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| | First State Bank of the Florida Keys Savvy Holiday Spending Tips As the gift-giving season approaches, First State Bank of the Florida Keys has tips to help consumers keep spending in check and avoid the dreaded holiday hangover. “Basic holiday expenses can put a strain on consumers’ finances — especially in an already stressed economy,” said First State Bank of the Florida Keys Executive Vice President, Tony Romano. “Being a savvy spender is the key to avoiding the debt of Christmas past and having a financially happy new year.” First State Bank of the Florida Keys and credit card providers encourage consumers to be of good cheer this season using the following tips: Before you start your holiday shopping, develop a realistic budget. Be as detailed as possible. Look at past banking and credit card statements as well as receipts from last year to gauge your holiday spending. The fewer lines of credit you have, the easier it is to keep track of bills and pay off debt on time. Use caution when you consider applying for additional cards. - Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Holiday
Beware of fraudsters or suspicious offers to buy products. Do not enter your credit card number unless you are certain the Web site is trustworthy. Keep receipts and billing statements to check for unauthorized charges. Shred documents that contain personal information. Understand the terms of your credit card. Credit cards are great financial tools when used with care. Use ABA’s “Guide to Credit Cards” to understand the specifics of credit card use. Holiday shopping can be overwhelming and sale items can make it difficult to say no. Resist impulse shopping and stick to your budget. Return to News |
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