A good Christmas

I think I was able to provide the best Christmas in years to my children and granchildren this year. And I was able to do it without depending on credit cards. I can't imagine owing a lot of debt after Christmas. I tend to think that would make Christmas very sad for me and also for those I gave gifts to.

Yet, I know not everyone came away from Christmas without debt. And I understand that for some, if it weren't for plastic, there'd have been no Christmas in their house. If you're going to use credit cards then you should at least compare credit cards so you know you're getting the best deal on interest and terms. You should also make an agreement with yourself to pay the debt in full as soon as possible instead of only making the minimum payments each month.

If you do your homework, you might even be able to get 0% balance transfers so that you can get your debt under better control. In this manner, you can transfer your balance to the 0% card, pay off that debt, and be in the clear much quicker.

In any case, use your credit wisely. It's awfully easy to go overboard and be up to your ears in credit card debt if you're not very careful.