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 24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that the joys of bicycle riding are not without risks. In fact, statistics show that some 300,000 kids end up in the local E.R. every year with anything from bumps and bruises to far more serious injuries -- all from bicycle-related mishaps.

Almost everyone can remember when they first learned to ride a bicycle: The sense of accomplishment they felt when the training wheels were removed and they zoomed down the street at breakneck speed. From 24ProtectPlus's view, though, it's the "breakneck" part of things that can be a cause for concern. Bicycle riding is a blast, yes, but overlooking important safety measures could lead to a wild ride of another kind -- a one-way ticket to permanent injury.

With that in mind, 24 Protect Plus offers some important and easy-to-follow bicycle safety tips for kids. And since plenty of adults out there are basically just "grown-up kids" themselves, any and all of these safety tips are important to ensure that the young bike riders of today can become the road racers and cycling enthusiasts of tomorrow:

-- Heads up. Plain and simple, a head injury can mean brain injury. So don't let kids mess around. Much like the motorcycle rider who thinks he looks cool driving down the road wearing only sunglasses for protection, children sometimes need to be protected from themselves. Don't let them tempt fate. All bike riders need helmets -- no exceptions. And that's not just 24ProtectPlus talking -- it's the law in most states.

-- What's your color? Kids who wear bright colors while bike riding and adorn their bikes with reflectors have the right idea. Motorists don't always pay attention to the road -- let alone the side of it -- so it's important to always be visible. If the journey calls for travel on heavily trafficked roads, have kids break out the extra-bright colors. Make sure kids are less concerned with clashing … and more concerned with crashing.

-- Don't hit the brakes! While kids may think they're fast becoming kings (and queens) of the roadways, it only takes one nasty spill to shake them up. Make sure that kids know not to hit the brakes on sand, wet leaves, and loose gravel or rocks.

-- Get the signals. Kids (and plenty of adults) need to know the proper hand signals when bike riding. Remember: Road riders are out there right alongside vehicles (driving with traffic; not against it). So make sure that kids know all the basic hand signals -- left turn, right turn, slow down, and stop. Safety on the road should start early.

So ride on, bike riders, kids and adults alike. Just be sure to take the fast lane to safety -- courtesy of 24 Protect Plus.

Traveling is a passion for many and a necessity for others, and it's no secret that during this summer season, soaring gas prices will force some avid travelers to stay off the roads. But despite the record gas prices, millions of people will drive or fly to national and international vacation spots, reports Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

These travelers are going away because they booked their trips in advance, because they haven't quite been affected by the slow economy, or simply because of business needs or simple pleasure. The reality is that all travelers need to be wary and spend their money wisely during their time away. According to Credit Diagnosis, financial alertness and security are necessary items to "pack" along for the road.

Whether traveling for business, adventure or pleasure, preparation is the key. Credit Diagnosis offers some valuable ideas to spend less and yet get away to enjoy the summer season:

-- Stay closer to home. Take a few day-trips to nearby towns, and do some research online to find affordable or free activities to do with the whole family.

-- Research online. Surf the web to find discount vacations ideas, both statewide and nationwide. Set a budget, then look for the best deal available. Maybe Hawaii is out of the question, but a weekend away at a beach four hours away is a more achievable dream.

-- Stay with relatives. Sure, staying at a hotel is way more comfortable than staying in Aunt Lily's guest room, but some sacrifices are worth the savings. Spend some time with the hosts, and then explore the area they live in.

-- Find free attractions. Many blogs or traveling sites have lists of free attractions all over the country. These places can be the highlight of this year's family vacation. Some spots to check out include: Central Park, New York; Freedom Trial, Boston; Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, Utah; and the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1, California, among others.

-- Preview the destination. This is a good way to save money on food while traveling. Research restaurants around the area, and check out the prices before arriving. Some experts also recommend bringing vitamins and powdered nutrition drinks to supplement a meager diet.

-- Use credit cards. Especially when overseas, charge expenses to one or two credit cards. Travelers get a better conversion rate than exchanging currency to obtain cash at banks or at the airport.

Try these tips, and incorporate others, either before or during the trip. The fun of any vacation trip isn't based on how much money is spent, but rather on the memories people create, reports Credit Diagnosis.

Privacy Matters Identity (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, encourages its members and all consumers alike to closely monitor their use and payment of business credit cards. Why? Because business credit card charges can affect a person's credit score. However, the effect those charges have will depend on the individual -- more specifically, on how that person chooses to handle the company's credit card.

As with anything related to someone's credit history, business credit card activity can affect a person's chances for getting a mortgage -- since any activity on a credit report can affect one's credit score and financial prospects. So, to avoid undue credit problems, there are a few things to do, according to Privacy Matters Identity:

-- Ensure the company takes responsibility for business credit card payments. Since a credit score is determined by a combination of all credit activity, it is in the best interests of employees to make sure the employer is not late with credit card payments that bear their name. If this situation is a concern, employees have the right to tell the employer that they want to use a personal credit card to cover all business expenses (which is also a great way to earn frequent flyer miles or "points" on rewards programs offered by credit card companies). Most -- if not all -- companies will allow this option, which makes the individual employee solely responsible for all credit debt, notes PM Identity.

