Can you be sure of your household budget when the US government can't agree on theirs? Not really.

If you're family is like mine, you are looking at the holiday budget and wondering how to cut costs this year. The fact that even for those of us who are employed our earnings may be shrinking is a worry. Fuel and food cost more this year. Our taxes are going up on every level – state, school and federal. Home heating and gas for the car are still high priced and unpredictable. We worry about this stagnant economy and how that may change our lives even more next year? That’s how the greater economy weighs on each of us.

So as I read about the Federal budget mess again this morning, I also found notes in my inbox from non-profits who help folks sort out their own credit issues. There they were great reminders of how not to overspend.

“It is important for consumers to shop with their heads, not their hearts,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. “Preparing in advance will help you stick to your budget, in spite of the decorations, carols and Santa himself beckoning you to spend.”

Here’s my take on some tips Gail shared with us:

• Beware of special credit card offers – Issuers are tempting consumers by offering incentives such as no interest balance transfers, extra perks by meeting certain spending levels, and increased cash back in specified categories.  However, no deal is a good deal if you can’t afford it.  
 
• Reality Check: Know what you currently owe. Review all existing debt obligations. Tally what you’ve already spent and committed to repay. This may put a temporary damper on your holiday mood, but that’s better than digging the financial hole even deeper.
     
• Create a plan – Santa made a list and checked it twice. Do the same with the gift/product name, store and price in front of you (and clip special coupons to your list).  Stick to it! And, if you can, enlist an accountability partner to keep an eye on you! Plan ahead to save time, money and gas.     
• Check out editorial gift guides where editors may have cut through the clutter of products for you. Some have reviews. Here's one from Working Mother that might help. 
25 Perfect gifts... 
• Research the best deals.  Look for products online first. Should you order or is there a better deal at the store?  Is there an online promo code available or a printable coupon? (Promo code info here).
• Time out! Be aware of time restrictions (like "doorbusters" or "midnight madness"), as some prices may only apply during certain times of day. 
• Once the actual shopping begins, go directly to the store which has your item you want.

Here’s one you might not have thought of:

Use one credit card: Spreading purchases across multiple cards makes you feel as though you’re charging less and can trick you into overspending. But wait til it adds up! Designate one card for holiday spending, and remove all others from your wallet. This will not only help you stay within your budget, but will also lessen the damage if you wallet is lost or stolen! Or better yet, use cash only!

Of course, you can forget the wrapped packages all together and write a check to charity instead (or fill our a credit charge online or text a donation). Either way, you can still get the joy of giving!