It’s the holiday season, and for numerous reasons it seems inevitable that we spend more money this time of year. As the weather gets colder, we need to purchase a new winter wardrobe. With the holidays come family dinners and parties. Furthermore, this because this is the "giving season" some money is used for donations to charity and other money is used for gifts for loved ones. With all of this spending, it seems near impossible to not end up far in the hole come January. Here are a few tips to help you spend wisely this holiday season.

Plan ahead: The "spending season" starts in November and goes through December. During the months of September and October, start to plan for the upcoming strain on your wallet. Save a little from each paycheck, and set a budget. Write a list of gifts you’re going to buy and how much you plan to spend on each person. Do not deviate from this list.

Watch sales: Once your gift list is written, keep an eye on the sale ads. Believe it or not, awesome sales happen all year-round. If you don’t catch any sales before Thanksgiving, do your best to wake up early and beat the crowds on Black Friday. Also, don’t forget to check for online sales. Websites can prove to be one-stop shopping places where you can save money and time.

Organize a thrifty gathering: When it comes to holiday parties, if you must go out, don’t pick the most expensive restaurant in town. Look for coupons to your favorite restaurants. Group-buying websites (i.e. Groupon, BunchBite, LivingSocial) are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to save money. Before making reservations, do a quick online search for the best specials around and you may discover a great deal.

When in doubt, buy a gift card: It may be hard to find the perfect gift at the perfect price, but gift cards allow you to choose exactly how much you spend. If you’re unsure what to get someone, buy him a gift card to a store you know he’ll like. Stick with general stores that sell a wide range of products (i.e. Amazon.com or Best Buy) or restaurants that you know are good. There is nothing worse than receiving a gift card you do not want to use; the more general the card, the more likely the person who receives it will find a way to spend it.

Giving doesn’t have to mean spending: When it comes to gifts, there are plenty of ways to give without breaking the bank. Homemade gifts are thrifty options; if you have a hobby such as knitting or painting, a handmade scarf or painted canvas is a great option. Also, if you’re concerned about making donations to charitable organizations, consider donating to a food drive or volunteering your time at a soup kitchen. Non-profit organizations need more than money to stay in business, and any help is usually welcome.

Keep these tips in mind this holiday season and you’re much more likely to avoid debt when the New Year arrives.