 TITLE: Last-Minute Online Shopping Tips for the Holidays CONTENT: Keep Your Budget in Mind\n------------------------\nBetween decorations, flights, food and gifts, many people break the bank with holiday spending. When you're making your holiday purchases last minute, you might be tempted to throw all budget constraints out the window—especially if you're using plastic.\nWhile using a credit card might help you get through the holidays, remember that you'll still have to deal with the damage. Increasing your credit card balances can hurt your credit scores. Plus, you'll be charged interest on anything you don't pay off within 30 days.\nIf you can't pay off credit card purchases right away, or buy gifts with cash, consider budget-friendly alternatives for the holiday. Your friends and family might be just as happy to receive a thoughtful hand-made gift, a printed photograph, an offer to babysit, or even a greeting card as they would be to receive an expensive gift that puts a strain on your budget. END