NEW YORK (WABC) – The holiday season has officially begun, and 7 On Your Side has tips for saving money, getting discounts on hot gifts and avoiding scams.
Despite the increase in inflation, Americans do not despair of celebrating 2022.
In fact, the National Retail Federation estimates that households will spend an average of $832 — most of it during the five-day shopping marathon between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Don’t miss our special Eyewitness News Thursdays at 12:30 PM on Channel 7 and wherever you watch ABC7NY.
Check out some of the topics we cover to save you money:
BEST RATES
If you’re paying full price, especially around the holidays, you haven’t done your research yet, but we have a special guest who has done the work for you.
Ignatia Fulcher, Senior Editor Wire cutterand her team analyzed tens of thousands of deals to find the best ones.
TIPS FOR SAVINGS
Before you shop, visit your favorite stores or brands on social media and click the “Like” or “Follow” button. You’ll usually receive a small gift in the mail in the form of a coupon or promo code within a few hours.
7 On Your Side has other tricks to uncover some of the secrets to staying safe.
DISCOVERY OF HORRORS AND AROUNDS
Gift cards have been the most popular holiday gift for 16 years in a row, but scammers love them, too.
The FTC says $233 million was lost to gift card fraud alone last year, but that’s just a drop in the bucket when you consider that $6.9 billion was stolen through cyber fraud.
Thieves are getting smarter by the second, but we have some tips to stay ahead of hackers.
SHOPPING IS SMALL
Small Business Saturday is a day when shoppers are encouraged to shop locally at mom and pop shops.
And it worked — American Express predicts Saturday sales for small businesses will reach a record $23.3 billion, with more consumers shopping on Saturday than on Black Friday.
We’ll highlight some small businesses where a special day is highly valued.
DRIVE
After Turkey Day, Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday.
What better place to give this holiday season than to a respected nonprofit? If you’re in a position to be generous, consider giving locally first, where your dollars can improve the lives of children and families in your area.
But before you donate, check Charity navigator as a resource for checking ratings. And you don’t have to donate money, you can also volunteer your time.
———-
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have a problem with the company that you have not been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help!
Fill out the form below or email your questions, concerns or story ideas by filling out the form below or by email 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELL PHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.
Copyright © 2022 WABC-TV. All rights reserved.
