Consumer Tip
Festive shopping season is upon us, and everyone is hunting for the best deals. Many people fall into the “buy now, pay later” trap when shopping for gifts, putting high-cost items on their credit cards to repay at a later date. Financial institutions report a big surge in requests for extra financial help in January each year, as these buyers start feeling the effects of overspending.
Instead of buying now and paying later, set a budget and stick to it – and leave the credit cards at home when you go to the mall. Try to plan your gift purchases ahead of time, so you don’t end up with bulk expenses towards the end of the year.