H&FF Radio: Sure-fire tips to get off most junk mail lists

WASHINGTON (12/21/07)—Tired of the onslaught of junk mail clogging your mailbox and inbox? There are steps you can take to get off those lists, and one of Sunday's HFF Radio show guests will tell you how.

Home & Family Finance airs Sundays at 3 p.m. EST on the Radio America Network. The one-hour program devoted to consumer finance issues is brought to you by America's credit unions and their 90 million members, and is presented by CO-OP Network.

Sunday's show, which you also can hear later via the Internet, features Paul Berry, Washington, D.C., journalist and broadcaster, discussing these topics with special guests:

• "How to Stop Getting Junk Mail You Don't Want," with Pat Kachura, senior vice president for corporate responsibility, Direct Marketing Association, Washington, D.C.;
• "Kids.gov--The Official Kids Portal for the U.S. Government," with Mary Levy, director, Federal Citizen Information Center Consumer Information and Outreach Division, Washington, D.C.;
• "Building Credit With a Secured Credit Card," with Linda Sherry, director of national priorities, Consumer Action, Washington, D.C.;
• "Ways to Lower Your Utility Costs," with Mike Wilson, marketing and communications coordinator, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, Paxton, Ill.; and
• Listener E-mail Questions.

Home & Family Finance is a resource center for personal finance information at the Credit Union National Association. The radio show is sponsored by CO-OP Network, the national credit union ATM network; Cabot Creamery Cooperative, makers of cheddar cheese; and Visa. For more information, read "Start an Energy Diet: Save Money Around Home" in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org

Consumer Brief

FRESNO, Calif. (12/27/07)--Thinking of buying or trading a gift card on an online auction site? Think twice: That discounted card for sale may not be legitimate, and the person trying to unload it may be a con artist. It's estimated that 2% to 30% of all cards sold on secondary sites are fraudulent. The National Retail Federation recommends you buy gift cards directly from reputable retailers, although one site--PlasticJungle.com--recently beefed up security measures and reimburses customers for losses (FresnoBee.com Dec. 13)...

Store returns more complicated, restrictive

BOSTON (12/26/07)--Despite a decrease in holiday gift returns, more retailers are ratcheting up their return requirements, largely to curb abuse by serial returners (Bostonherald.com Dec. 17).

Many returns are legitimate, but too many consumers abuse easy return policies, and some criminals who steal merchandise try to return items for store credit.

Because of the abuse, everyone pays. When you return items, some retailers now use your driver's license to see if you're on a "blacklist" of serial returners.

If you exceed the retailer's return limit, the store won't allow you to return the item. Some stores don't disclose their return limit, and others do so inconspicuously on signs and on the back of receipts. An example of a return "cap" may limit you to five returns within any 90-day period with a receipt, or cap the amount at, say, $300 without a receipt.

Between 4% and 6% of holiday gifts make it back to the return counter each year (National Retail Federation Dec. 11). But as gift cards continue to increase in popularity, the tide is turning: 64.3% of consumers didn't return anything last holiday season, up slightly from 62.4% in 2005. The use of gift receipts also has helped reduce return headaches.

If you think you'll be standing in the post-holiday return line, keep these pointers in mind:

• Organize receipts. This is still the best route to a hassle-free return. If you don't have one, or if you lost it, ask whether you can have merchandise credit. However, you may get credit for the lowest markdown price within the past 30 days or so.
• Return sooner rather than later. You can take advantage of extended store hours immediately after Christmas.
• Check time restrictions. Check state laws--you may have a choice of a repair, replacement, or refund.
• Ask about restocking fees. It's best to know store policy before you finalize the purchase.
• Don't open the box. Try to keep all the original packaging, all parts, and tags. Some retailers will reject the return if the item isn't in the original package. If you know you'll be taking the item back to the store, don't use it or play with it.
• Know where to complain. If you run into problems, start with the store manager or retailer's customer service department. If those avenues don't work, file a complaint with your state attorney general's office or local consumer protection agency.

For more information, read "'Tis the Season for Trouble-Free Shopping, Returns" in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org

Consumer Brief

MADISON, Wis. (12/20/07)--Tempted by 0% deferred financing for large purchases? Unless you're disciplined and know you'll pay off the entire amount before the stated period, you might be better off putting the purchase on a low-interest credit card or taking out a personal loan. Neglecting to pay off the balance in time--even if your final payment is received just one day late--means you'll be socked with high interest charges back-dated to the date of purchase. If you decide to go the 0% route and the stated period is one year at 0% interest, divide the total purchase amount by 11 and make 11 monthly payments before the 12 months are up. But if you're not sure your budget can handle those payments, just say no to 0% financing (Credit Union National Association Center for Personal Finance) ...

Creative gifts: Meaningful, unique and cheap

McLEAN, Va. (12/19/07)--With less than a week until Christmas, shoppers are scrambling to purchase last-minute presents. But an unsure economy is forcing many gift-givers to look for less expensive items and ideas (USA Today Dec. 13).

One way to save: Put on your creative hat and make your own gifts or provide a service for the special people in your life. The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Center for Personal Finance suggests:

Volunteer your time. Shovel snow or rake leaves for an elderly or disabled neighbor, or baby-sit for a friend.

Heat up your oven. Get your hot pads ready and bake someone's favorite holiday pie, frost cookies with nieces and nephews, or provide a home-cooked meal for those who aren't up to doing it themselves.

Hit the trails. Instead of worrying about individual gifts this year, take the family cross-country skiing or enjoy a day at a local park.

Scrap it up. Present someone with an assortment of homemade greeting cards or a ready-made scrapbook or journal.

Smile, you're on camera. Consider making your own calendars, beach towels and mouse pads. With today's technology, it's easy to go online and make creative gifts using favorite family photos.

Help the needy. Instead of exchanging names this year, pool your resources with siblings and friends and provide gifts and food for a low-income family in your community.

For more nontraditional gift ideas, read "Avoid the Red, Save More Green This Holiday Season," in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org