How to Avoid the Holiday Debt Trap

It's that time of year... when diets and spending plans get ignored until the pain hits in the new year. FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) provides some good tips and reminders.

"Thanksgiving came early this year, and media sources have already reported record-breaking holiday spending in the wake of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. The holiday shopping season is in full swing. But beware—more time to shop means more time to spend.
Let's face it, there's no escaping the aftermath of too much holiday cheer, whether it's a few extra pounds or the dreaded hangover. Binging on gifts and entertaining can leave a lasting pain, too: credit card debt."

• Make a Budget and Check it Twice

• Track Your Spending

• Consider Shopping Solo

• Reward Yourself With Your Credit Card Rewards

• Get Smart About Credit Card Offers

Details and pep talk at: 
http://www.finra.org/investors/highlights/avoid-holiday-debt-trap?utm_source=MM&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=S%5FAI%5F121118%5FFINAL

App Traps to Watch for when Online Shopping

"A surge in bogus apps recently began flooding Apple and Android app stores mimicking well-known retailers and products — from Dollar Tree and Foot Locker to luxury brands including Jimmy Choo and Christian Dior. Some contain malware that can steal personal information or trigger ransomware to hijack mobile devices until a ransom is paid, notes the New York Times. Others encourage users to enter credit card information or log in using their Facebook credentials, which can jeopardize those accounts."
Defense: "Before downloading, carefully check app logos and descriptions for misspellings, missing letters (such as “Foot Locke” without the “r”) or poor English, as many fakes originate in China. Other red flags include poor or few customer reviews, indications the app just launched, or links to apps from other retailers."
Quoted directly from AARP Scam Alert: http://blog.aarp.org/2016/11/23/the-sneakiest-online-shopping-scams/

I-pads entice more buying than alternatives

Who would have thought that shopping by I-pad or other touch screen device would entice you to buy more than you would if using a laptop or desktop computer? Researchers at Boston College report that shopping with "an iPad increases the feeling of ownership of that product – and may make you more likely to buy it." The study reports that "the urge to buy may be even stronger when holding a touch screen device than when using a laptop or desktop computer." Read the details on my favorite blog, the Squared Away Blog at: http://squaredawayblog.bc.edu/squared-away/ipad-shoppers-more-likely-to-buy/