Credit Counselor Gives Last-Minute Holiday Spending Tips!
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: December 21, 2012
He's making his list and checking it twice... But maybe Saint Nick's not the only person who should be making a list.
Between the "huge" sales advertised and feeling the generous spirit of the season, some last minute shoppers say sticking to their holiday budget is no easy task. Eyewitness News spoke with an area credit counselor who says organization is key for smart spending when you're buying those last few gifts this weekend.
"If you create a $50 dollar budget for an individual and you buy something that's 10 dollars, write that down. Create a balance sheet for everybody so you're tracking your spending, you're staying within that budget and you're not over-exceeding yourself. Shop around, look online, look in different stores, and you may find it is affordable for you if you just take the time to look around a little bit," says Amy Bellavia, certified credit counselor.
Bellavia suggests paying with cash instead of credit. She says try not to open a store credit card unless you know you can pay it off when that next bill comes around.
Between the "huge" sales advertised and feeling the generous spirit of the season, some last minute shoppers say sticking to their holiday budget is no easy task. Eyewitness News spoke with an area credit counselor who says organization is key for smart spending when you're buying those last few gifts this weekend.
"If you create a $50 dollar budget for an individual and you buy something that's 10 dollars, write that down. Create a balance sheet for everybody so you're tracking your spending, you're staying within that budget and you're not over-exceeding yourself. Shop around, look online, look in different stores, and you may find it is affordable for you if you just take the time to look around a little bit," says Amy Bellavia, certified credit counselor.
Bellavia suggests paying with cash instead of credit. She says try not to open a store credit card unless you know you can pay it off when that next bill comes around.
