Show DO YOU GIVE TILL IT HURTS? By Merrie Spaeth The Christmas season is approaching and right behind follow the Christmas bills For advice on how to handle money wisely over the holidays Family Weekly spoke with Mary Quinn director of consumer credit counseling services for the National Foundation for Consumer Credit in Silver Spring Md Q: Ms Quinn why are families prone to overspending at Christmas? A: Perhaps because of the sentiment associated with the season and the degree to which the holidays have been commercialized Many consumers are psyched into the “buy buy buy” syndrome Also many people will run into a store at the last minute to buy gifts If they’re using a credit card they’ll probably buy more expensive things than they intend to Panic buying and impulse buying are aggravated because during the Christmas season stores are very attractive and merchandise is at full price Q: What do you advise as prudent behavior for holiday shopping? A: I believe now is the time to start earmarking and saving money for next year’s holidays Start as early as possible It needs to be a planned-budgitem just like auto insurance or expenditure In any other once-a-yea- r addition I recommend a “Christmas drawer” to stash away items like wrapping paper cards or small gifts you can pick up throughout the year when they are on sale or reasonably priced Q: Are Christmas clubs a good idea? A: Christmas clubs pay a lower rate of interest than other savings accounts but for many people they dp foster a good attitude Christmas clubs contribute to the habit of saving and planet 1 ning and it’s encouraging to see your balance Then when Christmas comes near you know exactly how much you have to spend for entertaining and gifts Q: What suggestions do you offer for those of us who haven’t planned ahead? A: The key is to make a list in advance of people you want to remember and decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on each Merrie Spaeth is a freelance writer with a master’s i degree in business administration our popular children should be included in these discussions and allowed to express opinions or pick their gifts in the family price range Then stick to those amounts You might also brainstorm and think of unusual gifts that aren’t as costly like pledged services — so many weeks of window washing car polishing or baby sitting And by all means avoid buying orally lightweight perforated to let your feet breathe IVz" cork wedge heel last-minu- te if sprees Q: Is there a way to decide exactly how much a family can spend? A: Let me answer that by saying that a family is at the danger line if they’re spending more than 20 percent of e long-weari- you're not completely delighted with your purchase — at any time for any reason— just return it to us for a full fast refund FOR FAST PERSONAL SERVICE 24 hours a day 7 days a week CALL (602) 747-500- 0 6Y2-10- charge order only e income on repayments So obviously Christmas take-hom- with rubber sole wonderfully walkable cushioning your every step through the busiest days and nights CAMEL NAVY WHITE or RED Women’s full & half sizes: 0 M & 516-- 9 W SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR MONEY BACK! ng 5-1- N credit-purchas- 1 do not wish to order ntxv but have enclosed $1 to receive specified catalog and a $2 BONUS CHECK good on ffarst order PETITE SIZE REGULAR CATALOG shouldn’t take them beyond that 20 percent level Also it’s important to remember that utility purchases be at their highest in the winter months Should a family run up high balances on their credit cards it’s a good idea not to use them after until the balances are Christmas bills will $295 two or more res add 6 tax: SIGNATURE Dept FDNSC 3740 East 34th St Tucson AZ 85713 EXP DATE AZ OLD PUSLO TBK3SBS since 1946 Enclosed is $ The danger at Christmas is when people start to think of credit cards as a way 1982 income Genuine down to what they were before the holidays Unfortunately many consumers frequently check only the minimum payment owed rather than the total balance on their credit card statement Always check the balance and check the interest rate you are paying The danger at Christmas is when people start to think of credit cards as a way of expanding income Q: What are some other expenses people forget to budget for at Christmas? A: The additional costs of entertain ing This is a time when family members come from out of town and when friends drop by We advise adding an extra $10 to the weekly grocery budget beginning in November to buy the ingredients and goodies Stockpile them in the cupboard or freezer to avoid grocery bills the which break budget Thinking ahead keeps Christmas merriment from turning to January doom and gloom November 21 1982 N Natural Diamond Genuine Genuine Natural Diamond Natural Diamond Solitaire Pendant Solitaire Stud Earrings Ring On 16"S Chain — 25 Pt Genuine Natural Diamond 25 Pt Genuine Natural Diamond 25 Pt Genuine Natural Diamond Jewelry enlarged to show detail Rush me Qty Natural Diamond on 16" S Chain Only Solitaire Pendants $275 each plus $100 postage & handling Rush me Qty Natural Diamond Solitaire Rings Only $275 each plus $100 postage & handling SPECIFY RING SIZE I er FAMILY WEEKLY ---I DIAMOND JEWELRY OFFER of expanding their mid-Decemb- PRE-SEASO- ------ Size 5 Qty Size 6 Qty Size Size 8 Qty Size 9 Qty Sizes 10— 7 Rush me Qty Oty Qty Natural Diamond Stud Earrings Only $275 each plus $100 postage & handling Wakefield Ltd Ashley Jewelry Offer 590-1- 6 Box 2951 Address Huntington Station City & 17 NY 11746 O ASHLEY -- & SAVE — Rush me Qty Complete wardrobes of Natural Diamond Jewelry for only $750 plus $175 postage & handling Each wardrobe contains 1 Ring 1 Pendant on 16" S Chain and 1 pair of Pierced Stud Earrings SPECIFY RING SIZE Size 5 Qty Size 6 Qty Size 7 Size 8 Qty Size 9 Qty Size 10 TOTAL $ n State 370 Qty enclosed sea $es Money refunded immediately if not delighted Mail coupon today Name WAKEFIELD LTD STE 907 esiae- - Qty Zip OLD COUNTRY RD GARDEN CITY N Y 1 1 530 tjx |