Detroit Free Press
July 19, 2004

When you notice on your financial statements that your bank has charged you a substantial overdraft charge or that your credit-card company hasn't held up on its offer of a low interest rate on balance transfers, it's easy to impulsively call to complain.

But one of the keys to getting what you want is being prepared before you pick up the phone, says Scott Bilker, author of "Talk Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt" (Press One Pub, $19.95). He says:

Get a notepad and a pen or pencil. Taking notes helps you make a record of whom you talked to, when you called and what representatives offered. Keep the record in case the company doesn't do what it promised. Bilker says, if you have the phone capabilities to do so, you should also tape-record your call.To prepare yourself mentally, remember that the bank or credit-card company needs your business to stay in business. .

Figure out and write down your "deal breakers" -- what you'd do if the company won't comply with what you want. Bilker says a good way to do this is to save a few of the credit-card or bank offers you get in the mail. You can tell company representatives that, if they don't do X, you'd give your business to another company.

Gather several of your recent bank and credit-card statements. You'll want to be able to scan them and tell the rep just how long you've had the account and what a good customer you've been. If you're disputing a charge, make sure you have the statement in question.

Finally, be sure to call when you've got plenty of time to make your way through the automatic phone menus and fully explain your case to a customer representative.

LEISURE

Budget vacation costs
Vacations are a great way to relax and have fun, but they can also be stressful on your finances.

That's why 80 percent of travelers this summer are planning to use budgets to keep spending in line, reports Visa USA.

To budget for your upcoming vacation, consider:

• Preparation expenses. If you're traveling abroad, account for passport, visa and inoculation fees. Also include what you'll need to pay to care for pets or children remaining at home.
• Transportation. If you're flying, figure out what you'll pay not only for tickets but for transportation to and from the airport (including rental cars) and parking. If you're driving, add in the costs of fuel, tolls, meals and hotels for the duration of your drive.
• On-site costs. Once you reach your destination, you'll need to think about the cost of your room, meals, tips, phone and Internet charges, as well as souvenirs and gifts. Estimate what you'll pay for activities, equipment rental and other types of entertainment.

HOUSING

Check up on movers
The federal agency that polices interstate household moves has two investigators to look into unscrupulous movers and three specialists to coordinate consumer complaint-handling.

No wonder experts emphasize the need for consumers to do what they can to protect themselves.

David Longo, a spokesman for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said the agency has been authorized to hire seven more investigators in fiscal 2004. That agency, a unit of the U.S. Department of Transportation, "believes the additional investigators will significantly increase enforcement activity," Longo wrote in an e-mail response to a Newsday query.

The federal agency offers information about interstate moves and movers. Call 888-368-7238, or go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov

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