The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Sale on candy is this week’s best consumer experience, while trying to get a ticket with American Airlines disappoints

By Rita R. Robison

My best consumer experience this week, was finding two sales on Valentine’s Day candy. My worst was trying to use my frequent flyer miles with American Airlines.

My best: Getting a good deal on Valentine’s Day candy

When I went to Rite Aid and Target, I found sales of 75 percent off on Valentine’s Day candy.

My daughter, who lives in Madrid, asked me to get some for her family for next year. They don’t have the special heart-shaped candy there.

I also bought some valentines cards with candies attached. Valentine’s Day cards aren’t available in Spain, and this year, I mailed two sets for my grandchildren.

My worst: Trying to get American Airlines to issue me a ticket using my rewards miles

I have 39,183 miles in my American Airlines Advantage account. I had hoped to buy additional miles to put my point total up to 50,000 so I get a reduced fare ticket to Madrid later this year.

When I called about it, there weren’t many Advantage mile slots available. The ticket agent could get me to Madrid, but on my return flight, there only were slots available to Chicago.

Adding to the frustration, I had a five-hour layover at Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport.

It wasn’t looking good. I would have to pay $355 to buy the extra miles, and the ticket from Chicago to Seattle would cost another $220. I’d have to pay about $565 for a ticket and use up all of my Advantage miles.

Then I had what I thought was another brilliant idea. I have miles through the rewards programs on two credit cards. I had enough miles to get a one-way ticket to Chicago to get me back to Seattle.

However, again, I’d have another five-hour layover on the way home when I was really jet lagged.

I got ready to try to book the ticket on hold the day before it was going to expire.

When I called, I found I had to buy the $355 worth of tickets in advance before I booked the ticket. The ticket agent said there might not be time for the transaction to clear before I arranged for the ticket.

I threw up my hands and purchased a full-price ticket. I’ll use the miles for my next trip and try to get an Advantage ticket to use next year.

The airline analysts who said American Airlines would be instituting belt-tightening measures due to their bankruptcy filings certainly were correct. I’ve never had this much trouble arranging a rewards ticket with American previously. I’m disappointed.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Do you know a senior mom who’s hungry on Valentine’s Day?

Barb Anderson, founder of Mom's Meals, and her mom

By Rita R. Robison

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely holiday for many seniors.

Instead of giving chocolate this year, you may want to consider giving your aging parent or relative a gift that could make a difference on a daily basis – nutritious meals, says Mom’s Meals, a company that offers meals delivered to the home by FedEx.

It’s startling that:

• Poor nutrition and malnutrition occur in 15 to 50 percent of the elderly population. About 2,000 to 3,000 seniors die from malnutrition annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
• More than five million older Americans are at risk of hunger, and each day millions of older adults have to choose between buying groceries and the medications they need.
• Americans 75 years of age and older have a 40 percent rate of being underweight. Underweight people are 40 percent more likely to die in the first month after than patients who are overweight, according to a study in the Archives of Surgery.

Obesity in America is getting a lot of attention. However, hunger and nutrition issues among seniors don’t get much coverage. It may be a good idea to check out what’s in the refrigerator of your elderly loved ones and see what can be done to help out.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What do women want for Valentine’s Day?

By Rita R. Robison

This year, the Consumer Electronics Association is saying women want electronics for Valentine’s Day. However, a blog article I read said that said women don’t want electronics – that men buy them for their female loved one because they’ve been nagging them to learn the device and “gifting” the item will get them to use it.

Today, RetailMeNot.com, a coupon site, sent me information on its Valentine’s Day Survey, which found that men don’t seem to be in tune with the wants and desires of their significant other this holiday. The greatest disconnect being men who plan to purchase their partner either candy or a romantic night out on the town. 

The survey showed that 33 percent of men intended to buy their significant other candy, with only 20 percent of women actually wanting this for Valentine’s Day – a 13-point gap. A similar disparity existed for men planning to take their partner out for a romantic night on the town, such as dinner and a movie – 38 percent of men said that they would do it this year, with only 25 percent of women wanting a night out. 

While men are overcompensating with gifts of candy and dinner reservations, they are falling short in terms of buying jewelry. The survey shows 21 percent of women preferred gifts of jewelry, while only 16 percent of male respondents said they intended to purchase jewelry for Valentine’s Day.

