Every year, people in Tennessee flock to the stores on Black Friday and head to their favorite websites on Cyber Monday in the hopes of saving money on holiday gifts and other products. While the deals offered on Black Friday can be appealing, they can contribute to ongoing and unrepayable debt. There are a few tips that credit counselors offer to help people resist the temptation to purchase more than they can pay for, even when exceptional savings are on offer. First, experts advise making a specific list and a budget for the items a person wants.
Sticking to a budget can help protect consumers from acquiring more credit card debt by picking up impulse items. After all, the vast majority of people plan to participate in these holiday sales — 86% according to one study. Stores and websites purposely offer a lot of small items that might inspire people to break the budget with a little impulse here and there. However, the savings can add up, especially as interest charges accumulate on a person’s credit card.
Doing research in advance can also help protect consumers. They can verify the best offers and determine how much they are actually saving by shopping these sales. Consumers can also read reviews to make sure they are going for a good product. It’s also important to read the fine print. For example, if no returns are allowed, consumers could have costly problems if the item is not suitable. Shipping and other fees can add to the costs.
Of course, many people struggle with insurmountable debt because of serious issues and life changes. Personal bankruptcy may offer a path away from a crisis, and an attorney can provide advice on filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 for debt relief.
