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It is very exciting to spend money for the holidays. While you are spending it is very easy to forget about budgets, future expenses and even the debt that you have accrued already. In order to keep you financial priorities in tact you will have to keep eight things in mind. One set your limits; by setting your limits you are fair warning family about unrealistic expectations of presents that they will not receive. Children love Christmas time, because they assume that they will receive toys and money that they have been looking for all year round. So in order to keep family and friends aware of what they are to expect and what you are contemplating as a gift for the holidays. Setting limits to the amount of money you will be spending is a great way to start. Let family know that there will be a specific amount that you will spend and nothing more; and that you are looking forward to anything more or even not looking for any presents at all. The second way is to set goals for your credit card. It may seem very important right now to spend outrageously for the holidays, but the things you buy and the memories you have will all be a figment of your imagination after you spend your money and end up in debt for the new year; so if you have credit cards that you have not used; don’t waste time using them save them so you will not end up in debt. The third way is to leave your credit cards at home and use cash. Using cash is just one way for you to remain debt free. The fourth way is if you are using a credit card that has points in order for you to accrue points that will be turned into cash. The fifth way to stay debt-free during the holidays is to try and pay off your credit card balances even if you are not required to make payments right now; make payments as soon as possible in order for you to not have incurred expensive over-limit fees. Another way to remain debt-free is to plan with your spouse. Planning with your spouse is helpful, because it helps you to have control and knowledge about what you are spending for educational purposes or necessity. One of the most important things is to inform you children of the things that you or (Santa) can afford. The final thing is to use stocking stuffers that are not too expensive so that you can remain debt-free.

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