Tracy Staton

When The Piggy Bank Runs Empty

by American Way Staff
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Uh-oh. Major holiday-debt hangover. You need relief, and it's not spelled R-U-N A-W-A-Y. First, take comfort: You're not alone in your adrenaline-and-eggnog-fueled overspending. Next, take the hit: Pay off your bills. Finally, pick up a pencil. Some preplanning can prevent a headache when New Year's 2008 whacks you on the noggin. - Tracy Staton



Jingle Bills
It is possible to pay off your holiday debt. Just grit your teeth and get started.

Make a chart.List each card, the balance owed, and the minimum payment due. Try not to faint.

Have a family meeting.Choose small spending cuts to make together - on movie and game rentals, restaurant meals, the daily latte, etc. - and apply the savings to your holiday debt. Possible bonus: losing holiday poundage along with the bills.

Put away the plastic.You can't pay your credit card bill off if you're still charging.

Use gift cards.Spend your holiday windfall on necessities. Sure, you wouldn't put toilet paper or laundry detergent on your wish list, but you probably didn't hope to end up in debt either.



Where's Santa When You Need Him?

-4 in 10 Number of consumers who have regrets about spending too much on gifts.

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