Last Minute Shopping...or Reckless Spending?; Consumers Warned to
Avoid Budget Busting Impulse Buys Triggered by Last Minute Shopping

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2005--According to Family Credit
Counseling Service's (FCCS) annual Financial Stress Survey of over
1500 consumers with credit card debt, 61% of individuals plan to spend
less on holiday gifts this year.


"As you can see from our survey, when consumers are rational, they
plan to spend less. The last minute is the most dangerous time because
we are rushed. Some of us may feel guilty about not spending as much
as our emotions want. Or we simply have less time to put thought into
a budget-conscious gift," says Michael McAuliffe, president of Family
Credit Counseling Service.

The stress caused by last minute shopping may cause some to justify
additional spending, but the experts at FCCS urge consumers to stick
to their original holiday budget. Many retailers are offering special
incentives to those who have not finished their Christmas shopping, so
don't be afraid to browse through the sale sections. Just remember
that sales can also be budget busters if the items are not on your
shopping list or don't fit into your budget.

For more holiday spending tips, general debt statistics, and/or
additional great holiday suggestions, contact Family Credit Counseling
Service at 800-994-3328 or visit www.familycredit.org.

About Family Credit Counseling Service:

Family Credit Counseling Service (FCCS) is a non-profit organization
providing an alternative for those seeking financial assistance. FCCS
is one of the largest consumer credit counseling agencies and has been
assisting consumers throughout the country for over 10 years. FCCS'
mission is to reduce the stress in consumers' lives through education,
budget counseling and debt management. For more information or to
obtain a copy of the 2005 Annual Financial Stress Survey, call
1-800-994-3328 ext. 108 or visit http://www.familycredit.org or
http://www.teachmeaboutcredit.org.