(BPT) - What would holiday shopping be without credit cards? Using credit cards wisely can help you score some good deals, and offers a layer of consumer protection that cash and debit cards can’t. Still, if you get carried away with holiday spending, the season’s “Ho, ho, ho!” can turn into “Oh, oh, oh!” come January when the bills arrive.
When holiday shopping, it’s important to find the right balance of when to use plastic and when not, and to understand your credit status before you give your cards a workout. Fortunately, some planning and precautions can help ensure you use credit wisely this holiday season.
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