Jim Garnett, aka "Ask Mr. G", is a charter member of the ICFE's
Board of Educational Advisors. Ask Mr. G answers over 4,000
questions a month from ICFE web site visitors. This eNEWS, written
by Jim,
deals with frequent questions from consumers of all ages.
Contact Jim at: AskMrG@yahoo.com
Ask Mr. G's
TOP 10 LIST FOR CHRISTMAS
"Things To Remember"
1. Remember to start paying for Christmas a year in
advance with deductions to a Christmas account instead of
waiting until December to charge it all.
2. Remember credit cards represent debt, not money.
Each time you use one it is like taking out a loan at the
bank!
3. Remember that access to buy and ability to afford
are not the same. Credit gives us access, money gives us
ability.
4. Remember not to give in order to get. Some
calculate what they will give by what they will get in
return.
5. Remember not to confuse giving with buying. The
most appreciated gifts are ones involving an investment of
time and talent, not just our treasure.
6. Remember that it is not necessary to match the
value of every gift you give with every gift you receive.
Some on your list have more ability to spend for Christmas
than you do.
7. Remember to pay off Christmas charges quickly.
Paying off Christmas debt with minimum payments will
prompt a visit by "the ghost of Christmas past". It takes
8 years to repay $1000 credit card debt if you pay only
minimum payments (plus $900 extra for interest).
8. Remember to give to someone who has no ability to
repay, or give to someone anonymously.
9. Remember to spend within your means. Decide what
you are going to spend beforehand rather than be surprised
at how much you spent afterward.
10.Remember whose birthday it is. Help your family
emphasize the real meaning of Christmas with a birthday
cake for Jesus and special gifts to those in His service.