Impulse buying and overspending this December might leave you with a holiday hangover

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The holidays are pretty much over, and there is a good chance you have a headache from over-indulging -- not on booze, but your wallet!

With the holiday spirit in the air, those deep discounts and that perfect gift you just have to have, it's a recipe for overspending.

"It is easy to do but you have to be conscious of it," said Lyn Litschauer, shopper.

Retails experts say the average American family planned to spend more than $1,100 over the holiday season and nearly 2/3 admitted that the total will include some impulse purchases.

Barbara Zaffrio didn't do that. She works with a budget and sticks to it.

"I try to find the best deal for the best buck," said Zaffrio.

More Americans use credit cards to purchase gifts in November and December than any other month.

"First and foremost is to stop charging. Put those credit cards away potentially even close some of those out," said Jim Henderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Educators Credit Union.

Henderson with Educators Credit Union suggests shoppers try to cut out using credit cards altogether. He said it's best for shoppers to be honest about how much they can spend, set a budget and pay cash.

"It's really more of a planning process. You need to think before you spend," said Henderson.

Some other way to get out of holiday debt; make more than the minimum payment on your credit cards, cut back on luxury expenses -- like going out to eat, and make a plan, more importantly stick to it.

This should help that holiday spending hangover.

Educators Credit Union also has a Christmas program that allows you to put away money throughout the year that you can then spend on next year's shopping.

For more tips from them on their website, CLICK HERE.