Exert Your P.O.W.E.R. This Black Friday

Consumer Finance Expert Karen Gross was here to explain that and share tips on how to avoid going broke this Black Friday. She shared with us an acronym that'll help us maintain person discipline -- P.O.W.E.R.

P for PAUSING and have a PLAN BEFORE YOU SHOP
- Shop alone (spend less)
- Have a plan (list)
- Reflect on shopping gimmicks (vanilla, soft)

O for ORDERING ONLINE
- Avoid stores and gimmicks
- Comparison shop more easily
- Use Credit (not debit card)

W for WATCH FOR TRAPS
- Consider impact of credit score (employment)
- Costs of credit rising (new Credit Card Act)
- Be careful of gift cards (risky)

E is for ENJOY
- Spend time with family
- Do fun things together (rather than buying)
- Smaller gifts are pleasurable.

R is for RELIEF
- which is how you will feel later if you do not overextend yourself this holiday season!
- Avoid a holiday hangover - that hurts your future financially.