Can you spot the fake? fairfaxcounty / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Even if you’re not in the market for designer bags or clothes, knowing how to spot counterfeit merchandise is a must to avoid getting duped. This is especially true since common targets include cosmetics, perfumes, computer software, jewelry, and more! The latest issue of ShopSmart lists tips to learn how to spot a fake and what to do if you’re sold inauthentic merchandize. I summarize them below.
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Right smack in the middle of a fancy schmancy dinner I received a text meant to swindle me out of money. On our way home I checked my phone and found the text, at right. I had received the Walmart text scam that’s been going around.
There were red flags all over this thing. For one, I am not a Walmart shopper. Though it was my birthday, I knew it wasn’t my lucky day as I hadn’t entered any giveaways. The biggest clue this was a scam was the number. It was a regular 10-digit number instead of the usual shortcodes used by legitimate companies.
Echo9er / Flickr
I subscribe to your daily emails. I live in CA and I’m going to Washington, DC soon. I was looking online for Night Tours of DC and found a great deal on a site called “Kgb Deals”. They appear to be a Groupon like company. Have you ever heard of them or done business with them? I tried to research online and one guy said they were not legit. There really wasn’t a lot of info about them, but they have supposedly been in business for a long time.Thanks for your time and I LOVE your daily emails!Debbie
kevin dooley / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader AliceB is puzzling over a Target purchase where she expected to get a bonus gift card, but didn’t. She left the comment below on one of our drugstore freebies and deals post. She wrote:
TobiasMik / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader Asia wants to sell her furniture online. She’s looking for a website to safely get rid of items in her home. Asia writes:
Hi,
Previously I noticed on your website that there is a website if you want to exchange household items for use by others in your area. I was wondering if you know a website (other than Craigslist) where I can safely sell my furniture.
Thank you,
Asia
GoodNCrazy / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
A recent story in Time Moneyland analyzed a study that found parents are terrible financial role models. The study reveals only half of the 1,008 parents surveyed regularly set aside money to save. That’s definitely not behavior kids should be imitating! Parents also said it’s easier to talk to their children about drugs, smoking, and bullying than money. I share tips below to help you talk to kids about money.
Neil T / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
The April 2012 issue of ShopSmart, published by Consumer Reports, points out five scenarios that can get consumers in trouble when using their debit card. The story made me realize I’ve become careless. I summarize the dos and don’ts of staying safe when you use a debit card below. How do you keep safe when using your debit card?
401K / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
This past weekend I did my taxes and found out I owe Uncle Sam a nice chuck of change. Thankfully, I prepared for this by stashing away money. If you find yourself in this predicament without any savings, I share five tips to pay off your tax bill below.
- Take a deep breath and face the situation head on. Avoiding your tax bill will only lead to penalties that will end up costing you more in the long run. The IRS can also go after your assets and wages if you attempt to avoid them. (more…)
Will college eventually be free? Credit: Will Folsom
This post is brought to you by Event Management Degree.
I was wide awake at 2 a.m. with my new baby, Lucy Ellen, when a story on my iPhone about free online college classes caught my eye. The classes are free, and job recruiters pay for leads to top grads. Sounds like a winning formula to me.
Could this model of higher education be the answer to the crushing cost of college? Something my husband and I are now thinking about. (A friend told us he’d saved every month and the account for his daughter, now a senior in high school, won’t even cover one semester of college. So much for a 529 plan!)
M+M Photographers / Flickr
This post is brought to you by Mediation.com where you can find mediation lawyers.
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Lets face it, many of us do not want to confront the inevitable, but we all eventually kick the bucket. A will protects your family and assets, and creating one does not have to cost you thousands of dollars. Below are four affordable ways to create a will.
Note, I am not a lawyer and this is not intended as legal advice. When it comes to legal matters, consult an attorney.
fayehuang / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader Sharon has a tip and question for all of us.
Was wondering if anyone else has had trouble with EBates automatically issueing cash back credits? I have spent more time and aggravation dealing with this, and all is rectified now, but just wanted to warn others to keep track of what they purchase through EBates, and make sure they get credit where credit is due!
We want to know as well. Have you had trouble getting your cash back? I do very little online shopping. When I do shop online, I use Ebates. I haven’t had any problems so far. After every purchase I’ll go back to make sure I receive credit. It usually takes 24 to 72 hours for the site to reflect the cash earned.
Got a hot tip? Email us.
THEMACGIRL* / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
A couple of days ago, I bought what I thought would be a yummy cake from Whole Foods. It was stale. I was torn between complaining and letting it go.
I had paid $43 for a pumpkin sponge cake with cream cheese frosting that looked delish in the display case. I was splurging for a get-together.
When it was time to cut the cake, I had a hard time getting the knife through it. UGH! I was so disappointed and embarrassed.
Is it safe to buy appliances from an outlet? Credit: Editor B/Flickr
Jeannie is not sure she can trust an appliance outlet store. What do you think?
Dear Julia, Love your site. Question for you or the readers: we need a new dishwasher and Consumer Reports recommends 2 Whirlpool models in our price range. I did “Bargain Babe” due diligence in looking around for a great price and came across the Whirlpool Outlet store, which claims it has brand new products. But how do I know I can trust them?
Their site looks legit, but they’re based in the Midwest and we’re on the East Coast, so it makes me wonder if I’d be better off paying a little more and buying from a brick-and-mortar store, which feels so 1990s to me! Any advice you could offer would be great! Thanks, Jeannie
Jeannie, I would check a few things off my list before making a major purchase from an online retailer you are new to.
MCalatayud / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
I was sitting in the dentist chair looking into the light when he told me exactly what I didn’t want to hear.
“You need a root canal.”
Ouch! The thought of having the dentist drill my molar was not as painful as wondering how much this was going to set me back.
I immediately began blaming myself. If only I hadn’t put off
Top 10 most shoplifted items below. Credit: kate*/Flickr
This list of the Top 10 most shoplifted items of the season was compiled by Yahoo! and based on info from AdWeek. Yahoo says that “one in every 11 people walks out the door with at least one item they didn’t pay for.” That is truly shocking. More stats:
- Shoplifting is up 6% this year
- Retailers will lose about $119 billion of merchandise to shoplifters in 2011
- 75% of shoplifters are adults, most of whom have jobs
The top 10 items most stolen items are not what you would think! My guesses included iPods, kids toys, and clothes. Yahoo says (my comments in italics):
