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5 Ways to Stay Safe While Shopping

By U.S. News & World Report

While most of us finished our holiday shopping weeks ago, some of us are still out there trying to navigate the malls, big box stores or outlets. In the interest of time and trying to get out of the store so we can spend quality time with loved ones, record speed shopping trips often take priority over making sure the way we shop is safe and secure. Here are five tips to ensure your safety as you make your holiday purchases. They apply now as well as any time of year.

1) Keep your personal items in sight at all times: This one seems obvious, but when you have a thousand things on your mind it is easier said than done. Try to be mindful to not leave your handbag, wallet or shopping bags unattended. With the rush of the shopping crowd, you never know what kind of sinister person may be lurking about with bad intentions to steal your stuff.

2) “Dip” your card instead of “swiping”: You may notice something different when you get to the register to pay for merchandise this season. Instead of “swiping” your card, you will be “dipping” it. This has to do with the new chip cards banks have been issuing. This “chip” creates a one-time code when you dip it into the machine that can’t be passed on, counterfeited or duplicated. It’s an added layer of protection so your personal information can’t get compromised like we saw in years past. But don’t fret if your information does get compromised. As a consumer, you are in no way liable for purchases made to your card. Call your bank immediately and they will handle it and if need be, send you a new card.

3) Stay aware in the parking lot: These days, parking lots are well-lit with security cameras on every other pole. But even if you see a security guard circling the lot every two minutes, it doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. When you leave a store or mall, make sure you have your keys in hand ready to open the door. Don’t linger with doors open; make sure you put your packages in, get yourself in and lock the doors and drive away. And just because you are shopping in daylight doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware. These rules apply whether you are shopping at night or during the day.

4) Shop at legitimate online stores: Yes, everyone wants to get the best prices on items specifically when you feel pressed for time. If you come across a site that you’ve never heard of offering discounts of up to 80 to 90 percent on items you know shouldn’t be on massive discount, or if it’s unclear where the business is based out of, do not shop there. Many times, personal information is stolen through sites that pretend to real businesses. And live by this shopping mantra: “If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Be aware that spoof websites can be difficult to detect. The address bar and padlock can be faked. As a general rule of thumb, it is safer to type in a web address than to click on a link, and use previously saved trusted favorites. Also, look for “https” (vs. “http”) in the web address. The “s” indicates the web site encrypts the traffic to your browser.

5) Don’t give up your personal information if a credit card company is asking for it via email: Fun fact: if your credit card company has a question about your account they will call you or in some cases text you. They do not send emails. So if you see an email that looks like official correspondence from your bank, don’t respond. Likewise, beware of familiar looking links in emails or texts that redirect you to a fraudulent web site. It could be a phishing situation where unsavory people are trying to get access to your personal information. Instead, call your bank and let them know you received said email.

Shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. In fact, it’s one of the better parts of the holiday season. Just remember to stay aware when you are out, be mindful of how you are paying for merchandise and keep note of “official” correspondence coming your way to ensure your holidays are bright and full of light and cheer!

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5 Ways to Stay Safe While Shopping originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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