iVillage - Consumer Smarts

Getting Ripped Off At The Pump

2008-02-15T16:27:21Z

Okay, how much do you hate filling up your tank these days? 50 bucks at the pump could surely go towards buying a new pair of pumps- am I right ladies? But for now it is a necessary evil. So how do you know if you are really getting the fuel you paid for? How do you know someone isn’t trying to mess with your bill or the quality of gas you put into your tank?

Well, thankfully Uncle Sam is watching over us. The Weights and Measures department at counties all over the country are busy inspecting gas stations to make sure we are not getting ripped off. I had the unusual opportunity to tag along with the Suffolk County, New York team of inspectors as they inspected 2 stations. One station was told they were being inspected, the other was not!

First stop- a marked vehicle. Inspectors hop out and check to see the advertised price matches the price at the pump. All okay. Then they take a can and fill it up with 5 gallons of gas. Yup, measures up. And then a test for octane… is you getting the value you think you are? A quick screening test says the octane is fair and square here. Finally, a check to see that water is not mixed with gas. A dipstick is put into the bottom of the tank, if it comes out clean. There is no H2O. If it comes out red there’s a problem. This station passes on all counts.

Next we gear up in the inspector’s undercover van. Very tricky here! There’s one gas cap that truly takes the gas for the car and then a “rigged” up one that is used for investigation purposes. This station is being checked because a consumer complained. So they go through the same set of tests. Gas prices match up, fuel measures up, no water in the mix, but wait- the octane is 90 when it should be 93! A mistake or a rip off? Further testing at a real lab will tell. If the station fails the inspection they could be issued a violation. All this because a customer spoke up!

Every consumer complaint is taken seriously. So it’s up to you to pay attention at the pump. The Department of Weights and Measures has some tips for not getting ripped off at the pump:

Park your vehicle so you can see the pump. If you're asked to "pull up" be sure to check the pump first or get out and look at the numbers displayed on pump.
Make sure the numbers for gallons and sale are at zero before either you or an attendant starts pumping gas.
Make sure that the price per gallon on the pump matches the posted signs for the grade of gas you are buying.
Self Serve? Full Serve? Cash? Credit? Discount? Make sure you are paying the advertised price for the grade, service and method of payment that you select.
Make sure that the price you pay matches the total sale price on the pump at the end of your sale.
Want to quickly check if the pump is computing correctly? Stop the pump at 10 gallons. It's easy to multiply the posted price by 10 to compare the displayed sale.
If paying by credit card check the total sale amount you are charged before you leave the station.

If you find something fishy make sure you complain to your local Department of Weights and Measures so they can do something about it!

Watch the segment from TODAY

Be well, and shop smart!

Senior Scams

2008-02-11T17:56:49Z

We all know the economy ain’t so great right now. And for many of us our 401K's have gone “south.” If you are not of retirement age, you will probably make it up. But if you or your aging parent is approaching that time, it’s downright frightening.

So now is the prime time for shady so-called “investment” planners to go in for the kill. Many seniors, desperate to make ends meet on a fixed income, plan on their savings to get them through their golden years. So some quick-talking salesperson who comes their way can easily get older people hooked on thinking they can put them into a high-yielding account. It happened to one Florida woman. She made an appointment with a money manager to come to her house. He promised her a plan that would make her money earn 7%. What he didn’t tell her was she couldn’t use her money for 15 years without paying a 19% penalty! He also didn’t tell her the 7% rate was good for one year only and that it would drop.

The woman never told her kids about the investment. When she started to lose her faculties her son looked into her account. After a court battle he was able to get the money back. He soon found out that same investment planner had scammed others out of their money as well. A scam called “unrealistic annuities".

Another common senior scheme is the “Ponzi scheme.” Here seniors are told by a slick salesman that there is a good deal to be had. He will ask the victim to hand over a check. For a while the victim will get a return on that investment. But soon the checks stop coming, and the scam artist is nowhere to be found.

If you have aging parents it is imperative that you know what they are doing with their money. It is sometimes a hard subject to bring up but it could save them their life savings.

Tips On How To Help Our Aging Parents

It's a two-way street. Both parent and child need to recognize changes and need to be open with each other and discuss the best course of action. The child should remember that the parent hasn't needed help before, so taking over may make the parent feel worthless, and it's an invasion of privacy.

Be involved. Know what banks or institutions the parents are dealing with.

Have account numbers and corresponding phone numbers.

Have a contact list at the institution where funds are kept.

Have your name on the parents' checking account.

Make sure they are keeping the checkbook registry current and accurate.

Make a commitment with your parents that they will do nothing with any accounting without informing you.

Have a will.

Have a power of attorney document drawn up that spells out what you can do if the parents become physically or mentally unable to handle their financial matters.

Have a health care surrogate document

Be aware of little changes in mental capacity

Be aware of the mail that comes. Are the parents on top of correspondence and bills?

Know who does your parents' taxes and financial planning, and that that person knows you.

And whether it is you or your parent, remember: any investment plan that sounds too good to be true … probably is.

Winter Boots

2008-02-05T16:45:59Z

Are your feet wet, soggy, or stinky? Maybe it’s because your winter boots aren’t as waterproof as you thought they would be. If you are in the market for a cozy, waterproof new boot, now may be the time to stock up. Retailers are clearing the way for spring merchandise and boots are on sale.

