With the holidays near and the shopping frenzy under way, don’t be one of the millions scratching their heads wondering how to pay for those gifts. Your Better Business Bureau can help you stick to a budget and stay out of the red.

According the National Retail Federation (NRF), $59.1 billion was spent on Black Friday weekend this year. About three in 10 people will use a credit card as their preferred way to purchase gifts, thus putting themselves deeper in debt. The NRF says shoppers will spend $750 on average this holiday season.

Your BBB offers tips to stay out of debt:

• Avoid using credit cards. Use cash or a debit card.

• Make a budget and stick to it. Set a spending price for each person.

• Keep track of your spending. Create a holiday shopping list and only buy for who’s on it.

•  Leave your emotions at the door. Don’t be tempted to overspend. Remind yourself of all other debt responsibilities like car payment, rent or mortgage, etc.

• Manage your daily spending habits. Skip that cup of coffee or danish; use coupons or pack your lunch.

• Work with creditors. Ask them for a lower interest rate or discuss with them the challenges you’ve had making payments. Reassure them you’re a loyal customer and want to remain so.

• Plan ahead. Start putting money away for next year’s holiday season. Consider opening up a holiday savings account.

Remember, you can always contact a credit counseling agency if you’re unable to control your finances. The agency can teach you how to manage your money and assist in negotiating payments with your creditors. They can also put you in a debt management plan, which allows you to make one payment to the agency, which then pays your creditors.

Don’t let your debt bring you down or run your life. Take control of it before it overwhelms you. Contact your BBB for a list of trustworthy credit counseling agencies or reports on ones you’re considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.