Four ways to put the 'jingle' back in your holiday budget


(ARA) - Presents, decorations, greeting cards, meals, travel ... the holiday shopping list could go on and on - and so can the debt. But there are simple ways to reign in spending without sacrificing holiday cheer.

In a recent survey by financial services company USAA, nearly half of respondents said that the movie titles, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Jingle All the Way," best describe their approach to this year's holiday budget. Follow these four tips to make your holiday "Jingle All the Way" and avoid getting "Scrooged":

  • Use cash to pay for your purchases, and leave the credit cards at home. Nearly half of those surveyed say they will use a credit card for some holiday purchases this year, but resist the urge to splurge by keeping in mind that the more time you spend paying off your credit card balance, the more expensive the item will become.


  • Since paying off holiday debt is the least favorite holiday activity according to USAA's research, taking the time to create a budget before you hit the mall will help keep spending in check.


  • With nearly one in five Americans unsure of how they'll pay for holiday purchases, consider investing more time and less money into new ways to keep holiday traditions alive.



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