But how do you know which ones will keep you dry and which ones will leak? Good Housekeeping decided to do some testing. And when they test, they really test. They actually placed the boots in a rain tester, a sink that sprays water in different directions to see if the boots were indeed waterproof. Then they put them in a climate control chamber with a temperature of 30 degrees.

And how did they do? Only 5 out of 15 boots they tested were actually waterproof! So don’t blame yourself for choosing boots that were duds. And the good news? Some of the best ones were the least expensive and not that bulky. The newer boots don’t have to be thick and furry. New technology has allowed boot makers to use thinner materials that actually work.

And the winners are:

Uggs
Sorell
LLBean
Clarks

So how do you shop for a boot that will keep your tootsies toasty?

Choose boots with no zippers or front ties. If they have a zipper try to pick one that has it sewn on the side of the boot.
Look for cross seams, not a single seam. The extra enforcement helps keep the H2O out.
Boots can last you a long time. But be sure to take care of them:

Clean them off when they are dry.
Brush them with a brush.

Most have been treated, but if you feel it is starting to wear off, reapply silicone spray.

Watch the segment from TODAY:

Get shopping and save those furries for next season!

Greenwashing

2008-01-28T18:19:23Z

Okay, we get it. We all want our environment to be cleaner and greener for us and for our children. The message is clear: buy “green” products. Do your part. But with merchandise from shampoos to cars, how do you know what you’re buying is truly good for the planet?

It’s hard not to be bombarded with marketing campaigns, which tout their company to be the greenest of the land. But who is watching over these companies to make sure what they’re saying is honest?

Well, it’s a whole new frontier, folks. There’s even a name for being bamboozled into believing ad copy that says a product is environmentally friendly. It’s called “Greenwashing.” And now Uncle Sam has to take notice.

The Federal Trade Commission which oversees ads and makes sure claims are truthful called for a special meeting. It was a seminar to update their environmental advertising guidelines, which, by the way, haven’t been updated in 10 years!

When I asked the FTC to explain to me how I could tell if a product is truly green, the answers were vague. That’s because companies can presently use catchy words like “certified organic,” “energy efficient” or “100% natural” without much justification.

While the FTC works on these new standards (which will take some time) what is a shopper to do? The only thing we really can do is to research the product and the company ourselves. That means reading up on the company’s philosophy and being critical of what they call “green.”

It means being wary of claims like “natural,” “organic,” “non toxic,” “recyclable.” No one is checking to see if these claims are for real. It would be great one day to have a government seal like “energy star” found on appliances that you know has been documented and verified. But for now it’s basically the Wild, Wild West when it comes to this new blitz.

Check out the company’s website. Read all about why they claim to be environmentally friendly. If the information is not there, move on. Read the small print on the packaging and see if they explain how and why they are green. Call the customer service number and grill the operator about why their claims are true.

Don’t buy into big promises. If a detergent says it is “chemical free” what are they using to clean your clothes? If something is “biodegradable," how so? Is it going to end up in a landfill?

Certifications you can trust:

Energy Star for appliances and electronics
USDA seal for organic products
Green Seal and EcoLogo for household cleaning products
Forest Stewardship Council for wood and paper products

Here’s some help on doing your own research. Websites that can help you through this maze of claims:

Greenerchoices.org (big purchases: TV’s, washing machines, cars)
Greenercars.org
Epeat.net (can help decipher manufacturer’s claims)
Ewg.org (Environmental working group)
Responsiblepurchasing.org (for smaller items like cosmetics, cleaners and food)

We all want a greener world, we just don’t want to waste our greenbacks on products that sound too good to be true, but really aren’t. Agree?

Update: New American Dream would like to clarify that RPN do not "help individuals with cosmetics, cleaners, and food. New American Dream in general does that, www.newdream.org, but RPN deals with institutional purchasing - one of the biggest problems surrounding resources and consumption issues today."

Exercise Devices

2008-01-14T21:28:25Z

Have you ever lay in bed late at night munching on your favorite snack and been drawn in, lured by, and convinced to purchase an exercise device from an infomercial? C’mon, admit it. You think that those great "before and after" shots of women who work out in the convenience of their own home for just a short period of time could work for you. Well, guilty as charged. I fell for one. I was away on assignment at a hotel and was watching a commercial for "Fluidity." I went ahead and ordered it. When it arrived at my house I told my husband it was "research" for a story I would one day do. Well, the day has come!

Consumer Reports recently rated several of those devices and “Fluidity” was one of them. I was hooked. My Fluidity system was all set up in my basement. I tried it once or twice and never looked back. We decided to not only take Consumer Reports' word for what they liked or disliked...we enlisted the help of certified trainer, Allison Egan to see what she thought of these devices.

So let’s start with the Fluidity system. First of all, the system costs $200. CR thought it was a bit pricey and cumbersome saying it takes up a lot of room in your house and doesn’t fold up easily. They did, however, say it was a good alternative to strength training. The infomercial says you can lose 4 inches and achieve a dancer’s body. Allison Egan says to lose the inches you will need to seriously cut your calories. Egan does like the system as it uses technique from Pilates and yoga but thinks you need some kind of training before delving into their program.

The folks from Fluidity say their testimonials prove the Fluidity works for a wide span of ages and fitness levels, including beginners.

I guess there are no more excuses for me. Time to get downstairs to my basement and get to work!

Next we tried the “Air Climber,” which runs $140. Nope, didn’t fall for this one yet! It’s kind of like a Stairmaster. It comes with a 20-minute workout video that is supposed to “burn and firm.” It claims you can lose 10 inches and 10 pounds in 10 days. Hey, I’m all for that!

