Holiday shoppers are being reminded to make purchases based on "intent" and not "impulse" this holiday shopping season.
Financial expert Gayle Rose Martinez with UW-Extension in Clark County is urging holiday shoppers to stay under budget, although she admits it's not easy this time of year. She says stores excel at encouraging impulse buying among customers. She says consumers need to watch out for efforts to steer them away from their original purpose for being in the store.
What marketers won't tell you is family members and friends won't enjoy a gift if they know it's put you in financial dire straits. Martinez says going in to debt to pick up a gift shouldn't make them happy.
Before you head out to shop, Martinez suggests making a list and a budget then sticking with it. Martinez also says credit cards have become "invisible" spending. If you're using your credit card, keep track and don't go over set limits.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 1:14)
