The survey found that while holiday shopping inspires positive emotions like excitement, over half of consumers also feel negative emotions like stress and anxiety. Many feel stressed about finances during the holidays and that shopping puts a strain on their budget. Consumers tend to spend more than planned, with only 10% coming in under budget. While shoppers have saved half of what they need for gifts, they expect to charge a quarter of spending to credit cards. Looking to 2016, top resolutions are paying off credit cards and paying balances in full each month.
Survey methodology
The data points referenced above come from a study commissioned by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company, produced by research firm Edelman Berland and conducted as an online survey of n=1,035 adults nationwide, ages 18+. Interviewing took place from October 28 - November 3, 2015. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent.