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Now that the holidays are over a major weight has been lifted off many people's shoulders. No more searching for and buying the perfect gift for everybody on your list. However; for many American's the stress has just begun, due to poor decisions when purchasing presents.
When people go Christmas shopping, and it is time to check out the first thing many consumers grab is their credit card. For me, this is the biggest mistake you could make, unless you know you can pay if off the very next month. According to a Consumer's Report on shopping 14 million American's are still paying off last year's Christmas presents. I may only be young but I will go down the path many Americans have and put myself in credit card debt; especially over Christmas presents
If I cannot pay off the balance on my credit card the next month, then I do not make the purchase with my card. If that means the present does not get bought then so be it; I will find something cheaper. More and more people are learning to shop the major sales or use lay-away for the holiday but many are still purchasing with credit and not paying it off for over a year.
If you to be able to buy all the presents on your endless shopping list, start early; and I do not mean start shopping in January, I mean start saving in January. I make a Christmas savings account and I suggest everybody give it a try. It does not have to be in the bank, you can keep it somewhere in your house, unless you think you will be tempted to use it before Christmas; then you should put it in the bank. Save a little every week, if you have an account set up in the bank; have it taken directly from your paycheck. Even a little goes a long way. For example, I start out with only saving $10 a week. It may seem like a small amount but it is better than putting it on your credit card and ignoring it for a year.
I know many people are probably thinking I am too young to know about bills and money and people have no choice but to put presents on their credit cards. In some cases this may be true, but for most, there are other options and tons of way to save throughout the year to avoid going into debt after Christmas. Make a budget and stick to it. Not just in your everyday life but for Christmas too. Plan for how much money you will need when shopping next year.
When I go to the store for presents I go with cash to avoid putting anything on a credit card. When I am out of cash I am done shopping. Save early, plan your purchases, know how much you want to spend, and spend it in cash. Christmas should be a fun time with family every year, not a time to dread the credit card bills that will be coming.
Editor's Note: Stephanie Carley is a senior at UW-Platteville and is interning at The Dodgeville Chronicle for the next five months.