Tracy Staton
When The Piggy Bank Runs Empty
by
American Way StaffUh-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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