T he holiday gift-giving season is coming to an end, but it may be just the beginning for some gift-related task. Here are nine post-holiday chore you might need  to do, whether you're a gift giver or  recipient. Don't put off returns. If you're planning to return a gift, make sure you carefully follow the merchant’s return policy. You may have just 30 days or less to bring or send an item back for an exchange or refund. With many retailers, the return period for some products, such as electronics, may be shorter than for the other merchandise they sell. And if you need to exchange a seasonal item, such as clothing that's the wrong color or size, supplies may be limited. Also keep in mind that some stores may not accept the return of items that have been opened. Even if they do, you’ll likely need the original packaging. So if there’s a chance something may need to go back, don't just start using it, and keep the box or other packaging it came in. Fight ...

I t's the holiday gift-giving season again. Here are ten ways to prevent ho-ho-hos from turning into uh-ohs. DON'T assume that items on sale are a good deal. Many retailers go out of their way to make you feel like they're offering a great price on whatever you want to buy, whenever you want to buy it. Walk into some stores or check their websites, and almost everything seems to be on sale virtually all the time.  Consider this lawsuit  Los Angeles  filed against JCPenney,  Kohl's,  Sears, and  Macy's in 2016, accusing the retailers of essentially holding fake sales.  W hether it's 40 percent off, buy-one-get-one-free, a free gift with every purchase or any other type of come-on, you must comparison shop. Take for instance  this deal for a three-quart  Instant Pot Duo pressure cooker at Kohl's for $89.99. That price supposedly represents a $10 discount off the regular price of $99.99. But  the  manufacturer's ...

T he Federal Trade Commission has issued yet another warning about free trial offers that can end up costing you money. The agency announced on Wednesday  that the U.S. district court in California has granted its request to temporarily shut down an alleged internet marketing scam that promoted bogus free trial offers. The case underscores why you need to be careful about enrolling in free trials while shopping for the holidays or any other time. And even "legitimate" free trials can leave you with unexpected charges.    Consumers bilked for tens of millions of dollars In the case announced Wednesday, the FTC accused numerous U.S. and United Kingdom-based companies and individuals with charging customers full price in connection with free-trial offers for more than 50 dietary supplements and personal care items. The products were marketed as  promoting  weight loss, hair growth, clear skin, muscle development, sexual performance and  cognitive ab...