It's easy to go over your budget shopping this time of year. Experts say it's good to have a holiday budget and stick to it.
WINSTON-SALEM -- It's easy to get over-extended this time of year. People get caught up in the spirit of giving, trying to get presents for everyone on their Christmas list.
"We want to give wonderful gifts to all of our loved ones," said Kathy Banks, spokeswomen with the Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Winston-Salem. "We don't want to stop often and think about how much we're spending."
But that can lead to trouble after Christmas, and that's when CCCS sees a jump in calls.
"The average debt overall for clients coming into CCCS is about $2,400 on credit cards," said Banks, "and of course folks go up to [$30,000] or $40,000."
The best plan is to not use credit to fund Christmas. There's a reminder of that point in the CCCS lobby: a vase of cut up credit cards next to a poinsettia.
"Make a list and check it twice," said CCCS counselor David Roddick. "The idea is having a list, know where you're going to shop, know your budget limit, and try not to spend over the limit."
The shoppers News 14 Carolina talked to at a northern Winston-Salem shopping store say they are pretty much following that advice.
"We always have a budget and we stick to it," said one shopper. Another said she had a list but admitted, "it sort of expands as the month goes on."
"Christmas is a lot more rewarding if when it's over we don't have a great deal of debt that we have to reckon with," said Banks.
If you want some help controlling your Christmas spending -- or paying it off afterwards -- call your local Consumer Credit Counseling Service for advice.