This is the time of year that many people fall prey to the temptation to overspend, whipping out their credit cards to make up the difference between what the budget says they can buy and what they'd prefer to purchase. In the heat of the spending moment, it can be all too easy to rack up debt that will certainly put a damper on the New Year when the bills start rolling in and coming due. Far better to apply simple, yet effective, strategies to keep holiday spending under control.

One of the most effective means of not increasing credit card debt beyond what is manageable while shopping for the holidays is to simply leave the credit cards at home. If the credit cards are not on your person, then you can't on the spot decide to go over budget. Unless you're willing to go through the effort of going home, retrieving the card, and coming back, you're just going to have to stick to the budget plan.

While using cash is one of the best ways psychologically to keep spending in check, as you really see the amount you are spending, a debit card is the next best choice. That's because when using it to make point of purchase transactions or AMT withdrawals, you can't spend or take out more than you have. Of course, that does come with the risk of breaking into other budgeted money, such as the bill money you have in your checking account, but it is still safer than the credit card, as spending is somewhat limited.

Making a list prior to shopping is a good way to keep a handle on how much you are spending. Taking the time to really think about a gift that will please a particular person lessens the chance of a pricey item sitting in a closet in the box it came in, until it is re-gifted to someone else, or taking up space on a shelf collecting dust. With so many retailers having an on-line presence, it is easy to look up items and prices to make a detailed list. That will also serve to make your shopping much more efficient, and you'll appreciate being able to get out of crowded stores that much easier and faster.

Reducing your overall holiday spending can also serve to keep credit card debt under control. Investing a little time, effort, and creativity into your gift giving can result not only in significant savings, but also in gifts that will be a real pleasure to receive. Gift baskets, for example, are an economical gift to give and and enjoyable gift to receive, as they are easily personalized and able to be created to perfectly match individual taste.

There are times that taking on a little debt during the holiday season may fall into what could be considered the necessary category. If that is the case, then be smart about how much you spend and how you finance it. Payday loans, for example, may be the right solution in a limited set of circumstances. However, if the debt is not going to be able to be paid within that very short period of time, a payday type loan can end up being excessively expensive. Other credit options, such as a personal loan, may be worth considering, particularly if the rate of interest is going to be lower than that of the credit card. Credit card purchases that can be paid off in full when the bill comes are best. If, however, the debt is going to be carried, it is better to pay as much as possible off each month, rather than just the minimum. That way, the amount of money spent on interest is reduced.

The joy and promise of the New Year is all too often spoiled by the pressure of the holiday spending bills that start to come due. Rather than start the New Year by worrying about holiday spending credit card debt, use good planning and effective strategies to keep that spending under control, which will reduce stress and increase fiscal health in the year to come.