Safety Tips for Holiday Store Shoppers
Last night's drop in temperatures reminds me ... the Holidays are just around the corner! And of course, that means holiday commercials are running 24/7 ... and Holiday shopping is once again on our minds.
Experience tells me one thing. It's inevitable that shoppers will be asked at store registers if they want to apply for a new credit card while checking out with their holiday purchases.
Because of that, each year I've written posts warning of the credit and financial "dangers" that lurk for consumers while Holiday Shopping. Each year I've urged, "just say "NO" to new credit offers unless one of the following applies:
- Your Credit/Credit Score can withstand a new credit inquiry
- You can handle the new debt caused by the new card
- You can make monthly payments on time, consistently, and faithfully
- You will NOT be making application for a mortgage
- You are NOT already in the mortgage process
- You are NOT hoping to buy a home in the near future
- You are NOT maxed-out on present credit cards
- You have NOT already applied for other stores/credit cards
- You know ALL the terms of the new credit account associated with the offer
- You know what other credit obligations you have and the total of ALL your debt
- The "enticement" offer is so valuable it offsets the negatives of taking on more debt
- You have NO credit history and are trying to establish one for a future home purchase
Again this year I say, stay alert and strong regarding your finances and credit standing as you do your holiday shopping. This is especially important if you're presently in the home buying/mortgage process or if you're planning on doing so within the next year or so.
I pass the following additional warning along as well. It addresses the need for heightened awareness for your physical safety during your holiday shopping trips.
It's sad to say, but women are especially vulnerable to the dangers that exist during holiday shopping excursions. One reason is that they typically carry purses while shopping. (Purses are quick easy marks for thieves.) And many times, they have children with them causing distractions and making them more vulnerable.
Many dangers exist during the holiday shopping period. So take precautions and please share the following safety tips with family and friends. That way they too can have a safe secure happy holiday season.
Many dangers exist during the holiday shopping period. So take precautions and please share the following safety tips with family and friends. That way they too can have a safe secure happy holiday season.
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
Tips Specifically for Women:
- Consider using a travel pouch instead of a purse while shopping
- If using a purse, keep it zipped/closed while shopping
- If using a shopping cart, lace the cart's child safety straps through your purse straps
- If no straps exist on the shopping cart, use a carabiner clip to attach your purse straps to the cart
- Carry purses close to your body in cross-body fashion
- Do not leave your purse unattended anywhere ... in a shopping cart, on the top of a car, on a trunk top, etc.
- Get your keys out of your purse prior to leaving the store. (The keys can act as a weapon if need be and the panic button can act as an alert)
- Carry your purse on your side opposite of the traffic portion of an aisle
- Keep your phone near, but remain aware of your surrounds at all times
- Walk with confidence at all times
- Park your car in a well-lit portion of the parking lot
- Lock your car door immediately upon entering it
- Don't linger in your car while in the parking lot
- If possible, shop with a friend(s). There is safety in numbers
- Leave flashy expensive jewelry at home
- Wear casual - "walking" shoes, as they make a flight from danger easier
- Carry pepper spray or another personal safety deterrent
- Trust your "gut".
- Don't hesitate to seek the assistance of a security guard if alarmed in any way
- Carry only what you need when you go out shopping. Example: Driver's License, Debit/Credit Cards you'll use, phone, car keys.
- Carry no/limited cash
- If you carry cash, carry it in a front pocket
- Always keep one hand free
- Don't overload with packages
- Lock packages in your trunk
- Be and stay aware of those around you
- Walk with purpose and confidence
- Park in well-lit areas
- Avoid parking garages, if possible
- Keep your car locked at all times
- Shop during daylight hours, if and when possible
- Trust your instincts
- Remain aware of your surroundings and those around you
- Locate, then carry your keys with you as you return to your parked car
- Use the "panic" button on your car keys when alarmed
- Don't linger in the parking lot
- Save cell phone conversations until you return home
- Try to avoid shopping alone. There's safety in numbers
- If you lose a debit or credit card, report it to the credit card company immediately
Plan and prepare for your holiday shopping excursions ahead of time. When you do so, you'll remain safe and secure ... physically, financially and credit-wise.
Shop smart and enjoy your Holiday Shopping!
Contact me! I'll put my 40 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
I'm easily found at:
Gene Mundt
Mortgage Originator -NMLS #216987 - IL Lic. 031.0006220 - WI License #216987
American Portfolio Mortgage Corp
NMLS #175656
Direct: 815.524.2280
Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40+ years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:
The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort,
Mokena, Manhattan, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago,
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