Blog

If you’ve put off holiday shopping, there’s no need to worry. In this blog post, learn how to avoid costly last-minute shopping mistakes – and how to protect yourself from holiday scammers along the way.

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

Have a Game Plan (and Stick to It!)

Impulse buys are budget busters, especially when you’re pressed for time. Before hitting the stores (online or in-person), list everyone you need to buy for and what you have in mind for each. Be realistic about what you can afford and how much time you have. As you shop, cross each purchase off the list, and don’t be influenced by impulse items that might cause you to overspend.

Decide on a firm holiday spending limit before you start shopping, and include all your holiday costs – not just gifts. This will help you avoid post-holiday credit card shock. Use a budgeting app or the “envelope method” (allocating cash into labeled envelopes for each expense) to keep track of your spending.

Compare Prices Online Before Buying

Even if you prefer shopping in stores, a quick online search can save you money. Use retailer apps and price comparison websites, or do a quick web search to find better deals. Many stores also offer price matching, so don’t hesitate to ask if they will honor a price listed elsewhere.

Avoid Rush Shipping Costs

Rush shipping costs can add up quickly! To save, look for online retailers offering free shipping or consider choosing slower shipping methods if items aren’t time sensitive. Alternatively, select in-store or curbside pickup to skip delivery fees entirely. Ordering early is also a strategy to avoid unexpected shipping delays.

Don't Fall for "Sale FOMO"

Those “limited-time offer” banners and “doorbuster deals” can trigger fear of missing out (FOMO). But not all sales are created equal. Stick to your game plan, and don’t let enticing marketing tactics pressure you into spending beyond your budget. Remember, many vendors repeat sales, so missing one doesn’t mean losing out completely.

Keep Receipts and Know the Return Policies

Returns and exchanges are practically a holiday tradition. Keep your receipts organized in a safe place (or snap a photo of them), and review store return policies before you buy. Check each store’s return policy before buying. Some stores even extend return periods for holiday purchases, which can save you time and hassle later.

Use Rewards Points and Cash-Back Offers

The holidays are the perfect time to put your hard-earned rewards to work. We can help. From now through the end of January 2025, our Cash Reward Mastercard® earns you up to 4%* cash back on ALL purchases. It’s like getting an instant discount on everything you buy for the holidays.

Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and festivities, but they're also when scammers come out in full force. Here are some common scams and how to avoid them.

Porch Pirates

Porch pirates steal packages right off doorsteps. Track your packages and sign up for delivery notifications. When possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home or send packages to a secure pickup locker, like an Amazon locker or FedEx delivery point. If you have friendly neighbors, consider asking them to help collect packages.

Fake Online Stores

Scammers often create fake websites that look like legitimate retailers, offering unbelievable deals on popular items. Watch for suspicious URLs, grammatical errors, limited contact information, or no customer reviews. Shop only at trusted retailers, double-check URLs, and look for secure payment options, like those with “https” and a padlock icon.

Charity Scams

Scammers may pose as fake charities or impersonate real ones, using unsolicited emails, calls, or even door-to-door tactics. Verify charities through sites like Charity Navigator and donate directly through their official websites. Avoid high-pressure requests and any that ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers – both are signs of a scam.

Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are popular targets for holiday scammers, who may tamper with them in stores or use phishing scams to access gift card numbers online. Buy gift cards directly from reputable retailers or their official websites, inspect them carefully, and use them promptly to reduce fraud risk.

Happy Holidays

Remember—above all, the holidays are meant to be an enjoyable time of year. Armed with these tips, you can make the most of your shopping, while also making the season a little less stressful.

All of us at American Heritage wish you a joyous holiday and a prosperous new year. If you want to get a jump on next year’s shopping, consider a Holiday Loan of up to $1,200 to help finance the season. Or if you'd like to brush up on additional security tips, click here. And if you have any other questions, please contact us. We’re here to help.