Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA)

Press Release

AICCCA Offers Four Tips for Last Minute Shoppers

Fairfax, VA - December 9, 2009 — For the last minute shoppers of the world, the last few shopping days of the season usually signals that it is time to panic. The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) advises consumers to slow down, take a deep breath and come up with a financial plan before hitting the stores and spending their money.

"When time is short, the temptation may be to spend too much or just charge a purchase simply to have a gift to give," said Dave Jones, AICCCA president. "These consumers may find themselves in real financial trouble in the New Year if they exceed what they can realistically afford or charge their holiday expenses without a plan in place to pay off the debt."

For the consumer short on both time and money, AICCCA offers these four tips:

Make a list. Include each person you will buy for, a gift idea with the dollar amount you can afford and stores that carry the item. Make use of newspaper, radio, television and internet advertising to do some comparison-shopping before you set out.

Team up. Enlist the help of one of your "I finished my shopping in July" friends to come with you. Split up when you get to the mall and send them off with the cash to pick up some of the items on your list that you know are available for the price you want. The added bonus here is that you will not be tempted to use a credit card for these purchases.

Consider after holiday gifting. Shop for your gifts a few days after all the hustle and bustle has died down. Prepare an envelope to give that states a gift is on the way. This will allow you to take advantage of the after-holiday sales, probably save some money and give the recipients something to look forward to in the New Year.

Think of gift alternatives. Look at the people on your list with an eye towards something besides a gift-wrapped package. IOU coupons for baby sitting, car washes or spring cleaning may be the perfect gift for someone on your list and will cost you little but time in the New Year. Best of all, there will be no lines to stand in, crowds to fight or new debt to handle.

Founded in 1993, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services. AICCCA and its members are focused on improved creditor relations, efficient processes and advanced technology to best serve clients and creditors. AICCCA members are independent nonprofit agencies that advocate for debtors, counsel millions of consumers annually nationwide and provide debt management services to consumers with excessive unsecured debt. For more information or to contact an AICCCA member office call 866-703-TRUSTAICCCA (866-703-8787) or visit www.aiccca.org.