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Consumers are preparing to do some serious cybershopping. According to a National Retail Federation survey, this year's holiday shoppers will make 30 percent of their purchases on the Internet -- up from last year's 28 percent.
For many consumers, shopping online is convenient. For overspenders, the Internet is too convenient. Because most Internet purchases are made with credit cards, planning ahead is a must. In a matter of minutes, you can charge holiday gifts that could take months or even years to pay off. Below are tips for spending carefully while shopping online.
• Develop a holiday spending plan. Before you go shopping, determine how much you can afford to spend and what you need to buy. Don't forget to include non-gift items in your plan. Studies show that consumers should budget more than $500 for non-gift expenses such as travel, entertaining and decorations. To obtain a free holiday gift planner, visit www.moneymanagement.org.
n Comparison-shop. Take full advantage of your ability to quickly and easily comparison-shop products and prices online. If you plan to participate in online auctions, start early so you aren't tempted to overbid at the last minute. Watch for sales and other perks, such as free shipping.
n Shop with a list. Make a comprehensive list of all your holiday needs. Use your list when you shop online and buy only those items on your list. To avoid impulse purchases, carefully consider before shopping for yourself or responding to pop-up ads and e-mail advertisements.
n Track your online purchases. Because most online holiday purchases will wind up on one of your credit cards, it pays to keep track. Print out all receipts so you are not surprised by large bills at the end of the year.
n Plan for a payoff. Set a goal for paying off any holiday debt in a reasonable amount of time. Keep in mind that a $1,000 charge can take more than 12 years to pay off if your interest rate is 17 percent and you make only the minimum monthly payment.
• Stop shopping when you've completed your list. Surfing the Web might be a form of entertainment for some, but shopping should never be considered a recreational sport. Buying something you don't need at a good price is no bargain.
