Founder of Financial Staples, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm that helps tech professionals align their finances with their values and purpose.
@Experian A10 When reviewing your holiday spending last year, decide what expenses you can reduce or cut. Create a holiday spending budget and set a little money aside throughout the year so you’re prepared. Look for creative ways to give that don’t require a lot of money. #CreditChat
@Experian A9 If you find yourself making impulse purchases often or comparing yourself to others and spending beyond your means, you may want to reach out to a financial therapist for help. The @FinTherapyAssoc has great resources. #CreditChat
@Experian A8 Nonprofit credit counselors and financial coaches can help you regain control of your debt. Also, don’t underestimate the power of community. Your friends may be struggling with holiday spending regrets too. Support each other and become accountability partners. #CreditChat
@Experian A7 High utilization rates, late payments, and missed payments can negatively impact of your credit score. Work on a plan to stay current on your debts and pay down those balances as soon as possible. It’s also important to start preparing for this holiday season now. #CreditChat
@Experian A6 Awareness is key and it's the foundation for making a realistic plan. Online tools like @monarch_money can help you assess past spending and create a budget for this year’s expenses. You can customize the categories and goals to fit your plan and be proactive. #CreditChat
@Experian A5 Continue to make payments on all of your debts, even if it’s just the minimum. Apply extra cash to the appropriate debt for your plan, then keep paying down the debt to reduce your balance. If you’re in trouble, contact the creditors. #CreditChat
@Experian A4 Reducing your expenses is a good way to accelerate debt repayment. If your budget is already tight, try a side hustle. Look for ways to earn a little extra cash and apply those earnings to your debt. #CreditChat
@Experian A3 You can cut spending by implementing no spend days, eliminating impulse purchases, and limiting the number of times you eat out each month. An annual subscription audit can help you eliminate products or services you no longer use. #CreditChat
@Experian A2 After you list out all of your debts and understand how much you can contribute each month, look at the balances and interest rates. The snowball and avalanche methods are popular ways to tackle debt. #CreditChat
@Experian A1 To assess your holiday spending, start by knowing the facts. List out all of your debts, savings, income, and expenses. This information can help you see where you are so you can develop a plan. #CreditChat
@Experian A9 I love to give and receive candles, and holiday scents are my favorite. If you enjoy cooking, homemade treats are always a hit! #CreditChat
@Experian A7 Family game nights, football watch parties, movie nights, and cookie competitions are fun traditions that don’t require a lot of money. #CreditChat
@Experian A6 Talking with friends and family about your financial goals can inspire them to think about their goals. You can also find creative ways to have fun that don’t involve spending a lot of money. #CreditChat
@Experian A5 I’ve avoided excessive gifts and decorations over the years. Quality time with loved ones and a few thoughtful gifts are more important to me than lots of things I don't need or have to store. #CreditChat
@Experian A4 Clear communication can be helpful when managing children’s expectations and it can teach them responsibility. Let them know you have a budget for their gifts and have them prioritize their list. #CreditChat
@Experian A3 Before you get into the holidays, revisit your goals and think about how you’d like to start the new year financially. This will help you set boundaries and possibly inspire others to do the same. #CreditChat