When shopping for Christmas gifts consumers usually compare prices to save money. Yet another equally important factor to consider is the product warranty.

A warranty is a promise by the manufacturer or seller to stand behind the product. It may be written, implied, or verbal.

The law gives consumers the right to read the written warranty before purchase, if the product cost is more than $15. The warranty must be easy to read and understand, with all terms and conditions spelled out.

Not all products have written warranties. If you buy a product "as is," that means the seller is not responsible for any problem or repairs.

There are two types of written warranties: full and limited.

Full Warranty

The full warranty will include the word FULL on the warranty. This means that a defective product will be repaired or replaced in a reasonable time after you complain. It also means that you will not have to do anything unreasonable to get this service, such as packing and shipping the product to some remote location for repairs. A full warranty is good for anyone who owns the product during the warranty period. That is, if you give the product s a gift or later sell the product, the unexpired portion of the warranty is transferred.

Check any full warranty to see exactly what is covered. The full warranty may cover only a part of the product. An example of this would be a full warranty on the picture tube of your new television. If the sound goes bad, in this example, you would pay for repairs.

Limited Warranty

Limited warranties differ from full warranties. Limited means something is missing. A limited warranty may cover parts but not labor. It may offer a prorated refund, not a full refund. It might be limited to the first purchaser only and the customer may be charged for returning the product to a service center for repairs.

Implied Warranties

Implied warranties are rights created by state law. The most common implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability. This means that the seller promises the product will do what it is designed to do, that is the toaster will make toast, a reclining chair will recline. The seller can usually get out of an implied warranty by stating in writing, that no warranty is provided. Beware of purchasing products, which have written statements of "no warranty given." Yet, implied warranties may give you some protection that written warranties don't.

Similar to implied warranties are spoken promises or advertising claims. These are considered to be warranties. You have a legal right to get what the company promises.

One of the last things to check when comparing warranties is the policy covering consequential damages. That is, if you buy a freezer, the freezer goes out and $500 in food spoils before something can be done about the freezer, will the warranty cover the repair only, or repair or replacement of the freezer and the food?

Once you have made your purchase, keep the warranty and the sales receipt in a safe place. You will need the receipt to show date of purchase and price paid for the product if you need to file a warranty claim.

For more information on warranties or the place to store warranties and other important papers contact your local county Extension office.

Have you ever searched the toy stores looking for the latest toys on your niece, nephew, grandchild, or child’s Santa list? If you are able to find the toy, a part is missing; it’s broken or must have batteries. According to the financial management specialist at the University of Florida’s IFAS Cooperative Extension, a better idea is to give a financial-related gift. A gift that teaches the importance of sound financial management can provide valuable lessons that will serve kids for years to come.

Experience is a great teacher when it comes to teaching children about savings and investing. For a school-age child or teenager, one or more shares of stock in a company that makes the “got-to-have” item the child wants can provide a meaningful gift and a valuable education. You can supplement the gift with a lesson on how to track the stock’s performance in the newspaper or on line.

Children can not purchase or own stocks in his or her own name but you can purchase the shares in your name or through a custodial account set up under the Uniform Transfers to Minor Act or Uniform Gift to Minor’s Act. The investment is held in the adult’s name in custody for the child until he or she reaches age the age of majority (18 in Florida).

It may be expensive to purchase less than a round lot (100 shares) in a company, but there are some companies that will sell you their stock directly, that is without a broker, thereby eliminating a brokerage fee. There are also Divide Reinvestment Plans (DRIPS) that permit current stockholders to purchase additional stock from the company without a broker. One Share of Stock, Inc. sells single shares of stock in certificate form that can be framed. There are more than 90 companies listed including companies such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Gap and other companies children may know.

Some companies offer mutual funds geared to children. These funds invest in child-friendly companies and send the young investor educational materials that teach them about investing. These plans typically accept lower minimum opening deposits and target long-term growth.

Of course, there are U.S. Savings Bonds. The Series EE Bonds remain one of the safest investments and there is never a fee for buying or redeeming them. Paper bonds may be purchased at half of their face value in denominations as low as $50 and federal income taxes on earnings may be deferred until the savings bond matures or is redeemed. These bonds may be purchased at your local financial institution or on line at the U.S. Savings Bonds website.

You can also find books, videos, and board or computer games that help children learn about savings and investments. Financial management software or a session with a financial planner is an excellent gift for grown or newly married children.

Written by: Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

As many working American families are busier than ever, it is no wonder that many families are turning to food gift catalogs or Internet sites whether for perfect holiday treats or to mark a special occasion. While mail order operators have a good food safety record, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) offers food safety tips to help buyers and consumers determine if their perishable foods have been properly handled.

Be familiar with the temperature danger zone, which is between 40 and 140ºF; in this temperature range, dangerous bacteria can grow fast and can cause foods to be unsafe to eat. Invest in a food thermometer so that if you receive a perishable food you can check the temperature upon arrival.

When you order or receive a perishable food package make sure that the company sends perishable items such as meat or poultry cold or frozen and packed with cooling materials. The package should be well insulated. Make sure that the perishable food is shipped fast (ideally overnight) and that it has proper labeling. “If you receive a package labeled as “Keep Refrigerated” you should open it right away, and check the temperature of the product. Frozen foods should arrive frozen or partially frozen with ice crystals still visible.

If a perishable product arrives in your home warm, notify the company. Do not consume the food or even taste suspect food. Taking these precautions can help you and your family enjoy the gift of food.

Podcast: Food safety Tips for mail order perishable food

Written by: Amy Simonne
Reviewed by: Linda Bobroff

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources

Mail Order Food Safety