'TIS THE SEASON TO USE CREDIT WISELY
ABA Education Foundation Savvy Holiday Spending Tips

Create a Budget 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.

Be a Scrooge 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.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Understand the terms of your credit card. Credit cards are great financial tools when used with care.

Fight the Temptation Holiday shopping can be overwhelming and sale items can make it difficult to say no. Resist impulse shopping and stick to your budget.

For more information on credit and ways to use it wisely, visit the Get Smart About Credit website.

Questions? Contact the ABA Education Foundation