Tips to help pay off Christmas debt fast:

• Pay more than the monthly minimum to pay off Christmas credit card debt charges before next Christmas.

• Don't pay Christmas debts that don't belong to you! The Christmas shopping season is hectic, making it possible to have charges placed on your card that aren't yours. Scrutinize your credit card statement.

• Watch for after Christmas sales. If an item you bought before Christmas goes on sale after Christmas, ask the merchant if they'll reverse charges to your credit card in the amount of the difference.

• If your Christmas credit card debt is beyond control, consolidate Christmas bills and you'll be able to reduce monthly payments.

Overdue Christmas credit card debt can cost you high interest. Now is the time to begin planning on how you will repay Christmas bills, so you will be financially sound before the next Christmas shopping season.

With credit counseling you can lower your monthly Christmas bills to make re-payment easier, and you may be able to maintain or improve your credit.

With debt settlement, you can negotiate a lower Christmas debt total and get bills paid off faster, but this may jeopardize your credit and your ability to get credit again next Christmas.