Consumer Reports did a reality check on that one!

The Reality: The 20-minute workout burned about 130 calories, comparable to a 4.2mph walk/jog. Done daily for 10 days, it would shed less than a half-pound. The other 9.5 pounds would presumably come from the recommended "Jump Start 10 Day Rapid Weight Loss Plan,” a 1,000 calorie-a-day regimen that our nutritionists said might not provide enough nutrients for some dieters. Most panelists at CR said they wouldn't buy the Air Climber. Among their complaints: The bellows were noisy. Time to lose 1 pound of fat: Four weeks if used daily for 20 minutes.

ALLISON EGAN'S TAKE: "You may notice your heart rate may go up from the exercises. The product is great for a brand new beginner." She highly recommends it for someone who's considering buying a large Stairmaster to put into his or her home. She thinks they should try it out at a gym first to see if they would even use this type of machine.

A spokesperson from the makers of the Air Climber told us you can use the Airclimbers to workout in the safety and comfort of your own home.

And the last product we tried was the $160 Red Exerciser.

What is it? Upon first glance, it looks like a really fun chair that you swivel in. That's basically what it is. A swivel chair with adjustable resistance to work your core muscles. Videos include a beginner workout and two advanced routines of about 22 minutes each.

The claims: The ultimate core-strengthening and toning experience. Lose 4 inches off your midsection in two weeks. Guaranteed to help you lose weight during your core exercise abdominal workout.

The Reality: The "core twist strides" in the infomercial and some advanced exercises in the video engaged oblique at least as much as comparable floor moves, but may not work abs as well. Panelists say they felt as if nothing was happening. Time to lose 1 pound of fat: about six weeks if used daily for 22 minutes.

Consumer Report's Take: Good for oblique, but those claimed 4 inches aren't going anywhere without a serious diet.

ALLISON EGAN'S TAKE: She really liked this device. She said, "This is a great product for someone who's brand new to exercise, who wants to get started. Using this would be the safe way to do it. It warms up the lower back, it gets people to get in line with their bodies' rhythm and our body naturally twists from side to side so it's user friendly.” In regards to the claims, she says they sound fabulous, but the truth is a good diet plan and an exercise regimen that includes cardiovascular activity and weight-bearing activity is the only way to achieve those kinds of results.

It’s no wonder these products intrigue us all. They all say that to make the system work you need to cut your calories. Before purchasing any one of these, take time to think about it. Don’t rush to your phone to order.

Money back guarantees aren’t all they are cracked up to be. You will have to pay the shipping on the return and that can be pricey, sometimes $50 or more.

Think about whether you will really commit to one exercise in your own home. Are you more of a health club person? Or a walker? Or maybe start with an exercise video and see if you stick to it.

I think (I can’t promise) that I have learned my lesson. But since I picked the one device both experts kind of like, I feel a little better, and better get to my workout!

Between the sheets

2008-01-07T16:47:59Z

The “Steals and Deals” of January are the “White Sales.” Retailers need to get you back into their stores this month after you’ve spent your cash on Christmas and are in no mood for spring clothes yet. So it’s back to the bedroom for some fine new linen.

But the choices out there are downright dazzling. Forget the patterns or the colors, what about thread count and the type of fabric? How do you care for the sheets once they are home? It’s all so confusing.

I am here to uncover the facts. With the help of Consumer Reports Magazine we figured out what’s worth the money and what’s not worth losing sleep over.

Watch the "Between the Sheets" segment on TODAY

Fact Sheet:

Thread Count: The number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of fabric. So the higher the thread count, the softer and more luxurious the feel.

200-count pin point cotton:
This is the basic thread count. One over 2 threads. It’s not the softest, but Consumer Reports says for most folks it’s fine.

400 count cotton:
One over 4 threads. It’s softer and a bit more luxurious. You can wash it and spread it, no ironing needed.

600 count cotton:
You are getting softer here and maybe even a cooler night’s sleep but you will have to pay the price and that’s when it comes to maintaining the look you want. Dry cleaning or lots of muscle ironing will bring these babies back into shape. Worth it? You decide.

Or you can always hide your wrinkly, comfy sheets with a duvet or bedspread and no one will know!

You are not done yet. Now that you understand thread count, you will need a primer on fabrics.

Cotton:
Everyone loves the natural feel of cotton. Combed cotton is when the fibers are combed and the short ones are removed. This makes the sheet softer.

Percale:
It can be 100% cotton or cotton-polyester. It’s smooth, flat and closely woven. The more polyester, the rougher the feel. 10%-20% polyester probably won’t change the feel and will help keep the wrinkles away.

Sateen:
It’s the sleeker finish on the fabric. It’s smooth with a slight shine. It’s soft and comes in counts from 200 to 600 or even higher. It washes well.

Egyptian cotton:
It will cost you more. It is actually cotton that is spun in Egypt. It’s cotton that is grown along the Nile River and supposed to be softer and silkier. It’s higher quality cotton and is durable.

Organic:
“Green” is what’s hot these days and that has made its way into our bedrooms. It’ll cost you more than Egyptian. You will need to use chemical free detergent when you wash it.

Bamboo:
It’s a sheet made out of natural fibers. It’s durable, soft, and silky and breathes. They say it draws moisture away to give you a cool feeling. It’s a bit harder to find at mass retailers.

