One in every 10 Americans is currently unemployed. Foreclosure filings were reported on close to one million properties in the third quarter of 2009. Personal savings, if it exists at all, is a fraction of what it should be. Terms on credit cards are rapidly changing, putting some consumers over the financial edge. And the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday, is just around the corner.
Considering the volatility of the economy, all consumers would be well-served to take a hard look at their personal financial situation and evaluate how to best approach the holiday season. Self-inflicted financial pain that could have negative consequences for years to come is a gift to no one.
Take the following Holiday Spending Quiz to assess your current financial stability before you begin shopping:
True or False
-There are arguments in my home about money.
-I sometimes hide my purchases.
-I have thought about filing for bankruptcy.
-I struggle to make my mortgage payment.
-I sometimes pay my bills late.
-I have used more than 30 percent of my available credit lines.
-My debt interferes with my sleep, job or home life.
-I have little or no savings.
-I am receiving collection calls or notices.
-If I lost my job, it would mean an immediate financial crisis in my life.
The harsh reality is that if you answer “True” to two or more of the above you may not be a candidate for a holiday shopping spree. Ignoring the reality of your financial situation will almost certainly lead to further financial distress down the road. It will come in the form of an unmanageable debt load, resulting in a damaged credit report and lower credit score, likely limiting your access to future credit. If there were ever a year to approach holiday spending with your head instead of your heart, this is it.
With the ghosts of Christmas past still lingering on many credit cards, piling new debt on top of old cannot be considered responsible by any measure. With any sacrifice comes reward, and the benefits of not having a mailbox full of bills in January will likely outweigh any lifestyle spending adjustments consumers make during the holidays.
This content was provided by
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
.
Money Management International
is a member of the NFCC.
For more on holiday spending, you might also enjoy reading
How to avoid a huge end-of-year holiday bill
.