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      *Ready to have some more summer fun?  Here are four more tips to help you save money on your summer excursion.

5.  Chick On The Side (Salt & Pepper, 1987).

      Already planning a business trip this summer?  Maybe you can tack on some vacation time.  Summertime marks the height of conference season; from sororities and fraternities (I happen to be partial to the AKA Boule this summer in Detroit), to professional organizations (like for doctors, lawyers, and strippers (okay maybe not this last one)).  But remember, you can only take a tax deduction for the business time that "you" spend on the trip.  The time you spend sitting on the beach in Miami, sipping a piña colada and singing "Caribbean Queen," (Billy Ocean, 1984), will not count as "business time." Also, remember to keep receipts of everything; for your meals (but you can only deduct 50% of the cost), your airfare, and hotel receipts.  And…you can't deduct any of the expenses for bringing your spouse, kids, "Homie, Lover, Friend," (R. Kelly, 1993), or whomever you brought to "Just Kick It," (Xscape, 1993) on your off-time.  Finally, if you're lucky enough to score a business meeting in the Bahamas (or any other overseas location), you can still take these business deductions; but only if the trip lasts less than one week, and the "vacation" part is less than 25% of the total trip.

6.  Come Share My Love (Miki Howard, 1986).

      Share your vacation with family members or friends.  It's not too late to rent a house with a group.  With the housing costs significantly reduced, you just need to focus on getting there, getting your groove on, and getting back.  Sites like www.beachhouse.com and www.choice1.com can help you find a vacation rental within your budget.  If you're traveling with children, group trips allow the adults to tag team when it comes to babysitting; allowing the parents to get some much needed time alone, and also saving on the expense of hiring a sitter through a concierge service.

7.  What Time Is It? (The Time, 1990).

      Many owners of timeshares are looking at selling them, or renting them out at reduced rates.  This could be a much cheaper alternative to luxury hotels.  Moreover, many of these timeshares have full kitchens, and sometimes 2-4 adjoining bedrooms, pools, playgrounds, arcades, washers & dryers and more;  helping you reduce your food and entertainment costs as well.  For example, with RCI.com, a major timeshare company, you don't have to be a member to get access to all of their reviews of properties.  Most of us have had the "pleasure" of sitting through, at least, one timeshare presentation…but don't knock it…sitting through the presentation in itself is another cost-saving strategy.  One hour at a presentation, even if you don't purchase a timeshare, could save you over 50% on your hotel costs.  And you usually walk away with vouchers for local entertainment, like horseback riding, scuba lessons and theme park discounts.

8.  Fantastic Voyage (Lakeside, 1981).

      Still dreaming of taking that big vacation to Hawaii, Africa, Europe, or wherever?  Trips like these obviously take a lot of budgeting, and you may not be able to do this in 2006; but start saving up now by opening a vacation savings account, and making your monthly deposit faithfully.  Also, work with a travel agent to see when the off-peak
travel times are for your dream destination.  For example, if Africa is the dream, by putting $100 a month away, starting today, in a savings account that earns 4.25%, you can have enough money to take that trip by the summer of 2008.  Put in a little over $200 a month and you could be looking at the summer of 2007!  Check out
www.ingdirect.com for a great savings calculator.   And if you're traveling abroad, don't forget to keep it real, and research how "we" do it.  Sites like www.cafedelasoul.com (Black Paris) and Brixton Tours www.brixtontours.co.uk (Black London) will shed a whole new light on your trip, and show you that we are a beautiful people….all over the world.  Now that's truly living your life like it's "Golden,"  (Jill Scott, 2004).

Check out these websites for more on getting the fabulously affordable vacation:

www.soulofamerica.com
www.soulplanettravel.com
www.spafinder.com
www.africanamericaninns.com
www.bedandbreakfast.com
www.hotels.com
www.gocampingamerica.com
www.cinnamontraveler.org

Shannon King Nash is the author of the award-winning book entitled, "For the Love of Money: The 411 to Taking Control of Your Taxes and Building Your Net Worth."  She uses song lyrics and entertaining stories ripped from the headlines to teach readers how to manage their finances and taxes.  Shannon is a CPA, Tax Attorney, and regular expert commentator on KJLH FM Radio in Los Angeles, and has appeared on national television. She is the CEO of Nash Management Group, a tax and nonprofit consulting firm based in Los Angeles, and a tax partner with the law firm of Guydon Love, based in the Washington DC area.  To learn more about Shannon King Nash and "For the Love of Money" visit www.nashgroup-usa.com.