Consumer Press Releases

Here you can browse our most recent consumer-focused press releases, search our archives, and find details about our most recent news and announcements.

On May 26, 2010, the agency changed its name to CredAbility. News releases prior to this date refer to the agency’s original name, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta.

Is Bad Information Affecting Your Credit?, Tuesday, April 24, 2012
While credit reports typically provide a complete and accurate look at our credit history and tell a potential creditor how likely we are to repay them, errors on credit reports can cost consumers money.

Putting Your Tax Return to Work, Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Chances are you are going to get a refund when you file your 2011 income tax return. While the opportunity to borrow against your anticipated refund may be tempting, CredAbility cautions against taking a loan against any refund or rebate you expect to receive.

Say “I Do” to a Financially Strong Marriage, Friday, February 17, 2012
Valentine’s Day is the biggest day of the year for proposals, and while all engaged couples dream of marital bliss, money is often the number one topic of conflict in marriage and a leading cause for divorce. CredAbility recommends that as couples mull over which china to select, where to honeymoon or even where to live, they also talk about their current financial situation, future financial goals, and attitudes toward spending and saving.

Job Gains, Improved Credit Boost Consumer Financial Health in 2011’s 4th Quarter, CredAbility Consumer Distress Index Finds, Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The addition of 683,000 new jobs and the best credit picture in more than 15 years helped improve the financial health for the average U.S. household in 2011’s fourth quarter. But a decline in net worth and tight household budgets somewhat offset those gains, leaving the average household in financial distress for the 13th straight quarter.

Improve Your Financial Outlook in 2012, Thursday, January 19, 2012
If improving your financial outlook is on your list of resolutions for 2012, now is a great time to get started. If you want to reduce or eliminate debt, start saving for retirement or simply get a better handle on where your money is going, making a plan is an important first step.

Do I Need A Debt Management Plan?, Thursday, January 12, 2012
For consumers struggling with debt, a Debt Management Plan (DMP) can provide the step-by-step plan to help get them back on sound financial ground.

Five Gifts to Give Yourself in the New Year, Friday, December 30, 2011
The holidays are a wonderful time full of having fun with friends and family and giving gifts to the people we care about. For many consumers, however, the joy of the season will soon be replaced by the stress of paying holiday debt.

Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 2012, Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Another new year is on the horizon and many of us are already thinking about the positive changes we want to make in 2012. Some are planning to eat healthier and improve their physical fitness; others will vow to spend more time with family and friends. Topping the list of resolutions for many consumers will be paying off credit cards and getting out of debt.

Don’t Make These Common Credit Card Mistakes, Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Credit cards are almost a necessity during the holiday season. If you purchase gifts online, book air travel or reserve a rental car, you will need to use a credit card. It is important to remember that the responsible use of credit cards has a significant impact on your credit score and your ability to get favorable rates when securing a loan for a home or automobile.

Consumer Financial Health Sees Biggest Drop Since 2008, Reversing Recent Gains, CredAbility Consumer Distress Index Finds, Thursday, November 17, 2011
A deteriorating housing picture, increased expenses and a drop in consumer confidence led to a sharp decline in consumers’ financial health in 2011’s third quarter, reversing gains made over the past three quarters.

Don’t Let Holiday “Deals” Become Holiday Debt, Monday, November 07, 2011
And while holiday shoppers report planning to spend slightly less than they did last year, the average consumer will still spend $704.18 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise. CredAbility recommends that consumers continue to use caution when shopping this holiday season.

Five Things That Can Set You Back Financially, Wednesday, November 02, 2011
The holidays are just around the corner and, for many consumers, end of year expenses can derail even the best financial plans.

How to Save $500 by the end of 2011, Wednesday, November 02, 2011
With just eight weeks left in 2011, many consumers are already dreading the impact that holiday shopping will have on their already strained budgets. While few of us might be thinking about how we can save money during this most expensive time of year, CredAbility offers tips that can help consumers save up to $500 or more and get a jumpstart on a financially healthier 2012.

