THE CONSUMER Affairs Commission (CAC) provides the following tips to assist consumers in the Christmas season:
SHOP WITH A LIST
Never go shopping without a list of the most basic items which are needed. Retailers recognise consumers' weakness and tendency to lose focus and pick up items which they had no intention to purchase. Prepared to be tempted but go prepared to overcome by first buying what is on your list!
WATCH MARKET PRICES ON PERISHABLES
Although it may not be possible to plant your vegetables in time for Christmas, it is always a good idea to have your own little backyard garden. You may not be able to buy all the quantities that you are used to having but try not to over-indulge in those items which are being sold at incredibly high prices - that is, seasonal items or let your expenses skyrocket, unless your income does too! Also, remember that vegetables are perishables so overstocking now may lead to waste.
STOCK AND MAKE GIFTS FROM YOUR BACKYARD GARDEN
If you are one of those vigilant consumers who paid attention to advice from the CAC last year and are still reaping from your garden, make little packages for friends and relatives from any extra produce from the harvest. These are practical gifts which will not cost you extra.
MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS
Stores have begun displaying Christmas items and you need to resist the temptation to buy more decorations, which you will again toss out after the holidays.
Go through any left-over Christmas decorations from last year to see what can be salvaged.
If you actually took the care last year to dismantle and package and store your decorations properly, you should have sufficient stocks to begin with this year.
Do not overdo it, as simple creative decorations can look quite attractive. Do not discount the option of making some of your decorations yourself and if you have children, get them involved.
REPAIR OLD FURNITURE
Compare the cost of getting ready-made curtains and new furniture with the cost of getting the material then having it sewn or having your furniture repaired. You will be amazed at the large sums of money you will save by choosing to do the latter.
CONSERVE ELECTRICITY
This is not just a good idea, but one which saves a lot of dollars and cents. If you actually did this during Christmas, you will thank yourself for having done so when you see your light bill in the New Year. And to make sure that you have an idea of what your bill should be, read your electricity metre yourself. Check the reading as at the date the last bill was generated and again at about 28 to 32 days from that time.
RESIST LIGHTING UP YOUR HOME
As tempted as we are to hang miles of pepper lights, bear in mind that there are several factors which will continue to drive the cost of fuel upwards and watch the foreign exchange adjustments.
Be mindful of this and hold the indulgence. If you absolutely cannot resist the urge to begin lighting up early, decorate either indoors or outdoors. If you plan to do both, wait until it is much closer to Christmas Day to complete the other.
Always unplug all lights before retiring to bed. Baking? Check quality and price of ingredients
If you like to bake, this simple hobby can give you big savings for this Christmas.
Remember that your non-perishable ingredients should be a priority, as closer to Christmas these items become scarce and their prices become exorbitant.
Be careful though to check on the integrity and quality of your ingredients.
Remember that if you get paid early in December, you will be paid at the regular time in January so manage your income well so that you can spend it properly.
The Consumer Affairs Commission Contact: Dorothy E. Campbell Education, Information & Communication Specialist Consumer Affairs Commission Info_c@consumeraffairsjamaica.gov.jm. Tel: 926-1650-2
