Protecting Yourself and Your Money While Shopping

Consumers must always be on high alert, even when shopping at their trusted grocery store or favorite discount store. Huge conglomerates aren't always looking out for the customer and mistakes are made. It rests on the consumer's shoulders to be alert and protect themselves from being taken advantage of.

Here are five easy tips on how to protect yourself and your money when shopping:

How to Protect Yourself and Your Money Tip #1 - Pay Attention At Checkout

Watch the register readout carefully and question anything that doesn't look right. If the staff member behind the register is not willing to resolves the issue, ask for a manager. Most importantly, be polite but stick to your guns. I've been the victim of overpricing many times and on occasions have gotten in verbal arguments with checkout personnel until a manager stepped in to resolve the issue.

Best of all, you may get paid to question incorrect prices. Many stores have a "if the price is not right, you get the item free" policy, so you could walk out with a free item, just because some did not enter the price right in the computer.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Money Tip #2 - Always Look At Your Receipt

No matter how carefully you watched the register, don't leave the store until you've looked over the receipt. People do make mistakes but it doesn't mean you have to pay for it! Check the prices and quantities, making sure you were charged correctly.

It's important that you do this BEFORE you leave the store, especially when it comes to quantities, because once you leave the store, managers can question your truthfulness. For example, a few months ago, I was doing some minor grocery shopping at my local discount department store. I bough one gallon container of orange juice, but was charged for two at the register. Thankfully, I checked the receipt before I left and went to the service desk to have it corrected.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Money Tip #3 - Understand the Return Policy Of the Store

Even if you plan to keep your purchase forever, it never hurts to check the return policy, just in case. You never know - you may go home to find the item damaged. As the economy declines into a recession, more and more stores are changing their return policies, restricting what can be returned and in what time limit. Most stores print their return policies on the back of their receipts while others post them in the store.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Money Tip #4 - Read Contracts

If you're buying something that requires a contract, for example an Extended Warranty or using a payment plan, read the contract carefully and make sure to voice your questions before signing anything. Make sure your concerns are put in writing and attached to the contract as an addendum. If the store is not willing to answer your questions or work with you, walk away. If they're having problems with you asking questions before you sign, it will more than likely be worst once they already have your money.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Money Tip #5 - Use Credit Card For Questionable Purchases

Remember that credit card companies provide you with a way to dispute any charges. So, if the bike you bought falls apart and the store is unwilling to help you, your credit card company may have more pull with the company.