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.

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.

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.

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.

24 Protect Plus

Like 20th-century American writer E.B. White said, "Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car." So with that in mind, why not make that a clean-running, clean-looking car? 24ProtectPlus offers these safe and sensible car care tips; just think of it as a spring cleaning on wheels:

-- Honest Abe tells the entire truth. Start by checking the tires. Just take a penny and insert it in the tire's tread. If the top of President Lincoln's head sticks out, it may be time to replace the tires. That extra space may indicate signs of wear-and-tear. So don't take a chance. Worn-down tires don't grip the road well.

-- Clean that baby from head to toe. For some, a car is like a precious kid. And keeping it clean should always be top-of-mind. When cleaning, though, flip-flop things: Wash from bottom to top. Be sure to clean up the tires and undercarriage first. And use a separate cleaning mitt for the car's body. When it comes time to clean the inside, a hand or industrial vacuum should do the trick.

-- Air it out. Sure, it's great to have a clean car interior/exterior, but a great-looking car doesn't help engine performance. Check the air filter to see if it's clean. Any gunk left over from winter could slow things down.

-- Wipe the slate clean. Cars that have been out all -- or even part -- of the winter may have damaged wiper blades. And if April showers do indeed show up to bring May flowers, your wipers will need to work properly. Check them for cracking, tearing or chattering. Wipers that don't keep the windshield clean are all but useless.

-- Name that tune-up. The sound of a healthy car engine is music to the ears. Celebrate spring's return by checking all car vitals. Consider a tune-up that includes checking the battery, changing out the oil and inspecting the engine.

In addition to offering these helpful car care ideas, AP9 24 Protect Plus can also help with home improvement projects, legal and financial advice and other key safeguards. Enjoy a safe return to the road this spring: Happy motoring from the pros at 24ProtectPlus.

Be cognizant. Be prepared. These are the rules to live by when traveling. Identity thieves and scammers could be around anytime, anywhere, and most of the time, they get what they're looking for from people who are just too oblivious to know about them or their schemes. As a public service, PM Identity offers tips for travelers to keep in mind before, during and after their time away from home:

Before:

-- Make copies of documents such as birth certificates, passports (if traveling abroad), credit cards and travel itinerary. Bring one copy along, and give another one to a trusted friend or relative who can be contacted in case of emergency.

-- Let the bank and credit card issuers know about the upcoming trip, so they don't freeze the accounts once they notice the unusual foreign transactions.

-- Get traveler's checks and some cash to bring along.

-- Store checkbooks along with other sensitive information in a safe deposit box, and request a mail hold through the US Post Office.

-- Clean out your purse and wallet of unnecessary cards or other forms of ID.

During:

-- Keep a watchful eye over your personal effects at all times: at the airport, during check-in, at the beach, etc. Place your belongings in an overhead compartment on the opposite side of the aisle, so you always have it in sight while in the air.

-- Use travel accessories such as money belts, security travel bags or purses and money clips.

-- Avoid using public computers for transactions when sensitive information is required. You can never be sure if the Internet connection is a safe one, and in some cases scammers could have placed devices to store all the information you enter, including e-mail passwords.

-- Use the hotel's safe to store extra cash, credit cards, traveler's checks, the copies you brought with you and other personal effects.

-- Be careful about what you say in public or the kind of personal information you share with perfect strangers, even if they seem nice and welcoming. After:

-- Retrieve all your mail and subscriptions from the Post Office.

-- Check your bank and credit cards accounts, and trace back all the activity with the receipts you kept from the trip.

-- Check your credit report and score to see if any changes have happened in the last few days. Keep monitoring both the report and the score in the following months.

No matter where you visit, your identity should come back home intact. It's a matter of knowing how to protect it at all times with easy tips and valuable resources, such as the ones offered by PMIdentity.

Spring is finally around the corner, and people all over the country are preparing to get their act in gear. Spring cleaning, yard work and the long-neglected home repairs are some of the activities on people’s lists. 24Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, recommends taking extra safety precautions while cleaning up the home and property, since many of the activities can pose a variety of health and safety risks.

Some may ask, what could be dangerous about cleaning the house? For starters, opening the windows to a warmer climate allows mosquitoes and other bugs to come in and out; taking care of the yard means taking more tools out of the garage and within the reach of kids; and moving furniture around can increase the chances for children and adults to trip and fall. None of these are things to panic about, but they merit attention. It’s all about awareness and prevention.

To promote a safe and enjoyable new season, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing the house for spring, brought by 24ProtectPlus:

When outdoors:

-- Choose a good insect repellent, and apply over skin and clothes. Experts recommend having one bug spray for adults and another for children.

-- Deet, citronella and soybean oil are the most common ingredients on insect repellents. Products with deet are generally the best ones, but because it’s absorbed through the skin, it’s important to read the label and make sure the product doesn’t contain more than 10% deet.

-- Warn your family when standing near a frozen river or lake. In early spring, the ice is beginning to thaw, increasing the risk of drowning or falling into freezing water.

When mowing lawn:

-- Make sure to rake before mowing, to keep stones and debris from launching into the air.

-- Wear proper eye protection, and avoid using loose clothing and open shoes.

-- Check equipment before starting, and fuel up only when the engine is cool and off. Also, place blade guards on all trimming and cutting equipment.

