Bagging Bargains on a Budget

Local shoppers were up and out early this morning trying to bag bargains, but they were also hoping to manage their money so they won’t end up in deep debt. While watching others spend, Robert Burke recalled how he controlled his spending saying, “the way to stay out of debt is to not debt. Then, if you still are in debt, you set people up on a plan and eventually you get out of debt. It’s worked for me.”

Others said they were not going to be impulse shoppers. “I have a plan. Absolutely, I have a plan, I’ve got a kid in college, another kid going to college and we have our own business. We can’t run outta cash,” said Kathryn Imani of Solvang.

One shopper Barbara McFadden said she is paying cash, “because I don’t want to have anything on my credit card after Christmas.” She also says those who use their plastic too often, “I think they’re paying for it all year then.” A shopper who was loaded with gifts said he is still watching his bottom line.

“Budgeting, yes. Definitely budgeting,” said David James. He also said, however, it’s been a better year.

KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story.