This is the time of year when the Grand Debate begins again in earnest (I know it never really goes away - let’s just say it simmers for the rest of the year): whether to buy a real Christmas tree or a fake one. Of course, once you’ve opted for the fake, you are more or less tied into that choice for the next few years, if only to justify the expenditure. But the Debate continues, even so; the real tree fanatics never let go.

Personally, I am a devotee of the fake tree. It’s easy to put up, doesn’t drop pine needles all over the place, it looks just as good as the real thing and is even easier to take down again after the main event has faded into the distance. But I recognize that the most telling objection of the real tree fans is valid: the fake doesn’t have that wonderful pine tree smell.

Some things have to be sacrificed for convenience, however; if you really need that pine tree smell, go outside and smell a tree.

Whatever your preference, Kelli B. Grant of SmartMoney dot com has good advice for buying either type of tree. If you still haven’t decided which type to go for, she could help make up your mind.

When buying an expensive item like a computer, especially when it is to be a gift, you want to be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. As with most markets, the computer sales world is a minefield of traps and deals that look good but do not deliver. Before making your purchase, know what you want (and need) and the options for buying it.

The big companies are not necessarily the way to go with computers. They may have the muscle to force suppliers’ prices down but they also became big by making sure that their profit remains healthy. Often your local computer store can offer you a better deal; plus you have the benefit of the personal touch - usually a small store is owned and run by someone who knows computers inside out and is happy to share that knowledge.

The best advice I can give you, however, is to know exactly how much you are prepared to spend and then do the research on the net to find the best deal for that price. Don’t worry too much about obscure technical descriptions; generally the higher the figures attached to a component, the better it will perform. Make sure that the price quoted includes a monitor. Very often computer prices are made to seem low by separating out the monitor and making it an extra purchase.

I could write pages of details on the various things to look for but that is not really my intent here. It is enough that you are aware that the purchase of a computer is not something to be done in a hurry.

Marketwatch dot com has a good article on the basics of computer buying. It’s well worth a read.

Wal-Mart started early this year, slashing prices on electronics and other big-ticket items well before the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Christmas season shopping kickoff.

And they continue. Wal-Mart has cut prices four times since mid-October and promises more savings and discounts for holiday shoppers. If you are a competitor, what are you going to do?

That’s right, you are going to try to keep up and that is exactly what Target is doing. Just as Target tried to follow in Wal-Mart’s footsteps over the $4 generic drug prices, so they follow in the discounting of popular electronics and other items that are high on Christmas shopping lists.

All of this can only be good news for consumers. Price wars ultimately will benefit all shoppers at both stores this season. Best advice for Christmas shopping? Before you buy, check the competitor’s price, it may have just gone down.

The online Christmas shopping season has already begun and 114 million consumers are expected to use this avenue fronm now until Christmas. If you will be doing some or all of your shopping online, the Better Business Bureau offers a list of questions to keep in mind to make your shopping experience a safe and secure one.

1. Is your computer protected? Make sure your computer is equipped with updated spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Check for and install any new security updates for the programs on your computer and its operating system.

2. Are you in the right frame of mind? You can shop with speed and ease on the Internet, but you still need to shop smart. If you’re tired or distracted, you may want to postpone your online shopping expedition until you can be fully cyber-”aware.”

3. Do you trust the merchant? To check on the seller’s reputation, look for feedback comments from other customers or conduct Web searches. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for a report about the retailer’s marketplace record. Look for a “trustmark” from BBBOnLine or another reputable organization and “click” on that seal to confirm that it’s valid. You can search for BBBOnLine merchants by gift category or other key words at www.bbbonline.org.

4. Do you have all the details? Don’t do business with any retailer that does not provide its physical address and a contact telephone number for customers. You should know how much the product or service costs; if there are shipping and handling charges; the delivery time-frame; if a warranty or guarantee is offered; the seller’s privacy policy and the retailer’s cancellation and return policy. Print out a copy of your confirmation page in case you need it later.

5. Will your online purchase be secure? Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. Don’t be fooled by spoofed sites that feature convincing “security” measures. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is “not encrypted.”

6. Will your personal information be protected? Read the site’s privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, consider that a warning that your personal information may be sold to others without your permission.

7. Are your instincts telling you to beware? Listen to your gut. If you’re dubious about a merchant; if the Web site appears to be suspicious; if the offer seems “too good to be true,” trust your instincts. Check with the BBB.

8. Is that e-mail legitimate? If someone e-mails you unexpectedly to ask for personal information, be very suspicious. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.

BBB Offers Tips for Safe Shopping Online This Holiday Season