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5.1 PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS CREDIT CARD EXPENSES; CUT AND REDUCE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXPENSES.

If you want to take control, you must have a plan.

== Plan right now, in January, to pay off all the money you borrowed. Determine how much you spent and then make more than the minimum payment over the next several months until you have paid it off.

== Right now, start thinking about next Christmas. Generally you will give to the same people year after year. Keep a slip of paper in your wallet or purse for writing down clothing sizes and other preferences of each person on your list.

== Over the coming twelve months keep your eye out for useful presents at a good price. If you take your time, you will be surprised at what you will discover at close-outs and yard sales.

If you buy presents as you find good deals during the coming year, you will spend much less money and not find yourself in a rush just before Christmas. You also will be spreading the cost over many months, instead of charging hundreds of dollars in December.

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