Greensboro, NC -- Holiday shopping is just around the corner and what you do now could help you avoid being in debt for next year.
Eric Gillespie, director of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Greensboro with Family Services of the Piedmont offers a lot of tips to help you determine a holiday budget.
According to the agency now is the time to plan. Use the month of October to determine what financial expenses you'll have in November and December. You'll also need to decide who you'll shop for and the gifts you'll need to buy.
Next look at areas where you can go ahead and cut costs like eating out less and bringing your own lunch to work. Also find ways at home to save like turning off the lights or the tv when you're not watching it.
After that it's time to "stay the course." That means you need to avoid last-minute shopping. This action could help you save money because shopping under stress can lead to more spending. Plus the easiest buy is not always the most economical. Next, take advantage of sales, discounts, coupons, and online-deals as long as it's within your budget. Another tip to try is to shop year round for Christmas and only buy an item within reason. After it's all said and done make sure you track your expenses. Add up your receipts from credit card, check, and cash purchases. Once you're done shopping, stop.
If you stick to your budget you'll start the new year without a lot of debt. Use this month to balance your household budget and you could have even more money to fuel your holiday spending next year.
Contact the CCCS of Greater Greensboro by calling (336)373-8882.