Page 19 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! Fall 2015

MEMBER SERVICES
AAA
PROTECT YOUR CREDIT AND IDENTITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
With the holidays quickly approaching, you may feel pressured to get online or race to the mall impromptu to buy gifts for your loved ones. But since the holidays are not actually here yet, you still have time to take a deep breath and plan out your gift-giving strategy. Taking the time to plan a budget and protect your identity are important precautions for your financial well-being this season.
After all, a financial hangover is not the same as eating and drinking too much. If you overindulge in food and spirits, you may not feel well for a day or two. But if you overspend or are careless with your identity, it may take months to recover. Here are some tips to protect your wallet and your identity.
BUDGET SAVINGS IDEAS
• Start with an overall budget based on your savings. It’s not wise to use credit cards unless you can pay off the balances within 30 days. You are better off using a debit card to shop online and cash in person. Make a list and assign a dollar amount to each gift. If you have a large family, you may want to discuss the idea of drawing names to each person only has to buy one gift.
• Plan ahead as much as possible. If possible, shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). If that’s not possible, use the Internet to comparison shop and look for sales.
• Don’t get burned with “hot toys.” If you’re shopping for children, don’t buy them the hottest toy of the season. Instead, tell them you might get it for their birthday. Chances are they may forget about it by then, or if not, it’s sure to be cheaper in the off-season.
IDENTITY PROTECTION TIPS
• Be careful when shopping online. Only shop on websites with the technology to secure your transaction. Secure sites
have “https” instead of “http” in the address bar or they may have an icon of a locked padlock. In addition, don’t shop in sites that you don’t recognize, especially if they don’t have a phone number or physical address. They might be part of a phishing scam to get your credit or debit card number. • Be observant in the store. Watch out for anyone who may be standing in line behind you with a cell phone, especially a smartphone. They could easily take a photo of the information on your credit or debit card.
• Shop with a slim wallet. Remove everything except one credit card and your driver’s license. Carrying multiple credit cards, a passport, social security card and other items increases your risk of identity theft.
It’s not difficult to protect yourself. It just takes some thought and a
little time. And considering the consequences of a financial hangover, it may very well be worth it.
For information on protecting your identity, visit the ProtectMYID® blog.
TM
AAA and Amtrak® take you where you want to go at a
10% SAVINGS!
Contact
AAA Northampton County for reservations.
Offer may not be applicable with other discounts or promotions. Offer valid on most trains except Acala weekday service. Auto Train’s 10% discount applies to passenger fare only. 3-day advanced reservations required to receive the Show Your Card and Save® discount. Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
Enjoy the journey.SM
FALL 2015
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • www.aaanc.com
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