Every year people vow to not overspend, every year they do. Every January and February they wake up with an aching head over their huge credit card bills. Many people take until the next year to pay this debt off. What do you do?

Well, the good news is that there are three things you can do that can either reduce or remove the credit card hangover. The first is simple but hard to do - don't use your credit card to buy Christmas presents, use available cash.

No credit card, no debt buildup. Obviously there are problems with this approach, one being not enough cash, or Christmas aspirations beyond what the cash will allow. The second strategy is pretty straight forward, and it isn't difficult, but you would be surprised to know how many people don't do it. That is, figure out what you want to buy first! Make a list, check it twice, then check to see if you can really afford it, make an estimate of what that list will cost. Compare prices! Buy items on sale! Don't buy more that what is on your list. Doesn't sound that hard, but in the moment it is easy to forget. The third strategy is to buy many items of one thing. For example, buy every child over 12 years old a movie pass. This reduces time shopping, limits expenses to a known cost. It doesn't have to be gift certificates, it could be baskets, photos, whatever you decide. Giving does not have to be painful ... it can be fun, happy and hangover free!

Happy shopping! Merry Christmas!