The big discount battle is imminent and has even started in some places. But there are pitfalls.
In times of lockdown in particular, online trading is experiencing a high-rise. Especially in the run-up to Christmas or around “Black Friday”, there are special offers, installment purchases and promotions based on the motto “Order now, pay later”. Some people would lose track of their budget and fall into the debt trap, warns Christian Neumayer, managing director of the debt counseling service in Vienna.
“Especially when shopping on the Internet, where goods can be ordered with just a few clicks, it is all too easy for many people to lose track of their expenses.
The supposed bargain, possibly even “on credit”, could quickly become very expensive if there was a delay in payment with the resulting reminder fees, interest on arrears, collection fees and more, explains Neumayer. “We have been observing for years that, especially at the beginning of the year, people are increasingly looking for help with debt counseling because they have taken over financially before the holidays and are overwhelmed with the payments that arise later. It is important to prevent the bailiff from after the Christ Child stands in front of the door. “
Neumayer recommends setting a fixed budget for Christmas shopping and planning the purchases carefully in advance.
