Eight Tips To Help You Control Holiday Spending

It can be easy to go overboard on holiday shopping.

But with some planning and budgeting, celebrating doesn't have to vacuum up all your cash or leave you maxed on your credit cards. Use these practical tips to ensure you stay on budget for the new year, rather than getting wrapped up in holiday spending.

Don't let your debt become the Grinch that robs the fun from your holiday season. Base your gift buying on sentiment rather than dollar value and avoid giving yourself a year-round debt headache. If you can follow these tips, when your holiday bank and credit card statements arrive in the New Year, you'll sing "Joy to the World" all over again.

Here are eight specific actions to control your holiday spending.