Make sure to keep all of your shopping receipts> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 1:07:21 PM

If you're taking advantage of the holiday shopping deals, make sure you hold onto all of your receipts.

You'll need them if you want to exchange something you bought or get a full refund. Receipts are also handy when you want money back on a product with a low-price guarantee. If you see that product being sold elsewhere at a lower price, just take your receipt back to the original store and ask for the difference.

Some receipts also have important information on warranties and rebates.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, also recommends you check credit- and debit-card sales and return receipts against your monthly bills and statements, and report any problems to the credit card issuer promptly.

The FTC also suggests you keep good records. Whether ordering by mail, phone  or online, it's important to keep detailed information about transactions, including your order number, shipping costs and dates, warranties, and refund and return policies.

Visit the FTC Web site for more shopping tips.

POSTED IN: Bargains (47) , Consumer (110) , Credit (21) , Credit Card (19) , Saving money (60)

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Shop Black Friday in your pajamas> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 9:51:04 AM

Black Friday is usually a day of unusually big sales - and long lines.

But you can take advantage of many bargains right from your home computer. Clothes optional.

There are lots of Black Friday Web sites to check, many listing pre-Black Friday sales, Thanksgiving Day sales and the day after (Black Friday itself).

One of the best is Bfads.net, which lists stores that will have Black Friday online sales - including KMart, Amazon and Best Buy. It also lists products - including laptops and digital cameras - that are currently priced at or below their Black Friday prices and available now online.

Another great thing about Black Friday is that some stores that aren't known for sales will cut prices on that day. Apple.com, for example, is advertising Black Friday deals available online. No prices yet, but the site says "You’ll find dozens of great iPod, iPhone, and Mac gift ideas."

It's worth checking online (or calling) your favorite store to make sure they will offer Black Friday deals. Most will.

POSTED IN: Bargains (47) , Child (23) , Consumer (110) , Family (65) , Saving money (60) , Web (21)

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Use your cell phone to check video game ratings> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 9:38:06 AM

Video games are popular gifts during the holidays, but don't let the frenzy get in the way of good judgment.

More than 50 percent of computer and video games are sold this time of year. But keep in mind, many are too graphic or adult in nature for children (Don't even think about the latest Grand Theft Auto version).

That's why adults should always pay attention to the ESRB ratings printed on the cover of each video. The ratings have two parts: rating symbols (such as "E" for Everyone or "T" for Teen 13 and older) suggest age appropriateness for the game and content descriptors indicate elements in a game that may cause concern. Look for descriptors like "intense violence," "blood and gore."

Before you select a game, check its rating by name or publisher on ESRB.org. You can also search for games by rating, platform or content. And if you're already at the store, you can use your mobile phone to check the same site at m.ERSB.org.

Another good site to check on video games pre-purchase is WhatTheyPlay.com. The site gives in-depth descriptions of games and takes children into account when reviewing them.

For instance, the rating on the box of the new Iron Man game mentions "alcohol reference," but WhatTheyPlay provides the detail that the protagonist of the game,  Tony Stark, is a full-fledged alcoholic.

Now go out there and have fun video shopping. Each one is packed with hours of fun for each child (and big kids) when chosen properly.

POSTED IN: Cell Phones (19) , Child (23) , Consumer (110) , Family (65) , Home (37) , Safety (18) , Technology (25) , Toys (6) , Web/Tech (25)

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Electronics accessories are great, cheap gifts> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 1:18:34 PM

You might not have a lot to spend on family and friends this holiday, but that doesn't mean you can't find a great gift.

If you have anyone on your list who loves cell phones, think about buying a backup battery pack. Now that cell phones do so much more than just make calls - think Web, movies, games and live TV - they need much more power.

That's why it's great to have an extra battery pack in your pocket or purse. I've tested the Mophie Juice Pack ($100) for the iPhone, and while a bit pricey, well worth its value. The rechargeable battery gives the iPhone an extra 8 hours of talk time, 7 hours of video playback and up to 250 hours of standby time.

There are lots of cheaper backup battery ($20 and up) solutions for PDAs, cell phones, laptops, etc. at stores like Radio Shack, Best Buy and other electronics retailers. They should make any on-the-go cell-phoner very happy.

POSTED IN: Cell Phones (19) , Consumer (110) , Technology (25) , Web/Tech (25) , Wireless (13)

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Web is good for holiday deals and ID theft> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 9:36:02 AM

While you're searching the Web for holiday bargains, beware ID thieves hoping to make you the next victim.

Shopping online may be quick and convenient, but it can also be easy to drop your guard against thieves looking to steal your personal information. They're counting on you to make a mistake - and if you do, it could be a very costly one.

Here are some online shopping tips from Comcast aimed at thwarting the bad guys and gals:

Look for the "S": When shopping on the Web, make sure you use only sites  that have "https://" in the beginning of the URL address. The "s" means it's a secure site.

Keep your anti-virus software and tools up-to-date: At the very least, check with your Internet provider to see if you can get any free software. Comcast customers can download for free the McAfee Security Suite.

Secure your home wireless network: Always secure your network with a password. Do not leave it open to the public.

Act quickly: If you suspect a site or person on the phone has stolen your identity, the sooner you act the better. Call your credit card company, bank and all three credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian). And make sure to call the police and file a report. Change all passwords on your accounts and keep an eye on all statements for strange charges in the coming months.