Fraud Alerts and Credit Freeze Services, Thursday, October 20, 2011
Whether you are a consumer taking proactive steps to protect yourself from identity theft, or one of the more than 8 million consumers whose life was touched by identity theft last year, understanding your options can be challenging. Fraud alerts, credit freezes, and monitoring and protection services can all play a role in protecting your identity or helping you if you become a target.

My Identity Has Been Stolen – What Should I Do?, Wednesday, October 19, 2011
It could be as simple as an unexplained charge on your credit card statement or a debit from your checking account that you don’t recall making or have a receipt for. Many victims of identity theft don’t recognize small transactions as symptoms of a larger problem.

Don’t Be a Victim-Take Steps to Protect Your Identity, Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tossing a credit card offer, using an ATM machine, or posting a status update on your Facebook page may all seem like ordinary tasks, but to an identity thief, these are opportunities to steal your identity and use it for their own benefit. Identity theft touched the lives of more than eight million consumers last year, with total theft exceeding $37 billion dollars. Identity theft topped the consumer complaint list at the Federal Trade Commission for the 11th consecutive year.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right For You?, Thursday, September 29, 2011
Although applications for reverse mortgages are outpacing projections from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, applications in August 2011 were down 18 percent compared to the prior year.

Raising Financially Responsible Children, Wednesday, September 14, 2011
While most of us will agree that financially responsible children are likely to become financially responsible adults, when it comes to teaching children about money, many parents are not sure where, and when to begin. CredAbility offers tips to help parents get started.

Five Things to Consider While Interest Rates are Low, Monday, August 29, 2011
While the Federal Reserve’s pledge to keep interest rates low for at least the next two years might not quickly restore consumer confidence or prompt spending, it does provide an opportunity for consumers to get more for their money.

As Global Economic Outlook Dims, U.S. Consumers Shoring Up Finances, Wednesday, August 17, 2011
In the second quarter of 2011, the financial picture for U.S. households continued to improve as delinquency rates on mortgages, rental housing and credit card payments continued to drop. Consumers’ ability to make their debt payments on time, and make progress in getting their expenses in line with income, also helped offset an increase in the nation’s unemployment rate during the quarter.

Money Management Tips for the Newly Unemployed, Tuesday, August 09, 2011
While the national unemployment rate for July was slightly lower than the same time last year (9.1 percent vs. 9.5 percent), it is clear that record levels of unemployment continue to take a financial toll on families and individuals who have lost their jobs. Counselors with CredAbility work with consumers who have lost their jobs and help them manage and preserve their credit during these challenging times.

Back to School on a Budget, Tuesday, August 02, 2011
The start of a new school year is just around the corner and school supply aisles at local retailers are stocked with all the back-to-school necessities. Unfortunately, from shoes and clothes to supplies and electronic equipment, getting ready for back to school will cost you more this year.

Six Things Your College Freshman Needs to Know About Money, Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Across the country, families are preparing their college-bound students for what will be an exciting time in their lives. As you pack for dorm life, make sure scholarship and financial aid paperwork is in order, and pick out the perfect laptop—don’t forget to talk with your freshman about money and financial responsibility.

Declare Independence from Credit Card Debt, Tuesday, July 05, 2011
While a recent study from Credit Karma indicates that overall credit card debt has declined over the last year, with average cardholder debt still topping $6,500, paying off balances is an ongoing struggle for many consumers.

Don’t Raise Your Personal Debt Ceiling, Wednesday, June 29, 2011
As Congress debates the merits of raising our country’s debt ceiling, consumers everywhere are struggling with similar decisions, particularly as unemployment rates remain high and meeting monthly financial obligations becomes more challenging. Some have turned to using credit cards, borrowing against their home, or withdrawing from retirement accounts to keep things afloat.

Phillip Baldwin Chosen To Succeed Suzanne Boas as President of CredAbility, Monday, June 06, 2011
The Board of Directors of CredAbility has selected Phillip N. Baldwin to serve as the new president of CredAbility, a national nonprofit credit counseling organization. Baldwin succeeds Suzanne E. Boas, who is retiring after nearly twenty years in the role.

