What do you prefer?

I would say cash or a debit card....Then you're only spending money that you have.

I agree, but you know, I am getting hundreds of credit card offers and they say that do your holiday shopping with a credit card in your wallet.

Yeah, I get a lot of those too, but the best use I've found for all those offers is to spread them on the floor to use when we're going away for a long time so that my dog Bell can use them as a bathroom..lol

Too many people go into serious debt for the holidays. And a credit card is going to make you pay MORE over the long run....You can't tell me that if you run up a $2000 credit card bill for Christmas gifts that you're going to pay it off within the 25 day grace period. Now that $2000 bill is going to turn into a $2200 or more because of interest, finance charges, etc.

Yes, and most people don????????t do these calculations or the credit card companies compel them think otherwise???????

A single unplanned move can result in lots of troubles. High interest rate, chances of being default, collection problems make the situation worse.

I do suggest carrying cash/debit card while shopping. You have said it very well:
Quote:

I only carry my debit and credit cards, I never carry cash unless I need to, also, when I shop with my debit cards, I make the transaction as a credit card to avoid having to use my PIN#.

The third Monday in January is considered the most depressing day of the year, because that is the day most people receive their credit card bill.

I would suggest shopping only with what you have. I shop only with cash. But for some, debit card is better. One thing to remember - if you use your bank debit card as a credit card, it may take up to a week before it posts to your account. Sneaky way for them to hide the true balance of your account and get you to potentially O/D your account.

We chose the debit card/cash method.

We do the cash thing. That way, I'm more carefull about what I spend, because I know that's what I have. It also keeps me from impulse buying!! I did the credit card thing years ago, that helped me get in the mess I'm in. It was too easy for me to buy now, pay later, except, we were out of money when it came to the pay later!!..KAren

I only shop in stores with cash. For online shopping, I use a CC, but I try not to ever carry a balance.

Definately debit card--that way, the cash is taken right out of your checking account. No muss, no fuss!

I carry both cash/debit card. I like lorri's white-envelope idea posted in the other thread:

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/christmas-budgeting/about19550.html

i prefer cash with debit as second - i am free of all credit cards!

I use my Visa debit card, that way I can do cash or credit and it still comes out of my account. I don't like to carry cash with me because I usually spend it on something I don't need :D