| p>Why is this article about avoiding credit card | | | | just a little can make a big difference. |
| debt next Christmas and not this Christmas? Well, | | | | Secondly, remember that Christmas comes |
| the chances are it is too late this year and the | | | | around every year at the same time. It should |
| little plastic demon has already made an | | | | not be a surprise that you suddenly need more |
| appearance, or it soon will... | | | | money at this time of year, so start planning for |
| Why do we do it? Every year millions of us | | | | next year now. Join a Christmas savings club and |
| over-shop, over-eat, and over-spend. We simply | | | | start paying into it during the first week after the |
| must fill our cupboards with enough food for | | | | festive holiday. It's surprising how much of a |
| months when in reality the festive period lasts | | | | difference saving just a few pounds each week |
| only a couple of days, and it has become the | | | | can make to your Christmas finances. But the |
| norm to spoil our family and friends with an | | | | more you save the more you can spend, so save |
| abundance of overpriced gifts. | | | | as much as you can afford. Once you get into |
| Naturally, the financial burden of providing for all of | | | | the habit you won't even miss it each week, and |
| this overindulgence has to be relieved somehow, | | | | you will reap the rewards when the time comes. |
| and inevitably the credit card is all too willing to | | | | On the subject of planning ahead; have you |
| take the strain. But it doesn't have to be like this, | | | | noticed that stores sell off Christmas cards, |
| there are ways of coping at Christmas without | | | | decorations, and other paraphernalia at giveaway |
| getting into credit card debt. | | | | prices just after the holiday period? This is the |
| The first and most obvious strategy is simply to | | | | time to buy and put things away for the next |
| cut down on your spending. Loved ones shouldn't | | | | season! |
| have to go without, and indeed it would be quite | | | | In conclusion, you don't have to become |
| wrong if they did, but do you really have to buy | | | | Ebeneezer Scrooge and have a miserable holiday, |
| them so much? And if you are in the habit of | | | | but you can avoid credit card debt next year |
| throwing out of date and unwanted food away in | | | | simply by cutting down a little on spending and |
| the first week of the New Year, then perhaps | | | | taking some time to plan ahead. Have a merry |
| you are buying a little too much? Cutting down | | | | Christmas and a Happy New Year! |