Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta encourages consumers to plan ahead, avoid impulse purchases

ATLANTA, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The biggest shopping day of the year is just around the corner and consumers are looking to get more for their money this holiday season. Record unemployment and foreclosure rates and lower than average savings rates will impact spending, and more consumers are planning to use cash this year to avoid adding to credit card debt. (Source: National Retail Federation)

"It is especially critical during these challenging economic times that consumers make wise and well thought out purchasing decisions this holiday season," said Mechel Glass, director of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta.

CCCS of Greater Atlanta encourages consumers to take advantage of sales to make planned purchases, but leave other items on the shelf. "Don't let the thought of getting a 'deal' cloud your judgment," added Glass. "Impulse purchases can create holiday debt that you will pay for well into the New Year and beyond."

CCCS of Greater Atlanta offers tips to help shoppers:

Make a list and stick to it

Having a list of the people you need to buy for and a budget for each person is a great way to make sure you don't overspend. Jot down ideas for each person and use that to help guide you while you shop.

Plan your shopping before you leave the house

Use the newspaper circulars and the internet to plan your shopping trip. If you know exactly where you are going and what you plan to buy while you are there, you are less likely to deviate from your plan. Get an advanced look at Black Friday ads at web sites such as www.theblackfriday.com and www.bfads.net to help plan your day. Work with friends to cover the early morning specials at many stores. And don't be tempted to overspend simply because things are on sale. Stick to your list.

Shop before the big sales

Avoid the Black Friday mall crowds by shopping a day or two earlier. Many stores will refund the price difference if the item goes on sale within days of purchase. This policy may not apply to all Black Friday specials.

Avoid window shopping

Try not to head to a store without even an idea of what you are planning to buy. You will almost always end up spending more than you planned. If you go to a store for a particular item, get it and leave instead of strolling through all of the aisles.

Leave credit cards at home

Studies have shown that people who use credit cards to buy gifts spend an average of 30 percent more than people who use cash. When you add in all the finance charges over months, or even years, that "perfect gift" could cost you twice what you paid for it, or more. You can't make an impulse buy if you don't have the money with you to do it. Leaving your credit cards at home will require you to take some time to think about it before making a purchase.

Shopping Online? Don't forget about "Cyber Monday"

The Monday after Thanksgiving is expected to be a busy shopping day for online retailers. Online stores may be offering special deals with the hopes of increasing their sales. Visit www.cybermonday.com for regular updates on online deals.

Make sure you are really getting a deal

While there are many opportunities to save money this holiday season, something is not a deal just because the retailers says it is. Do your homework. Research the items you are considering, compare prices at several retailers, and be sure it is a deal before making the purchase.

Compare the price your retailer is offering by using sites such as www.pricegrabber.com, www.bizrate.com, and www.nextag.com. For information on available rebates on consumer electronics, computer software and hardware, and other items, visit www.rebateplace.com. And before you buy anything, look for coupons to save on in-store and online purchases. Sites such as www.couponcabin.com or www.dealcatcher.com can help you find deals for dollars off, a percentage off, or free shipping that can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

About CCCS

CCCS of Greater Atlanta offers online education classes that cover a wide variety of money management topics at www.credabilityu.org.

CCCS of Greater Atlanta serves clients in all 50 states and has 33 offices in four states. It is the headquarters for the CredAbility Network, a family of nonprofit agencies serving consumers in north Georgia, south and central Florida, middle Mississippi and east Tennessee as well as nationally via telephone and Internet.

CCCS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Governed by a community-based board of directors, CCCS is funded by creditors, clients, contributors and grants from foundations, businesses and government agencies. CCCS offers around the-clock help by phone at 1-800-251-CCCS or at its Web sites, www.cccsinc.org and www.cccsenespanol.org.

SOURCE Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta

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