CONSUMER
CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF BUFFALO SUGGESTS FIVE THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING HOME ON BLACK FRIDAY
Tips
on Preparing for the Largest Shopping Day of the Year
For many, shopping
on Black Friday has become as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as turkey, with
friends and families whipping up a shopping strategy along with the dressing
and gravy.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling advises consumers to shop smart by planning ahead. Following are five steps consumers should take before hitting the stores on Black Friday, helping them enjoy their shopping excursion without harming their pocketbook.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling advises consumers to shop smart by planning ahead. Following are five steps consumers should take before hitting the stores on Black Friday, helping them enjoy their shopping excursion without harming their pocketbook.
- Beware
of special credit card offers - Issuers are tempting consumers by offering
incentives such as no interest balance transfers, extra perks by meeting
certain spending levels, and increased cash back in specified categories.
However, no deal is a good deal if you can't afford it. Responsible
shoppers will commit to spending no more than what they can repay in full
when the bill arrives, regardless of how many bonuses are tacked on.
- Know
what you currently owe - Review all existing debt obligations,
tallying what you've already spent and committed to repay. This reality
check may put a temporary damper on your holiday mood, but that's better
than digging the financial hole even deeper.
- Create a
plan - Knowing who you're shopping for, what items you hope to find,
and most importantly, how much you intend to spend is critical to a
successful shopping day. Commit in advance to stick to your plan, and
enlist an accountability partner if necessary, as it is very easy to be
caught up in the excitement of the moment and get off course.
- Find the
best deals at home - Shop from home before heading for the
stores. Compare prices online, as well as local circulars for sales in
your area. Be aware of time restrictions, as some prices may only apply
during certain time periods throughout the day. Once the actual shopping
begins, going directly to the store which has your item at a good price
will save you time, gas, money and frustration.
- Remove
all unnecessary cards from your wallet - Spreading purchases
across multiple cards makes you feel as though you're charging less and
can trick you into overspending. Designate one card for holiday spending,
and remove all others from your wallet. This will not only help you stay
within your budget, but will also lessen the damage in case of loss or
theft.
"It is important for consumers to shop with their
head, not their heart," said Paul Atkinson, spokesperson for Consumer
Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo. "Preparing in advance will help you
stick to your budget, in spite of the decorations, carols and Santa himself
beckoning you to spend."
If you need assistance learning how to live within your means, reach out to Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, Inc. where you'll find legitimate help through a trained and certified credit counselor. Call us at 712-2060 or visit our website, www.cccsbuffalo.org
If you need assistance learning how to live within your means, reach out to Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, Inc. where you'll find legitimate help through a trained and certified credit counselor. Call us at 712-2060 or visit our website, www.cccsbuffalo.org
No comments:
Post a Comment