Consumers Union (www.consumersunion.org), the nonprofit organization that publishes Consumer Reports magazine, offers good advice on how to save money on your holiday purchases.
Don’t Buy the Extended Warranty—Extended warranties and service contracts are not a good buy. Fewer than 20% of products covered by an extended warranty are ever brought in for repair. In fact, estimates of profit margins on service contracts range from 40% to 77%. Most defects typically appear in the first 90 days, while the original warranty may still be in effect. Buying products with a solid record of reliability is the best way to avoid breakdowns. The annual Consumer Reports Buying Guide contains repair histories for major brands of home appliances, VCRs, TVs, and some other home electronic equipment.
Steer Clear of Credit Card Cash Advances—Avoid with all your might taking cash advances on a credit card. It is cheaper to pay by credit card than to take a credit card cash advance. Cash advances are one of the costliest ways to borrow money. There is usually a fee, which may be from 2% to 4% of the amount of the advance. There is also, sometimes, a higher interest rate on the funds borrowed through a cash advance.
Avoid Store Credit Cards—Store charge cards can be expensive if you don’t pay the bill in full every month. Store cards usually carry higher interest rates than ordinary credit cards. Most retailers accept ordinary credit cards, so you don’t need a store credit card.
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Skip Offers to Skip a Payment—Some companies, banks, and credit unions mail out offers that allow you to skip a payment on an existing auto loan or credit card during the holiday season. Read any invitation to “skip a payment” carefully to see if interest will continue to build up during the skipped period. Skipping a payment generally just means that it will take you longer to pay off the account.
Don’t Put Your Holiday Bills “On the House”—Avoid home equity loans except for specific, planned expenditures, such as tuition or home improvement. Home equity loans are sometimes promoted for debt consolidation. One reason that these loans may have lower monthly payments than your current bills is that the debt is being stretched out over a much longer time period. On some home equity loans, you pay only interest, and you still owe the full amount borrowed even after you make all the payments.
Returns—Always save your receipts or other proof of purchase. If you’re dissatisfied with your purchase, or if the product doesn’t work as advertised, promptly take it back to the retail seller and ask for a refund or replacement. If you are still dissatisfied, contact the seller and the manufacturer in writing. Describe the problem and ask for specific action by the company (such as replacement). Be polite but persistent in pursuing your complaint. If you are not satisfied, complain in writing to the local District Attorney’s office or consumer affairs office.