Shop Smart this Holiday Season |
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While we all look forward to gift giving (and getting), long lines and crowded stores can take some of the ho-ho-ho out of the holiday season. And the search to find a perfect gift for everyone on your list can leave you with a post-holiday hangover once the credit card bill comes due. But, with some simple shopping strategies, you can get the most for your money and emerge with enough sanity intact to enjoy your eggnog.
Make a List
It sounds simplistic, but by writing down all of the gifts you plan to buy, you’ll be more focused and less likely to be caught up in last-minute-gift hysteria.
Include a Budget
Set aside budget ideas for gifts or tips for your favorite hairdresser, the babysitter, and everyone you want to thank for their service in the past year on your list. This way the funds won’t come out of your regular routine budget. If you use your Wachovia Credit and Check Cards be sure to reap the rewards by enrolling in our Wachovia Possibilities RewardsSM program.
Have kids old enough to shop?
You could help them become educated consumers and request a Wachovia Visa Buxx Card to help teach them financial responsibility this shopping season.
Start Planning for Next Year
Remember that old-fashioned holiday-club account your mother had? You can do the same with your Online Banking account at Wachovia. Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to a savings account each month and you’ll be ahead of the game next year.
Know Before You Go
The National Retail Federation suggests shopping after 6:00 pm the evening before a sale is advertised to begin. Many retailers program the registers the night before, so the sale price may already come up at the register.
If you are looking for specific advertised items, take the complete ad with you so that you don’t end up in the wrong store looking for a specific price.
Seven Tips for Savvy Online Shopping
Planning to hit the websites instead of the mall? Shop smart. Here are seven tips to keep you in the holiday spirit.
1. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems. If you get an e-mail or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, never reply or click on the link in the message.
2. Do comparison shopping to find the best rate. Check out sites such as Ebates.com, Shopzilla.com or Pronto.com to find coupons and the lowest prices.
3. Always use your Wachovia credit card to receive the best consumer protection. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
4. Make sure you understand all terms of the sale, including refund policies and delivery dates.
5. Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of correspondence with the seller. Read your credit card statements and be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
6. In the rush of the season, don’t forget about security: never e-mail your personal information. Look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL that begins “https:” (the &ldquos” stands for secure). Also, check the privacy policy. If you can’t find one, or if you cannot understand it, consider taking your business to another site.
7. Enjoy the season! If you plan ahead, you’ll be wrapping your gifts while the last-minute procrastinators are fighting the crowds.
