Shopping for Christmas - Safely

Bargains are always welcome…especially around Christmas, and some stores are offering some attractive discounts even earlier this year.

Remember, however, that wherever and whenever you shop, bring something you
won’t find on display…an awareness of the need to protect your purchases and your person.

Before you leave home, inventory the credit cards you are taking…department store charge cards, major charge cards, etc. Carrying a debit card, too? Perhaps the best plan is to not take particular store cards in your wallet or purse if you do not plan to shop there on that trip. Leave them in a safe place at home.

Park your vehicle in a well-traveled and well-lit area of the parking lot, as close to a main entrance as possible.  If you do return to your car to transfer purchases, be sure those purchases cannot be seen on the back seat or in the rear view window.  The best place to store them is in your car trunk. Always remember to set your alarm when you leave.

Be an organized shopper. Work with a list and if you plan to pay cash, keep it carefully stashed in your wallet or purse. Never leave either of those sitting on the counter even while you are completing your transaction.

Here’s wishing you an abundance of savings, and may all your packages safely rest under your Christmas tree on Christmas Eve!

--Psst!  If you didn’t take advantage of FORUM’s Santa Savings this year, you might want to try it for Christmas 2010. When you use it, you can jump start your shopping with the cash you saved through the year!