Keeping your wits in midst of chaos

The savvy shopper needs to pay attention.

By VICKI LEE PARKER

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

During this season, let’s not forget what’s important for the holiday shopper — being a smart consumer.

The last thing you want after the glitz and lights come down is to realize that you have overspent, racked up major credit card debt or forgotten to keep the receipt for a sweater that doesn’t fit. Without a receipt, you might get store credit — if you remember where you bought it — but forget about getting cash back.

To avoid such headaches, here are a few things that savvy shoppers should keep in mind over the next few weeks.

UHold onto all receipts, including those for gift cards. These can come in handy if the person loses the card. Pass along gift receipts to your friends and family.

UConsumer Reports is again warning consumers to avoid paying extra for extended warranties. The magazine says that most extended warranties are a waste of money, because they are overpriced and because products rarely break within the three-year period that most cover. There are exceptions to the rule. For example, Consumer Reports suggests that shoppers buy warranties on rear-projection TVs and Apple computers.

UWhen you make purchases with a coupon, pay close attention to the excluded items that are usually listed in small print at the bottom or back of the coupon. It’s no fun to get to the cash register and learn that that wonderful gift you spent 20 minutes picking out is not covered by the 20 percent coupon.

UEarn more coupons and discounts by completing a free registration on your favorite store’s Web site. Many stores offer a one-time discount for signing up. Afterward, they will mail you coupons and other information about specials.

UPay attention to expiration dates on coupons and gift cards. If you make a purchase during the holidays, many retailers will give you a discount coupon to used toward your next purchase. Often those discounts are good for a limited time.

URemember to ask stores about return policies. Specifically, you want to know: How long will you have to return an item for a full refund? How long do you have to get a store credit? Is there a restocking fee? Will you need a receipt to return the item or is your information saved on the store’s computer system? If you make a purchase from a mall kiosk, find out how long the business will be set up in the mall and what its return policy is beyond that date.

UFinally, remember the holidays are the busy season for criminals. Be extra careful about entering your PIN and using your credit card. Periodically check your credit card balances to make sure they match your records. You can call the toll-free number on the back of your card or check your account online. Review your monthly statements closely to make sure you recognize all of the purchases.