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Before you purchase a gift card for someone this holiday season – or if you receive a gift card – there are some things you should find out. Different gift cards have different terms and conditions. Here are some of the most important terms and conditions that you should be sure to check, and that should be disclosed to you:

• FEES. Make sure you know whether fees may apply to the card. Some gift cards may not have fees, but others do charge various types and amounts of fees. Some fees may be paid in cash, but others are simply deducted from the value on the card. These fees may include:

– Purchase Fees that are charged when you buy a gift card. These are in addition to the money you pay in exchange for the value on the card.
– Monthly Fees or other regular charges (such as service fees, administrative fees, or maintenance fees) that are deducted from the gift card balance.

– Inactivity Fees that apply if you do not use the card within a certain time period (for example, a monthly fee that is deducted from the gift card balance if the card’s value has not been used up within 6 months after the card is purchased).

– Transaction Fees for using the card – either for all transactions, for a high number of transactions, or for certain types of transactions (for example, ATM withdrawals).

– Miscellaneous Fees for balance inquiries, replacing a lost or stolen card, or other services related to the card.

– Check to see if the gift card, or its packaging, includes information on fees or provides a toll-free number or website with full information about fees connected with the card.

• EXPIRATION DATES. Make sure you know whether there is an expiration date for the card… and what that expiration date is. If a gift card expires, you may not be able to use it, and the company that sold it to you will keep whatever money is left on the card. If there is an expiration date, you should also find out whether you can ask for the card to be reissued with a new expiration date, and what the fee would be for issuing a new card.

If this information is not stated on the gift card itself (or its packaging), check to see if there is a toll-free number or website that will provide this information.

• LOST OR STOLEN CARDS. You should also find out the rules for lost or stolen cards. Can you get a replacement card? Would there be a fee for doing so? If someone else uses the card after it is lost or stolen, would that money be credited to the replacement card?

If this information is not stated on the gift card itself (or its packaging), check to see if there is a toll-free number or website that will provide this information.

Important Reminder: Keep the receipt for the gift card purchase, and write down the card number. These may be needed if you or the person who received the card as a gift needs a replacement card.

• WHERE YOU CAN USE THE CARD. A store gift card often can be used only at the store where it was purchased (or related stores). Other gift cards, like those with a connection to the VISA® or MasterCard® systems, can be used at many locations around the world. Some gift cards can even be used to get cash at an ATM.

• TRUST. Remember that a gift card is like a loan: you are giving money to the company that holds the value of the card until you use it, and they are promising to give that money back when you ask for it. Make sure you know who is standing behind that promise, and remember that you are putting your trust in that company (and its financial stability).

• PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS. If your gift card is lost, or not working properly, or you have some other problem with your gift card, is there a convenient way (like a toll-free number) to make a complaint and get your problem fixed?

If this information is not stated on the gift card itself (or its packaging), check to see if there is a toll-free number or website that will provide this information.

ONE FINAL NOTE TO PURCHASERS OF GIFT CARDS: If information about fees, expiration dates, or other matters appears on a document separate from the gift card itself, make sure you pass that important information on to the recipient to protect the value of your gift!

Posted under Products

Consumers are projected to spend $25 billion on gift cards in the 2006 holiday season. The Federal Trade Commission tells consumers that gift cards, whether purchased from a retailer, a restaurant, or a financial institution, may come with strings attached.

In particular, consumers should know that some gift cards have expiration dates; others have fees that can lessen the card’s value, including activation fees, transaction fees, monthly maintenance fees, balance inquiry fees, replacement fees for lost or stolen cards, and inactivity or non-use fees. A consumer alert, “Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards,” offers consumer tips, including:

* Buy from sources you know and trust. Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites; the cards may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

* Read the fine print before you buy. If you do not like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere.

* When buying a card, ask about expiration dates and fees. This information may appear on the card itself, on the accompanying sleeve or envelope, or on the issuer’s Web site. If you do not see it, ask. If the information is separate from the gift card, give it to the recipient with the card to help protect the card’s value. It also is a good idea to give the recipient the original receipt to verify the card’s purchase in case it is lost or stolen.

* Check on purchase exceptions. For example, can the recipient use a store-specific gift card at either the physical store or the store’s website? Can an “all-purpose” card really be used to buy groceries or gasoline?

* Treat gift cards like cash. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. You may be out the entire amount on the card. Some issuers do not replace the cards, but others do if you pay a fee. If an issuer charges for a replacement card, you will most likely need to document the purchase and provide the ID number on the card. Most issuers have toll-free numbers to report lost or stolen cards.

Posted under Products

Americans are flocking to stores and websites to find that perfect gift, that one card that says it all, that tree to end all trees. But as we feast, give gifts, decorate and travel, we consume lots of resources and generate lots of waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of household trash increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and the New Year. That extra waste amounts to 25 million tons.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa and New Years may have a special meaning, but this year’s festivities don’t have to negatively impact our environment. There are a number of ways to lessen the amount of trash we produce - - by reducing, reusing and recycling what we can — without putting a damper on the holiday season.

Cards and Gifts

· Consider buying gifts with the Energy Star logo. They use less energy.
· Buy smart - - be on the lookout for gifts and cards that are recyclable or have recycled content.
· Consider substituting postcards for cards.
· Reuse old holiday cards as gift tags.
· Consider gifts with a history - - from your home or a thrift shop.

Decorating

· Decorate with more energy efficient mini-lights and use them when someone is home. This will reduce energy and reduce fire hazards.
· Avoid foil and plastic-embossed paper and cards because they use more resources in the manufacturing process.
· Use wrapping paper from last year to recycle, or consider wrapping presents with cloth or newsprint - - such as comics, travel or sport sections.

Food

· When giving food as gifts, use recyclable containers.
· Store leftovers in reusable containers.

Recycling

· Review the list of recyclables that your community accepts and be sure to recycle all paper, plastic, glass and aluminum you can.
· Bring your own bags on shopping trips so shops won’t have to give you new ones with your purchases.
· Don’t take a new gift box with your purchase if you have a supply of old ones, or try to wrap it without a box.

Transportation

· Walk or use mass transit when shopping. Or buy your gifts by phone or on the web.
· Choose shops you can walk or bike to, instead of driving. When you need to drive, combine several errands into one trip or carpool with others. Less driving means less air pollution and conserves fuel.

Trees

· Buy a living tree you can plant outside or keep as a houseplant.
· Buy a tree grown locally to save energy associated with transportation.
· Buy a smaller tree. There’s less to dispose of when you take it down, and shorter growing time translates into less land required.
· If your town doesn’t have a tree chipping and tree recycling site - - ask why.

And after the holidays are over you can further reduce the amount of waste generated by:

• Plant or donate live trees and recycled cut trees.
• Donate unwanted gifts and food to thrifts stores and food banks.
• Compost veggie and fruit trimmings.
• Recycle all the glass, paper, and plastics left over from the holidays.
• Remember to recycle old electronics, too - - computers, cell phones, printers, etc.

Posted under Products

With the Labor Day weekend approaching, many people will be flying the friendly skies. But before you head off to the airport, please be aware that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has changed security screening
procedures at all U.S. airports, banning liquids and gels at security checkpoints and aboard flights.

You will not be permitted to bring any liquids or gels past the screening checkpoint or on board, with a few exceptions. In addition, the TSA is now requiring that all passengers are to remove their shoes so they may be X-rayed with their carry-on bags. This is no longer optional, as it has been for years.

Find out the latest security procedures at:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/new-procedures.shtm

Get the full list of permitted and prohibited items at:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Posted under Travel