Amazon has become the go-to global marketplace to find what you want at a good price. Amazon serves over 300 million customers, with about half of U.S. households holding a Prime membership. Don’t forget to stay savvy with this online e-commerce giant though – here are seven tips to help you out. Get a Refund for Television Price Drops If you buy a television through Amazon (and it’s sold through them), keep an eye on the price of the television over the next week. If you see the price drop, you can ask for a refund on the difference. Rumor…

Sometimes that perfect gift or treat for yourself isn’t easily found in typical retail stores. The Internet has made it much easier to obtain what we need or want, but that doesn’t mean the process IS easy. Online auctions are a great way to get collectibles and unique items, but prepare yourself before throwing your bid in. Set Your Budget Bidding can be fun, and competitive. In the heat of the competition, it can get easier to overlook how much you’re spending on something. Set a top limit before you even start bidding. Check Shipping Fees Your desired item may be…

Identity theft and cyber crimes are becoming more frequent news stories. Unfortunately, the holiday season tends to see a peak in those crimes. In order to keep you information secure, it’s all about staying one step ahead of the criminals. Be Wary of Email Links Any email that asks you to click on a link and enter information about yourself should raise a red flag. During the holidays, scammers may send emails that appear to be promotions from big brand stores. They may ask you to enter your store card info for exclusive discounts and then take that information to…

Software known as ransomware is claiming more victims through the use of emails claiming “your package has been delivered.”  Knowing what ransomware is and how to avoid it is key to protecting yourself from becoming a victim to it. About Ransomware Ransomware is used to penetrate people’s files without them realizing it.  Ransomware encrypts files so they cannot be accessed until the user pays the hacker, making it an easy way for them to make money. Many of the new types have been derived from older types that are proving to be spreading havoc already this year.  With hackers taking of advantage of any security vulnerabilities they see, or creating vulnerabilities of their own, organizations and individuals should equally be concerned. New Email Problem A spam email campaign is now being used to spread ransomware to individuals.  These emails claim that the individual’s package can now be tracked by clicking on the…

During a time when the world is becoming more and more concerned with going green to preserve the planet, one thing you may want to consider going digital for is your credit card and bank statements, bills, as well as other important financial documents.  For some, paper statements may be a better choice, but you will need to decide which method is best for you. Paper Statements – Why They’re Still Around Although using paper is becoming to be considered outdated, having the physical statement can help you remember to pay your bill.  You can keep it in a place that reminds…