Save money...don't be a victim

Take these precautions when buying a gift card for somebody.
Dan Starks a personal safety specialist with the Charlotte Observer says:
When choosing a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person, a gift card can be a simple solution. For the recipient, it sure beats having to return an unwanted gift like that ugly pair of socks.
When buying a gift card, follow these tips:

• Buy a card that hasn't been on display. Cards secured behind a counter have less chance of being tampered with.
  
• After buying the card, immediately ask the cashier to verify the balance.
  
• As soon as possible, go online to register it with the store. That should help if there is a need to replace it.
  
• Save the original receipt until the card has been used.
  
• Be very cautious when purchasing cards from online auction sites. You can end up purchasing an invalid card with no value.
  

Also, an alternative to a gift card is a money order. Advantage: The recipient can exchange it at his or her bank for cash, then buy from any store.

And for those thinking of giving a gift to someone in the military this holiday season:

If you don't have a family member in the military to send a gift or care package to, you can still spread holiday cheer to those stationed overseas. Here are some ideas from the United Service organization on what you can do. To donate to any of these programs or for more info, go to www.uso.org or call 800-901-1501.

• Operation Care Package: For $25 you can sponsor a care package and include a personal note, wishing a military member happy holidays or thanking them for their service.
  
• Operation Phone Home: Donate a phone card. The USO says there is an urgent need for phone cards so deployed service members can call home.
  
• USO in a box:: This pilot program, created this year, sends electronic, entertainment and personal care items to troops in remote locations.--Amy Baldwin
  

Hope these tips help you save money and give to others this holiday season.

Coupon Corner:

Save $1.00 on one package 6oz. or larger, Purina Beggin, any variety exp 3/9/08

Save $1.50 on two packages of Purina Busy Bone, any size, any variety exp. 2/7/08

Save $1.00 on one package of Purina Busy bone, any size , any variety exp. 2/9/08

Save $.75 on any Easy Off glass cooktop cleaner exp. 2/9/08

Save $.35 on any Easy Off oven cleaner exp. 2/9/08

Save $2.00 on any one Schick Razor or refill package exp 1/31/08

Save $.50 when you buy any Frank's Redhot Sauce exp.3/31/08

Save $.40 on any three packages of Kleenex facial tissues or one bundle pack exp. 1/15/08

Save $1.00 on 4 Campbell's Chunky Soup can variety 1/20/08

Save $1.00 on any 10 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soups exp. 1/31/08

Save $1.00 on any 5 Campbell's Condensed Soups (except chicken noodle , tomato &creams exp. 1/31/08

Buy four Little Debbie family snack packs, get one free(any variety up to $1.39 exp. 2/15/08

Save $3.00 on any one Excedrin 100ct product exp. 1/31/08

Save $2.00 on any one Excedrin Product exp. 1/31/08

Save $2.00 when you purchase a Reynolds Handi-vac Starter Kit exp. 2/3/08

Get one warmer unit free when you buy your favorite Air Wick scented oil refill fragrance (up to $3.19) exp. 1/20/08

$1.00 off any 2 Air Wick scented oil refills exp. 1/20/08

$2.00 off any one pro recharge Crest SpinBrush exp.1/31/08

$1.00 off any one Crest SpinBrush exp.1/31/08

$1.00 off any one Crest Kids SpinBrush exp. 1/31/08

These are free ..as many as you want..just email me with a mail address and let me know which ones you want.... and if you like you can send me a few of your own ..

Happy savings!!