Quick Answer: The Federal Trade Commission recommends setting a budget, creating gift lists, and researching companies online to find better holiday shopping deals. Key strategies include using search engines with terms like “review” or “complaint” to verify retailers before making purchases.
I feel it’s safe to assume that since Halloween is now over we can officially label this time of the year as the Holiday Season! Which I am super excited about! I love Thanksgiving and December’s holidays – mostly for the food – but often find the obligation and burden of buying gifts a heavy strain on my wallet, as most do.
I am considering keeping a record or starting a series of articles based on the holiday season (if you feel this would be entertaining or beneficial at all please leave a comment below with your thoughts).
Every year I entertain the idea of making gifts for friends and family in an attempt to save money. And every year I usually wind up ordering gifts online last minute and spending more money than I ever thought imaginably possible.
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
In the latest issue (Oct 6): When fear picks your debt plan
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
I’m going to try and change that this year, however, I do fear that old habits die hard, but perhaps with a little reader support we can help each other save some money this holiday season!
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This week the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put out an online shipping guide with advice on getting the best deal if utilizing online shopping this year…
Set a Budget. Create a gift list and check it twice to help you stay on track and not overspend.
Decide What Matters. Especially if you’re buying gadgets, know what your “must-have” features are vs. those that are just nice to have.
Use Search Engines. Type a company or product name into your search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint” or “scam” to find out more about it.
Read Reviews Online. Reviews from other people, experts, and columnists can give you an idea of how a product performs. But don’t put all of your trust in one review.
Consider Reputation. A brand’s reputation for quality and good customer service can really pay off.
Check Comparison Shopping Sites. They connect to many retailers selling the same product, sometimes at significantly different prices. Keep shipping costs in mind.
Consider Coupons. Some companies offer discounts via e-mail, and some websites collect and list codes for free shipping and other discounts. Search for the store with terms like “discount,” “coupon” or “free shipping.”
Read Return Policies. Not all stores have the same rules. Some charge fees for return shipping or restocking things like electronics.
Decide How to Pay. When you shop online, credit cards can offer extra protections.
Look for a Secure Checkout. Does the website start with https (the “s” stands for secure) when you’re checking out? – Source.
What are your thoughts and/or worries about holiday shopping?
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
