PM LRN Newscall

If it sounds too good to be true that deal online it might just be, Brooke Thorington explains how to protect yourself and your wallet.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________

A family tradition for many this weekend is buying that fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo reports it’s been a good year for the Louisiana Christmas Tree Association…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”    

__________________________________________

Holiday shopping might bring out super savings, but it also brings out sleuths.  But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your wallet.  Amanda Larkins, Outreach Manager for the Louisiana AG’s Office says always be aware of your surroundings.

Cut 3 (10) “…after dark.”

Larkins says when shopping with small children take extra precaution in case you are separated. With large crowds the likelihood increases.

Cut 4 (11) “…contact 911.”

Another tip Larkin has for you this holiday season is to use only one credit card when shopping. It could save you valuable time in the end if things do go awry.

Cut 5 (12) “…cancellation time.”

Also be sure to check that card for unusual activity after you’ve made shopping trips and especially when you’ve used the card online.

_______________________

You may be splurging on Black Friday deals today, but save some cash and remember to shop local tomorrow for Small Business Saturday.

The National Federation of Independent BusinessState Director Dawn Starns says 42 percent of people say they’ll be supporting small businesses tomorrow, which could break a sales record set last year.

Cut 6 (08) “…billion dollars.”

Nearly 104 million Americans participated in Small Business Saturday last year.

Starns says some businesses add holiday activities to the shopping experience to get the whole family involved and break up the mundane big retail store holiday experience…

Cut 7 (10) “…customer loyalty.”

Starns says shopping locally has a big impact on business and local families along with the cities and towns their companies reside in.

Cut 8 (12) “…community.”

_________________________________

The Saints are NFC South Champs for a third consecutive season as they clinched the division title with a 26-18 win over Atlanta on Thanksgiving night. Taysom Hill set the tone, by blocking a punt that set up his three-yard touchdown catch. He also had a 30-yard touchdown run.

Cut 9 (12) “…those guys”

The Saints sacked Atlanta Q-B Matt Ryan nine times. Cam Jordan had four of them. Meanwhile, Drew Brees threw for 184 yards and a touchdown…

Cut 10 (12) “…best football.”

It’s the eighth division title in franchise history, the sixth under Coach Sean Payton. And it’s the earliest the Saints have ever clinched a division title. Hill says it’s a nice accomplishment…

Cut 11 (12) “…win a Super Bowl”

______________________

Thanksgiving is in the books and families are flocking to Christmas tree farms looking for the perfect centerpiece to complement their holiday decorations.

Steele’s Christmas Trees founder Kevin Steele says the state’s been blessed with proper rainfall exactly when they’ve needed it, and so this year’s crop is looking great.

Cut 12 (06) “shape” 

Nationwide prices are up this year, but The 40-year-veteran Angie tree farmer says at a local level tree prices have remained steady.

Cut 13 (10) “…couples.”

The National Christmas Tree Association estimates the average price for a tree this year is 76 dollars nationwide.

If you do select one of the southern varieties of trees this year, Steele says make sure you keep it well watered, particularly for the first week.

Cut 14 (12) “…a day”

____________