HERE'S SOME TIPS TO HELP AVOID OVERSPENDING ON HOLIDAY GIFTS THIS YEAR.

THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO TO STAY WITHIN BUDGET IS TO GET ORGANIZED SAYS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION CONSUMER ECONOMICS EDUCATOR KATHY SWEEDLER.

SWEEDLER ALSO SUGGESTS BUYING GROUP GIFTS FOR A FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD INSTEAD OF SEVERAL INDIVIDUAL GIFTS AND ADVISES AGAINST TAKING OUT A VEHICLE TITLE OR PAYDAY LOAN TO PURCHASE PRESENTS SINCE FEES AND INTEREST RATES ARE USUALLY QUITE HIGH.

SWEEDLER ALSO RECOMMENDS KEEPING ALL YOUR RECEIPTS AND REVIEWING WHAT YOU SPENT SO YOU CAN PLAN NOW FOR NEXT YEAR.