Consumer brief

YONKERS, N.Y. (12/13/07)--If you want your Parcel Post package delivered in time for Christmas, you'd better hurry--it needs to be mailed by Dec. 14. Procrastinators pay extra for other options. Mail your items First Class by Dec. 19, Priority by Dec. 21, and Express Mail by Dec. 22. Consider a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box for $8.95--there are two sizes from which to choose, and you can send a package weighing no more than 70 pounds anywhere in the U.S. To avoid shipping charges on goods you purchase, seek out retailers that offer local in-store pickup for online orders. Some retailers post coupons online at http://www.shopping-bargains.com and http://www.judysbook.com, and others offer free shipping for orders of a certain size (Consumer Reports Money Adviser December) ...