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Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. The race is on for
holiday gift buying. But you don’t need to throw away good
shopping judgment just to win the hearts of family and
friends.

“You need a holiday-spending game plan lined up long before you
get to the stores,” says Esther Maddux, a financial management
specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

“Know how much money you can spend,” Maddux says. “Your holiday
allowance can include cash earmarked for the holidays, any extra
money available (like a Christmas bonus) and the total amount you
can afford to charge.”

Gifts aren’t the only expenses during the holidays. You may need
to work entertaining, cards and clothes into your spending plan.
Don’t get caught short financially just when you want to relax
and enjoy the festivities, Maddux says.

Here are some simple shopping reminders as you prepare for the
season:

* Read labels, seals, tags and instruction booklets. Ask
questions. Get the facts before you buy.

* Check warranties. Find out what is promised, who stands behind
the promises and what you must do to benefit from a warranty.

* Shop and compare to find the best values. Compare features,
quality, prices, charges for installation, delivery, credit and
service. Use the phone to gather information rather than running
from store to store. Sometimes the amount you save isn’t worth
the cost of your time, energy and transportation.

* Read and understand contracts completely. Know what promises
you’re making before you sign your agreement.

* Return a purchase that’s damaged, didn’t provide reasonable
wear or didn’t live up to the guarantee.

* Don’t make a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy an item. Take
your time, think about your needs and the amount of money you
have.

* Free gifts or bargains that are too good to be true are usually
just bait to get your money. Expect a fair and reasonable price
for goods and services.

* Shop at the start and the close of a big sale. The first day
offers the best selection, but the last day may bring further
price reductions.

* Be alert to factory seconds and irregulars. These items have
flaws or imperfections. Examine the item carefully. Find the flaw
and decide if it will make a difference.

* Look in the classified ad section of your newspaper for items
you need. Buying person-to-person often saves dollars.