About 38% of Americans anticipate paying off holiday credit card bills within the first month, however industry data shows it usually takes four months. Thirty-six percent of consumers say they will give either cash or checks as gifts this holiday season. The findings come from a survey conducted by American Bankers Association of 1,000 consumers. The ABA says 43% of consumers do not plan on preparing a holiday budget. The survey shows that only 22% of consumers report such plans while 33% have already budgeted for holiday shopping. The ABA offered some tips including: review your receipts and bills from last year to give you an idea of the amount you spent and how long it took to pay for it all; create a spending plan; build a financial cushion; add up your expenditures two weeks before the actual holiday; shop with companies you know; and keep track of your purchases.