The holidays are often a time when we spend big bucks. If you are not careful, that spending can stick with you well into the New Year. A survey by NerdWallet found that more than one in four Americans (28%) who used credit cards to pay for holiday gifts last year still have balances. That is why it is important to start thinking about boundaries. Experts say a good budgeting tool is the 50/30/20 rule. Fifty percent of your income should go toward needs, 30% toward wants and 20% debt or savings. Gift-giving and holiday flights would fall under the 30% portion. This season, NerdWallet found nearly half of us plan to spend money on flights and hotel stays, spending, on average, $2,330. As for gifts, people are expected to spend on average $925. MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/money/whats-the-deal/start-thinking-about-your-holiday-budget-now-planning-gifts-giving-shopping-christmas-hannukah-rules-limits-debt-spending/531-1abb8878-b6bf-4d0a-8b67-f0ebeca540e8