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Worth the Drive!Enjoy our beautiful showroom to get ideas & � ndunique or traditional holiday decorations.

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The economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shop-pers to curb their spending on gifts for friends and family. But even thoughthe economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach to their shopping, and saving lots of money along the

way.Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones come

the holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but there areways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank.

* Leave credit cards at home. Stretching a budget when holiday shopping can betempting, especially when shoppers come across “can’t miss” gifts they know their loved ones will treasure. Succumbing to such temptation typically finds holiday shoppers usingtheir credit cards to make purchases they otherwise cannot afford, and that only landsshoppers in post-holiday debt that can be difficult to pay off. Leaving credit cards athome when shopping for the holidays significantly reduces the likelihood that shopperswill overspend, and it guarantees they won’t be mired in debt come January.

* Whittle down your shopping list. Many holiday shoppers find themselves in financialhot water come the end of the holiday season thanks in large part to seemingly endless holiday shopping lists. Lists may include coworkers, distant cousins, neighbors, and a host of other acquaintances. Whittling down holiday shopping lists can save shoppers money. Contact loose acquaintances and distant relatives to suggest you stop exchang-ing gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and money.

* Make a list of gifts. Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to yourfinances. Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of gifts you intendto buy for each person on your list. This can help you focus your search and reduce thelikelihood that you will make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wander around the mall for hours on end.

* Avoid last-minute shopping. Last-minuteshopping may unearth some great deals, but it’s far more likely to back shoppers into cornersas they race against time to complete their holiday shopping. When shopping is put offuntil the last minute, shoppers don’t have time to comparison shop and find better deals, and that can quickly turn a holiday budget upside down. Begin your holiday shopping as early as possible, and take advantage of holiday sales.

* Spread out your shopping. Holiday shop-pers with especially long shopping lists can spread out their shopping over several months to reduce the likelihood that they will accumu-late credit card debt or run out of cash during the holiday season. Begin shopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying gifts for loved ones when you have the cash to do so. This has the added benefit of freeing up time during the often hectic holiday season, and it greatly reduces the risk of compiling post-holiday debt.

Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holiday shoppers can employ several strategies to keep them-selves out of debt this holiday season.

Holiday shopping on a budget

December 16, 2015

Last-minute shopping for the holidaysHoliday shopping on a budget

Things to consider before buying

Avoid the hidden costs of online shoppingThe advantage of last-minute shoppingShop locally this holiday season

Great

gift ideas

from local

merchants

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Christmas Decor and Gifts Galore!

Merry Christmas Interior Design Services • Home Decor

Fashion Apparel & Accessories • Unique Gifts

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326 Lizard Creek Road • Littleton, NC 27850

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Just in - OW Lee Fire TablesGreat selection of Stainless Steel pots and pans & everything you’ll need to

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OIL CHANGE $24.95for 5 Quarts of Oil • No Synthetic or Diesel Oil

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THE Pe� ectSTOCKING STUFFER FOR ANYONE

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Full Service Garden Center & Gift Shoppe

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847 Lizard Creek Road Henrico, NC 27842 (252) 586-3685Nursery & Garden Center, Inc.

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Avoid the hidden costs of online shoppingOnline shopping saves shoppers

the trouble of waiting in long lines while offering the conve-

nience of around-the-clock hours. With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on a tablet, shoppers can typically find just about any product or service they desire.

But additional fees and service charges that can quickly accumulate also are a part of online shopping. However, shoppers can mitigate such costs by iden-tifying potential fees and learning how to keep them manageable.

ShippingShipping costs are a burden to online

shoppers. Even when prices are low, shipping costs can offset those savings, especially for last-minute shoppers forced to select overnight or two-day shipping.

Before completing checkout, check the estimated shipping costs to determine what the final cost will be. Avoid retailers who charge high fees or limit your shipping options. Watch for specials that advertise free shipping, and stick with retailers that offer free or reduced shipping on particular days or times, then do the bulk of your shopping during those discounted periods.

