Make a List. Check It Twice.

• Position: Shopping

Three steps can help you avoid piling up credit card debt during the holiday shopping season. advises Elizabeth Kiss, an extension specialist in the department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. "Make a plan, set limits, and keep track of what you're doing. Decide how much you can afford. It's especially good to let the entire family know there will be one or two big things and the rest may be smaller."

Kiss says purchasing expensive gifts may not be necessary for everyone on your list. "Think carefully about who you need to buy a gift for and what's expected. Does a person really want a gift or would they actually prefer to spend time with you. maybe have a dinner or something like that?"

Part of the plan can include a gift shopping strategy. "Make a shopping trip and then make a buying trip. Look around: see what's out there: and check prices. Don't take cash, credit cards, or the checkbook with you. You can also do this with catalogs and online. Then you can make a list and go out and buy things"

Remember, too, that gifts are only one part of holiday spending. "A detailed plan gets people to think about more than just gifts.

There are cards, gift wrapping, postage, decorations, holiday meals, parties, and travel."

A survey by the...