The holiday season is a great time of the year. We see thousands of people (including ourselves) buying gifts for every important person in their lives.

Unfortunately, though, many people have trouble this time of year with purchasing those gifts. The Christmas season is notorious for turning many a shopper into a charge-a-holic.

The increasing use of credit leads many people into debt, and once the bills come around after the New Year, some have trouble paying those sizable bills.

If you have problems staying out of financial trouble, here are a few suggestions you can take heed of when strolling through the malls and shops during the holiday season:

Just like Santa, make a list and check it twice. Make yourself a complete list of what you will be buying your friends and family this year. Use that list to shop, and don’t add to it once you make it to the mall. This will keep you from making those impulse purchases that can get you in trouble.

Do some of your shopping ahead of time. Look around for sales and bargains. Also, many retailers have extensive shop-by-mail and Internet catalogs which are oftentimes cheaper and quicker than doing it the old-fashioned way. This also will keep you from spending too much time, and eventually money, when you get to the store.

Use cash whenever possible. It’s very easy to use plastic when making those countless purchases. Budget yourself an amount of cash for gifts and don’t go over that amount. If you have to use credit, use it sparingly and remember that you will have to pay for it after the first of the year.

You can buy nice gifts for your family and friends this year without having to take out a loan to pay off your bills. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.