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11/23/2012 08:30 AM

Holiday credit card spending

By: Web Staff

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UNITED STATES -- Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, and a credit card can be a very useful tool during that time, as long as you don't let that balance get out of hand.

Responsible spending doesn't necessarily mean not putting your credit card on the back burner. Experts say first and foremost, make a budget. They suggest constantly re-evaluating your spending, and not to waiting until after the new year to do so.

Experts also say if you have a credit card that earns spending points, this is the time of year to put those points to good use.

"You can even start using those rewards points to buy gifts so it really is a good idea to use your cards, as long as you don't overspend, and as long as you keep track of what you're spending," said Beverly Harzog, credit card expert.

Experts also suggest avoiding those in-store credit cards. They say despite the 10 to 15 percent off at the register, the interest rates are often much higher than non-store cards.