Shopping tips:

Consumer Reports recommends focusing on fiber. They like traditional cotton for easy care, comfort and durability. If you don’t want the wrinkles and don’t want to iron, stick to a cotton/poly blend.

Check out the fit of the sheet: CR found when buying thicker mattresses you should choose a sheet that is 20 inches to avoid “pop off.”

Look for elastic all around the edges of a fitted sheet. Elastic just on the corners should be your last choice.

Don’t worry about thread count: Thread counts between 200 and 400 should be fine. No need to spend more money on higher thread counts.

Check out the quality: When you are at the store, make sure all the pieces of the set are in good condition. If you are buying darker colors, buy extra pillowcases. Colors can fade after many washings.

Don’t be afraid to return: Save your receipts. If the sheets don’t hold up to washings you can ask for your money back.

Nite, Nite!

Product information:

Bamboo Dreams™ available at ziasleep.com ($220 for Queen Set)

The Mist Collection: Organic Duvet & Shams by Vivetique ($46-$210 for Queen Set from Vivetique.com)

New Year, New You: "Working Out" Gym Memberships

2008-01-06T20:50:46Z

Okay, how many of you have sworn that you will start a new diet and exercise like a maniac this new year? It happens every year after the holidays—the pounds creep on and the jeans don’t fit so great. Are you with me?

Well, turn on the tube and health club marketers know just how to get you! Ads flood the airwaves with specials on joining gyms playing on your desire to shed those pounds by springtime…and they work. Lots of us jump for the chance to get a deal on a membership, but signing up for those long term contracts can get you into trouble if you’re not smart about shopping for the right club or truly committed to using one.

The Better Business Bureau reports complaints about health clubs have risen to 90% over the last five years. The most common complaints? Contract disputes, billing issues, and then there were those who complained their health clubs closed up without notice, leaving them the job of trying to collect their advanced payments. And for those who wanted to cancel their contract, many said the health club kept on billing them or just deducted the fees out of their bank account without permission.

Watch the Health Club segment on TODAY

So, how about some good news? Where do you get the most value for your workout dollar? Consumer Reports (CR) recently rated the fitness clubs for value and fitness.

Their number one pick for a large chain was Life Time Fitness. CR liked their equipment, their locker rooms, classes, and convenient hours. They weren’t so crazy about Bally Total Fitness. They criticized the wait time for machines, less than adequate locker rooms, cleanliness, and contract disputes.

Major franchises are just one option. CR reviewed other choices you should consider:

Big Chains
They can be pricey, but they do offer amenities some of the smaller ones do not—personal trainers, babysitting, and spa services, to name a few.

For Women Only
Curves and Contours Express rated well. Curves offer 30-minute circuit training for women. They have many chains, so the crowds are smaller and the wait time is minimal. CR had a problem with their locker rooms and said the variety of the work out wasn’t exciting. Contours Express appealed to the older, less gym-experienced woman. Once the women got the hang of the workout, they usually outgrew Contours Express.

The Ys and JCCs (Jewish Community Centers)

CR liked the Ys for variety of services, including childcare and some spa amenities. They liked the classes offered and, overall, most had a good selection of machinery.

Shop Smart:
Don’t just jump at the first offer you see on TV. These memberships are expensive, and you could be locked in for at least a year. We have some tips about choosing a health club that you will really use:

Get a free trial
Most clubs will give you a free day pass, some a free week pass. Be critical. Go during the time you think you would be using the gym if you joined. Check out the crowds, the locker room and the general “feel” of the club. Be honest with yourself. Is this a place where you feel comfortable and will commit to?

Ask about membership options

Some clubs offer limited membership depending on access or amenities. See if you can sign up for a shorter time than one year. Make sure you know the penalties if you cancel. What happens if you get sick? Go on vacation? Or move? Can you freeze your membership? Can you transfer it somewhere else? Can you get a refund? Try to get a limited membership. A yearly fee may be cheaper, but not if you don’t used it.

Ask questions

Don’t get sucked in by so called “specials.” Health clubs are always running specials. If you missed out, ask them if you can still get that rate. Chances are they won’t let you leave until an arrangement has been negotiated.

Bargain

It never hurts to ask for a deal. I bet no two patrons pay the same fee. There’s lots of room for haggling. They want your business and if you threaten to take your money elsewhere, there will usually be some sort of deal that can be struck.

Get references

Are your friends happy with the club? What do they like or dislike? How much did they pay for a membership? Use this information in your negotiation.

Good luck keeping your diet and your workout program going for 2008 and longer!

What’s your experience been with memberships? Post your comments and let me know what it takes for you to “work it out.”

Hangover Cures

2007-12-31T07:00:00Z

If you are reading this today and it all seems blurry…don’t blame your computer or me: You drank too much last night. Either goes back to sleep, drink some coffee or take some aspirin to ease your pain.

It’s an annual ritual, maybe more than annual for many. The day after a great party and too much partying. The dreaded hangover. The throbbing headache, the nausea, the intolerance to too much noise. If you are a lightweight drinker, chances are you feel the pain more than a real boozer. Your body just doesn’t have the same tolerance. I am not suggesting you work your way up to a pro-drinker, but alcohol will make you more miserable than others the morning after.

Dr. Jason Rosenberg heads the Headache Center in Baltimore. He says hangovers effect everyone differently. Weighing less, having a certain ethnic background and being on certain medications may make it more likely that you will feel rotten.