Some retailers offer free shipping to a store location. This affords consumers the convenience of shopping online without the added cost of having merchandise delivered to your home.

Poor return policyBefore buying any items online, familiar-

ize yourself with the return and exchange policies of the retailer. Although many sites post sizing charts and dimensions for furni-ture and other products, sizing mistakes can be made, and you may be respon-sible for the shipping costs when returning or exchanging items. Shop with retailers who have lenient return policies, including accepting exchanges or returns at area stores. Otherwise, rely on companies that in-clude return labels and take care of the cost of exchanges.

Restocking feesRead the fine print when shopping

online. Although rare, some retailers charge a restocking fee for returned items, particularly electronics. This fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price.

Identity theftThe potential for identity theft is another concern when shopping online.

Reputable retailers employ security measures to safeguard shoppers’ personal information. Encrypted data, identifiable by a “locked” icon on the check-out page, protects billing information from hackers. Although no system is entirely impenetrable, encrypted sites are generally safe.

Never enter personal information unless a site is encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe even money to refute fraudulent purchases, and such issues may negatively affect your credit rating, even when they’re not your fault.

International feesShopping online puts you in touch with global retailers. Purchasing from

around the world may be easy, but navigating currency exchanges and other fees can be difficult.

International sites may list the prices of items at their currency rate, so what seems like a good deal may be anything but. What’s more, some shop-pers may incur duty fees when accepting items from other countries, particularly if the value of the product is high.

The Internet may be a good place to buy items at attractive prices from the convenience of home. However, shoppers should be aware of any hidden charges that can offset the benefits of shopping online.

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www.selectautosalesrr.com252-410-0010 • Cell 252-678-3692 Anytime

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The Mini UTV 150cc’s have arrived!

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Furnishing homes in the Roanoke Valley and Lake Gaston since 1904

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Last-minute shopping for the holidays

The advantages of last-minute holiday shopping

Tackling tasks well in advance has many advantages, and often it is in one’s best interest to be ahead of the game, including when the game at hand is holiday shopping.

But men and women who simply can’t get a head start on their holiday shopping need not fear, as waiting until the eleventh hour to do the bulk of your shopping can have some distinct advantages, too.

Consumer Reports’ 2012 Holiday Poll found 9 percent of shoppers — an esti-mated 17 million people — planned to shop in stores on Christmas Eve in 2012. Many stores are still open on Christmas Eve, even if the doors are only unlocked for a limited number of hours. That gives shoppers one last chance to find the perfect presents. In addition to having more time to decide on gifts, here are some other benefits to shopping later in the season.

• Smaller crowds: As the holiday season winds down, many shoppers have already completed their shopping. Fewer people tend to be in stores in the final days before Christmas, as they are readying their homes for company or making travel plans. This can be a prime time for shopping and getting through malls or other retailers in less time.

• Discounted prices: Anxious to reduce inventory and make the most of end-of-the-year profits, stores may discount merchandise even further for fast sale. Shop-pers anxious to save a little bit more or come in under budget may find waiting to shop is to their financial advantage.

• Lower chance of discovery: One difficulty of shopping early is keeping all of the gifts hidden for the duration of the month. Waiting until later to shop means only having to camouflage gifts for a few days. When you wait, curious kids are less likely to find their gifts before the big day.

• Last-minute specials: Some online retailers offer “doorbuster” sales at various times during the holiday shopping season. These sales may offer additional dis-

counts or even free shipping. Just be sure to balance the benefits of the discount against the shipping price. If it means having to pay a premium for overnight ship-ping, it may not be worth the investment.

• More time to plan: By the end of the holiday season you may have a better idea of what you need to purchase. You also may have polled others regarding what they are giving, reducing the chances of giving duplicate gifts.

• Gift cards galore: Some people prefer to give gift cards, which are available all season long. Consumer Reports says 62 percent of last-minute shoppers grab gift cards. If you fall into that category, waiting to buy the cards won’t be an issue so long as you make it to the stores before they close.

