Make It Through Holidays Debt-Free

Freeze the credit card: Credit cards can make buying easy, but they can also make racking up debt just as easy. Do what you need to make sure you don't use your credit card if you already have debt on it. Hide it in the back of your desk drawer, lock it in the safety deposit box at the bank or even dump it into a container of water and place it in your freezer. While these efforts might seem extreme now, it will be worth it when Jan. 1 comes around and there is no additional debt on your credit card to pay down. If you don't carry a balance on your credit card, make sure you don't use it unless you have the money to pay it off in full when the bill comes.

Don't get sucked in: This is the season when stores make most of their money, and they will pull out all the tricks to succeed. They will try to lure you with all kinds of special deals that will make you look twice. What you want to remember is that if you weren't planning to buy it, then it isn't a deal no matter how inexpensive it may seem. Sticking to your list and passing on all those deals no matter how good they may appear will do wonders for your wallet.

Buy gifts that give back: When you buy gifts this year, spend it on those that will end up saving money in the long run. For example, if your kids love their electronic games and go through batteries like water in the desert, then a rechargeable battery pack may be a perfect gift. It allows them to play their games as much as they want, and you aren't running to the store to buy new batteries every week.

Surprise your spouse with a new energy-efficient appliance or a set of tools for do-it-yourself jobs around the house. While you may have to spend some money upfront, the gift will end up saving you money in the long run.