So, let’s say you have little self-control and you do end up with that dreaded hangover. What will cure it? Ask your friends and they will have a litany of cures for you. My good buddy Natalie Morales swears grease will do it. Greasy hamburgers, fries… the works… works for her. Others believe carbo-loading will make it all go away. Bread, oatmeal and pizza will soak up all the ills of the alcohol and make the belly ache go bye bye. Or salt…salty chips. Or caffeine... Coke, coffee whatever you can stomach. Then there are those who just need an excuse to drink more. The old “hair of the dog” theory. Go back and drink what you were drinking before and you will be in fine shape.

So what does the good doc say about all these so-called “cures?”

“You see things like Tabasco, greasy foods, black coffee. If you can’t stomach it when you don’t have a hangover there is no way you are going to stomach it when you do.”

So please headache doctor, give us the help instead of the hoax!

“Probably the most important thing for everyone suffering a hangover right now is to get yourself hydrated, with half sports drinks, a Gatorade or Powerade mixed half and half with water. Something salty followed by water, chicken soup, and tomato juice, something like that. Coffee has been shown to help with a lot of types of headaches. The caffeine itself has been found in a lot of over the counter pain relievers.”

He says taking Ibuprofen may help as well.

The best cure may just be remembering how awful you feel today and making it your new year’s resolution to not get so drunk next New Year’s Eve!

More on dealing with a hangover:

Beauty Tips for Hangover Relief

Many Happy Returns

2007-12-26T11:00:00Z

I hope you are loving all of your gifts. But chances are there is something in the mix that doesn’t fit or is so awful, you just can’t bear to keep it. Aside from a possible regifted gift, I bet you are headed to the mall today to return that unwanted present.

Returning your gift may be tougher. That’s the consensus from consumer advocates. Consumer Reports says laws on returns can vary from state to state and retailers can change their refund policies at their discretion. They can also have whatever return policy they want as long as it is posted for you to see. So if they say “no refunds," “all sales final,” or “merchandise credit only,” it’s perfectly legal.

If you are a chronic returner, beware. Some retailers are tracking you. Wal-Mart, for instance, has special software which can alert the retailer to those who have returned three or more items in 45 days without a receipt. In those cases, a manager needs to give approval before issuing a return.

As for gift cards, if you receive one from a store you have no interest in, you may be out of luck. No refunds there. However, there are websites which allow you to trade cards with others or even sell them. (Check out plasticjungle.com)

But, all is not bleak. If you have a gift receipt, you are in good shape and will get back the value of what the person spent buying you the gift. If not, you will get the sale price, which by now will be a fraction of what you are really owed. If you have the nerve, ask the gift giver to give you the original receipt.

Here are some tips to make the most of your time and money when dealing with the “many happy returns":

Return Gifts Quickly: Read the gift receipt and make sure you know if your gift can be exchanged, is a final sale, or if can you get a refund. Hurry up and get to the stores while the selection is still there. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get what you really want.

Online Returns: Make sure you figure out who has to pay the shipping for the return. If it’s you (and it probably is), return the item at the brick and mortar and save yourself the shipping headache. If you have to send it back, make sure you know the address for returns. It may differ, so consult the website.

If You Don’t Want It, Don’t Open It: Electronic stores will sock you with a 10 to 15 percent re-stocking fee for many items. If it’s in original packaging, you can usually get the full amount back. Consumer Reports says Amazon.com takes off 50% of a CD, DVD, or software package if it is opened. The same goes for a book that looks used. Defective items are taken back for a full refund at most retailers.

Push the "Up” Button: If you are having a tough time returning an item, ask for a supervisor. Often a cashier who is no doubt overworked doesn’t have the time, patience, or authority to help you.

Breathe!: Returning can be stressful. Take it easy. If you just want a refund or a gift card to be used any time, then wait. Most retailers will give you 30 days from Christmas to make your return.

Maybe next year you can give better hints to those you love and avoid the hassle of returns!

Watch the Holiday Returns Segment on TODAY

How did you do with your holiday returns? Leave a comment and let me know!

Tipping

2007-12-19T19:44:04Z

Oh please, don’t remind me. I need to make my list of who to tip this holiday season and how much. And woe is me if I forget an essential person on the list. My babysitter, my son’s teachers, my hairdresser, the people I work with, the mailman, the man who gives me my coffee the way I like it in the morning, the driver who takes me to the Today Show. I am sure I missed someone.

How are you doing with your list? The cash does add up, but figure, it’s the cost of doing business. And these are people who make your life easier, more enjoyable and who in some cases are in charge of your loved one, or maybe just as important…your hair! Just kidding!

Watch Janice Lieberman's holiday tipping segment

Can you believe Americans spent 26 billion dollars last year on tips? The trick is knowing how much to give or what to give. You don’t want to be too extravagant but you don’t want to be cheap either.

Rebecca Black of “Etiquette Now” has some advice. She says to consider the person’s weekly fee. If it’s your babysitter or housekeeper, one week’s pay should do. If it’s a one-time fee person like a hairdresser or manicurist, a tip equal to the bill is suffice.

But not everyone gets a weekly paycheck. The mailman or the doorman, for instance. Black says it doesn’t have to be money that is exchanged. A great gift card is a personal way of saying thank you. Consumer Reports advises giving gift cards with care. They say to stay away from bankcards, which charge fees and ones that will deduct money if not used by a certain date.