On flowers, 32 percent of men intended to purchase flowers for Valentine’s Day for their significant other, while 27 percent of women want flowers.

For cards, 38 percent of men said they intend to buy a Valentine’s Day card, and 36 percent of women said they wanted a card for the holiday.

Not unexpectedly, 12 percent of respondents to the survey reported that they “do not have a significant other” for Valentine’s Day.

I think a discussion about what you want to do and receive on Valentine’s Day makes sense, especially in these tight money times. See my article, “What Does Valentine’s Day Mean to You?” for suggestions on thinking through your Valentine’s Day spending if you’re having financial problems.

The sluggish economy is still a factor in consumer’s gift-giving plans, according to the RetailMeNot survey. Nearly a fourth of consumers said that they don’t intend to spend any money this Valentine’s Day on their significant other, and more than 50 percent intend to spend $100 or less.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for ‘sweetheart swindles’ if you’re looking for love on Valentine’s Day

More people are turning to the Internet to find Mr. or Ms. Right through online dating services, pop-up ads, or email.

A mid-West Consumer Fraud Task Force warns those who use the Internet to find love that, while online dating has resulted in some successful relationships, criminals also troll the sites for victims who will send them money.

Task Force partners get thousands of complaints every year from people who have lost money to someone they met on dating sites.

Some criminals say they’re in the military and stationed overseas. Others may claim to have a sudden emergency, such as medical bills for a sick relative, or they claim they’re in need of cash because they’re stranded or behind on their bills. 

Often the “emergency” occurs after weeks or months of online chitchat, often filled with flattery that makes the victim feel as if he or she has found true love.

A woman in Washington state got a 46-month prison term for swindling an elderly doctor out of $2.2 million by faking an online romantic relationship over several years ending in 2010.

A study in the United Kingdom found that more than 200,000 people in Britain had been conned by scammers posing as potential romantic partners online. The victims lost about $379,600.

A lawsuit filed in Dallas in December 2010 claimed that more than half the profiles on a leading dating site were “inactive, fake, or fraudulent.” In some cases, the profiles link to scammers in other countries, often in Africa or Eastern Europe. For that reason, it can be difficult for law enforcement or other agencies to make arrests or recover victims’ money, the Task Force said in a statement.

The Task Force urges anyone who uses an online dating service or answers an unsolicited romantic email to be extremely cautious before committing to meet the person or send them money, tickets, or anything else of value.

Some tips and red flags to watch for include:

• Find out whether the dating service does any background checks or fraud scans before a person’s profile is posted.
• Be cautious if the person claims to be recently widowed or says he or she is an American stationed overseas, possibly in the military.
• Be cautious if the person immediately asks you to communicate on an e-mail or messaging system outside the dating site. Some dating sites monitor exchanges for signs of fraud, and a fraudster may be anxious to lure you away from the site.
• Do a Google search on the person. You can even paste the text of the e-mail, profile description, or pictures into Google and search to see if similar text, pictures, or descriptions are used by others. Some criminals create multiple profiles and use the same information over and over.
• Be suspicious if the person hints that they’re in financial trouble or have another sudden need for money. If the person asks you to wire money – such as by Western Union, MoneyGram, or Green Dot MoneyPak – it more than likely is a scam.
• Check the person’s name in online databases of sex offenders, which are available in many states. 
• Go to a place where there are large numbers of people and where you feel safe, if you decide to meet the person. Consider taking someone along with you.

The Task Force is a coalition of local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit business and consumer groups in Missouri and Illinois that work together to protect consumers against fraud.

For information, or if you think you may be the victim of a scam, contact these Task Force members:

• Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois – 314-645-3300; www.bbb.org.

• Federal Trade Commission – 877-382-4357; www.ftc.gov.

• Illinois Attorney General – 800-243-0618; www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.

• Missouri Attorney General – 800-392-8222; www.ago.mo.gov.

• U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Missouri – 314-539-2200; www.usdoj.gov/usao/moe.

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service – 877-876-2455; postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

• U.S.  Secret Service – 314-539-2238; www.secretservice.gov.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

By Rita R. Robison

Does Valentine’s Day mean buying a gift for your partner or taking him or her out to dinner? How about flowers and candy?

