Winston-Salem, NC- During the coming holiday season, more people than ever will be coping with job loss, cutbacks, foreclosures and other challenges. As they struggle to meet basic expenses, they wonder how they'll be able to manage their holiday gift lists.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) wants to help consumers reduce the stress associated with holiday gift-giving. Following are some useful tips on how to spend wisely without foregoing the pleasure of giving:

• Review last year's spending. Look over every purchase made for the holidays. Decide which items were frivolous and unnecessary, and delete them from this year's list.

• Make a gift list. Determine who will receive a present this year. Next to each name, write a specific amount to be spent on the person. Attempt to reduce the amount spent last year.

• Create a firm budget. Combine all holiday shopping, including: food, clothing, gifts, wrapping paper, bows and cards, onto one list. Write a dollar amount next to each item to create a total holiday shopping budget. Once deciding the spending limit, do not increase it under any circumstances.

• Make a plan to use cash for all purchases. One way to curb additional spending is to avoid using credit cards. By paying for all holiday output in cash, you will find it easier to stick to your holiday budget.

• Do not apply for new store credit cards. As tempting as store credit may be, it will deplete the holiday budget fast. Tell the cashier "No, thanks" when asked if you would like to save 15 percent on holiday purchases with a store credit card.

• Clip coupons. The holidays are the best time to shop for bargains. Local newspapers are brimming with coupons that advertise in-store deals. Take advantage of Sunday newspaper coupons to save big during the holidays.

• To reduce your holiday budget, use any unspent gift cards you've received to buy presents and holiday items.

• Barter for gifts or services. There are many online resources available to help facilitate bartering. Local contacts or groups involved in bartering may also be available.

• Comparison shopping can save bundles, and many stores will honor competitors' prices.

• If shopping locally, don't forget to check out discount and dollar stores, garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets. It's not uncommon to find new or nearly-new items for a reasonable price.

• Re-gifting and trading parties have become popular trends. Invite friends to bring over items that they no longer want, and have a trade session. During the trade session, remember that the idea is to "shop" for items that will be given to someone else.

• If video games or game consoles are on the shopping list, try shopping at play-and-trade stores. Games and equipment there are generally tested for defects and come with limited warranties

• Baked goods and handmade items make wonderful gifts. Combine the two by creating a handmade recipe book for your recipient.

For more information about budgeting and other topics, visit www.cccsforsyth.org, or call Kathy Banks, 336-896-1191.

About CCCS

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Forsyth County Inc. (CCCS) was established in Winston-Salem in 1972 as a non-profit educational organization to help families build wealth, achieve financial self-sufficiency, attain financial stability, and handle financial crises. CCCS offers its services to the community through the Financial Management & Debt Counseling Program, the Center for Home Ownership, the Homebuyer Education Center, the Center for Financial Education, and Senior Financial Care® Program. CCCS partners with families, schools, religious organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other non-profits, serving residents of Forsyth and surrounding counties from offices in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Jefferson, Mocksville, and Yadkinville. More information is available at www.cccsforsyth.org.

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