Colby Free Press Thursday, February 3, 2005 Page 5 Consumer asks about debit card pitfalls Colby Girl Scout troop Dear Attorney General Kline: get cash back above the purchase I am a recent college graduate and Phill Kline amount. Memorize your PIN — to ship cookies overseas am preparing to take a job out of don’t write it down, don’t give it out Colby Girl Scout Troop 162 The troop will be responsible state. I’ve had a checking account • and don’t carry it in your wallet. If will be shipping cookies overseas for sending the boxes of cookies for several years but am now con- Consumer Corner you lose your debit card, contact to Colby-area servicemembers overseas. sidering the use of a debit card for your card issuer immediately. fighting the war against terror- Although Barnum said she has the first time. What kinds of things When used with the proper care ism, said Jan Barnum, troop a few names of local servicemen should I be aware of when using a and security, debit cards can be a leader. stationed in Iraq and Kuwait, if debit card? the funds come directly out of your count, you don’t run up interest handy and convenient tool to help In addition to the “Troop-to- someone knows of any other Dear Kansas Consumer: checking account. charges. Be aware though that some manage your finances. the-Troops” drive, scouts in military members or would like There’s no question that the use Since your purchases and ATM debit card issuers do charge fees for Editor’s note: Attorney General Troop 162 will also be taking or- to order cookies to be shipped, of debit cards is on the rise nation- withdrawals are listed on your making purchases with your card. Phill Kline offers this public service ders from Colby residents as she asks that they call her at (785) wide. More than 60 million people monthly statements you can track Be sure to check with your card is- to help people avoid becoming vic- well. 462-6503. now carry debit cards that carry the your spending easily. suer and shop around for the best tims of consumer fraud. logos of the two major payment By using your debit card to pay deal. Also, keep your receipts and Although some of the details have card companies and that number is for everyday items such as grocer- check your monthly statements been changed, the cases appearing expected to grow dramatically. ies, gasoline, and restaurant meals, carefully for any unauthorized uses in this column are based on actual Cookie drive deadline Monday Most debit cards combine the key you don’t have to carry checks or of your card. complaints or questions. Colby Girl Scouts will continue elements of ATM cards, credit cards large amounts of cash and unless Many debit cards can be used For further information or to file selling cookies until Monday, Feb. About Town and checks — instant access to you dip into an overdraft line of with a Personal Identification Num- a complaint, please write Attorney 7, said Penny Cline, coordinating cash, worldwide acceptance, and credit tied to your checking ac- ber (PIN) at checkout counters to General Phill Kline, Consumer the event. this drive. Anyone who is not con- Protection Division, 120 SW 10th In addition to offering many old tacted by a Colby Girl Scout during Dollars and sense: Ave., 2nd Floor, Topeka, Kan. favorites such as Thin Mints, Peat the sale time, Cline encourages 66612, or call the toll-free Con- Butter Patties and more, the Pinata them to call her at (785) 460-2929 K-State offers tips to save money sumer Hotline, 1-800-432-2310. cookie will be discontinued after after 5 p.m. to place an order. MANHATTAN — People with a “It’s been my experience that • Pay down balances by paying as modest income sometimes save even people who say they can’t save much as you can on the card with the Listen to the Play by Play Action of more than others who earn consid- money usually can save some- highest interest, while also meeting erably more, said Carol Young, thing,” said Young, who offered minimum payment requirements Kansas State University Research these tips: on other cards to avoid extra fees. the Colby Eagles vs and Extension family financial • Identify key expenses, such as • Choose direct deposit. You’ll management specialist. a house payment or rent, car pay- save time and funds usually are “Paying down debt and building ment, insurance, food, medical available more quickly. The Oberlin Red Devils savings need not be a dream. The bills, etc., and pay those bills first. • Make saving a habit. Check to trick is learning to use what you • Think about short- and