Don’t Bust your Budget this Holiday Season

By Carol A. Kando-Pineda, guest blogger

Still finishing up your holiday shopping? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has these tips to help you wrap up your plans without getting scrooged.

Make a list and set a budget.

Who do you plan to buy gifts for and how much do you plan to spend? Don’t forget “hidden” costs like cash gifts, holiday travel, extra food, wrappings, decorations, greeting cards, and postage.

Shop around.

A “sale” price isn’t always the “best” price – and if you don’t want or need an item, “Buy One, Get One Free” is not really a deal. Some merchants may offer a sale price on the item you want for a limited time; others may offer discounts everyday. A retailer might match, or even beat, a competitor’s prices. Check out websites that compare prices. But if you buy online, factor in shipping costs and delivery time. Ask about refund and return policies.

Clearance merchandise may be on final sale, meaning no refunds or exchanges. What if you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week? Ask if you can get a credit or refund for the discounted amount.

Clip coupons.

They can save you money on what you’re already planning to buy, but check for restrictions. Don’t flash cash. Keep an eye on your wallet and on your credit or debit card during transactions. Get your cards back as quickly as possible. Report lost or stolen cards to the card issuers immediately. Keep detailed records about the transaction and save your receipts. You might need them for returns and exchanges. Check receipts against your monthly bills and statements, and report any problems to the credit card issuer promptly.

Stay Safe – And Well – This Holiday Travel Season

By Judith Snyderman

Holiday air travel always takes patience and preparation. But this season there are new ways to improve the chances of smooth sailing to holiday destinations.  At a Nov. 19 press conference, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Rear Adm. (Dr.) Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General, United States Public Health Services, Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases offered some timely tips.

Napolitano said the Transportation Security Administration’s new secure flight program, which is being phased in, pre-screens passenger data against government watch lists on both domestic and international flights.  The main purpose is to prevent known, or suspected terrorists from obtaining boarding passes.  To clear security checkpoints with ease, she recommended, “When booking airline tickets, use your name as it appears on the government I.D. you plan to use when traveling,” said Napolitano.

She also said that in the past year, the TSA has expanded family lanes at X-ray security points to include every airport in the United States.  Infrequent travelers, families and anyone who needs assistance should take advantage of those lanes, Napolitano said.

Her advice on avoiding catching, or spreading H1N1 flu is to use commonsense and courtesy.

“Cover your cough or sneeze, wash hands regularly and stay home if you are sick,” she said.  She added that if you become ill with fever while away, stay put until 24 hours after the fever breaks.

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