Consumer Distress Begins to Ease as CredAbility Consumer Distress Index Reports Highest Score in 2 ½ Years, Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The financial picture for US households improved in 2011’s first quarter as employment levels rose and consumers continued to better manage their household budgets.

How to Survive on a Limited Budget, Thursday, April 21, 2011
While the nation’s employment picture is improving, many Americans continue to struggle to make ends meet. Millions are still unemployed and others have had their pay reduced or are in new jobs that pay less than their former positions and may not include medical benefits. When paying basic monthly bills is a challenge, it is especially difficult to cover unplanned expenses or save for the future.

Ninth Grade South Florida Student Wins National Financial Literacy Poster Contest, Friday, April 15, 2011
Jordan Lane-Palmer, a 9th grader at the A.W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla., is the national winner of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) annual “Be Money Wi$e” poster contest.

Downtown Atlanta Foreclosure Prevention Workshop, Monday, April 25, 2011
Struggling to pay your mortgage? Know someone who is facing foreclosure and wish you could help? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to equip you with knowledge and go-to resources to help you address these challenges.

Don’t Gamble With Your Retirement, Wednesday, April 06, 2011
While winning the lottery has been a dream come true for a handful of people, most of us will spend far more on lottery tickets than we will ever get in return. If winning the lottery is the foundation of your retirement plan, you might want to consider some other strategies.

April is Financial Literacy Month - Can You Answer These 15 Questions?, Thursday, March 31, 2011
April is Financial Literacy Month—how well do you understand the basics of money management? Take this quiz from CredAbility to see if you are making the best use of your money. The correct answers are the end of the quiz.

Saving on Gas and Groceries, Monday, March 14, 2011
Despite declining incomes and challenging economic times, the cost for food and gasoline continues to rise. As gasoline inches closer to $4 per gallon and the cost of many basic food items has also increased, consumers are looking for ways to save on these expenses. CredAbility offers tips to help consumers save at the pump and in the grocery store.

Tax Time Is Great Time to Get Finances Organized, Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Preparing to file your taxes provides a great opportunity to get your financial life organized. Not only will it help you save time, it can reduce stress, help you stay on track to meet your financial goals and improve your long-term financial outlook.

America Saves Week - February 20-27, Monday, February 21, 2011
As part of America Saves Week, consumers are encouraged to take a look at their current finances and develop strategies for saving to build a financial cushion that will reduce their vulnerability in the event of a crisis.

CredAbility Consumer Distress Index: Economic Recovery Failing to Ease Financial Stress on Average US Households, Wednesday, February 16, 2011
For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, American households scored a 64.3 on the Index’s 100-point scale, down slightly from 64.4 in the third quarter of 2010. For all of 2010, the index showed a small improvement, moving up from a score of 63.9 in 2009’s fourth quarter.

“Saying ‘I Do’” Webinar Teaches Couples How to Prepare for the Financial Side of Marriage, Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sometimes when couples become engaged to be married, they put off discussing their financial needs and goals until after marriage – and often, that can be too late.

Don’t Let Holiday “Deals” Become Holiday Debt, Monday, November 22, 2010
The biggest shopping day of the year is just around the corner and the National Retail Federation estimates that 138 million consumers will be doing holiday shopping this Black Friday. Consumers are looking to get more for their money and will rely more on cash and debit card purchases than credit cards. In fact, the number of consumers planning to use credit cards for holiday shopping this year (27.6 percent) is the lowest since 2002. (Source: National Retail Federation)

CredAbility Consumer Distress Index: Grip of Financial Distress Tightens Again in Third Quarter, Wednesday, November 17, 2010
CredAbility, one of the leading nonprofit credit counseling and education agencies in the United States, today released the CredAbility Consumer Distress Index results for the 2010 third quarter. The Index, a quarterly measure that tracks the financial condition of the average U.S. household, found that the incremental improvements in consumer financial health in the first half of 2010 have been reversed due to weaker household budgets, renewed strains on housing costs and continued high levels of unemployment.

