Avoiding credit card debt this holiday

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The season of spending is here--which for some--brings an onslaught of financial stress. Every year, shoppers are warned about what can happen if they go too far with their gift-giving.

Steve Curylo of Chicopee knows firsthand. "I maxed out a couple of times, some years ago, and it wasn't a good scene", said Curylo.

Holiday debt is something many end up paying for later. But there are things you can do to keep yourself in-check.

Before you head to the store, and start working on that Christmas list, make sure you set a budget for yourself--and stick it it. Don't wait until the New Year to see if you stayed within your limit.

Also, be cautious of those store credit cards they offer you at check-out. "The positive that they try to sell you on at the register, is that you can get 10 or 15% off right away... and that is very enticing", says credit card expert Beverly Harzog. But shoppers should read the card agreement first, and make sure to find out what the interest rate is. If you don't plan on pay ing off your balance right away, high interest rates can run you into trouble.

On the other hand, if you don't want to take on another charge card, you can always save with coupons. That's how Lisa Sebastyn of Granby likes to shop. "They always have coupons in the paper. You just have to mix and match and see if it works for your family, for your friends, the kids in your life... and you just go from there", said Sebastyn.