Many consumer close the holiday season and ring in the New Year with credit cards maxed out, and bills they hope will have a less shocking smaller balance.

The holiday rush of unplanned and unwise spending will be haunting them for months and months. When the bills are finally opened a true reality check with hit. It makes for a vey unhappy start of the year.

Consumers can start taking steps to establish better financial health during the year by taking a few key steps – budgeting and savings.

One big mistake people is neglect. They neglect to do budget planning or seek any financial counsel before the holiday’s start. Without this key planning they find themselves overspending. This overspending comes from using credit cards instead of cash for purchasing of gifts.

The extras also play havoc – travel expenses and gifts for co-workers. With fuel prices rising and weak housing market paychecks don’t go as far as they use to.

With parties and food to attend to, getting ones financial house in order is not usually at the top of people to-do list and finds its way push down the “importance” postision.

Don’t wait until after the holidays. Stop building a budget long before the New Year’s ball drops.