Stretch Your Thanksgiving Budget, Wednesday, November 10, 2010
“With a little creativity and planning, it is possible to have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration without adding to your debt,” said Mechel Glass, director of education for CredAbility, which offers the following tips for a holiday feast on a budget.

Ban on Advance Fees Fights Fraud, Helps Consumers, Thursday, October 07, 2010
Under new rules from the Federal Trade Commission, consumers have enhanced protection from for-profit companies claiming to be able to reduce or eliminate debt. Most notably, companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone can no longer charge consumers a fee before they settle or reduce their debt balance. This rule goes into effect on October 27.

CredAbility To Acquire Consumer Credit Counseling Service Assets of Compass of Carolina, Friday, September 24, 2010
CredAbility, one of the leading nonprofit credit counseling and education agencies in the United States, today announced an agreement to acquire the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) program of Compass of Carolina, a multi-service nonprofit agency based in Greenville, South Carolina. All other services of Compass of Carolina will remain with Compass.

New CARD Act Provisions Provide Additional Protections for Consumers, Thursday, August 19, 2010
Designed to protect consumers and promote sound credit management, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) has helped ensure that responsible consumers would not fall victim to sometimes costly practices by credit card companies. Many provisions of the act went into effect earlier this year; another round of consumer protections is expected to be released on August 22.

Back To School On A Budget, Tuesday, August 03, 2010
The start of a new school year is just around the corner and school supply aisles at local retailers are stocked with all the back-to-school necessities, from shoes and clothes to supplies and electronic equipment will cost you more this year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families will spend $606.40 on back to school purchases, compared to $548.72 last year.

Eight Tips to Help Homeowners Get Their Loan Modification Application Reviewed by Mortgage Company, Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Many homeowners seeking a loan modification to lower their monthly mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure continue to find the application process a complex web, often causing them to give up before their application is ever reviewed by their mortgage company.

Yard Sales Can Help Bridge the Financial Gap, Wednesday, June 16, 2010
For families that could use a little extra money to help cover expenses this summer, a yard sale may be just the ticket to getting rid of no longer used or needed items and bringing in some quick cash.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta Has New Name: CredAbility, Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta has changed its name to CredAbility. The new brand, effective today, provides a distinct, new identity and better reflects the organization’s national presence and leadership in consumer credit counseling and education. The organization has also adopted a new logo and launched an enhanced Web site, www.CredAbility.org, which makes it easier for people in financial distress to find and use the agency’s services.

New Index Finds U.S. Consumer Remains in Financial Distress Despite Pullback in Household Spending, Wednesday, May 26, 2010
While the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery, the average U.S. consumer remains in financial distress – despite a significant pullback in household spending. These conclusions are among several key findings of the CredAbility Consumer Distress Index, a new quarterly measure that tracks shifts in the financial condition of the average American household.

FREE Credit Reports Tips for Consumers, Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A credit score is a vital component of overall credit health, and consumers should be proactive in learning what is in their credit report and how it may affect their score and their ability to secure credit. CCCS of Greater Atlanta offers information to avoid misleading offers and get a free credit report.

Looking to Earn Extra Money?, Friday, March 05, 2010
There is growing evidence that many unemployed people are becoming resourceful to earn income when opportunities are few in their chosen profession. Clients of CCCS of Greater Atlanta recently shared their second job stories with the agency.

Saving Green at the Grocery Store, Friday, March 05, 2010
CCCS suggests that consumers track their current spending habits as a way to find opportunities to reduce spending.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, Monday, February 22, 2010
On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Credit CARD Act of 2009. The federal law, which took effect on February 22, 2010, aims to strengthen consumer protection in the credit card market, and establish fair and transparent practices relating to consumer credit plans.

