Better Biz Bureau: Don't Go Broke Over Xmas

You can put off the financial blow of holiday shopping — at least until the credit card bills show up in the mail.

The Better Business Bureau has some tips for easing the hit when it comes time to pay up.

"The holidays are a joyous time, but it's important to remember to stay within your budget," said Steve J. Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. "You don't want to find yourself struggling to pay the bills after the holidays."

Not only has the Better Business Bureau come up with a list of financial tips, but the organization has also teamed with Clearpoint Credit Counseling to produce an online Holiday Planner Calculator.

• Here's what the Better Business Bureau thinks you should do:
• Less Is More: Cut down on gift-giving.
• Do It Yourself: Homemade crafts and decorations can be fun to make and to give.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Use less of everything, because little things add up.
• Trim Energy Costs: Switch to LED lights and you'll not only burn less energy, you'll need fewer strands because the lights are brighter.