09.26.2002
NON-PROFIT OFFERS HISPANICS ADVICE ON
HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY DEBT
Springboard Announces its Second
Education Platform Aimed at Hispanics
Riverside, CA, (November 26, 2002)
- According to the International Mass Retail Association,
the average holiday shopper plans to spend $863 on gifts
this year. With credit cards being used more than 1.7 million
times per hour during the 32 shopping days between Thanksgiving
and Christmas, holiday debt can become a problem. Springboard,
a national non-profit consumer credit management organization
dedicated to teaching fiscal literacy, announces the second
platform of a four-platform debt management education program
for Hispanics during the hectic holiday season.
“With the holiday shopping season
rapidly approaching, we are all too ready to pull out our
plastic,” said Lilia Mojica, Springboard’s National
Director of Hispanic Programs. “However, given the
current economic situation, there are certain factors that
need to be taken into consideration before saying, ‘Charge
it.’”
To address this need, Springboard has
announced its second debt management education program for
the Hispanic community entitled “Smart Saving and
Spending Habits for the Holiday Season.” The program
aims to educate and empower Hispanics to take control of
their finances during the holidays. Springboard offers a
series of brochures that address credit habits and has developed
five simple-straightforward steps that will help avoid budgeting
pitfalls during the holiday season including:
1. |
Create a written plan now, include
possible gifts, dollar amounts and alternative choices |
2. |
Do your research and buy gifts
on sale |
3. |
Start shopping early in order
to spread out your spending to avoid impulse purchases |
4. |
Save your receipts as you make
purchases and track the prices against your budgeted
amount |
5. |
Be creative with your gifts;
consider babysitting for a friend or yard work for
an elderly neighbor |
“Keeping simple budgeting tips
in mind can go along way to ensuring that you start the
New Year more knowledgeable about your hard-earned dollars,”
said Dianne Wilkman, President of Springboard.
In addition to the “Smart Saving and Spending Habits
for the Holiday Season,” Springboard will also announce
additional platforms “Investing,” and “How
Not to be a Victim of Identity Theft.” The Springboard
materials will be available directly to consumers online
at www.plansabio.org or by calling 1-800-WISEPLAN (947-7526)
ext. 749 or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope
to: Springboard, 6370 Magnolia Ave., 2nd Floor, Riverside,
CA 92506.
About Springboard
Springboard, a non profit consumer
credit management source and member of the National Foundation
for Credit Counseling, offers assistance with money management
and budgeting through confidential counseling, debt management
and education programs for financially troubled consumers.
Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation
of Services for Families and Children, with more than 35
Southern California counseling locations offering face-to-face,
online and nationwide phone counseling services. For more
information on Springboard, call 1-800 WISEPLAN (800-947-3752)
or visit their Web site at www.plansabio.org.
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