It’s that time of year! Hold on tight because the holiday shopping season is well under way. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of it. Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org. The BBB has Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses, from the most popular chains to local shops. Read past customers’ experiences and see how the business responds to complaints. Look for the seal to find BBB Accredited Businesses. Shop around. Not all of the best sales or the best prices are in the big box stores. Thousands of small and independent businesses participate in “small business” sale days. Look for the “Shop Small” signs at local businesses for Small Business Saturday specials or visit shopsmall.com for a list of participating retailers. Be safe online. Cyber Savings days unlock big savings online, but look for a small lock icon in the URL and an extra “s” for safety (https… the extra “s” is for secure). Watch out for look-alike websites that mimic famous brands but that may be a scam. Use a credit card for online shopping, as it has more fraud protections than a debit card. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited email and social media messages. Give wisely. Charitable giving is always high at the holidays when donors are feeling generous. Make sure the charity you select will be a good steward of your money. Check out BBB’s Give.org for charity reviews. Check out this link: 12 Tips to a Safe and Fun Holiday Season! (Email: b.louder@good-steward.org)