Be careful who gets cash and who should not. Mail carriers are not allowed to accept gifts over $20. Consumer Reports says giving cash to teachers may seem like a bribe. You are better off giving a gift certificate to a bookstore, or local movie theatre.

Cold hard cash: If it is appropriate to give money, make sure it is crisp new money. Crumpled-up bills is tacky.

And if all this money is too much for your budget consider chipping in with neighbors, or fellow class moms for a joint gift. And don’t lose sight of what the holiday spirit is all about: thanking people for doing great work. A well-written thank you note is much appreciated with or without a gift to go with it.

Regifting

2007-12-17T20:57:28Z

Fruitcakes, Chia Pets, ugly ties, cheap perfume…if those are presents you are about to receive this Christmas, all I can say is, “Oy!”

What to do with those gifts you downright hate? Do you dare give them to someone else? And how do you even pull it off?

There are different schools of thought on this whole regifting process. Etiquette expert Lizzie Post says there is never an excuse for regifting. She says to use the gift in some way, sell it at a garage sale, or donate it. Others in the same field say it is okay to regift as long as it is done with finesse.

Watch Janice Lieberman's segment on "regifting"

I agree. No need to keep stuff in the house that you really don’t want and won’t ever use. However, if you don’t want to get caught as a cheapie that is recycling, we have some tips.

Check the condition of the item and make sure the original tags and box are in good shape. Wrap it nicely and pray the recipient doesn’t figure it out.

Only regift to people who don’t know each other. Friends and relatives might have discussed what they are giving you and will easily mark you as a “regifter.”

Quickly get rid of the unwanted merchandise. The longer you keep a gift in your “gift closet” the chances are your memory may fade and you may give the same gift back to the person who gave it to you.

Be compassionate. Does the person you are giving the gift to really need the item? Or are you just dumping it and hoping they figure out what to do with it?

Be prepared. If the recipient calls you on the “regift” be ready to have an answer, excuse … something. Or there’s always the honesty policy. Tell them you received this and can’t use it and thought they would enjoy it.

If regifting is not for you: You can always donate it to a homeless center or sell it at a garage sale and give the proceeds to charity.

Good gifts to regift: Wine, chocolates, cookies, gift cards, and any item that has a return label on it so the recipient can exchange it for what they really want.

Bad items to regift: Homemade anything: cookies, sweaters, jams, art. Anything that doesn’t have the original tags. Partially used gift cards. Gift baskets that usually arrive in the mail and are not hand delivered.

If you by any chance are the receiver of a regift: Try to keep your dignity and not let the giver know you know.

Here’s hoping everything you receive this season suits you. And if not, I don’t want to know about it!

Watch what people on the street think about regifting:

Holiday Shipping

2007-12-17T17:04:48Z

If you have been super organized and have already purchased your gifts, you can rest easy. Right? Well, not if you have to send your packages to your loved ones. Bet you didn’t know that December 17th is the busiest shipping day of the year. Take a look at some of these statistics. They may make you start packing right now!

FedEx expects over 11 million shipments will move through their system on Monday alone. If you line up all these packages in a row, they would stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.
FedEx also estimates that 235 million pounds of packages will be delivered on Monday -- the weight of 125 million holiday fruitcakes.
Also on Monday, DHL expects a 50-percent increase in average daily delivery volume.

Nervous yet? Ready, set, pack.

Packing the box the right way is essential:

Use a NEW box specifically designed for shipping.
Fill the box. Less space will help prevent items from shifting.
Use tape designed for packing; don't use duct or masking tape.
Do not try and get fancy by decorating the outside of the shipping box. This could not only delay the shipping, but could mess up the processing machines (if ribbon, paper, etc., get stuck), thereby delaying other shipments.
Use the right packaging materials:
2-inches of bubble cushioning or packaging filler on every side. (Old clothes, towels, and crumpled newspaper DO NOT COUNT.)
Marking the outside of the box "FRAGILE" is not a substitute for proper packaging.
Before closing the box, place an extra mailing label inside, in the event that the label on the outside gets damaged, or falls off.
If shipping cookies, consider stacking them in a coffee can. Most will fit perfectly in there, and the can provides good protection. You can even wrap the outside of the can to make it look more decorative.
Lastly, guess what? If you give up with packing the box, many companies will actually do it for you. Of course, there is a fee involved, and that fee varies depending on the size of the box you're shipping.

What about deadlines? How long can you wait if you want your gifts to arrive by Christmas Day?

I say do it now. The longer you wait the more it will cost you. Take a look at these prices. The shipping may end up costing you more than the gift…if you wait till the last minute. Here’s what FedEx for example will run you:

Shipping a 5-lb. package on Monday 12/17: average of $8.61
Shipping that same package Overnight 12/22: $56.64

My producer Eric Jackson compiled some info on the different shipping company deadlines. So save this list!

FEDEX:
Via FedEx ground -- Monday 12/17 is the deadline!
Via FedEx express -- Saturday 12/22
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, too, but not on Christmas Day).

UPS:
Customers are encouraged to ship their packages by Dec. 21.
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, but not on Christmas Day).
3-Day Select -- Dec. 19
2nd Day Air -- Dec. 20
Next Day Air -- Dec. 21-22

DHL:
DHL 2nd day -- December 19
DHL Next Day -- December 21
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, but not on Christmas Day).

ALSO, FOR UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE (REGULAR MAIL):
First class letter -- mail by December 20.
Priority mail -- mail by December 20.
Express mail -- mail by December 22.

