Holiday season wallets may tighten this year, short term loans serve as alternative

According to a report by Bloomberg, October consumer spending was less than projections had expected. Although American wages increased significantly for the first time in more than half a year, consumers tended to increase their savings, instead of purchasing items. Based on Bloomberg economists' projections, consumer spending would increase 0.3 percent during October, following a 0.7 percent increase the month prior. The actual figure showed an increase of merely 0.1 percent, as incomes climbed 0.4 percent. "It will probably be a lukewarm holiday season," Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist for JPMorgan Chase in New York, told Bloomberg BusinessWeek. "We are not hearing anecdotes of a major pullback, nor does it look like consumers are accelerating their spending." Individuals that are strapped for cash this holiday season and hesitant to further increase credit card debt can turn to short term loan solutions. Without breaking the bank, short-term solutions can be a safe alternative to opening up another credit card that may ultimately hinder a consumer's ability to pay debt further.