There absolutely is a better way.

• Position: Holiday Spending - Shopping and saving tips - Brief article

It seems to happen every year--no matter what we budget, many of us get caught up in the holiday spirit and end up spending more money than we really can afford to. Savings specialist and New York Times best-selling author Pamela Yellen (Bank on Yourself. The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future) offers insight on how to avoid debt-induced stress during this time of year:

* People paying with cash spend 20% less without feeling deprived, according to research by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

* Ask yourself why you want to buy something--whether that something is for yourself or as a gift. You may realize that you are being manipulated...