Capital One Survey Reveals Holiday Shoppers Are Buying With Cash Or Debit

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new year, a new financial outlook. What better way to end 2012 and kick off 2013 than by having an action plan to get your savings in high gear and build that nest egg you've longed for as much as getting into your skinny jeans. According to the fourth annual holiday shopping survey from ING DIRECT (to be rebranded Capital One 360 in 2013), Americans are looking to cross one New Year's resolution off their lists by being cash conscious with their holiday shopping. More than three out of four Americans are purchasing gifts with cash or a debit card this year and more than three out of five (63 percent) Americans are spending the same on holiday gifts as they did last year.

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Fattening up your Wallet in 2013

As the time honored tradition of making aspirational resolutions approaches, 70 percent of Americans ages 18 to 34, say they will start saving more when the calendar turns to welcome the New Year. Overall, nearly half (49 percent) of respondents are going to kick-start savings plans.

"This year's holiday shopper is taking the smartest approach to gift buying by sticking to what they can afford and positioning themselves for a worry-free start to 2013," said Jim Kelly, Head of Direct Bank, Capital One. "Even better, people are making their financial resolutions before or during the shopping season. Recognizing the invaluable benefits of proper budgeting is critical and by focusing on savings, consumers can boast a fresh slate and achieve the financial freedom they resolve to achieve in the New Year."

According to respondents who are making financial resolutions, 38 percent plan on investing more for retirement and 33 percent will reduce or eliminate credit card debt in 2013. The Orange Savings Account ^SM and Kids Savings Account have tools that help Customers plan and save for such goals:

• My Savings Goals:  Customers can easily articulate their New Year's saving aspirations by creating customized nicknames for each goal they set up.
• Automatic Savings Plan:  Set it and forget it. Customers can maximize their savings by having a fixed amount of money regularly transferred to any of their accounts.

With a positive savings forecast for 2013, 73 percent of Americans are planning on saving more than in previous years. In addition, 60 percent will start the year debt-free from the holiday spending season. By focusing on spending less and building up an emergency fund, the year ahead for these savvy Americans should make their next twelve months comfortable and financially sound.

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