Last-minute shopping has its advantages. If time is ticking away, there are still deals to be had. It’s December 22 and you’ve just barely made it

through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don’t have enough time to get everything done.

This is a common scenario around the holidays. Shop-pers have the best intentions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the calendar experiencing sweaty palms. Many others may be putting off holiday shopping simply because of the current state of the economy and affordability.

According to a Steelhouse Marketing Consultants poll of 1,000 consumers, 62 percent predict they will spend less money on the 2011 holiday season. Plus, 56 percent of families predict they will comparison shop more than they have in the past. These factors may contribute to just how long shoppers put off actually getting into stores or going online to shop.

For the scores of shoppers who consciously or subcon-sciously wait until the last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and family with great gifts.

* Gift cards: They may not have sentimental meaning behind them, but gift cards are fast and easy. Chances are you can run into a store and be out with a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at the checkout counter. Also, many supermarkets, book-stores and other retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling

you to shop for different gift cards all in one place.* Food and beverages: While everyone is heading to

the mall in droves, you can be stepping inside of a gour-met food or spirits store. Splurge on fine cheeses or that trendy bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself.

* Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year’s worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.

* E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will e-mail a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill.

* Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally accept-able gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can be an expensive ven-ture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help.

Online retailers are also there to help last-minute shop-pers. Many online retailers guarantee in-time-for-Christ-mas shipping even on gifts ordered as late as December 23. However, overnight shipping charges will cost more. But it’s all worth it to get the item in time.

Waiting until the last minute for shopping can induce some anxiety. But knowing about easy gifts for procrasti-nators can take the stress out of this type of shopping.

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LAST MINUTE GIFTS

BATTERIES, SD CARDS,ROANOKE RAPIDS

& HALIFAX ACADEMYKEY CHAINS, NECKLACES

XNLV245761

107 Smith Church Rd. • Roanoke Rapids, NC252-537-7010

139 Elams Rd. • Littleton, NC (Near Food Lion)252-586-3836

163 Nashville Commons Dr. • Nashville, NC252-677-5565www.drugcopharmacy.com

CHRISTMAS SALE

• Russell Stover Boxed Candy • Gift Certifi cates• Insulated Cups • Game Cameras• Rods and Reels• Gallery Wraps

NOW 3/$100

RUSSELL STOVERStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersSANTAS

REG .59¢

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Store Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Marsh Creek Trading Post1032 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids

252-410-0658

Country Life and Southern Attitude T-ShirtsCountry Christmas Decor • Rustic DecorHandbags - Concealed Weapon Handbags • House and Garden Flags& MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

30% OFFCHRISTMAS DECOR

20% OFFEVERYTHING

ElSE IN STORE

Things to consider before buying this holiday season

Few holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had from the start of the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New

Year’s Day.But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has

swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print and subjected them-selves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season.

Restocking feesAs thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately

returned. Recipients may already have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to elec-tronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factory-sealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket televi-sion or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item’s recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift.

Extended warrantiesMany items come with manufacturer warranties that cover

damaged items for a predetermined period of time. But many shoppers want to go the extra mile and buy extended warran-ties that protect the products for longer periods of time. While that’s good in theory, studies from Consumer Reports have shown that products rarely break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a false sense of security they’re unlikely to ever use. When considering an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy by reading customer reviews of the product on popular sites such as Amazon.com. Such sites can offer valu-able insight with regard to how reliable products are. If multiple reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason to reconsider their purchase, then you likely don’t need an extended warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of the extended warranty so you know just what it does and does not cover.

Return policiesBecause so many gifts are returned once the holidays have

come and gone, it’s important to understand a retailer’s return policy before buying a gift for a friend or family member. In-store purchases may be subject to different return policies than items bought online, which may need to be returned via the mail, a potentially costly expense for the gift’s recipient depending on the size of the gift. Try to shop only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so your friend or family mem-ber does not have to jump through hoops just to return the gift.

Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult. But shoppers should first read the fine print before making any purchases so they can rest easy knowing they made the best decision possible.

Shop locally this holiday seasonShopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends

gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holi-

day season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home.Local economy

When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors, and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local can strengthen the local economy by creat-ing jobs that may not exist if you and members of your community fail to support local small businesses.

Uniqueness of giftsThe gifts you buy when shopping locally also can benefit your community.

Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the gifts’ recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.

Customer serviceThe accessibility of customer service is another oft-overlooked benefit of shop-

ping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact

with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience. Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.

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LAST MINUTE GIFTS

BATTERIES, SD CARDS,ROANOKE RAPIDS

& HALIFAX ACADEMYKEY CHAINS, NECKLACES

XNLV245761

107 Smith Church Rd. • Roanoke Rapids, NC252-537-7010

139 Elams Rd. • Littleton, NC (Near Food Lion)252-586-3836

163 Nashville Commons Dr. • Nashville, NC252-677-5565www.drugcopharmacy.com

CHRISTMAS SALE

• Russell Stover Boxed Candy • Gift Certifi cates• Insulated Cups • Game Cameras• Rods and Reels• Gallery Wraps

NOW 3/$100

RUSSELL STOVERStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersStocking StuffersSANTAS

REG .59¢

XNLV

2458

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Store Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Marsh Creek Trading Post1032 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids

252-410-0658

Country Life and Southern Attitude T-ShirtsCountry Christmas Decor • Rustic DecorHandbags - Concealed Weapon Handbags • House and Garden Flags& MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

30% OFFCHRISTMAS DECOR

20% OFFEVERYTHING

ElSE IN STORE

Things to consider before buying this holiday season

Few holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had from the start of the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New

Year’s Day.But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has

swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print and subjected them-selves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season.

Restocking feesAs thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately

returned. Recipients may already have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to elec-tronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factory-sealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket televi-sion or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item’s recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift.

Extended warrantiesMany items come with manufacturer warranties that cover

damaged items for a predetermined period of time. But many shoppers want to go the extra mile and buy extended warran-ties that protect the products for longer periods of time. While that’s good in theory, studies from Consumer Reports have shown that products rarely break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a false sense of security they’re unlikely to ever use. When considering an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy by reading customer reviews of the product on popular sites such as Amazon.com. Such sites can offer valu-able insight with regard to how reliable products are. If multiple reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason to reconsider their purchase, then you likely don’t need an extended warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of the extended warranty so you know just what it does and does not cover.

Return policiesBecause so many gifts are returned once the holidays have

come and gone, it’s important to understand a retailer’s return policy before buying a gift for a friend or family member. In-store purchases may be subject to different return policies than items bought online, which may need to be returned via the mail, a potentially costly expense for the gift’s recipient depending on the size of the gift. Try to shop only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so your friend or family mem-ber does not have to jump through hoops just to return the gift.

Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult. But shoppers should first read the fine print before making any purchases so they can rest easy knowing they made the best decision possible.

Shop locally this holiday seasonShopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends

gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holi-

day season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home.Local economy

When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors, and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local can strengthen the local economy by creat-ing jobs that may not exist if you and members of your community fail to support local small businesses.

Uniqueness of giftsThe gifts you buy when shopping locally also can benefit your community.

Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the gifts’ recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.

Customer serviceThe accessibility of customer service is another oft-overlooked benefit of shop-

ping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact

with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience. Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.

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Last-minute shopping for the holidays

The advantages of last-minute holiday shopping

Tackling tasks well in advance has many advantages, and often it is in one’s best interest to be ahead of the game, including when the game at hand is holiday shopping.

But men and women who simply can’t get a head start on their holiday shopping need not fear, as waiting until the eleventh hour to do the bulk of your shopping can have some distinct advantages, too.

Consumer Reports’ 2012 Holiday Poll found 9 percent of shoppers — an esti-mated 17 million people — planned to shop in stores on Christmas Eve in 2012. Many stores are still open on Christmas Eve, even if the doors are only unlocked for a limited number of hours. That gives shoppers one last chance to find the perfect presents. In addition to having more time to decide on gifts, here are some other benefits to shopping later in the season.

• Smaller crowds: As the holiday season winds down, many shoppers have already completed their shopping. Fewer people tend to be in stores in the final days before Christmas, as they are readying their homes for company or making travel plans. This can be a prime time for shopping and getting through malls or other retailers in less time.

• Discounted prices: Anxious to reduce inventory and make the most of end-of-the-year profits, stores may discount merchandise even further for fast sale. Shop-pers anxious to save a little bit more or come in under budget may find waiting to shop is to their financial advantage.

• Lower chance of discovery: One difficulty of shopping early is keeping all of the gifts hidden for the duration of the month. Waiting until later to shop means only having to camouflage gifts for a few days. When you wait, curious kids are less likely to find their gifts before the big day.

• Last-minute specials: Some online retailers offer “doorbuster” sales at various times during the holiday shopping season. These sales may offer additional dis-

counts or even free shipping. Just be sure to balance the benefits of the discount against the shipping price. If it means having to pay a premium for overnight ship-ping, it may not be worth the investment.

• More time to plan: By the end of the holiday season you may have a better idea of what you need to purchase. You also may have polled others regarding what they are giving, reducing the chances of giving duplicate gifts.

• Gift cards galore: Some people prefer to give gift cards, which are available all season long. Consumer Reports says 62 percent of last-minute shoppers grab gift cards. If you fall into that category, waiting to buy the cards won’t be an issue so long as you make it to the stores before they close.

Last-minute shopping has its advantages. If time is ticking away, there are still deals to be had. It’s December 22 and you’ve just barely made it

through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don’t have enough time to get everything done.

This is a common scenario around the holidays. Shop-pers have the best intentions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the calendar experiencing sweaty palms. Many others may be putting off holiday shopping simply because of the current state of the economy and affordability.

According to a Steelhouse Marketing Consultants poll of 1,000 consumers, 62 percent predict they will spend less money on the 2011 holiday season. Plus, 56 percent of families predict they will comparison shop more than they have in the past. These factors may contribute to just how long shoppers put off actually getting into stores or going online to shop.

For the scores of shoppers who consciously or subcon-sciously wait until the last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and family with great gifts.

* Gift cards: They may not have sentimental meaning behind them, but gift cards are fast and easy. Chances are you can run into a store and be out with a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at the checkout counter. Also, many supermarkets, book-stores and other retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling

you to shop for different gift cards all in one place.* Food and beverages: While everyone is heading to

the mall in droves, you can be stepping inside of a gour-met food or spirits store. Splurge on fine cheeses or that trendy bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself.

* Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year’s worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.

* E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will e-mail a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill.

* Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally accept-able gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can be an expensive ven-ture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help.

Online retailers are also there to help last-minute shop-pers. Many online retailers guarantee in-time-for-Christ-mas shipping even on gifts ordered as late as December 23. However, overnight shipping charges will cost more. But it’s all worth it to get the item in time.

Waiting until the last minute for shopping can induce some anxiety. But knowing about easy gifts for procrasti-nators can take the stress out of this type of shopping.

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Avoid the hidden costs of online shoppingOnline shopping saves shoppers

the trouble of waiting in long lines while offering the conve-

nience of around-the-clock hours. With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on a tablet, shoppers can typically find just about any product or service they desire.

But additional fees and service charges that can quickly accumulate also are a part of online shopping. However, shoppers can mitigate such costs by iden-tifying potential fees and learning how to keep them manageable.

ShippingShipping costs are a burden to online

shoppers. Even when prices are low, shipping costs can offset those savings, especially for last-minute shoppers forced to select overnight or two-day shipping.

Before completing checkout, check the estimated shipping costs to determine what the final cost will be. Avoid retailers who charge high fees or limit your shipping options. Watch for specials that advertise free shipping, and stick with retailers that offer free or reduced shipping on particular days or times, then do the bulk of your shopping during those discounted periods.