POSTED IN: Bargains (47) , Consumer (110) , Credit (21) , Credit Card (19) , ID Theft (13) , Saving money (60) , Web (21) , Web/Tech (25)

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Black Friday sales aren't just for holiday shopping> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 11:38:11 AM

Take advantage of Black Friday sales - whether you're holiday shopping or not. There will be big savings on most anything you might need to replace around the home.

Black Friday arrives the day after Thanksgiving (at midnight for many retailers) - Nov. 28 this year. All you need to know is that it is one of the busiest shopping days of the year because of the slew of rock-bottom sale prices offered on just about anything. If you need a new laptop computer, bed or refrigerator, now is a good time to buy.

And there are many ways - online and off - to get a sneak preview of what will be on sale.

Here are tips on how to bag a Black Friday bargain from ConsumerWorld.org:

Read the Ads: Check local newspapers on Thanksgiving Day. They will be full of circulars and last minute deals.  Friday's papers will include additional sales. To preview some of the items now that will be on sale on "Black Friday", visit bfads.net or blackfriday.gottadeal.com, websites with advance copies of store ads.

Research the product:: A low price on a lousy product is no bargain.  Check websites where professionals evaluate products, such as Consumer Reports, Steves-Digicams.com (for cameras),
Ecoustics.com (TV/hi-fi equipment), PCMagazine.com (computers), best/worst toy lists, etc.

Be an early bird: Look for "doorbuster" deals at as early as 4am.  (Best Buy is giving out numbers for their hottest deals starting at 3 am.) Plot your route from store to store based on store opening times, and because quantities are limited, arrive before the doors open. 

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Beware suspicious strangers when holiday shopping> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 8:26:29 AM

Keep an eye out for anyone who stands too close to you after you pull out your credit card to pay for holiday gifts - could be a bad guy trying to steal your identity.

ID thieves have been known to steal credit card numbers and personal information by looking over a victim's shoulder during an in-store transaction. Some use cell phone cameras to capture the information for use later.

Holiday shopping can be tiring and overwhelming, making it easier for thieves to catch victims off guard. Keep these tips in mind as you shop:

• Carry only one or two credit cards when shopping. If your wallet or purse is stolen, you won't have as many cards to report or worry about.
• Never leave paperwork - including credit applications, copies of your driver's license or receipts - on a counter or unattended.
• Politely ask anyone who is too close to you while you're at a cashier counter to step back.
• Be careful what you leave in your mailbox for the postman to pick up. Anything containing personal and financial information should be dropped off at the post office, especially during the holidays when fraud artists are out like wolves.

POSTED IN: Consumer (110) , Credit (21) , Credit Card (19) , ID Theft (13) , Saving money (60)

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Saving money holiday shopping takes skill and determination> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 7:20:49 AM

Learning to save money while holiday shopping is not for the meek. If you instinctively ask for something for free when you buy something, you have the right stuff.

The way you shop determines how much you can save. For instance, make sure to ask for free delivery when you buy a TV or refrigerator. In today's tough retail climate, stores are more likely to bargain.

Here are more tips from ShopSmart magazine's January issue:

• Ask sales associates for advance notice of sales. Then shop the night before the sale and ask to have full price items put on hold until the sale starts.
• Before you complete a sale online, Google "promotion code" and the name of the product to see if you can find a better deal
• Always check return costs and see if items bought online can be returned to a local store, especially for large purchases.
• Don't shop when you're exhausted: You'll be less likely to shop around and you won't pay attention to prices.
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Think about safety when shopping for toys> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 3:15:59 AM

I'm looking forward to hunting for the perfect toy for my four-year-old son this holiday. And by perfect, I mean a toy that is as safe as it is fun to play with.

When shopping for a child, it's important to think about how a toy will be used and whether it can pose a safety hazard in any way. For instance, you may want to stay away from anything that has thin plastic parts. They can break into swallow-able parts or jagged edges.

Here are the top 5 toy hazards to avoid, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Scooters and riding toys. If it has wheels, goes fast and a child is supposed to ride it, it could be dangerous, even deadly. At the very least, make sure a skateboard, bike, etc. comes with a helmet and safety gear.

Avoid small parts. If a part fits through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it can be a choking hazard for a child. The CPSC warns against anything with marbles or balls that have a diameter of 1.75 inches or less, especially for children under 3.

Check body parts. If you're giving a doll or stuffed animal, tug or pull on the eyes, nose and other body parts to make sure they don't fall off easily.

Read labels. Check for safety warnings and instructions about how a product should be used properly. For household art materials, including crayons and paint sets, look for the designation "ASTM D-4236," which means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and, if necessary, labeled with cautionary information.

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Got DTV questions? Check out free consumer class> Posted by Daniel Vasquez at 7:37:40 AM

If you're confused by the national transition to digital television - or DTV - you're hardly alone.

So get yourself educated. On Monday, experts from Best Buy and the National Association of Broadcasters will host a free seminar on DTV. The class will cover three topics: Consumers' three options to prepare for the transition, an explanation of the federal government coupon program (each household is entitled to two (2) $40 coupons to be used for the purchase of digital converter boxes) and the importance of antennas.

The training will be held throughout the day on Monday, Nov. 17, at the Best Buy store in Plantation (If you live in Palm Beach county, it may be worth the drive) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Drop by when you can to ask questions. The address: 12301 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33323.

And in case you missed it, the seminar is free to anyone who wishes to attend.

For more information on DTV - and to get your own answers to the same topics to be covered by the seminar - visit www.DTV2009.org.

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