Category Archives: holiday financing

How to Avoid Holiday Scams

Posted on December 25, 2011 by admin

‘Tis the season to be wary.  Unfortunately, not everyone will be thinking about peace on earth, good will towards man but how to take advantage of holiday distractions instead. Scam Online Shopping Sites The biggest complaints the Better Business Bureau get each year involving holiday scams  has to do with fake online shopping sites.  Though nothing but your own research and intuition can keep you safe from these holiday scams, here are a few tips to look for: A contact and about us page with physical name, address and phone number. The BBB Seal of Approval, SSL Certification seals (click or hover mouse over the seals to test they are real). Before entering any information, check for the “https” in the web page address. Click on the padlock on the status bar in the web address to verify information. (Check your browser’s help file or  if you are unsure how to use this function) Install software that warns you against unsafe websites. Phishing: Phishing is posing as a trusted source asking for personal information.  Spammers frequently send fake links to PayPal or eBay during the holidays or pretend to be your bank or credit card trying to get in touch with you. Don’t follow links directly; type the URL into your browser instead and go directly to your banking/credit card or retailer site and look for information there. Do NOT open attachments, click on any links especially holiday e-cards from someone you don’t know. Do not download any executable programs (files ending in .exe) that have been sent to you. Smishing: Smishing is phishing via text message.  Never respond.  If the text says there’s a problem with your bank account, call the bank directly and not the number provided by the text. Pop-Ups and False Ads: As you complete transactions, beware of pop-up windows that offer money back on your next purchase if you join, you could be enrolling in a membership program you did not intend to buy instead of completing your transaction. Disable pop-ups on your computer, and keep anti-virus software up to date.  Don’t leave feedback or sign up to win prizes on a pop-up ad. Gift-card swiping: Thieves scan the gift cards on racks at stores and strip the card of its value.  That’s why you should only buy gift cards kept behind the counter/register. The BBB also warns against buying gift card from online auction sites that are likely to be counterfeit or have no value. Debit Card Skimming: Always be aware of what’s going on about you and keep your wallet or purse in a secure place—particularly when you are struggling with packages out in a mall’s parking lot. When making a purchase, cover your hand at the ATM and on the checkout line so cameras can’t possibly record your PIN. Don’t use an ATM with someone lurking about or if it looks like there has been tampering done on the machine.  Check out that charity Always do your homework before giving money to charities. Beware of sound a likes and requests to support police or firefighters. Contact your local police or fire department to see what percentage of donations, if any, they will receive. The Better Business Bureau Wise (BBB) Giving Alliance offers information about national charities, www.give.org . Make sure everyone in your family is as aware of these holiday traps and know how to be safe on line. Simply put tis the season to be wary of holiday scams so that your holidays are merry.   Continue reading →

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Make it a Game to Find Ways to Save Money on your Holiday Budget

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin

Ever wonder why people go to the trouble of collecting coupons to buy 12 years worth of laundry detergent for $10 on TLC’s Extreme Couponing?  If you’re not familiar with the program, then you haven’t seen the real pleasure the couponers get from gaming the system, even if they end up with a stock room full of stuff they may never use.  It just goes to show: saving money can be fun! Depending on your particular talents and interests, finding ways to save money on your holiday budget may include making your own presents, scanning the internet for the best deals, cooking the best money-saving recipes or crafting your own decorations. Consider a “movie pack” consisting of a classic movie (cheaper than the new), snacks like microwave popcorn and a bottle of a favorite soda all in a basket from a second hand store.  You could also give a “survival” package for college students or a “travel pack” for travelers made of free samples and small portions you’ve either bought or made using inexpensive spill proof containers.  Another idea is to hand stamp or decorate a package of index cards with your favorite recipes tied with a ribbon to an inexpensive kitchen gadget. Better at doing things with your hands? Here are some other ideas to maintain your holiday budget. Find an old classic red wagon, bike or nightstand and spend a little elbow grease sanding and painting.  Make a shabby chic wind chime using old silverware or dinnerware.  Refurbish the insides of an old dollhouse with wallpaper and rug samples.  Make a calendar, stationery or all occasion cards on your computer for the non-technical person on your list.  Scan the internet for other gift making ideas that are more your style. Even if you are not “crafty,” just about anyone can put together mixes of their favorite recipes layered like a sand painting in a mason or decorative jar topped with a cute “hat” or bow.  A mix of Epsom salts and the oil of a favorite essence put together in a “spa” package like those sold in stores at a high price is another welcome inexpensive gift. Don’t have the time or inclination to make it yourself?  Everyone has a friend that’s good at this who may need something you can provide: washing and detailing their car or setting up a web page for their business.  Consider trading out gift certificates or services from a friend who owns a business in exchange for doing their taxes, minding their store or picking up their child at daycare for a certain period of time.  Everyone has a car that needs its oil changed.  You could even give guitar lessons. How many on your list would rather get a hand drawn picture from your child instead of an expensive, taken in August picture of your family and a canned message?  Send letters or postage saving postcards made from the fronts of the cards you received last year. Making it a project for the kids to get them involved. Brainstorm for more creative ways to save money and gain the satisfaction of knowing you beat the system by saving money on your holiday budget this year! Continue reading →

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