MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- During the holidays, too many credit-card purchases can result in a flood of pesky calls from creditors in the new year. So base credit counselors are urging consumers to be cash-conscious before loading up loved ones with gifts.
Nonetheless, some Pendleton Marines plan to make plastic the rule rather than the exception when it comes to funding holiday gift-giving.
"I am using credit cards to cover my holiday expenses," said Lance Cpl. Margarito Mendoza of 1st Force Service Support Group's 1st Supply Battalion. "Christmas is the most expensive holiday and I have to pay my rent and car payments first."
But credit-card crusaders should keep one thing in mind:
"You can't live beyond your means," said Michael G. Hire, director of Camp Pendleton's Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society branch on Mainside. "This extends to giving family members extravagant gifts."
Hire urged Marines to avoid overspending and buying gifts that quickly deplete their pay.
"During this time of year, people tend to spend money they do not have, which leads to excessive debt and a long-term headache," Hire said.
"When the bill comes, instead of paying off the debt, the recipient pays the minimum fee, extending the time in debt," he added. "Eight months after the holidays, they are out of debt, just in time for the holiday season to start again."
Hire said using credit cards to avoid depleting cash funds could be dangerous. It's easy to lose track of how much you have spent.
He cited two keys to avoiding debt:
* Pay cash after all essential bills are paid.
* When cash supplies runs out, stop spending money.
Some Marines are already taking the lessons to heart.
"I plan on buying all my presents with cash because I don't like dealing with credit cards," said Pfc. Eddy R. Rudolph of 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force. "I prefer being punished in the beginning than the end because credit will definitely bite you in the end."
Many problems stemming from holiday overspending don't show up immediately. According to Jo Rilling, a financial management specialist with the Personal Services Division of Marine Corps Community Services here, most overwhelmed debtors visit her a month or two after the bills pile up.
Hire said families can avoid credit pitfalls by remembering it's the thought that counts.
"Most families want to give the best things in the world to their loved ones, but the most expensive things are not always the best things to give," he said.
Gift-giving can be something more personal and not necessarily expensive.
"Come up with a creative way to express the spirit of the holidays," Hire said.
According to Rilling, by giving something homemade over something store bought, it shows more time and thought was put into the gift .
"During the holidays, stay practical, streamline your expenses and practice charity every day of the year," Rilling said.
If debt starts piling up, Rilling recommended putting the credit cards away and paying the bills. If the debt is unmanageable, base consumers can get assistance from PSD or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Holiday debt is a recurring problem, with the best intentions often landing well-meaning Marines and sailors into trouble.
"Christmas is an emotionally driven holiday and money is emotionally driven as well, which is a dangerous combo," Rilling said.