If after the last holiday season, you found yourself in greater credit card debt than ever, you're not alone. A few years ago, Americans were thought to be spending $1.10 for every $1.00 they earn, which has only grown since that statistic was found.

When the holiday season come around, that ratio is bound to get worse. Individuals that are "in the holiday spirit" could end up paying for those gifts for the next few months, and quite often can get into even more trouble when it comes to their credit report. Missed credit card payments could be the most often negative mark, especially for people that don't realize just what happens when they miss a payment. The best way to avoid negative credit marks is to manage your holiday spending:

• Determine how much you owe and prepare a detailed accounting of your income, other assets, and expenditures. Eliminate all unnecessary costs from your budget such as eating out, buying magazines, or renting videos. Resist that great sale item, even if it's a great bargain. Prepare or revise your budget to reflect holiday bills.
• Stop using your credit cards. As you increase your debt, it becomes harder to stick to your budget. Cut up the cards you don't need, and leave the rest at home to use only in emergencies.
• Another alternative is to trade your credit card for a charge card. Although the terms "credit card" and "charge card" are often used interchangeably, they are different. Charge cards require you to pay the balance in full each billing period, while credit cards allow you to borrow money and repay it, along with interest. Charge cards do not offer credit or charge an interest rate, and may help you spend less knowing you have to pay the bill in full.
• If you find yourself unable to make your minimum payments, talk to your credit grantors and work an alternative repayment plan. Denying the problem or ignoring your bills can hurt your ability to get credit for up to seven years.

If your holiday spending has be detrimental to your credit score, please enter your information in the form below. You will be contacted by a credit councilor with your Free Credit Consultation, and will be given information on how to improve your credit score.