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Online Shopping
Quick Facts
Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open — seven days a week, 24 hours a day — and bargains can be numerous online. With a click of a mouse, you can buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favorite fashions. But sizing up your finds on the Internet is a little different from checking out items at the mall.
If you're buying items from an online retailer or auction website, This advice to help you make the most of your shopping experience:
·Know who you're dealing with. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems. If you get an email or pop-up message while you're browsing that asks for financial information, don't reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email.
·Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished," "vintage," or "close-out" may indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition, while name-brand items with "too good to be true" prices could be counterfeits.
·Know what it will cost. Check out websites that offer price comparisons and then, compare "apples to apples." Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and budget — into the total cost of the order. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
·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, like refund policies and delivery dates. Can you return the item for a full refund if you're not satisfied? If you return it, find out who pays the shipping costs or restocking fees, and when you will receive your order. 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.
·Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of every email you send or receive from the seller. Read your credit card statements as you receive them and be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
·Don't email your financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting financial information like your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your financial information through an organization's website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some fraudulent sites have forged security icons.
·Check the privacy policy. It should let you know what personal information the website operators are collecting, why, and how they're going to use the information. If you can't find a privacy policy — or if you can't understand it, consider taking your business to another site that's more consumer-friendly.
How to Report if You Have Been a Victim of an Online Shopping Fraud
If you have problems during a transaction, try to work them out directly with the seller, buyer or site operator. If that doesn't work, file a complaint with:
You think you save money. You use coupons. You buy in bulk. But are you really saving money?
If you get items because they're on sale, you aren't saving. It's not a bargain if you don't need it.
Reconsider luxuries. They have a tendency to become necessities. If you live a little below your means, your money will go farther.
New cars lose as much as one third of their value in the first year. If you must buy a car, you could save thousands buying a used one from a reputable dealer.
Check bills for errors.
Do things for yourself that you used to pay for (ironing your own shirts or mowing your lawn, for example).
Make shopping lists and stick to them.
If rates are low and you own a home, you may want to consider refinancing your mortgage. Explore a reverse mortgage for your retirement years.
Compare prices at three stores before making a major purchase. Buy used items and seconds when practical.
Treat everything you own as valuable. Make things last. Don't throw things out until they wear out.
Top 10 Tips to Help You Become a Responsible Consumer
After you've decided on the type of credit you need and how much you can afford, follow these steps for maintaining a good credit history.
Shop around for the best credit terms.
Understand the terms of the agreement before you accept a loan or credit card.
Save money each payday for emergencies.
Set a monthly limit for charges and stick to it.
Shop as carefully with credit as you do with cash.
Don't take on monthly credit payments unless you're certain you can meet them.
Pay bills promptly and in full to keep finance charges low.
If you charge day-to-day expenses, pay them in full each month.
Keep credit card information (including phone number of issuer) in a safe place in case your cards are lost or stolen.
Keep copies of sales slips and compare charges when bills arrive. If there's a mistake, call your issuer right away.
5 Steps to Freedom from Debt
1. Negotiate a better rate. Call your creditors and request that they reduce your interest rates. Credit card companies have tons of programs for people with special needs.
2. Consider balance transfers. Take advantage of cards with lower interest rates, but remember to read the fine print to make sure you are not moving your balances to low introductory rates only to have the rates balloon again in a few months.
Beware of scams. Run from “experts” who claim they can make your debts disappear. If you decide to go to a nonprofit debt counseling agency or a loan consolidation company, check it out with your local Better Business Bureau.
Build a cash cushion. Part of the reason you are in debrt right now is because you have not saved in the past and you had no cash cushion. Start now to build an emergency fund.
Finally, forgive yourself. Lose the shame. Just know it is just a matter of learning how to dig out, getting a plan together and figuring out how to never let it happen again.
You can be free again. Follow the steps and take your time. After all, it did not happen overnight!
Love your heart, and it will take care of you for a lifetime. Several risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease are within your control. To adopt a heart-smart lifestyle:
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Choose lean meats and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol to excess.
Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.
Stress Management Tips Worth Trying
If you are feeling overwhelmed, please consider these general tips for combating stress:
Don’t go it alone. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, clergy or a counselor.
Exercise daily. Even 15 minutes per day can have a dramatic, positive effect.
Sleep better. Most adults need eight to nine hours per night.
