Winter is far from over with heavy rains causing extensive damage in California and Nevada this week. At least three people died from fallen tree incidents in northern California on Sunday and more than 200,000 households remained without power Monday night. Dealing with the aftermath of flooding, wind damage, or other storm destruction isn’t easy.
Since many people emptied out their pocketbooks for holiday spending, by the time February rolls around, they’re probably still paying off their credit cards. However, there are big opportunities to shop and save in February. Here are some suggestions from DealNews.com on what bargains to look for in February:
For two years, I’ve been shopping for a new red coat. Challenging and time consuming, including returning one I ordered online that didn’t fit, I finally bought an O.K. purple one. Then, I saw a brown plaid Pendleton coat advertised on Facebook for $50. Wow, I thought, that’s a great price. So, I ordered it although it isn’t a color that I like at all.
It’s a topic I’ve written about many times. Get familiar with funeral costs before you expect you may need to arrange a funeral. Funeral directors can take advantage of consumers who aren’t informed. And it can cost you a lot of money. A first-time, undercover investigation by the FTC showed that some funeral homes didn’t give accurate price information over the phone.
Be sure to check out any free offer to make sure it actually don’t cost anything. In an order issued Monday, the Federal Trade Commission said Intuit, maker of TurboTax, the popular tax filing software, engaged in deceptive advertising when it ran ads for “free” tax products and services that many consumers were ineligible for.
Although many people are tired of shopping after the holidays and the bank account may be low, sales in January are worth taking a look at. DealNews.com suggests: Holiday leftovers — Holiday chocolates, decorations, holiday decor, and clothing are possibilities for savings. Small kitchen appliances — Expect to see savings on a variety of small appliances.
The medical community and consumers are excited about the new injectable weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The drugs suppress appetite and slow digestion. Celebrities, including Orpha Winfrey, are taking the drugs. Most doctors and health care providers like to have a pill or shot that will fix patients’ problems.
Be sure research any company carefully if you’re considering a land deal. A Texas-based developer and lender operated an illegal land sales scheme and targeted tens of thousands of Hispanic borrowers with lies and predatory loans, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Justice Department.
Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates this joyous day. I’m lucky to be able to celebrate with my daughter Mona and her family. We’ll be opening presents soon. I hope your holiday can be a joyous one without having to worry about finances. I was concerned when I read that nearly one in four Americans still have holiday debt from last year.