The average person celebrating the holiday will spend about $126 on Valentines Day, up 8.5 percent over last year’s $116, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. That’s the highest in the survey’s 10-year history. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion.

Consumers will spend the most on their partners, with the average person planning to spend $74 on their spouse or significant other, up from $69 last year. In addition, consumers will spend an average of $25 on their children, parents, or other family members and $7 on friends. For pets, the average consumer will spend about $5 on their pets.

The survey also found the average male is expected to spend $169 on clothing, jewelry, greeting cards, and other items this year. That’s nearly twice as much as women who are expected to spend an average of $86.

What do consumers plan to buy?

More than eight in 10 will buy jewelry, up from 17.3 percent last year and the highest percent in the survey’s history. Other Valentine’s Day items: 13 percent will buy gift cards, up from 13 percent last year. In addition, half of all celebrants will buy candy, 36 percent flowers, and 36 percent an evening out.

Total Valentine’s Day spending is expected to reach more than $17.6 billion.

What should you do about Valentine’s Day if you’re having financial problems?

Consumers who are having financial distress or on the cusp shouldn’t feel compelled to spend. It could put their economic well-being at further risk.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling suggests that consumers consider the what love isn’t as they shop for their Valentine:

• Love isn’t spending more than you can afford on a gift. Regardless of the motive, being overly generously when money is tight is really no gift at all, to the recipient or the giver.
• Love isn’t being a pretender. Honesty, including financial honesty, is key to any relationship. Don't pretend that you have money you don't by playing the big-spender role.
• Love isn’t making financial decisions with the heart. Even though emotional spending can give a temporary high, it can also lead to guilt and buyer's remorse.
• Love isn’t avoiding the financial realities. Burying your head in the financial sand and living as if there were no money problems only digs the financial hole deeper.
• Love isn’t giving a gift that will soon be forgotten. Most people can’t remember what they received last Valentine's Day. Making a purchase simply to have a gift in hand will be equally forgettable and a waste of money.

"Spending irresponsibly is no way to say 'I love you,'” Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the foundation, said in a statement. “However, showing that you are financially reliable is a tangible expression of that sentiment. It's a gift that's meaningful, always in style, won't wilt or add pounds.”

If you need help finding extra money in your budget, consider contacting a credit counseling agency. To locate an agency near you, call 800-388-2227 or visit www.DebtAdvice.org

Happy Valentine’s Day 2011

Best wishes to you and your partner for a great Valentine’s Day celebration.

If you’ve been able to plan a great romantic getaway, I hope you’re having fun where it’s warm and sunny or, if you’re a winter lover, you’ve found a beautiful spot with a warm, cozy fireplace.

For many people a Valentine’s Day treat is a nice dinner out or a special dinner at home. I hope you’ll be able to have a great dinner – and some chocolate, too.

Americans really love to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The page views on my blogs have been climbing all month and are reaching record levels today.

If you’re single and feeling lonely, plan a nice, fun treat for yourself. Go to a movie or find a good book. Visit with your single friends or family members. Buy yourself some beautiful flowers or a bottle of champagne.

And remember you’re not alone. There are 20 million single baby boomers in the U.S., according to an AARP study. 

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 last-minute Valentine’s Day tips

I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been busy, busy, busy. How about you? Has your schedule been so hectic that you’re still wondering what to do for your special someone on Valentine’s Day?

Here are 10 suggestions to help you finalize your plans:

