Ready credit cards for travel: Tell card issuers about upcoming trips so that activity will not trigger fraud alerts. Pay down balances beforehand to keep within credit limits. Carry a backup card. Bring along toll-free customer service numbers.
Loss-proof your luggage: Before leaving for the airport, put local contact information or your cell-phone number inside bags. Attach bright tape or other distinctive markings to the outside. If you check bags, verify the destination code on your receipts. Look up codes at AirportCodes.org.
Review Flexible Spending Account contributions: Deductions for health- or dependent-care accounts can be increased or decreased at any time of year if certain circumstances change. Examples of qualifying events: Marriage or divorce…spousal job loss…change in dependent-care costs.
Donate men’s business clothing: Drop off gently used suits, sport coats, collared shirts, etc., at any Men’s Wearhouse store during the month-long National Suit Drive. Donors receive a receipt and a 50%-off discount coupon to use at the store. The clothes are given to men from job-training and employment programs offered by nonprofits across the country.
Celebrate Independence Day: Friday, July 4. Free e-cards—Got-free-ecards.com. Patriotic song lyrics—ScoutSongs.com/categories/patriotic-songs.html. Patriotic pops, Lady Liberty cupcakes, other treats—Spoonful.com/recipes. American-made US flags—AmericanFlags.com.
Feast on blueberries: July is National Blueberry Month. Refrigerate the antioxidant-rich fruits right away. Don’t wash until just before using. Tasty recipes: BlueberryCouncil.org/blueberry-recipes.
