MMI offers financial tips to survive the busiest shopping day of the year

HOUSTON, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just like turkey, football, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday has become a holiday tradition. Many consumers rush into stores to find great after-Thanksgiving deals. Black Friday traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season. Many retailers offer competitive pricing in an effort to bring in huge crowds.

While the sale prices may look enticing, beginning the holiday shopping season by blowing your budget can lead to debt that lingers well into the New Year. The financial experts at Money Management International (MMI) offer the following advice to help you create a smart spending plan that will keep your finances in the black.

Develop a plan. Before you hit the stores this holiday season, develop a game plan. First, determine who's on your gift list and how much you plan to spend on each person. To prevent the urge to overspend, use cash and leave your credit cards at home. Second, understand the holidays involve more expenses than just gifts. In fact, studies show that consumers should budget more than $500 for non-gift expenses such as travel, entertaining, and decorations.

Keep your identity safe. Identity theft is at its highest during the holiday shopping season. According to Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of reports on lost or stolen wallets peak in November and December. Clean out your wallet before you shop and only carry those credit cards you are sure to use. Be watchful of over-the-shoulder surfing. When using a debit card, choose the credit option so you don't have to enter your PIN. If shopping online, update antivirus and antispyware software to keep your information secure.

Compare prices. Getting the best deals on Black Friday will require some homework. Many stores offer their best prices online. Once you decide what's on your gift list, compare prices at more than one retailer. Check for special discounts or coupons. See who has the best deals on shipping. Also, be aware of store's return and exchange policy.

Get creative. You don't have to spend a fortune to give great gifts. Some of the best gifts are those that are hand-made and from the heart. Give vouchers good for five hours of yard work, ten back-rubs, or a weekend of baby-sitting. Visit www.Regiftable.com to create free personalized gift certificates.

"Remember that holiday memories should last a lifetime," said Cate Williams - vice president of financial literacy at MMI. "The spirit of the season is far more important than the monetary value of the gifts you give."

About Money Management International

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling is available by appointment in brand offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800.432.7310 or visit www.MoneyManagement.org.

CONTACT: Tanisha Warner, Media Relations of Money Management International, +1-713-394-3202, Tanisha.Warner@MoneyManagement.org

SOURCE Money Management International

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.moneymanagement.org
http://www.Regiftable.com