Some retailers offer free shipping to a store location. This affords consumers the convenience of shopping online without the added cost of having merchandise delivered to your home.

Poor return policyBefore buying any items online, familiar-

ize yourself with the return and exchange policies of the retailer. Although many sites post sizing charts and dimensions for furni-ture and other products, sizing mistakes can be made, and you may be respon-sible for the shipping costs when returning or exchanging items. Shop with retailers who have lenient return policies, including accepting exchanges or returns at area stores. Otherwise, rely on companies that in-clude return labels and take care of the cost of exchanges.

Restocking feesRead the fine print when shopping

online. Although rare, some retailers charge a restocking fee for returned items, particularly electronics. This fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price.

Identity theftThe potential for identity theft is another concern when shopping online.

Reputable retailers employ security measures to safeguard shoppers’ personal information. Encrypted data, identifiable by a “locked” icon on the check-out page, protects billing information from hackers. Although no system is entirely impenetrable, encrypted sites are generally safe.

Never enter personal information unless a site is encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe even money to refute fraudulent purchases, and such issues may negatively affect your credit rating, even when they’re not your fault.

International feesShopping online puts you in touch with global retailers. Purchasing from

around the world may be easy, but navigating currency exchanges and other fees can be difficult.

International sites may list the prices of items at their currency rate, so what seems like a good deal may be anything but. What’s more, some shop-pers may incur duty fees when accepting items from other countries, particularly if the value of the product is high.

The Internet may be a good place to buy items at attractive prices from the convenience of home. However, shoppers should be aware of any hidden charges that can offset the benefits of shopping online.

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The economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shop-pers to curb their spending on gifts for friends and family. But even though the economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach to their shopping, and saving lots of money along the

way.Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones come

the holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but there are ways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank.

* Leave credit cards at home. Stretching a budget when holiday shopping can betempting, especially when shoppers come across “can’t miss” gifts they know their loved ones will treasure. Succumbing to such temptation typically finds holiday shoppers using their credit cards to make purchases they otherwise cannot afford, and that only lands shoppers in post-holiday debt that can be difficult to pay off. Leaving credit cards at home when shopping for the holidays significantly reduces the likelihood that shoppers will overspend, and it guarantees they won’t be mired in debt come January.

* Whittle down your shopping list. Many holiday shoppers find themselves in financialhot water come the end of the holiday season thanks in large part to seemingly endless holiday shopping lists. Lists may include coworkers, distant cousins, neighbors, and a host of other acquaintances. Whittling down holiday shopping lists can save shoppers money. Contact loose acquaintances and distant relatives to suggest you stop exchang-ing gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and money.

* Make a list of gifts. Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to yourfinances. Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of gifts you intend to buy for each person on your list. This can help you focus your search and reduce the likelihood that you will make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wander around the mall for hours on end.

* Avoid last-minute shopping. Last-minuteshopping may unearth some great deals, but it’s far more likely to back shoppers into corners as they race against time to complete their holiday shopping. When shopping is put off until the last minute, shoppers don’t have time to comparison shop and find better deals, and that can quickly turn a holiday budget upside down. Begin your holiday shopping as early as possible, and take advantage of holiday sales.

* Spread out your shopping. Holiday shop-pers with especially long shopping lists can spread out their shopping over several months to reduce the likelihood that they will accumu-late credit card debt or run out of cash during the holiday season. Begin shopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying gifts for loved ones when you have the cash to do so. This has the added benefit of freeing up time during the often hectic holiday season, and it greatly reduces the risk of compiling post-holiday debt.

Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holiday shoppers can employ several strategies to keep them-selves out of debt this holiday season.

Holiday shopping on a budget

December 16, 2015

Last-minute shopping for the holidaysHoliday shopping on a budget

Things to consider before buying

Avoid the hidden costs of online shoppingThe advantage of last-minute shoppingShop locally this holiday season

Great

gift ideas

from local

merchants