Do not run up unreasonable debt.

• Position: Christmas Shopping

The holidays are a time to be generous, particularly to children and charity, but there is no requirement that you have to enter or deepen debt that you will be paying off for months and possibly years, advises the Financial Planning Association, Denver, Colo. It is best to:

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Set a budget. Obviously if you have credit card debt, you do not want to elevate those numbers. Decide on an amount you will not exceed and start setting aside cash in an account to cover it.

Make a new gift policy with adult friends and family. Does everyone on your list over the age of 21 really need a present? The answer is as individual as your family and friends but, if you think it might be welcome, make a suggestion for a gift drawing, a budget limit, a moratorium on gifts, or some other alternative where you trade off gifts for quality time.

Go debit. Debit cards wearing a bankcard logo typically are welcome at most stores where credit cards are accepted. This way, you pay cash without carrying cash.

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Create a year-round Christmas shopping list. With a budget figure in mind, start jotting down items when your kids or other friends and family members mention something they want, and keep...