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5 credit card goofs that'll ruin your vacation

5 credit card goofs that'll ruin your vacation

It's your safety net, your "in case of emergency" card.

But your credit card may end up at the center of your vacation crisis if you don't follow the advice of Ben Woolsey, director of marketing and consumer research for CreditCards.com.

These are Woolsey's five worst credit card goofs while on vacation -- and what to do to avoid them:

GOOF #1 - YOU DIDN'T NOTIFY YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS.  "Unless you call your bank in advance, your card could be shut down or flagged for fraud and rendered unusable," said Woolsey.

Solution:  Call your card's customer service line and let a representative know you may use your credit card while on vacation and to mark your account for anticipated charges at or near that destination.

Original equipment vs. aftermarket auto parts

Reliable and reputable Mid-South automotive sources will tell you:  when it comes to structural parts, the ones that contribute directly to the structural integrity of a vehicle, using aftermarket structural parts can be risky and dangerous (please read my investigation from last November by clicking here).

But aftermarket cosmetic parts, like fenders for example, are fair game. A report by web resource AutoMD.com cited what it called the top four myths of buying auto parts:

Consumers in credit trouble not seeking counseling

Exploding interest rates, reckless spending, 5-figure debt. For thousands of credit card users, the writing was on the wall.

Now, it appears they're ignoring the writing on their card statements.

Despite federal regulations passed two years ago that require card-issuers to print the toll-free numbers of credit counseling agencies on every credit card statement, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling said its member agencies have only received 150,000 calls generated from credit card statements.

Wine deliveries bill passes in Tennessee

Wine deliveries bill passes in Tennessee

A Tennessee bill that would allow wine to be shipped to every home in the state is now up to the Governor.

The bill allows direct wine shipments from retailers to consumers -- even in cities that currently only allow liquor-by-the-drink sales.

Governor Bill Haslam is expected to sign the bill.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Mr. T in DC.

Garage Sale Set for This Saturday in Lakeland

Garage Sale Set for This Saturday in Lakeland

It has long been said that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Well Saturday, May 7th you have the opportunity to turn one person's junk into your own jewel at the Woodland Park homeowners association annual garage sale. The Woodland Park subdivision is located one block north of Highway 64 on Canada Road in Lakeland. Garage doors should be open for business by 7:30 in the morning and last until around 3:00 in the afternoon. A rain date has been set for May 14th, but according to the Action News 5 Weather team, it should be a perfect day to find a deal!

Pastner's lucky St. Jude tie goes on auction block

Pastner's lucky St. Jude tie goes on auction block

Dubbed as a lucky charm for him during their C-USA and NCAA tournament runs, the University of Memphis head basketball coach, Josh Pastner has donated his Fireworks of Hope tie to help raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

He autographed the tie, “This tie was our good luck charm. Go Tigers!”

Tigers fans can own a piece of history while helping fight childhood cancer. To access the auction, click here. 

The auction ends Sunday, April 10.

Good deals abound at Highland Clothing Sale

Good deals abound at Highland Clothing Sale

If you are looking for a great deal on spring clothes, skip the mall and head straight to the Highland Clothing Sale.

This year's spring sale offers hundreds of gently used dresses, dress pants, spring sweaters, pjs and play clothes. If a child wears it, you will find it at this sale. The best news is cosignors discount their items from 1/3 to 1/4 of what they paid for them. This year's sale includes items from Gymboree, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Children's Place and hundreds of other name brand stores. You can also find loads of baby furniture, bedding and even toys.

The sale is located at the Highand Church of Christ at 400 Houston Levee Rd. in Cordova. Friday shopping begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m. Saturday is half-price day. Shopping begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 1 p.m. Organizers take cash, checks and credit cards.