Avoid these Holiday Spending Mistakes

Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it is time for you to hit local and online stores to find the best deals. While doing so, it is imperative that you have a strong grip on your finances. If you don’t, you could make one more spending mistake that causes you trouble now and/or in the future.

Here are three mistakes you want to avoid at all costs:

1. Charging more than you can pay off when the bill comes due. There is nothing wrong with using a credit card to make a purchase, but only if you can pay the balance in full when it comes due the following month. If you go too far, you will end up paying interest on your purchases. Subsequently, any savings you earned upfront will be wiped clean.

2. Opening store credit cards to get a discount on your purchase. You can expect retail sales people to push store credit cards every time you make your way to the checkout counter. Opening one of these cards can be a bad idea, even if you are receiving a discount.

Every time you apply for a new store credit card, your credit score will take a small hit. Along with this, if you end up with a handful of plastic, you may find yourself confused and spending more than you can afford to pay off.

3. Not having a gift list. Who do you need to purchase gifts for? Who have you already purchased for? Who have you crossed off your list entirely? If you don’t have a gift list, you may find yourself buying just to buy.

Many people thoroughly enjoy the holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, some make poor financial decisions that put them in a bad spot once the new year rolls around.

By avoiding the three holiday spending mistakes above, you will find yourself in better position as the season comes to an end and the calendar turns.