"Estimate the costs of not only gifts, but of the entire holiday season, including cards, stamps, gifts for teachers, tips for postal workers and doormen, and various other expenses," says finance and debt expert Todd Cook, president of Debt.com. "Cut down and revise your list to make it fit into your budget. When you add everything up, make sure it doesn't exceed your overall spending limit and try to include a cushion for unexpected items or price fluctuations."

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