Holiday spending --- how do you manage?

EaglesFan2006 · ‎12-16-2013

Just curious how much CC debt people might run up this time of year, and how long it takes to get back to normal range? I spent more than I had planned, but I can still follow through on my plan to make many times the mimimum payments on my cards. My util has run up to 70% (not all from the holidays of course, we had two other unforseen major expenses, plus some balances that still existed) and I plan to bring it down no later than April. Since I'm not gearing for any new credit for some time, I'm more just curious than anything else how other people handle this, and if the stress of it ever makes you frantic for even a minute!

John060675 · ‎12-16-2013

It used to make me frantic, and it took me 3 to 4 months to pay off my Christmas spending. This year I actually planned for it. I save a little each month, and I am happy to say that I will not have holiday debt this year. First time that I can remember!

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09Lexie · ‎12-16-2013

Planning ahead, make a budget for holiday gift giving and stick to it.

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Boragard · ‎12-16-2013

For holiday shopping I pay CASH ONLY! If I don't have enough cash I will not buy it, simple. That way no Cc debt come January!!

Blackrv7 · ‎12-16-2013

For me, as for paying cash only, I use cc's only.

I just use them as I always use them......to get my cash back, miles, points and pif before the statement cuts.

I'll have just short of 60K available credit report probably 1-2 % for scoring reasons on one card. I'm watching my utl as I have a Amex 3x coming up in Jan.

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chwebb1 · ‎12-16-2013

I personally keep a budget and PIF like I always do.

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compassion101 · ‎12-16-2013

@chwebb1 wrote:
I personally keep a budget and PIF like I always do.

+1 me

FinStar · ‎12-16-2013

@09Lexie wrote:
Planning ahead, make a budget for holiday gift giving and stick to it.

+1000

And, self-discipline - knowing how to stay on track.

FocusedAndDetermined · ‎12-16-2013

@compassion101 wrote:
@chwebb1 wrote:
I personally keep a budget and PIF like I always do.
+1 me

+2 I use my CCs to earn the points, then PIF - it's like using cash with benefits.

EaglesFan2006 · ‎12-16-2013

Makes sense. I had a plan too, though I didn't think paying down in a few months would be so bad. I still don't really...

That said, PIF will be the plan next year