Press Release November 18, 1998

Contact: Gail Hillebrand, (415) 431-6747 Consumers Union's West Coast Office

CONSUMERS UNION OFFERS TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Whether by shopping online or using more traditional methods, U.S. consumers will spend billions of dollars during the holiday season. Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, has released a three-page Holiday Shopping and Credit Tips to help consumers spend their dollars wisely and safely.

"Now is the time for consumers to do a quick financial check-up," said Gail Hillebrand, senior attorney with the West Coast Regional Office of Consumers Union. "Shoppers should know their finances and make a gift-buying budget before the holiday rush lures them into debt they didn't plan on."

Consumers Union offers facts and tips to help consumers deal with these shopping pressures. The Holiday Shopping and Credit Tips offers guidance on (1) choosing whether to pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card; (2) delayed payment programs; (3) extended warranties; (4) catalog and on-line buying; (5) returns; and (6) debt consolidation.

The tips are available on the Consumers Union advocacy web site, www.consunion.org. They are also available by mail or fax. Contact Consumers Union at 415/431-6747.

The three-page Holiday Shopping & Credit Tips...

For more consumer tips on shopping online, contact Rana Silver, Consumers Union, 914/378-2434.