Fairfax, VA - March 30, 2007 — Vacation could be just another expense added to already overwhelmed consumer credit card balances. Or consumers could plan for vacation, save money throughout the year and spend only what they have saved.
"We challenge consumers to save for their vacations rather than spend money they have not yet earned," said David Jones, president, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. "Taking a vacation that will be paid for when you return home is an added bonus along with getting away from your normal routine."
To help consumers meet the AICCCA Save for Vacation Challenge, AICCCA offers the following tips:
Start now and save as much as you can before your scheduled departure. If you don't believe you can save enough before your planned vacation, don't go. Save money throughout the year and go on an even better vacation next year.
Open a special saving account and have money taken directly from your paycheck. In addition, take a look at your monthly expenses and determine if you can cut back somewhere. Convince the kids that if they skip pizza night, they will have a better time on vacation.
Check for loose change around the house. You might be surprised to learn how much change you and the rest of your family may have stashed away at home. Have everyone contribute what change they have and save any future change for vacation.
Sell something you don't need. Have a garage sale or sell the boat that you haven't used in years.
Founded in 1993, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services. AICCCA and its members are focused on improved creditor relations, efficient processes and advanced technology to best serve clients and creditors. AICCCA members are independent nonprofit agencies that advocate for debtors, counsel millions of consumers annually nationwide and provide debt management services to consumers with excessive unsecured debt. For more information or to contact an AICCCA member office call 866-703-TRUSTAICCCA (866-703-8787) or visit www.aiccca.org.
