Summer is here, but some Wisconsin households juggling higher consumer costs and other basic needs might feel like a vacation is out of reach. A regional expert says careful planning could still allow for some time away from the daily grind.

Economists are more optimistic these days when it comes to inflation trending downward, but child-care expenses and higher housing payments remain a burden on household finances.

Wisconsin-based travel agent Elise Roeschlein said if you're wrestling with the idea of heading out of town, there are ways to stretch your travel budget. One example is booking lodging that comes with a complimentary breakfast.

"Sometimes, the bigger chains include the breakfast, and the littler ones - like the motels - don't," she said. "So, you might spend a couple dollars more in the hotel, but you're saving that money. Especially if you've got kids, they always want to eat breakfast."

Roeschlein said you can also grab some snacks from that breakfast to take on your daily adventures. And if you're planning a relatively short road trip, such as a few days in a nearby lake town, she recommended packing food before you drive off to avoid spending money on drinks and other items at gas stations along the way.

For households with a little more wiggle room for a trip farther from home, Roeschlein said it's not too late to book flights or hotels for later in the summer. But she recommends acting now to keep costs lower.

"I would say book ahead, if you can," she said, "because when you're doing last-minute travel, it tends to be a little more expensive."

For those sticking with the road but are worried their vehicle won't make the trip, analysts have said car rental prices have come down a bit since their post-pandemic spike in 2021. Roeschlein said if possible, plan a trip with another family to split those rental costs, along with other expenses.


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When surveyed, 77% of Americans prefer to buy goods made in the United States, especially during holidays, and 82% said they would buy more if available.

A new poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing conducted the survey.

According to Amazon's Small Business Impact report, independent sellers in Kentucky sold more than 22 million items last year. But despite a strong consumer preference, online retailers are not required to provide country-of-origin labeling.

Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said while U.S.-made gifts may have a slightly higher price tag, they do not come with ethical baggage as some items made in other countries.

"There's no tariffs paid on them. They're not necessarily subject to inspection," Paul outlined. "We know from reports that a lot of them are not made particularly well, that have some toxins in them, and may come from supply chains that have forced labor. "

Around 20% of holiday shoppers will use Chinese apps such as TikTok and Temu this holiday season. The Alliance's online 2024 Holiday Gift Guide lists products from more than 100 manufacturers and makers from all 50 states.

Paul pointed out shoppers have a variety of reasons for seeking out U.S.-made products ranging from sustainability to ethical supply chains. He noted three in five Americans said they have made a conscious effort to buy American-made products in the past year.

"It could be about patriotism and supporting local jobs but whatever the reason for it, it's actually something that I think unites a lot of people in our country," Paul asserted. "That's really important, especially as we get closer to the holidays."

More than 363,000 small businesses operate in Kentucky, employing 42% of workers in the Commonwealth, according to federal data.

Small businesses are reminding people to shop locally as the holiday shopping season kicks off this week.

Local communities around the country, including in Idaho, are readying for Small Business Saturday, which takes place the day after Black Friday.

Jenn Hensley, executive director of the Downtown Boise Association, said small businesses donate 250% more to community causes than big businesses, and keep the money spent at them local.

"Sixty-eight of every $100 spent at a locally owned business stays in the community. That's compared to $43 spent at a national chain," Hensley pointed out. "So, $25 more stays here. We're supporting local causes when we shop local businesses. We're also keeping our money local."

Hensley noted there are more than 700 businesses in downtown Boise and 96% are locally owned. She argued small businesses provide a more curated shopping experience than big businesses. Downtown Boise has events planned to mark Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Up to 90% of new jobs are created by local businesses. Hensley emphasized shopping locally can also help address issues communities are facing, such as housing affordability.

"When you are shopping in those stores, you are directly addressing those issues," Hensley contended. "In the sense that you are keeping your dollars here locally with a person who lives in a house down the street, who supports your kid's soccer team, who shops at other local shops. And so it's really important that we support these folks."

Small Business Saturday has been around since 2010, as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which take place after Thanksgiving.


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This Thanksgiving, AAA reported nearly 72 million people are expected to travel by car, setting a record.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is warning drivers the Show Me State is a hot spot for deer collisions. In 2023, there were more than 3,500 deer-related crashes in Missouri, roughly one every two and a half hours, resulting in four fatalities and more than 400 injuries.

Jeana Thomas, acting director of consumer affairs for the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, shared a crucial tip for staying safe on the road following a collision.

"You get a gas leak and that can lead to a fire," Thomas emphasized. "Get safe, get on the side of the road, turn your car off, call your local authorities. With deer hits, they may need to make arrangements to have the deer removed. They want to, obviously, check on you to see if you need any emergency services."

Missouri ranks in the nation's top 15 for deer-vehicle crashes. Drivers are cautioned to stay alert, slow down, and avoid swerving for animals to prevent accidents.

The state reported deer-vehicle collisions in Missouri also lead to significant financial losses, contributing to around $1 billion in uninsured damages annually. Thomas clarified many drivers mistakenly believe their insurance covers deer-related damage, but it is true only under certain policies.

"If you hit a deer, in order to make a claim with your insurance coverage, you have to carry comprehensive coverage," Thomas pointed out. "You must carry comprehensive coverage in order to have any type of claim making ability under your policy."

Wildlife experts warned deer often travel in groups, especially at night. Be extra cautious during and watch for the reflection of their eyes from your vehicle headlights.


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