Winter Holiday Shopping Ready to Heat Up
AICCCA Offers Holiday T.I.P.S. Track, Itemize, Plan, Stop


Fairfax, VA - October 31, 2006 - Black Friday, the day that holiday shopping begins in earnest, is less than a month away. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported last year that consumers were moving away from credit cards, 28.2 percent in 2005 versus 29.5 percent in 2004, for holiday purchases and more toward debit cards, 34.3 percent and cash, 28.5 percent. This year, the NRF reports that the average consumer plans to spend close to $800 for the holidays. The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) says most consumers will need to have a plan in place to carve out that $800, especially if they are planning to use their cash-on-hand.

"We applaud the move from credit to cash for holiday spending, especially since we usually see a 20 percent increase in calls after the holidays from those consumers whose spending created a financial problem," said Dave Jones, president, AICCCA. "Without a plan, it is very easy to overspend while holiday shopping."

To help those consumers who need to depend less on credit for their holiday expenses, AICCCA offers consumers these T.I.P.S. to Track, Itemize, Plan and Stop.


• Track. Look at your records from the holidays last year, and try to determine what was paid immediately, via cash or debit card, and the amount charged. If you are still paying for last year's holidays, you probably need to make some cuts this year. Next, sit down with the whole family and determine the amount you can spend this year. If you plan to use some credit, be sure that you will be able to pay the purchases off within 90 days. Keep your receipts together and file them away at the end of your shopping to help with next year's planning.
  
  
• Itemize. After you have determined your budget, you will need to decide how it will be spent. The NRF reports that most families allocate the bulk of their holiday money, around $600, to gifts. Assign a dollar amount for each gift. In addition to your gift list, you will need to account for holiday food, decorating and gift-wrapping supplies. These somewhat hidden costs add up. The NRF reports that the average consumer will spend close to $200 on these items.
  
  
• Plan. Shop early in the week when malls and stores are less crowded. To avoid impulse buying, shop when you are rested and relaxed. Be sure to comparison shop, especially for any big-ticket items. Check the ads before you set out or get online and take advantage of coupons and sales for all items, large and small.
  
  
• Stop. This may seem simple, but it is important to stop shopping when your list is completed and the money has been spent. Save a fun family holiday outing for after the shopping is finished. Try some "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" while you catch up on your holiday movie watching, or go caroling at a nursing home. Whatever your family decides, if you stick to your plan you won't have to worry about paying for this year's holidays in the New Year.


Founded in 1993, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services. AICCCA and its members are focused on improved creditor relations, efficient processes and advanced technology to best serve clients and creditors. AICCCA members are independent nonprofit agencies that advocate for debtors, counsel millions of consumers annually nationwide and provide debt management services to consumers with excessive unsecured debt. For more information or to contact an AICCCA member office call (800) 450-1794 or visit www.aiccca.org.