Getting Financially Organized at Tax Time, Thursday, February 11, 2010
Preparing to file your taxes provides a great opportunity to get your financial life organized. Not only will it help you save time, it can reduce stress, help you stay on track to meet your financial goals and improve your long-term financial outlook.

CCCS to Offer Free Reverse Mortgage Counseling, Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Beginning immediately, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta will offer free reverse mortgage counseling sessions nationwide. A reverse mortgage (also called a home equity conversion mortgage, or HECM) is a loan that allows a homeowner to convert the equity in their home into tax-free income without having to sell the home, give up the title or take on a new or additional monthly payment.

Common Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid, Thursday, January 07, 2010
Credit cards are almost a necessity these days, but it is important to remember that the responsible use of credit cards has a significant impact on your credit score and your ability to get favorable rates when securing a loan for a home or automobile. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta shares five common credit card mistakes consumers make.

Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 2010, Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Another new year is on the horizon and many of us are already thinking about the positive changes we want to make in our lives in 2010. Topping the list of resolutions for many consumers will be paying off credit cards and getting out of debt.

Debt Weary Consumers Face January Blues, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The momentum from holiday shopping and cheer turns to panic and fear for those who piled holiday charges onto an already-heavy debt load.

Stress and Debt-free Holiday Shopping Tips, Monday, December 21, 2009
CCCS offers tips to help consumers pick the right gift for the special people on their lists.

CCCS Credit Score Challenge, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta is seeking 25 people in metro Atlanta to participate in the CCCS Credit Score Challenge.

Don't Take a Payment Holiday from Your Mortgage, Thursday, December 03, 2009
Homeowners seeking to take a "payment holiday" from their mortgage need to consider other alternatives to make certain they do not become delinquent on their most important asset - their home. Here are a few potential options to consider.

Do Not Let Your Financial Future Go Up in Smoke, Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The impact of smoking on your health is well documented. But counselors at Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta know that it can also wreak havoc on a person's financial health. Whether it's helping people struggling with credit card debt or trying to avoid foreclosure, counselors find that tobacco use adds a significant amount to monthly household expenditures and they advise consumers to reduce or quite smoking to save money.

Overcoming Fear to avoid Foreclosure, Wednesday, September 30, 2009
ATLANTA, GA. - Foreclosure numbers continue to rise and many homeowners are at an increased risk of losing their home. While foreclosure can be prevented, many homeowners remain confused or afraid to confront their mortgage problems and take action to help save their home.

Money Management Tips for the Newly Unemployed, Thursday, August 13, 2009
Snowballing, Increasing Credit Limits among tips from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta

Know These Facts about Reverse Mortgages, Thursday, August 13, 2009
As reverse mortgages become more popular, seniors need to understand how these loans work. Counselors for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta, one of the nation's largest nonprofit reverse mortgage counseling agencies, say homeowners often have misconceptions about major features of these loans.

Back to School Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank, Thursday, July 23, 2009
Back to school shopping is underway, and getting all the back-to-school necessities, from shoes and clothes to supplies and electronic equipment isn't cheap. According to the National Retail Federation, families will spend $548.72 on back to school purchases, a decline of 7.7 percent over the $597.74 last year

Declare Independence from Credit Card Debt, Tuesday, June 30, 2009
As our nation prepares to celebrate its freedom and independence, consumers are struggling more than ever to declare their own independence--from credit card debt

Reducing expenses to help Afford a Loan Modification, Thursday, June 18, 2009
With the help of certified housing counselors, many homeowners are reducing their living expenses and applying those savings to their monthly mortgage payments. Others are seeking a mortgage loan modification, which can be a lifeline for any homeowner faced with foreclosure.

Yard Sales Bridging the Financial Gap?, Thursday, June 11, 2009
Challenging economic times and record unemployment rates have most families working to reduce expenses and stretch their income. For many, yard sales offer an opportunity to save money or to earn extra money to help bridge the gap.

