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How to avoid overspending on festive shopping sales

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Newly-arrived packages from Amazon outside Kristen ContiÕs home in Englewood, Fla., on Nov. 21, 2025. Conti sought help after spending more than $1,000 on Labubu dolls and Christmas decorations. She has over $50,000 in credit card debt. (Zack Wittman/The New York Times)

Packages from Amazon outside Ms Kristen Conti's home. She is seeking help for her overspending which resulted in a US$50,000 (S$64,800) credit card debt.

PHOTO: ZACK WITTMAN/NYTIMES

Connie Chang and Juli Fraga

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Holiday sales can put real estate agent Kristen Conti in a good mood. Whether it’s a bargain on home decor, designer shoes or a new purse, she said shopping makes her feel happy and alive.

“Black Friday is a killer for me – it’s like my Super Bowl,” she said.

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