Shopping and Holiday Spending

You know you've been on a shopping spree when your bank calls you after you've just spent half the day shopping to let you know there's been a "suspicious" amount of spending on your card. Credit cards make these impulses possible, but what is important, is that you manage your cards so you don't pay interest on your card. Holiday spending and shopping sprees can result in some serious interest repayments if you don't manage your spending and repayments properly.

Responsible shopping and holiday spending on your credit card is hard for a lot of people and easier for others. It's not hard to imagine being carried away by feelings of joy and happiness on a lovely holiday. We tend to forget our everyday worries and just let go. However, doing this does come with its own dangers, as many people find out the hard way upon their return home.

How to prevent a rude awakening:

To make sure you can enjoy the rosy afterglow of a great trip away from home you should consider the following before you indulge into your shopping and holiday spending urges on a far-away tropical island, or in the swanky metropolis of a popular city.

1. Save up: Do yourself a favour and save money prior to heading away for a holiday. Put aside as much as you can handle each week and deposit the money into a high interest savings account. If you can do this with a year to spare you might benefit from nice rates, given you even more bang for your buck.
2. Do you REALLY NEED this: Before you swipe your card for that sexy new dress, or the glitzy Jimmy Choo's, you need to ask yourself whether you REALLY need to make this purchase. It often helps to sleep on a decision before you actually buy.
3. Do you want this item because of your current state of emotion: You'd be surprised to learn how often we buy because of our emotions. Often when we are sad, frustrated or angry we are in need of a quick fix - shopping. Avoid the trap and recognise the signs, then treat yourself to a cheaper way to fix the issue at hand. Try a cup of coffee, yoga, a brisk walk, or talking to your partner instead.
4. Avoid peer pressure: Peer pressure is as big if not bigger than at school. When you travel with an adult friend who can generally afford to spend more money than you, it's easy to get sucked into their flashy lifestyle. But don't! Unless you are ready to deal with the consequences when you get back home. The best way to beat this trap is by not travelling with rich friends, unless they pay the bill.
5. Book cheaper accommodation: If you choose a slightly cheaper accommodation rate you will have more money to spend on your credit cards.

Take the pressure off by enjoying the things that really matter. Instead of focusing on expensive purchases, why not enjoy the time with your friends and family, the sun (hopefully,) and the location. These memories mean so much more than any purchase you make. Shopping and holiday spending should be fun, and they only are if the pressure is off.

We have written a number of articles covering the topic of Shopping and Holiday Spending on your credit card, to help guide you in the right direction to help ensure that you don't pay interest on your purchases:

• Shopping Tips To Earn More FlyBuys Points
  

  It doesn’t matter if you’re just looking to buy the weekly groceries, or you want to splash the cash on those retail goodies you’ve had your eye on, shopping is the golden ticket to earning FlyBuys points.

  We’ve put this article together to give you some really useful hints and tips on how to maximise your [...]



• Best Credit Card for Shoppers
  

  If you are the kind of person who loves a good sale, or a day dedicated to hitting your favourite shopping strip then you know there are few things which can rival the thrill of finding the perfect purchases and getting them home where you can start to enjoy them. However, just as quickly as [...]



• Paying Using PayPal And Your Credit Card Is The Safest Way To Shop On EBay
  

  PayPal has become one of the most popular payment methods when buying goods online. Read this article to find out how using your credit card with PayPal can actually be a very safe way to protect yourself when shopping online.



• Guide To Using Your Credit Card On The Internet
  

  Read our guide to get a good understanding of the facets of using your credit card for internet shopping, including all the important bits of information you’ll need to feel safe when shopping online with your credit card.



• The Benefits For Credit Card Users Who Do Their Holiday Shopping Early
  

  Shoppers who get their shopping in early will always get the best discounts, finding items on sale throughout the year and stocking them up ready for Christmas. There are some benefits for credit card users who do all their holiday shopping early.



• How to shop online safely with your credit card
  

  I am sure you have read all the headlines about credit card fraud, but the truth is, it only affects a fairly small amount of cases. Internet shopping is highly convenient, and a great way to help you save money. Follow our guide to ensure your safety next time you shop online.



• How To Save For Your Next Holiday
  

  Australian’s love going on holidays. Saving for a holiday isn’t always an easy task. Check out this article which goes in to the latest figures from Roy Morgan on holiday spending, and identifies ways that you can begin saving for your next holiday.



• Recovering from the Holiday Spending Haze – Tips from ASIC
  

  It’s that time of year – you were meant to carry out a financial new years resolution, but reconsidered it till Australia Day. Now that it’s come and passed, it’s inevitable – debt repayment and back to work.
  -
  Make the most of it by at least getting a grip on your credit card balances instead of wallowing in procrastination.
  -
  Read our holiday spending repayment tips here.






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