As we embark on the beginning of another crazy holiday season, it’s worth pausing to reflect on ways to keep our heads and wallets in check in order to avoid debt problems and bankruptcy in the New Year.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you fight your way through the crowds on Fifth Avenue, Target, Toys R Us, Arthur Avenue, Union Square or wherever it is you have the courage to shop.
1. Be a cheapskate. It’s ok this year. The economy is down. Everyone is struggling. And that’s perfect cover for limiting your holiday gift and other purchases in the name of retaining financial stability. Go with a holiday card over a gift. Go with an e-card over a store-bought card. Go with a homemade card over an e-card. Better to stress a little bit about not spending enough on someone now than to stress about your overspending in January.
2. Cash is king. Leave your credit cards at home and pay for your purchases in cash. It’s a fact of human nature that we spend more when we use credit cards. That’s part of the psychology of credit cards. If you can get yourself to do all your purchases in cash rather than by credit card, you will indeed have a very happy New Year when January rolls around. No interest accrued. No new debts that continue to grow and spiral. No harassing calls from credit card companies.
3. Layaway is the way to go. If you absolutely, positively must buy something that you don’t have the cash for, rather than credit card, see if you can do it on layaway. This way, at least you’re not going into debt.
Follow these principles and you will hopefully have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
If you are in need of New York debt relief, please feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation. I’ve been helping people for years to deal with their New York debt and bankruptcy problems, and I can help you figure out all of your options and determine the best strategy moving forward.
Contact Bruce Weiner, Esq.
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