When cleaning or repairing the house:

-- Keep any household and pool chemicals, poisons, paint and cleaning products out of the reach of children at all times. Try to do chores that involve these products when the kids are under adult supervision or away from home.

-- Use the ladder carefully. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, inspect before using, and verify that the ladder is the right height for the job.

-- When moving furniture, place them away from windows and accessible drapery cords; also, keep traffic areas free of clutter at all times to avoid tripping and injuries.

In addition to offering these helpful tips, AP9 24ProtectPlus can help families with their home improvement projects; legal and financial advice; medical records storage, and other key safeguards. Whenever families require savings and safety information, they can count on 24 Protect Plus.

Here’s how to ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life, according to 24 Protect Plus:

1. Spay or neuter your pet. An estimated three to four million unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized each year. Other homeless animals struggle to survive in the wild. AP9 24 Protect Plus believes that one of the most important things you can do for your cat or dog is to spay or neuter it. This can actually prevent future health problems by reducing the risk of certain cancers of the reproductive system.

2. Monitor their diet. The obesity epidemic among humans has spread to our pets. Doting pet-lovers often spoil their beloved pooches and kitties with between-meal treats or table scraps. It’s best to stick to a high-quality pet food and monitor pets’ weight.

3. Exercise them regularly. With regular exercise, you can avoid enrolling Rover in Weight Watchers classes. It will also improve Rover’s mental health. If shredded pillows or chewed-up shoes are regular household occurrences, chances are Rover is suffering from a major case of boredom, and no amount of scolding will change that. A brisk daily walk can be invigorating for all concerned!

Exercising cats requires a bit more creativity, but even an indoor cat will enjoy swatting a small ball around or stalking a toy mouse. Just be sure not to leave them alone with any items they could accidentally swallow or choke on, like a string.

4. Train your dog. Ever been embarrassed when Fido greets a visitor on his hind legs? Or felt frustrated when Fido runs in the other direction after being beckoned? Structured obedience classes can strengthen the bond between owner and dog, teach socialization skills and even save his life in situations where responding to a command is essential.

Cats, in contrast, approach life independently, notes AP9 24ProtectPlus. Ambitious cat owners might still teach the feline a few tricks, but cat lovers mostly understand that a purr and a snuggle — when they’re in the mood — is all the “obedience” they’ll get.

5. Build a relationship between vet and pet. Dogs and cats need annual check-ups and vaccinations. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure they don’t contract a fatal illness. It’s a bit less important for indoor cats, but if she’s prone to “escaping” at any opportunity, play it safe and vaccinate. Watch for fleas, ticks, heartworm and Lyme disease, too.

When illness does strike, the signs can be subtle. Sickly animals in the wild become prey for predators, so a pet’s natural instinct may be to not show outward signs of distress. Loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue are all common signs of illness. Behavioral changes may also signal that something is amiss.

The expenses of treating a pet’s illness can rival are own medical bills. Purchasing pet insurance before illness strikes can keep vet expenses can much more manageable.

6. Create a safe home environment. Pet-proof the home. Certain houseplants are poisonous if consumed. Medications and pesticides should be kept tightly sealed and well out of reach of pets. Common chemicals in the garage, such as antifreeze, can prove fatal to pets in minute amounts. Chocolate is also toxic to animals.

Our furry friends give us so much unconditional love. They deserve the extra attention that keeping them healthy entails, says 24 Protect Plus.

In today’s world, it’s just too easy for personal information to fall into the wrong hands, notes PMIdentity. So, first and foremost, make sure to stash away all important account numbers elsewhere, separate from that wallet or purse — especially your Social Security number. Just in case someone else has the chance to go on a no-holds-barred shopping spree or clean out a personal bank account with no reprisals.

Sure, it’s inconvenient to have to deal with the loss of critical and personal items — not to mention cash — but no one else will do the legwork. So if that trusty billfold or favorite hand bag should suddenly goes missing, PMIdentity recommends creating some semblance of the following “Lost Wallet” recovery plan:

-- Practice the three “Cs.” Easier said than done, but this is a good time to try to be cool, calm and collected. Count to 10, and think about retracing those steps to the last time the wallet was accounted for. Anyone can freak out or punch a hole in a wall in a fit of rage. Dare to be different, and breathe deeply instead.

-- Dial for dials. Don’t give up “the hunt” right away, but don’t dally either. If there’s sensitive and personal information in that wallet, anyone who can read can use it for personal gain. Keep those phone skills sharp, think about canceling all the credit and charge cards, and get replacement account numbers. A lost wallet will mean some extra time on the phone, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

-- Sound the alarm. So once those account numbers have been canceled through the individual credit companies, call up the major credit reporting agencies, and ask them to flag accounts with a “fraud alert.” In case the cards have already been used by someone else, adding a “victim’s statement” to the account history will build in added protection.

-- Meanwhile, back on the busy phones … Once all the financials have been handled, get on the phone with everybody else — utility companies, the bank and the phone company — just in case someone out there feels like becoming an identity thief might be an interesting career move.

So before panic takes over, reconstruct the situation. Maybe that missing wallet is in another pair of pants or in the glove compartment of the car. If not, play it safe and get ready to borrow a tip or two from IK9 Privacy Matters Identity.