Before you Start your Holiday Shopping, Read this!
The holidays are upon once again and the question is: are you prepared? Sure, you think. I’ve made my list and checked it twice. But is there more to planning your holiday shopping than just making a list?
If you want to keep your credit card spending in check, and keep credit card thieves in check, then you bet.
There are plenty of things you need to keep in mind before you head out the door to get your holiday shopping started:
- Make a budget and stick to it. The holiday season, in particular, is one time of the year when overspending and impulsive purchases are common. There are plenty of deals, sales and specials that are there to great you around every corner, so having a budget – and sticking to it – is crucial for keeping your credit card bills to a minimum. Without a budget you may be tempted to get carried away with purchases and, before you know it, you have spent more money than you can reasonably and realistically pay back.
- Keep you credit card close at hand. The holiday season is a prime season for credit card thieves, as stores are packed and consumers’ defenses are down. In particular, keep your credit cards secure in a purse or wallet, and make sure they are not easily accessible to a pick-pocket. Avoid using backpack-style purses, as these are often quite easy for a thief to gain access to, even while it’s on your back! And if you carry your wallet in your back pocket, consider moving it to a front pocket instead. In addition, be cautious of any retailer that needs to take your card out of your sight to complete a transaction, as this can often indicate a card skimming scheme.
- Be cautious about using retail credit cards. Sure, they may seem tempting, and can be opened and used within a matter of minutes, but think twice before using a store credit card. Often times, they come with hefty fees and even heftier interest rates, so steer clear of them, when possible, and instead use your fixed, low-interest credit card.
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