ARAG Offers Ten Tips on How to Be a Savvy Consumer

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Dec 17, 2014, 10:00 ET

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're spreading holiday cheer far and wide or making a concerted effort to celebrate simply, you may end up with fewer returns – and regrets – if you remember a few rules about savvy shopping.

"Being a savvy consumer relates to all purchases, from the major to the relatively routine," says Ann Cosimano, General Counsel for ARAG, a leader in legal insurance. "It's easy to spend based on emotion, but remembering a few tips, such as these offered by USA.gov,¹ can help remind anyone to balance what you want with what you can really do."

Budget before you buy. Know what you want and what you can afford.
Research major purchases based on more than price. Gather information about the item or service you want and the seller. Review test results and other consumer reports.
Check out a company's complaint record with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer affairs office.
Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties and compare features.
Get a copy of the seller's refund, return and cancellation policies – before you buy.
Make sure the price you're charged is the price you expected to pay. Registers are not always updated, so be sure to ask if you thought you would pay a different price.
Read and understand any contract or legal document you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces.
Consider paying by credit card. If you have a problem with the purchase, you can more easily dispute the charge.
Make sure you know who to ask if you have a question or problem with the product.
Don't buy on impulse or under pressure.

Savvy consumers may also want to consider enrolling in a legal plan as another way to protect themselves in consumer related legal issues ranging from identity theft to managing debt. These types of plans, which are offered by providers like ARAG, give members peace of mind knowing that they'll have immediate access to professional services and resources when a legal need arises. For additional shopping tips and personal safety information, visit usa.gov.

¹"Tips for Being a Savvy Consumer," usa.gov.

About ARAG:

ARAG^® (www.ARAGgroup.com) is a leader in legal insurance. It provides people with affordable and reliable legal counsel for everyday life matters. The company has an international premium base of more than $2 billion and protects 15.5 million individuals and their families – worldwide. We give you the freedom and control to embrace life's opportunities.

ARAG's North American headquarters are based in Des Moines, Iowa. We've earned the prestigious Center of Excellence Award for eight consecutive years (2007-2014) and have been named a Top 100 Call Center by BenchMark Portal for four consecutive years (2011-2014), continuing our track record of industry-leading customer service. ARAG team members voted ARAG a Best Places to Work in Insurance (2009-2014).

For more news and information about ARAG visit ARAGgroup.com.

Media Contact:

Jen Harken, Corporate Communications Manager

[email protected] or 515-237-0271

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SOURCE ARAG