National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Gathering to watch a sporting event should be a time to enjoy the company of friends and family without creating new financial worries.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 28, 2015
The date is set and the players are ready to take the field, but the 184 million people expected to watch the Super Bowl are in danger of some super spending. Football fans are expected to shatter records by spending over $14 billion this year, stockpiling party supplies and team merchandise in the days leading up to the highly anticipated contest between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
“Each year the Super Bowl fuels a surge in consumer spending” said Bruce McClary, spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC). “Some people are prepared to make sound financial decisions while others run the risk of overspending when buying on impulse.”
To help make this year’s bowl experience truly super, here are some tips that can lead to a big win for savings.
Food and Beverage: Nearly 80% of adults participating in a recent survey by the National Retail Federation plan to purchase drinks and snacks for the game this year. When hosting a party, save money by supplying the basics while asking guests to bring their favorite premium drinks and snacks. Use coupons when grocery shopping, and prepare fresh food instead of ordering delivery or takeout during the game.
Decorations and Team Clothing: As game day approaches, discounts in this category can be hard to find. Save the most on decorations by going generic or recycling items from prior celebrations. Instead of buying a new official team jersey for about $100, look for a more affordable t-shirt or a used logo item. Some stores offer the deepest discounts on clothing that features recently traded or lesser-known players.
Television and Cable: As crazy as it may seem, there are those who wait until hours before kickoff to buy a new television. Others subscribe to costly cable and satellite packages just in time to take advantage of game day programming. There may be some good discounts available for comparison shoppers and those who can spend within their budget, but purchases made in haste or without regard to financial resources can end badly. To get the big screen experience without the hefty price tag, attend someone else’s party or find a public venue where the game can be viewed for free.
“Gathering to watch a sporting event should be a time to enjoy the company of friends and family without creating new financial worries”, McClary adds. “There are a number of penalties that can occur during a football game, but overspending and excessive use of credit shouldn't be ones that cause consumers to lose yardage in pursuit of financial goals.”
For help with credit card debt or other budget concerns, speak to a trained and certified counselor. To locate the NFCC Member Agency closest to you, dial (800) 388-2227, or go online to http://www.nfcc.org. For assistance in Spanish, call (800) 682-9832.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit financial counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help millions of consumers through more than 600 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit http://www.nfcc.org.