With the holiday season comes TONS of shopping. We’re constantly on the hunt for entertaining essentials, perfect gift ideas, and lots of food. But let’s be real: all those trips to the store and spending hours shopping online increases the risk of your card(s) and identity being compromised at one point or another. The holiday season is one of the worst times when it comes to credit card fraud, and that is one stress that I don’t want to deal with. Between baking, entertaining, and wrapping gifts, no one has time for that nonsense.
You may not know this about me, but I am a complete stickler for constantly checking my accounts. I’m the first to download a bank’s mobile app on my phone so I can check my activity wherever I go. It makes it easier to track charges, returns, and suspicious activity with just the click of a button. If you’re not ready to go mobile, I would suggest at least signing up for online banking, instead of waiting for your paper statements by mail.
I personally have been a Chase card member for about 10 years now, and last year around this time I received a text about suspicious activity on my card. Turns out someone got a hold of my card information at dinner the previous night and engaged in a full shopping spree the next day at a department store in Westchester. Thanks to the Chase Fraud Department's 24/7 fraud monitoring, we were able to shut off my card before it was maxed out. I wasn’t held responsible for any of the activity and Chase immediately took care of fraudulent charges, courtesy of their zero-liability protection. The fraud department made the entire experience seamless and stress free. As someone who has dealt with something like this in the past before fraud alerts, I was eternally grateful.
During the holiday season, I would especially recommend you take a few extra steps to protect you and your account from fraud, just for peace of mind. Usually it only takes a few minutes to sign up for account alerts so your bank can notify you of any suspicious activity. Make sure your contact information is up to date so the bank can reach you right away, because time in those situations is of the essence. You can also take time to understand fraud protection benefits and learn more about how Chase can protect you against fraud?
So with a few simple clicks of the mouse and a few taps of the keyboard, your accounts are safe. Now what are you going to do with all of that money? You're going to spend it of course! And with your unassailable peace of mind, you're in that sweet zen space to do it creatively! So let’s talk gift giving and gift ideas. I'm thinking that it's all about getting cozy this season, who's with me? I’m sharing my favorite nestle-up-by-the-fire gift ideas under $100. From pajamas to cozy slippers and throw blankets, there’s something for everyone on your homebody or Netflix and chill list. Plus, they're great hostess gifts. No judgment if you end up wanting to add a couple of these to your own wish list. After all, Santa has to get you something too, duh.
Gold Dot Mug, $25 Godiva Hot Cocoa + Biscuit Set, $39 PJ Salvage Pajamas, $62, UGG Travel Kit, $88, LAFCO New York Powder Room Duchess Peony Candle, $60, Hush Puppies Slippers, $24.99
