How often have we seen signs in department stores that display: SAVE NOW - 25% OFF!!!

Many people think "Great'I can buy the clothes we need on sale and save!" Problem is most of us ending up putting the clothes on a credit card, which we all of course use frequently. While we feel we are being responsible by getting a good deal we fail to realize that the costs in the long run using credit cards far outweighs any savings we may actually be getting.

It's not something we think about?and that's the problem. We have been mindless?not mindful. Stores offer discounts on purchases to get you to open charge accounts. Every wonder why? The answer is that they make more profit off the interest and other charges than they do off the product they are selling.

Let's do the math.

The average person owes $8,000.00 on a Credit Card.

With an Interest Rate of just 18%

It will take you 47 years to pay off.

A minimum payment on a balance of $8000.00 is about 160.00 per month or $720.00 per year in interest. That's pretty pricy for pair of shoes or pants and you still has not paid down the principal balance. It's all interest!

*And that is if you make you minimum payments and are never late.

There goes any savings and the store is making the profit for years to come. That is why they always ask you to take out a credit card with them to ?save money". You don't save! They make money off you. That is how it works!

Let's face it; companies are in the business of making money. They can not support their huge overheads by saving you money. They are in the business of making money to make the share holders happy. And you are paying for it!

How do you stop making stores money?

The best way to shop is with a written plan that you have thought out and use funds that you have saved to make the purchase. The use of a plan and goal orientated spending (the goal being to save money) is the best way for debt management of your money. Also this will help prevent impulse buying as other items are not part of the ?plan".

The logic behind this is simple. If you think about your purchases ahead of time and do a little research into what you are buying, you become a smarter consumer. The stores do not want smart consumers who save money. They want impulse buyers who spend beyond their income and get into debt with Credit Cards.

That way no matter what else you shop, they are going to make the interest from past purchases off of you for years to come. Think about it. You are now locked into paying interest for years on a purchase to their store. This is a great deal for the store, but bad for you.

Consumer Research and Planning

Planning and goals are different for each person based on many factors in their lives. But without a plan and goal you will be lost in debt and companies will take advantage of you. Look around your home at some of your purchases. More to the point look in the closets and drawers and storage areas in your home and think about all the money you could have saved if you did not buy those unused items.

I invite you to begin today to change your attitude, change your finances, then your life to experience prosperity, peace of mind, and living a ?cash only" lifestyle. Can you imagine that?!! It starts with planning and goals that fit your needs.

Christian One, Inc. is a national, non-profit Christian organization dedicated to helping consumers achieve financial wellness through Christian . Established in 1994, has helped over two million individuals achieve financial security. Christian One is one of the top members of the American Association of Organizations (AADMO), Christian One manages clients across the country. Personalized and confidential consultations are available in person, by phone or online. Visit Christian One or call 888-767-9155.

Greg McTaggart, Certified with 22 years experience, licensed by AFCPE, Director of Christian One and is an expert in budget and Christian . Having the combined experience as a licensed Real-estate salesman, Mortgage Broker, Real-estate Broker, Notary, Ace Member of the Cincinnati Executives, Mortgage Assistance and Spokesperson of the radio talk show The Money Mentor, Greg McTaggart is a qualified Christian to help you.