Holiday Shopping During Tough Economic Times

Holiday shopping during tough economic times is a challenge. For most people, this holiday budget is tight thanks to higher gas prices and increased food costs that ate into family finances this past year. Rather than scouring the ads and storefronts looking for that perfect gift, consider showing your love and appreciation by giving gifts that also provide financial relief for the recipient. Doing so means that the person has one less expense to worry about or does not have to decide whether or not to remove that particular expense from their budget. Gift certificates for personal care. During tight economic times, many people forego personal services such as hair styling, manicures, or massages. A little pampering is something that anyone can appreciate, especially when it is free! Gift cards to local restaurants. Dining out as a couple or with friends is something that people often cut back on when trying to stretch their dollars. Payment of a service. Does someone need to have some pictures framed or a room painted? Get a few estimates, and consider offering to pay for the service. If it is a bigger expense, perhaps several family members can all contribute to the cost and give one big gift. A trip or outing. Depending on one’s budget, a trip to see a show may be a luxury that they cannot afford. Additionally, if you do this as a family, you are giving the priceless gift of memories, too. A nice framed picture taken on the trip can serve as a gift to compliment the outing. Membership in a club or organization. A membership to the local “Y”, gym, or outdoor club usually has a cost attached. Especially for older people, it is important for their well-being that they stay connected and socially active. A gift of an annual membership renewal is a gift that will last the whole year through. Lessons or instruction. A registration for a sports clinic or enrollment in a local theater class makes a nice gift especially for a young person whose family might consider these things out of the budget for a while. Subscription to a magazine. Find out the person’s interests and hobbies, and consider a one-year subscription to a magazine. If they like it, you may have next year’s gift already figured out! Whatever you decide to give, it is important to keep in mind that the gift should be self-sustaining. For example, a cell phone may seem like a good idea, however, unless you are also planning to foot the monthly bill, there is a chance that the gift will be returned or never used. Be sure that whatever gift you give does not add more financial burden to the recipient. Gifts that support the usual and ordinary aspects of life are most precious during times when money is tight and the future uncertain.

Shopping Online

Going online can be a convenient and economical way to do your holiday shopping. The stores are open 24/7 every day of the year and you don’t have to fight the crowds and traffic at the malls. It can also be a safe one if you follow a few simple guidelines. · Know who you’re dealing with. Be sure to get the seller’s physical address and phone number in case there are questions or problems with the merchandise. Does the web address of the seller look right or does it contain some extra information that may be an indication of someone spoofing by masquerading as a legitimate seller. DO NOT ORDER from online stores that do not offer secured transactions.

· Know what it is that you are buying. Read the product description closely including all the fine print. Is it a new or a used or refurbished item? Brand names at extraordinary bargain prices may be counterfeit.

· Know what it will cost. Are there shipping and handling charges? What about sales tax? What is the total cost after any additional charges such as these are factored in. Does this still fit into your budget?

· Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return, and/or purchase protection benefits.

· Check out the terms of the deal. What is the delivery date and method? Is there a refund policy if you are not satisfied with the merchandise? Are there restocking fees for returns? A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule requires sellers to ship items as promised or within 30 days after the order date if no specific date is promised.

· Print and save records of your online transactions. Include the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of every email you send to or receive from the seller. Review your credit card statements as you receive them for any unauthorized charges. For additional information, check out the following resources: Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office: http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumers.aspx?id=1920

Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt082.shtm

OnGuardOnline: http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/online-shopping.aspx