KEY POINTS:
Going shopping? With two weeks until Christmas, stores will be trying hard to part you from your hard-earned cash.
But consumer advocates warn bogus deals and hidden costs mean not all offers are as good as they look.
Here are six top tips:
SAY NO TO HIRE PURCHASE
The Retirement Commission's new "spendometer" works out how much more an item will cost if you buy it using hire purchase, a credit card or personal loan rather than by cash, Eftpos or cheque. A $667 fridge will cost $885.53 on hire purchase over a year. If you're offered an interest-free period, make sure you know what the conditions will be when it ends.
KNOW THE PRESALE PRICE
"50 per cent off" must mean exactly that. Contact the Commerce Commission if a discount seems bogus.
GIVE A LITTLE
If you're trying to be a Good Samaritan this Christmas, there are ways to make sure the money arrives. Some charities guarantee that the exact gift you buy will go to a family in need - so if you give money to buy a goat for a family in Africa, your money does not join a general pool of funds.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Every year, budget advisers see an influx of people struggling to pay off debts after Christmas. The Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act means lenders have to give extra time to pay back loans, credit cards and mortgages if someone becomes ill or loses their job, but budget adviser Brian Pethybridge said few people know about it. "The key matter is urgency - you have to apply while you are up to date," he said.
USE LAYBY, NOT CREDIT
Avoid paying interest by putting purchases on layby rather than your credit card. If it's going to be too tempting to use your credit card, leave it at home. And though it may go against the instincts of every keen Christmas shopper, Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan recommends slashing your credit card limit before the holiday season.
SOLD OUT?
Luring shoppers into a store with goods or services that cannot be supplied (a trick called 'bait advertising') is against the law. Beware of sellers whose deals aren't genuine. If you think you've been duped, contact the Commerce Commission.
THINK TWICE ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTIES
Shops and traders are often keen to sign shoppers up for unnecessary extended warranties, usually adding to the price. The manufacturer's warranty and rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act should cover most faults and breakdowns. (Commerce Commission phone 0800 94 3600.)