Track credit spending to avoid January surprise

Many people like to splurge on gifts for the holidays. But Christmas cheer can turn to January panic when post-holiday bills fill the mailbox.

There are four warning signs to tell you when you're in too deep.

u Total monthly bills that exceed your monthly income.

The combination of your credit-card bills and regular monthly expenses (mortgage or rent, utilities and reasonable food expenses) should not consistently exceed your monthly take-home pay.

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