Enrollment Season
Holiday Spending Traps to Watch
Holiday money traps, from store cards and zero-interest offers to shopping scams, sorted by how common they are and what they cost.
The sheet in words
Up is costs more (when it goes wrong); down is costs less (usually). Left is less common (happens to fewer people); right is very common (most shoppers see it).
Skipping Bills for Gifts
Late fees, shutoffs, credit damage
Store Credit Cards
0% offers can add back-dated interest
Retail 0% for 12 Months
Miss the payoff date, owe the interest
Holiday Shopping Scams
Gift card-only payment? Likely a scam
Buy Now, Pay Later
0% if on time, late fees if not
Travel on Credit Card
Carried balance: 22.36% avg interest
Gift Overspending
Small buys that add up fast
Read the fine print on every "no interest" offer.
Sourced figures checked October 2026.
Sources
Placements are general and qualitative. Credit card rate is the Federal Reserve G.19 average for accounts charged interest, Aug 2026 (22.36%); yours may differ. Deferred interest and buy now, pay later terms vary by lender, so read the offer. FTC: a seller that only takes gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or crypto is probably a scam; paying by credit card gives you dispute rights. Education only, not investment, tax or legal advice. Sony Ho, Licensed Life Insurance Agent, NPN 18171750 · wealthprohi.com/check
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