This holiday season saw record spending. But, unfortunately, what that means for Canadians is probably higher debt load ... It puts a lot of people over the edge.

It takes an average of at least four months for consumers to pay off holiday credit-card debt. Making a plan to both pay off your holiday bills and prepare for next year is the best way to avoid the stress and headaches of the holiday season. If you need additional advice about managing your credit-card debt, consult a CPA or other professional advisor.

I'd spoken to them and they'd agreed it wasn't my debt over the phone, but weeks later I'm getting an even more threatening letter.

They go in debt too far right off the bat, and they have financial problems.

People get so caught up in the emotions of the season. None of us are sheltered from this type of problem if we are not watching our money carefully.

You sit down and work out a budget -- and it's not a four-letter word despite what people think.