Saturday, December 15, 2007

STAYING ALERT ABOUT YOUR MONEY

NOW THAT YOU'RE OUT IN THE BIG WORLD with your money, you need to be alert when it comes to spending it. It's so easy to become distracted and not pay attention to what's going on around you when you're out and about shopping or dining out. I've noticed most unusual things can happen when it comes to dealing with cash. Using an ATM card or credit card needs paper work, so most odd things won't happen as often as with cash. Sometimes things happen accidentally and then other times, it's questionable. But if you stay alert, these accidents won't happen as easily. Know exactly the amount you are paying and never leave it to the waitress or clerk to do the figuring for you. Know what money you should get back in change and always be aware of the amount you give for the bill or tab. People can honestly make mistakes, but if you have a heads up, you will make sure it doesn't happen to you. It can also happen to a clerk just as easily and this I know from experience. It was a busy time of day in the store I worked and a man asked for change for a twenty. With a few swipes of the hand and back and forth, he ended up walking out with an extra ten. And this can happen, but keeping ahead and knowing what to do, it never got a chance to happen again. It was just as easy as saying, I don't have it and asked him to leave cause they will try it with a customer right in front of you.
DURING THE SHOPPING TIMES of this season, try not to carry very much cash. And when using a credit card, always pay attention to what you sign and the amount you sign for. If using an ATM card with a pin number, be aware of the people around you and keep it covered as much as possible. An ounce of prevention is worth watching over your money and protecting you. It's that time of year and the time people you don't usually see other times of the year all of a sudden appear. Especially during these times when money is tight and many people are losing their homes and are going to have a really ugly Christmas for their families. Keeping alert will not only be good for you but you will also help the otherwise bad person from coming out of a potentially good person. Trust is wonderful to have, but it also needs to be handled in a wise and adult way in order for it to be good and useful. There's no room for accusation but being aware will definitely give you control to keep it from getting out of hand. This is your right so don't become intimidated by the other person. This can be done in a simple down to earth action where everyone comes out o.k. Stay alert and enjoy the season.

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