Think back to last January, when you opened up your latest credit card bill and felt overwhelmed by the massive amount you spent on Christmas gifts and other holiday expenses. It was pretty shocking, right? Well, take that feeling and feel it again prior to doing your Christmas shopping this year.

It's easy to walk into a store with one product in mind and end up walking out with multiple bags of spontaneous purchases. Whether it's the effective marketing of the stores you visit, or your own personal craving – you are up against strong forces when you go shopping.

Take control of your finances this Christmas by planning ahead of time.

Prior to visiting any stores, grab a pen and paper and write out a simple budget. Figure out how much total money you have available for gifts this year. Write down the names of everyone you want to buy gifts for (the most important ones first, like family and close friends). Do a quick calculation on how much, according to your overall spending limit, you can spend on each person. If you're satisfied with that amount, that's great. If the number is too small, then either drop people from the bottom of the list, or stagger the amounts so that you're spending more on some people and less on others.

Once you have a final list of all the people you're buying gifts for and the amount you can spend on each gift, you're ready to go shopping.

On your way to the mall, stop by an ATM and withdraw the total amount of cash allotted for gift shopping. Using cash is key, as you are more careful with each purchase. Using cards – be they credit cards or check cards – makes purchases psychologically less painful, and thus easier to spend more than you planned. (Don't buy into those Visa commercials discouraging you from using cash. THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY! Visa is not looking out for your best financial interests.)

As you shop, know your limit. Shop carefully for each person on your list. Go from the top of your list down. And when the cash runs out, STOP! Appreciate the gifts you were able to buy and feel good about the fact that you didn't jump into a financial holiday hole.

Shop smart this Christmas with cash and a budget!

Thanksgiving is a time for overeating and spending time with friends and family. However, the day after, known as Black Friday, is a time for SHOPPING! Shoppers everywhere will awaken bright and early from their turkey induced slumbers to converge upon shopping malls everywhere. The lines will be long, the crowds will be massive and (hopefully) the sales will be outstanding. I suggest planning your Black Friday shopping blitz carefully, to avoid wasting precious time and potentially missing out on the really good deals. To aid in the planning process check out these sites that have conveniently compiled tons of Black Friday deals. Get the details on special store hours, sale items, discounts and more. Check back often, they are being updated as more information is available. Remember, knowledge is half the battle!

http://www.theblackfriday.com/

http://bfads.net/

http://www.blackfriday.info/

http://blackfriday.dealspl.us/

For those of you who want to shop from the comfort of your own home or didn't get everything you wanted on Black Friday, there's always Cyber Monday! 'Tis the season to shop! Check out http://www.cybermonday.com/ for the hottest placest to shop.

As summer comes to a close, we know what fabulous event is approaching. That's right, the "end of summer sales" season. This means all the trendy sun dresses, cut tops and terrific tanks will be ridiculously affordable. But don't let the encroaching cold season impede your sales purchases. You can find summer items that can work well in the fall months too. For example, you can still wear that summer dress or mini in the autumn, just remember to add some fashionable leggings and hot boots and you won't be left out in the cold. Another way to maintain that sassy look is through layering. Layer those tank tops under a stylish cardigan or hoodie and you will be nice and toasty in the frigid winter breeze. I prefer the American Eagle Superlong Boyfriend Tank as a good base for layering, plus it adds an extra insulation for your derriere. These versatile ideas are perfect ways to make your wardrobe last throughout the changing seasons and won't break the bank. Check out "end of summer sales" at AOL Shopping. We even have an insider's guide.