The holiday season is not only a time for giving; it’s also a time for taking.  Yes, it’s sad but true.  While you may be thinking of ways to spread holiday cheer, there are those among us plotting and scheming of ways to separate you from your money and all of your holiday purchases.

But don’t fret!

Here are some tips to keep those sticky fingers from ruining your holiday spirit and your holiday shopping.

1.    Opt For A Debit Card Or Credit Card Instead of Shopping With Cash: You can’t recoup stolen or lost cash, but you can cancel a lost or stolen debit or credit card.

2.  Create “ A Holiday” Wallet: Find a wallet that you normally don’t use and make it your “holiday” wallet. In this wallet, keep the bare minimum: one or two pieces of identification, your credit or debit card, coupons, and your shopping list(s). Keep your real wallet, with all of your important documents, at home for safekeeping.

3.    Go Shopping with A Crew and During The Day:  You are less of a target when you shop with someone and during the day. Thieves are less likely to do their dirty work with the light of day on your side and the threat of a positive identification.

4.  Take A Big Bag With You:  When doing heavy duty shopping, you run the risk of not only looking like a “bag lady,” but also losing or leaving a purchase somewhere without realizing it. To ensure that all of your purchases make it their final destinations (i.e. the back of your car) bring one or two bags from home that will be big enough to hold everything that you buy in a centralized place.

5. Pay Attention When At the Register: The only job that you have, once you get to the register, is to ensure that no funny business transpires. Pay attention so you know how much you are being charged, that they return your credit card, debit card, or correct change, and that you leave with what you bought.  Refrain from texting, talking, or any activity that could distract you.  Your beau, cousin, sister-girl, and mama can wait until you get home to talk!

If you need deeper work around healing your relationship with money or overcoming your blocks and fears, maybe it’s time for some money therapy.