*** ACCORDING TO THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, THERE WILL BE EXPRESS MAIL DELIVERY ON CHRISTMAS DAY. ***

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING?
I took a quick look at some of the big web sites today -- Amazon. COM, BN.com (Barnes & Noble), Bestbuy.com, etc. and all of them are clearly marked right on the homepage, how many days there are left to order, if the gifts are to arrive by Christmas.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE? SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
MOST IMPORTANT: Consumers should check with their shipping company directly, because some have built-in insurance policies up to a certain amount. Also, like anything else, it's important to read the policy and the fine print, because some companies offer liability coverage and not insurance.

FedEx specifically told me they do NOT have an insurance policy, but do have liability coverage of up to $100 for certain items.

So, I'd say the bottom line in terms of insurance would be: look into it if the item is valuable, but don't think that just because you have insurance, you're safe. Plus, (this is just my personal opinion), if it's that valuable, maybe you should wait to give that gift in person if you can.

Steals and Deals

2007-12-10T17:19:00Z

Ready, set, shop. Oh, I know you are. Who isn’t? Holiday shopping is never-ending and chasing the bargains takes work. I am here to tell you that I found out some of the inside secrets retailers don’t want you to know about.

Like what, you ask? How about the best days to shop because the stores slap on extra discounts to lure you into their domain? According to retail analyst, Marshall Cohen, the best days to shop are Wednesday and Thursday. Retailers gather their sales information from the weekend and determine what needs to beslashed to get people shopping. So by Tuesday night they have decided what extra discounts there will be on Wednesday and Thursday. And if weekend shopping is your only option, don’t despair. Cohen says toys and apparel get even cheaper on Saturday and Sunday.

Wait till after Christmas and the stores will be giving away certain items. Shoes, (ladies, yes, footwear will be greatly slashed on December 26), apparel of all kinds, winter coats, sweaters…you name it, it will be on sale. Retailers have to make room for spring merchandise and that is music to our ears.

Did you also know that if you save your receipt from the store as a price protection policy you can get the sale price adjusted on your credit card? It will take some work, as you have to watch the items you have purchased to see if they have indeed been slashed but well worth it. Sometimes you can bring in just the receipt, and not even the merchandise, to get the price differential.

Of course, all holiday decorations after Christmas will be practically given away. Grab what you can and pack it away for next year. Even if the colors aren’t right, take them anyway. Designer Jeff Wade says to invest in a can of spray paint and color them whatever you want.

If you are an online shopper you are not alone. Americans are expected to spend 33 billion dollars online this season. A best bet is buying electronics online. You can use the price comparison websites to find the best deal. Internet analyst Thomas Harpointner recommends checking for online coupons you can use for a further discount. Harpointner likes: ultimate coupons.com, dealcatcher.com, and couponcabin.com.

The trick to buying electronics online is to do your shopping at a brick-and-mortar store first. This way you can try out the items you are interested in and grill the salesperson for good information. If time is of the essence you can order online and pick up the item at the store. If an electronics item seems too good to be true, make sure that the merchandise is not refurbished or out of date. Also check return policies. Some online retailers only allow 7-14 days. Harpointner says it’s almost a “Catch 22” because you have to order in time for holiday delivery and if you order too early you may miss the 2–week return period.

If a flat screen TV is on your list, Cohen says to wait for after Super bowl. That’s when the retailers have to lower prices because the interest isn’t as great.

This is a good season for the consumer as there are few “must-have” items in apparel, toys and even electronics. So shop smart to get the best steals and deals of the season!

Watch the segment from TODAY:

Immune Boosters

2007-12-03T17:56:40Z

Have you had your flu shot yet? As the sneezy season creeps up upon us, most of us will do just about anything to avoid getting the flu or a nasty cold and advertisers are will to cash in on our fear of getting sick. After all, we spend three billion dollars a year trying to beat the common cold.

If only there was a magic elixir. Something you could put in your water or eat for breakfast that would boost your immune system. Well, many companies have answered out need. ...Or have they?

Immune-boosting products seem to be flooding store shelves. From items that suggest they will help you avoid getting sick on airplanes to teas and mix in beverages to yogurts and veggies, they all all tout their immune-boosting vitamins. But, do they really do anything for your system? Will they help you ward off a cold?

I checked in with NYU Associate Professor Dr. Marc Siegel. Says Dr. Siegel, "I wouldn’t say we are wasting our money with these products because some of them have minerals in them that are good for you. Some of them are natural products, but the fact is that they’re not delivering what they say they are, which is an immune boost.” There have been studies that Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc, and Echinacea (the ingredients in many of these products) will help ward off colds, and then there have been studies that say they don’t. So, the evidence so far is inconclusive.

Dr. Siegel worries that some of these products contain too much have Vitamin A, Zinc, or Vitamin C and can actually be unhealthy for some people. TODAY Nutritionist Joy Bauer agrees, and points out that we are already getting some of these vitamins from the foods we eat; overloading on them is not a good idea.

Joy also takes issue with some of the canned fruits and veggie makers who claim their product has contains an “immune blend” of vitamins. All fruits and vegetables contain healthy vitamins and minerals, so the extra claim of “immune boosting supplements” on specific produce products makes no sense.

