Tips for being a smart shopper this holiday season

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – From decorations to buying the right gift, the holiday season comes with many expenses. Experts recommend that people keep a close eye on their wallets to avoid any future problems.

According to Wallet Hub, nearly half of all Americans still have debt from last year’s holiday season. Nearly half say their families are the main motivation for buying gifts. While it can be tempting to want to buy the perfect present for your loved ones experts say it’s not worth breaking the bank.

“A lot of consumers out there will send themselves into debt when shopping for the holidays. It’s definitely something that we want to try and avoid,” said Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Here are a few tips the BBB recommends to avoid falling into holiday debt:

• Make a budget and stick to it. Create a spreadsheet with organized information on who you are buying gifts for and how much you want to spend.
• Try to avoid pitfalls. Avoid buy now, pay later options, this can lead to higher payments down the line.
• Avoid using credit cards. The BBB recommends consumers avoid spending money they do not have in the bank. If people need to use a credit card, check for points that can help with discounts.
• Shop second-hand or consider DIY options. The BBB recommends thoughtful budget-friendly options like homemade gifts, cookies or personalized photo albums. Second-hand stores can often have unique gifts at lower prices.
• Use browser extensions for discounts. Browser extensions can be used to search for coupon codes at checkout or price tracking.
• Watch out for scams. The BBB encourages all shoppers to do research before spending money or entering any personal information.

“Your friends and family don’t want you to go into debt to try and make them happy. They love you for who you are and what you are able to provide for them. It’s always a good rule of thumb going into the holiday season and the shopping season, just try to stick with what you are able to bring and that will bring your friends and family enough joy,” said Parker.

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