postholiday credit survival

Postholiday Credit Survival

Credit card bills filling your mailbox? Taking control of debt can seem daunting but if you’re still paying off holiday season purchases it is time to turn your financial life around.

Be realistic – getting out of debt takes time.

Plan your attack – lock the credit cards in your safe deposit box if you need to or hang a payment chart on your refrigerator to track your progress. To achieve the maximum savings, pay as much as you can on the card with the highest interest rate while paying the minimum on the others.

Call your credit card issuer for a lower interest rate.

Get a head start on next holiday season by saving all year long or putting things in perspective. First, ask yourself and your family what is the most satisfying aspect of the season? Many of your best holiday memories are likely the least expensive. Then ask yourself if you want to be faced with a large credit card debt this time next year.

Resource: Sandra McKinnon, Consumer and Family Economics Specialist, University Outreach and Extension


	Web site coordinators: Jamie Thompson Sandra McKinnon Site evaluation: Cynthia Crawford Last updated: March 09, 2005	Web site established by: Kate Akers Mark Belwood Cynthia Crawford Sandra McKinnon Diana Hammond

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