As for the yogurts that add probiotics and claim they are “immune boosting," Joy adds, although some studies show promise in regards to probiotics and the immune system, this is far from definitive, and we’re also not clear on the type of probiotic strains that could potentially help with immunities. So, buy a yogurt because it provides calcium and protein (and sometimes Vitamin D), not just because it says it will help boost your immune system.

Have you heard about Goji berries? They are small berries harvested in China and Tibet, which are often dried and resemble raisins. The berries contain amino acids, as well as high concentrations of the antioxidants Vitamin C and E. But Joy says, “To date, there are only a few studies conducted on Goji berries, so further research is needed to determine their immune function capabilities.”

So, what’s the bottom line? These products for the most part are fine to consume. But, if you are under the impression that they will help boost your immune system...well, the jury is still out. Watch how many vitamins you are putting into your body and make sure not to overload on any particular one.

If you eat a well-balanced diet, you are probably getting enough vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. Getting a flu shot is still probably the best line of defense.

Watch the segment from TODAY:

This blog is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your family’s health provider or go to the emergency room.

Holidays at Half the Price: Decorating

2007-11-29T19:21:02Z

I know that you are very busy getting ready for the holidays. Buying gifts and decorating your home for some major entertaining and family time. Try to take a few minutes to read this email we received at the Today Show. Our mission was to try and find a deserving family who could really use the help of NBC money and a professional decorator to spruce up their home.

We chose the McKeown family of Englishtown, NJ. When you read the following email you will understand why.

“I have 4 children…they always love to decorate but it is too expensive. With 4 children we have to choose to either decorate or buy gifts. My husband Denis and myself always try to make the best out of the old decorations (that don't match) and whatever we can pick up that is either on sale or [from the] dollar store. My kids don't ask for much during the Christmas season but their eyes light up when we get our tree and decorations up. Actually it is such a wonderful family time and everyone has a job. If you decorate our home it would be such a wonderful answered prayer because this is our first Christmas in this house and we do not have a clue on what to do this year. When I told my son Brandon who is 9 that we might have our living room decorated he was so excited jumping up and down and he said Christmas is really a time for miracles. Thank you for even considering me and for allowing me to be in the running. Just to be thought of is a miracle and a blessing.”

We enlisted the help of Miami decorator Jeff Wade to take on the job. We flew him down to meet the McKeown family. Jeff was so taken by their generosity and concern for the church and community near and far from them, he decided to do much more than just make a festive home. Jeff realized the family needed all new furniture. They had recently been sitting on the floor until someone donated an old sofa. This family’s priorities have always been to give to others and to do with less themselves.

We stressed to Jeff that our segment was only about holiday decorations and that was the entire budget he was to be given. He did not give up. Unbeknownst to the family, Jeff got busy calling all his industry contacts.

Well, miracles do happen. Boyles Furniture in Highpoint, NC agreed to send all new living room and dining room furniture and even picked up the delivery charge! Distinctive Creations in Hollywood, FL told Jeff he could have the draperies for free. Fabric Gallery in Miami handed over lots of fabric. J. Pocker and Sons donated hundreds of dollars in framing artwork the children of the McKeown’s church drew for the family. Jeff rallied his condo association and got the tenants to gather candlesticks, frames and any type of accessory they could part with. And some teenage girls from Coral Gables sold donuts and bracelets to raise money for gifts for the kids.

When Team SPIN (a community service organization dedicated to making children’s lives better) found out about this family, they got busy. Founded by four teenage girls (Keaton Fox, Ally Fisher, Paloma Deak and Margaux Swerdloff), Team SPIN has a current membership of over 200 teenagers, most students at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami.

After selling bracelets and holding bake sales at their school, Team SPIN earned $400, which allowed them to purchase one $100 gift card for each of the four children.

So that was done. Now to Jeff’s real mission. To decorate the home for the holidays.

Here are some of his tips for decorating for less:

Keep a consistent look: Carry the theme throughout the house. Make it a real holiday feeling making sure that everything flows.

Stick to a simple palate: Don’t go for reds, greens and coppers if that’s not what you already have in your home. Use existing colors; it’s simpler and more elegant. Don’t go crazy mixing colors.

Use nature: Bring in greenery, twigs, and pinecones from the outside. They can last forever and cost you nothing.
Shop at discounters: Jeff did a lot of his buying at the dollar stores, Tuesday Morning and Big Lots

Shop the day after Christmas: Grab whatever ornaments you can as they slash the prices. You can always paint the ornaments a different color if they don’t match.

Use a wreath as a centerpiece: Fill it with pinecones and a candlestick. It will last you from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Suspend ornaments (balls or bulbs) from the ceiling: Jeff took all different sized bulbs and hung them from fishing wire. It gave the home a starry effect and cost almost nothing.

Create a side table out of a cardboard box: You can buy a sturdy cardboard box at a storage store. Wrap the box in wrapping paper. Tie it with a velvet ribbon creating a flat bow; making sure the cross is at the top of the box. Then purchase ¼" thick piece of glass. Voila! You get an 18-" x 18-" side table that can last way beyond the holidays.

For small spaces:

If you don’t have the room for a large Christmas tree, purchase a few topiaries. They can sit on side tables or even be suspended from the ceiling. You can keep them sans decorations after the holidays or replant them outside.

Spray paint: If you don’t find the balls or bulbs you want in the color you want, buy them anyway. Invest a few dollars in spray paint and you will soon have a uniform color.

I don’t know about you but I am dying to see the reaction on the McKeown’s faces when they see their new digs. Stay tuned!

More Tips: