Credit Canada

ANNOUNCER-READ  - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS 
 
RADIO PSA (:15) 

For a worry-free summer vacation, start saving today! For more tips on planning a vacation within your budget, call (Credit Counselling Service of Metropolitan Toronto), a non-profit organization offering confidential budget and credit counselling. Call CCS of MT - (416) 593-7434. 

RADIO PSA (:30) 

Dreaming about vacation destinations? CCS of MT offers these tips for using credit cards on your summer vacation. While a credit card can reduce the amount of cash you have to carry and ease hotel and car rental reservations, remember to spend within your budget. Plan to pay off your vacation expenses before the summer is over. For tips on vacationing on a budget, call Credit Counselling Service of Metropolitan Toronto, a non-profit organization that offers confidential budget and credit counselling. Call CCS of MT - (416) 593-7434 for more information. 

Don't get hit with unmanageable bills when you return from your summer vacation. Credit Counselling Service of Metropolitan Toronto offers these tips for a vacation free from financial worries. First, figure out what you can afford and plan to spend within that budget. Research vacation options by visiting the library or calling for free vacation planning guides. And be creative to save money. Consider a weekend getaway or a free event close to home. Or, reduce expenses by vacationing with another family. Remember to shop for competitive prices and always ask for the lowest rates. Travelling at off- peak times or giving up scenic views can result in substantial savings. For help with vacationing on a budget, call CCS of MT at (416) 593-7434. 

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Toronto, Ontario - June 5, 1997 - Students aren't the only ones who look forward to summer all year long. If the thought of a tropical getaway, adventure, or a historical attraction is what you're dreaming about, it must be that summer is fast approaching. 

For consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet, paying for a vacation may seem like the impossible dream. However, with careful planning most consumers will be able to afford some type of get-away vacation, according to the Credit Counselling Service of Metropolitan Toronto. 

"Too often people return from an enjoyable vacation to find unmanageable bills awaiting their return," says Laurie Campbell, Program Manager. "Instead of charging everything for a vacation, we recommend that people budget and save in advance. Using this method, they'll know exactly how much money they can spend and will be able to enjoy their vacation free from financial worries." 

Tips for Vacations on a Budget: 

Step #1: Plan in Advance 

Figure out your budget. As soon as possible, sit down and look at your budget. If you don't have one, create one by tracking your income and expenses. The budget helps you to know how much money you have available for travel. 

Research vacation offers. Visit the library and check out travel guides. Or do some research through the Internet. One site for travel in Ontario is http://www.attractions.on.ca or call 1-800-Ontario. Most travel agencies and local chambers of commerce offer free vacation planning guides. 

Step #2: Consider the Options 

Set priorities. For some people, staying on the beach is very important; others don't mind a short walk or ride. Decide what aspects of the vacation are really important to your family, and pay extra for them. Cut corners on items of lesser priority. 

Be creative. Consider vacationing with another family. Sharing facilities saves money on lodging, travel and food preparation. Or, plan a day trip or weekend getaway. Short trips can be more economical than the traditional week-long vacation. Check out campgrounds, provincial parks and fun activities nearby. For free activities in and around Toronto this year call (416)203-2500. 

Shop around. Airline and hotel rates vary dramatically. Be sure to ask for the lowest rate. If you travel at off-peak times or stay in a room without a scenic view, you can see substantial savings. 

Step #3: Decide How to Pay 

Evaluate your payment options. Decide how you will pay for your vacation. Ideally saving up for your vacation causes less stress, in the long run. Bills from this year's vacation won't haunt you next year. 

Start saving now. Set up a special vacation fund. By putting away some money each week, you will be able to fund the majority of your vacation with savings. Get the whole family into the act by rolling change and putting that into the "vacation fund." 

Plan how you will use credit cards. Taking along a credit card on vacation makes good sense. Credit cards reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash and ease the reservation process for hotel rooms and rental cars. However, use credit cards carefully and plan to pay off the balance accumulated by your vacation within three months. 

For help with money management, contact Credit Counselling Service of Metropolitan Toronto. The Agency is a non-profit, Charitable Community Service since 1966 and a member of Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services (OACCS) and affiliated with over 1200 offices in Canada and the United States. The members provide budget and credit education, confidential counselling, and debt repayment programs to financially troubled consumers. To schedule an appointment with a member counsellor, please call (416) 593-7434 or 1-800-267-2272 (outside Toronto).