AICCCA Advises Save Now for Summer Vacation Driving Will Add to Costs
FAIRFAX, VA - March 25, 2008 — Many American consumers affected by the rising price of gasoline are cutting back on unnecessary car trips, entertainment and even trading in larger vehicles for smaller, more gas-efficient models. Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies encourages consumers to begin planning and saving now for summer vacation, especially if it will be a driving vacation.
"Gas prices are expected to reach an average of $3.50 per gallon during the summer driving season," said David Jones, president, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. "Without sufficient savings, increased gas prices could easily blow a summer vacation budget."
AICCCA offers the following tips to save for summer vacation and stay within budget:
Prioritize your trip. Unless your vacation budget is unlimited, you will need to prioritize. For some, accommodations are the most important; for others the destination is most vital. Decide what is central for your enjoyment and allocate funds accordingly.
Begin saving now. After prioritizing your trip you should have a good idea of how much you will need to make your vacation a reality. If you do not have enough saved already, begin saving now in earnest. Cut back on non-essentials and put the savings into your vacation fund.
Consider gas prices. Knowing that gas prices will most likely be higher in the summer than now, build that additional cost into your budget if traveling by car. You might consider traveling closer to home to save on gas expenses.
Borrow wisely. If you must borrow to fully fund your vacation, do so only with a plan in place for how and when you will pay off the trip. Three months or less is a good goal for a time frame to finish paying.
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.
