It seems like all we can think about is that the holiday season is here and of how the rush to fulfill everyone's gift wishes within our family budget is in full force. This year, consider shopping locally to help your neighbor, plan so you stay within your budget and make wise choices as a consumer.
As you do your holiday shopping this year, stop in your local downtown to peruse local shops on your list. Local retailers add to our vibrant downtowns and ensure we will have a strong local economy in our communities. Something for everyone on your list is likely just around the corner on your Main Street. Buying local not only helps local retailers but it strengthens the economy of the community in which you live. Shopping locally is the gift that also gives back to you and your community.
Times are tough for many families this year, and giving a gift that is affordable is a top priority for many of us. Make a budget for holiday expenses and stick with it. Set amounts for everyone on your list and consider making the list a little bit shorter. You can give many people a gift of time. Grandma may not need another set of slippers but would love a gift of playing cards with her for an evening - which is free. Speaking of time, your local charity also is challenged this year and if you cannot donate funds to support neighbors in need, consider giving local charities the gift of your time.
Being a savvy consumer is not always easy; the holidays make it especially difficult. If you are using a mail order company to order gifts, always ask about shipping dates of items and what the policy is if you do not receive your purchase before the holidays. If you're ordering online, you may want to stick to vendors you are familiar with and be wary of companies that do not prominently display their return, refund and contact information readily. Check your credit card statements meticulously and keep your holiday receipts for a while, not just for returns but to cross check with your credit card statements. Manage your credit card spending and be very wary of transfer balance and loan opportunities you receive in the coming months. If you want to stop holiday junk mail you can sign up for a "DO NOT Mail" list at the Direct Marketing Association's national Web site, which is easily found through Google.
Gift cards often are an excellent gift, but please read the fine print - not all policies are the same! Some cards can only be used at the retail store and not online, some cards have expiration dates, some cards deduct funds from the balance over time, some cards have activation fees, replacement and other fees. Know the policies before you purchase.
To file a consumer complaint in Wisconsin contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County. He can be reached at (888) 549-0027 or sen.erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov.
As you do your holiday shopping this year, stop in your local downtown to peruse local shops on your list. Local retailers add to our vibrant downtowns and ensure we will have a strong local economy in our communities. Something for everyone on your list is likely just around the corner on your Main Street. Buying local not only helps local retailers but it strengthens the economy of the community in which you live. Shopping locally is the gift that also gives back to you and your community.
Times are tough for many families this year, and giving a gift that is affordable is a top priority for many of us. Make a budget for holiday expenses and stick with it. Set amounts for everyone on your list and consider making the list a little bit shorter. You can give many people a gift of time. Grandma may not need another set of slippers but would love a gift of playing cards with her for an evening - which is free. Speaking of time, your local charity also is challenged this year and if you cannot donate funds to support neighbors in need, consider giving local charities the gift of your time.
Being a savvy consumer is not always easy; the holidays make it especially difficult. If you are using a mail order company to order gifts, always ask about shipping dates of items and what the policy is if you do not receive your purchase before the holidays. If you're ordering online, you may want to stick to vendors you are familiar with and be wary of companies that do not prominently display their return, refund and contact information readily. Check your credit card statements meticulously and keep your holiday receipts for a while, not just for returns but to cross check with your credit card statements. Manage your credit card spending and be very wary of transfer balance and loan opportunities you receive in the coming months. If you want to stop holiday junk mail you can sign up for a "DO NOT Mail" list at the Direct Marketing Association's national Web site, which is easily found through Google.
Gift cards often are an excellent gift, but please read the fine print - not all policies are the same! Some cards can only be used at the retail store and not online, some cards have expiration dates, some cards deduct funds from the balance over time, some cards have activation fees, replacement and other fees. Know the policies before you purchase.
To file a consumer complaint in Wisconsin contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County. He can be reached at (888) 549-0027 or sen.erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov.