long- see if your employer offers an au- Friday evening, Feb. 4 • Pre-game 6 p.m. have wisely,” said Young, who of- term goals. Ask yourself, will you tomatic payroll deduction to a sav- fered this example: A father enjoyed need a new refrigerator this year? ings account. taking his three children to a conve- New tires for your car come No- “If you don’t see it, you won’t be Thanks to the following sponsors: nience store on Saturday mornings vember? likely to spend it,” Young said. for chocolate milk and cinnamon “Identifying needs and goals usu- • Set aside money for an emer- His Shop CJ’s Boutique rolls. The outings cost about $15 ally can help people begin to sepa- gency fund. Sooner or later, every- Taylor Motors H&R Block in Colby and each week — or $60 a month — and rate needs from wants, which is key one is likely to experience unex- the family began coming up short. to successful money management. pected medical bills, a plumbing Colby Automotive Goodland In reviewing their expenses with Before you buy, ask yourself: problem, a car repair or job loss. To Citizens Medical Center L&M Steel a financial counselor, the family Which is more important? An extra meet such expenses, saving the decided to enjoy chocolate milk and sweater or new tires that will pro- equivalent of six months’ salary is S&K Clothing and Gifts cinnamon rolls purchased for a vide a safe ride,” Young said. recommended. lower cost at a supermarket at • Stop shopping for recreation or • Make a birthday and holiday gift home. if feeling lonely or bored. Shop only list and add in the extras, such as a Doing so saved them about $40 a when you have a specific need. nephew’s wedding in Denver that month (or $480 a year), but still al- • Shop with a list and spend as also will involve travel expenses. lowed the children special time with little time as possible in the store— Add up estimated costs, divide by their father. wandering around can increase the 12 and budget for gift and travel “People neglect saving because temptation to make unnecessary expenses monthly. To reduce gift- they don’t think they have much to purchases. giving expenses, take advantage of put away,” Young said. “Putting • Leave credit cards at home and sales and shop for gifts throughout away $10 a month or saving your carry a small amount of cash. the year. For more tips call the lo- change every Friday can add up. “People who shop with a credit cal K- State Research and Exten- Skipping one $1.00 trip to the vend- card can be tempted to spend more,” sion office, 462-7575, and ask for ing machine every week can save said Young, who suggested a debit “Budgeting Basics” from the “Ba- $52. Doing it every day, five days a card that offers the convenience of sic Money Management Series” or week, 52 weeks a year will yield a plastic, but limits spending to check Extension’s Web site: www.- www.bestcountryaround.com savings of $260.” money in the account. oznet.ksu.edu . Check each issue of the Free Press for additional TV Listings TV LISTINGS sponsored by the COLBY FREE PRESS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 6AM 6:30 7AM 7:30 8 AM 8:30 9 AM 9:30 10 AM 10:30 11 AM 11:30 6PM 6:30 7 PM 7:30 8 PM 8:30 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30 11 PM 11:30 KLBY/ABC La Gente Paid Good Morning Lilo & Fillmore Proud That’s- Phil of Lizzie W.I.T.C.- Power KLBY/ABC News Seinfeld America’s Funniest Desperate Desperate News Seinfeld Entertainment Hh Program America (CC) Stitch (EI) (CC) Family Raven Future McGuire H. (CC) Rangers Hh (CC) (CC) Home Videos (CC) Housewives (CC) Housewives (CC) (CC) Pilot (CC) Tonight (N) (CC) KSNK/NBC Today (CC) Paid Paid Kenny- Tuten- Trading Endur- Strange Darcy’s KSNK/NBC News Wheel of Law & Order Cut Law & Order: Law & Order: SVU News Saturday Night Live Paris Lj Program Program Shark stein (EI) Spaces ance (EI) Days Wild Life Lj Fortune (CC) Criminal Intent Hilton; the Scissor Sisters. (CC) KBSL/CBS Saturday Early Show (CC) Lazy- Miss Backyar- Dora the Little Bill Blue’s Paid Paid KBSL/CBS News Friends Wickedly Perfect CSI: Miami Deadline 48 Hours Mystery News Drew Drew Drew 1< NX Town Spider digans Explorer (EI) (CC) Clues Program Program 1< NX (CC) (CC) (N) (CC) (CC) (CC) (CC) Carey Carey Carey K15CG Yoga Market- Thomas- Jay Jay Bob the Real Dragon- Kids A Hand- Art of Food Victory K15CG Antiques Keeping As Time The Lawrence Welk Red Austin City Limits Movie: Desk Set TTT (1957, d Market Friends the Jet Builder Wheels flyTV Cookin’ Crafts Food Garden d Roadshow Omaha Up Goes By Show Green Performance.