Holiday Spending and Credit Report Scores

Released_By: ABA Online Credit
Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Time: 11:36:10 AM

For_Immediate_Release

It is unwise to attempt to ruin anybody’s magnanimous spirit with the approach of the holidays. This is the time for giving and exchanging of gifts, and what an immense feeling of contentment that is derived knowing that gifts and presents have helped somebody in need!

Unfortunately, too, this is the time of the year to be most fearful of. Consumers over-stretch their budgets, max out their credit cards and some even over-spend their credit limits with disastrous consequences on their credit report scores. Others have their identities stolen and they don’t realize it until it is too late.

Everywhere, consumers are encouraged to throw caution to the winds and are lured into spending like there is no tomorrow. Even the press gets in on it with daily analysis of whether or not this is going to be a bumper harvest for retailers and, for that reason, an indicator of consumer confidence and of a strong economy. Spending wisely and frugally at all times is better than spending a lot at any time. If consumers would only spend wisely all the time, there would be a sustained strong economy.

The time to be most vigilant about credit report scores is the holidays period. Consumers who have not ordered their credit reports should do so around this time. Maybe, some have resolved, with the approach of the coming year, to buy a new house or a new car or go back to school. Good credit is needed for that. The problem is that a lot of consumers will over-spend and this will result in damaging their credit report scores, thus shattering any hopes of achieving their resolution for the coming year. Another issue to be vigilant about is identity thieves. Scrutinizing credit card statements would allow consumers to catch any unauthorized activity early so that major problems are avoided along the line.

It is important for consumers to order their credit reports, to know what is in them, and to fix their credit scores and free themselves from financial ruin. One of the best times to do this is just before the start of the holidays and/or shortly after the ushering in of the New Year.

For more information about credit report scores, please visit: http://www.aba-online-credit.com

Happy Holidays to All!! # # #