What Every Graduating Senior Needs to Know About Money, Wednesday, May 13, 2009
"Young adults and college students are among the fastest growing segment of consumers who file for bankruptcy in the United States," said Mechel Glass, director of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta. "It isn't typically a single event that leads to financial crisis, but a lack of basic money management skills--skills they won't likely learn in school." Parents need to take the lead in providing them with the information and hands-on practice that will lead to sound financial management down the road.

Know the Score: CCCS of Greater Atlanta Offers Tips for Understanding, Improving Credit Scores, Thursday, April 16, 2009
"A credit score is a vital component of overall credit health," said Suzanne Boas, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Atlanta (CCCS). "Lenders use credit scores to assess the care that consumers take with their credit and to determine the likelihood that they will repay money borrowed."

To Shred or Not to Shred, Thursday, April 09, 2009
Tips for Managing Record Keeping and Organizing Finances

Do I Need a Debt Management Plan?, Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta helps consumers with serious debt problems

Get Back to Basics this Holiday Season, Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tips from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta help Consumers Avoid Holiday Debt

Money Management Tips for the newly Unemployed, Friday, November 07, 2008
Failure to Maintain Good Credit Can Hurt Chances of Finding New Job

Surviving the Economic Storm, Friday, October 10, 2008
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta offers tips to help consumers weather the financial storm and survive the turbulent economic times ahead.

Reverse Mortgages: Understanding the Basics, Thursday, September 11, 2008
“Reverse mortgages can provide needed additional funds for senior citizens on fixed incomes,” said Sue Hunt, housing counseling manager for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta (CCCS). “But they aren’t for everyone.

Holiday Shopping in August?, Thursday, August 21, 2008
"The joy of the season fades when the bills roll in," said Mechel Glass, director of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta. “Advance planning can help consumers enjoy the holidays without dreading the debt that can come with it.”

Avoiding Loan Modifications Scams, Friday, August 01, 2008
"For homeowners struggling to make monthly mortgage payments, the opportunity to renegotiate the terms of their current loan may help them keep their homes," said Michelle Jones, senior vice president of counseling for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta. "Unfortunately, there are businesses that will take advantage of consumers' fears. Homeowners need to know that help is available from many HUD-approved nonprofit counseling agencies and they need to investigate any company that requires a payment for these services."

Looking to Earn Extra Money, Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Katie Kozub of Cleveland, Ohio, earns extra income by bartending two nights a week. The flexibility allows her to spend time with family and she is able to pick the nights she works. Working parties and special events earn Katie more money. “The time goes by fast, you meet nice people, and it is a great way to earn extra money,” said Kozub.

Budgeting for your children, Friday, July 25, 2008
A child starting kindergarten who saves just $5 a week in an account earning 3 percent will have more than $3,700 in his savings account when he graduates from high school. As you prepare your children to head back to school this year, take charge of their financial education by teaching them basic lessons about money.

Saying I Do, Monday, June 30, 2008
The wedding season is upon us and while all engaged couples dream of marital bliss, money is often the number one topic of conflict in marriage and a leading cause for divorce. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta, Inc. suggests that as couples mull over which fine china to select, where to honeymoon or even where to live, they also talk about their current financial situation, future financial goals, and attitudes toward spending and saving.

Foreclosure Fears Keep Consumers Seeking Help., Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Foreclosures are at record numbers, and many people lose their homes because they seek help too late or, in some cases, don’t seek help at all.

Make Financial Preparation part of Hurricane plan, Friday, May 23, 2008
Hurricane Season starts June 1, and while Florida was spared from a major storm the last two years, many Floridians have already begun preparing for what could be a very active 2008 season. You may have already stocked up on batteries and bottled water, tested the generator, and planned an evacuation route, but have you thought about how you will manage financially should a storm come our way?

Summer Vacation Savings, Thursday, May 22, 2008
Another school year is coming to an end and families are busy making plans for summer camps and for the annual family vacation. According to the American Automobile Association, a family of four spent an average of $269 per day on food and lodging in 2007. That cost doesn’t factor in the cost of travel, visits to theme parks and other attractions, or boarding the family dog.