Making a holiday shopping plan before you hit the stores for "Black Friday" and other holiday sales this week will save headaches down the road.
Gail Cunningham of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling says if you tend to overspend, find a buddy to go with you. She says you don't have to air your financial life with them though. Consider just saying you are making an early New Year's resolution to be more financially responsible.
You should shop around for the best price, through sale fliers and on-line before you leave home. Make a gift and budget list and consider layaway. Credit can seem easy to use, but becomes a burden when the bill is still around next year.
