How many of these costly online shopping missteps are you making without realizing it? Here are some of the most common and costly online shopping mistakes:

1. Paying with a debit card
2. Passing up cash back
3. Falling for a fake price list
4. Using a public Wi-Fi connection
5. Ignoring the return policy
6. Relying on reviews
7. Forgetting to check for a free option

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Traffic violations can raise the cost of your insurance coverage – but it’s not entirely out of your hands. First, there’s the cost of the actual ticket, of course – and that initial expense varies widely, depending on the state and the driving violation. However, from reckless driving to not wearing your seatbelt, the ticket you get may also increase the cost of your insurance. Over time that can really add up. The results of a recent study show just how much that ticket will raise your insurance rates. Check it out, and then read on for what you can do about it.

How to prevent an insurance rate hike:

• Go to court
• Hire a lawyer
• Attend traffic school
• Avoid getting pulled over again
• Be patient
• Comparison shop for new insurance

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Credit repair companies promise the sun and the moon, but they may instead be taking you for an expensive ride.

• Lie No. 1: You can start over
• Lie No. 2: It’s OK to fudge your income
• Lie No. 3: You have to pay upfront
• Lie No. 4: Only we can help you

How to repair bad credit on your own – without paying a dime

1. First, request copies of your free credit reports – AnnualCreditReport.com
2. Look through your reports for any incorrect information
3. Circle everything that is wrong
4. Finally, send letters of dispute to the credit bureaus asking them to review the info. You can even do this online now
5. If the credit bureaus agree with you the errors will drop off and your score will rebound
6. Otherwise you have to wait 7 years for bad items to drop off your credit report
7. If your debt is at the 7 year mark and a creditor contacts you – your response can reset the clock for seven more years!

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Is there ever a situation in which you should pay a little money up front to win a prize?

Although there are some legitimate contests, remember: there are a lot of scams. Here are a few ways to spot a prize scam:

• Scammers ask you to pay before claiming your prize
• Scammers ask you to wire money to “insure” delivery of your prize
• Scammers send you a check and ask you to send some money back
• Scammers use the names of well-known companies for prize scams

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As we near July summer sales for lawn furniture, grills, pool supplies and other summer tools and equipment will go on sale. This is an opportunity to stock up on items that you need when prices are cut significantly. It still pays to shop around to decipher what is on sale and what is not. Just because and item is listed as a “SALE” doesn’t always mean it actually is. Remember to do your homework!

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An arrest for drunken driving can seriously damage your future. And it will take a serious toll in dollars and cents. the total cost of a first-time DUI can run as high as $25,000, according to the American Addiction Centers. That is serious money. And it doesn’t count the cost of property damage or bodily harm that you and your insurance company will need to cover.

One DUI Insurance has an interactive may with a breakdown of average costs in each state.

Total cost of a first-time DUI: $7,772 – $10,172

Minimum fine: $400

Penalty assessment: $600

State restitution fund: $100

Alcohol abuse education fund: $50

Blood/breath testing fee:$37

Jail cite and release fee: $10

Driving alcohol school: $375

License reissue fee: $100

Attorney fee:$2,500

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If you ever buy or use gift cards – or even if you buy anything that you could pay for with a gift card – mind these tips.

1. Buy gift at wholesale clubs
2. Buy and sell gift cards at discount gift card sites
3. Buy restaurant gift cards in spring or fall
4. Get free gift cards for doing tasks (Swagbucks)
5. Cash out in gift cards at Ibotta
6. Use the Target trade-in program
7. Exchange gift cards for cash in some states

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Waiting a little while to claim your benefit can pay off handsomely for years to come. Every month you wait to claim, your survivor’s benefit will go up until you reach 66. It does not pay to wait beyond your 66th birthday, because the benefit will not go up after that.

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Planning a wedding? You can hold the event in a spectacular location without paying thousands of dollars. Some are even free.

1. Local, state and national parks
2. Beaches
3. University campuses
4. Libraries
5. Backyards
6. Historic sites
7. Restaurants
8. Bed-and-breakfasts
9. Museums
10. Botanical gardens

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Even if you’re not borrowing money, these entities can peek at your credit report.

1. Credit card companies
2. Insurance companies
3. Employers
4. Telecommunication companies
5. Public utilities
6. Government agencies and courts
7. Landlords
8. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes

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