(KAIR)--With the stress the holiday season brings, it's understandable that some people can get caught up in finding that perfect gift for everyone they know, and, in the process, spend way too much money. K-State Extension Specialist Elizabeth Kiss says that when you shopping for those gifts, it is best that you review where you are at in the buying process before you shop. Also, making a list helps you keep track of who you have already bought a gift for and who still needs one. This way, you don't overspend by buying something for someone that already has a gift from you.

Kiss also says that while most people do use a credit card when holiday shopping, it is by no means an ideal method of payment. While they can be useful because they are safer to carry than cash, and it is easy to keep track of transactions, there is also the possibility that you will get a large shock when you open the bill in January.

If you do find that you went way over your budget when the bills come in January, there is something you can do to help to help counter the excess spending. Kiss recommends that instead of buying a lot of groceries in January, you could eat from the stockpile in your pantry. By doing this, you can use the money you would have normally spent on food in January to help pay off December credit card bills.

She also recommends that if you shop with cash, to put the amount of cash you are willing to spend in an envelope when you shop. When the envelope is empty, you should stop shopping.