SMALL BUSINESSES GRIN AND BEAR IT: Working for yourself is riskier than working for a large company, and you're constantly chasing new customers. The job is even harder when the economy is turning sour.

Discover Financial Services' monthly Small Business Watch reported that small business owners' economic confidence dropped to 71.8 in June, from 81.8 in May. It is the lowest number since the survey started nearly two years ago.

Of the 1,000 small business owners surveyed, 80 percent thought economic conditions in the US were getting worse, ten percent planned to lay off employees in the next few months and 75 percent planned to decrease spending or hold it steady.

But only 53 percent thought their own business would be adversely affected by the economy in the next six months.

"The separation in outlook speaks to the mindset of small business owners. They're very confident, self-reliant," said Ryan Scully, director of Discover business credit cards. "They're not necessarily relying on Wall Street or the macroeconomic picture to dictate their fate."

The Small Business Watch surveys 1,000 random owners of businesses with fewer than five employees.

LEAVE YOUR IDENTITY AT HOME: Summer vacation is already going to cost you plenty for the hotel, airfare and entertainment. Don't let it cost you your identity.

Tourists are prime targets for identity thieves, said Lyn Chitow Oakes of TrustedID, which provides theft-protection services.

"People can identify you as being out of town," Oakes said.

Some advice:

— Use a credit card to pay for most purchases, and carry small amounts of cash. Travelers' checks can be forged or lost, while personal checks carry your bank number. Debit cards are tied to your bank account. Leave checkbooks and debit cards at home. Use one credit card while on vacation to limit exposure to thieves.

— Empty your wallet. Leave unnecessary personal information at home, including Social Security cards, insurance cards, bills and prescription information. If you need to carry such documents, bring photocopies. Keep photocopies and passports locked in your hotel room safe.