Some shoppers may be loosening their financial belts a bit this holiday season, but ongoing economic turbulence continues to motivate many to insist on getting a bigger bang for their buck, Consumer Reports says.
According to its latest holiday shopping poll, about one in three Americans plan to spend less this holiday season, down from 42 percent in 2008.
“Consumers are optimistic, but they don’t necessarily believe that happy days are here again,” says Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor.Â
Credit is tight, unemployment remains high, the value of their homes has dropped and many Americans are facing the prospect of higher taxes of all levels,” said “So while it’s a bit surprising that some plan to spend somewhat more than last year, the fact is they’re insisting on value, value, value.”Â
In a previous poll conducted by Consumer Reports at the conclusion of the last holiday shopping season, shoppers estimated they spent on average $811 – 16 percent higher than what they had planned.Â
The majority of those recently surveyed plan to use cash as often and about four in ten will cut back on credit and debit card spending. That’s probably a good thing.  In 2009, Americans who paid with credit cards charged more than they anticipated- $180 more on average.
