, you’ll soon be in trouble. The better strategy is to start your business on the cheap, and use credit cards only as needed. When you do use plastic, choose a business credit card reported in the name of your business rather than on your personal credit. You’ll protect your credit rating from the additional debt and you will be setting up your venture as a serious entity rather than a side hobby.

Save at the Car Rental Counter
Your US$10 a day car rental can easily mushroom into US$30 a day if you buy the “protection” coverage the rental car company will try to sell you at the counter. The “Collision Damage Waiver” is technically not insurance, but it works like insurance in that it covers you if the vehicle you rent is damaged. The good news is that between your own car rental coverage and a CDW waiver benefit on your credit card, you may be able to turn down that pricey policy. You must use the card that offers the coverage when you rent the car, so make sure you carry that card with you when you travel.