1. Candy, flowers, and jewelry continue to be popular Valentine’s Day gifts for women. Look for organic, fair-trade chocolate to go green in your gift giving. 
2. Select a local florist who you know has been in business in the community for some time. My daughter bought roses for Valentine’s Day from a firm that set up an operation in an abandoned gas station in Miami. The flowers didn’t last long.
3. Select a special bottle of wine and plan a dinner made up of your loved one’s favorite dishes. Chocolate and red wine are nice for dessert. 
4. Pick out a great book, if your special someone is a booklover. For nonreaders, skip this hint. 
5. Enlarge a favorite photo of you and your partner and select an attractive frame. Again, this only is for those who love photos. 
6. Put together a gift basket of items that your partner loves – coffee, tea, brownies, perfumes, or chocolates are good choices. You can also focus on your partner’s hobbies: golf, photography, music, gardening, fishing, baking, chess or other board games, computer games, reading, knitting, household projects, or blogging. Or, if you really out of time, buy a gift basket that’s already prepared. 
7. Avoid these gifts: For women, gifts to help with weight loss; appliances such as vacuum cleaners or coffee pots; cleaning supplies including mops; sex gifts; or wrong-sized lingerie. For men, flowers at work, chocolates, candles, underwear with hearts, soap or deodorant, stuffed animal, a gym membership, or tools. 
8. Talk with your partner about whether he or she would enjoy a special movie or play after your dinner out. 
9. Think of a place where you and your partner could go for a special treat together, such as a picnic in February. It’s not too late to plan a special overnight trip to a nearby exciting location. With the slow economic recovery and gas increasing in price, "staycations" or vacations near home are increasing in popularity. 
10. Buy a gift card. A gift card, while often viewed as a weak gift because you didn’t have the time or energy to select something more personal or creative, is better than nothing. Make sure you remind your love one to treat a gift card like cash; use it right away or set up a system to keep track of it. Read the fine print to see if fees will apply.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumer tips for Valentine's Day

For consumers who are searching for love or already in a relationship, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has information that may be helpful around Valentine’s Day.

Looking for love online?

Millions of Americans use online dating and social networking sites to meet people. But scammers also use these sites. They look for targets of any age and in any location, whom they can convince to send money in the name of love. The FTC encourages people active on dating sites to use their heads as well as their hearts, and to learn more about how to spot the signs of an online dating scam.

Sending flowers?

Flowers can say "I’m thinking of you" on Valentine's Day, and your local florist is likely just a phone call away. Or so you might think. But some unscrupulous telemarketing firms pose as local florists, charging unsuspecting customers higher fees and taking business away from legitimate local businesses. Consumers shopping for flowers around February 14 – or any time – should consider the consequences of dealing with a business in an undisclosed location and beware of hidden costs.

Checking your financial compatibility?

In a new relationship? It may be helpful to find out if you and your partner have a compatible approach to managing your finances. Couples can test their "fiscal attraction" with this quiz.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Facts and figures for Valentine’s Day 2011

More than 200 million roses were produced for Valentine’s Day 2011, according to Organic Bouquet.
 
Nearly 200 million cards are exchanged each year on February 14, and that doesn’t include card packs exchanged by millions of schoolchildren each year, according to the Hallmark Corp.

Men spend nearly twice the amount women spend on the holiday, reports the National Retail Federation. Men plan to shell out $159 and women $76.

People will spend about $116 on Valentine’s Day items this year, up 12.8 percent over last year’s $103. Total holiday spending is expected to reach $15.7 billion.

Consumers will spend $3.5 billion on jewelry, up from an estimated $3 billion last year, according to the federation. Clothing – $1.6 billion vs. $1.5 billion in 2010 – and dining out – $3.4 billion vs. $3.3 billion in 2010 – will also be popular gift options.

In addition, celebrants will spend $1.7 billion on flowers, $1.5 billion on candy, and $1.1 billion on greeting cards.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to have a fantastic, fun Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day will be here soon, a day for lovers, partners, and spouses to honor and acknowledge the one they love and their relationship.

Need some ideas on how to have a wonderful celebration? Here are tips to help you make this year’s Valentine’s Day the best ever.

Most consumers will be spending less this year on Valentine’s Day than they spent last year. See the article “Consumers Cutting Valentine’s Day Spending This Year” for ideas on how to buy affordable gifts for the big day.

If you’re still debating about what to buy for a gift, see the article “Top 10 Romantic Gifts for Valentine’s Day” for suggestions.

While you’re mulling over the possibilities for gifts, be aware that some gift choices aren’t popular with women and men. See the article “Top 10 Gifts to Avoid Giving the Woman or Man in Your Life” for some gift ideas that could draw a frown rather than a smile on Valentine’s Day.

Also be aware that scam artists may try to get your financial information by sending a fake e-mail or to “sell” you flowers but never deliver them. See “Watch Out for Valentine’s Day Scams” for more information.

Best wishes on Valentine’s Day. I hope your celebration will be terrific and you’ll be able to experience great joy.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist