Overspendingto make the holidays special can lead to major post-holiday regrets.

That means creating a specific holiday budget.

More from The Penny Hoarder:Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money

Need Some Quick Cash?

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If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you.

A much better use of your hard-earned money would be to pay down your credit card balance.

Skipping expensive holiday gifts doesnt mean you cant shower your friends and family with love.

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We Dare You to Take Control of Your Debt

Up for a debt challenge?

In 10 days,these 10 practical stepscould help you get back on the right financial track.

Project Your Total Holiday Income

Credit cards in the clear?

Time to estimate the total amount youre going to earn over the holiday season.

If your pay is irregular, figuring your income will take a little more effort.

One option is to look at your pay stubs or bank accounts from this time last year.

(Check out this guide tobudgeting if your income changes from month to month.)

Remember to also include money fromside gigsand seasonal jobs.

You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.

(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

Start by estimating your expected holiday expenses by spending category, excluding gifts.

Now you have your holiday shopping budget.

Is the amount smaller than you might like?

Consider making cuts from other categories if gift-giving is your priority.

Related:Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers in 2024 (38 Freebies & Deals!)

Create a Shopping List

All right, Santa, whos on your list?

It would be easy to overspend if you stopped at compiling the things you want to buy.

Start Tracking Prices

One of the keys to smart holiday shopping is patience.

Well, patience and research.

Before making any purchases, check prices at multiple stores.

Price-tracking and price-comparison tools abound.

Or try money-savingChrome extensions we have a list of them that can help you save money.

Are you struggling to cope with financial stress?

First, take a deep breath.

Then, take a look at our roundup ofresources to help you manage your stress and your money.

Sticking to your holiday budget is the only way to avoid a holiday hangover at least financially.

Itll take some willpower, but its worth it.

Want to put an end to the endless (and pricey) pile of presents?

Try creating a new holiday tradition: thefour-gift rule.

Once that jars empty, so is your holiday budget.

More from The Penny Hoarder:

Susan Shain is a contributing writer to The Penny Hoarder.

Kent McDill contributed to this report.