Holiday Spending Tips

The unofficial start of holiday shopping is just days away. As stores prepare their shelves for B...  More »

The unofficial start of holiday shopping is just days away. As stores prepare their shelves for Black Friday, it's important for you to prepare your budget. Financial counselor Bernie Harsche says to avoid financal problems during the holidays it's important to set and stick to a budget. She says you must determine how much money you have and are willing to spend on gifts. She also says to consider all the extras. (Bernie Harsche/Financial Counselor)"Whether it be getting a babysitter, cards, postage, decorations, travel. That is all part of it that is sometimes can be hidden and then we spent maybe more than we had planned to." Bernie says if you choose to use a credit card be sure you can pay the entire bill off within three months. She says that is the best way to avoid getting yourself into credit card debt. She says it's good to have a game plan before you set out to go shopping. (Bernie Harsche/Financial Counselor)"When we figure out what we have to spend, shop, look at those ads, stick to that list, wait till items go on sale. And then when we go shopping take that list with us and then stick to it and avoid those extra expenditures that maybe we might spend if we take someone with us. So maybe shopping alone might be a good tip too." The Village Family Service Center can help you plan out your holiday shopping. They have a holiday planning guide worksheet on their website that can help you with your holiday spending.  « Less