Avoid Budget Woes with Mint’s Holiday Shopping Survival Guide

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The holiday shopping season officially starts this week and it’s easy to give in to impulse purchases. Mint, the leading personal finance app from Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU), shares five simple tips to help holiday shoppers stay focused and on budget.

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  • Set a budget. It's easy to get swept away in the shopping frenzy and end up spending more than one can afford. Designate a specific dollar amount for each item or person and don't deviate from the plan.
  • Research before shopping. Compare in-store and online deals. Take advantage of free shipping and buy one get one free offers. Some stores even offer “doorbusters,” hot-ticket items either sold at a massive discount or that hardly ever go on sale. Quick research upfront can save time and money.
  • Show retailers loyalty and get rewarded. Visit a favorite store’s website and sign up for email updates or coupons to get the latest information on new products and promotions. Many retailers also share deals on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Understand return policies. Sometimes an incredible deal comes with strings attached. Know store policies before shopping and be aware of no-return policies, shortened return/exchange time frames and restocking fees.
  • Protect yourself and your money. Be aware of surroundings and keep money and receipts tucked away. If storing gifts in a vehicle, don’t put them in plain sight. Always log off when making online purchases.

"Staying on budget during the holidays can be difficult, but it’s important to take control of your money before it controls you,” said Vince Maniago, group product manager for Mint. “Mobile personal finance apps like Mint categorize your spending and give you a clear picture of where you’re spending your money. You can easily create and track a budget so you can enjoy the holiday shopping season without losing sight of financial goals.”

More than 13 million users rely on Mint to better understand and do more with their money. Mint is free and provides users with a convenient way to view their financial accounts in one place and easily create and stick to budgets. Mint mobile apps are available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Android smartphone and tablets.

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About Intuit Inc.

Intuit Inc. creates business and financial management solutions that simplify the business of life for small businesses, consumers and accounting professionals.

Its flagship products and services include QuickBooks®, Quicken® and TurboTax®, which make it easier to manage small businesses and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax preparation and filing. Mint.com provides a fresh, easy and intelligent way for people to manage their money, while Demandforce® offers marketing and communication tools for small businesses. ProSeries® and Lacerte® are Intuit's leading tax preparation offerings for professional accountants.

Founded in 1983, Intuit had revenue of $4.2 billion in its fiscal year 2013. The company has approximately 8,000 employees with major offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and other locations. More information can be found at www.intuit.com.

Intuit Inc.
Holly Perez, 650-944-6482
holly_perez@intuit.com

Source: Intuit Inc.

Released November 26, 2013