Last Minute Holiday Shopping: Consolidated Credit Gives Money Saving Tips to Help You Escape the Holiday Debt Hangover

Online, December 19, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Christmas is right around the corner and consumers everywhere are in a race against the clock to finish up their last minute holiday shopping. From rushed shipping charges to those end-of-year price markups, it is very easy for people to go over budget on those last few items.

Howard Dvorkin, CPA, founder of Consolidated Credit, and author of Power Up: Taking Charge of Your Financial Destiny, (Wiley & Sons, 2013) notes the importance of creating and staying on budget. Dvorkin reminds consumers that creating a realistic budget based on how much you bring in and spend out is the key to claiming your financial control.

"One main reason people fall into financial turmoil is because they spend more than they make," says Dvorkin. "A budget only works when someone is detailed and counts every dollar spent. People are estimated to spend about $740 on gifts, decorations, and greeting cards. In total they are expected to spend almost $6 billion this holiday season! That's a lot of money…" See the Last Minute Holiday Miracles infographic for ideas on how not to get into debt.

ConsolidatedCredit.org recommends the following money saving tips to alleviate a holiday debt hangover:

• Avoid last minute shipping charges and consider less expensive alternatives.

• Give a photo of a gift instead of overpaying on shipping for a gift to arrive by Christmas. Advise the gift's recipient that the gift will arrive shortly after Christmas,

• Go for gift cards instead of purchasing a gift that someone may not like. You save more money when you purchase gift cards in sets or send them electronically.

• Build gift baskets in bulk to create a more original and thoughtful gift. Local craft stores have a variety of baskets and ribbons. You can also pick up a variety of fruit, wine, meats, and cheeses inexpensively from your local grocery store to top off your basket.

• Give donations online and celebrate the true meaning of the holiday season by making a difference in someone else's life.

Media Contact: April Lewis-Parks / AParks@ConsolidatedCredit.org / 954-377-9344

About: Consolidated Credit is one of the largest credit counseling organizations in the country and has helped over 5 million people over 20 years with financial issues. Their mission is to assist families throughout the United States in ending financial crisis and solving money management problems through education and professional counseling.