How to reduce financial stress ahead of holiday shopping season (includes video story)

Many Americans worry about juggling costs and financial strains as they get ready for the holiday shopping season.

Some of this stress is linked to paying off credit card debt and the reduction of emergency reserves due to inflation and growing expenses.

However, financial experts recommend saving up extra money and limiting small everyday purchases to a minimum ahead of the holiday season.

“Enjoy the holidays without dipping into savings or adding credit card debt,” says Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst.

Sara Mercedes is an International Business Administration senior working toward obtaining a position in a global news organization by integrating the communications and media skills she obtained at CARTA with knowledge from her business degree. Her dream would be to land a job in a destination she has not lived in before, like South Africa or Los Angeles. She spends her free time trying new things, preferably outside her comfort zone, be it a sport or intellectual field.