holiday shopping – The News Desk

Survey: Nearly 30% of Last-Minute Shoppers Waiting on Next Paycheck to Buy Gifts | Credit Cards

20Dec

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Money

Survey: Nearly 30% of Last-Minute Shoppers Waiting on Next Paycheck to Buy Gifts | Credit Cards

A mid-December survey from U.S. News & World Report shows that panic shopping may be just around the corner for some Americans. There are many reasons people wait until the last minute to buy gifts, but for some it's a necessity. About three in 10 shoppers have to wait for their next paycheck to finish their holiday shopping.Here are other reasons respondents haven't finished shopping: I'm still looking for the perfect gift: 33.5%. I always wait until the last minute: 16%. I'm not looking forward to shopping, so I procrastinated: 10.5%. Other reasons: 10%. I just activated a new credit card: 0.5%. More than 10% say they'll finish shopping on Dec. 24, but 11.3% say they have no idea when they'll be done. Almost a third aren't following a holiday budget for last-minute purchase...

How much money are you planning to spend on gifts this holiday season?

11Dec

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Money

How much money are you planning to spend on gifts this holiday season?

Although many are unhappy with the current state of our economy, it is predicted that many Americans will ramp up their holiday spending this season.“My wife and I have been doing our Christmas shopping, and it's definitely more than we had budgeted compared to last year,” said Greg Hinojos, who was visiting from Arizona.Despite worries about inflation, Americans will spend an average of $975 this holiday season, according to a poll done by Gallup in November.“Hopefully we can spend less than that but the way prices are I doubt it, it'll probably be more,” said Garcia.Felipe Garcia and his family will be doing a Secret Santa gift exchange to save money.“There's only so much you can do especially with five daughters, that's what we have,” said Garcia.One Oceano resident said he is barely g...

How to Keep Holiday Spending in Check During Retirement | Retirement

7Dec

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Money

How to Keep Holiday Spending in Check During Retirement | Retirement

Retirees living on Social Security and other fixed income streams may need to adjust their holiday spending strategy this year amid the high cost of food, retail goods and other items. But with a careful eye and a commitment to budgeting, it's still possible to have a great holiday while keeping your spending in check.To manage costs during the season of gifts and gatherings, consider the following: Recognize the challenges of holiday spending. Develop a realistic holiday budget. Follow handy money-saving tips for retirees. Implement a solid savings plan. Keep track of your spending. Manage credit wisely. Balance fun and finances in retirement. Recognize the Challenges of Holiday SpendingIt can be easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season. You might have invitations to atte...

Survey: 75% Who Live Paycheck to Paycheck Worry About Holiday Expenses | Credit Cards

1Nov

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Money

Survey: 75% Who Live Paycheck to Paycheck Worry About Holiday Expenses | Credit Cards

A late October survey from U.S. News & World Report showed that more than seven in 10 respondents who live paycheck to paycheck are worried about affording the holidays this year. The survey revealed that a majority – 52.5% of respondents – say they're living paycheck to paycheck. Almost 18% say they're still paying off credit card debt from last year's holiday season. About one in five plan to pay for holiday expenses by carrying a balance on a credit card. When asked where they're feeling high prices the most, 50.3% cite groceries and 21.5% say gas. Many are shopping early this year: 38.7% say they've started holiday shopping, 28.9% are starting in early November and 16.4% waiting until Black Friday. How Much Are Americans Spending on the Holidays This Year?Almost 33% of respon...