Consumer Reports Magazine Supports "Haggling" for Gifts

The Christmas buying season is upon us, even though we have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving.  It happens every year and sales seem to begin earlier and earlier. Christmas in July may not just be a joke soon.

So, if you are beginning to search around for gifts for your family and friends, here is a tip you might want to consider.

Many people will be buying electronics gifts this year: HD and 3D televisions, Smartphones, cameras and just about anything else you can plug into the wall or load up with batteries. Most people will be going to Big Box stores or small specialty shops. Whichever you shop, keep in mind that the price listed on the product is not the price you must pay.  Haggling over the price or the warranty or some other aspect of the purchase is not only good practice, to do anything else is just plain unwise unless you enjoy paying full price (and nobody I know likes that).

I have written several times in this blog about how you can save money by negotiating for the best price. :http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-save-money-by-negotiating.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html. I have even written a book on the subject which is available on Amazon entilted,"How to Get the Best Deal Every Time," which is available as an e-book.http://www.amazon.com/How-Best-Deal-Every-Time-ebook/dp/B00BRPVH4U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384817264&sr=1-1&keywords=tony+basinski

In its annual gift issue,  Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org, suggests that "haggling" for the purchase of appliances and electronics gifts is a sure way to save money. Consumer Reports, December 2013. We couldn't agree more. And Consumer Reports provides the best information on which brand to buy and where best to buy the products you are shopping for this season.

Getting Through Airport Security with Gifts and Food

Millions of people will be traveling during this holiday season. Many of them will be traveling by air. Some of those people will be bringing with them gifts and food for family and friends.  So what is the easiest way to get through airport security with gifts and food items?

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a few tips on traveling with food or gifts on its website. www.tsa.gov. Often people will be carrying with them gifts which they have already wrapped. TSA does not prohibit wrapped gifts.  However, the security officers may unwrap the gift if it sets off an alarm or looks suspicious.  If you are traveling with gifts, leave them unwrapped and bring with you separately wrapping paper, ribbons, bows etc. which you can use to wrap the present after you reach your destination.  It's a simple tip but it saves time and trouble.

Many people like to bring food items either as gifts or to use in preparing holiday dinners at their destination.  The TSA has compiled a list of such items which it suggests should be placed in your checked bag, shipped ahead of time or left at home if in excess of the permitted 3.4 ounces.  These include cranberry sauce, cheese dips, jams, jellies and gift baskets containing such items.

Happy Holidays!