-- Think before saying yes. Many companies will ask their employees to apply for business credit cards directly, to check their credit worthiness. Oftentimes, when the application is approved, the company will simply assume payment responsibilities from there. This can help build a strong business relationship, but applying for the card (at the company's request) does produce an inquiry on the employee's credit report, and it could one day affect their credit score.

-- Keep a low balance. Just as it is with any personal credit cards, carrying a very high credit balance on a business credit card is not a good thing. The three main credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, usually look at the ratio of the actual charges to the specified credit limit. A good rule of thumb is to keep credit card balances below 50% of the credit limit amount.

-- Protect personal credit reports and credit scores. In cases where the company mandates that employees use their own names on a business credit card, individual employees may want to consider opening additional cards in their names, complete with high maximum limits. This way, charges can be spread across several other cards, which can better protect the employee's credit score and overall credit history. It's better to charge less than 30% of the maximum credit limit on multiple cards, as opposed to charging a higher percentage to just one card.

PM Identity provides members with a comprehensive picture and interactive tools to assess, monitor, and safeguard their personal and private information. Managing, monitoring and protecting personal information are just some of the advantages of a membership in Privacy Matters Identity.

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows how much fun summer can be. Gatherings with family and friends seem to increase markedly as the mercury rises. And since pets are often part of those summertime festivities, 24 Protect Plus wants to offer some helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.

Domesticated pets like dogs, cats and parakeets all need help with those summertime "do's" and "don'ts." Plain and simple, our pets count on us to protect them. Like 20th-century Scottish veterinarian/writer James Herriot (born James A. Wight) said, "I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs." With that in mind, 24ProtectPlus has some important summertime safeguards for all those creatures great and small:

-- Go solo. When it comes to running errands in the summer heat, go it alone. A car parked in the summer sun can heat up like a microwave in a matter of minutes. And rolling down the windows isn't much of a solution. There are too many sad stories out there about pets that were left out in the swelter -- for too long.

-- How Coleridge kept his cool. Just as "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" reminds us, having lots of water around doesn't guarantee we'll get to drink it. The same goes for pets; they need to have water bowls frequently checked and refreshed. Heed English writer Samuel T. Coleridge's words, and make sure pets have clean and drinkable water around at all times.

-- Walking on the sun. We all love sun and clear skies, but too much of a good thing isn't great for the skin. The same goes for pets; believe it or not, they will benefit from sunscreen. Better yet, it's probably a good idea to keep them out of the bright sun altogether. If pets must be out in the summer sizzle, take some time to apply sun protection -- especially to sensitive areas like the outer ears, mouth and nose.

-- Clip to my Lou. Not that pets shouldn't learn to dance or appreciate rhythmic clapping (we're talking "Skip to My Lou" for that), but why not save that for a rainy day? Instead, keep pets well-groomed. For cats and dogs especially, tangled or matted hair can be uncomfortable, so a neat 'do might be just the thing to do during the hotter weather.

Show those pets some good ol' TLC this summer. The hotter it gets, the more they may need these safety-minded messages from 24 Protect Plus.

It's no secret that current financial times are hectic, and the word "recession" is popping up more and more. So is the verb "to save." The problem is, offers are tempting, and the flesh is weak — so much so that many people not only don't save money, they end up spending more than they should. Wise spending is a safe way to navigate these uncertain times, says Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

A few pennies here and there will make a big difference down the road. Take the time to make a plan to cut expenses on various fronts. Begin by calculating the amount spent during one month, and put the following tips to work during the following month and track the amount of money saved each time. The resulting amount will certainly be a reason to enjoy the long-awaited gratification. CreditDiagnosis offers some valuable ideas to incorporate on your cutting-expenses plan:

Groceries:

-- Plan a food menu for the week, make a list, and don't go grocery shopping without it.

-- Always use coupons, and take advantage of double-coupon days.

-- Use Sunday flyers to spot offers and sales at different stores.

-- Buy fruits and vegetables in season, and learn new recipes to maximize their use.

-- Grow vegetables and herbs at home.

-- Buy your canned goods and house-cleaning products in bulk.

-- Make your own baby food.

Utilities:

-- Select energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.

-- Use low-flush toilets or other water-saving devices in the tank.

-- Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, and bundle up inside the house on cool days.

-- Hang clothes out to dry. Air-dry the dishes by keeping the dishwasher's door open at night.

-- Eliminate extra cable features and telephone services.

-- Wrap the water heater with insulation, and turn down the temperature.

-- Shop around for affordable cable, telephone and Internet providers.

Clothing and Others:

-- Always use coupons, or buy during end-of-season sales.

-- Buy, trade and sell clothes at consignment shops, especially for kids' clothing.

-- Find ways to repurpose old clothes. Make something new out of something old.

-- Brown-bag your lunch at least three times a week.

-- Go to matinees or to free movie screenings at a local library.

-- Exercise for free. Walk the dog, bike, jog, and dust off the old workout videos.

-- Keep the car properly tuned, and use public transportation whenever possible.

Try these tips and incorporate others you come up with while analyzing your personal situation. Cutting expenses today is a great way to secure a better future if hard financial times hit home, advises AP9 Credit Diagnosis.