Christmas On The Card

While some shoppers look for Christmas savings others are ringing up holiday debt. Area credit counselors say many people spend beyond their budget during the holiday season, causing problems for those who have trouble paying their bills.

Credit counselors say there are several things people can do to stay within your budget. First, avoid using your credit card at all costs. Second, look for discounts, sales, and other bargins to keep cost slow. Third, just like Santa make a list and stick to it. Finally don't be a last minute shopper, when you shop at the last minute your budget goes out the door.

Karen Atwood is the Executive Director of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeast Iowa. She says people also need a plan when shopping. "Unless there is a plan to spend a certain number of dollars when you get to the shopping center you'll spend whatever you have. You'll go beyond that."

Many people don't feel the effects of a Christmas spending spree until January or February. Counselors say that's a bad time of year to have extra bills with heating costs on the rise.